Thibaut Courtois Wants To Resolve His Chelsea Future Prior To World Cup

Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is keen to sort out his contractual situation at Chelsea prior to this summer’s World Cup finals in Russia. The 26-year-old’s future has come into question over the past few months amid continuous links with Real Madrid, but the shot-stopper remains adamant that he will stay at Stamford Bridge, whether or not, he pens a new deal beyond the 2018/19 season.

Speaking to Sporza, he said: “If I go to the World Cup with a clear idea, sign or wait another year, then I have a clear head at the tournament. I am still proud to play at Chelsea and I want to achieve success. I have one year [left on my] contract and feel good at Chelsea, at the end of the season we will sit down together and set out a vision. I know that I will be at Chelsea next year as well.”

2018 FA Cup Final Preview

Chelsea and Manchester United will go head-to-head this Saturday in this season’s FA Cup Final showpiece at Wembley. Both sides are yet to claim any silverware this season, so both will be keen to lift the trophy on Saturday evening and avoid a barren season. With no love lost between the two managers, we can expect a fiery encounter. Not sure who’s going to claim the win? Below we take a look ahead to the weekend’s game:

What do the odds say?
Bookmakers are generally pricing Manchester United as the favourites for this game. Both sides are available at just above over Evens to win, Chelsea being priced at 19/10 and United around 6/4. It would appear that most are predicting a tight game, but with United ultimately fancied to lift the famous cup for a joint-record 13th time.

Antonio Conte Opens Up On The ‘War Of Words’ With Mourinho

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte continues to have a war of words with Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, and he recently clarified the grumblings between the two. Mourinho has been at loggerheads with Conte ever since suffering a 4-0 loss against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which used to be his former stomping ground. At the end of the game, Mourinho exchanged words with Conte, who seemed to celebrate rather extravagantly – although this has been his character throughout his managerial career. Conte’s celebrations have made him a hero at Chelsea and the Italian’s passion has never been questioned.

Mourinho has recently suggested that he would not to act like a ‘clown’ in the technical area while also referring to Conte’s four-month suspension for not reporting a match fixing scandal in Italy. Even though Conte was cleared of the same a few months later, Mourinho refused to acknowledge the verdict.

Antonio Conte Believes Chelsea Were ‘Unlucky’ Against Barcelona

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has stressed that the Blues did not have the luck on their side as they succumbed to a 4-1 aggregate defeat at the hands of Barcelona in the round of 16 of the Champions League. The tie was equally poised after a 1-1 stalemate at Stamford Bridge, but the Blaugrana were more clinical in front of goal at the Camp Nou as they secured a comfortable 3-0 win in the end.

Speaking to Sport Mediaset, Conte admitted that the result in the second-leg was probably unfair with the Blues having dominated the proceedings in the midfield, only to find themselves short of an outlet in the final third. He said: “Luck appears to have turned its back on us this season, even though I don't like to pin everything on misfortune. But I do think tonight's result was unfair. They were good and clinical, but Barcelona have players who are used to these games.”

Gianfranco Zola feels Antonio Conte must tweak his tactics for Eden Hazard

Chelsea favourite Gianfranco Zola believes Antonio Conte must tweak his tactics in order to play Eden Hazard in his preferred position behind the main striker. The Belgium international has been forced to play in a false nine position in Alvaro Morata's injury absence, and this has restricted his chances of influencing play from the wider positions.


In a report covered by Goal.com, Zola urged Conte to utilise Hazard in an attacking midfield role where he can interact with the main centre-forward, he said: "When Hazard plays deeper, it allows him to come off the pressure and run at players. It’s perfect for him.

Conte Not Ready to Talk about Season’s Objectives after Everton Draw

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has claimed that the blues may need to take each game as they come after the goalless draw with Everton on Saturday. It was a hugely disappointing result for the defending champions, who already look like out of the title race. However, this result may have just confirmed that this position as Chelsea are now an incredible 16 points behind Manchester City, who were unable to get a 4-0 victory over Bournemouth. After the recent disappointment against West Ham, Conte claimed that Chelsea’s hopes of winning the title may have effectively gone.

Now, the manager is now under major pressure in order to avoid the club from dropping out of the top four. After having already missed out on the Champions League last season, the blues will want to retain this top-level European football at any cost. Chelsea were not disappointing against Everton by any stretch of the imagination, as the team had 11 players having a pop at goal while the team also recorded 25 efforts at goal in total. Yet, Jordan Pickford was able to stand up to the task on each occasion and several Everton players also had an excellent game.

Pages

Subscribe to Support Chelsea RSS