Giroud wants nothing more than to beat Arsenal for the Europa League trophy

Giroud wants nothing more than to beat Arsenal for the Europa League trophy

Set to face his former team in the final

By meekparagon May 10, 2019, 9:58pm BST

Olivier Giroud joined Chelsea from Arsenal in January 2018, with the express intent to play a big role in winning trophies. Last season, he did just that, starting ahead of Alvaro Morata and winning the FA Cup final against Manchester United. This season, he’s set to do the same in the Europa League final, against his old team incidentally.

As the competition’s leading goalscorer — joint-top on 10 goals with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Luka Jovic — he should continue to start ahead of Gonzalo Higuain and will hopefully come out on the winning side once again.

While Giroud has been a bit dissatisfied with his playing time in the Premier League, he’s been fantastic in Europe. He may not have scored in Thursday night’s win, but gave it his all (including drawing a top class save from Kevin Trapp with a flicked finish at the near post) before making way for Higuain.

“We are very happy obviously. I want to give credit to the Frankfurt team and their fans because they never gave up.

“They played very well in both legs and it has been difficult for us to play our game. They came back into the game and when it comes to penalties it is 50-50 so at the end we have been a bit lucky but thanks to Kepa and his performance, we could win this game and we are very pleased to reach the final. We know how good Kepa is on penalties so we trust him. He did very well so I am very pleased for him because he is a really good keeper and he deserved it.”

“We want to win a trophy every single year and it is our last chance. [...] I did not have the good opportunities to score. He [Jovic] got two in the semi-final but I am going to play in the final and obviously I would be very pleased to help this team win the trophy.”

 Chelsea FC

Chelsea remain unbeaten in Europe this season — 17 in a row in the Europa League itself, dating back to 2013 — and now just need one more win to get the latest trophy for the display case.

No better platform than Baku on May 29 for Giroud, who’s contract it set to expire afterwards, to make his mark again for the Blues. (Petr Cech will be hoping to do that same at other end of the pitch, incidentally, adding yet another interesting subplot to the occasion.)

Chelsea are expected to make a sensational move to bring former goalkeeper Petr Cech back to the club

May. 2019 at

Chelsea are expected to make a sensational move to bring former goalkeeper Petr Cech back to the club according to the Telegraph. 

Arsenal’s current shot-stopper has revealed he will retire at the end of the season and will review the options available to him before deciding on his next move.

Chelsea are hoping to bring Cech back to the club in a technical capacity, having never replaced Technical Director Michael Emenalo who resigned back in 2007.

Petr Cech enjoyed a successful 11 years at Chelsea.

The former Czech Republic international is a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge and will certainly prove a popular move if he were to return.

It is thought that a last majority of Chelsea supporters feel the club have lost their identity somewhat since the departure of players such as: John Terry, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba.

Cech returning to the club, would be seen as a welcome move to bring back some of the spirit that brought the club their most successful period.

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata looks set to stay at Atletico Madrid next season, according to reports.

By: meekparagon. May 10-2019

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata looks set to stay at Atletico Madrid next season, according to reports.

The 26-year-old moved to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on loan in January, where he has scored six times in 16 appearances.

Now Goal claim that the La Liga side will pay Chelsea the £13.8million needed to keep the Morata until June 2020.

Despite the Blues’ two-window FIFA transfer ban it doesn’t appear that they will try to stop the number 9 from staying in his homeland.

Morata has looked more comfortable playing back in La Liga

Despite impressing at the start of his Stamford Bridge career following his £60million move from Real Madrid, the Spain international struggled for form since the back end of 2017.

And when Maurizio Sarri took charge in 2018, the Italian boss would often opt to play Eden Hazard in a central role rather than select the natural striker.

Overall, Morata, who also had a two-year spell with Juventus, scored 24 times in 72 appearances for Chelsea.

