Chelsea FC - Winning Winning Winning .... hopefully.

[minifletch]

Chelsea FC - Winning Winning Winning
2012 - 2013

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"Jose" to Chelsea

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In an incredible turn of event former Chelsea manager and "the special one" has sensationally returned to Stamford bridge after manager Roberto di Matteo was told his duties were no longer needs. Di Matteo had won the Champions League last year however finishing 5th in the league has lead to him leaving the club and the team will only play in the Champions League due to winning it last season. Jose now returns to Chelsea regarded as one of the best managers of modern day football and won the Premier League twice with Chelsea in his previous reign.

He will be hoping to do the same as he adopts a team full of stars including John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole who he managed before as well as new signings to the team Oscar, Eden Hazard and Cesar Azpilicueta. Chelsea chairman Roman Abramovich stated that the appointment of Jose Mourinho was a "bold move" and "could lead this strong Chelsea team to dominance of World football."

New Manager Jose Mourinho had this to say about been appointed Chelsea boss for a second time "It's absolutely great to be back, Chelsea are a club really close to my heart and since I left have always been waiting for a chance to return. I have unfinished business at Chelsea, we could win so much together and that is our aim. The team that is here already is full of quality and with the right transfers we will be perfectly set up for the new season ahead and we can achieve anything we want."

Mourinho also spoke positively about the current contract situations of Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard "Many have asked when the contract of Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard will be sorted out but I cannot say at this moment and we will see how their performances develop over the season and then we will make a decision on their contracts."

​Uncertain Futures for the Experienced Chelsea Pair."
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[amc67x]

finally a story with a cracking layout.

 

[Hannah]

Amazing lay out mate, great start. i'm following

 

[minifletch]

Chelsea FC - Winning Winning Winning
2012 - 2013

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Leeds Swoop for Clifford

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Leeds United have signed up the service of Chelsea midfielder Billy Cilfford on loan for the season, as the young player looks to gain some important first team action. The young Chelsea player has played a big part in the reserves however is yet to make a first team appearance for any team however the loan spell is likely to give Clifford a chance to impress manager Jose Mourinho. Clifford was born in Slough, who is only 19 years old, is know for his incredible pace however it is clear to see from reserve team action that Clifford needs to work on his technical side of his game to press towards the first team.

“Billy is still a young player and has the ability to be a really good player and this is his chance to go out to Leeds United, who are a really good club and get some valuable first team action. The deal benefited both parties and Leeds will pay 100% of Billy's wages whilst on loan for the season.”pointed out manager Jose Mourinho.

When asked about signing Mourinho played his card close to his chest "I am looking it a number of players however I cannot release who these players are because we are still in early discussions with the clubs so it would be unfair to do so. However we are pressing on with a number of deals and hopefully we will have concluded at least one deal before the end of next week. We know the areas where we need to strengthen and these will give the team the extra strength in depth needed"

 

[mekitozito]

Looks very interesting though I have one question: wasn't Mourinho "the special one",instead of the chosen one?

 

[minifletch]

Chelsea FC - Winning Winning Winning
2012 - 2013

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Chelsea agree Ronaldinho deal.

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Chelsea have agreed a pre-contract for ex-Barcelona legend Ronaldinho who's contract is due to run out at the on the 1st January. Ronaldinho has agree a contract worth around £50,000 a week mark and is set to last for two years. The Athletico Miniero playmaker has fallen from graze since his impressive second season with AC Milan however there is not doubt of his quality and has been turning in impressive performances in Brazil has given Chelsea confidence that he will be able to provide the good in the Premiership despite been 32 years old. This season Ronaldinho has struggled just assisting one goal in his last twelve games without been able to hit the target either.

"Chelsea, what a club and to have the chance of joining a team like that at the age of 32 is what every footballer wants. Moving to the Premier League has always been an option that I have wanted to take however the chance hasn't been there in the past or better opportunities were seen elsewhere but I am here now so this really is a dream for me and to work with a manager like Jose (Mourinho) is amazing. Jose's a great coach and really can lead this team to glory .... again. I can't wait to link up with my new team mates however I have to finish the end of the Brazilian League first and that will be my main focus."

