Chelsea Fc Thread

[Seapok]

Any truth in this Gents ??

Steve Clarke has resigned as Chelsea's assistant head coach in order to join the Italian revolution at Upton Park.

According to the Times, Clarke - who was a member of staff at Stamford Bridge for over 20 years - has handed in his notice with view to joining former team mate Gianfranco Zola, who was confirmed as the Hammers' 12th full time manager earlier today, at West Ham.

The deal, if confirmed, would represent a major coup for the Hammers, for Clarke was a well-respected member of Chelsea's coaching staff popular with players and supporters alike.

The former Scottish international was a close confidante of former Blues manager Jose Mourinho although he found himself marginalised first by Avram Grant and then, more recently, by Phil Scolari.

Chelsea, according to the story pulled out all the stops in an attempt to keep Clarke at Stamford Bridge but he was apparently determined to leave in order to join up with Zola, a player whom he featured alongside for two seasons in the late 1990s.

Clarke, if confirmed, will become the second signing made by new manager Zola following confirmation of the arrival of fitness coach Antonios Pintos.

Sounds like he is off but Chelsea are trying to hang on to him, it's only gona be a matter of time before he joins up with Zola. Looks like Big Phil didn't want two No.2 after all.

[Sparkles]

Chelsea confirm assistant Clarke's resignation

By Soccernet staff

Updated: September 12, 2008, 10:53 AM UK

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Chelsea have confirmed that assistant manager Steve Clarke has handed in his resignation.

GettyImages

Steve Clarke was happier under Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.

The former Scotland defender reportedly handed in the request on Thursday night and it could paves the way for a move to West Ham United, where he could work in a similar capacity under Gianfranco Zola, the new manager.

A Chelsea spokesman said: ''Chelsea can confirm that West Ham have made an approach with regards to talking to Steve Clarke.

''They have not been given permission to talk to him.

''Steve Clarke has tendered his resignation as assistant first team coach. We have not accepted his resignation. Talks are continuing.''

His appointment is expected to be announced in the next few days, once the club have agreed a severance package with Chelsea. Although the West London club are demanding £1.2 million in compensation because Clarke has two years left to run on his contract.

Clarke's decision comes as something of a shock given that he has ties that go back over 20 years with the club, but after four years as No 2 at Stamford Bridge it became clear that he would not fit in with the Luiz Felipe Scolari regime.

It is understood that Clarke has been effectively sidelined since Scolari was appointed in the summer, with the Brazilian relying almost entirely on Darlan Schneider, his other assistant, whom he brought with him from Portugal.

Despite taking what many have seen as a backward step, Clarke is said to be relishing the opportunity of linking up again with Zola, with whom he played for two years at Chelsea.

Not a surprising move as he has been pushed so far sideways along the bench he has almost fallen off. Scholari brought in his own men and Clarke has become redundant. After his years of service ,albeit well paid ones, if would be very unfair to treat him harshly. If Chelsea push the point can West Ham afford that amount of money for compensation and then his wages just for an assistant ?

[Jockstar]

Robinho under pressure - Cech

Updated: September 12, 2008, 10:08 AM UK

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Chelsea will be out to prove a point to Manchester City's £32million man Robinho when they travel to Eastlands tomorrow, according to goalkeeper Petr Cech.

The 24-year-old Brazilian was a long-term target for the west London club but instead opted for a shock transfer deadline day switch to Manchester City - now backed by the billions of the Abu Dhabi United Group.

The two Barclays Premier League big spenders will go head to head in tomorrow afternoon's late kick-off and Chelsea are determined to show Robinho - who had publicly stated his desire to move to Stamford Bridge, only to suddenly have a late change of heart - just what he missed out on.

''In the morning he says he loves Chelsea and he wants to be part of Chelsea, and then a few hours later he signs for another club, but it was his decision,'' Cech said.

''He needs to play well for Manchester City and we want to show him on Saturday he made a decision that is not perfect for him really.

''He is a great player and the sort of player who can entertain people so for the Premier League maybe he is good - but we will see how he is going to cope with the pressure now.''

Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari will hope all of his returning internationals are fit after losing combative midfielder Michael Essien for up to six months on the sidelines after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while away with Ghana.

Cech said: ''It is a blow because he has been a great player for us since he came, but we have a large squad and we need to cope with that.

''I wish him a speedy recovery because we will all need him.''

Joe Cole is expected to be available despite needing stitches to a head wound suffered during England's 4-1 win in Croatia on Wednesday night.

John Obi Mikel is hoping to return from a leg problem to fill in for Essien, while striker Didier Drogba could be in line for a first appearance of the season after a knee injury.

Defender Ashley Cole was also part of the Chelsea quintet away with England, as was skipper John Terry, Frank Lampard and Wayne Bridge

He told Chelsea TV: ''It is good to be back after two good results and hopefully we can look forward to the Man City game.

''We have not been away for 10 days with England in a long time so you get used to each other more.

''Previous games we had been nervous, but I don't think anyone was nervous for this one.

''We had a point to prove and I think we did it.''

Cole added: ''What happened to Joe was a little bit scary - but I am glad to see he is all right now.''

