Chelsea news, transfers & rumours: Kepa to start FA Cup final against Leicester & live updates from Stamford Bridge

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"> Kante, Kovacic and Christensen are all back in training. Interested to hear from Tuchel at 1pm whether they're fit to face Leicester in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FACup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FACup</a> final. — Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) <a href="https://twitter.com/NizaarKinsella/status/1393140049924050947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Kante, Kovacic & Christensen back in training

Mason Mount is determined to take the opportunity to win a trophy when Chelsea face Leicester in the FA Cup final on Saturday. The Blues lost to Arsenal in last season's showpiece at Wembley and Mount is eager to claim the first piece of silverware of Thomas Tuchel's reign as manager. “We’re winners," Mount told <a href="https://www.thefa.com/news/2021/may/13/mason-mount-emirates-fa-cup-final-interview-20210513" target="_blank">the official FA Cup final match programme.</a> "We want to win trophies. We’re so very focused on that, so any opportunity we have to push and lift the trophy, we want to do it, we’re hungry for it. "This year is a massive opportunity to win a trophy. We want to take that and we want to win.”

Mount: Chelsea are winners

Blues midfielder eager to taste FA Cup glory

Tuchel’s wife Sissi will be in attendance at the upcoming FA Cup final match between Chelsea and Leicester City, witnessing her husband’s team for the first time. The Blues boss has been living in a hotel since his appointment in January, but will see his family unit, with Wembley Stadium also set to host supporters from both clubs. “My kids are too young to be in the stadium but my wife will be there which is very nice,” he told reporters. “My wife is a very very good spectator and huge luck so happy my family plan to visit and it is possible for here to be in the stadium. “It is a big boost and it cannot be anything other than luck if your family is there. “It's nice they are in the country – a big reward. Very nice. I love to play the final with them here. They are not here for good, they are on a visit.”

Tuchel reveals family visit and is excited to play his first Chelsea match in front of his wife

Ahead of Chelsea's FA Cup final with Leicester City on Saturday evening, Tuchel spoke about his pre-match routines for big matches. “Normally I try to do sports then you do pretty much the routine," Tuchel told reporters. "Tonight we are in a hotel so we have a meal together and maybe we will talk about some situations or watch some video footage of games against Leicester to be prepared. “The next morning I try to wake up early and do some sports and some meditation and then be ready to prepare the first meeting.&nbsp; You try to get into some routines, sometimes I try to run after matches when they are late to get the energy to make for a better sleep “I have my ups and downs. Sometimes I am very disciplined, sometimes not so. I think it is normal to be executed and to be nervous. "Sometimes more or less and sometimes it can catch me before normal matches and sometimes you feel calm even if the pressure is on. “I haven’t figured out a certain pattern in it. It’s important you are nervous because you are well aware then. “Just twenty minutes breathe in, breathe out. And try hard to do nothing. Some years ago I got into this. It helped me it was a nice experience. When I was a coach at Dortmund or maybe between Mainz and Dortmund. “Like I said, I am sometimes disciplined and do it twice a day other times I forget and go without it for a couple of weeks.” He went onto joke about how it makes him feel: “Usually I fly 20 or 30 centimetres off the floor. I glide around the room. No it is nothing special. It is breathing and trying hard to do nothing.”

Guru Tuchel reveals meditation techniques help him prepare for matches

AC Milan and Inter are both keeping an eye on Chelsea defender Davida Zappacosta, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/news/genoa-milan-e-inter-possono-soffiarti-zappacosta-27296">Calciomercato</a>. The 28-year-old, who spent this season on loan in Serie A at Genoa, is wanted by former Chelsea boss&nbsp;Antonio Conte, who signed him for the Blues and is now in charge at Inter. Zappacosta is not expected to be part of the first-team picture at Chelsea going forward.

