Chelsea FC Fans's Blog

Scolari Sacked As Chelsea Manager

GoldenThread — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 04:20:35 GMT

Hey Chelsea fans, This is GoldenThread with a heads up for anyone who hasn't already heard the news today of Scolari's depature.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7879638.stm

Chelsea have sensationally sacked manager Luiz Felipe Scolari. Monday, 9 February 2009

Former Portugal manager Scolari took over from Avram Grant after Euro 2008

The club's website revealed the dramatic move had been made "to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for".

World Cup winner Scolari had only been in the job since June 2008, when he became Chelsea's third boss in a year.

Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League but remain in the Champions League and FA Cup, with Ray Wilkins in charge until a successor is appointed.

"Luiz Felipe Scolari has been dismissed as manager of Chelsea Football Club with immediate effect," read the statement.

"The Chelsea board would like to place on record our gratitude for his time as manager."

Scolari signed a lucrative three-year deal when he joined Chelsea and the London club could face a hefty compensation pay-out to their former manager.

Scolari's spokesman Acaz Felleger said it was Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich who had run out of patience with the Brazilian coach.

"It seems that Abramovich made the decision," Felleger told Lance newspaper's website.

"Scolari was not in a comfortable situation despite having the support of the squad and Peter Kenyon."

Felleger added that Scolari had paid the price for not being given the backing to refresh the aging Chelsea squad.

"The Chelsea squad are old. Felipe tried to rejuvenate it, but unsuccessfully. He asked (the board) to sign Deco and Robinho, but they only brought Deco."

Scolari indicated he would give his version of events in the near future.

"I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked for Chelsea and in English football," Scolari said.

"It was a very valuable experience. I am sorry that my time with everyone could not last longer. I wish Chelsea luck in the three competitions they are participating in.

"I want to take the opportunity to inform that I will keep living in London. I will respond to the media soon."

Scolari's former team travel to Watford in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.

The tie at Vicarage Road is the start of a vital 11 days for Chelsea, with a crucial Premier League clash with third-placed Aston Villa on 21 February, followed by the visit of Juventus to Stamford Bridge in the Champions League four days later.

Chelsea's official statement indicated that the club were eager to get a new man in charge for that run of games.

"Felipe has brought many positives to the club since he joined and we all feel a sense of sadness that our relationship has ended so soon," read the statement.

"Unfortunately the results and performances of the team appeared to be deteriorating at a key time in the season.

"In order to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for we felt the only option was to make the change now.

"The search for a new manager has already started and we hope to have someone in place as soon as possible."

Scolari won the World Cup as manager of his home country, Brazil, in 2002. He arrived at Chelsea following a six-year spell in charge of Portugal, who he led to the final of Euro 2004 and the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup.

The 60-year-old made an impressive start but results deteriorated and of his 36 games in charge, 20 were won, five lost and 11 drawn.

Chelsea, who were unbeaten in the league at home for 86 matches until Liverpool's 1-0 win in October 2008, have lost two home league matches and drawn on five occasions this season, and were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Burnley on penalties.

Their record against the so-called big four this season is poor - they drew 1-1 at home with Manchester United and lost 3-0 away, were beaten 2-1 at home by Arsenal, and home and away by Liverpool.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who has been at the helm at Old Trafford since 1986, said he felt a large degree of sympathy for Scolari.

"It is a sign of the times," Ferguson told MUTV.

"There is absolutely no patience in the world now. There was great expectation at Chelsea that they were going to do well this year - and it is only this last month they have had a bad spell.

"The judgment really is only on the last month."

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has now overseen the departure of four managers since his arrival in 2003.

Timing of sacking makes sense - Venables

Claudio Ranieri was sacked in 2004, Jose Mourinho in September 2007 and Grant in May 2008.

A banner unfurled during Chelsea's 0-0 draw with Hull at Stamford Bridge on Saturday called for the return of former Blues favourites Gianfranco Zola, currently in charge at West Ham, and Roberto Di Matteo, the MK Dons boss.

Chelsea were booed off the field at the final whistle and sections of the crowd could be heard chanting "you don't know what you're doing" at Scolari.

Several names have already joined Zola and Di Matteo in being linked with the vacancy, including Russia boss Guus Hiddink and former Barcelona boss Frank Rijkard.

LUIZ FELIPE SCOLARI FACTFILE 1948: Born 9 November in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul 1999: Wins Copa Libertadores for a second time - with Palmeiras 2001: Replaces Emerson Leco as Brazil coach June 2002: Brazil win the World Cup for a fifth time Dec 2002: Takes over as Portugal manager 2004: Portugal lose to Greece in final of Euro 2004 2006: Pulls out of the running to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England manager 2006: Leads Portugal to World Cup semi-finals 1 July 2008: Takes over as manager of Chelsea 9 Feb 2009: Sacked after draw with Hull sees Chelsea slip to fourth in the Premier League.

