Drogba

Lamps moved by fans' backing

Midfielder left with lump in his throat after Bolton clash

Frank Lampard: Was touched by fans' backing against Bolton

Frank Lampard admits he was touched after Chelsea fans got behind him on his return from being dropped by manager Andre Villas-Boas.

Lampard has admitted for the first time that his relationship with Villas-Boas has "not been ideal" amid feverish speculation of a falling out between the pair.
The star midfielder did not want to dwell on any problems they might have had but, should their relationship not improve, it appears there would be only one winner in the battle for hearts and minds.
Even before Lampard made three separate bits of history by scoring his 12th goal of the season in yesterday's desperately needed 3-0 Premier League win over Bolton, his was the name on the lips of the Stamford Bridge crowd.

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"Super Frankie Lampard", they sang about the man who repaid their adulation with the 150th league goal of his career and his 125th in the league for Chelsea - taking him ahead of the legendary Jimmy Greaves.
Perhaps more significantly, the 33-year-old became the first player to reach double figures in the Premier League for nine consecutive seasons.

Touched

It was also the fourth time this term Lampard had scored after being dropped by Villas-Boas and he said: "I just want to play and the way the fans were with me was amazing.
"It's lump-in-the-throat stuff when they sing your name like that.
"When I play and I can play, I know I can contribute but the main importance is Chelsea.
"The fans have stuck with us brilliantly.
"It's been a tough old season.
"These fans here, I think they've been through and seen a lot back in the old days.
"So they're always very keen to stay with their players and I can only thank them for that."

Mata targets Olympic role

Chelsea playmaker happy with life at Stamford Bridge

Juan Mata: Believes it would be the perfect summer for him to play at the Euros and Olympics

Juan Mata has set his sights on playing at both Euro 2012 and the Olympics this summer after settling in quicker than expected at Chelsea.

Mata made the move to Stamford Bridge from Valencia in August and, although the Blues have struggled for consistency, he has produced a series of impressive performances.
He was anticipating a challenge in terms of adapting to his new surroundings, but has enjoyed his first few months in England.
"For me, this move was an important change in my life as a person as much as a player," the 23-year-old explained in the Daily Mail.
"I thought it would be harder. It's not too cold, not snowing.
"It was an opportunity to know another city, another country, another culture and another language."

Perfect summer

While many players could be forgiven for starting to think about having a break in May at the end of a long season, Mata is looking forward to a busy period for Spain.
He is desperate to be involved in their European Championship campaign but also hopes to fulfil a lifelong ambition by taking part in the London Olympics.
"It would be a long season but I am young," he said.
"For me, it would be the perfect summer to play in the Euros and then the Olympics. My desire is to play in both.
"It is something most players can only do once in their lives. Now it is our time.
"It would be the dream summer to win the Olympics and the Euros."

Everton v Chelsea preview

Blues hoping to end three-game winless run

Andre Villas-Boas: Looking to end a three-game winless run with Chelsea

David Moyes: Hoping Everton can spring another surprise after City upset

Form guide:
Everton: LDDWD
Chelsea: WWDDD
Injuries:
Everton: TBA
Chelsea: Terry, Ramires
Referee: Mike Jones
Sky Bet odds: Everton 9/4, Draw 23/10, Chelsea 5/4
Opta stat: Everton haven't won back to back home Premier League games since May, when they beat Chelsea after defeating Manchester City.

Everton will be looking to cause another Premier League top-four upset when they host Chelsea at Goodison Park on Saturday.

The Toffees sprang a surprise on leaders Manchester City two weeks ago when they inflicted a 1-0 defeat on Roberto Mancini's men on Merseyside and will be hoping to emulate that feat against the Blues.
Chelsea are desperate for a win as they bid for a UEFA Champions League place this season after throwing away a three-goal lead against Manchester United last Sunday as the Red Devils came back for a 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge.
That result left the Blues without a win in three games, a run manager Andre Villas-Boas will be keen to address at Goodison.
The Londoners are clinging onto fourth place, with surprise high-fliers Newcastle just a point behind having won four of their last five encounters.
Everton sit 13 points behind their visitors in 11th, with last month's City upset marking their sole win in six Premier League games.
David Moyes' side fought back for a 1-1 draw at Wigan last weekend after Phil Neville put through his own net at the Hawthorns.

