Chelsea U21s Crowned Premier League 2 Champions for the 2025/26 Campaign

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce that our Under-21s team has been crowned champions of the Premier League 2 for the 2025/26 season, securing the title with an outstanding display of skill, determination, and tactical maturity throughout the campaign.

The young Blues finished the season at the summit of the table, amassing an impressive 43 points from 19 matches (14 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses), with a goal difference of +28 (51 goals scored, 23 conceded). This marks Chelsea's return to the top of English youth football's premier competition, adding to previous successes in 2013/14 and 2019/20.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Harry Hudson, who took charge mid-season following Calum McFarlane's temporary elevation to the first-team setup, the squad demonstrated remarkable consistency and depth. Hudson's emphasis on possession-based football, high pressing, and player development has yielded a team capable of dominating matches while nurturing the next generation of Chelsea stars.

Key highlights of the campaign include dominant victories such as a 5-0 thrashing of Blackburn Rovers at Kingsmeadow in February and a comprehensive 4-0 win away at Wolverhampton Wanderers in March. The side also produced memorable performances against top rivals, maintaining their position at the top despite strong challenges from Manchester United U21s and others.

Standout performers across the season included forward Shim Mheuka, who provided clinical finishing and creative flair; midfielder Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, whose vision and energy in the engine room earned praise; defender Harrison Murray-Campbell; and goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, who delivered crucial saves. Emerging talents like Jesse Derry, Reggie Walsh, and Samuel Rak-Sakyi also shone, with several players gaining valuable first-team exposure or senior loan experience. The squad blended academy graduates with international prospects, reflecting Chelsea's world-class development system.

"This title is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent within our academy," said Harry Hudson. "The players have shown incredible character all season, adapting to challenges and playing with the Chelsea DNA that we demand. I'm immensely proud of every member of the squad and staff. This success provides a strong platform for these young players to progress towards the first team under Liam Rosenior."

Chelsea Director of Football and Technical Director, along with Academy leadership, highlighted the win as validation of the club's long-term investment in youth development. "Winning the Premier League 2 is not just about silverware—it's about producing players ready for the rigours of top-level football," a club spokesperson noted. "Many of this squad are already knocking on the door of the senior side, and this championship will accelerate their growth."

The title win qualifies Chelsea U21s for the elimination playoffs and the Premier League International Cup, offering further competitive opportunities on the European stage.

Chelsea Football Club extends its congratulations to all players, coaches, support staff, and the dedicated academy personnel who contributed to this achievement. Fans can look forward to seeing many of these talents feature prominently in the years ahead.

Didier Drogba vs. Nemanja Vidić. Watch:

 Didier Drogba vs. Nemanja Vidić.

Peak football 🎬⚽️

Eric Dier is worried that football is losing its characters from the game

🗣 "I loved playing against Diego Costa. It’s a shame you get fewer characters like him in the game. In the 2015 League Cup Final, Costa said something bad in Portuguese, I replied in Portuguese, and he looked at me with complete confusion.

Lots of people don’t know that’s where I grew up, especially foreign players. There’s a general consensus that I just came through Tottenham’s academy."

(via The Times)

Alejandro Garnacho vow to bounce back from poor form next season

 Alejandro Garnacho: “Sometimes the first seasons are more hard, but yeah, I will work really hard in the 7-8 games we have left, then the summer, try to train from the start, to prepare the next season, and to be ready to show my best”.

“Because I know what I can do, and this the most important thing”.

Chelsea legend Ashley Cole has opened up about the grueling reality of managing in Serie

 In an open and honest interview with the Could It Be Magic podcast, former Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has revealed his struggles managing in Italy.

“I think the language is massive. It is important, and I struggled to get a number two. It’s been hard getting around the language a little bit. I lived in Italy for a year and a bit.

“My wife is Italian, but I don’t really practice speaking it. But now I need to continue to have conversations with players and just tighten up on my language a bit.

“I literally jumped in the puddle, jumped in the mud, and just went… I’m just going to have to go. It was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”

Ready to face Man City

 It was a busy day at Cobham as the countdown to Sunday's clash with Manchester City continued in Friday's training.

The work continued at our Surrey training base on Friday morning, with the squad being put through their paces under the watchful eye of Liam Rosenior and his staff ahead of Sunday afternoon's kick-off against City as the race for a top-five finish heats up.

After taking the session, the Chelsea head coach spoke to the media to confirm that he has no fresh injury concerns to contend with following our 7-0 victory over Port Vale, while also stating that this weekend's game comes too soon for defensive trio Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill and Reece James.