Jose Mourninho suggest Ronaldinho would be one of the best players to grace the Stamford Bridge stadium "What a player Roni is, he is a true professional and has had so many years of top quality football at Barca and Milan. To get the chance to work with him is brilliant and I am glad when I offer him the chance to join at the end of his contract he jumped at it. However he wont join until January so we will have to wait til then to see him trot his stuff in London"

When asked about other transfers Mourinho revealed one player would be leaving in the coming day "We have accepted a bid for one of our players, but we are still looking to add numbers to our squad. The offer for the player was too good to turn down and given his status in the team we believe we can let him go. I cannot reveal the player who is in question yet because the move is not 100% complete but I'm sure the deal will be sealed in the next few days."

 

[messithegreatest]

Defo following mate, I am a Chelsea fan so I am interested in how you are going to do with them.

 

[minifletch]

Chelsea FC - Winning Winning Winning
2012 - 2013

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Experienced Duo Shipped Out.

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Experienced duo Paulo Ferreira (33) and Florent Malouda (32) have left the club after been deemed surplus to requirement and placed on the transfer list. Portuguese right-back Paulo Ferreira has agreed a £1,000,000 move to Scottish champions Celtic whilst French winger Florent Malouda moved back to his homeland with Olympique de Marseille in his move which is thought to be worth around the £1,500,000 mark. Both players were on high wages at Stamford Bridge and they were glad to get the players off the wage bill given the lack of game time they were playing between them and their advancing years meaning there abilities were now on the decline.

Ferreira joined Chelsea for £13,000,000 and was bought by new manager Jose Mourinho from his former club FC Porto, the defender has gone on to make 207 appearances for the London club and has also played for his country 62 times. Malouda was also brought in by manager Jose Mourinho for a undisclosed fee known to be around £13,750,000 and has also been influential for his country making 80 appearances and scoring 9 goals. Malouda's Chelsea form was however very patchy he had two very impressive seasons between 2009-2011 seeing him grab 29 goals, overall in his Chelsea career Malouda played 220 games managing a decent 45 goals.

On his move back to his homeland Malouda had this to say "I am glad that Jose Mourinho has found a move for me because I knew it would be extremely hard getting back into the Chelsea team after a few tough season so a move was probably the best option for me. I've enjoyed most of my time at Chelsea however it has been quite stressful having to train with the development squad most of last year. Jose brought me into the club in 2007 so it was nice to reunite with him however I'm leaving now to different pastures and I would like to thank Chelsea for everything that have done for me."

A Chelsea fan club spokesman had mixed views about the sales of the experienced pair "I like Malouda he has been a really good player for us but something tells me that his attitude wasn't quite right for us at the end of his time here and a move was probably the best idea for him. Paulo (Ferreira) is a real favorite of mine and he has turned in many classy performances in his time here so to see him move is a bit disappointing however he would now be 3rd choice right back so it was probably his decision to move to get more first team action."

 

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Chelsea FC - Winning Winning Winning
2012 - 2013

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Luke a Shaw Good Deal

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Exciting left back Luke Shaw has made a £3,000,000 transfer from newly promoted Southampton to European Champions Chelsea. The young left back has only made one appearance for Southampton, a cup game, however has impressed many different managers with his mature head and brilliant defensive and attacking play. The 17 year old has signed a three year deal with the London club and is thought to be worth around the £3,500 mark but is expected to rise depending on club and international appearances. Luke has been touted my the media as the next Ashley Cole and now the transfer means that these to players will be able to link up in training and Luke will be looking to Ashley to help him progress his game.