Chelsea vs West Brom 12/26/08

GoldenThread — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 04:51:54 GMT

Venue: Stamford Bridge Date: Friday, 26 December.......Ok everyone, lets all take a close look at today's match-up at The Bridge. This blog is straight off of the BBC wire in London. Keeping it real so to speak. We're a point behind Liverpool right now and this match is one we really can't afford to lose. Looking forward to a tough outing at Stamford Bridge by the men in blue........

Chelsea will be without skipper John Terry who starts a three-game ban after his sending off against Everton.

Defender Ricardo Carvalho could return from injury for the home side.

West Brom skipper Jonathan Greening has been passed fit after being substituted during the victory over Manchester City with a bout of double vision.

Playmaker Borja Valero (flu) looks set to miss out for the second successive match while Felipe Teixeira is unlikely to have recovered from a calf injury.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Bosingwa, Belletti, Alex, Ivanovic, Bridge, A Cole, J Cole, Ballack, Deco, Lampard, Obi, Kalou, Stoch, Anelka, Drogba.

West Brom (from): Carson, Kiely, Zuiverloon, Hoefkens, Olsson, Meite, Donk, Barnett, Robinson, Cech, Morrison, Greening, Koren, Do-Heon, Brunt, Dorrans, Valero, Moore, Bednar, Beattie.

West Brom manager Tony Mowbray on Chelsea being without their captain John Terry:
"If they could pick a game to be missing their captain this might have been the one they would have selected.

"Not too many teams go to Stamford Bridge and give their central defenders a lot of problems.

"I watched a game recently when they were at home and they had 31 shots and the opposition only had two.

"To lose their captain when they are playing the team who are bottom of the league - I don't think they will lose too much sleep over it."

BIG MATCH FACTS

A draw from this lunchtime clash with bottom-of-the table West Bromwich Albion would see Chelsea climb above Liverpool and back to the top of the table for two hours at least.

Albion face the Blues on Tony Mowbray's 800th day in charge, knowing that they will have to repeat their own record to survive. Bryan Robson's side in 2004-05 became the first and only club to be bottom at Christmas and avoid relegation from the Premier League. That season they were five points from safety at this same stage, this season they are four points below the trap door.

The Midlanders will be buoyed by Sunday's last ditch home win over Manchester City. Victory over the same club four seasons ago sparked a remarkable recovery during which 21 points were garnered from the last 15 games, resulting in survival.

Chelsea hold a 100% Premier League record against West Bromwich, and will look to beat them for the eighth successive time.

The Baggies have never won a Premier League match, nor picked up a single point, on Boxing Day, and travel to the Bridge on a six-game losing run away from home.

Chelsea have won 11 Premier League games so far this season; Albion have lost 11.

Chelsea have the strongest attack in the highest league (36 goals); Albion the weakest (14).

But Albion have won as many home league games as the Blues (three).

West Brom travel in search of their first top-flight win at Stamford Bridge in 30 years.

Distance between the clubs: 131 miles (211 kilometres)

CLUB FORM

CHELSEA

2nd 38 points
Highest achievable: 1st
Lowest could fall: 2nd

1. Failed to win four of the last five Premier League matches; drawn the last two.

2. Had 46 and 52 points at the half-way stage of their two title-winning campaigns; the best they can hope for this season is 41.

3. Already beaten all three promoted clubs; all on the road.

4. Won their last five Premier League matches against Midlands clubs.

5. Drawn the last two Boxing Day fixtures, and not lost any of the last four.

6. Not won a home match for three games since the 5-0 eclipse of Sunderland on 1 November; their worst home run since the start of the 2001-02 season.

7. Already dropped 14 home points, which equates to the total dropped at the Bridge during the whole of the 2007-08 season.

