Chelsea

Graham Potter with Chelsea players. Chelsea played Salzburg to a Champions League draw in Potter's first match as manager. IMAGO/PA Images.

That Boehly could think such a scheme was worth mentioning reveals that he sees the game as being primarily about individuals, which perhaps explains why he was so keen to sign Cristiano Ronaldo (and Anthony Gordon and Roméo Lavia) even when they would have been such a poor fit for Tuchel’s system. But what is probably of greater to concern to Potter is what it says about how Boehly regards football and how little he understands it. It’s impractical to the point of unworkability, and the idea that it could generate $200 million for the pyramid laughable (there actually has been a one-off showpiece friendly in English football to raise revenue for charity since 1908, the Community Shield, which is tolerated rather than loved. That’s why international football looks so different to club football; national managers simply don’t have the time to drill their players in complex systems of pressing or sophisticated attacking patterns that we’re used to seeing at the club level. [abnormal week for the English game](https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/09/12/matches-resume-premier-league-unconfirmed-queen-elizabeth-death) following Queen Elizabeth II’s death—but his side suffered the same issue as Tuchel’s often had, which was to enjoy a level of domination of midfield without much in the way of penetration in the final third. But what drew the most publicity was his idea of

Chelsea transfer target Rafael Leao is willing to sign a new deal with AC Milan, according to the latest reports. The Portuguese star attracted interest in ...

Chelsea transfer target Rafael Leao is willing to sign a new deal with AC Milan, according to the latest reports. Rafa knows that to become stronger than now the solution is to stay with us. [now sacked head coach Thomas Tuchel looked to reunite with his former playe](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/pierre-aubameyang-thomas-tuchel-chelsea-25021860)r, but given the Gabonese striker's age (33), he's a stop-gap solution and the club will need to replace him further down the line. [Get Italian Football News](https://www.getfootballnewsitaly.com/2022/rafael-leao-happy-to-sign-milan-deal-despite-chelsea-interest/), Leao is currently willing to sign a new deal with the Rossoneri, despite Chelsea’s attempts to sign him late in the summer. As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Chelsea’s officially written offer did not arrive but on an informal level it did.

The AC Milan winger is garnering interest from two of England's biggest clubs.

We want to do great things with Rafa Leão in our project." “He [Leão] knows that staying here is the best way to improve. [Graham Potter Shares His Emotions Following The Queen's Passing](https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/match-coverage/graham-potter-shares-his-emotions-following-the-queens-passing) [Chelsea And Arsenal Legend Emmanuel Petit Speaks On The Blues' Recent Struggles](https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/news/chelsea-arsenal-legend-emmanuel-petit-speaks-on-the-blues-recent-struggles) [W](https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/match-coverage/why-chelsea-vs-liverpool-at-stamford-bridge-has-been-postponed) [hy Chelsea Vs Liverpool At Stamford Bridge Has Been Postponed](https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/match-coverage/why-chelsea-vs-liverpool-at-stamford-bridge-has-been-postponed) [Report: Todd Boehly 'Impressed' By Christoph Freund's Red Bull Model](https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/news/report-todd-boehly-impressed-by-christoph-freunds-red-bull-model) [Report: Chelsea Having Talks With Christoph Freun](https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/news/report-chelsea-having-talks-with-christoph-freund) [d](https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/news/report-chelsea-having-talks-with-christoph-freund) ['We Just Didn't Have A Shared Vision For The Future' - Todd Boehly On Thomas Tuchel's Sacking](https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/news/we-just-didnt-have-a-shared-vision-for-the-future-todd-boehly-on-thomas-tuchels-sacking) ['We Want To Entertain' - Graham Potter Prepares To Win Back The Fans](https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/match-coverage/we-want-to-entertain-graham-potter-prepares-to-win-back-the-fans) [Paolo Maldini](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/paolo-maldini/profil/trainer/40508) responded to the speculation: “Chelsea hadn’t sent any official bid for Leão — but they made a verbal proposal… [Transfer Markt's POTS](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/rafael-leao/erfolge/spieler/357164) across the entire Italian league by the website's users. [Rafael Leão](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/rafael-leao/profil/spieler/357164) has earned the respect of all of the Serie A sides as the 23-year-old continues to take Italy by storm since joining AC Milan in 2019.

Chelsea boos for Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech against FC Salzburg send a warning to underperforming players.