Luke was delighted about signing for Chelsea "What an opportunity for me to really prove myself with one of the biggest teams in the world and to be in the same team as Frank Lampard, John Terry and even more so Ashley Cole is a real honor an I hope that I can take my game to the next level and reach the ability of these players. I have the potential to do that but I need to keep my head down and work hard in training and hopefully that will impress manager Jose Mourinho into giving me a start in the first team. I am willing to wait my turn though because Ashley is still a quality player and Chelsea also have Ryan Bertrand who is still young so it could be a long process getting into the first team but it will be worth the wait."

"Three million for the next best left back in the world, what a deal" said manager Jose Mourinho. "I had identified Luke as one of my main targets because I believe that in the future he will become a really good player and a international player. He is still only 17 so we are looking to the future with this deal however he may get chance to prove himself in cup games. We have two quality left backs in the team however Ashley's contract is up in the summer and we haven't decided whether we will extend his contract so it was important for us to bring in another player in this area."

 

[minifletch]

Chelsea FC - Winning Winning Winning
2012 - 2013

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John Obi set for German Adventure.

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This morning Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has let defensive midfielder John Obi Mikel leave the club after six successful seasons with the club. Obi Mikel has agreed at three year contract with German side Schalke in a deal that cost the in the region of around £16,000,000. Mikel has played a very impressive 239 games for Chelsea and has played a big part in protecting the back line however Jose Mourinho clearly believes that the 25 year old Nigerians time is up at the club and is now not needed. Reports are suggesting that the reason John Obi Mikel has been let leave is after a bust up in the training room about wanting to play a defensive midfielder and the relationship has deteriorated in the past few days before the transfer.

Mikel had this to say on his move away from Stamford Bridge "I'm really sad to be leaving Chelsea because the club mean a lot to me and we have had many good memories over the last six years however given the situation I feel it is impossible to stay here and a move is the best option. Schalke are a huge club and I hope I have a successful stay with them as I have with Chelsea. The events since Jose Mourinho have joined the club have escalated quite dramatically in a short space of time and it is best for me to leave. Goodbye Chelsea and thanks for the great memories."

Mourinho however denies reports that the relationship had become to bad to bear "We had words yes however the situations is not as bad as the papers are suggesting. I sat down with Mikel and told him that given the formation and way we are playing it could be hard for him to play in his favored position and that he may have to adapt to fit into the system. He was unwilling to do so and asked me to find a new club for him and that is what we did. £16,000,000 is big money for a player of Mikel's quality so I am happy that we have been able to agree this deal and we will start work on looking for a new replacement for him."

Mikel is sad to be leaving Chelsea.​

 

[minifletch]

Chelsea FC - Winning Winning Winning
2012 - 2013

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Chelsea snap up Fluminense Ace

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Chelsea have secured the services of young right back Wallace Oliveira dos Santos, more commonly know as just Wallace. The young Brazilian defender has joined Chelsea for a fee thought to be around the £4,400,000 mark which some believe was the players buy-out clause. Wallace is set for an amazing future and many are tipping the 18 year old to become a full Brazilian international in the future. Signing a four year deal thought to be worth around £4,500 a week the Brazilian joins up with international team mater Lucas Piazon who join the London side last season. Wallace has appear in just 15 games for Fluminense making most of the appearances this season however he has shown many qualities including defensive and attacking ability to give Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho the belief to splash just over £4,000,000 on the player.

Mourinho was happy with the singing of Wallace "Wallace joins as a young player who has the chance to make a real impact on the team if he put in some strong training performances. He has all the attributes to become a world class wing-back in the future however the deal mostly has the next few years in mind for him to develop. My scouts have been looking at him since my time at Real Madrid and I am very happy that I have been able to snap him up for my Chelsea team. We are still looking at bringing in maybe one or two more deals but these are still some way of been completed. We are playing the waiting game with one deal and will not be held to ransomed with the fee, so we will have to see."