Pictured across the gym and the grass today were the likes of Marc Cucurella, Jorrel Hato, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, and Estevao Willian, while defenders Josh Acheampong, Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto and Mamadou Sarr were also involved.

You can scroll down and view some of the best images from today’s workout, and remember to stay tuned to the Chelsea Official App for all the build-up and latest news ahead of Sunday's meeting with City.

Source : Chelsea fc

Rosenior: 'I want to adapt and evolve the team, but not at the expense of winning'

 Liam Rosenior says he will continue to use time on the Cobham training pitches to 'adapt and evolve' his Chelsea side, but the Blues head coach insists that will never come at 'the expense of winning' during the season run-in.

With an eight-day gap between our FA Cup quarter-final triumph over Port Vale and the visit of Manchester City in the Premier League this Sunday, Rosenior has been able to enjoy quality time with his players at our Surrey base.

That is in stark contrast to his first three months in charge of the Blues, which saw the Blues play 20 matches across four different competitions. The routine was pre-game preparation, match-day, recovery work, and then to do it all over again.

'This week is the first since I've been here that we've had two clear training days in a row to work on things,' our head coach explained when facing the media ahead of the visit of Man City this weekend

'I don't think a magician can make a team look exactly how we want to in the time that I've been at the club. I want to adapt and evolve the team, but never at the expense of winning in the short term.

'You can't change too much too soon. That is something I looked at with the staff during international break, so that we don't change too many things and can win games in the short term, but also still work towards what we want in the long term.'

After back-to-back, disappointing Premier League defeats to Newcastle United and Everton, the Blues are looking to get back on track in the top flight this weekend and claim another three important points in our bid to secure Champions League football for next season.

For Rosenior, each game presents an opportunity to learn more about the squad he took charge of at the start of the year, while free weeks between fixtures will enable him to further work on his tactical principles with the squad.

He said: 'Obviously, I watched all of the games [before taking charge] and you then try and make evaluations as you're in [the building] because you get to know the players better.

'For me, it's about making sure we use the time the best that we possibly can. I know where I want my team to get to, and I know what I want the team to look like. That may take time, but it cannot be at the expense of winning games and fulfilling our short-term objectives.'

Liam Rosenior Provides Update on Enzo Fernández Following Internal Discussions

Chelsea Head Coach Liam Rosenior today addressed the situation involving midfielder Enzo Fernández, confirming that the player has issued a full apology to both himself and the club following recent comments made during the international break.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s crucial Premier League fixture against Manchester City on Sunday, Rosenior detailed productive conversations with the 24-year-old Argentine international.

“I have had three to four conversations with Enzo, he has apologised to me and the club,” Rosenior said. “We will deal with that after the massive game on Sunday. It was a serious meeting about something very serious.”

Rosenior emphasised that while the matter was handled with the gravity it deserved, he remains supportive of Fernández’s character and future potential at the club.

“Every single step along this way, I’m not questioning Enzo’s character, him as a person. I believe people make mistakes. But you can’t overstep the punishment for a mistake,” he added. “What I want for Enzo is to go on from here to have an outstanding career.”

Fernández will not feature in Sunday’s match at the Etihad Stadium as part of an internal two-match suspension already in place. The club will review the matter internally in due course following the game.

Chelsea Football Club values professionalism, unity, and commitment to the collective goals of the team. We continue to support Enzo as he focuses on contributing positively both on and off the pitch.

Multiple sources have stressed Rosenior will remain as Chelsea head coach, even without UCL.

Multiple sources have stressed Rosenior will remain as Chelsea head coach, even without UCL. 

A source close to a senior player admits Rosenior is yet to carry quite the same aura Pochettino and Maresca had in the dressing room, but there is an acknowledgement that he has only been at the helm for three months. 

The club see Rosenior as having a lot more managerial experience when he joined from Strasbourg at the start of the year, compared with Maresca when he was hired from Leicester in 2024. 

Multiple sources close to the club have stressed that Rosenior’s position is secure as the club’s long-term project under the current ownership continues to develop. The 41-year-old Englishman joined Chelsea from Strasbourg at the start of 2026 and has been in charge for just three months.

A source close to a senior player acknowledged that Rosenior is still building his presence in the dressing room, noting he does not yet command quite the same immediate aura as previous managers Mauricio Pochettino and Enzo Maresca. However, the source emphasised that this is entirely understandable given the short time he has been at the helm.