Liverpool comeback against Barcelona: Jurgen Klopp says 'I don't know how they did it'

Liverpool comeback against Barcelona: Jurgen Klopp says 'I don't know how they did it'
By: meekparagon

Jurgen Klopp has reached his third Champions League final, losing his previous two with Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he was "overwhelmed" after witnessing his side pull off the biggest Champions League semi-final comeback to beat Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate.

The Reds lost the first leg 3-0 but doubles from Georginio Wijnaldum and Divock Origi at Anfield took them into a final against Ajax or Tottenham.

"The whole game was too much," a breathless Klopp told BT Sport.

"Winning is difficult but with a clean sheet, I don't know how they did it."

Klopp was almost giddy in the interview, checking it was past the watershed before swearing and saying he was happy to pay a fine.

"It means so much to all of us," he said. "There are more important things in the world. But creating this emotional atmosphere together is so special. It's all about the players.

"The mix of potential and unbelievable heart is just a mix I never saw before. It shows what's possible in football. It's so nice."

It is the first time since 1986 - when Barcelona knocked out Gothenburg in the old European Cup - that a team have recovered a three-goal first-leg deficit to win a semi-final in this competition.

Team reaction:

Wijnaldum said his team showed "everything is possible in football" after the comeback to reach their second consecutive Champions League final.

The midfielder replaced the injured Andy Robertson at half-time and scored twice, with Origi getting the winner.

"After the game in Spain we were confident we could score four and win 4-0," he said.

"People outside doubted us. They thought we couldn't do it. But once again we showed everything is possible in football.

"I was really angry that the manager put me on the bench. I just tried to help my team, I'm happy I could do that with two goals."

The final is in Madrid on 1 June.

Klopp praised the inventive thinking of Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose quick corner - when Barca were still getting ready - found Origi to score the winner.

"We had to be serious," he said. "But we needed to be cheeky as well. It was necessary.

"Barcelona defend predictable things well. But you need to be unpredictable at moments. I saw the ball flying in the goal, I didn't see the corner. I didn't see who took the corner."

Right-back Alexander-Arnold said: "It was just instinct. I saw the opportunity."

Nigerian Defender Tipped To Replace Chelsea Legend Cahill Next Season

Nigerian Defender Tipped To Replace Chelsea Legend Cahill Next Season

Published: May 07, 2019
By: Kelvin

Chelsea's Nigeria defender Fikayo Tomori has emerged as one of the strong candidates to help shore up the Blues backline next season following his scintillating loan spell with Derby County this season

Tomori, 21, played a very pivotal role in the Rams landing a play-off berth via their Championship finish in the just concluded campaign and even picked up the club's POTY gong.

With most of the Blues central defenders the likes of Tomas Kalas and Gary Cahill who has won virtually every title at the club linked with the exit door at the end of the season, Foootball London  has tipped the youngster to become one of Maurizio Sarri's trusted men in defence next term.

Having also developed with the knowledge from his loan stints at Brighton and Hull City, it is envisaged that he has garnered the requisite required to strut his stuff with the Premier League giants.

He made his professional debut for Chelsea in a 1–1 draw with Leicester City on 15th May, 2016 when he replaced  Branislav Ivanović.

I won't celebrate if i scored against Liverpool, Barcelona striker

Luis Suarez: Barcelona striker won't celebrate against Liverpool at Anfield

May 7-2019
Published by: meekparagon

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez says he will not celebrate if he scores against Liverpool at Anfield in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg.

Suarez, who left Liverpool in 2014 after three-and-a-half seasons, scored and then celebrated in Barcelona's 3-0 first-leg win at the Nou Camp.

The Uruguayan apologised for celebrating last week and says he "respects" Liverpool fans.

"I think people know the work I did here," said Suarez.

"I think there will be more applause than whistles. There may be quite a few who are not happy but I think there will be more who are happy and grateful."

He added: "Celebrating the goal last week, people who know about football, who love this sport, know about the importance of this.

"I have all the respect in the world for the Liverpool fans. Because I scored and celebrated with my fans, I say sorry.

"Obviously, it is clear that if I score a goal against Liverpool I won't celebrate it in the same way."