8. End the year away to Fulham on Sunday.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

20th 15 points
Highest realistically achievable: 19th
Lowest could fall: 20th

1. Last Sunday's victory ended a 10-match winless run.
2. Failed to score in eight of their 18 league games, and not kept a clean sheet in 11.
3. Scored in excess of a single goal in just three of their 18 league outings, including the most recent; 2-1 against Manchester City.
4. Lost seven of 10 matches against top-half clubs.
5. Lost their last 10 Premier League games against 'Big Four' clubs, since defeating Arsenal 2-1 at home on 15 October 2005.
6. Lost their last four top-flight matches in London, and not won a Premier League trip to the capital since a 1-4 triumph over Charlton on 19 March 2005.
7. End the year, home to Tottenham on Sunday.
KEY PLAYER NOTES
CHELSEA:
Jose BOSINGWA, Frank LAMPARD and John TERRY are the only remaining players to have started all of Chelsea's Premier League matches this season.
Nicolas ANELKA is the top-scoring Premier League player with 16 club goals in all competitions, and is leading the race for the Barclays Golden Boot with 14 Premier League goals.
The Frenchman is the only player, whose Premier League goals total for the season is in double figures. His personal tally of league goals matches West Brom's entire total for the season.
Petr CECH is level with Liverpool's Jose REINA in the race for the Barclays Golden Glove. They have kept 10 clean sheets a piece.
If selected:-
ASHLEY COLE will be making his 100th appearance in a Chelsea shirt.
If on the field from the outset:-
Frank LAMPARD will be making his 400th career league start (West Ham, Swansea and Chelsea).
Suspended:-
John TERRY (three matches)
WEST BROMWICH ALBION:
Scott CARSON and Paul ROBINSON are the only remaining players to have been on the field for every minute of every one of West Brom's Premier League matches this season.
If selected:-
LUKE MOORE will be making his 100th career Premier League appearance (all in Villa colours). MOORE scored for the first time for Albion in 23 attempts in league and cup, against Manchester City on Sunday,
Ishmael MILLER will be making his 50th league appearance for West Brom.
HEAD TO HEAD-
West Brom have picked up just one point in six visits to Stamford Bridge since beating them 1-3 on 30 September 1978, when Cyrille Regis, John Wile and Tony Brown were all on the scoresheet. West Brom finished that season in third; Chelsea were bottom.
Chelsea sealed a record 10th consecutive away Premier League win, when they won the reverse fixture last month. The top versus bottom match was as one-sided as the 0-3 result suggests.
The Blues are now on course for a fourth consecutive 'double' over the Baggies.
Home and away
League (inc PL): Chelsea 45 wins, WBA 35, Draws 27
Prem: Chelsea 7 wins, WBA 0, Draws 0
at Chelsea only
League (inc PL): Chelsea 25 wins, WBA 14, Draws 14
Prem: Chelsea 3 wins, WBA 0, Draws 0
LAST MEETING BETWEEN THESE TWO CLUBS.....
West Bromwich Albion 0-3 Chelsea
15 November 2008 - Ref: Steve Bennett
Chelsea scorers: Bosingwa 34, Anelka 38, 45
afp 2008-12-25
Chelsea's manager Luiz Felipe Scolari shouts instructions to captain John Terry during their Barclays Premiership football match against West Ham United at Stamford Bridge in London, on December 14. Scolari has responded defiantly to Chelsea's latest disappointment but knows his side cannot afford another setback when they begin their Christmas programme against West Bromwich Albion.

Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa

GoldenThread — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 03:16:00 GMT

CHELSEA FC FANS : 5/10/08 : BY Chelsea Blogger SALOMON GONZALES

Chelsea Destroy Villa In Sublime Fashion....

Chelsea's French striker Nicolas Anelka celebrates after scoring the second goal against Aston Villa during their premiership football match at home to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge stadium. Chelsea won 2-0.
(AFP/Carl de Souza)

A devastating performance from Chelsea, absolutely destroyed the highly-rated Aston Villa side. On a weekend where title rivals Arsenal could only manage a draw and Liverpool struggled to overcome Man City, Chelsea simply walked Villa off the park.

Chelsea started the day with five players out injured. Essien, Drogba, Deco, Carvalho and Alex were all unavailable, which meant Ivanovic got his first premiership start alongside Terry in defence.

Chelsea attacked Villa from the word go and had a couple of long range efforts saved by Freidel on 4 and 6 minutes respectively, the former bringing a good save from the American.

The game continued in a similar manner with Villa defending desparately and Chelsea trying to find a way round the diciplined defence.

On 16 minutes, Anelka lobbed a cute pass to the edge of the six yard box and Lampard who looked odds-on to score sent his header just wide.

This was a clear sign of things to come!

Five minutes later, on 21 minutes, that was indeed the case as Chelsea took the lead and it was fully deserved.

Malouda collected Davies's poor clearance and found Lampard, who in turn slipped a superb pass for Joe Cole, who thumped the ball easily past Friedel from 10 yards out.

Only three minutes later, Chelsea hit the bar! Anelka belts a 25-yarder that beats Friedel but not the woodwork.

These were desparate moments for Villa, who so far had offered nothing in attacking terms.

Lampard then hit a ferocious freekick, that Freidel could only parry for a corner. The resulting corner was headed over by Terry.

By now, Chelsea were camped inside the Villa half!

A minute before half time, Chelsea doubled their lead. It had been coming.

Cole pulled it back to Ballack on the penalty spot whose shot was parried by Freidel. He managed to block Anelka's follow up aswell, but the ball fell to Anelka again and he easily tucked it away.

This fixture last season at Stamford Bridge ended 4-4. For a while it looked like there could be eight goals again, and it would have been a surprise if Villa got any of them.

Chelsea were playing some absolutely sublime football and Villa could simply not cope.

Second half continued in much the same way as the first. Chelsea attacking, Villa defending!

Chances went begging for Ballack, Lampard and Kalou respectively, where better finishing could have resulted in more goals.

Even Di Santo got in on the act, getting on the end of a sumptuous move, but he cut inside his man and made space for himself, only to blaze a shot high over the bar.

A few minutes later, Mikel fired into the side-netting after neat inter-change between him and Lampard.

This was an absurdly one-sided game considering Villa fancy themselves as the fourth or fifth best team in the country.

In the end the 2-0 score-line flattered the Villans. They just didnt turn up and Chelsea were in no mood to pass out any favours.