The club views Rosenior’s appointment as a considered and stable choice, highlighting that he arrived with significantly more senior managerial experience than Enzo Maresca possessed when he was hired from Leicester City in 2024. Chelsea sees Rosenior’s tactical acumen, man-management skills, and alignment with the club’s playing philosophy as key assets for sustained progress.

Chelsea fc remains committed to providing Rosenior with the time and resources necessary to implement his vision. The club’s focus is on building a competitive squad capable of challenging at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe, under his leadership.

Rosenior Press Conference | Chelsea vs Man City | Premier League | 10/04/26 | CFC 25/26

 

Pat Nevin Questions Chelsea's Liam Delap Signing and Signals Summer Striker Overhaul

Former Chelsea winger and respected football pundit Pat Nevin has cast doubt on the club's decision to sign Liam Delap, suggesting it may prove to be the "wrong move" as the Blues face ongoing challenges in their centre-forward position.

In recent comments, Nevin highlighted the pressure on Delap following his move to Stamford Bridge and pointed to the need for Chelsea to strengthen or adapt in attack ahead of the summer transfer window.

"**Chelsea and him [Liam Delap], the wrong move? It might actually be the case now. But there are some others coming in, you think of Nicolas Jackson coming back, so there is a pressure. Chelsea will move in that position in the summer, they’ll do something, and they’ll adapt, and who knows what will happen with Chelsea in the summer. But certainly that centre-forward position is something to look at,**" Nevin said.

Nevin, who played for Chelsea between 1983 and 1988, making over 190 appearances and winning the Full Members' Cup, has been a vocal and insightful commentator on the club's fortunes since retiring. The Scottish former international, known for his technical skill on the wing and later work as a broadcaster and pundit, frequently appears on talkSPORT and other platforms offering candid analysis of Chelsea's squad and strategy.

Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town in a deal reportedly worth around £30 million after an impressive season that saw him score 12 Premier League goals. However, his output and integration have drawn scrutiny this term, with Nevin noting the numbers "aren’t looking great" in terms of goals and assists, and the club experimenting with his positioning.

Nevin's remarks come amid speculation about Nicolas Jackson's role and potential arrivals or departures in the forward line, with Chelsea expected to be active in the market as they seek to balance their attacking options under their current management.

**About Pat Nevin**  

Pat Nevin is a Scottish former professional footballer and current media personality. Capped 28 times for Scotland, he enjoyed successful spells at Chelsea and Everton before later roles at Tranmere Rovers, Kilmarnock, and Motherwell. Post-retirement, he served as Chief Executive at Motherwell and has established himself as one of football's most articulate and independent voices through writing, broadcasting, and punditry. He is the author of acclaimed memoirs including *The Accidental Footballer* and *Football and How to Survive It*.

Clearlake Capital Has No Plans to Sell Chelsea FC in the Foreseeable Future, Says Football Insider Ben Jacobs

 Prominent football transfer expert and journalist Ben Jacobs has confirmed that Chelsea’s owners, Clearlake Capital, have no intention of selling the club in the near term.

Speaking on the latest episode of the popular *London is Blue* podcast, Jacobs delivered a clear and unambiguous update on the ownership situation at Stamford Bridge.

“Clearlake have no intention of selling Chelsea any time soon,” Jacobs stated. “They remain fully committed to the project and see themselves as long-term custodians of the club.”

The comments come amid ongoing speculation in some sections of the media about potential changes in Chelsea’s ownership structure. Jacobs’ remarks, delivered from a well-placed position within football’s information network, are likely to provide reassurance to Chelsea supporters concerned about the club’s future direction.

Clearlake Capital, led by co-founders Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, acquired Chelsea in May 2022 in a deal valued at approximately £4.25 billion. Since taking control, the consortium has invested heavily in both the playing squad and infrastructure, including significant work on the redevelopment of Stamford Bridge and a strong focus on data-driven recruitment and long-term squad building.

Jacobs further noted on the podcast that the ownership group views Chelsea as a key asset in their sports portfolio and are focused on delivering sustained on-pitch success rather than seeking an exit.

Davide Ancelotti Names Chelsea Youngster Estêvão Willian as Brazil’s Potential Surprise Package for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Davide Ancelotti, assistant coach of the Brazilian national team, has singled out 18-year-old Chelsea winger Estêvão Willian as the player who could emerge as one of the standout surprises at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In a recent interview with BBC Radio 5 Live’s *Euro Leagues* podcast, the assistant coach highlighted the depth of attacking talent available to head coach Carlo Ancelotti while pinpointing the young forward as a rising star capable of making a major impact on the global stage.

