STATEMENT ON NORWICH TRAIN

Chelsea Football Club is concerned to hear that a small number of fans travelling back by train from Norwich were alleged to be involved in racist chants and comment.

We are working to help the relevant authorities identify those responsible and will take the strongest possible action should these allegations prove to be true.

The club, like the overwhelming majority of our fans, strongly believe that all forms of discrimination are abhorrent and have absolutely no place in society.

VILLAS-BOAS: WHY WE'RE HERE

As he prepares to get to work in Mallorca, Andre Villas-Boas has discussed the decision for a mid-season break as well as the form of one of his Spanish talents.

The manager gave the squad a day off on Sunday having flown to the Mediterranean straight after the draw at Norwich on Saturday afternoon, a game in which striker Fernando Torres could have netted us a second-half winner.

Explaining the decision to relocate for a few days in the sun, Villas-Boas said: 'It is a change of environment to a different place to break the routine a little bit - it's nothing new to English teams.

'We decided to go to Spain and not the Middle East just because of the difference of the time zones, it is much more aggressive and more tiring there, otherwise we would have gone over there. It is nothing new, winter camps are normally done with Premier League teams and we decided to opt for Spain.

'We gave them the day off on Sunday, in a different place, and regarding the work we will focus the same. It is just a break of routine, nothing new.'

Torres was brought off late on Saturday after coming close to breaking the deadlock, a clever poke tipped around the corner by Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy in the first half, and a close-range prod that went the wrong side of the post in the second.

'It was a continuation of his good form and if it is repaid with goals it is better for him I think,' Villas-Boas conceded.

'The most important thing is the workrate for the team and it was excellent today [but] strikers live off goals and it helps their confidence build up. You can't say he isn't trying, he is making the right movements and is present in the box and one day things will go for him.'

New signing Gary Cahill was not in the matchday squad at the weekend, but Villas-Boas would have no qualms about including the 26-year-old in our FA Cup game at Queens Park Rangers this weekend.

'He is a top player. We brought a top player that is competing against three top central defenders and he can threaten for a starting position,' the Portuguese said. 'The decision [on Saturday] was only based on the fact that it was not enough time for him to accumulate all the information we put on.

'We have a competition to win, one of the most prestigious ones and we will put out one of our strongest teams.'

Before then, there remain a few more days in the Spanish sun, in which time the defender will be able to assimilate himself further with 

LAMPARD INJURY UPDATE

A scan on the injury Frank Lampard suffered during the game at Norwich on Saturday shows he has a small tear in a calf muscle.

The midfielder is unlikely to feature in the FA Cup fourth-round match against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday but is expected to join up with the rest of the squad in Mallorca where they are training this week.

Lampard wassubstituted with 36 minutes played in the scoreless draw at Carrow Road.

CHELSEA TV EXCLUSIVE: POINT BLANK

Petr Cech has discussed with Chelsea TV a game that gave him his third clean sheet in a row but did not yield all three points.

Our goalkeeper believes there were many parts of the team's display in the 0-0 draw at Norwich that worked well but unfortunately the breakthrough couldn't be found. That reduced his pride in another shut-out - the 170th clean sheet in his 341 game Chelsea career.

'We would rather have a 3-2 score and get three points,' Cech told the club's own channel.

'That is the reality of the game and I think we played much better than 0-0 suggests because we created enough, had a lot shots and put a lot of balls inside the six-yard box, but unfortunately the only thing that we missed is that we didn't put the ball in the back of the net.

'We dealt quite well with Norwich's style of playing. One thing they can do really well is to break the game into two parts from side to side, and sometimes it is quite hard to shuffle across and stop crosses but we dealt really well with crosses.

'Defensively we did well and attacking we did well as well and it was one of the better games we played this season,' he continued, 'but unfortunately in these games where you have control of the game, it is disappointing to go away with 0-0.'