Wallace was also please with the move "What a move for me at just 18. Chelsea are a huge club and to get this chance I just couldn't turn it down. Firstly I'd like to thank Fluminense for everything they have done for me because they are got me to the position I am in now and have put lots of trust in me so to leave was very hard for me. I'm still only young so I know that I may not get first team action straight away but I will work my hardest to get to the first team and that is my aim".

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[minifletch]

Chelsea FC - Winning Winning Winning
2012 - 2013

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Holtby Secures Blues Move.

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After just two weeks since John Obi Mikel made the switch to Schalke for £16,000,000, Chelsea have been able to steal one of the German teams players and he comes in the shape of 21 year old Lewis Holtby. Holtby who has an English father, contract was set to expire in the summer saw his dream move to the Premier League come in the shape of Chelsea for a deal which is believed to be just under £20,000,000. Signing a four year deal with the club the young German international who has two caps to his name will now join up with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho. Holtby's contract is believed to be worth £59,000 a week and had plenty of experience given his tender age of 21. Lewis has made 78 appearances for Schalke scoring 13 goals however has also gain experience on loan at a number of different clubs.

"Moving to England is a dream for me and for my dad. With him been from England he has always wanted be to try my skills in the Premier League and this is my chance to do so. When Schalke told me they had received a bid from Chelsea I told them that this was the move for me and with only one year left on my contract I felt this was my time. I am grateful of Schalke because they have turned me from a kid to a top division player and that is all down to their coaches. To play for a manager like Jose Mourinho is brilliant and the team is filled with superstars so this is a good move for me." Holtby told the media when questioned about his move.

Mourinho was as pleased with the deal "Holtby is a real quality player and to be able to call him a Chelsea player is brilliant. The £19,500,000 fee is quite steep however I believe that he is wort every penny and will repay his value with quality performances on the pitch. Lewis will provide competition in the central midfield area with Frankie (Lampard) and Ramires. At only 21 as well Lewis has many years ahead of him and playing and training with Frankie will really help boost his skills."

"Holtby answer questions about his move to Chelsea"
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[minifletch]

Chelsea FC - Winning Winning Winning
2012 - 2013

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Rodwell Brace gives Jose the Blues.

Chelsea: Petr Cech, Cesar Azpilicueta, John Terry (Branoslav Ivanovic. 54), David Luiz, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard (Lewis Holtby.74), Ramires, Oscar (Daniel Sturridge. 77), Juan Mata, Eden Hazard (Victor Moses. 74), Fernando Torres (Oriel Romeu. 74).

Manchester City: Gomes, Maicon, Vincent Kompany, Jolean Lescott, Gael Clichy (Aleksander Kolorov. 88), Pablo Zabaleta (Kolo Toure. 61), Jack Rodwell, David Silva, Samir Nasri, Kaka (James Milner. 68), Carlos Tevez.

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The opening game of the season saw Chelsea FA Cup winners take on Manchester City Premier League winners in an action pack Community Shield Tie. The first half saw each team hit the post as neither team could take the game by the scruff of the next. It was only til the end of the half that the first real chance came and it was taken easily by midfielder Jack Rodwell as he slotted home after been put clean through by Kaka after 41 minutes 0-1. Chelsea however came out the second half the better team and some good movement saw Chelsea get a freekick from 25 yards out. Belgian star Eden Hazard stood over the ball, then rocketed it into the back of the net to draw his team back level 1-1. The game was leveled up for just a couple of minutes though as another good Manchester City move created space for on form midfielder Rodwell to calmly slot the ball past the advancing Petr Cech 1-2. Neither team had anymore real chances and the game was won by Manchester City who sealed the Community Shield.

After the game manager Jose Mourinho slated Man of the Match Jack Rodwell's performance "To give a player like Rodwell the best player award is ridiculous, his team created both chances and put them on a plate for him, even I could not have missed those opportunities. My team performed really well out there and deserved to at least take the game to extra time but two lapses in concentration has lead to our downfall. After going a goal down we decided the best option would be to take our attacker off an play a 4-1-2-3-0 formation with a false number nine and it worked really well. I am proud of the teams effort today but now our attention has to go onto the opening day of the Premier League where we will play Arsenal, which will no doubt be a fierce encounter."