Chelsea head into a tough run of fixtures with the opening of the Champions League group at home to Bordeaux which will be followed by a Stamford Bridge date against champions Manchester United on September 21.

[Seapok]

Man City v Chelsea

Robinho trained with Manchester City for the first time on Friday after his club record move and is expected to play some part against Chelsea.

Pablo Zabaleta may also make his debut and Micah Richards could be available again after a shoulder injury.

John Mikel Obi's leg injury has cleared but Michael Ballack (foot) is out and Joe Cole faces a fitness test after a cut to head while on England duty.

Didier Drogba returns to the squad for the first time this season.

Man City (from): Hart, Schmeichel, Richards, Kompany, Zabaleta, Dunne, Onuoha, Ben Haim, Ball, Garrido, Fernandes, Hamann, Ireland, Johnson, Elano, Evans, Sturridge, Caicedo, Jo, Benjani, Robinho.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Bosingwa, Terry, Carvalho, A Cole, Belletti, Obi, Lampard, Deco, Anelka, Drogba, J Cole, Bridge, Alex, Ferreira, Kalou, Malouda, Di Santo, Ivanovic.

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes on Robinho and Shaun Wright-Phillips:

"On the day I met him in London a week and a half ago, one of the first things he said was that he can't wait for the game because he can't wait to play against Chelsea, so that's a good sign.

"Everyone knows that Shaun is an exceptionally talented footballer, and we are delighted that he is back. I know that he is really excited about going up against Chelsea.

"I know it's being billed as the 'clash of the cash'. We are really looking forward to getting back to playing football and the fixture against Chelsea is a fantastic one for us, it's the perfect game for us given the circumstances."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

Mark Hughes send outs his new free-scoring charges against his former club. It's an early evening Saturday fixture between the rapidly rich Manchester City and the perhaps now not-as-rich Chelsea.

High-flying Chelsea, who also appointed a new manager in the close season in Luiz Felipe Scolari, are the only club yet to lose a Premier League game in 2008, and are defending a 24-match unbeaten streak.

The Citizens have already scored two more league goals than Chelsea (eight to six). Both clubs will be competing in Europe next week.

Chelsea have won the last six Premier League matches against Manchester City, without conceding a single goal.

City have only scored one goal in 12 meetings, and have claimed four points from a last possible 42 against the West Londoners.

CLUB FORM

MANCHESTER CITY

3rd 6 points

Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 1st

2008-09 Premier League performance

1. Won their last three without conceding a goal (all competitions).

2. Won their last two in the Premier League by 3-0 margins; home to West Ham and away to Sunderland.

3. Already won five league and cup games this season; more than any other Premier League club.

4. Yet to concede a home goal.

5. Totalled nine points from the first four games last season, which started with three straight victories.

6. Need five more goals to total 600 in Premier League history.

7. Won only two of their last eight against the 'Big Four', in completing the double over Manchester United last season.

CHELSEA

1st 7 points

Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 1st

2008-09 Premier League performance

1. Undefeated in 13 (if the European Cup final is counted as a drawn game). Won eight and drawn five (all competitions), since losing 2-1, away to Fenerbahe in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on 2 April; their solitary defeat in 18 outings.

2. Won 17 and drawn seven since losing 1-0 away to Arsenal on 16 December 2007 - their only defeat in 34 league matches.

3. Own the best Premier League record in 2008 with 15 wins and six draws from 21 matches. Their 51 points is five more than Manchester United's return over the same period.

4. Aiming for a fifth consecutive away league win.

5. Picked up 29 points (nine wins, two draws) from a last possible 33 on the road since the 1-0 loss to Arsenal nine months ago; kept clean sheets in the last four.

6. On the longest current run in the top-flight of 11 unbeaten away games; the only points dropped in that sequence were to Portsmouth (1-1) and Tottenham (4-4).

7. Had 10 points after their first four fixtures last season.

8. On the longest current run in the Premier League of 11 matches, since conceding more than a single goal in a game.

9. Scored in each of their last 15 league outings, and completed 34 top-flight fixtures since losing by more than a single goal.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

MANCHESTER CITY

ELANO is the joint top goal scorer in the Premier League with three; alongside Gabriel AGBONLAHOR of Aston Villa and Wigan's Amr ZAKI.

If selected:-

Shaun WRIGHT-PHILLIPS will be facing a former club. The 26 year old England international made 125 appearances (82 in the league) and scored 10 goals (four league) for Chelsea since his £21m move from Manchester City in July 2005 and his £9m return to Eastlands last month.

Tal BEN-HAIM will also be facing former team mates. The 26 year old Israel international made 23 appearances (13 in the league) for Chelsea between June 2007 and his close season move to Manchester City.

CHELSEA

If selected:-

Nicolas ANELKA will be facing a former club. The 29 year old France international made 103 appearances (89 in the league) and scored 45 goals (37 league) for Manchester City between June 2002 and January 2005. He was bought from Real Madrid for £13m, having been on loan to Liverpool, and sold to Fenerbahce for £7m. Chelsea bought him from Bolton for £15m.

If on the field from the outset:-

Ricardo CARVALHO will be making his 100th Premier League start in a Chelsea shirt.