PAT NEVIN: THE PROFESSIONAL GAME

In this week's column, former Chelsea favouritePat Nevin looks enviously at modern attitudes to playing at the top level that would have suited him down to the ground…

So the lads are off for a little break in Mallorca. After only drawing 0-0 against Norwich on Saturday some might think they scarcely deserve it. Personally I think that would be a harsh judgement, they dominated the game in terms of possession after all and were very unlucky to be playing against a keeper who understandably picked up the man of the match award.

It was of course a great opportunity to take advantage of Man U playing at Arsenal and Spurs visiting Man City, points had to be dropped and they duly were by our London neighbours. So yes there is some disappointment but on a wider viewpoint that is one defeat in the last 10 games, a slightly more consistent run of form even if there have been a few too many draws in that spell.

Those 10 games have come in just 44 days and maybe the hectic schedule has begun to take its toll on some of the players and not just those at Chelsea. Frank Lampard obviously picked up an infuriating muscle injury and all the top teams have had games when they have looked jaded lately.

The Mallorca trip will be all about a good few training sessions, as well as rest and recovery,rather thanthe chance for a bit of bonding.

Nowadays that word bonding has taken on a whole new meaning in football generally since it became a byword for organised drinking sessions with all the attendant questionable behaviour.

People often ask me if the behaviour from footballers these days is better or worse than it was when I was playing. To be honest it really hasn't changed a great deal other than when footballers do let their standards drop these days it is in a higher class of nightclub, in a better hotel or in a more expensive set of wheels.

I suspect if I was playing today I would find myself doing exactly the same as I did 20 years ago, behaving sensibly and trying to curb the worst excesses of the odd player who had overindulged. There is one thing that has certainly changed and that is the attitude of the coaches and the managers. They are acutely aware of the press and their ability to sniff out a good story, so they always have to be on their guard.

There is also the fact there was no such thing as a camera phone when I was playing and now anyone anywhere can take a picture of a player when he is shall we say, not looking in prime match-fit condition. Anything players do 

Malouda remains unhappy

Speculation continues to surround the future of Chelsea winger Florent Malouda after the latest moan regarding his lack of first-team opportunities.

The 31-year-old has been linked with Anzhi Makhachkala and Brazilian club Palmeiras, who are managed by ex-Stamford Bridge boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, after a regular role as a substitute.

Malouda has already made it clear he is unhappy about his limited chances, having starting just four Premier League matches this season, and has let his views be known to Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas.

The France international said in the Sunday Star: "I am the kind of player who needs to play week in, week out and the manager knows that.

"I am expecting to start more games because that's my standard and it's what I've been doing for the last two seasons.

"I am trying to show, when I get the time, that I have the quality to start games."

Terry plays down unrest reports

Chelsea captain John Terry has denied reports that some senior players are unhappy with boss Andre Villas-Boas.

With the Portuguese looking to re-shape an aging Blues side a number of established stars, including Frank Lampard, Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba, have found their first-team opportunities more limited than in previous seasons.

That has led to suggestions of dressing room unrest, stemming from the frustrated players sat on the sidelines.

The likes of Malouda and Drogba have been linked with moves away in January, while another senior striker, Nicolas Anelka, has already left the club for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua.

However, Terry has scotched suggestions the squad is unhappy with Villas-Boas, insisting that any frustration stems from a desire to play and is not aimed in the manager's direction.

Blues bid farewell to Anelka

Chelsea have offered their best wishes to Nicolas Anelka after confirming that the Frenchman has left the club to start a new adventure in Asia.

With the winter transfer window having swung open on New Year's Day, Anelka has officially departed Stamford Bridge for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua.

The 32-year-old handed in a transfer request at the start of December, with first-team opportunities proving to be thin on the ground.

His wish was granted and a deal with Shanghai was struck later in the month.

Anelka heads for pastures new after four years in West London, during which time he made 184 appearances and scored 59 goals.

AVB rejects Ancelotti advice

"Fernando has been with us a year and is in a great moment of form and looking sharp."

Torres has indeed improved in recent weeks but that has coincided with Drogba's absence at the African Nations Cup.

