Chelsea

Will Faulks
Fan writer

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It is common to remember where you were when major world events happen - and it is a sign of how momentous the news of Pep Guardiola coming to the Premier League was that I remember I was checking my phone between sets in a tennis match when it broke.

For Chelsea fans, the Guardiola era of dominance has coincided with their own team's decline. Just as he raised the level in the Premier League, Chelsea fell away.

Beating his Manchester City team at Etihad Stadium in his first season was one of the most memorable results in recent Chelsea history - and it was the moment Antonio Conte's team secured the title.

But despite the joy, there was a sense that day that Chelsea - while worthy winners of the Premier League - were facing an incomplete Guardiola team who would not make the same mistakes again.

That sense proved to be accurate. City have since won six titles since and Chelsea have not even seriously competed for one.

Guardiola's unparalleled effects on football as a whole are well documented, but what is less obvious is his direct influence on events at clubs around him.

In recent years, some managers at Chelsea have been sacked for failing to compete with him, while others have departed for failing to emulate him.

The briefings about incoming manager Xabi Alonso this week claim that a major factor in the decision to appoint him was that his football has a direct link to the style played by Enzo Maresca, who has shaped this current squad.

Maresca is of course one of Guardiola's disciples and a former assistant of his.

It is a reminder that the 'identity' Chelsea's sporting directors are trying to establish is a direct link back to Guardiola and his immeasurable impact on English football.

Find more from Will Faulks at Chelsea News, external

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Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light (kick-off 16:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• McFarlane said Joao Pedro and Levi Colwill both trained on Friday and were looking "promising" with a hope the pair will be "fit for Sunday."

• He added that Reece James also trained but they are "taking it day by day" and "hoping" he can feature.

• On reflections from the game against Tottenham Hotspur: "I think we were impressed in different ways at times, we knew it would be a challenge physically and mentally. We played some really nice stuff in the first half. It ended up becoming about grit and determination and defending our box, which is not really how we want to play."

• On fan support: "Stamford Bridge was great, brilliant at Wembley as well. It comes from us as well, we have to start well. If we can get the crowd like that it can become a difficult place to play at. We want to win games and trophies for the fans."

• The Blues manager said his experience of being interim manager has brought: "Great learning, great experiences, really thankful to the staff and the players. Really happy to help the club in any way I'm needed. It's always going to be a massive challenge."

• He added: "I wouldn't say it's accelerated ambitions, I've really enjoyed the challenge. It's given me perspective on what it's like to manage at this level. I'm happy with whatever position I am in next year. I'm very grateful for the trust and the opportunity and that they felt I was the right person to step in."

• Cole Palmer did not make the England squad for the World Cup and McFarlane said: "I don't want to comment on that, it's nothing to do with me. The England manger has made his decision. We have full belief in Cole Palmer. I think in life and in football, you need to take every set back as a positive."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Chelsea? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

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Former Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta has announced his retirement from football.

The 36-year-old joined Chelsea in 2012 and made 508 appearances for the club in an 11-year spell.

He won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and two Europa League titles during his time at Stamford Bridge, as well as captaining the Blues to Champions League glory in 2021 against Manchester City.

In a post on X, external, Azpilicueta said: "Dear football. Today, I want to share with you that this season will be my last as a professional footballer.

"After so many years living my dream, I feel it's time to start a new chapter in my life.

"Being honest, even though I have been preparing myself for this moment, I found it hard to write this letter. After 20 seasons, many people have played an important role in my career.

"When I first kicked a ball as a child in Pamplona with my schoolmates, I never imagined the amazing journey ahead. I'm grateful for every moment: the wins, the tough losses, the challenges, and most of all, the people I've met and the friendships I've made along the way.

"To my team-mates, coaches, and every staff member at all the clubs I've been lucky to be part of, thank you for helping me grow as a person and a player every day.

"Wearing the shirts of Osasuna, Marseille, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, and representing my country at the biggest stages has been a true privilege. Every moment has meant so much to me."

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

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Chelsea are hopeful winger Estevao Willian will be fit enough to return early in pre-season.

