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Stamford Bridge thread: BLUE is the Colour
- Thread starter JWNY
- Start date
Football: League Cup drama as Chelsea crash out to Burnley
LONDON: Chelsea suffered another dose of penalty shoot-out misery as Luiz Felipe Scolari's side were dumped out of the League Cup by Championship club Burnley on Wednesday.
The Blues lost a shoot-out in the Champions League final against Manchester United last season and their luck clearly hasn't improved much since as Burnley won 5-4 on penalties to inflict the shock of the season at Stamford Bridge.
Didier Drogba had given Chelsea the lead in the first half but Ade Akinbiyi levelled to send the match into extra-time.
Wade Elliott missed a chance to win the shoot-out for Burnley after Wayne Bridge's effort was saved by Brian Jensen. But the Burnley keeper pushed away John Obi Mikel's sudden death kick to send the Clarets into the quarter-finals.
Drogba was back in the starting line-up for the first time since October 1 after a knee injury and the Ivory Coast star didn't take long to mark his return with a fine finish from Frank Lampard's pass in the 27th minute.
It was Drogba's first goal since April but Chelsea couldn't kill off the Clarets and Akinbiyi equalised in the 69th minute after Carlo Cudicini had blocked a Chris Eagles effort.
Chelsea had to play most of extra time with 10 men after Franco Di Santo was forced off with an injury with the Blues having already used all three substitutes.
Both sides squandered chances to win it in the additional 30 minutes before Burnley finished with 10 men as well when Steven Caldwell was dismissed for a foul on Florent Malouda.
That set the stage for Jensen's heroics as Chelsea, fresh from recent defeats to Liverpool and Roma, stumbled to a far more embarrassing defeat. - AFP/de
LONDON: Chelsea suffered another dose of penalty shoot-out misery as Luiz Felipe Scolari's side were dumped out of the League Cup by Championship club Burnley on Wednesday.
The Blues lost a shoot-out in the Champions League final against Manchester United last season and their luck clearly hasn't improved much since as Burnley won 5-4 on penalties to inflict the shock of the season at Stamford Bridge.
Didier Drogba had given Chelsea the lead in the first half but Ade Akinbiyi levelled to send the match into extra-time.
Wade Elliott missed a chance to win the shoot-out for Burnley after Wayne Bridge's effort was saved by Brian Jensen. But the Burnley keeper pushed away John Obi Mikel's sudden death kick to send the Clarets into the quarter-finals.
Drogba was back in the starting line-up for the first time since October 1 after a knee injury and the Ivory Coast star didn't take long to mark his return with a fine finish from Frank Lampard's pass in the 27th minute.
It was Drogba's first goal since April but Chelsea couldn't kill off the Clarets and Akinbiyi equalised in the 69th minute after Carlo Cudicini had blocked a Chris Eagles effort.
Chelsea had to play most of extra time with 10 men after Franco Di Santo was forced off with an injury with the Blues having already used all three substitutes.
Both sides squandered chances to win it in the additional 30 minutes before Burnley finished with 10 men as well when Steven Caldwell was dismissed for a foul on Florent Malouda.
That set the stage for Jensen's heroics as Chelsea, fresh from recent defeats to Liverpool and Roma, stumbled to a far more embarrassing defeat. - AFP/de
Jan 12, 2009
Crisis looms for Scolari
MANCHESTER - LUIZ Felipe Scolari is only one defeat away from the first full-blown crisis of his reign at Chelsea - but the Brazilian insists he will not seek be plunging into the transfer market in search of a remedy.
As they surrendered meekly in a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United here on Sunday, the Londoners looked a pale shadow of the side that pushed Sir Alex Ferguson's side to the wire last season.
Devoid of inspiration going forward and calamitously casual in defence, Scolari's class of 2009 suffer even more in comparison with the Chelsea sides that Jose Mourinho - who was in the VIP seats at Old Trafford - led to back-to-back Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006.
But Scolari remains convinced that Chelsea's current squad have sufficient reserves of quality to prevent United from claiming a third consecutive title.
Asked if Sunday's defeat would force him to knock on Roman Abramovich's door with a request for transfer funds, Scolari's response was defiantly indignant.
'More players? I don't want more players,' he snorted. 'I have very good players. Either we got to the top with these players or I go down.'
Chelsea are far from out of the title battle but the fact that, under Scolari, they have earned just one point from their four meetings with United, Liverpool and Arsenal so far this season has done little to enhance the Brazilian's reputation.