"It's nothing to do with one being present and the other one not," Villas-Boas said. "In a club of our dimension, we have top competition.

"The people you compete with are as good or better than you and you have to compete to reach the starting XI.

"It's the same with Barcelona and Real Madrid. You compete with the best within the group."

If Torres has been intimidated by the presence of Drogba, the £50million man will not have to wait long to be rid of his rival.

Drogba is set to leave Stamford Bridge when his contract expires this summer after rejecting the offer of a one-year extension.

Negotiations

The 33-year-old, who had been holding out for a two-year deal, has exercised his right to talk to rival clubs this month by opening negotiations with Shanghai Shenhua, according to the Chinese side.

As they did with Nicolas Anelka, Chelsea have the option of cashing in this month rather than losing Drogba for free at the end of the season.

But Villas-Boas said: "It's not something that crossed my mind.

"I count on Didier, on what he represents as a player and an icon."

AVB - Lampard not available

Andre Villas-Boas has again rubbished suggestions that Chelsea could be willing to sell Frank Lampard.

Villas-Boas has become the first Chelsea boss to drop Lampardin recent weeks, which has led to speculation about his long-term future.

Lampard has refused to bite his tongue over his unhappiness at being in and out of the side, while there have been increasing numbers of reports claiming all is not well between the midfielder and his manager.

But Villas-Boas has rubbished any suggestions there is an issue and insisted they are not looking to sell the England international.

"We speak every day," he said.

"Frank is a player who is not available at any price," Villas-Boas added, before justifying his handling of the 33-year-old.

Frank Lampard: Linked with move to Major League Soccer

Los Angeles Galaxy chief Tim Leiweke has confirmed to Sky Sports News his admiration for Frank Lampard.

But Leiweke, president of Galaxy owners AEG, refused to confirm they had made a move for the Chelsea midfielder.

Leiweke confirmed that Galaxy were looking at their options for future Designated Player slots.

In Major League Soccer, clubs can sign up to three Designated Players which are not included in the otherwise strict wage structure that operates throughout American football.

CHELSEA ROCKED BY ORIOL ROMEU BLOW

CHELSEA last night suffered a major blow after it was revealed Spanish sensation Oriol Romeu is already eyeing a return to Barcelona.

The 20-year-old midfielder has established himself as a Blues regular in recent weeks following his summer arrival.

But his agent Javier Magico Diaz indicated that the youngster is already considering the prospect of returning home, Magico Diaz said: "Will Romeu return? His dream before leaving was to be a Barcelona player and that still stands.

"But we cannot ignore the opportunity Chelsea have provided.

“We will have to see if it is appropriate for the club and the player (to return to Barca).We need to know if he’ll keep developing at Chelsea and playing.

“Maybe it will be more convenient to stay for another year and then return in 2013.

“Oriol has made a name for himself in the Premier League and is playing regularly. We’re committed to the club and we cannot leave them hanging.”

Barcelona reportedly have a buy-back option in Romeu’s deal allowing them to re-sign him for a pre-set price either at the end of this season or next.

But Chelsea are confident they hold all the aces, insisting Barca only have first option if they decide to sell – after paying £4.5 for him.

However, they may struggle to keep the player if he has his heart set on a Nou Camp return.

Manchester United and Arsenal failed to keep Barca raised duo Gerard Pique and Cesc Fabregas in similar circumstances. Losing Romeu, who has played for Spain at under 17, 19, 20 and 21 level, would put a huge dent in Andre Villas-Boas’ rebuilding plans.

Villas-Boas wants to phase out the old guard and create a younger, more exciting side, with Romeu ear- marked to play a key role.

Meanwhile, Fabio Capello has urged FIFA to bring in stricter rules to stop Europe’s big guns stealing talented youngsters from other countries.

The England coach reckons too many clubs hoover up promising players with no concern for their devel- opment. He said: “A line needs to be drawn. 

Clubs are talent-scouting all over the world and are stealing young players.

“FIFA should pass new rules. I’ve spoken to (UEFA president Michel) Platini and in the future clubs will be forbidden to steal play- ers when they are very young.”