Chelsea hang on to top spot for at least another week, along with Liverpool, who themselves bagged three points when they turned a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 win against Man City.

Man Of The Match: Frank Lampard

Goal Scorers: Joe Cole 21'. Anelka 44'.

Bookings: Petrov, Shorey

Possession: Chelsea 61% - 39% Aston Villa

Stadium: Stamford Bridge- London,England

Attendance: 41,593

________________________________________________________

BBC NEWS /SPORTS DIVISION / 5 October 2008

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari must have enjoyed seeing his side play with such freedom, despite his seemingly agitated state on the sidelines.

On a day when little went wrong for his side, the biggest worry for Scolari - and concerned spectator England coach Fabio Capello - will have been the sight of Joe Cole limping off in the second half.

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari:

"In the circumstances it's the best performance this season, with four or five players out.

"We played a fantastic game in the first 45 minutes. We have had some injuries this week and the players played very well. It puts us in first place and we have 15 days to recover.

"It's a big game and the three points are very important. We need to win more games at home."

Joe Cole Celebrates his opening goal

Barclays Premier League Table
05 October 2008 PGDPTS1Chelsea711172Liverpool76173Hull7-1144Arsenal7813

5Aston Villa7213

6West Ham71127Portsmouth7-4128Man Utd64119West Brom701010Blackburn7-61011Man City76912Middlesbrough7-2913Wigan73814Sunderland7-2815Everton7-4816Bolton7-2717Fulham6-26

18Newcastle7-6519Stoke7-6420Tottenham7-62

Chelsea Suffer Drogba Injury Blow

GoldenThread — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 02:27:06 GMT

CHELSEA FC FANS : WEDNESDAY, 1 OCT 2008 - BBC NEWS

Chelsea striker Drogba has only just returned from injury

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba suffered suspected knee ligament damage in their Champions League goalless draw with Romanian side CFR Cluj on Wednesday.

Drogba, who has just returned from a knee injury, left the stadium on crutches with his right leg in a brace.

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari also said John Terry and Alex suffered knocks in the game.

But he said Ashley Cole will be fit for the weekend after missing the game against Cluj with a back problem.

Chelsea are already missing injury victims Joe Cole, Deco, Michael Essien and Ricardo Carvalho.

Scolari said: "I don't know now what the possibilities I have for Sunday are, maybe after tomorrow I have a chance to say something more.

"I didn't see the challenge on Drogba. Injuries come in training and on the pitch. This is normal for players."

The Brazilian coach was not too disappointed with the result against a side making their debut in the group stages of the Champions League.

"We didn't play well, but one point is better than zero points," he added.

"They beat Roma, they are confident, they're playing at home and they wanted to show to the people they are very good.

"Cluj were confident, they wanted to prove something. Maybe they will have a problem in their next game because they ran for 95 minutes."

"We knew this and we prepared but we missed one or two times in front of goal.

"But in the end I am happy with one point because Didier is out, Terry for 15 minutes played with problems, Alex played 15 minutes with problems."

Stoke's Abdoulaye Faye (right) and Chelsea's Didier Drogba fight for the ball during their Premiership match at the Britannia Stadium on 23 September 2008

Terry wins Appeal To Face Man Utd

GoldenThread — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:13:25 GMT

Chelsea captain Terry was sent off with 13 minutes remaining on Saturday

FROM http://news.bbc.co.uk

Chelsea captain John Terry has been cleared to play against Manchester United on Sunday after his appeal against a red card proved successful.

Terry was sent off for a foul on Manchester City striker Jo, but a Football Association hearing upheld Chelsea's claim of wrongful dismissal.

He received a straight red from Mark Halsey, with the referee deeming the incident to be serious foul play.

The England skipper had been set to miss three games.

Had the ban been enforced, Terry would have missed Sunday's crucial Premier League clash with champions United, as well as the Carling Cup tie against Portsmouth on 24 September and the league encounter with Stoke three days later.

The foul on Jo occurred inside the centre circle, with Terry's centre-back partner Ricardo Carvalho covering the play and full-back Jose Bosingwa also sprinting back to defend.

Chelsea's on-field complaints were initially based on the fact that Terry was not the last defender.

But Halsey's decision to issue a red card for serious foul play rather than a professional foul meant the position on the pitch and the presence of other players were not relevant.

Serious foul play is classed as when a player "uses excessive force or brutality against an opponent when challenging for the ball when it is play".

Chelsea Fans Say Farewell To Danbash

GoldenThread — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 03:30:09 GMT

CHELSEA FC FANS : Sunday 14 SEPT 2008 : BY GOLDENTHREAD

Good evening Chelsea Fans, Hello Soccernation Members (all 370 of us) , Welcome all Futbol fans, and as always....I sincerely hope "Our Beautiful Game" made your day more enjoyable than it might have been without it.