He readily conceded that Chelsea could not afford to produce many more performances like Sunday's if they want to harbour serious ambitions of knocking United off their perch.
'If we play three or four games as now (today), we're sure not to win (the title) but now it is the time for me and the players to think about our future,' Scolari said. 'Either we lose everything or we are men and we improve.'
In the current context, Wednesday's FA Cup third round replay at Southend now looks like exactly the kind of encounter that Scolari could have done without.
The same could be said of Mourinho's presence at Old Trafford on Sunday although the Portuguese coach had good reason to be there with his current charges, Inter Milan, due to face United in the Champions League next month.
Scolari shrugged off the presence of the man whose record he will inevitably be judged against. 'Mourinho came here to watch Manchester United, that is normal,' the Brazilian said. 'Mourinho is an intelligent man. He didn't come here to tell me he loves me.' -- AFP
:p
Crisis looms for Scolari
MANCHESTER - LUIZ Felipe Scolari is only one defeat away from the first full-blown crisis of his reign at Chelsea - but the Brazilian insists he will not seek be plunging into the transfer market in search of a remedy.
As they surrendered meekly in a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United here on Sunday, the Londoners looked a pale shadow of the side that pushed Sir Alex Ferguson's side to the wire last season.
Devoid of inspiration going forward and calamitously casual in defence, Scolari's class of 2009 suffer even more in comparison with the Chelsea sides that Jose Mourinho - who was in the VIP seats at Old Trafford - led to back-to-back Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006.
But Scolari remains convinced that Chelsea's current squad have sufficient reserves of quality to prevent United from claiming a third consecutive title.
Asked if Sunday's defeat would force him to knock on Roman Abramovich's door with a request for transfer funds, Scolari's response was defiantly indignant.
'More players? I don't want more players,' he snorted. 'I have very good players. Either we got to the top with these players or I go down.'
Chelsea are far from out of the title battle but the fact that, under Scolari, they have earned just one point from their four meetings with United, Liverpool and Arsenal so far this season has done little to enhance the Brazilian's reputation.
He readily conceded that Chelsea could not afford to produce many more performances like Sunday's if they want to harbour serious ambitions of knocking United off their perch.
'If we play three or four games as now (today), we're sure not to win (the title) but now it is the time for me and the players to think about our future,' Scolari said. 'Either we lose everything or we are men and we improve.'
In the current context, Wednesday's FA Cup third round replay at Southend now looks like exactly the kind of encounter that Scolari could have done without.
The same could be said of Mourinho's presence at Old Trafford on Sunday although the Portuguese coach had good reason to be there with his current charges, Inter Milan, due to face United in the Champions League next month.
Scolari shrugged off the presence of the man whose record he will inevitably be judged against. 'Mourinho came here to watch Manchester United, that is normal,' the Brazilian said. 'Mourinho is an intelligent man. He didn't come here to tell me he loves me.' -- AFP
:p
Out of every 10 current Chelsea fans, probably only 1 knows who Peter Osgood is.peter osgood would rise from the dead c them play like tat!
how so like that.... rich people anyhow waste money
Scolari sacked as Chelsea manager
Chelsea have sensationally sacked manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.
The club's website revealed the dramatic move had been made "to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for".
World Cup winner Scolari had only been in the job since June 2008, when he became Chelsea's third boss in a year.
Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League but remain in the Champions League and FA Cup - with Ray Wilkins in charge until a successor is appointed.
"Luiz Felipe Scolari has been dismissed as manager of Chelsea Football Club with immediate effect," read the statement. "The Chelsea board would like to place on record our gratitude for his time as manager.
"Felipe has brought many positives to the club since he joined and we all feel a sense of sadness that our relationship has ended so soon.
"Unfortunately the results and performances of the team appeared to be deteriorating at a key time in the season.
"In order to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for we felt the only option was to make the change now.
"The search for a new manager has already started and we hope to have someone in place as soon as possible."
Scolari won the World Cup as manager of his home country, Brazil, in 2002.
He arrived at Chelsea following a six-year spell in charge of Portugal, who he led to the final of Euro 2004 and the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup.
The 60-year-old made an impressive start but results deteriorated and of his 36 games in charge, 20 were won, five lost and 11 drawn.
Chelsea, who were unbeaten in the league at home for 86 matches until Liverpool's 1-0 win in October 2008, have lost two home league matches and drawn on five occasions this season.
Their record against the so-called big four this season is poor - they drew 1-1 at home with Manchester United and lost 3-0 away, were beaten 2-1 at home by Arsenal, and home and away by Liverpool.