SCOTT SINCLAIR: JOSH MCEACHRAN’S GOT TO EARN IT

SCOTT SINCLAIR has warned Chelsea ace Josh McEachran he is not guaranteed a starting place at Swansea.

Josh McEachran, 18, has joined Brendan Rodgers’ Swans on loan until the end of the season.

But Sinclair, who played alongside McEachran at Stamford Bridge, admits the competition for places is fierce at the Welsh club.

Sinclair said: “I know Josh well from Chelsea and he’s a great player who will come in and boost the squad.

“But the squad is getting bigger and bigger and it will be difficult for him to go straight into the team, especially after our last game against Arsenal.

“Every shirt in the starting line-up is up for grabs. Training is hard and physical every day, so the gaffer is bringing in new players to strengthen the squad.”

McEachran turned down offers from Aston Villa and Bolton to join Swansea.

And Sinclair says the England Under-21 star will love playing in Wales.

He added: “Josh will enjoy his football here.”

Anton Ferdinand: let me at John Terry

ANTON FERDINAND has no fears about coming face to face with John Terry again.

Anton Ferdinand: let me at John Terry

www.dailystar.co.uk

Daily Star :: Football :: Anton Ferdinand: let me at John Terry :: ANTON FERDINAND has no fears about coming face to face with John Terry again.

Didier Drogba Join Shanghai Shenhua

Didier Drogba could be re-united with former Chelsea team-mate Nicolas Anelka as Shanghai Shenhua close in on their second high-profile signing of the year.

Didier Drogba to join Shanghai Shenhua Nicolas Anelka

www.dailymail.co.uk

Didier Drogba could be re-united with former Chelsea team-mate Nicolas Anelka as Shanghai Shenhua close in on their second high-profile signing of the year.

Chelsea Blues Headlines

Here are today's lunchtime headlines from Cobham http://bit.ly/zzdkzH ahead of Chelsea v Sunderland tomorrow...

Chelsea FC- Blues news headlines
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Gigi Salmon brings you all the latest news from the training ground ahead of the Premier League game against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea FC- Blues news headlines

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Gigi Salmon brings you all the latest news from the training ground ahead of the Premier League game against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.

Defender moves closer to Blues exit

Last Updated: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:53

Alex has moved a step closer to leaving Chelsea after opening talks with QPR about a move to Loftus Road.

QPR's new manager Mark Hughes wasted no time in making his interest known in the Brazilian centre back after being appointed as Neil Warnock's successor last week and is keen to finalise a deal as soon as possible.

It is still unclear whether a fee has been agreed with the two clubs after Chelsea rejected the R's first two offers but Hughes revealed that he has already held talks with Alex and is hopeful a deal can be finalised with the 29-year-old.

Hughes told the Telegraph: " 'Talks are ongoing. I've spoken to him and told him my feelings towards him as a player. 

"It's a big decision for him. We're trying to get things finalised and get over the line with it. The hope is that we'll get deals done sooner rather than later, but I can't say for sure whether it'll be sooner at the moment'.

Chelsea urged to sell Drogba

Last Updated: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:52

Chelsea must sell Didier Drogba to allow Fernando Torres to fulfil his talent at Stamford Bridge, according to ex-boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Ancelotti recently made his return to football management at Paris St Germain and called for Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas to sell Drogba after revealing that he has been offered the chance to sign Torres during this month's transfer window.

Drogba is still to sign the 12-month contract extension offered to him by Chelsea and Ancelotti believes the time is right for his old club to sell the Ivorian to allow Torres the chance to establish himself as first-choice striker at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian told Gazzetta dello Sport: "I don't judge the work of a colleague. What I would say is training Chelsea, when the club is in the middle of a major generational change, is complicated. 

"Take Torres and the crisis he has lived through there. I now know if you decide to invest strongly in him, you have to sell Drogba.

"Didier is like Filippo Inzaghi was at AC Milan. He simply devours any competition," added Ancelotti. 