Tonight, Chelsea FC followers from all over the world have alot of reasons to be celebrating. We rolled out the Red Carpet for Robinho and Manchester City yesterday at Eastlands in front of a crowd numbered at 47,331 and then went on to show them what we're made of. After Robinho's debut goal on 13 minutes gave Man City the lead early, Chelsea came roaring back with goals from Ricardo Carvalho on 16 minutes, Frank Lampard on 53 minutes (the game winner) and Nicolas Anelka on 69 minutes to finish the match at 3-1 Chelsea. This keeps us in first place, tied with a Liverpool team that's showing no signs of letting up as of week # 4, at 10 Points each.

Robinho scores from a free-kick on his debut for Manchester City.

Unfortunately, Chelsea Captain John Terry was shown a "straight Red Card" on 77 minutes. It is my understanding that Mark Halsey, the referee, deemed Terry's block on Jo, the City striker, to be serious foul play rather than a professional foul and he faces a three-match ban, ruling him out of matches against United, Stoke City and Aston Villa. This was a VERY controversial ruling and will be appealed to the League by Chelsea. But don't expect any results on this, John will be sitting for the next three weeks guarenteed.

Jo, left, of Manchester City vies with John Terry of Chelsea during their Premiership League soccer match at the City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester, England, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008.

The Terry Red Card is certainly a dose of bad news. However, here at Chelsea FC Fans Group, the events of the last couple of days are equally disturbing. There is even more bad news on the rise.

After Fannation underwent its dramatic makeover, our group's Creator, DANBASH decided that his heart just wasn't here anymore. The site's "new generic look" was something that Dan wasn't prepared for and was very unhappy with. The result....Danbash has left Fannation and I'm writing my first blog without his guidance.

When I joined Fannation in March 2008, I was hoping to connect with all of the Major League Soccer fans here, even though I had been a long time Chelsea fan. I joined KEEPER and jeevs at Soccernation my first day here and I found out that Fannation wasn't limited to the MLS. In fact, the MLS didn't even play a MAJOR roll with the site's soccer fans. I was delighted! On my second day here I found Danbash's group Chelsea FC Fans and I joined at once. I contacted Dan and I talked about the group and the need for a full time blogger. After a few days of consideration, Dan gave me the green light to get the group running full speed ahead and that's exactly what happened. He wanted the group to become the top FC group on the site and I shared that same vision with him. Well, eventually we laid claim to that reality and the group became a common place fixture on the Community page. We struggled to find other bloggers but that particular fish kept slipping the hook, but we surged ahead and made great use of the resources we had. We seemed to be firing on all cylanders. I've been extremely pleased at just how far this group has come in such a very short time.

I remain hopefull that we can carry on in Dan's absence, but it's going to be difficult. It's going to take time to get this mess sorted out so please be patient. Dan was a member like no other. Always courtious and forever helpful. I wish him the best of luck where ever he is and in whatever he is doing. Farewell and goodbye Danbash. We're going to miss you more than you will ever know

Chelsea FC fans and players alike gather to say Farewell to Danbash

Man City Beat Chelsea To Robinho

GoldenThread — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:44:31 GMT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/ TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2008

Manchester City have beaten Chelsea to the signing of Brazilian forward Robinho from Real Madrid for a British record transfer fee of about £32.5m.

Chelsea had been chasing the 24-year-old but City have captured him on a four-year deal with a late bid.

"I am absolutely delighted to get the opportunity to work with such an incredible talent like Robinho," City boss Mark Hughes told the club website.

"This is a real statement of intent as to the ambitions of this club."

After missing out on Robinho Chelsea issued a statement saying they were unable to agree a deal with Real as they were not prepared to pay the Spanish club's asking price.

City made the audacious attempt to sign Robinho on transfer deadline day after earlier agreeing to a takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group.

Hughes added: "I have said that in order to compete with the best teams in the Premier League we have to be in the market for players of this calibre, and Robinho is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world.

"I am really looking forward to introducing him to the rest of the squad, and to the City fans at the earliest opportunity."

Robinho took the unusual step of calling a news conference on Sunday to again state his desire to leave the Bernabeu club.

He appears to have been unhappy with Real and their willingness to sell him to fund a failed move to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.

"We have sold Robinho for reasons of a human nature and for sporting reasons," Calderon told Spanish television station Veo.

"The fact that he has accepted an offer from Manchester City says that he is not going for sporting reasons.

"It's an important sum of money. It's not the objective of Real Madrid to sell players, neither do we need the money, but for reasons of human and sporting nature, it has been decided this is for the best.

"It's a decision agreed by all the coaching staff, who understand it is best for the player and for the club.

"(Coach Bernd) Schuster thought until yesterday that he could recover the player, but that has not been the case.

"Every time I have spoken with him he was very sad, crying and asking to leave Spain. Real Madrid are more important than any one player.

"He's a great kid, but badly advised."

Chelsea had been favourites to sign Robinho but Real apparently refused to sanction a switch for him to join them as they were upset at the Stamford Bridge club's conduct in the matter.

Robinho could now make his debut for City in their next league game, which is ironically against Chelsea on 13 September.

He joins up with fellow Brazilian Jo at City after he moved to the club from CSKA Moscow.