Beaten

Chelsea have already won twice against the Toffees this season, beating them 3-1 in the league at Stamford Bridge as well as dumping them out of the Carling Cup 2-1 at home.
Moyes' men have won just two of the last 22 league games against the Blues - but they were the last two meetings at Goodison Park.
Chelsea midfielders Frank Lampard (calf) and John Obi Mikel (hamstring) are in contention to return for the trip to Merseyside.
Full-back Ashley Cole served a suspension against Manchester United last weekend, but captain John Terry is still not fit from a knee problem, with new signing Gary Cahill expected to step in once more.
Brazilian midfielder Ramires (knee) also remains sidelined.

Possible starting XIs:

Everton: Howard, Neville, Heitenga, Distin, Baines, Donovan, Fellaini, Gibson, Pienaar, Anichebe, Stracqualursi.
Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Cahill, Luiz, Cole, Essien, Meireles, Lampard, Mata, Torres, Sturridge.

Chelsea FC - Team news: Everton

Andre Villas-Boas shares his team news with the press ahead of the game against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Chelsea FC - FA Youth Cup Live on Chelsea TV

The next round of the FA Youth Cup will be played at home at Staines Town Football Club against West Ham's youngsters. The game will be LIVE on Chelsea TV with exclusive pitch-side coverage starting from 6.30pm.

Ancelotti supports Capello

Italian thinks too much focus is placed on England captaincy

Fabio Capello: The Italian was on Wednesday in talks with FA officials

Carlo Ancelotti has backed compatriot Fabio Capello's decision to speak out against the Football Association's choice to strip John Terry of the England captaincy.

The Three Lions boss was on Wednesday at Wembley to take part in talks with FA officials after their disagreement over the Terry issue.
A saga has developed after Terry's trial for alleged racial abuse of Anton Ferdinand was scheduled for after Euro 2012 and so created a talking point over his suitability as captain.
Capello is of the opinion FA chairman David Bernstein was wrong to make a decision on the captaincy and instead thinks Terry should be innocent until proven guilty.

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It has been reported the England manager could lose his job after speaking out, while others have viewed the Italian's outburst as an attempt to manoeuvre his way out before Euro 2012.
Either way, former Chelsea and current Paris Saint Germain boss Ancelotti told Sky Sports News of the FA's decision to remove Terry: "I didn't understand. I think there is no reason.

Responsibility

"I am of the same thought as Capello. There is no decision that he is guilty, so they have to wait."
Ancelotti has seen it all before having been manager of Chelsea when Terry was first stripped of the England captaincy in 2010 after allegations about his personal life.
There has been mass speculation about who will now become the new captain, which is in significant contrast to Italy, who elect their skipper based upon the number of caps.
Italian Ancelotti is therefore surprised by the amount of coverage and rumours which are generated by the armband.
"I think so," he said when asked if there is too much importance put on the role of captain.
"In England, to be the captain, you have a lot of responsibility and all the people are following your behaviour.
"In other countries, it is not so important to be captain of the national team."

Lampard, Mikel boost Blues

Midfield duo back in training ahead of Everton trip

Frank Lampard: Back in training after calf complaint

Chelsea have received a double fitness boost with midfield duo Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel back in training after injury lay-offs.

Talismanic midfielder Lampard has missed the Blues' last three matches with a calf injury, while Mikel has been on the sidelines for seven weeks with a hamstring problem.
Both men trained at Chelsea's Cobham base on Wednesday with Lampard pushing for a recall ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Everton.
The match may come too soon for Mikel, however, although his return to training comes as a boost with fellow midfielder Ramires currently ruled out with a knee injury.
Chelsea occupy fourth place in the Premier League but defeat at Goodison Park, combined with wins for Newcastle and Arsenal, could see Andre Villas-Boas' men fall to sixth.

Chelsea FC - Fun and games at the training ground

Chelsea TV take a look at some of the funny moments caught on camera at the training ground.

Neymar not for Chelsea

Villas-Boas does not think Santos striker will move to Stamford Bridge

Neymar: The 20-year-old is this summer expected to make a move to Europe

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has conceded defeat in the race to sign Brazilian superstar Neymar.

The 20-year-old has for several seasons been linked with a big-money move to Stamford Bridge, while Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been attempting to agree a deal.
Neymar is this summer likely to make a switch to Europe but, although his destination remains a mystery, Villas-Boas does not expect the Santos striker at Chelsea.
The Blues boss is quoted as telling Spanish media before Monday night's Laureus World Sports Awards: "I think that the Neymar matter is closed and locked in a safe.
"He has decided his future and no-one knows where he will go. Unfortunately, he will not come to us."
Meanwhile, Villas-Boas' own future remains under scrutiny amid Chelsea's disappointing Premier League season.
A three-goal lead was thrown away in Sunday's draw with Manchester United at a far-from-perfect time for the former Porto boss.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been vising the club's training ground, although suggestions of showdown talks with Villas-Boas have been played down.