The 18-year-old suffered a serious hamstring tear more than a month ago in a defeat by Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

It has subsequently ruled him out of the World Cup in Brazil, but officials are hopeful Estevao will be able to play a significant part in the club's pre-season tour of Australia and Asia under new manager Xabi Alonso.

That's after positive work has been done behind the scenes with Estevao having been granted over three weeks of leave to do part of his rehabilitation in Brazil before returning to Chelsea to support his team-mates in the FA Cup final and last few league matches of the season.

Alonso is expected to have a strong squad available this summer, with a number of senior players not selected for the tournament.

Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah and uncapped Liam Delap were not included in England's squad, while Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos also missed out for Brazil.

Chelsea will play two matches in Australia before the final three fixtures in Asia.

Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad to represent England at the 2026 World Cup hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen - loan), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona - loan), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Josh King (Fulham) and Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) will also be part of the Three Lions' pre-tournament squad in Florida when they face New Zealand and Costa Rica.

The England boss added that one more player will also join his squad in Florida, but did not name the individual.

Tuchel said Bournemouth's Scott had an "outstanding" reaction to not being named in the 26-man squad.

"The commitment, the wish to be in pre-camp and just be a step closer to the team, was not even a question to him. This showed me his character and spirit. He gets a chance to take a step closer and to get a cap," added Tuchel.

Tuchel on his 26-man squad: "An exciting day for me and I think for everyone selected. From day one we were very clear that we were trying to build and select the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect 26 of the most talented players. Teams win championships – it is as simple as that.

"What we're trying to achieve in the summer can only be achieved as a team. That in mind, we chose a very balanced squad. We chose three goalkeepers, plus Jason Steele (as training goalkeeper). I want to take the opportunity, and thank Jason for being brilliant, and thank Brighton for being so cooperative.

"We chose nine defenders for four positions, we chose seven midfielders for three positions, and we chose seven strikers for three positions.

"I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100% committed players with us. Who know their role, who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch and who are ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish."

Follow reaction to Tuchel's England squad announcement here

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Chelsea still have every chance of securing European football for 2026-27 when they go head-to-head with fellow hopefuls Sunderland on the final day of the season.

Calum McFarlane's side are currently eighth in the Premier League on 52 points. If the Blues beat the Black Cats on Sunday afternoon, they will not finish lower than their current position and will seal a spot in either the Europa League or Europa Conference League next term.

If Brighton drop points against Manchester United in their final fixture, and Chelsea pick up a win, the Blues could steal seventh place and guarantee themselves Europa League football.

However, Regis le Bris' team will leapfrog Chelsea with a win and knock McFarlane's side out of European football contention altogether.

If the battle at the Stadium of Light ends in a draw, the Blues could finish eighth and qualify for the Europa Conference League, but Brentford would also have to lose or draw to Liverpool on the final day.

However, with new boss Xabi Alonso waiting in the wings, would Chelsea be better off having a season without European football commitments?

Let us know your thoughts here

Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the race for Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, but the Cherries insist the 19-year-old is not for sale. (Mail), external

Xabi Alonso's appointment as Chelsea manager could scupper Atletico Madrid's hopes of signing Marc Cucurella, with the 44-year-old keen to keep hold of the Spain defender. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external

Liam Delap is edging closer to exiting Chelsea, with Everton in pole position to sign the 23-year-old striker. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Umir Irfan
Football tactics correspondent

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Whether Xabi Alonso starts with a back four or back five, this shape is fluid. He has shapes he looks for during certain parts of the game and asks players with the appropriate skillset to move into specific positions within that shape.

For example, higher up the pitch, Alonso often looks to place five players on the last line of attack, who then take it in turn to drop deep and show for the ball. These five players can be arranged in a number of ways.

This can be with two wing-backs and three narrow attackers from a back-five formation, if the wing-backs are strong in attack.

Starting in a four-at-the-back system, it can be done with one full-back and one winger on either flank - with any combination of three midfielders or attackers playing centrally.

With Chelsea opting for a back five against Manchester City in the FA Cup final and at times under Liam Rosenior, they do possess players capable of playing either shape.

Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto have moved from full-back or wing-back positions into central attacking positions higher up the pitch under both Enzo Maresca and Rosenior, something Alonso might utilise.