Scolari's men were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Burnley on penalties and travel to Watford in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.
The FA Cup tie at Vicarage Road is the start of a vital 11 days for Chelsea which includes a trip to Villa Park for the crucial Premier League clash with Aston Villa on 21 February, followed by the visit of Juventus to Stamford Bridge in the Champions League four days later.
"Scolari's popularity has been plummeting in the past few weeks," said former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin . "The question is, who is going to be able to do it with a squad that is clearly not strong enough?
"This is a club that a year ago was one of the biggest in the world and quite clearly it seems to have gone downhill quite quickly.
"I hope for Chelsea's sake they don't have a knee-jerk reaction and dive for the first name that comes into their mind. They need to give it an awful lot of thought and maybe consider someone that isn't the biggest name in the world."
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has now overseen the departure of four managers since his arrival in 2003.
Claudio Ranieri was sacked in 2004, Jose Mourinho in September 2007 and Grant in May 2008.
A banner unfurled during Chelsea's 0-0 draw with Hull at Stamford Bridge on Saturday called for the return of former Blues favourites Gianfranco Zola, currently in charge at West Ham, and Roberto Di Matteo, the MK Dons boss.
Chelsea were booed off the field at the final whistle and sections of the crowd could be heard chanting "you don't know what you're doing" at Scolari.
A senior West Ham boardroom member told BBC Sport the club has had no contact from Chelsea regarding Zola or his assistant, former Chelsea coach Steve Clarke.
Former Chelsea manager John Hollins told BBC Radio 5 Live: "It's not like international management where you choose a team every one or two months and can choose from players across the country.
"The Premier League is not leisurely and I don't think he felt comfortable week in, week out picking teams and talking to people.
"They might have done it just in time to resurrect their season. If you are going to do something, it was best to do it now."
Well known Chelsea fan and former 606 presenter David Mellor said: "I'm shocked but not necessarily surprised. Because of the way Chelsea are run, they can turn any problem into a disaster. Where is the point in dismissing a man with his record?
"I cannot see the point in getting rid of him, it just leaves a vacuum in the dressing room at the vital moment. The idea that Chelsea's problems begin and end with Scolari is nonsense."
Ex-Chelsea winger Clive Walker added it would be a tricky job for whoever is selected to lead Chelsea forward.
"Results count," he said. "When you at one of the big teams and spend money then trophies are expected and the team are currently going through a really bad patch.
"It's going to be a tough job because they aren't playing well despite the talent in the squad. They also have an ageing squad and I'm not sure that with the credit crunch and everything whether there is any money there to spend."
Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7879638.stm
Scolari sacked as Chelsea manager
Chelsea have sensationally sacked manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.
The club's website revealed the dramatic move had been made "to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for".
World Cup winner Scolari had only been in the job since June 2008, when he became Chelsea's third boss in a year.
Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League but remain in the Champions League and FA Cup - with Ray Wilkins in charge until a successor is appointed.
"Luiz Felipe Scolari has been dismissed as manager of Chelsea Football Club with immediate effect," read the statement. "The Chelsea board would like to place on record our gratitude for his time as manager.
"Felipe has brought many positives to the club since he joined and we all feel a sense of sadness that our relationship has ended so soon.
"Unfortunately the results and performances of the team appeared to be deteriorating at a key time in the season.
"In order to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for we felt the only option was to make the change now.
"The search for a new manager has already started and we hope to have someone in place as soon as possible."
Scolari won the World Cup as manager of his home country, Brazil, in 2002.
He arrived at Chelsea following a six-year spell in charge of Portugal, who he led to the final of Euro 2004 and the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup.
The 60-year-old made an impressive start but results deteriorated and of his 36 games in charge, 20 were won, five lost and 11 drawn.
Chelsea, who were unbeaten in the league at home for 86 matches until Liverpool's 1-0 win in October 2008, have lost two home league matches and drawn on five occasions this season.
Their record against the so-called big four this season is poor - they drew 1-1 at home with Manchester United and lost 3-0 away, were beaten 2-1 at home by Arsenal, and home and away by Liverpool.
Scolari's men were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Burnley on penalties and travel to Watford in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.
The FA Cup tie at Vicarage Road is the start of a vital 11 days for Chelsea which includes a trip to Villa Park for the crucial Premier League clash with Aston Villa on 21 February, followed by the visit of Juventus to Stamford Bridge in the Champions League four days later.
"Scolari's popularity has been plummeting in the past few weeks," said former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin . "The question is, who is going to be able to do it with a squad that is clearly not strong enough?