HEAD TO HEAD

Chelsea are targeting a fourth win in a row on Manchester City turf and a ninth in 10 visits.

City have not found the back of Chelsea's net since their 1-0 victory on 16 October 2004, when a Nicolas Anelka penalty at the City of Manchester Stadium inflicted Jose Mourinho's first loss as Chelsea manager.

It was the Citizens' only maximum over Chelsea in 11 attempts in the Premier League on their own territory.

Manchester City were one of eight clubs Chelsea did the double over last season; Chelsea were one of three clubs to do the double over Manchester City.

Home and away

League (inc PL): Man City 39 wins, Chelsea 51, Draws 36

Prem: Man City 2 wins, Chelsea 16, Draws 4

at Man City only

League (inc PL): Man City 27 wins, Chelsea 20, Draws 16

Prem: Man City 1 win, Chelsea 9, Draws 1

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Manchester City 0-2 Chelsea

5 April 2008 - Ref: Chris Foy

Chelsea scorers: Dunne 6 og, Kalou 53

REFEREE

Mark Halsey (Lancashire)

[MSingh]

Not a surprising move as he has been pushed so far sideways along the bench he has almost fallen off. Scholari brought in his own men and Clarke has become redundant. After his years of service ,albeit well paid ones, if would be very unfair to treat him harshly. If Chelsea push the point can West Ham afford that amount of money for compensation and then his wages just for an assistant ?

We're not the old West Ham now you know, these days we're owned by a Sterling Billionaire & i'm not pulling your chain..

We're very good at paying wages, ask Freddie Ljungberg & Lucas Neill but to name a few.

[Seapok]

Scolari wants Essien replacement

Chelsea manager Luiz Filipe Scolari has hinted he will enter the transfer market to cover for the loss of injured midfielder Michael Essien.

Scolari told BBC London 94.9: "I have some ideas about this position. I said yesterday to Peter [Kenyon].

"He's trying to move something today, tomorrow or maybe next week."

Essien has been ruled out for around five months after suffering an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury while on World Cup duty with Ghana.

Defender Ricardo Carvalho admits the loss of Essien to a cruciate ligament injury will have a big impact on the team.

"Everyone will miss Essien, he's an important player for us and now we have to be with him and give him our comfort," Carvalho said.

"We'll try to help him because it's a difficult time for him."

The Portugal international added that he is glad he will not have to mark Manchester City's new £32.5m forward Robinho on Saturday as the Brazilian makes his debut against the Blues, the club he was close to joining last month.

"He plays more on the wing, so it will not be for me [to mark him], but it's difficult to play against him, he's a great player."

And Carvalho told BBC London 94.9 he holds no grudges about Robinho's decision to chose a move to Eastlands over Stamford Bridge: "We have to carry on and try to do our best.

[Seapok]

We totally dominated this game from the 1st minute, Man U, just give us the trophy back now!

Man City 1-3 Chelsea

Robinho marked his Manchester City debut with a goal - but Chelsea spoiled the party with an impressive win to stay top of the Premier League.

The £32.5m Brazilian put City ahead with a 20-yard free-kick after 13 minutes, but Ricardo Carvalho levelled for Chelsea three minutes later.

Frank Lampard's superb strike put Chelsea ahead after 53 minutes and Nicolas Anelka slid in a third.

Chelsea's only disappointment was a red card for John Terry for a foul on Jo.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side demonstrated exactly what Robinho might have missed out on by snubbing Chelsea for City, showing that they are in a different class to a side still under reconstruction by boss Mark Hughes.

But the sending off of Terry cast a real cloud over the win, ruling him out of next Sunday's game with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Robinho was swift to demonstrate why he was at the centre of a bidding war between these two clubs when he gave City an early lead.

City were awarded a free-kick when Carvalho clipped Jo, and Robinho sent Eastlands wild with a clipped free-kick from 20 yards that beat Petr Cech via a deflection off Jon Obi Mikel.

Chelsea's response was emphatic as they drew level inside three minutes to silence the City celebrations.

Lampard's corner was met by Terry's header, and when a rebound off Joe Cole fell kindly for Carvalho, he lashed an unstoppable finish past Joe Hart.

Chelsea were then in the ascendancy, with Florent Malouda heading Joe Cole's cross against the bar and Hart saving well from Anelka after a dreadful clearance from Pablo Zabaleta.

City had moments of their own, with striker Jo seeing a shot deflected wide and Stephen Ireland shooting just over - but Chelsea were looking very impressive.

It was no surprise when they took the lead after 53 minutes as the outstanding Lampard capped a wonderful flowing move with a left-foot finish that flew low beyond Hart into the bottom corrner.

Carvalho - a goal hero at one end - then made a brilliant tackle to stop Ireland before Anelka effectively wrapped up with win after 69 minutes.

Joe Cole showed great guile to slide in a perfect pass behind City's defence and Anelka swooped to slip a cool finish beyond Hart.

Chelsea's smooth progress towards victory was interrupted when Terry received the first straight red card of his career with 13 minutes left.

He was guilty of a cynical foul on Jo, but the City striker still had a long way to go to goal and Carvalho was in close attendance, making it a contentious call by referee Mark Halsey.