 

[minifletch]

Chelsea FC - Winning Winning Winning
2012 - 2013

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Fernando Signs on as Hilairo's Time is Up.

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The transfer activity continues at Stamford bridge as two players move clubs, one coming in and one leaving after six years at the club. Hilario joined Chelsea in 2006 as back up for number one keeper Petr Cech however he has had limited appearances in a Chelsea appearing just 20 times for the London outfit. Martimo are the team that the Portuguese one time international has chosen to join, the deal is thought to be worth around £100,000 for the 36 year old keeper. The second player to agree a transfer elsewhere was Gremio tough defensive midfielder Fernando who has agree a to join Chelsea however will be loaned back the the Brazilian League for the rest of their season. Fernando's fee is believed to be around the £6,250,000 also thought to be his release clause. Fernando has already represented Brazil in the Under 21's playing six times and scoring one goal despite just be 18 years old. Fernando has agree a 3 year deal that will keep him at Stamford bridge until the summer of 2015 and is expected to be paid in the region of around £20,000 a week plus bonus'. With 58 appearances to his name for Gremio, Jose Mourinho has been able to take a good luck at the Brazil player and has clearly caught his eye.

Hilairo said this about his move back to Portugal "I have enjoyed my time at Chelsea and I knew when I joined it would be a big ask to knock Petr Cech from the number one keeper in the team but I tried my hardest and that is all that I can do. I'm what some people would say "knocking on" so I believe one last venture is what I need and to finish my career on a high. Martimo are a good team and am thankful that they have trusted me to come in as one of their keepers. I would also like to thank the Chelsea management and fans because they made my time at Chelsea special and they are a really big club so its been an experience. Chelsea have a really good squad and I think it could be their year this time but we will have to wait and see and I will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on the teams progress."

Mourinho was pleased with his transfers but refused to reveal whether there will be anymore transfer activity "Firstly I'd like to thank Hilairo for his time here and he has been a great servant to the club despite not been in the first team much . He is a true professional and he deserves one last run in the first team and I hope he can get that at Martimo. I am delighted as well to be able to bring Fernando to the club because he is a great prospect and at only 18 he has lots of time to develop and become an amazing player. We decided to let him finish his season off at Gremio and for him to get more game time under his belt. When he comes into the club he will be fighting for position straight away and I believe he has the ability to do that. Whether we do anymore business this window I dont know yet we have a good squad and I think it would be unfair to throw away all the players at the club now. If we do make anymore signings they will be brought in to complement what we already have at the club."

"Fernando showing his skill in training for Gremio"
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Chelsea FC - Winning Winning Winning
2012 - 2013

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Giroud Secures Late Draw in London Derby.

Chelsea: Petr Cech, Cesar Azpilicueta (Branoslav Ivanovic. 77), John Terry, David Luiz, Ashley Cole (Ryan Bertrand. 74), Oriel Romeu, Frank Lampard, Ramires, Oscar, Juan Mata (Lewis Holtby. 68), Eden Hazard.

Arsenal: Wojciech Szczensy, Carl Jenkinson, Per Mertsacker, Thomas Vermaelen, Andre Santos, Abou Diaby (Laurent Koscienly. 87), Mikel Arteta, Gervinho, Santi Carzola (Aaron Ramsey. 56), Lukas Podolski (Andrey Arshavin. 74), Olivier Giroud.