Robinho is a regular in the Brazil side and helped Santos win their first league title as an 18-year-old in 2002.

He drew comparisons with Brazilian legend Pele and joined Real from Santos in August 2005 after pressing for a move.

Robinho struggled in his first season but won the Spanish title under coach Fabio Capello in 2007.

A player with pace and trickery, he came into his own last season when he scored 11 goals in 32 outings to help Real to a second successive La Liga crown.

He was also top scorer with six goals when Brazil won the 2007 Copa America.

Winning Ugly : The Chelsea Midfield

GoldenThread — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:02:35 GMT

Chelsea FC Fans Blog - Tuesday 26 August 2008

Good morning Chelsea fans. In the latest EPL news Manchester United defeated Portsmouth 1-Nil at Fratton park to post their first League win of the new season. The lone goal was credited to Darren Fletcher as Portsmouth Goalkeeper David James allowed his 5th goal in just two weeks. This is good news for Man U who still await the return of injured Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Owen Hargreaves.

As for now the most threatening team is Liverpool. Off to a great start and I doubt they're going to slow down anytime soon, if at all. So we'll keep an eye on the boys at Anfield.

AFTER WEEK # 2 2008-09 Table TeamGPWDLPtsGFGAGD Chelsea22006505 Liverpool22006312 Blackburn21104431 Hull City21104321 Newcastle United21104211 Manchester United21104211 Aston Villa21013651 Manchester City21013541 Bolton21013321 Everton21013440 Middlesbrough21013330 Sunderland21013220 Fulham21013220 Arsenal21013110 Stoke City2101345-1 West Ham United2101324-2 Tottenham2002024-2 West Brom2002013-2 Wigan Athletic FC2002013-2 Portsmouth2002005-5

Early Monday Morning Richard Jolly, A sports writer for ESPNsoccernet.com published a particualrly accurate artcle depicting the huge problem that the Chelsea Midfielders are facing after week 2. In our last blog J.Hova made a comment that pertains as much to Jolly's article as anything published on our fan page. First....I'm going to post J.'s comment from Our previous blog and then I'm going to post the The Richard Jolly Article ( since he explains it better than I ever could). If you haven't already read this, it's definitely worth a look.

Chelsea has to get rid of some of the glut they have in central midfield. It's just too much. They need to at least get rid of Ballack and concentrate on bringing in wing players because you have guys like Essien and even Lampard a little out of place.

Glad to see them beat Wigan but Scolari needs to figure this thing out and quickly.

J. HOVA: BROOKLYN'S OWN | 08/25/08, 09:38 AM

Chelsea's middle all of a muddle

By Richard Jolly
Updated: August 25, 2008, 9:42 AM ET

Wigan 0-1 Chelsea

How, Arsene Wenger asked, will it work? He was not referring to his own midfield, though the same question could be posed there, but Luiz Felipe Scolari's. Arsenal have too few options in the centre of the pitch. Chelsea suffer from the opposite problem.

Luiz Felipe Scolari calls the shots to his side from the touchline at Wigan.

How do Deco, Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Michael Essien and Joe Cole co-exist in the same team? With difficulty, it would appear. Deco delivered a second special goal in as many games, a glorious free kick to defeat Wigan, but that should not camouflage a disjointed display.

Strangers to the touchline all, they sought comfort in company in the centre of the pitch as Fabio Capello, with a recent history of tactical confusion, watched on.

There are suggestions that a lack of width may hinder Liverpool's title challenge. It may also be a hindrance to Chelsea, capable of compressing play insufficiently creative. Too often they lacked the angle for a telling cross. Too often they found themselves outflanked by Wigan.

'You thought they were a four in midfield? I thought it was six,' said Steve Bruce, the Wigan manager. It was not just the opposition who were baffled, however. An interchangeable attacking unit can be devastating when the team is suitably fluent to render the opposition perplexed. Lacking cohesion, greater structure can be beneficial.

Without it, only Deco, the greatest source of invention, approached his best. Essien proved admirably disciplined but was stymied as an attacking force. For much of the match he resembled a third central defender, and indeed there were times when the Ghanaian was the last man.

Deco, too, was willing to drop deeper, drawn to the ball, while Lampard passed him in the opposite direction, headed for goal in trademark fashion. Ballack was seen too infrequently in the box while Joe Cole, at times, appeared to be deployed as a centre-forward. He and the German appeared particularly afflicted by the system.

It may be deemed, as Jose Mourinho's formation was, 4-3-3. It was more of a 4-1-3-2 though, when Wigan in possession, notable that Nicolas Anelka stayed alone in attack. To further complicate matters, there were occasions when the overlapping Ashley Cole and Jose Bosingwa threatened to turn it into 3-5-2.

Indeed, the two full-backs risk becoming the most overworked members of Scolari's side with sole defensive and attacking responsibilities for one wing apiece. 'Effectively they've got the focal point in Anelka and they do flood the midfield with people,' analysed Bruce. 'They do get their width from the full-backs.'

