Chelsea face Arsenal test as Rosenior eyes PSG tie
Chelsea’s best frees: Thiago Silva’s Champions League triumph, Drogba’s return and title, plus Ballack, Eto’o, Gullit, Vialli and Poyet highlight smart Bosman business.
Lessons for PSG tie: Reece James, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo overpowered midfield, Pedro Neto’s defensive work curbed Hakimi, and Levi Colwill’s passing and leadership will be missed.
Eden Hazard says PSG tried to sign him ‘every year’ at Chelsea, but he stayed while starring at Stamford Bridge before moving to Real Madrid.
Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze chases a London derby record against Chelsea, with Arteta considering Eze with Odegaard. Chelsea seek to halt a 10-game winless run in this fixture.
Liam Rosenior praises Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal as ‘well-coached’, admits finding a weakness will be tough and says Chelsea must stay confident. Two key players are out for Sunday’s Emirates trip.
Ex-Chelsea defender Scott Minto tips Leeds to stay up, praising unity among fans, manager and players in a tight relegation battle.
Diego Costa says Jose Mourinho was brilliant when winning but ‘didn’t handle losses well’, recalling tension from Chelsea’s 2015-16 dip despite their earlier title success together.
Feyenoord boss Robin van Persie defends ex-Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling after a rusty debut, calling social media backlash ‘inappropriate’. Jack Grealish also condemned criticism online.
Corinthians’ Breno Bidon admits a ‘dream’ to play in Europe and the Champions League. Chelsea bid around €20m, short of the €30m-40m valuation, with summer timing preferred.
Strasbourg boss Gary O’Neil says Chelsea loanee Aarón Anselmino has renewed hamstring ‘awareness’ and needs checks. The January arrival has made only two brief substitute outings so far.
Pedro Neto embraces Chelsea’s ‘pressure’, targeting trophies after 10 goals and 5 assists. He admits standards are high and aims to improve decision-making and crossing.
Marcel Desailly urges Chelsea to sign Darwin Nunez, likening his confidence dip to Bergkamp at Inter and backing a European return in the right environment.
Andrey Santos hails Liam Rosenior’s tactical clarity and man-management, thriving as a deeper No 5. He has started five straight, with Chelsea unbeaten in the league since 10 Jan.
RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande says he nearly joined Chelsea before choosing Leganes. Now valued near £90m after 9 goals and 7 assists, he is linked with Premier League giants.
Reports in Germany say Bayern are unlikely to buy Nico Jackson after his loan, with no talks held. A €65m option exists, but Saudi clubs, notably Al Ahli, are said to be keen.
Rosenior says he is ‘so excited’ to face holders PSG in the Champions League last 16, lauds Luis Enrique’s side but stresses focus stays on upcoming league games before the tie.