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Chelsea opening day fixture saw them face local rivals Arsenal in a game that was expected to be a very tasty encounter. Arsenal set up playing their normal 4-5-1 however Chelsea adopted for a different formation, that didn't include any out an out striker, playing a 4-1-2-3-0. The attacking duties where given to Hazard, Mata and Oscar who were all told that they had the license to roam. Chelsea started the game off the better team with Mata finding space in a crowded box after just 44 seconds however he manage to screw his shot wide from just 10 yards out. It was Chelsea again who threaten to take the lead when a great ball by Oscar let Ramires clean through on goal however with only the goalkeeper to beat but managed to fire his shot just past the post. Chelsea did take the lead though just before half time through centre-back David Luiz who volleyed home a long throw from Cesar Azpilicueta 1-0. Neither side had anymore real chances until the 81st minute when Abou Diaby and Andre Santos worked the ball well down the left hand wing before centering it for French striker Olivier Giroud to fire home from just 4 yards out 1-1. Both teams tried to push for a winner but the game filtered out to a draw.

Mourinho was in a pleased mood despite not managing to hold on for the win "We took a risk today to play a bit of a different formation and it work very well, we had all the chances all game and could have easily been three nil up at half time. David (Luiz) got a great goal today and to hit a volley like that from a long throw is amazing and even our attackers would have been proud of that strike. We are a bit disappointed that we weren't able to hold onto the victory but that is football for you, if you don't take your chances then you don't win and that is what has happened to us today. We will go into our next match and be hoping for a better result however we are yet to decide what formation we are going to play but this has given us a lot of food for thought."

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[minifletch]

Chelsea FC - Winning Winning Winning
2012 - 2013

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Hazard on form as Chelsea Find First Win.

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Swansea: Michel Vorm, Dwight Tiendalli (James McClean. 90), Garry Monk (Kayle Bartley. 87), Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, Ki Sung-Yueng, Chico Flores (Alan Tate. 45), Pablo Hernandez, Jonathon de Guzman, Nathan Dyer, Danny Graham.

Chelsea: Petr Cech, Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill, David Luiz, Ashley Cole, Oriel Romeu, Frank Lampard, Ramires (Lewis Holtby. 71), Daniel Sturridge (Victor Moses. 63), Juan Mata (Oscar 86), Eden Hazard.

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho made two changes to the team that played against Arsenal bringing in defender Gary Cahill and winger Daniel Sturridge for John Terry and Oscar. Staying with the 4-1-2-3-0 formation Chelsea were better in the early exchanges and when the ball fell to Daniel Sturridge on the edge of the area he rattled his thunderous drive against the crossbar. However Swansea were the team who went ahead despite been their first shot. A Jonathon de Guzman corner was headed in by former Valencia player Pablo Hernandez at the front post to give Swansea a shock lead 1-0. Just 10 minutes later Chelsea did make Swansea pay and it came from a corner of their own as Hazard curled the ball into the box where Luiz met the ball and sent it towards to the far corner for Swansea player de Guzman to head into his own net 1-1. Chelsea came out after half time all guns blazing and within 10 mintutes they had the lead after good build up play from Sturridge and Azpilicueta saw the former fire the ball to the back post for Hazard to slot into the back of the next 1-2. Chelsea continued to threaten however were unable to convert anymore of their 24 chances in a game that they dominated and were Swansea managed just 5 attempts on goal.

Jose Mourinho was delighted with the result "Great, great performance out their from the lads and they really did deserve that result. We struck the bar three times in the game and had a number of opportunities to give us a bigger margin however unfortunately we were unable to do so but a win is a win and we are happy with that. All the players were great today and a real credit to the club, however for me there was one stand-out player and that was Hazard who dominated the match from start to finish and was able to take away the match ball."

Hazard also was delighted with his performance "We won, great result for the team but great for me on a personal level as well because I have now scored two in three games for my new club and today was my best game of the lot. The team are really pushing this new formation and it is coming together nicely and the result today against a good Swansea team shows it has potential. It's great to see some of the youngsters as well getting their chance to make their mark. All in all it was a really good game for us today."

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[minifletch]

Chelsea FC - Winning Winning Winning
2012 - 2013

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Chelsea Given Simple Champions League Group.