Wigan's width came from more players. Amr Zaki provided some and drew two fine saves from Petr Cech. A later stop from the replacement Olivier Kapo prompted Scolari to describe the Czech as one of the world's top three goalkeepers, along with Gianluigi Buffon 'and another'.

His fine form was necessary. 'In my opinion today, we've missed an outstanding chance to beat them,' added Bruce. 'They've had a bad day today, Chelsea, but they've had a piece of brilliance from the highest level. When you analyse it, our goalkeeper hasn't made a save.'

That goalkeeper was a late selection, even if an injury in the warm-up to Chris Kirkland is almost as surprising as a last-minute withdrawal by Louis Saha. Mike Pollitt's afternoon consisted of a hurried introduction, removing Deco's fourth-minute freekick from the net and then inactivity until Essien tested him half way through the second half.

Sadly for Pollitt, a money-spinning move to Chelsea looks unlikely, given Scolari's description of the goal. 'Deco is intelligent,' he said. 'When he sees the goalkeeper make a mistake of one metre, he changes and shoots in the other side. It is why he is one of the best in the world.'

Terry and Carvalho congratulate Deco after his game winning Penalty Kick.

His many marquee players may not like the team ethic their new manager is proposing. 'It is not important if Lampard scores goals or Deco scores goals if Chelsea score goals. That is the philosophy I want the players to understand,' Scolari explained.

On today's evidence, his many midfielders have much to understand if they are to flourish together.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Wilson Palacios
The Honduran Essien was outnumbered in the centre of the pitch by Chelsea's many midfielders, but compensated with his formidable energy and judicious use of the ball. One of the best buys of last season, he has started the current campaign in marauding mood.

WIGAN VERDICT: Two games, two defeats and two hard-luck stories. Wigan have conceded three goals in the opening 10 minutes of games already this season and have been playing catch-up thereafter.

Yet against both West Ham and Chelsea, their response has been emphatic. Besides the forceful Palacios, the skilful signing Zaki suggested Bruce retains his eye for a bargain. They are in the relegation zone, but shouldn't stay there for long.

CHELSEA VERDICT: Scolari's Portuguese charges, Deco and Ricardo Carvalho, were his most impressive performers. Bosingwa, the third member of the Euro 2008 quarter-finalists, and Cole provided plenty of energy on the flanks and, as they have done on numerous occasions over the past three years, they ground out a 1-0 win on their travels.

But in the long term, a greater understanding of their system and more fluency is required. Robinho's flair wouldn't go amiss, either.

He was also the messenger. Chelsea's flawed tactics appeared on their manager's mind whenever, as happened on several occasions, Deco was summoned by Scolari for a briefing during a break in play. Perhaps it was a sign of the Brazilian's distrust of his English, or in his captain and vice-captain. Either way, the new recruit was his manager's voice on the pitch.

On today's evidence, his many midfielders have much to understand if they are to flourish together.

WIGAN VERDICT: Two games, two defeats and two hard-luck stories. Wigan have conceded three goals in the opening 10 minutes of games already this season and have been playing catch-up thereafter.

But in the long term, a greater understanding of their system and more fluency is required. Robinho's flair wouldn't go amiss, either.

WELCOME ROBINHO?: 'I don't know nothing,' said Scolari. 'I focus on Wigan.'

Scolari Admits Relief With Result Over Wigan

GoldenThread — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 02:20:03 GMT

CHELSEA FC FANS UPDATE : LUIZ FELIPE SCOLARI - SUNDAY 24 AUGUST 2008

SCOLARI SPEAKS TO THE PRESS AFTER CHELSEA'S WEEK 2 WIN

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari conceded it was "important" to grind out a 1-0 at Wigan, whose boss Steve Bruce was left disappointed.

Scolari was relieved to see his team come through what he thought was a difficult Premier League test at the JJB Stadium with three points on Sunday.

"The result was more important than how we played," Scolari told Setanta 1. "It is difficult to play here against Wigan.

"They have a good squad and good organisation. They are athletic and they have power."

Scolari declared his admiration for fellow Brazilian Robinho, who has been linked with a move from Real Madrid.

"He's a very good player - but he is a player of Real Madrid," added the Blues boss.

Wigan manager Bruce was disappointed not to have taken at least a point out of the match. Deco scored the only goal with a sublime first-half free-kick.

He said: "We thought we deserved something out of it

"Apart from the goal, which was a wonder strike from Deco, after that they haven't really done that much against us.

"You can see why Deco has played at the highest level, he has that little bit of extra quality."

England left-back Ashley Cole believes the "magic" of players like Deco can help Chelsea depose champions Manchester United.

The midfielder had also scored in the opening weekend 4-0 win over Portsmouth and Cole paid tribute to the Portugal international.

Cole told Setanta 1: "Deco once again with a bit of magic. I think that's what's going to help us win the league this year."

Cole, who revealed he had suffered a tight hamstring, was not as impressed with his side's showing as the victory over Pompey.

"I don't think it was as good as last week against Portsmouth," he added.

"For us today it was just about stopping them and getting three points."