City showed plenty of spirit, but it was Chelsea who had the class and fully deserved the victory.

Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Richards, Dunne, Michael Ball (Sturridge 84), Wright-Phillips, Hamann (Gelson 61), Kompany, Ireland, Robinho, Jo.

Subs Not Used: Schmeichel, Elano, Garrido, Evans, Ben-Haim.

Goals: Robinho 13.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Terry, Carvalho, Ashley Cole, Obi, Lampard, Deco, Joe Cole (Belletti 70), Anelka (Alex 79), Malouda (Drogba 70).

Subs Not Used: Hilario, Ivanovic, Bridge, Kalou.

Sent Off: Terry (77).

Booked: Obi.

Goals: Carvalho 16, Lampard 53, Anelka 69.

Att: 47,331

Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).

[Seapok]

No way a straight red, wasn't the ref watching the Liverpool - Man Utd game???

Chelsea to consider Terry appeal

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari says the club could appeal against John Terry's red card against Man City.

Skipper Terry was sent off 13 minutes before the end of Chelsea's 3-1 victory over Manchester City for bringing down striker Jo as he went through on goal.

Scolari claims to have not seen the incident but will speak to the club hierarchy before deciding any action.

"I will speak to the players and the board because I don't have any idea what happened," said Scolari.

Referee Mark Halsey ruled Terry to be the last man, although Ricardo Carvalho was behind his defensive partner.

If Terry's red card is upheld, the England captain would miss Sunday's key Premier League game against Manchester United.

The last time the two teams met, Terry missed a crucial spot kick as his side lost 6-5 on penalties in the Champions League final.

Scolari was non-committal on whether he felt the decision was correct when interviewed after the game.

"I would need to see it again on TV before I could really speak about it," he said. "I let the referee make decisions."

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes felt the decision to send Terry off was wrong.

"I think it was harsh, but the referee was a little bit erratic," he said.

Terry would also miss Chelsea's visit to Portsmouth in the third round of the Carling Cup.

[Seapok]

Deco clinch's award

Deco has capped a dream start to life in England by winning the Barclays Player of the Month Award at the very first opportunity.

The summer signing from Barcelona has made an impressive start to life in the Barclays Premier League, scoring twice and being credited with a further two assists in just three games, as the Blues soared to the top of the table and retained our unbeaten record going into September.

On receiving the accolade, he said: 'For me it's a pleasure and honour to have got here and managed to have a good start to the season. Of course this is just a start - what's important is to get to the end and still be playing this well. I think that's important, I'm very proud and happy with this result.'

Deco's creative talents were first showcased in the 4-0 win over Portsmouth in the season opener at Stamford Bridge, where his assist for Nicolas Anelka's goal was improved by a 25-yard strike to round off the scoring.

In the closely contested 1-0 victory over Wigan that followed he shone once more, as another long-range strike, this time from a third-minute free-kick, proved the difference. His effectiveness from set pieces continued in the 1-1 home draw with Spurs, where his corner produced the opening goal from a Juliano Belletti flick.

Deco, Luiz Felipe Scolari's debut signing, is the first Chelsea player to scoop the award since Petr Cech back in March 2007, and the only Portuguese player other than Christiano Ronaldo to collect the prize.

The decision was made by the Barclays Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.

[Seapok]

Lamps wants Terry reprieve

Frank Lampard hopes Chelsea captain John Terry escapes a suspension after being sent off at Manchester City.

Terry was dismissed 13 minutes from the end of the 3-1 win at the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday after bringing down Jo near the centre circle.

Referee Mark Halsey produced a straight red card, although Ricardo Carvalho was covering his defensive partner.

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has yet to decide whether to appeal the decision, with Terry currently due to miss next week's showdown with Manchester United.

However, Lampard is in no doubt that Halsey made the wrong decision and is keen for the incident to be reviewed.

"If there are two men behind the ball it cannot be a professional foul," said Lampard.

"Hopefully they will address it.

"I saw Robbie Keane brought down by Nemanja Vidic at Anfield.

"It was exactly the same thing and it was a yellow card, which is what a block like that should be."

[Seapok]

Terry stronger after Moscow woe

Chelsea captain John Terry will use the memory of his Moscow misery as motivation in this year's UEFA Champions League.

Terry had the chance to secure European glory in May's final against Manchester United, but slipped as he took his vital penalty in the shoot-out and the Red Devils went on to lift the trophy.

That left the England skipper inconsolable in the Russian capital with tears streaming down his face and his team-mates slumped on the turf in despair.

But the centre-back believes he showed his character by turning out for England in a friendly just a week after the final, scoring the opener in a 2-0 win over USA.

Terry told the News of the World: "Everything that happened made me mentally stronger. I had to be.

"I think I proved that much when I came back into the England squad for the USA game two days after the final.

"I was sitting at the table with Manchester United players and I really didn't want to be there, if I was honest.

"I really had to go in there and bite my lip. I did that and then I put in a performance and got a goal. That took away some bad memories.

"I was never going to pull out of that game. Even if the manager had said stay away I would have begged him to come and play."

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side are expected to be among the leading contenders for glory this year, with the group stages kicking off on Tuesday.