[The draw](https://www.sportbible.com/absolute-chelsea/chelsea-salzburg-match-report-champions-league-20220914) leaves [Chelsea](https://www.sportbible.com/absolute-chelsea) bottom of Group E in the [Champions League](https://www.sportbible.com/champions-league), having lost their previous game to Dinamo Zagreb. [Graham Potter](https://www.sportbible.com/graham-potter), who was in charge of his first game as the new Chelsea boss, [spoke](https://www.sportbible.com/absolute-chelsea/graham-potter-chelsea-champions-league-knockouts-prediction-20220915) on the result after the game: "We're frustrated with just the one point. [Raheem Sterling](https://www.sportbible.com/raheem-sterling) had opened the scoring with his curled finish from the edge of the box, only for Noah Okafor to equalise late on in the second half. Given Chelsea’s mixed start to the season, there is a case that many of the players would like to think that they have a fresh chance to impress. We're disappointed with one point." As a result, the Blues now have a huge mountain to climb if they are to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

RAFAEL LEAO has been linked with a potential move to Chelsea over the last few months.

The Italian giants made it clear to Chelsea over the summer that Leao would not be allowed to leave at a reduced price and they are not expected to alter their stance before the transfer window reopens in January. "In the summer, Chelsea sent us an offer, albeit unwritten, for Leao and we turned it down. Milan will also need to pay the remaining compensation which has come about due to Leao's ongoing legal case with former club Sporting, with the player having terminated his deal with the Portuguese outfit back in 2018 after an incident at the training ground involving an attack from ultras. Talks are currently progressing well but there is still believed to be a gap between Milan's offer and the player's demands, with his agent Jorge Mendes having requested a £6m signing-on fee to seal the deal. Chelsea eventually backed off after it became clear that Leao would not be allowed to leave for less than the value of his release clause, which reportedly stands at around £130million. The Blues were said to have identified Leao as a target over the summer after he helped Milan to win last season's Serie A title with an impressive tally of 11 league goals.

The final result of Graham Potter's first game in charge of Chelsea was a 1-1 draw with RB Salzburg but what was quickly clear was that he has wasted little ...

In the case of Koulibaly and Fofana, it is just one game though. How Sterling was used allowed him to get on the ball on a number of occasions and drive at his defender, especially in the first half. Potter cut a much calmer, understated and measured figure on the sidelines. We changed a couple of things in the line-up and the structure. The Stamford Bridge press box is a prime viewing spot for some manager watching and Potter carries himself very differently to Tuchel. Aubameyang said: 'He [Potter] is a really positive person and a great character. Potter was happy to make full use of the five subs too. There were times when one wrong move could have left them, and Silva in particular, exposed but for most of the game they avoided trouble. Aubameyang said: 'His ideas are very clear so I think it's going to be easy. 'So we have to adjust to that. Less pedestrian, less sideways passing, more proactive, speed, intensity and forward passing. But we saw positive things.

Raheem Sterling is in a very specific group of players to have played Champions League matches for three different English teams. His goal for Chelsea ...

If Sterling sees out his Chelsea contract and gets them through the group stages and beyond every season, that it is feasible for him to challenge Lampard's goalscoring record in the competition too. With just one point from two matches and back-to-back games against AC Milan to come, Chelsea are in a tight spot. [ first looks indicate he will be used differently under the new man, Sterling is going about his work in the only way that he knows](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/fixtures-results/potter-sterling-guardiola-cucurella-chelsea-25021099). The level that Sterling has now reached is shown by a remarkable stat following his strike at Stamford Bridge against Salzburg. As a player with, so far, immense longevity - 326 Premier League appearances in 11 years - Sterling has gone on to put up numbers that are in the conversation alongside true greats of the game. Thomas Tuchel may have been a key advocate for Sterling, but just like the other new signings, Todd Boehly gave the green light and backed the 27-year-old to thrive over a five-year deal.

Chelsea's interest in Rafael Leao has been confirmed by Milan chief Paolo Maldini, who also shared an update on the player's contract situation.

This prompted Chelsea to enquire about him as the Blues were looking for attacking reinforcements following Romelu Lukaku's return to Inter on loan, but they eventually opted to bring in [Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/aubameyang-hoping-for-better-days-at-chelsea-after-shock-of/blte6b70d285e1ea6b8). The Rossoneri sporting director has revealed that Chelsea approached Milan in the summer window to sign Leao, who reportedly has a €150 million (£129m/$150m) buyout clause. Maldini says their advances were quickly spurned but also confirmed that Milan are struggling to tie the Portuguese forward down to an extension, with his current contract at San Siro set to expire in 2024.

The Gabon international forward admitted he was saddened by the news of the German manager's sacking, adding that he intends to talk to his former coach 'as ...

'I think it’s a bit of sadness at the moment, hopefully we’ll get back to better days soon. 'This is a club where I felt at home, both professionally and personally. I will try to talk to him as soon as possible. The two also linked up at Borussia Dortmund from 2015 to 2017. 'I think he was a bit frustrated and sad, obviously. Obviously, I just saw him for a few days.

Wesley Fofana and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are both going on international duty next week and that could be good news for Graham Potter and Chelsea.

As frustrating as international breaks are for the die-hard club supporters, this one really could be beneficial to Chelsea and Potter. With Loftus-Cheek staying at Cobham, too, it could be an opportunity to use the English pair together in the centre of midfield. Common sense would suggest he will be used on the right-hand side of a back trio, but his ability to play in the middle as well begs a different question. Potter's task is to try and find a way he can be found by his team-mates and how Chelsea can properly utilise his talents. Over the next two weeks, Potter will be working intensely with Fofana and the other squad members, where he can really get a feel of their strengths and weaknesses. He was used in the double pivot when Thomas Tuchel was in charge, something that really didn't suit the Cobham graduate. It will be a big period for Fofana, who will look to win over Potter at Cobham. For these players, they will get to work even closer with Potter and his backroom staff at Cobham while the others are around the world. The 21-year-old central defender has been impressive in his four appearances for Chelsea so far. Next week, the majority of the Chelsea squad will jet off to represent their respective countries in the last international break before this year's FIFA World Cup. Aubameyang announced in May that he will retire from international football with Gabon. Despite six days seeming like a while, it would not have felt like that for Potter.

The overblown outrage to a mere suggestion was the least interesting part of Todd Boehly's interview.

He spoke about the expertise he wants to put in place at the club, the importance of the academy and the potential for owning multiple clubs, albeit a controversial topic. Boehly merely suggesting the idea of a hypothetical game that likely will never happen, is at worst misguided. Whether you think the 'All-star' format is a woeful idea is kind of not the point. Particularly when you realise that out of everything Boehly said, that suggestion was actually the least substantive point. How about the UEFA Nations League, still being played in a ridiculously congested year where a winter World Cup is the sandwich filling in between two slices of domestic football. Chelsea's transfer business was perceived to be the brainchild of Boehly, arriving and going mad like 'a kid in a sweet shop' as one report described. That picture of humour at the expense of an outsider feels pretty representative of some of the responses to The reaction that an all-star game would undermine the integrity of the entire sport is pretty funny, because of course, we currently have no games on the current calendar that lack significance of competitive integrity. Or the out-of-touch outsider, who doesn't "get it" or can be mocked for his accent and attempted Americanization of the sport. "It feels like you are standing in front of all the coolest kids in school" Ker explains in a voiceover. You could do a North vs South all-star game from the Premier League to fund the pyramid very easily." [Gary Neville](https://www.football.london/all-about/gary-neville) referred to his actions as interim sporting director over the summer, a line that has tediously stuck.

Recent reports have discussed the desire of owner Todd Boehly to turn Chelsea into a multi-club model and they are now looking into options in Brazil.

Owning clubs in multiple countries will allow Chelsea to take their pick of many talented players as well as provide them with the opportunity of loaning their own youth players to multiple different leagues. This shift in focus will signal the end of the 'loan army' that fans have become accustomed to under previous owner Roman Abramovich. [Nizaar Kinsella](https://twitter.com/NizaarKinsella?s=20&t=RJ4qxpAOoyQIAnuXn0jAKQ), Boehly has begun [to sound out](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-santos-boehly-clearlake-b1025808.html?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1663273178) clubs in Brazil that may be up for sale. It seems that new owner Todd Boehly is determined to completely reshape the look of Chelsea Football Club. Following the rejection of Santos, the Blues will reportedly reach out to smaller clubs in Brazil in the hopes of enticing one. He is seemingly interested in creating a model similar to the Red Bull club setup with Chelsea as the centerpiece of this potential multi-club model.

Cesar Azpilicueta has told his Chelsea teammates to be at their 'best level' if they want to progress into the Champions League knockout stages.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hopes that “better days” lie ahead for him and Chelsea following the shock sacking of Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.

Obviously, I think it’s a bit strange for everybody, not only for me, but as I said, this is football, you have to adapt.” When you play football you have to adapt very quickly to some moments in the season, this can happen. Aubameyang was signed by Tuchel from Barcelona, and previously worked with him at Borussia Dortmund, and admits that events off the field have not been making life easy for him back in London.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has hailed Graham Potter after he succeeded Thomas Tuchel as Chelsea's head coach and is looking forward to working under him.

A week is a long time in football and while Chelsea have a new head coach in the form of Graham Potter, it does not feel too long ago that Thomas Tuchel was ...

Regardless, Potter has the benefit of offering every player a new start, and for Pulisic anad Ziyech, who have a World Cup to prepare for, they must take it, regardless of where they currently sit in the 47-year-old's plans. The Moroccan can have an impact, but he must take any opportunity to be successful and be encouraged to do so. In Potter's first game in charge, they were once again confined to their bench before being allowed a short cameo at the end of the game. The end of the transfer window means the duo are committed to the club until January and after the World Cup this winter. We have players that have left and I think at the moment that's obvious." In a sense their season started again.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was brough to Stamford Bridge under the helm of Thomas Tuchel. His former Borussia Dortmund boss though was sacked just one week ...

It's been a crazy week for all of us, that's part of life, we have to adapt. Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has revealed that Tuchel's departure left Aubameyang in shock at the amount of changes at Chelsea following his arrival at the start of the month. Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga reveals Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was left in 'SHOCK' by Thomas Tuchel's exit just days after he reunited with the German at Stamford Bridge

Many Blues fans had a real emotional connection to Thomas Tuchel and that will not ever change. He felt like one of us and the decision to sack him was greeted ...

Aubameyang says: “I think he’s a person who’s really positive, he’s a great character so we will try to learn with him, to win as soon as possible. If Pierre Emerick Aubameyang can look forward and think positive, then I think we all can. However, the change was made, and Graham Potter came in.

CHELSEA owner Todd Boehly recently proposed the idea of a North vs South All-Star game in the Premier League.

In the MLB All-Star game this year we made 200 million dollars from a Monday and a Tuesday. All-Star matches are commonplace in American sport and particularly in baseball, basketball and football, with a select group of the best players in the MLS facing off against an invited team on an annual basis. The suggestion of a North vs South match has already been laughed off by a handful of prominent figures in the Premier League, with Jurgen Klopp poking fun at the idea when asked about Boehly's comments on Tuesday.

The 2022-23 European soccer season is a particularly relentless ride, thanks to the World Cup, and big teams that have started slowly in league play now have ...

[Ferran Jutgla](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/279904/Ferran-Jutglà) opened the scoring by drawing and converting a penalty, then set up a charging [Kamal Sowah](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/272358/Kamal-Sowah) with a falling assist to make it 2-0 quickly after halftime. [Arkadiusz Milik](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/179359/Arkadiusz-Milik) header, but Benfica proceeded to dominate the next 70 minutes or so and took home a 2-1 win. It's a rush, and Club Brugge are the best purveyors of this chaos at the moment. This wasn't a dominant showing by any means (Leverkusen attempted 14 shots worth 1.1 xG to Brugge's nine shots and 0.5 xG), but this is a very mature team -- nearly half of Bruges' Champions League minutes thus far have gone to players aged 28 or older -- and they saw out the win. It's not exactly rocket science to note that the teams doing well in one competition are doing well in another (and the ones that aren't, aren't), but it sure does kill some of our narrative urges. PSG (95% to advance at the start) was the obvious heavyweight, and It probably isn't a surprise that two Portuguese teams (Sporting and Benfica) have positioned themselves to take advantage or that Ajax and Salzburg, who have done damage in recent Champions League tournaments, are in position to do so again. [Barcelona](/soccer/team?id=83) nor Inter dropped points to [Viktoria Plzen](/soccer/team?id=11706), and Bayern beat Barca in Munich on Tuesday. Two eventually easy wins for Real Madrid -- 3-0 over Celtic (with all goals in the last 35 minutes) and 2-0 over RBL (both goals in the last 10) -- mean they will almost certainly advance with ease. When you've got a Big Scary Group situation -- especially one with three demonstrably good teams and one that is pretty far back from the others -- your goals are pretty simple to describe (and difficult to accomplish): win at home against the other heavyweights and don't drop any points to the minnow. All three of their goals in Frankfurt came in the 65th minute or later, and both of their goals against Spurs were in the 90th or later. We started out with Spurs at 73% to advance and the other three teams all between 37% and 53%, but every match has caused a lurch of some sort.