FROM foxsports.com

CHELSEA FC FANS

THE PRIDE OF LONDON

Deco's Goal Downs Wigan 1-0

GoldenThread — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:28:23 GMT

FROM ESPNsoccernet.com

CHELSEA 1 - WIGAN 0

Deco fires in the freekick that won the game for Chelsea

Updated: August 24, 2008, 10:43 AM ET

Deco continued his fine start to life in the Barclays Premier League, scoring his second goal in as many games to help Chelsea beat Wigan 1-0 at the JJB Stadium.

The Portugal midfielder lashed home a free-kick in the third minute to hand the Blues three points against a resilient Latics side.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's men were a shadow of the side that romped to a 4-0 victory over Portsmouth in last weekend's opener, but with two wins from two the Brazilian coach has already stolen a march on title rivals Arsenal and Manchester United.

Wigan were forced into a late change after goalkeeper Chris Kirkland injured his back in the pre-match warm-up.

Kirkland's late withdrawal saw Mike Pollitt promoted to the starting XI, while Titus Bramble was also handed a recall in place of key defender Paul Scharner who was not in the squad.

An early mix-up between Deco and Michael Ballack gave the hosts a chance to break clear but Wilson Palacios lacked support and the danger soon passed.

It was the only chance Wigan got before former Barcelona star Deco fired Chelsea in front with an inch-perfect free-kick.

Lee Cattermole was penalised just outside the box and, with just three minutes on the clock, Deco curled the ball past a helpless Pollitt.

To their credit, the Latics hit back hard. First Palacios and then Amr Zaki forced Petr Cech into smart saves at his near post, while Antonio Valencia was stretched just too far as he attempted to strike a loose ball from 18 yards.

The match continued at breakneck speed - a classic Premier League match for the watching Fabio Capello - with Jose Bosingwa creating and conceding chances down Chelsea's right flank.

Blues skipper John Terry was shown a yellow card in the 14th minute for impeding Emile Heskey and Wigan continued to threaten, with a speculative Cattermole effort briefly worrying Cech in the away goal.

Bosingwa is up-ended by Palacios

Newly-crowned England skipper Terry went close himself after 17 minutes, heading over from six yards from a Frank Lampard corner.

Chelsea were looking uncomfortable at the back and needed a somewhat cynical foul by Bosingwa to prevent another Wigan counter in the 22nd minute.

Zaki was next to test Cech, forcing a good save after some fine build-up play from Cattermole and an unusually advanced Emmerson Boyce.

Mario Melchiot, Wigan's skipper and a former Chelsea player, was also a threat, overlapping busily down the right and spraying an impressive array of passes.

The Dutchman was called into action in defence after 35 minutes, heading clear a dangerous-looking Nicolas Anelka cross to deny Ballack a tap-in.

Anelka was then denied a penalty after crashing to the turf with Boyce and Melchiot in attendance.

Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka (left) vies with Wigan Athletic's Titus Bramble during their English Premier league match at the JJB Stadium in Wigan. A goal of pure quality from Deco sent Chelsea to the top of the Premier League, although Luiz Felipe Scolari's side made heavy weather of overcoming a determined Wigan side 1-0.

A Terry error gave Wigan one more chance to go level before the break but Heskey was unable to fashion a shooting chance from Zaki's clever through-ball.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce used the break to restructure, replacing an off-colour Jason Koumas with winger Daniel de Ridder.

Chelsea started the second half as nervily as they finished the first - a breakdown in communication between Ricardo Carvalho and Cech almost gifting the hosts the softest of chances.

There was room for improvement in their forward play too, Anelka and Ashley Cole conspiring to lose possession on the edge of the area after an incisive Deco breakaway.

Joe Cole, putting in one of his less effective displays, was replaced before the hour mark with Salomon Kalou, now back from the Olympics, getting a first chance to impress Scolari.

Deco (centre) applauds the Chelsea fans after his goal secured victory

Frank Lampard attempted to rouse Chelsea, scooping a high pass down the centre channel where Anelka, also struggling to make an impact, was jostled off the ball.

Michael Essien, having spent much of the afternoon anchoring the midfield, then had the half's first attempt on goal, screwing a low shot to Pollitt's right.

At last Chelsea started to create space and Wigan had Cattermole to thank for a superb saving tackle on the six-yard line in the 69th minute.

Carvalho was cautioned for a petulant kick at Zaki after 73 minutes but, in stark contrast to Deco, De Ridder's set-piece delivery was dismal.

Indeed, it neatly summarised the difference between the sides.

The increasingly impressive Zaki then carved his way between Bosingwa and Essien, earning a corner with an exhilarating run.

He followed up 10 minutes from time with a tantalising left-wing cross which just evaded Heskey and resulted in a tame effort from De Ridder.

Substitute Olivier Kapo had Wigan's best chance late on, making Cech dive full stretch to divert a skidding shot just wide of the post.

CHELSEA OWNER ROMAM ABRAMOVICH ENJOYS A WEEK #2 VICTORY

Stadium: JJB Stadium
Attendance: 18,139