The Stamford Bridge club begin their campaign with a home date against Bordeaux, with clashes against Roma and Romanian outfit CFR Cluj to follow.

Terry added: "After the disappointment, we want to kick on and go one better and this time get our hands on the trophy."

[Seapok]

Chelsea contest Terry dismissal

Chelsea have appealed against the red card given to John Terry in Saturday's game against Manchester City.

Blues captain Terry was sent off 13 minutes before the end of his side's 3-1 victory for bringing down City striker Jo near the halfway line.

The Football Association has confirmed the defender's sending off was for serious foul play rather than for a professional foul.

An FA regulatory commission will consider the appeal on Tuesday.

If Terry's red card is upheld, the England captain would miss the key Premier League game against Manchester United on 21 September.

Terry would also miss the Carling Cup tie against Portsmouth on 24 September, and the Premier 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.

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".

The official Fifa rules continue: "Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force and endangering the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play."

Straight red cards cannot be downgraded to a yellow, so Chelsea will have to successfully argue that Terry did not deserve a yellow in order to succeed in the appeal.

Speaking after the match, Terry's team-mate Frank Lampard insisted the red card was harsh, although he appeared to believe it had been given for a professional foul.

"I don't need to see the sending-off again, there were two players behind him [Terry]," said Lampard.

"If you start giving out red cards like that you'll have four or five a game. There was a similar one with Robbie Keane (who was fouled by Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic) in the Liverpool game and it was a yellow card (for Vidic), a standard yellow card.

"Hopefully they'll look at it again and make it a yellow card. It's not a red card when there's two men behind the ball. If not we could miss him for three games.

"It was just a block-off challenge. It happened at the end with Didier Drogba when there was a free-kick given against Richard Dunne. If that's the case he should have punished him the same as JT, but he didn't."

[Seapok]

West Ham appoint Clarke as coach

Chelsea assistant coach Steve Clarke has joined West Ham as their new first- team coach after the clubs reached a financial settlement.

The 45-year-old Clarke joins West Ham on a three-year deal, joining up with new boss Gianfranco Zola, after handing in his resignation last Thursday.

Chelsea had sought £5m compensation for the Scot, with West Ham offering £1m, but a compromise has now been agreed.

Clarke spent 20 seasons at Chelsea, both as a player and as a coach.

Zola's revamp of the Hammers backroom staff has also seen Antonio Pintus, another ex-Chelsea employee who has worked with Juventus, brought in as fitness coach.

Clarke will work at Upton Park alongside fellow first-team coach Kevin Keen and goalkeeping coach Ludek Miklosko.

Clarke had two years left of his current deal at Stamford Bridge after signing a new contract in the wake of Jose Mourinho's departure as manager in September 2007.

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "We are very pleased to welcome Steve Clarke to the club.

"Steve is rightly regarded as one of the top coaches in Europe and his experience and knowledge will be a huge asset to us.

"He recognises what we are trying to achieve at West Ham United and wants to be a part of that.

"We have worked very hard to bring him on board and are confident we now have the perfect coaching team."

The Scot joined the Blues as a player in January 1987 and the defender helped the club win the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup before retiring in September 1998.

He went on to become to become Ruud Gullit's assistant at Newcastle and had a brief spell as caretaker manager at the Tyneside club after the Dutchman's exit in August 1999 before working under Sir Bobby Robson at St James' Park.

Clarke returned to Chelsea - where Zola enjoyed a successful playing stint between 1996-2003 - and has assisted Mourinho, Avram Grant and current Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Scolari held talks with Clarke on Wednesday and the Brazilian admitted he would be "sad" to lose him from the coaching set-up.

[Seapok]

Terry wins appeal to face Man Utd

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".

[Seapok]

Chelsea 4-0 Bordeaux

Chelsea opened their Champions League campaign in emphatic fashion with a comfortable win against Bordeaux.

Frank Lampard headed Chelsea in front after only 14 minutes from Jose Bosingwa's perfect right-wing cross.

Joe Cole then glanced in Lampard's corner on the half-hour as Chelsea took complete control.

Florent Malouda added the third with a driven left-foot shot eight minutes from time and Nicolas Anelka tapped in a fourth in injury time.

Bordeaux were tame opposition, with Chelsea keeper Petr Cech not forced into serious action at any point, but it was still an impressive show as the Premier League leaders continued the form that has taken them to the summit.

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, predictably, named the same team that outclassed Manchester City on Saturday - and they continued in imperious form.

It took last season's runners-up only 14 minutes to take the lead, Lampard arriving in a central position only six yards out to head Bosingwa's superb cross beyond Ulrich Rame.

Rame then saved well from Anelka and John Terry headed Lampard's free-kick just wide before Joe Cole deservedly doubled Chelsea's advantage on the half-hour.

Lampard swung a corner into the near post and the England midfield man rose above the Bordeaux defence to glance home a neat header.

Lampard should have piled on the misery for Bordeaux three minutes later, but he uncharacteristically dragged a simple finish wide from close range.

Bordeaux, as they had to, showed greater ambition after the break and Fernando gave Chelsea a moment of anxiety after 50 minutes when he shot just wide.