Chelsea FC - Blues news headlines

Ben Andrews brings you all the latest news from the training ground.

Cahill signing delights Luiz

Brazil defender vows to silence critics

David Luiz: Relishing new link-up with Gary Cahill

David Luiz has labelled the signing of fellow defender Gary Cahill as a "great help" and believes the England international will be a huge success story at Chelsea.

Luiz and Cahill teamed up for the first time in Sunday's thrilling 3-3 draw with Manchester United, a match in which the Brazilian netted his fourth goal for the club.
Despite impressing in front of goal, it has been his defensive duties which have come under increasing scrutiny since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Benfica just over 12 months ago.
Chelsea have conceded 29 Premier League goals so far this season - more than any of their top-four rivals - but Luiz insists he and his team-mates are working as hard as ever as they attempt to consolidate a UEFA Champions League qualification place.

Fighting

He told the club's official website: "I've been working in the same way as always, training at my best level.

"Gary Cahill is a great player who has come to help and seeing him in the changing room and on the pitch I know he is right for Chelsea..."
David Luiz Quotes of the week

"Sometimes you get criticism, like I did, and recently I have been applauded for my work. As long as I can go home and lay down on my bed and have my conscience clear that I am doing an honest job, I am happy.
"Nothing has changed in the team. We have been working hard, just like before, and the main thing is to continue working and maintaining the philosophy that the coach instructs.
"We have to do this, sometimes we are doing things that are great and not getting the results and sometimes we do things not so good and get the result.
"The main thing is to continue working hard and obviously we're not where we want to be at the moment, not fighting for first place, but we have to keep looking for victories and believe in ourselves until the end.
"There are games we have lost where we could have done better, but we can't change the past, we can only look to the future and know that we can do better and move up positions."

Great player

Since returning from a knee injury that had prevented his involvement in pre-season after a busy summer representing his country at the Copa America, Luiz has been a near permanent fixture at the heart of the Chelsea back four.
An injury to club captain John Terry paved the way for new recruit Cahill to partner Luiz for the first time against Man United on Sunday.
Speaking on his first impressions of Cahill, a £7million January signing from Bolton, Luiz believes the 26-year-old will prove a shrewd acquisition for the club.
He added: "I do know it's a good thing for Chelsea to have Gary Cahill. He is a great player who has come to help and seeing him in the changing room and on the pitch I know he is right for Chelsea and he will be a great help for the club.
"I just think about helping the team, not which my best position can be. The manager gives me confidence to play my football and supports my attacking moves."

Chelsea 'keen' on Krasic

Agent says Blues interested in signing Tottenham target

Milos Krasic: Agent says Chelsea are interested in Juventus winger

Juventus winger Milos Krasic could move to Chelsea in the summer, according to his agent Valado Borozan.

Tottenham targeted a loan move for the wide man on deadline day, but the Serbian favoured a permanent deal.
He has been linked with a move to Zenit St Petersburg as the Russian transfer window is still open.
However, Borozan has ruled out a return to Russia for the former CSKA Moscow attacker and claims Chelsea are keen on Krasic.
Borozan told calciomercatio.it: "In this moment Milos wants to stay at Juventus.
"There is no need to work on Krasic - we have to wait and see what will happen.
"Milos is appreciated everywhere, so we'll see which side will come forward between now and June.
"He is under contract and so far there has not been a need to start talking to other clubs.
"Chelsea? They are interested in the player and they are one of the clubs he likes."

Mata reveals AVB fury

Spaniard admits he never thought United would pull off comeback

Andre Villas-Boas: Was livid after Chelsea threw away a three-goal lead

Juan Mata has revealed Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas was 'furious' following his side's shock collapse at home to Manchester United on Sunday.

The Blues stormed into a three-goal lead in the Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge, with Mata and David Luiz finding the back of the net after a first-half Jonny Evans own goal.
But United came back to stun the hosts as two Wayne Rooney penalties and a late Javier Hernandez header sealed a 3-3 draw.
Spanish forward Mata says manager Villas-Boas was livid after his side allowed Sir Alex Ferguson's men to claw their way back into the clash.

Furious

He told The Sun: "I'd have preferred to win and not score.
"The coach was furious after the match. And also the players because in a match like this you'd never think we could waste a three-goal home advantage.
"How many times will Chelsea be in with a chance to defeat United, winning 3-0 after 50 minutes?
"I never believed they could pull level. It was bad news for us and confirmed the race for fourth place will not be easy."

