Good Evening Ladies and Gents,
Here is a roundup of any news and rumours circulating today.
From Fabrizio Romano;
Pochettino: "I don’t want the fans trying to blame the players. I prefer that I get the blame and let the players be free on the pitch". "I prefer to me rather than to the team. I prefer that, I am strong". "I am sure that in time we will change the perception".
Verdict: I like he is ambitious to try and change the perception but overall it is too late. Oh by the way Poch, you are getting the blame from the majority of the fanbase!!
On X from Chels_Express1;
#Chelsea have signed several collaborative agreements with the Darou Salam Academy in Senegal. The union is sealed by the signing of various agreements, thus laying the foundations for a promising and fruitful collaboration for the future of football. #CFC (@Bluecoxtra)
Verdict: A very very well respected academy in Senegal, this is directed more towards our academy than first team, if Joe Shields is involved which he seems to be it is positive in my mind.
From Matt Law;
“Chelsea have identified Brentford guru Bernardo Cueva as one of their targets to work in the club’s new set-piece department.”
Verdict: I am very happy to see us linked with a set-piece specialist, I believe they are very important in the modern game, not only for attacking but also defendeing. We are shocking at defending set-pieces and it is something we have got worse at since Anthony Barry’s departure.
Another from Fab Romano;
“Marc Cucurella – The Chelsea left-back has been linked with a return to La Liga. My understanding is that he is one of the situations to be assessed at the end of the season. Cucurella, Chalobah and more…these players are waiting to see what Chelsea decide to do in terms of project, tactical plans for next season, the manager situation.”
Verdict: I think a move back to La Liga would be a great move for Cucurella, there is a good player in there but he is weighed down by price and expectation at Chelsea, He would suit Atletico in my opinion.
Fabrizio Romano via HereWeGo Podcast;
"Raheem Sterling is 100% focused on Chelsea, so at the moment there is absolutely no negotiation with Saudi club or with any other club. The full focus of Raheem Sterling is on Chelsea. We will see in the summer what Chelsea will do in terms of strategy with all their players, with the manager, so there are many things to discuss at the club."
Verdict: I think it is time for Sterling to move on this summer, it hasn’t worked out unfortunately as much as I hoped it would. He hasn’t been as bad as people say he has but he also has been far from his best.
Thanks for reading
Luke Rushbrook
Thanks for the round up Luke !
I think the issue with Sterling is that he HAS been close to his best. And that's why he shouldn't be playing so much. Too much cold without a lot of hot for 300k/wk, and likely already passed his ceiling.