"It's not that he's evil - nor was Inzaghi - it's just the way they are." 

Drogba must go, says old Blues boss

Chelsea must sell Didier Drogba to allow Fernando Torres to fulfil his talent at Stamford Bridge, according to ex-boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Ancelotti recently made his return to football management at Paris St Germain and called for Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas to sell Drogba after revealing that he has been offered the chance to sign Torres during this month's transfer window.
Drogba is still to sign the 12-month contract extension offered to him by Chelsea and Ancelotti believes the time is right for his old club to sell the Ivorian to allow Torres the chance to establish himself as first-choice striker at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian told Gazzetta dello Sport: "I don't judge the work of a colleague. What I would say is training Chelsea, when the club is in the middle of a major generational change, is complicated.
"Take Torres and the crisis he has lived through there. I now know if you decide to invest strongly in him, you have to sell Drogba.
"Didier is like Filippo Inzaghi was at AC Milan. He simply devours any competition," added Ancelotti.
"It's not that he's evil - nor was Inzaghi - it's just the way they are."

In Betfair you can either make a back bet (bet on who's going to win) or place a lay bet (bet against something happening). Betfair matches people on either side of the bet with the odds they agree. Simple. Use this £25 free bet and give it a try.

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Rivals close in on Chelsea defender

Alex has moved a step closer to leaving Chelsea after opening talks with QPR about a move to Loftus Road.

QPR's new manager Mark Hughes wasted no time in making his interest known in the Brazilian centre back after being appointed as Neil Warnock's successor last week and is keen to finalise a deal as soon as possible.
It is still unclear whether a fee has been agreed with the two clubs after Chelsea rejected the R's first two offers but Hughes revealed that he has already held talks with Alex and is hopeful a deal can be finalised with the 29-year-old.
Hughes told the Telegraph: " 'Talks are ongoing. I've spoken to him and told him my feelings towards him as a player.
"It's a big decision for him. We're trying to get things finalised and get over the line with it. The hope is that we'll get deals done sooner rather than later, but I can't say for sure whether it'll be sooner at the moment'.

Jhon Terry a goalkeeper.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bwHLa1WMto&feature=related

Which kit do u like ?

(1.) Home kit ( left ) 
(2.) Away kit (middle )
(3.) Alternate kit (right )

Cahill completes Blues move.

‎[SKY SPORTS] http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11672/7435982/Cahill-completes-Blues-move

Cahill completes Blues move | Bolton Wanderers News, Fixtures, Results, Transfers | Sky Sports

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Gary Cahill has completed his switch to Chelsea, with the Blues confirming on Monday that the defender has passed a medical and signed a contract.

Cech kata CHELSEA akan ambik masa yang lama untuk muncul kembali jadi juara EPL.Menggantikan skuad tua akan ambil masa yang lama.

Cup of fear for Cech

www.thesun.co.uk

PETR CECH has warned it could be years before Chelsea bag a trophy again

Lukaku request dipinjamkan ke kelab lain jika prestasinya di Stamford Bridge tidak memuaskan,

Lukaku mulls over being a loan star

www.thesun.co.uk

ROMELU LUKAKU admits he may have to ask Chelsea for a loan move next season

Game tadi Cahill hanya sebagai penonton,minggu depan Cahill sebagai pemain...hahahaha...apa pon selamat datang ker The Stamford Bridge bro Gary Cahill..sama2 kita tunggu pengumuman rasmi dari pihak Chelsea..

Gary Cahill at Chelsea's game with Sunderland after agreeing move

www.dailymail.co.uk

Gary Cahill is at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to watch his new side Chelsea take on Sunderland. The England international has undergone a medical with the west London club.

Carlo dedah ditawarkan Torres pilihan utama ke PSG tapi memilih Tevez sebagai sasaran pilihan terbaik.

Fernando Torres offered to PSG - who want Carlos Tevez

www.dailymail.co.uk

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Paris St Germain have been offered Chelsea flop Fernando Torres - as they line up a swoop for Carlos Tevez.