Suarez who scored 82 goals in 133 games for the Anfield club, added: "Being captain of Liverpool was one of the proudest moments of my career. It is something I won't forget. Playing in the elite with Barcelona was because of Liverpool and what they made me."

I'll go home' if Spurs win Champions League

'I'll go home' if Spurs win Champions League

7 May 20197 May 2019
By: meekparagon.

Champions League

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino says he would "go home" and "think about doing something different" if they were to win the Champions League this season.

Spurs play their semi-final second leg against Ajax on Wednesday looking to overturn a one-goal deficit.

Liverpool joined Chelsea, arsenal and real Madrid in the race to sign Ajax star

Liverpool are interested in signing Ajax forward David Neres this summer, write The Sun.

Published by: meekparagon may 7-2019

The Brazilian attacker has been a key part of Erik ten Hag's team this term, scoring 12 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions.

Those contributions have helped Ajax challenge for the Eredivisie title and reach the last four of the Champions League for the first time since 1997.

But Neres looks set to seek pastures new at the end of the season, with Liverpool joining Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid in the race for his signature.

The 22-year-old is contracted at the Johan Cruyff Arena until 2022, but Ajax could sell one of their prized assets if the price is right.

The Dutch outfit paid just £11m to sign the forward from Sao Paulo in 2017, and they stand to make a huge profit if Neres moves on this summer.

Ajax have a 1-0 aggregate advantage over Tottenham ahead of Wednesday's Champions League semi-final second leg.

https://onlinetoreality.blogspot.com

Chelsea to sign Bournemouth striker if FIFA called off their ban .

By: meekparagon may 7-2019

Chelsea Opinion: Why the Blues should make a move for Callum Wilson?

Back in January 2019, a report from the Guardianclaimed Chelsea were interested in signing Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson. The Englishman was rated at £75m; however, a move didn’t materialise and the Blues ended up signing Gonzalo Higuain on loan from Juventus.

Callum Wilson, 27, has enjoyed a fantastic season for the Cherries, scoring 15 goals and making nine assists. His form led to an England call-up earlier in the season and despite injuries and patchy form of late, the 27-year-old’s return of 15 goals in all competitions is an incredible return.

That should be enough for Chelsea to reignite their interest and sign the 27-year-old in the summer.

Chelsea have had issues up top at times this season, with Gonzalo Higuain offering a fine focal point without providing a goal threat. Higuain arrived at Stamford Bridge amidst a lot of fanfare but has been a massive disappointment in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Olivier Giroud has been preferred only in the Europa League, managing just seven league starts this season.

There’s no doubt the south London outfit would benefit from another attacking outlet, as they have relied too heavily on Eden Hazard in the final third at times. Callum Wilson, who has bounced back brilliantly for Bournemouth after recovering from two separate knee ligament injuries, would potentially be an excellent option for the Blues.

Wilson is powerful, has plenty of pace is his locker and would offer Chelsea an entirely different option up top than the likes of Giroud and Higuain. The England international has improved with his hold-up play and is becoming much wiser in the way he uses the ball with his back to goal.

He has been terrorizing opponents this season with his clever movement in and around the box and deadly poaching instincts. The ex-Coventry City ace tends to fade away from the game at times and has a habit of letting his team down with lean patches in front of goal but, few can deny that he can win games single-handedly on his day.

Furthermore, Wilson has the ability to set up goals for his teammates with incisive passes in the final third.

Verdict

Chelsea have managed to secure Champions League qualification for next season with a 3-0 win over Watford on Sunday. The lure of Champions League football would be enough to attract Wilson make the move to the Stamford Bridge but everything depends on the transfer ban.