Scolari, with the game seemingly under control, decided to make a change on the hour when he sent on fit-again Michael Ballack for Deco.

And Anelka should have wrapped things up almost immediately, but he shot into the side-netting from an angle.

Chelsea had taken their foot off the gas after the break and Scolari went through his full range of arm-waving as he became increasingly agitated with his side.

And his theatrics had the desired effect as they scored a beautifully fashioned third with eight minutes left.

Jon Mikel Obi opened up the Bordeaux defence with a powerful surge, and when Lampard released Malouda with a clever flick, the Frenchman fired an emphatic left-foot finish across Rame.

Ricardo Carvalho then headed against the bar and Anelka drove inches wide as Chelsea ended the game as they begun it, in complete control.

And they rounded off the night in style when Anelka slotted in a simple fourth after substitute Juliano Belletti's long-range shot rebounded into his path off the bar.

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari

"We started very well, we got three points but we made too many mistakes.

"We did not control the game enough, we let them have too much of the ball, especially in the second half, but we did get two late goals. However, the most important thing was the result.

"Frank Lampard loves football, he trains hard every day and when you do this God helps you.

"If you didn't do this in training you would not do well in the match.

"OK, the result was good and it is important to win but we made too many mistakes."

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole, Obi, Joe Cole (Belletti 74), Deco (Ballack 61), Lampard, Malouda (Kalou 84), Anelka.

Subs Not Used: Hilario, Di Santo, Ferreira, Alex.

Booked: Deco.

Goals: Lampard 14, Joe Cole 30, Malouda 82, Anelka 90.

Bordeaux: Rame, Jurietti, Diawara, Planus, Placente, Diarra, Menegazzo (Ducasse 74), Gouffran (Obertan 65), Gourcuff, Wendell, Chamakh (Cavenaghi 65).

Subs Not Used: Valverde, Henrique, Bellion, Traore.

Att: 39,635

Ref: Pieter Vink (Holland).

[Seapok]

Scolari critical despite victory

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari was unimpressed despite their 4-0 Champions League victory over Bordeaux.

He said: "We made many mistakes in the second half. We did not control the game enough, we let them have too much of the ball. We did not play very well.

"We could be punished by other teams who get in front of goal faster and with quality. That is dangerous for us.

"When you are winning 2-0 at half-time you need to work the ball and control the game. You don't need to win 5-0."

The Brazilian coach was taking charge of his first Champions League match and spent much of it gesticulating wildly from the dugout.

While headers from Frank Lampard and Joe Cole had put Chelsea well in control in the first half, Scolari was disappointed his side did not show more discipline after the break.

Chelsea only added to their goals tally eight minutes from time when Florent Malouda drove home and Nicolas Anelka tapped in a fourth in injury time.

And Scolari hinted that his players were tactically naive and did not perform as he wanted, although he admitted it was vital to have got the victory.

"We tried to attack without the ball and with no good connections," he said. "But most important for us is the result.

"It is important to start with a win because in this competition you never know what will happen.

"You see that Cluj beat Roma. That is a warning for us for the next game."

Champions League debutants CFR 1907 Cluj came from behind to beat Roma to record a stunning 2-1 victory at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Romanians will host Chelsea on 1 October in the next round of matches.

[Seapok]

His final ball needs to approve fast or he will be off in January

Malouda happy at the Bridge

Florent Malouda is prepared to accept squad rotation at Chelsea and insists he is happy at Stamford Bridge.

The French winger joined the Blues in 2007 when former manager Jose Mourinho paid Lyon £13.5million for his services.

However, Malouda struggled for fitness and form in his first season in England and was consistently linked with Roma throughout this summer.

The 28-year-old began the current campaign on Chelsea's bench, but has started the club's last two matches, against Manchester City in the Premier League and Bordeaux in the UEFA Champions League.

Malouda, though, is aware he will not always be a first-team regular under boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, despite scoring Chelsea's third in Tuesday's 4-0 victory over Bordeaux.

"For the past two matches I have been in the starting XI," Malouda told L'Equipe.

"I love to play for the club. I am enjoying it.

"But at Chelsea there are so many great players that I know everything can be questioned from day to day."

Malouda was pleased to get his name on the scoresheet as Chelsea began their European campaign with three points.

"My goal is the icing on the cake. The whole team produced a very strong performance and scoring shows our organisation and determination."

Meanwhile, Malouda is adamant he does not regret criticising France coach Raymond Domenech for playing him in a defensive position at Euro 2008.

"I don't regret my words," Malouda said. "I am a big boy, I take it on, and I know what I said."

[Seapok]

Lampard does not fear United

Frank Lampard is confident of beating Manchester United on Sunday regardless of whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo plays.

The Portuguese winger has yet to feature this season after summer ankle surgery but he is set to return to action in the UEFA Champions League in midweek and may start against Chelsea.

Lampard accepts that Ronaldo's inclusion would strengthen United but he believes Chelsea are playing well enough to cope with whatever comes their way.

"I'm not too concerned, really," Lampard told the Evening Standard.

"He's probably the best player in the world having achieved what he did last year - you can't take that away from him.

"But whether after a few months out they'll put him back in, I don't know. If they do we'll have to deal with that."