The likes of Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho, although natural wingers, have also played as wing-backs.

Geovany Quenda of Sporting, set to join Chelsea this summer, is an exciting young wide player too - capable of playing as a winger and wing-back.

Alonso might opt to use him in a similar fashion to Frimpong at Leverkusen, closer to the touchline and alternating between full-back, wing-back and winger.

Read more on tactics Alonso could use with the Blues here

Chelsea are considering a move for Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba, with the 27-year-old Burkina Faso international having previously worked under incoming boss Xabi Alonso. (Teamtalk), external

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are weighing up a bid for Blues defender Marc Cucurella. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Umir Irfan
Football tactics correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso wants his sides to dominate the ball, setting up attacks in opponents' halves for long periods.

In possession, he wants his teams to focus on playing many short passes in opponents' halves.

By positioning themselves close to their team-mates, Alonso's sides cluster around the ball allowing them to press in numbers if they lose possession. This allows them to win it back quickly and continue to apply attacking pressure.

Through these small-space interactions between his players, the centre of the pitch can become crowded - but this is a deliberate quirk of Alonso's system.

From a squad-building perspective, Alonso will be looking for technical players who thrive in small spaces, allowing his team to unlock defences' stubborn low blocks.

Despite having a general attacking structure, Alonso has been seen granting players with exceptional talent creative freedom within his set-up.

Florian Wirtz, at Leverkusen, was allowed to roam across the width of the pitch, and his quality between the lines made him the perfect profile of player for Alonso's approach.

Although less suited to playing in very small spaces, there is the potential for Alonso to trust a player of Cole Palmer's quality with a more free role.

Read more on how Alonso might set his new side up here

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea have confirmed their full pre-season tour of the Asia-Pacific region, which will end with a match against Johor Darul Ta'zim at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Malaysia.

The fixture on 11 August is one of only two played by the Blues - who will be led by new manager Xabi Alonso - against local opposition in that country.

Remarkably, the Johor-based club are on a 108-game unbeaten run in the league - the joint longest in world football history.

The match will also see Alonso face his former Liverpool team-mate Luis Garcia, who is chief executive of the Malaysian side.

The tour begins in Australia against Western Sydney Wanderers.

Chelsea will then face Tottenham in Sydney before travelling to Hong Kong, where they play Juventus and AC Milan in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta.

Alonso begins work on 1 July and will be unveiled to the media shortly after.

He will then train with the available players at Cobham for a couple of weeks before leaving London on 24 July and arriving in Australia on 25 July to begin the tour.

There remains a possibility Chelsea will add another domestic friendly closer to when the 2026-27 Premier League season begins on 22 August.

Danny Murphy believes Chelsea will prosper if they recruit some experience for new manager Xabi Alonso to work with next season.

"The experience he's had at Madrid will help him massively, it didn't go as smoothly as he would have liked there," said Murphy on Match of the Day.

"He did a brilliant job at Leverkusen, he's an intelligent man.

"He's going to play the right type of football that Chelsea fans want to see, the players will enjoy working with him. It makes sense for a progressive club.

"The biggest thing for Chelsea is not actually who they appointed as manager, the biggest thing is changing tact on their transfer policy, because unless they get a bit of experience and a bit more know-how, they'll see more of the same."

Former Premier League goalkeeper Joe Hart insists that Alonso is in a position of strength when he joins his new club in July.

Hart acknowledged the mistakes the 44-year-old Spaniard made at Madrid, but says Alonso would have been assured of resources at his disposal for success in London.

"You've got to learn from your mistakes, it's only a mistake if you don't learn from it," added Hart.

"You've got to keep pushing and I'm sure Alonso is in a position of strength and when he interviewed he would have had his demands if you like - 'If you want me to come and take over this club, you have to do this, this and this if you want success.'

"I don't think he would have signed the contract if he wasn't assured of that."

Watch Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer

We asked for your views on Chelsea's 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur's on Tuesday.

Here are some of your comments:

Keith: Great result, you could see the tiredness in the lads after Saturday. Really looking forward to the new manager coming in and working with these players - some will leave and hopefully a couple of experienced players get signed up. Roll on Sunday.