Barcelona announce squad for Champions League 2nd leg against Liverpool

FC Barcelona announce squad for Champions League 2nd leg against Liverpool

Ernesto Valverde has called up 23 players for the trip to Anfield

By meekparagon on May 7, 2019

 

The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana are in England for the second leg of the Champions League semifinals against Liverpool, and Ernesto Valverde has called up the following 23 players for the trip:

Goalkeepers: 1. Marc-André ter Stegen, 13. Jasper Cillessen, 30. Iñaki Peña

Defenders: 2. Nélson Semedo, 3. Gerard Piqué, 15. Clément Lenglet, 17. Jeison Murillo, 18. Jordi Alba, 23. Samuel Umtiti, 24. Thomas Vermaelen, 40. Moussa Wagué

Midfielders: 4. Ivan Rakitic, 5. Sergio Busquets, 7. Philippe Coutinho, 8. Arthur, 12. Rafinha, 20. Sergi Roberto, 22. Arturo Vidal, 26. Carles Aleñá

Forwards: 9. Luis Suárez, 10. Lionel Messi, 14. Malcom, 19. Kevin-Prince Boateng

As per usual in European away games, almost the whole squad traveled to England, except for the injured Ousmane Dembélé and Jean-Clair Todibo. Although there are 23 players and only eighteen can be in unifom, it’s easy to narrow the list down: we know Rafinha can’t play due to injury and Iñaki Peña is the third goalkeeper, so they’re definitely out; Wagué is also probably not going to be in uniform, so we’re down to 20; since Murillo and Boateng are usually out of the squad in big games, they’ll probably be cut too once the official team news are announced.

Predicted starting XI (4-3-3):

Ter Stegen; Roberto, Piqué, Lenglet, Alba; Vidal, Busquets, Rakitic; Messi, Suárez, Coutinho

The match kicks off at 9pm CET, 8pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 12.30am IST (India, Wednesday), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action in our live blog.

Mohammed salah current fitness

Mohamed Salah fitness latest
By: meekparagon may 7-2019

Mohamed Salah has been ruled out of Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final, second-leg tie with FC Barcelona on Tuesday, Jürgen Klopp has confirmed.

The Egyptian was forced from the pitch with a head injury during Saturday evening’s 3-2 victory at Newcastle United and will not be available for the meeting with the La Liga champions.

The Reds are also without the services of Roberto Firmino, who is continuing to recover from a muscle injury.

“Both are not available for tomorrow," Klopp told his pre-match press conference at Anfield on Monday.

“It’s a concussion [for Salah], so that means he would not even be allowed to play. That’s it, that’s all.

“He feels OK, but it is not good enough from a medical point of view, that’s all. He is desperate and everything, but we cannot do it. That’s it.”

Klopp confirmed he expects Salah to be available for Sunday’s final Premier League game of the season at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, with two of his forwards sidelined for the meeting with Barcelona, the manager was asked how he plans to approach the contest.

He replied: “The approach? We try to win the game, I thought that makes sense.

“Look, the situation with the 3-0 for Barcelona is obviously not exactly the situation you want to have before you play the second leg – and you cannot play against Barcelona and tell the world, ‘Watch this!’, after 10 minutes we are level and we try to turn it around or whatever. It’s not like this.

“We try to win the game and if the result we have in a specific moment gives us an opportunity to go to the next round, I think we should try. Until then, we just have to try to win the game and that’s the way we will do it, together with our supporters.

“It was a long season and there’s at least a little chance to make it even longer, but if not then these are the last two home games of an incredible season and I think we should celebrate that with a good performance on the pitch and with a very, very good performance in the stands. That would be really nice.”

Barcelona coach warn his team about underrating Liverpool in second leg game later today

8th May 2019 by: meekparagon

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde insists that his side cannot afford to think they are in the final already ahead of their Champions League clash with Liverpool.

The La Liga champions are taking a three-goal advantage into tomorrow’s semi-final second leg, but Valverde knows that Liverpool will be up for the game.

And the Barca coach is all too aware of the atmosphere that the Liverpool faithful could create at Anfield.

“If we start to think about the first result we had it will be an error,” he said. “We have to play as if there was not a game before. We have to play as if it were a final and the scores were level.

“It is going to be difficult. We have to be aware of the atmosphere here. We know the fans are going to be behind their side from the start.

“Every team has their own style and it’s always important to bring the game to your side.

“If a team puts you under pressure and tries to get you to play the way they want to play, that can put us in an uncomfortable situation.

“We want to have the feeling that we are in control. There is no doubt they will attack us, no doubt about that. We have to stop the pressure and stop them attacking us.”

Juventus remained keen on signing Chelsea player.

KANTE’S FUTURE AT CHELSEA REPORTEDLY DEPENDS ON SARRI

By:meekparagon, may 7-2019

Juventus remain keen on signing N’Golo Kante, according to reports in Italy, but the midfielder’s future at Chelsea reportedly depends on whether or not Maurizio Sarri remains as the club’s boss next season. 

La Stampa, as cited by Calciomercato, claims that the France international could seek an exit from Stamford Bridge if the Blues opt against dismissing the former Napoli boss. 

Sarri has led Chelsea to third place with one Premier League remaining, and they have the upper hand heading into their Europa League semi-final second-leg fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt at home.

Kante has been deployed in a more advanced role this season, with summer signing Jorginho dropping into a deeper position to suit the Blues boss’ style. 

Speculation surrounding the former Leicester City star’s future in West London has been gathering in recent times, and La Stampa reports that Juventus remain interested in attempting to lure him to Turin. 

Kante will miss the remaining fixtures of Chelsea’s campaign, however, following his injury in the 3-0 win against Watford on Sunday.

WORLD-CLASS ABILITY

With Eden Hazard’s departure looking somewhat likely, Kante could be the only world-class player left at Chelsea. They mustn’t let him go; otherwise, they could fall well behind their rivals.

How Eden Hazard responded when fans begged him to stay at Stamford Bridge

How Eden Hazard responded when fans begged him to stay at Stamford Bridge

A video has emerged of two Blues fans pleading with the Belgian - who is heavily linked with a summer move to Real Madrid

By Kelvin

6th May 2019, 5:05 pm

Chelsea star Eden Hazard shook his head, laughed and drove off when begged to stay at Stamford Bridge by a pair of Blues fans.

The Belgian is widely expected to join Real Madrid this summer, and after a magnificent season which has seen him involved in half of Chelsea’s Premier League goals, fans are desperate to keep him.

1

This could be Hazard’s final season at Chelsea

A video has emerged of two supporters stopping alongside Hazard in traffic after Sunday’s 3-0 win over Watford – which secured Champions League qualification for next season.

They plead with him to, ‘Stay at Chelsea, stay at Chelsea’ – and the 28-year-old, known for his cheeky personality, decides to toy with their emotions.

Watch the video below:

Hazard’s laugh at the end suggests he was joking – and it’s unlikely this constitutes any serious hint about his future.

However, reports have emerged on Monday to suggest he is close to the exit door.

According to The Sun, Blues chiefs promised Hazard last summer that he would leave for La Liga with their blessing if he stayed for one more year.

Chelsea to signed Cardiff city winger in the Summer.

By: Kelvin. May 7-2019

Chelsea are considering a shock move for Cardiff City winger Josh Murphy should their transfer ban be delayed, Football Insider understands.

Chelsea are looking at potential wingers as doubts surround the long-term futures of Eden Hazard, Willian and Pedro, while Callum Hudson Odoi faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a serious Achilles injury.

A Chelsea source has told Football Insider that Cardiff attacker Murphy has emerged on the club’s radar after catching the eye for the Bluebirds this season and he would also boost the Londoners’ dwindling homegrown quota.

The Blues are also aiming to bolster the number of homegrown players to boost their quota with the likes of current homegrown players Gary Cahill, Rob Green and Danny Drinkwater all likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

Crystal Palace and Burnley are also monitoring Murphy’s situation at Cardiff and are preparing moves for the winger if the Bluebirds suffer relegation from the Premier League.

Cardiff are expecting to lose a number of their key players if they go down and Chelsea are keeping tabs on Murphy as he would fit their profile of being a homegrown player and happy to be a squad member at Stamford Bridge.