Milan clubs to battle for Zappacosta

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The FA Cup final is gearing up to be a brilliant tactical battle ⚔️ <a href="https://t.co/vFc7UuY2KC">pic.twitter.com/vFc7UuY2KC</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1393277676488728577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Tuchel on the FA Cup final

Christian Pulisic has dismissed rumours that he is unhappy with Chelsea, saying that he obviously wants to stay on at Stamford Bridge. The American has had moments where he's had to come off the bench this season, but he says he's up for the challenge of proving himself at Chelsea. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/im-obviously-happy-here-pulisic-dismisses-chelsea-exit/mio40kn12xf11s6g8ccy4lhy7">Read the full story on Goal!</a>

'I'm obviously happy here' - Pulisic dismisses Chelsea exit rumours

Chelsea are set to be involved in a pre-season friendly tournament involving London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham. It is likely to see games played at all three of the clubs' stadiums in the build-up to the 2021-22 campaign. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/arsenal-to-play-chelsea-and-spurs-in-summer-tournament-as/4bdcb6xvz1zv139vvkduoa7o0" target="_blank">Read further details here</a>

Pre-season London friendly tournament

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Off we go to Gothenburg! ✈<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UWCLfinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UWCLfinal</a> <a href="https://t.co/am9jZ271jN">pic.twitter.com/am9jZ271jN</a> — Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFCW/status/1393213565012791298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Chelsea heading to Sweden for Champions League final

Mateo Kovacic has not featured in Chelsea’s last nine games in all competitions, but he is available for the FA Cup final against Leicester. When asked how important it is to have Kovacic back, Tuchel told his pre-match press conference: “It's huge because Mateo has everything we need in the midfield: experience, power, acceleration, deceleration, can beat players, has the physical ability, and has played big games. “When we missed N'Golo and Mateo in the same match, we lacked a lot of quality, energy, and experience. Billy [Gilmour] did a huge job in both games but it's not fair to compare him to these players because they have more experience and they are a step ahead in their development. “It's what we need in the key moments of the season. It's big news for us that Kova is back because he has a big impact on the dressing room around big matches. He's a very positive guy so it's good news."

Kovacic return is huge - Tuchel

Chelsea face Leicester again in the Premier League on Tuesday in what will be a key fixture in the battle to secure Champions League qualification. When asked whether beating Leicester in the FA Cup final on Saturday would give Chelsea the upper hand for the league game, Tuchel said: “Yeah it's like this with any game, every win gives you a good feeling, and a momentum that you work hard for.&nbsp;So this is pretty much always the same. “It's a bit curious that we play our two finals against the same team.&nbsp;And it will be very, very tough, and complicated, and difficult. But we feel ready for it, the whole group is available, Kova is with us again.&nbsp; “So it's the moment to step up and enjoy on the highest level. By enjoying we mean hard work, suffering and to help each other out on the pitch, this is what we will do tomorrow, and Tuesday.”

Tuchel hoping for upper hand over Leicester

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes is feeling full of confidence ahead of the Women's Champions League final against Barcelona on Sunday. "I really respect Barcelona but I cannot wait to play them," said Hayes. "It's our time and there's so many players in that dressing room that can win the football match for us - we've seen it in recent weeks - the amount of players that have popped up all over the pitch to determine the outcome. "Have we got better every week, even when we're not at our best? Yeah. When we're not at our best we've still got it. "The amount of times people say, 'your team played so well' and I was thinking, 'no we didn't' but we won. And that's a special thing to have."

Chelsea boss Hayes: It's our time

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"> Tuchel wanted a rested Kante for these next two days: "He will start tomorrow and he will most likely complete 90 minutes." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a> — Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) <a href="https://twitter.com/NizaarKinsella/status/1393178383048192003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Kante expected to play 90 minutes

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"> Tuchel says Mendy is still Chelsea's no1 GK but he likes Kepa too: "Nothing has changed; Edou is no1 but Kepa is a strong, strong goalkeeper that we have in our squad and he will play." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a> — Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) <a href="https://twitter.com/NizaarKinsella/status/1393176367395745801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Mendy still Chelsea's number one keeper

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"> Tuchel also says that Kepa will start the cup final. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a> — Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) <a href="https://twitter.com/NizaarKinsella/status/1393175947935891457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Kepa to start FA Cup final

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"> It sounds like Kante has overcome the slight injury fears, while Christensen will also be back. They all trained. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a> — Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) <a href="https://twitter.com/NizaarKinsella/status/1393175832999366657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Kante fit

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"> Tuchel delivers a timely team news update: "the whole group is available, Kova is with us again." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a> — Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) <a href="https://twitter.com/NizaarKinsella/status/1393175674521796608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Team news update

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"> Tuchel on the two Leicester games: "I can absolutely not judge it. These are two finals. It is a final for the cup and a final for the top four. We missed the chance against Arsenal to have a decisive advantage." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FACupfinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FACupfinal</a> — Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) <a href="https://twitter.com/NizaarKinsella/status/1393175436193042437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2021</a></blockquote> </center>