“The guy that will surprise you is someone that is not so well known,” said Davide Ancelotti. “We have a lot of attacking players. We have a lot of talent and a lot of different profiles. And if I have to give you a name, Estêvão is one of the rising talents of Brazil.”

He added: “He is a really good finisher, so he is someone that can dominate in Europe as a talent for the next years.”

Estêvão Willian, who joined Chelsea from Palmeiras in the summer of 2025, has already shown glimpses of his immense potential at both club and international level. The 18-year-old winger has impressed with his technical ability, pace, clinical finishing, and creativity, earning high praise within the Brazilian setup.

With the 2026 World Cup now just months away, the Ancelotti coaching staff continues to evaluate and integrate Brazil’s wealth of young attacking talent as they prepare for the tournament where the five-time world champions will aim to reclaim the title.

**Quote from Davide Ancelotti:**  

“We have a lot of attacking players... Estêvão is one of the rising talents of Brazil. He is a really good finisher, so he is someone that can dominate in Europe as a talent for the next years.”

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and the national team coaching staff remain focused on building a balanced and dynamic squad that blends experience with emerging youth talent ahead of the summer’s showpiece event.

Christian Pulisic’s Ex-Girlfriend Retracts Cheating Allegations, Issues Public Clarification

The former partner of ex-Chelsea fc playmaker  and AC Milan star Christian Pulisic has publicly walked back her earlier accusations of infidelity, stating that her previous comments were taken out of context and based on false information.

In a statement shared on Instagram, the woman clarified that Pulisic did not cheat on her during their relationship and explicitly rejected claims that he used the dating app Raya while they were together.

“I made certain comments about a private matter, and they were taken out of context. I received false information,” she wrote. “He is not someone who cheats. Any other version of the story did not come from me.”

The retraction comes after initial reports and social media posts in which she alleged that Pulisic had been unfaithful. Those claims had circulated widely online before she issued the corrective statement.

Pulisic, 27, has not publicly commented on the matter. The AC Milan forward and captain of the United States national team has maintained a relatively private personal life amid his high-profile career in European football.

This clarification appears to resolve the brief but public dispute, with the ex-girlfriend emphasizing that the narrative suggesting infidelity did not originate from her.

OTD: Chelsea beat Valencia to reach UCL semis

Michael Essien produced a moment of pure magic in the dying seconds as Chelsea overcame a resilient Valencia side to secure a place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

The Ghanaian midfielder's thunderous 90th-minute strike proved to be the decisive blow in a tense quarter-final second leg, ensuring the Blues advanced 3-2 on aggregate following a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Stamford Bridge.

Valencia took the lead on the night through Fernando Morientes' 32nd-minute header, which briefly threatened to swing the tie in the home side's favour. However, Chelsea responded with characteristic resolve, levelling the score on the evening – and regaining the aggregate advantage – when Andriy Shevchenko slotted home in the 52nd minute.

As the match entered its final stages, with both teams pushing for a winner, it was Essien who stole the show. Collecting the ball on the edge of the box, the dynamic midfielder unleashed a powerful angled drive that flew past Valencia goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares at his near post, sending the travelling Chelsea faithful into raptures and breaking Spanish hearts at the Mestalla.

Manager José Mourinho praised his team's resilience and mental strength after the match: "This is a great achievement. We showed character and quality tonight. Michael’s goal was fantastic – it sums up the spirit of this group of players."

Essien, who was booked late in the game, dedicated the winner to his teammates and supporters: "It was an incredible feeling to score such an important goal. The fans were brilliant, and the whole team fought until the end. We are delighted to be in the semi-finals."

Chelsea now advance to the last four of Europe's premier club competition, where they will face one of the remaining quarter-final winners.

**Match Details:**  

**Valencia:** Cañizares; Miguel, Ayala, Marchena, Del Horno; Silva, Baraja, Albelda, Joaquín; Villa, Morientes.  

**Subs not used:** Hildebrand, Moretti, Navarro, Hugo Viana, Arizmendi, Zigic, David Villa (wait, Villa started).  

**Chelsea:** Cech; Ferreira, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole; Essien, Mikel (Alex 89), Ballack; Robben (Kalou 86), Shevchenko, Drogba (Malouda).  

**Subs not used:** Cudicini, Bridge, Wright-Phillips.  

**Goals:** Morientes (32) – Valencia; Shevchenko (52), Essien (90) – Chelsea.  

**Attendance:** 55,000 (approx.).