"This is a club that a year ago was one of the biggest in the world and quite clearly it seems to have gone downhill quite quickly.
"I hope for Chelsea's sake they don't have a knee-jerk reaction and dive for the first name that comes into their mind. They need to give it an awful lot of thought and maybe consider someone that isn't the biggest name in the world."
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has now overseen the departure of four managers since his arrival in 2003.
Claudio Ranieri was sacked in 2004, Jose Mourinho in September 2007 and Grant in May 2008.
A banner unfurled during Chelsea's 0-0 draw with Hull at Stamford Bridge on Saturday called for the return of former Blues favourites Gianfranco Zola, currently in charge at West Ham, and Roberto Di Matteo, the MK Dons boss.
Chelsea were booed off the field at the final whistle and sections of the crowd could be heard chanting "you don't know what you're doing" at Scolari.
A senior West Ham boardroom member told BBC Sport the club has had no contact from Chelsea regarding Zola or his assistant, former Chelsea coach Steve Clarke.
Former Chelsea manager John Hollins told BBC Radio 5 Live: "It's not like international management where you choose a team every one or two months and can choose from players across the country.
"The Premier League is not leisurely and I don't think he felt comfortable week in, week out picking teams and talking to people.
"They might have done it just in time to resurrect their season. If you are going to do something, it was best to do it now."
Well known Chelsea fan and former 606 presenter David Mellor said: "I'm shocked but not necessarily surprised. Because of the way Chelsea are run, they can turn any problem into a disaster. Where is the point in dismissing a man with his record?
"I cannot see the point in getting rid of him, it just leaves a vacuum in the dressing room at the vital moment. The idea that Chelsea's problems begin and end with Scolari is nonsense."
Ex-Chelsea winger Clive Walker added it would be a tricky job for whoever is selected to lead Chelsea forward.
"Results count," he said. "When you at one of the big teams and spend money then trophies are expected and the team are currently going through a really bad patch.
"It's going to be a tough job because they aren't playing well despite the talent in the squad. They also have an ageing squad and I'm not sure that with the credit crunch and everything whether there is any money there to spend."
Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7879638.stm
Cech's wobbly nerves need to be fixed quick time by Gussy if Chelsea are to stand any hope of beating Barca
You see, it would take an English team to knock out another English team.
Arsenal vs Chelsea in the final. My pick, a new champion emerge
Man Utd vs Barcelona in the dream final. Everbody's lips
Arsenal vs Barcelona in a repeat final. Arsenal to seek revenge
Man Utd vs Chelsea in a repeat last year final. Chelsea to prevail this time
Arsenal vs Chelsea in the final. My pick, a new champion emerge
Man Utd vs Barcelona in the dream final. Everbody's lips
Arsenal vs Barcelona in a repeat final. Arsenal to seek revenge
Man Utd vs Chelsea in a repeat last year final. Chelsea to prevail this time
For me Cech is the best keeper in the world right now, I won't want anyone else between the post
The problem is in defence - How do you stop attackers like Eto'o, Henry and Messi?
JT and Cavalho have slowed down noticeably these couple of years. Cole is out. Alex is inexperienced. Belletti and that Serb guy are more wing backs than defenders.
A nil nil draw at Nou Camp can be considered a win
The problem is in defence - How do you stop attackers like Eto'o, Henry and Messi?
JT and Cavalho have slowed down noticeably these couple of years. Cole is out. Alex is inexperienced. Belletti and that Serb guy are more wing backs than defenders.
A nil nil draw at Nou Camp can be considered a win
You gotta be kidding...previously yes...but certainly not at this present moment in time...also I have always thought that JT has been way over-rated...yes he is gritty and gutsy and also good with his head...but he can be quite dodgy at the back as well
Perhaps...but it still remains to be seen if ManU have come out of their recent blip...I still say watch out for The Arse...appear to be coming into form at the right time except for the BPL, alittle too late for them this season.
on paper,it will be Barcelona vs Manchester United in the final.
but do not dis-count both Chelsea and Arsenal,it is the Semi-Final,all team will be a little cautious and will play safe.
Chelsea under Hiddink is playing good football but lately letting in quite a bit of goals.
but do not dis-count both Chelsea and Arsenal,it is the Semi-Final,all team will be a little cautious and will play safe.
Chelsea under Hiddink is playing good football but lately letting in quite a bit of goals.
the only thing AVB needs to do to keep his job is the CL ...just win the bloody CL....
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