Xabi Alonso on Chelsea’s training ground

 “Oh, it's brilliant! The setting, it's wonderful. The standards of the club are of the highest quality. The structure is great, but you need to give soul, you need to give purpose, you need to bring good work, good energy, positiveness, that we are in a nice place to work, and we have all the ingredients for that.

So, I’m looking forward to it. Tomorrow, I will be with the guys, and you start creating this connection, because this is all about the human connections, for them to feel good. And when you feel good, normally you perform well.”

Xabi Alonso on the importance of building the right culture at Chelsea

 “I think a strong culture is already in place. There’s an important core within the squad, and those established players have to help the younger ones understand what this club is about.”

“It starts with professionalism, work ethic and recognising that the team always comes first. Through our daily work, we can strengthen that culture, and whatever we build here at Cobham will be reflected at Stamford Bridge and everywhere we play. We’ll have the time to keep developing it.”

Eden Hazard on Chelsea fc

 Eden Hazard: "I am very proud to represent Chelsea, and everything I achieved while wearing the club's shirt."

Eden Hazard: "I know things were difficult for Xabi Alonso at Real because he didn't necessarily get the time he needed, unlike in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen.

The Premier League is difficult too, but he knows the competition well. I hope he can bring us what we need. But we can't let Liverpool win either [laughs]."

Hazard On Reece James:

“I like him a lot. It’s a shame he couldn’t play at the World Cup. It’s sad for him, but I hope he comes back even stronger.”

Eden Hazard: "Estevao is still young, so you have to give him time. His first season was pretty good. He's from Brazil too, so he has that natural quality on the ball - he can bring flair and pace.

I like him. It's a shame he couldn't take part in the World Cup, it's sad for him, but I hope he comes back even stronger."

 Eden Hazard on Cole Palmer “Of course I still follow Chelsea, and Cole Palmer is a player I really enjoy watching. I hope he can win trophies with the Blues.”

Chelsea have been fined with €3M for a breach of UEFA's Squad Cost Ratio

Chelsea FC was fined €3 million by UEFA for narrowly exceeding the 70% Squad Cost Ratio threshold. Because the club showed improving financial trends, €2 million of this penalty is conditional, leaving only €1 million to be paid immediately, provided they meet future spending targets.

1. The Overview

The Fine: Chelsea has been hit with a €3 million fine by UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) for breaching European financial sustainability regulations.

The Breakdown: The governing body allowed €2 million of this fine to be suspended, making the immediate out-of-pocket penalty €1 million.

The Condition: This suspended portion will only be enforced if the club fails to continuously reduce its spending and continues to breach the 70% Squad Cost Ratio.

What is UEFA's Squad Cost Ratio?

UEFA's strict financial rules cap a club's spending on player wages, transfers, and agent fees at 70% of its total revenue. Chelsea was found to have marginally breached this threshold, though European regulators officially acknowledged the club's positive financial trajectory between 2024 and 2025.

Malo Gusto is appreciated by Enzo Maresca at Manchester City,

 Malo Gusto is appreciated by Enzo Maresca at Manchester City, Enzo Maresca is a big fan of Malo Gusto, and he is a player they are considering.

But Manchester City made clear that they are not paying £75 million, the valuation made by Chelsea.

So unless the price drops later this summer, or Man City will go for a different fullback, that's the situation for Malo Gusto.

Enzo Maresca statement on Chelsea exit.

“The decision to leave was only mine. My resignation from Chelsea opened a path for me to join Manchester City, which is a club I knew very well. I am ecstatic that I have now joined Manchester City”.

“I recognise that my departure from Chelsea in the middle of the season caused disruption for the club and I apologise for that. It was neither my intention nor my wish”.

Marco Palestra is a Chelsea Player

 : Marco Palestra to Chelsea is a Done Deal Verbal agreement in place between all parties.

Atalanta to receive package over €55m fee plus sell-on clause, long term deal to Italian talented RWB.

Chelsea hijack Inter move and get new talent for Xabi Alonso.

Estevao reveals story about his injury and claims he is fine now :

 Estevao: 'Together with my parents, and I always say that it's very important to have the people you love by your side because it's very difficult to make these decisions alone, because you're surrounded by a lot of pressure and other things, I chose not to have surgery' 

'It's a procedure that will take time. God is in control, the doctor came and congratulated me on my decision, he told me he believes everything is fine and I will return quicker than expected

“I had an injury, I tore 80% of my hamstring biceps; the Chelsea doctors and owner told me to get surgery. Two weeks ago I had my second MRI and I said to the doctor I wasn’t in pain and could even play already”

“The doctor said yeah, it really shows, he showed me the exam image and said he couldn’t see any more injury, he doesn’t know what happened because in the timeframe we’re in, my hamstring shouldn’t be that well structured like it is!” 

