Diego Simeone has revealed Atletico Madrid failed to re-sign Diego Costa because there was no 'buyout clause' in the striker's contract. Costa joined Chelsea in 2014 and helped them to win the Premier League title under Jose Mourinho but failed to repeat his debut heroics in his second season as the Blues struggled under the Portuguese, which sparked speculations that he wanted to return to Atletico. Explaining how the transfer went down, Simeone told Marca: ‘I was crystal clear with Diego about what we were trying to do and how long we’d wait for an answer and that’s why we’ve still got a great relationship today, ‘The problem we came up against was that there tend not to be buyout clauses in England and so Chelsea could say to us: ‘we want £180m’ … [Read more...]
Goal Machine Reveals Two Players He Loves Playing Against
Chelsea Striker Diego Costa has revealed he loved battling with Real Madrid duo Sergio Ramos and Pepe. The 28-year-old striker is enjoying his time with the Blues, who currently sit on the top of the Premier League, scoring 13 goals in the process. The Spain international enjoyed a fine form with Atletico Madrid before he made the switch to the England. Costa has now confessed he misses going into battle against Ramos and Pepe during his playing days in Spain. ‘I used to love the games against Real Madrid and the chance to face Pepe and Ramos,’ he told Sport TV. ‘It was a good battle, where we always had trouble and sparks were flying. ‘I can guarantee that they used to love them for the same reasons! ‘We went out on the pitch knowing that they … [Read more...]
Ex-Gunner Rips Into Conte’s 3-4-3 Tactics At Chelsea
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has taken swipe at Antonio Conte's 3-4-3 formation. Chelsea has had the best of times in the Premier League so far having switched to 3-4-3 formation following their 3-0 defeat in the hands of Arsenal early October. Conte has successfully deployed a three-man defence in the formation much to the surprise of many. The Italian boss had earlier used same formation while he was manager of Juventus where it worked perfectly. However, Merson believes the only reason why the Blues have done well in the Premier League using the formation is due to their non-involvement in any European competition. He wrote in his column in the Daily Mirror: ‘Conte’s system only works because Chelsea are only playing once a week,’ he said. ‘His … [Read more...]
Mourinho Basically Concedes Title To Chelsea With Shocking Revelation
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has admitted it will be difficult to catch up with Chelsea in the title race. The Red Devils are currently 13 points adrift the Blues on the Premier League table and Chelsea former boss, Jose Mourinho believes the Antonio Conte-led team could be running away with the title already. He told Sky Sports: "It's very difficult, you have to be honest and say that. Not just the difference in points, but also the Chelsea philosophy of play. "They score one goal and they win, they defend a lot, they defend well, they are winning and in the last 20 minutes they bring defenders in, they don't care what people say, what people think, they just want to win. "And because of that, I don't see them losing many points. "It is … [Read more...]
Antonio Conte Hints At Move For Veteran English Midfielder
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has claimed Frank Lampard is still fit enough to play for the Blues. The 38-year-old paid a visit to the Stamford Bridge during their win over West Brom and the Italian boss has talked up the chances of having Lampard back in the team. He said: “It was very good; very nice to see him,” said Conte. “He's a legend for this club and it's fantastic when he comes to see the training sessions, to talk with us and stay with former team-mates. I found him in good form. And could Lampard pursue a career in coaching? “We didn't talk about this, “I think Frank wants to continue to play football, and I repeat: I saw him in good form, in good shape, to continue to play football. Then, for his future, I think it's better to ask him.” The … [Read more...]
Blues Ace Set For Surprise Shock Move
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has reportedly told his friends he will be joining Real Madrid next summer. Reports in Spain have it that the Belgian could be set for a La Liga return at the end of the season with Real being his possible destination. The 24-year-old keeper had earlier talked about his chances of leaving the Stamford Bridge in the last summer transfer window but moved to swiftly quash such speculations. Speaking on his prospects of returning to Spain, he said in September: ‘When I left Spain I had it clear in my mind that one day I was going to return there, ‘From the first minute I fell in love with Spain for its people, lifestyle, food. ‘I still maintain eating dinner and then an afternoon nap; most of the television I see is … [Read more...]
Conte: Why Kante, Costa Suspension Is Best For Chelsea
Antonio Conte has claimed that missing the duo of Diego Costa and N'Golo Kante against Bournemouth is 'a good test' for them. The impressive duo of Diego Costa and N'Golo Kante are suspended in the game against Bournemouth, but the Italian believes his men will respond effectively to the absence of the suspended pair, insisting it is important to test the squad depth. "For this reason this is a good test for us because we play this game without two of our important players for our team," he said. "For this reason it's important for this test to read the situation in our squad. "Also to give the possibility to play some players who until now are not playing a lot. Or to find another solution. "What I may see this week is very important." Kante has … [Read more...]
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