Pep Guardiola has boldly predicted that Erling Haaland will end his surprising goalscoring drought at Wembley Stadium during Saturday's FA Cup final showpiece. The Manchester City manager strongly dismissed concerns over the prolific striker's record at the national stadium, backing him to find the net against a struggling Chelsea side.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has humourously suggested he deserves a stand named after him at Wembley ahead of his side's FA Cup final clash with Chelsea. As intense speculation builds regarding a potential close-season exit, the Spaniard reflected on a "f*cking fun" decade in Manchester whilst targeting his 20th major honour.
Chelsea are reportedly closing in on an agreement to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new permanent manager. The Blues are scheduled to resume advanced negotiations following their appearance in Saturday's FA Cup final. The 44-year-old tactician has emerged as the frontrunner ahead of several other high-profile candidates.
Enzo Fernandez faces a date with destiny in Saturday's FA Cup final. His future at Chelsea is far from certain in the wake of some all-too-public flirting with a transfer to Real Madrid, but the midfielder can give the Blues the ideal parting gift as he prepares to line up against another of his potential suitors in Manchester City. If the stand-in captain can lead the manager-less side to victory, that would go some way to salvaging his tainted legacy.
Cesc Fabregas has seen a return to Chelsea speculated on, after impressing as head coach at Como, but the World Cup winner may require a Premier League stepping stone before heading to Stamford Bridge and Clinton Morrison has told GOAL that “Crystal Palace could be that”. The Eagles, like the Blues, will find themselves in the market for a new manager this summer.
Former Chelsea defender William Gallas has questioned the hype surrounding Cole Palmer after his breakthrough season at Stamford Bridge in 2023-24. The Frenchman believes expectations have risen too quickly and insists the Blues still have major issues, particularly in defence.
At Palmeiras, Endrick, Estevao, Luis Gulherme, Vitor Reis and Luighi became known as 'The Billion Generation' - a reference to the colossal amount of money four prodigiously gifted players were expected to generate for the Brazil club. However, it now feels as if another name should be added to that illustrious list of outstanding academy products, that of Eduardo Conceicao.
A 1-1 stalemate at Anfield exposed the deep issues plaguing both sides this season. Chelsea’s slick build-up and Cucurella’s clever runs canceled out Liverpool’s early strike as Slot’s pressing problems reared their head again.
From partnerships with clubs big and small to their role representing some of the game's top stars, Roc Nation is aiming to build brands in new ways all over the world.
Bayer Leverkusen are preparing to move in a new direction as Kasper Hjulmand’s tenure at the BayArena nears its end. The former Denmark national team coach stands on the verge of being sacked following a disappointing run that has left the club's Champions League ambitions in tatters. Former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis has emerged as a leading candidate to succeed him.
Chelsea are making significant progress in their pursuit of Xabi Alonso, though the Spaniard is reportedly demanding firm guarantees before committing to the hot seat at Stamford Bridge. The former Liverpool midfielder has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Liam Rosenior, but he remains cautious following a difficult stint in the Spanish capital.
Barcelona have stepped up their search for a new talisman to lead the line next season, identifying Chelsea's Joao Pedro as a priority target to replace Robert Lewandowski. The Catalan giants are preparing for life without their veteran Polish striker, who is reportedly closing in on a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
Chelsea and Roc Nation Sports International have entered a new strategic partnership in an effort to boost the Premier League club's growth, specifically in the United States. The partnership comes just weeks after Roc Nation announced that the organization had partnered with another club, Polish side KS Cracovia.
Former Chelsea defender William Gallas has warned the club against appointing Xabi Alonso, urging them to hire Cesc Fabregas instead. As the Blues face a complex battle for European qualification, relying heavily on the upcoming FA Cup final, their former midfielder has just secured historic European football for Como, proving his immense managerial potential in Italy.
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has opened up about his transition into a traditional striker role, revealing that he closely studies Harry Kane to elevate his performances. The Brazilian attacker also played down premature comparisons to club legend Didier Drogba, insisting he wants to forge his own legacy at Stamford Bridge while redefining the modern number nine position.
For Liverpool's bitterly frustrated fans, watching Chelsea end a six-game losing streak by claiming a thoroughly deserved point at Anfield on Saturday was bad enough. However, Monday's news that the Blues are now exploring a deal to appoint Xabi Alonso as their next permanent boss has come as an even bigger blow to a set of supporters struggling to see any light at the end of the tunnel right now.
Chelsea have held talks with Andoni Iraola as they intensify their search for a new manager. The Bournemouth boss has also rejected approaches from Crystal Palace, while Xabi Alonso and Marco Silva remain under consideration.
Strasbourg manager Gary O’Neil has sensationally targeted club owners BlueCo, accusing the consortium that also owns Chelsea of undermining his squad through poor recruitment and a failing internal culture. The former Wolves boss did not hold back after a series of disappointing results, claiming the hierarchy actively weakened the side during the January transfer window.
Chelsea have identified Xabi Alonso as the primary candidate to take over at Stamford Bridge following a period of significant instability in the dugout. The former Real Madrid head coach is reportedly open to the move, marking a potential shift in the club's strategy regarding managerial influence over recruitment.
Axel Disasi formed part of the infamous Chelsea “bomb squad” under Enzo Maresca, and was loaned out by Liam Rosenior, but the French defender has been told that his parent club will be “looking back at him”. That is the opinion of former Blues star Glen Johnson, who has told GOAL that a stint at West Ham could earn Disasi a fresh start at Stamford Bridge under a new boss.
Former Chelsea player and manager Ruud Gullit has explained to GOAL why the Blues are no longer appealing for top bosses and would be snubbed by the likes of Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp. The Premier League heavyweights were once in the market for the best players and coaches available, but the lack of stability in west London has seen their mass appeal wane.
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has admitted his astonishment at the defensive prowess of Gabriel Magalhaes, naming the Arsenal centre-back as his toughest opponent this season. The Brazilian striker confessed that, despite facing elite defenders across Europe, the "inspired" form of his compatriot has posed the ultimate test to his attacking instincts.
Andoni Iraola has left Europe's elite clubs, including Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester United, in a state of anticipation following a calculated update on his managerial future. The Bournemouth boss insisted he is in absolutely no hurry to jump into a new project despite his impending exit, as he remains fully focused on securing European football for the Cherries.
Cesc Fabregas has led Como to a historic achievement, securing European football for the first time in the club's history after a 1-0 win over Hellas Verona. The milestone comes exactly two years after their promotion to Serie A. With his managerial stock rising rapidly, Fabregas' success in Italy continues to fuel rumours of a potential return to his former club Chelsea.
Chelsea
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