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Chelsea have been given a relatively easy group and will know that if they play to their ability they will be able to see off all the opposition in the group. The second seed in the group comes in the form off Spanish side Valencia who finished 3rd place in the Spanish League last year. Valencia have a decent record in the competition reaching the final of the competition in both 1999-2000 season and the 2000-2001 season however on both occasions lost. Valencia's main threats come in the form of Roberto Soldado and Ever Banega however also have a solid defensive line that Chelsea will have to be on form to beat. The next team in the group is Swiss team Basel who qualified for the competition through the play off and Basel performance in the competition last year was there best ever when they reach the last sixteen of the competition. Basel's main threat comes from their striker Alexander Frei who has scored an impressive 71 goals in 99 games since joining the team in 2009 and despite his advancing age he is still able to put in good performances. The final team in the group are FC Nordsjaelland who are entering the competition for the first time thanks to winning the Danish League title last season. Nordsjaelland main player comes in the form of their centre back Jores Okore.

Juan Mata spoke to the press afterwards about his excitement at returning to his former club Valencia "What a great draw for us, all the games we can win and some may say we have been given the easiest good in the whole competition. It is also great for me on a personal level because I can return to my former club Valencia and this will be a real exciting game for me. We do have to be careful that we are too confident heading into the games because all the team can pose some threat, so we will go out there as professionals and get the results for the fans."

 

[Direttore]

Really like the look of this, the layout is really easy on the eyes.
I'm trying to do something somewhat similair with another team.
With you the best of luck, and many followers, this can be great!

 

[samillyroy]

really like the layout, though I would suggest putting the scores up as well when you do the match reports..
some decent signings, i am not a big fan of the false 9 formation but interested to see how it works out for you! will definitely follow as an avid chelsea fan

 

[minifletch]

Chelsea FC - Winning Winning Winning
2012 - 2013

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Chelsea Super Cup Champions.

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Chelsea: Petr Cech, Cesar Azpilicueta, Branoslav Ivanovic, David Luiz (Gary Cahill. 22), Ashley Cole, Oriel Romeu (Lewis Holtby. 86), Frank Lampard, Ramires, Daniel Sturridge (Oscar. 75), Juan Mata, Eden Hazard.

Athletico Madrid: Thibaut Courtois, Silvio, Miranda [OFF. 83], Daniel Diaz (Adrien. 68), Filipe, Raul Garcia, Gabi (Mario Suarez. 74), Juanfran (Diego Godin. 68), Arda Turan, Christian Rodriguez, Falcao.

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The European Super Cup is the traditional curtain raiser to the Champions League and once again the entertainment impressed the fans. Chelsea sticking with their untraditional formation which saw the team play no out and out strikers was kept with Ivanovic coming in for Cahill as the only change. Athletico played on loan goalkeeper Courtios against his parent club and have star striker Falcao providing the strike option. The first half saw only a couple of chances and most of them fell to Chelsea however they will be disappointed that they weren't able to take them early on in the game. However in the 69th minute of the game Sturridge charged into the box with real impetus and was only stopped in his tracks by a rash tackle from Miranda. Lampard stepped up to take the penalty and with ease slotted the ball into the right hand corner of the net and ran away to celebrate 1-0. The lead didn't last long though and we their first real chance of the night Athletico saw their corner drilled in and finished expertly by who else but Falcao 1-1. The momentum of the game took a huge twist when already book Miranda went late into a challenge and received his marching orders from the referee. With just a minute left on the clock a Mata lined up a freekick from 25 yards out and fired the ball inch perfect into the back of the net to give Chelsea their first trophy in Jose Mourinho's second reign.

The Chelsea manager was delighted with his teams performance "A great win for us and playing a team of Madrid's quality is not an easy task but we showed our strength and determination to secure the win. Winning any trophy is nice and to get my first trophy on my return to Chelsea is great. There were some great performances out their, the defense did great all game restricting them to hardly any shots and the the midfield work hard through out the game to join in with attacks and also help to break up their attacks."


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