Thomas Tuchel press conference

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"> Reece James was on brilliant form for this interview. Ahead of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FACupFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FACupFinal</a> , he speaks about being a fan who gets to play for Chelsea and the moments that could have made or broken him to reach this point: <a href="https://t.co/QgSKiSAhCb">https://t.co/QgSKiSAhCb</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a> — Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) <a href="https://twitter.com/NizaarKinsella/status/1393161386763735042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2021</a></blockquote> </center>

Reece James interview

Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has been discussing his first season in the Premier League and has outlined the difficulties in getting used to playing through the campaign without a winter break. "This was the first season for me without a winter break so, it was a very tough time mentally and physically because this is another rhythm, I had to adapt,” Mendy told <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/africa/57113153" target="_blank">BBC Sport Africa.</a> "It was my first year like this, so, it will be enriching, it will help me a lot for the following years. "During the winter when subconsciously you are used to this winter break, a time of rest, but this time you don't have it. On the contrary, things even accelerate because you play every two days. "So, it was really a tough time because physically and mentally, doing that every two days with the intensity you can have in the Premier League and all that it requires to play a high-level match, so yeah, it was a bit of a tough time. "But here we are, I worked physically and also mentally, those are good things because you even learn more about yourself, you stretch yourself and with all this, it helped me to return to something very positive."

Mendy: It was very tough without a winter break

Dean Smith has delivered his verdict on Ross Barkley’s loan spell at Aston Villa and has confirmed there are no talks to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis from Chelsea. "He started the season like a house on fire, then, with the Covid break after his injury, he’s probably been as inconsistent as we have as a team,” said Smith. "But his future for the next two years is at Chelsea and we haven’t had any discussions about that and I think it would be wrong to do so, since it was a one-year loan." "We never really had any decision to make. He’s got two years left on his Chelsea contract, I believe. "The deal was always to bring him in for the season. We wanted a high-calibre player on loan to add to our quality that we’d signed permanently."

Villa boss Smith delivers Barkley verdict

Former Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair has been looking back on his own FA Cup final experiences and does not have fond memories of the 1994 defeat by Manchester United. The Blues lost 4-0 to United at Wembley, and Sinclair was not happy with the suits chosen by manager Glenn Hoddle. "When we saw the suits we thought lilac! What has lilac got to do with Chelsea?" Sinclair told <a href="https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2021/05/14/cup-final-exclusive--frank-sinclair---i-enjoyed-every-minutes-of?cardIndex=0-1" target="_blank">the club's official website.</a> "Glenn Hoddle saw himself as a bit of a fashion-monger at the time, a little bit of a Top of the Pops artist with his Diamond Lights song and all that business in the past, and I think that went a little bit to his head. "I wasn't happy with the ties. They were black and white zebra pattern, and I remember the blazers were horrific. I honestly thought to myself when I put that suit on that morning that I didn't feel good going to the game, and I think that there was an effect on the result on the day as well, because the feelgood factor for a game is about looking good and feeling good in preparation to play well. I just didn't think it did us any favours whatsoever!"

Frank Sinclair's FA Cup final recollections

Chelsea and Leicester City will do battle for FA Cup glory on Saturday afternoon when they meet at Wembley Stadium. Using bet365’s Bet Builder tool, which allows bettors to put multiple selections from the same game into one bet, Goal's tipster has built an&nbsp;110/1 (101.0)&nbsp;play for the showpiece on Saturday. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/fa-cup-final-betting-tips-ziyech-fancied-to-net-at-wembley/1tqt47crl7f3e15yghxr0uh6hr" target="_blank">Read what the tip is here</a>

Betting Tips: FA Cup Final Bet Builder

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will receive&nbsp;£150 million in transfer funds to shape his team over the summer, reports the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/14950837/chelsea-transfer-150m-haaland-lukaku-tuchel/" target="_blank">The Sun</a>.&nbsp; A new striker is seen as a priority at Stamford Bridge, with Romelu Lukaku and Erling Haaland the Blues' top targets.

Tuchel to get £150m transfer window kitty

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Chelsea news, transfers & rumours: Kepa to start FA Cup final against Leicester & live updates from Stamford Bridge | Goal.com South Africa

Goal brings you all the latest news and transfer reports from Chelsea and our Blues correspondent Nizaar Kinsella