Marco: It comes as no surprise that the only match where we turn up, even in the midst of the most rotten form in a long time, is against Spurs. This says more about Tottenham than Chelsea, because Chelsea certainly did their best to throw away a two-goal lead.

Nick: Fantastic result, and it just goes to show the impact a positive mindset can have on a young team like Chelsea. I really hope Enzo stays, he's a difference maker and a fighter. It may not be a popular opinion but I think he's a better leader on the pitch than Reece James.

Gary: I thought we played OK. We looked a bit jaded in patches but the fight and the spirit was back. Here's hoping for a turn around for next season under the new manager.

James: Chelsea goals were great but big improvements needed. The record over Tottenham is phenomenal. Alonso will have his work cut out.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in England forward Jarrod Bowen, 29, as rival clubs prepare to capitalise on West Ham's financial problems if they are relegated by targeting their best players. (Guardian), external

Barcelona have cooled their interest in Atletico Madrid's Argentina striker Julian Alvarez, 26, and will instead pursue a move for 24-year-old Chelsea and Brazil forward Joao Pedro. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Enzo Fernandez once again demonstrated his importance to Chelsea with the superb strike that set them on their way to a victory crucial in their quest to reach Europe.

The Argentina World Cup winner was at the centre of controversy earlier this season during the ill-fated reign of Liam Rosenior, receiving a two-game internal ban for giving an interview in which he openly questioned his long-term future at Chelsea.

If his future might have been in doubt, what is not in question is his quality and influence when fully focused.

If new manager Xabi Alonso can get Fernandez on board with the latest new era at Stamford Bridge, he will instantly have a potent weapon amid what remains a talented, if underachieving squad.

Chelsea now travel to Sunderland on the final day of the season after their first home win under interim head coach Calum McFarlane with European qualification in their sights after this deserved win.

Chelsea's interim head coach Calum McFarlane, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "The result was the most important thing. I thought we played really well.

"We were struggling with energy and intensity after Saturday. We needed to fight and stick together and I thought we did that really well.

"We haven't been able to plan because of the quick turnaround. Saturday was emotional because we were in the game. It's about switching off on the Sunday, coming in for one day to prep for Tottenham, who are fighting for their lives. We had to match them with fight, grit and determination."

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It was only 48 hours to prepare, it was difficult, especially after a final but we go again.

"We knew if we got six points in the next two games, then we would qualify for Europe. I think it was good. We knew Spurs would come with energy. Obviously, they're fighting for their lives."

On Xabi Alonso becoming new Chelsea manager: "It's good. I'm very happy and the boys are as well. It's good to see we'll have a bit of stability for the future and pre-season. I know what a great manager he is, so I can't wait to work with him."

Did you know?

• Chelsea have won their first Premier League match since March (4-1 v Aston Villa), having failed to win any of their last seven matches in the competition prior to this evening.

• Now eight games unbeaten, this is Chelsea's longest home unbeaten run in Premier League London derbies since a run of 13 between January 2013 and May 2015.

Chelsea have denied Tottenham the chance of securing Premier League survival before the final game of the season by beating them 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

It also means Chelsea remain unbeaten in their final home game of the season for 24 seasons.

How are you feeling after that performance? A good way to sign off this season at the Bridge? Or was it more important to get a result against Spurs to leave their top flight future on the brink?

Get in touch with your views here

Chelsea make four changes, with Malo Gusto and Reece James dropping to the bench, while Joao Pedro and Levi Colwill miss out entirely after starting Saturday's FA Cup final defeat by Manchester City.

Josh Acheampong, Andrey Santos, Pedro Neto and Liam Delap come in.

Interim head coach Calum McFarlane also switches to a back four for his final home game in charge.

Tottenham are unchanged for the third game in a row.

Roberto de Zerbi keeps faith in goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, despite Guglielmo Vicario returning. He replaces Brandon Austin as Kinsky's understudy on the bench.

There are two crucial games in the Premier League on Tuesday, with major implications for both the title race and the relegation battle, and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Bournemouth v Manchester City (19:30 BST) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Chelsea v Tottenham (20:15 BST) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Follow all of the action and reaction

You can also listen to today's Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Bournemouth v Man City" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Tottenham".

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds