ROMAN ABRAMOVICH has reportedly made contact with Thomas Tuchel and Max Allegri as Frank Lampard feels the heat.
The two out-of-work bosses are said to be part of a five-man shortlist the Russian has drawn up of possible new Chelsea managers.
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- Jake Lambourne
BLUE IS THE COLOUR
Ahead of Chelsea's clash against Fulham, the Blues have posted a clip of Pedro's strike against the Cottagers in 2018.
Take a look at the goal below.
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A post shared by Chelsea FC (@chelseafc)
- Jake Lambourne
FUL OF HOPE
Reece James is set to make his return for Chelsea against Fulham on Saturday.
The 21-year-old has been out of action since the Boxing Day defeat to Arsenal.
But James returned to training this week after recovering from a hamstring issue.
The four-cap England international is expected to start the match at right-back.
Thiago Silva, Kurt Zouma and Ben Chilwell are expected to make up the rest of the back four.
Frank Lampard has a fully fit squad to chose from for the trip to Craven Cottage.
Here's how the Blues could line-up…
- Jake Lambourne
EDEN FOR A FALL
Eden Hazard was forced to defend Eden Hazard once again after Real Madrid were dumped out of the Supercopa de Espana.
The Belgian produced another uninspiring performance in the 2-1 defeat by Athletic Bilbao and has scored just three goals in 18 months since signing from Chelsea in a deal that could exceed £150million.
Speaking of the ex-Chelsea star, Zisanereporters: "[Hazard] needs to recover confidence, play a great game or score a goal, just to do something different.
"We know what a great player he is and we need to be patient with him as he is working hard.
"We are behind him and we must give him time. The fans want to see the best version of Eden so we must be patient.
"We're sticking with him and he really wants to step up. But today it wasn't just Eden, we're all in this together."
- Jake Lambourne
OLIVIER TWIST
Real Madrid have reportedly identified two Premier League strikers to replace Luka Jovic who has joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan.
According to AS, Zinedine Zidane is keen to bolster his attack before the winter transfer window slams shut.
They state that Los Blancos are keen on signing Chelsea's Olivier Giroud as well as Manchester City's Sergio Aguero.
However they state their No1 target is Borussia Dortmund ace Erling Haaland – though he will be prioritised in the summer.
- Jake Lambourne
TO BE FRANK
Here is what Frank Lampard had to say in Chelsea's pre-match press conference ahead of their clash against Fulham tomorrow.
- Jake Lambourne
PLAYED ‘EM OF THE PARK
Man Utd icon Park Ji-sung has revealed his performance against Chelsea in 2011 was his best display of his career.
The midfielder won four Premier Leagues, three League Cups and a Champions League with the Red Devils.
reckons his finest hour was against Chelsea in May 2011 – a 2-1 victory which virtually sealed United’s 18th top-flight title.
In an interview with Four Four Two magazine, he said: “I believe it was my best in a United shirt – I was everywhere.
“I think it was after this game when fans started believing in what I gave the team.
“My performance that afternoon, especially in the first half, was incredible.”
- Jake Lambourne
BLUE MOON
AC Milan are reportedly closing in on the loan signing of Fikayo Tomori.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: "AC Milan director Massara always wanted Fikayo Tomori, also when he was working at AS Roma.
"Negotiations are now in advanced stage w/Chelsea to sign him on loan with buy option [and *not* obligation] around €30m (£26m). AC Milan hope to complete the deal in the coming days."
Romano then stated that the Blues are also set to offload Danny Drinkwater on loan.
He added: "While negotiations with AC Milan for Tomori are progressing, Chelsea loan out Danny Drinkwater to Kasimpasa until the end of the season."
- Jake Lambourne
BELLTING SIDE
A front three of Lionel Messi, Ronaldo and Thierry Henry would be fit to grace any all-time XI.
Especially when it has Ronaldinho and Andres Iniesta pulling the strings behind them!
Former Chelsea defender Juliano Belletti – scorer of the winner in the 2006 Champions League final for Barcelona against Arsenal – has played with some of the biggest stars to grace the game.
He told Four Four Two magazine what his Perfect XI of ex-team-mates would be.
And it would take some beating…
Take a look at his team below.
- Jake Lambourne
MONSTER HUNCH
Chelsea have joined Tottenham’s pursuit of a South Korean superstar defender nicknamed ‘The Monster’.
Spurs are reportedly revving up their interest in 6ft 3in Beijing Guoan centre-back Kim Min-jae in response to rival clubs hovering for the 24-year-old.
And the Blues are said to be racing up the queue for the 30-cap ace, who has been with his Chinese Super League club since 2018.
- Jake Lambourne
CAL ON ME
Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has spoken of his lack of game time this season as he looks to cement a place in Frank Lampard's starting XI.
He told Sky Sports: "I'm always smiling – that's the main thing. I like to smile, be positive no matter the situation.
"I'm just happy to keep trying my best, get the opportunities to play and improve every game. I'm really happy with that."
Commenting if he knows why he has been limited to mostly appearances off the bench, he added: "No – I'm trying hard in training every day, I'm giving 110 per cent in training and in games.
"No matter when the opportunity comes, I'm going to try and continue to do my best and contribute to the team – scoring and assisting. Hopefully more opportunities will come.
"When I'm on the ball, I like to create as much as possible. I like to look up early, see the open play and try to switch the ball quickly. [I like to] drive at the defence, and create opportunities for myself too."
- Jake Lambourne
WILL I NEVER
Arsenal midfielder Willian has explained why he has struggled for form at the Emirates after joining on a free transfer in August.
The 32-year-old has stated that he has found it hard adapting to a new club after leaving Chelsea having spent seven years at Stamford Bridge.
He told the club’s official matchday programme: “Well it’s never easy changing club, especially after being somewhere for so long.
“Things are different so I’m still adapting but I feel good, I have been learning a lot – a new footballing philosophy.
“Everyone is great here. I know I can improve a lot, and of course my performances on the pitch can be a lot better.”
- Jake Lambourne
TERRY'S ALL GOOD
Shaun Wane will team up with a captain, leader, legend as England look to win rugby league’s World Cup – John Terry.
And he is in no doubt that Super League this year is stronger than ever, thanks to the likes of John Bateman coming back and Greg Inglis joining.
National boss Wane has been taking part in a sporting directorship course to fill his days while the 13-a-side code is out of action.
Now Aston Villa assistant boss Terry is also studying and he will be asked to tell England’s players what it takes to succeed at the highest level, as will golfer Lee Westwood.
Wane said: “I’ve had quite a few chats with John and he’s very knowledgeable. I did a chat for Uefa coaching badge attendees and he was one of them.
“All I talked about was standards and what we did at Wigan. He loved it and we’ve kept in touch. I learn from him and him from me.
“He’ll be going up to training. He's really keen, very smart and loves our way of thinking in rugby league."
- Jake Lambourne
GO WITH THE FLO
EXCLUSIVE – Chelsea cult hero Tore Andre Flo reckons Tammy Abraham and Timo Werner could play up top TOGETHER.
Frank Lampard is facing criticism after a string of bad results have seen the Blues slip from Premier League title contention all the way down to ninth.
Speaking of Werner and Abraham ahead of the club's clash against Fulham on Saturday, Flo told Bookmakers.co.uk: "I think they can work together.
"I don’t think they’ve quite found the right rhythm to maximise a partnership just yet, but I think they can do – there’s more to come.
"As a striker you need goals and finally Werner found the net again and hopefully that can instill confidence and he’ll continue to score.
"He’s more than capable of doing well in the league, it’s just about getting a few goals and getting that confidence up."
- Jake Lambourne
DON'T BANK ON IT
Premier League sides have reportedly accepted that pre-season tours around the world won't happen this summer due to coronavirus.
It will be the second summer in a row that the money-spinners are shelved as the pandemic rages on.
MailOnline reports that 'tours are already off the agenda', with there even being concerns around trips within the UK.
The government is rolling out a huge vaccination programme with it hoped that by mid-July 'huge numbers of the UK population will be vaccinated'.
But there are still worries that travel restrictions will remain in place.
Premier League clubs are set to miss out on millions in merchandise and TV deals from games around the globe.
And Mailonline adds that they could be hit with 'penalty payments' for being unable to honour deals with sponsors.
- Marc Mayo
MORNING, CHELSEA FANS
Boss Frank Lampard has backed stuttering striker Timo Werner and fringe defender Fikayo Tomori as Chelsea bid to reverse their alarming slump.
Lampard claims Germany superstar Werner just needs time to adapt to the Blues' system before he matches his RB Leipzig form.
He said: “The more he works with his teammates, the more he works with the Premier League, he needs time to feel how the team players.
“Timo hasn’t had that opportunity. Everybody has to be patient with the idea that we will maximise Timo’s talent in this team.”
Meanwhile, one-cap England star Tomori, 23, is tipped to be loaned out this month, with Newcastle keen. But Lampard said: “He absolutely has a long-term future… if he goes out it will be to enhance his personal development."
Chelsea have joined Tottenham’s pursuit of a South Korean superstar defender nicknamed ‘The Monster’ – Beijing Guoan centre-back Kim Min-jae.
But Lampard's immediate priority is reversing a run of four points from six games – starting at home to Fulham on Saturday night.
- Ian Tuckey
LAMP STILL BRIGHT
Tariq Lamptey is on the brink of signing a bumper new long-term Brighton contract.
Lamptey, 20, will net a big pay hike from the £14,000-a-week deal he agreed when joining from Chelsea for an initial £4m this time last year.
Ex-Chelsea defender Tariq Lamptey could still be targeted by Arsenal The rampaging right-back has been Brighton’s standout player this season with a string of eye-catching displays.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is understood to be a huge fan as he looks to overhaul his squad.
German giants Bayern Munich are also watching him closely.
So Amex chiefs are keen to get Lamptey — currently crocked — to extend a deal that runs out in summer 2023.
Arsenal are reportedly ready to make a move if they lose Hector Bellerin to Barcelona.
And with the Gunners enduring a torrid first half of the season, it would be no surprise if Arteta shakes things up this month.
- Ian Tuckey
HUGGING IS BUGGING FOOTBALL CHIEFS
Prem stars have been ordered to PRACTISE socially-distanced goal celebrations in training.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard will today warn his squad to cut out the hugging.
And Manchester United ace Paul Pogba says players will ‘find another way to celebrate’ to comply with the strict new Covid rules.
Club captains and managers had meetings with PL chiefs on Thursday amid alarm over players ignoring social distancing when celebrating goals.
And the Premier League, FA and EFL have now released a joint statement warning football to ‘set the right example to the public on and off the pitch’ in helping tackle the pandemic.
West Brom boss Sam Allardyce wants MPs to stay out of football and focus instead on rolling out life-saving vaccines.
But in the ‘hugging summit’ meetings, clubs were told to toe the line – or risk the Government locking down football.
- Ian Tuckey
TARIQ TIPPED FOR NEW DEAL
Ex-Chelsea wing-back Tariq Lamptey is tipped to land a lucrative new Brighton deal – despite interest from Arsenal.
The England Under-21 star, 20, has so far been rewarded for his decision to quit Stamford Bridge last January for regular action with the Seagulls.
And in return he could reward the Premier League strugglers for giving him that chance by staying – at least for now.
- Ian Tuckey
BRUSHING UP ON BLUES' HISTORY
- Ian Tuckey
FIK'S CAN BE LONG-TERM ANSWER
Frank Lampard insists Fikayo Tomori can eventually become a first-choice Chelsea defender.
The once-capped England star, 23, is tipped to be loaned out this month, with Newcastle keen.
Centre-back Fikayo Tomori is likely to be loaned out but Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says he still has a 'long-term future' at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty Images – Getty But Chelsea boss Lampard said: "He absolutely has a long-term future.
"We will see if and when he goes out on loan… if he goes out it will be to enhance his personal development.
"Hopefully help the team he goes to, and come back as a better player."
- Ian Tuckey
FRONT OF THE GUE
Swansea loanee Marc Guehi could finally be handed a Chelsea first-team chance next season, reports say.
The England Under-21 defender has looked a class act in the Championship this term.
The 20-year-old has been with the Swans on loan since January last year.
But the suggestion is Chelsea have been so impressed that they will promote him to their senior squad over the summer, rather than send him out for more senior experience.
- Ian Tuckey
LAMPS BACKS WERNER
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard claims summer buy Timo Werner will soon be showing his RB Leipzig striking form.
The German has not enjoyed the best start to life in West London but Lampard believes patience is key.
He said: “The more he works with his teammates, the more he works with the Premier League, he needs time to feel how the team players.
“Timo hasn’t had that opportunity.
“Everybody has to be patient with the idea that we will maximise Timo’s talent in this team.”
- Ian Tuckey
GIVE LAMPS TIME TO GET IT FLO-ING
Former Chelsea striker Tore Andre Flo is urging club owner Roman Abramovich to give under-fire boss Frank Lampard more time.
Frank Lampard is under pressure after hitting a sticky patch in his second season as Chelsea managerCredit: Reuters The Blues have picked up just four points in their last six Premier League games, dropping to ninth.
Flo said: “It’s been up and down, but it’s such a strange season – we’ve seen many clubs doing really well and then suddenly fall, and vice versa.
“Chelsea are no different and I really hope that Frank gets the whole season to prove himself and stay on to build what I think can be a very good team.
“I think the aim should be to get a Champions League place for next season, so a top-four finish would be a success.
“They could also go far in the Champions League as well which would be really important for the club and also for the fans.
"A run in Europe could really show that the club is on its way back to former glories.”
- Ian Tuckey
'FRANK MUST FIND ANSWERS QUICKLY'
Ex-Blues defender William Gallas told PlayOJO: "I am a little bit disappointed because I thought Chelsea could compete with Liverpool to win the Premier League.
"But after the last few games I was disappointed, as Chelsea didn’t show the character to win against the big clubs.
"I’m also disappointed because when you see the Chelsea squad, it’s one of the best and it's really difficult to understand what’s going on.
"When you spend almost £250m on players, that means you want to win the Premier League.
"But at the moment Chelsea’s position isn’t good. They’re not performing against the big clubs.
"The pressure is on Frank and he needs to find a solution very quickly. As we know, when you are the manager of Chelsea you can be sacked very quickly… he has to find the right system."
- Ian Tuckey
GALL TO PLAY FOR
Frank Lampard is in danger of being sacked by Chelsea, with their squad more than capable of challenging for the Premier League, according to club legend William Gallas.
The Blues spent a whopping £228.7million overhauling their squad in the summer having finished fourth last season.
Lampard brought in the likes of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell and Hakim Ziyech in a bumper window.
But after 17 games, Chelsea are down in ninth place, ten points adrift of the league leaders.
With Lampard clearly struggling to fit his best players into one team, Gallas has revealed he fears for his former team-mate's job.
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