Chelsea team to face Sunderland on the final day of the Premier League

 Calum McFarlane has made three changes to the Chelsea side for our final Premier League game of the season, which sees the Blues face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

We wrap up our 2025/26 campaign on Wearside, where victory for the Blues – coupled with Brighton & Hove Albion failing to beat Manchester United and Brentford not defeating Liverpool by a big margin – would guarantee us a UEFA Europa League place.

Chelsea: Sanchez; Fofana, Colwill, Hato; Gusto, Caicedo, Fernandez (c), Cucurella; Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro

Substitutes: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Chalobah, James, Essugo, Santos, Derry, Garnacho, Delap

Chelsea will face local side Johor Darul Ta'z, the reigning Malaysian Super League champions before the new Premier League Season

Chelsea will face local side Johor Darul Ta'z, the reigning Malaysian Super League champions, at their iconic Sultan Ibrahim Stadium which opened as recently as 2020 and has the capacity for 40,000 fans.

The fixture date of Tuesday 11 August (kick-off 8pm local time) makes this match the final stop on the tour ahead of the Premier League season resuming on Saturday 22 August.

Enzo Maresca’s exit from Stamford Bridge was not driven by a pre-existing deal with Manchester City

 Enzo Maresca’s exit from Stamford Bridge was not driven by a pre-existing deal with Manchester City. The Italian manager was only approached by Man City in March, three months after his departure from Chelsea, firmly dismissing claims that he left his previous job because he had already accepted another.

Recent football reports clarify the timeline regarding Enzo Maresca and his departure from Stamford Bridge. Contrary to some speculation, Maresca did not leave the Chelsea job because he had already agreed to take over at Manchester City. Official timelines show he did not receive an offer from Man City until around March—a full three months after his exit from Chelsea.

Chelsea got a great Manager in Xabi Alonso as he has been unveiled officially

Xabi Alonso, unveiled and confirmed as new a Chelsea manager.

Chelsea confirm the appointment of Xabi Alonso on a four-year deal from July 1, 2026! 

 Xabi Alonso on his move to Chelsea: "Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club.

"From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.

"There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies."

Xabi Alonso's appointment reflects the Club’s belief in his broad set of experiences, coaching quality and game model, leadership attributes, character and integrity, which were key to the decision to ask him to help lead the next phase of Chelsea’s journey.

Xabi Alonso is set to take charge as the club's new manager. Stepping into the role with the official title of "manager" rather than "head coach,"

Chelsea Football Club is preparing for a new era as Xabi Alonso is set to take charge as the club's new manager. Stepping into the role with the official title of "manager" rather than "head coach," Alonso's seniority reflects his impressive track record, including a highly successful stint in the Bundesliga.

A Statement of Ambition

Alonso’s appointment highlights a significant shift in Chelsea's strategic vision. Club leadership reportedly views the former Bayer Leverkusen manager as the perfect fit to stabilize the squad. His tactical awareness, proven trophy pedigree, and emotional intelligence were major factors that made him the standout candidate for the role. With a focus on restoring a high-performance culture, Chelsea is determined to put recent struggles behind them and return to competing for major honors and Champions League football.

Squad Planning and Summer Transfers

Alonso will play an active role in shaping the squad for the upcoming season, working closely with the club's sporting directors and owners. While he believes the current roster possesses considerable talent, key additions are expected. To ensure the team is ready to challenge for the title, Chelsea will target several ready-made starters, with a particular focus on signing an experienced centre-back.

Chelsea fc are accelerating their pursuit for new permanent manager after direct talk with Xabi Alonso who is the leading candidate

 Chelsea are accelerating their search for a new permanent manager and recently held direct talks with Xabi Alonso, who is the leading candidate for the role. The club aims to officially announce a new head coach before the World Cup, with other names like Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner, and Marco Silva also on their shortlist.

The club's hierarchy is moving quickly to finalize the managerial position and build a long-term project at Stamford Bridge.

Managerial Search Details

• Leading Target: Chelsea have held in-person meetings with Xabi Alonso, and he is reportedly viewed as an ideal figure by senior players.
• Selection Process: The board is keen to secure the right candidate to lead the squad, with a final decision expected soon.
• Alternative Candidates: Club officials have also considered and engaged in discussions with other managers, including Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner, and Marco Silva. 