The Blues are top of the table after four games and Lampard is looking to increase the pressure on the chasing pack.

He said: "We're good enough to deal with United at their strongest - we shouldn't want them weak. If they are strong we still want to beat them."

[Seapok]

Wilkins handed Chelsea coach role

Ray Wilkins has been appointed Chelsea's assistant first-team coach following Steve Clarke's move to West Ham United.

The 52-year-old returns to Stamford Bridge where he played for six years from 1973 and also coached with Gianluca Vialli between 1998 and 2000.

Wilkins began his career with Chelsea, making 198 appearances and being made captain at the age of 18.

The former England player will assist Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The appointment marks Wilkins's return to the game after losing his coaching position with the England Under-21s last year following Peter Taylor's departure and Stuart Pearce's subsequent appointment as head coach.

After starting his playing career as a teenager at Stamford Bridge, he moved to Manchester United in 1979 and was part of their FA Cup-winning side four years later.

He went on to win 83 England caps and also played for AC Milan, Paris St. Germain, Rangers and Queens Park Rangers.

Wilkins began a short-lived managerial career at QPR in 1994 and had one season in charge at Fulham in 1997.

Following his first spell on the Chelsea coaching staff, he worked again with Vialli at Watford in 2001 and was then Dennis Wise's assistant at Millwall when they reached the FA Cup final.

His appointment has been made with immediate effect and his first game with the squad will see Chelsea take on one of his former clubs, Manchester United.

[Jockstar]

By PAUL JIGGINS

Published: Today

PHIL SCOLARI declared war on Alex Ferguson by telling him: I want to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Chelsea chief’s revelation lit the fuse for tomorrow’s big Battle of the Bridge with Fergie’s Manchester United.

Big Phil, Ronaldo’s Portugal boss before taking over the Blues, said: “Maybe next season, Cristiano is with me. Tell him if he wants to change, I’ll open the door for him.”

Scolari’s comments on the eve of the title rivals’ epic clash are certain to infuriate Fergie.

The pair have been at loggerheads all week after the Scot (below) claimed the FA favoured the Londoners by overturning John Terry’s red card at Manchester City. He can now face United tomorrow.

But Big Phil hit back — and showed he can play mind games too — with his comments about Ron.

Despite appearing to be tongue-in-cheek, there is no doubt Scolari would jump at the chance to sign the winger.

It is not the first time the two managers have crossed swords over Ronaldo. When Scolari was Ron’s Portugal manager at Euro 2008, he told the winger to follow his heart and seal a controversial switch to boyhood idols Real Madrid.

Ronaldo is set to make his first start of the season for United tomorrow after recovering from ankle surgery.

Scolari added: “He will leave United one day because he won’t play for 50 years.

“If he goes to another club, whether in one year or two years, I don’t know. He’s my friend. I like him as a father likes his son. But his life is his life.

“When I arrived in Portugal, Ronaldo was a kid. A young boy of 17.

“At that time, he had a good character. He was starting as a very good professional, but at that time he was already thinking about his future.

“He’s improved himself, very well, in the five or six years since. More in Manchester than with the national team.

Advertisement

“He lives in Manchester 11 months of the year and spends only one month a year with the national team.

“I’ve seen him improve. Next season, I can see him as a captain with Portugal. He’s a very good man, helps the other players, a good attitude on and off the pitch.

“Ronaldo, has grown up, matured. Now, at this time of life, Ronaldo is mature and is better than one or two years ago.

“Now he is one of the three best players in the world. I said that two years ago, and I repeat it now. I never said he was the best, and I won’t now.

“I have some players here who are fantastic, and I’d never say they are the best. He is one of three, one of five, one of 10.”

[mrbojangles]

PHIL SCOLARI declared war on Alex Ferguson by telling him: I want to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.

Looks like another player our owners will have to snatch from the No-Money Roman, then

[Seapok]

SCOLARI: MY RAY OF HELP

Felipe Scolari welcomed Ray Wilkins back into the Chelsea fold on Thursday. A day later he has spoken publicly about his new assistant first team coach.

Wilkins will work alongside existing assistant first team coach Flavio Teixeira and fitness coach Darlan Schneider, taking on a role filled by Steve Clarke until a week ago.

'Ray is a face for Chelsea,' Scolari says.

'He played many years for Chelsea, he played many years for the national team and he played outside England - in Italy and Scotland. He is a man who is important for us because he knows many clubs, many players and he knows English football.

'That is important for me because sometimes I need some information. I am here only three months and I need someone that knows English football. When I introduced Ray to the players, many knew him and spoke to him and it is good relationship.'

On Sunday at Stamford Bridge, Wilkins will return to the turf he first graced 35 years ago. Scolari will accompany him.

'I think the fans like him and they will give to him a good welcome.

'Also this is the first time Steve [Clarke] is not with me. I wish Steve all the best because I like him and wish him a good future.

[Seapok]

PHIL SCOLARI declared war on Alex Ferguson by telling him: I want to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.

Looks like another player our owners will have to snatch from the No-Money Roman, then

If Ronaldo did go to City he really would be a slave.....slave to the pound sign, that would be like Kaka choosing Fulham over Chelsea!

[Seapok]

Kalou quashes Blues talk

Salomon Kalou has attempted to fend off speculation surrounding his future by claiming he wants to become a Chelsea star.

The Ivory Coast international is currently down The Blues' pecking order having made just three substitute appearances for the club under new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Kalou's lack of action has led to speculation he has grown unhappy at Stamford Bridge and that a January switch to Primera Liga giants Barcelona could be in the offing.

However, the 23-year-old has no plans to leave Chelsea and remains determined as ever to become one of Scolari's key players alongside the likes of John Terry and Didier Drogba.

"I want to be one of Chelsea's most important players, fulfil the expectations that people have of me and play a part in as many wins as possible," Kalou said in the Daily Star.

"I'm going to have to work hard, score a lot of goals and help set more up. I hope we can win all the competitions that we are taking part in."

Kalou has attempted to improve his starting chances by praising Avram Grant's replacement Scolari, claiming the Brazilian boss was the right man for the job.

"With some coaches you can tall straight away that they're good. In the first training sessions I could see he was the right man for the job," he continued.

"A lot of people feel we don't play attractively, but we can change the way they think and play football that's nice to watch."

[mrbojangles]

PHIL SCOLARI declared war on Alex Ferguson by telling him: I want to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.

Looks like another player our owners will have to snatch from the No-Money Roman, then

If Ronaldo did go to City he really would be a slave.....slave to the pound sign, that would be like Kaka choosing Fulham over Chelsea!

Kettle, black and all that.

ALL of your players are also prostitutes to Roman's pounds. We'll see where we are when we've had time to buy a few players

[Seapok]

PHIL SCOLARI declared war on Alex Ferguson by telling him: I want to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.

Looks like another player our owners will have to snatch from the No-Money Roman, then

If Ronaldo did go to City he really would be a slave.....slave to the pound sign, that would be like Kaka choosing Fulham over Chelsea!

Kettle, black and all that.

ALL of your players are also prostitutes to Roman's pounds. We'll see where we are when we've had time to buy a few players

How can you say that about any of our players? you know each and everyone of them would die for the cause!

I think we both know for the next few years City will be a mid table team........at best!

[mrbojangles]

I think we both know for the next few years City will be a mid table team........at best!

I will keep that quotation for your future humbling and public apology

[Seapok]

I think we both know for the next few years City will be a mid table team........at best!

I will keep that quotation for your future humbling and public apology

If I am wrong and thats not often the case I will apologise profusely

[Seapok]

Cole loving Blues life

Joe Cole insists he has never been happier after enjoying an eye-catching start to the season.

The Chelsea and England winger has hit the ground running this term, bagging five goals for club and country in just eight games.

That fine form has helped the Blues set the early standard in the Premier League, while the Three Lions have made a perfect start to their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Cole, unsurprisingly, suggests he is brimming with confidence and is looking forward to getting his hands on some silverware.

"There's nowhere else I'd rather be than Chelsea. I'm right where I want to be," Cole told the News of the World.

"I supported the club as a boy and now I am here playing for them. So I am living the dream.

"I've got the chance to chase the biggest prizes in the game and I want to make the most of it by winning as many trophies as I possibly can."

Despite setting the domestic and international arenas alight this season, Cole still believes he has plenty of room for improvement.

"I'm 26 and I've been here five years now so I do now have a wealth of experience on my side," he added.

"But I still retain all the enthusiasm of a young lad and a desire to keep learning.

"It helps playing alongside such great players. I can't help but learn from them. The latest for me is Deco.

"Now I knew he was a great player but I didn't know just how good he really was until he came here. He's a real inspiration. His technique and touch are superb."

[Seapok]

Scolari impressed by Prem

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari feels English football contains an intriguing mix of technical flair and raw power.

In the past, the Premier League has been viewed as a division bristling with hard working players and games played at breathtaking pace.

However, the influx of foreign stars and coaches has helped complement the battlers with the kind of creativity previously reserved for South America, Spain and Italy.

Scolari, a Brazilian native, has been impressed by the traits incorporated into the Premier League from these countries and believes Sunday's crunch encounter between Chelsea and Manchester United, a game which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1, will be an exhibition of 'beautiful football'.

"English football is fantastic and they have very good players," he said.

"They play now and I think in two, three, four or five years in the future the players could be, like you say, playing like Brazil.

"Before in Europe just one national team played like Brazil. Now it's many countries do but before it was Yugoslavia.

"I think in England in a few years they play the same as Brazil and the Brazil national team."

Part of the learning process for English football has been realising the importance of ball retention and refraining from lumping long balls towards powerful front-men.

Scolari certainly believes the best way to get results, while entertaining an expectant public, is to play the game in the manner in which it is intended.

"I don't want to put the ball 40 metres in front and lose it," Scolari said.

"I want the ball at my feet. I spend 50% of my training time on this every day.

"Now the game has changed. After the last 10 years it has been changing well.

"Coaches have come from other countries and given more and mixed ideas. Arsene Wenger is French, I'm from Brazil, Juande Ramos for Spain, and Rafael Benitez.

"In Spain they play football and they do not like the long ball. This is what I think they changed in England. If the football is there with the power then it will be very good."