Romeo Lagos show believe in Chelsea project and future

 Romeo Lavia: “The day I lose belief in the project; I will probably be the first one to leave this place. I 100 per cent believe we will turn it around and get back to the Chelsea everyone knows”

Chelsea secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday,

Chelsea secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, ending a recent losing streak in the Premier League. Enzo Fernandez’s first-half free-kick cancelled out Ryan Gravenberch’s early sixth-minute opener. The result, in the 200th meeting between the sides, saw Chelsea respond well to pressure.

Key Match Moments:

• Early Setback: Ryan Gravenberch scored for Liverpool in the 6th minute with a fine strike.

• The Equalizer: Enzo Fernandez scored a crucial goal via a free-kick on the right flank that evaded everyone.

• Near Turnaround: Chelsea grew into the game, with Marc Cucurella threatening twice before the equalizer.

• Ruled Out Goal: Early in the second half, a Chelsea goal by Cole Palmer was ruled offside by VAR.

• Final Minutes: Liverpool hit the woodwork twice, while Chelsea had late penalty shouts denied, ending the 200th meeting 1-1.

Chelsea Team News & Tactical Notes:

Chelsea made five changes following the defeat to Nottingham Forest, with Levi Colwill returning to the starting XI to partner Wesley Fofana. Jorrel Hato and Andrey Santos also started, with Filip Jorgensen in goal. Due to several absences, Marc Cucurella operated in a more advanced left-flank position.

Chelsea interim coach Calum McFarlane praised his team’s resilience after a hard-fought draw at Anfield.

 Chelsea interim coach Calum McFarlane praised his team’s resilience after a hard-fought draw at Anfield. Despite falling behind early to a Ryan Gravenberch strike, the Blues responded well, with Enzo Fernandez equalizing via a 35th-minute free-kick.

Following the 1-1 result against Liverpool, McFarlane noted that fine margins, including a disallowed Cole Palmer goal and a late penalty appeal, kept them from victory.

"It was a really good performance," said McFarlane, highlighting the team's high energy and positive approach to the game.

The result serves as a key confidence booster for the squad as they prepare for the upcoming FA Cup final, showing a complete performance against a top-four opponent.

"We're not happy with our recent form, so it's nice to have a complete performance. It’s a positive day," he concluded.

Chelsea starting XI at Anfield.

 We hereby release the Line up to take on Liverpool at Antield this afternoon and we look forward to a victory to at least give our season a meaningful ending .

Joao Pedro has achieved a major milestone in his debut season at Chelsea, scoring his 20th goal in all competitions

 Joao Pedro has achieved a major milestone in his debut season at Chelsea, scoring his 20th goal in all competitions. The Brazilian forward reached this total with an acrobatic effort against Nottingham Forest, solidifying his spot among elite company.

Key Takeaways from Pedro's 2025/26 Season:

• Elite Company: Pedro is only the 11th different player to score 20+ goals in a single season for Chelsea during the Premier League era.

• Open Play Power: All 20 of his goals have come from open play, with zero penalty kicks, highlighting his efficiency.

• Immediate Impact: Following his move to Stamford Bridge, the 24-year-old has established himself as a key attacker, scoring 15 Premier League goals in his first full campaign.

Chelsea Players with 20+ Goals in a Single Season (Premier League Era):

Several elite strikers and attackers have reached this mark, including legends like Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, and Eden Hazard, as well as recent additions like Cole Palmer.

Pedro’s milestone underscores his impact on the team, particularly with his ability to create and finish opportunities from open play during a challenging season for the club.

Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest: Team News and Line-Up Confirmed

 Chelsea Football Club returns to Premier League action this bank holiday Monday, hosting Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge. Following a successful FA Cup semi-final last weekend, interim head coach Calum McFarlane has refreshed the starting XI for this crucial top-flight clash.

The Blues, aiming to climb the table, face a Forest side currently battling to secure their Premier League status, sitting 16th and just three points clear of the relegation zone.

Confirmed Chelsea Line-UpInterim boss McFarlane has made several key adjustments to the team that defeated Leeds United, looking to balance freshness with tactical advantage in his first home game in charge.

Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez retains his place between the posts.

Defense: A back four of Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Marc Cucurella will look to maintain a solid foundation.

Midfield: Moises Caicedo continues in the heart of the pitch, partnered by Romeo Lavia.

Attack: A creative attacking unit features Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, and a starting debut for young talent Jesse Derry, supporting frontman Joao Pedro.

Key Injury BoostThe match-day squad sees a significant boost with the return of defenders Levi Colwill and captain Reece James, both recovering from injuries to take their places on the bench.

Chelsea Starting XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Palmer, Fernandez, Derry; Joao Pedro.

Substitutes: Jorgensen, James, Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill, Hato, Andrey Santos, Essugo, Delap.