Cech disappointed with draw

Czech Republic international refuses to criticise referee

Petr Cech: Chelsea 'keeper beaten by two Wayne Rooney penalties

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech rued his team's inability to hold onto their three-goal lead against Manchester United.

Andre Villas-Boas' team were in pole position against United as they took what looked to be a stranglehold on the game after 50 minutes at Stamford Bridge.
But a brace of Wayne Rooney penalties provided the catalyst for the visitors' revival, before Javier Hernandez netted the dramatic equaliser.

Change

"I felt sorry we didn't get the job done," Cech told his official website. "If you are 3-0 up you should be able to win.
"But it was showed once again that you can't take anything for granted in football. Everything can change within a short spell of time."
Chelsea were aggrieved about Howard Webb's decision to award the second penalty against them, when Branislav Ivanovic collided with Danny Welbeck.

Judge

Yet Cech refused to rebuke the referee or give his opinion on the spot-kick going against them.
"I won't comment on it," he added. "We are not allowed to make comments on referees, so whether the penalty should or, should not have been given, is on others' opinion.
"I have my view but don't want to judge the referee."

Chelsea FC - Blues news headlines

Lee Parker brings you all the latest news from the training ground after the 3-3 draw with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

DROGBA FIRES IVORY COAST INTO SEMIS

The pre-tournament favourites go marching on in the Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-0 win over co-hosts Equatorial Guinea, Didier Drogba scoring the first two goals.
The Chelsea centre-forward and Ivory Coast captain found the target in each half to make him joint tournament top scorer with three goals. Yaya Toure hit the third.
It was a straight-forward win against the lowest-ranked side in the tournament whom despite a partisan crowd had caused a big surprise by beating Senegal in the group stage.
Eight changes from the last group stage game restored Ivory Coast to a full strength line-up although Salomon Kalou, who tweaked a hamstring in his team's second game of the tournament, was kept on the bench until 85 minutes had been played.
In the first half, Drogba had an early volley saved and former Leeds player Max Gradel fired over after a scramble during which the Ivorians were convinced there was a handball by an opposition defender.
On 29 minutes they were awarded a penalty when Gradel was tripped running into the area. Although Drogba's spot-kick was not badly struck, it gave the keeper a chance to save that was taken.
It took just seven minutes for the Chelsea striker to redeem himself and it was an archetypal Drogba goal. Initially given the ball by carelessness from Equatorial Guinea, he powered forwarded and then cut back inside his closest pursuer before firing the ball inside the near post.
Ivory Coast have not conceded a goal in the tournament and continued to look safe in the second half. They appeared likely to add a second when Drogba began a swift counter-attack but Gervinho's header was tipped over and the offside flag went up as well, although incorrectly.
With 68 minutes played, Drogba did double the advantage and it was with a wonderful header into the top corner after Gervinho had won a free-kick out wide.
Toure put the result beyond all doubt on 81 minutes. It was again from free-kick won by Gervinho and it was curled into the net by the Man City player; another quality goal.
Ivory Coast play the winners of the quarter-final between the other co-hosts, Gabon, and Mali. The match takes place on Wednesday with a 7pm kick-off UK time.

Chelsea Vs Manchester United- Match Preview

Chelsea Vs Manchester United

Chelsea will be looking to close the gap on Tottenham and will feel they have a good chance to do so as they have the home advantage. The title is out of our reach so we are now looking to claim third or fourth spot. With Arsenal winning this afternoon, it makes the race for fourth even tenser.

Fernando Torres will feel he has something to prove; after scoring a sublime goal in the reverse game of this fixture, he went onto miss a clear open goal. This only heaped pressure on him to come good sooner rather than later. Fast forward a couple of months and Torres has only scored three goals since then, with only one coming in the Premier League against Swansea ( He later got sent off). Fernando knows that the club and its fans are fully behind him, but he also knows he hasn’t lived up to the hype that encouraged us to make a £50 million bid for him.

With Lindegaard injured; Alex Ferguson has a big choice to make; either to play the reserve team keeper Ben Amos in goal, or to stick with the very unconvincing David De Gea. Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney, Nani and Tom Cleverley are all set to be included in the Manchester United squad.

John Terry (Injured), Ashley Cole (Suspended), Didier Drogba (AFCON), Salomon Kalou (AFCON) are all out for this big fixture. Frank Lampard is rated as having a 50/50 chance of playing on Sunday. This leaves a question mark on who will play in the right back position during Ashley Cole’s absence. Will Jose Bosingwa switch wings? Or will AVB place his trust in youth and select Ryan Bertrand to make his first Premier League start?

Probable line-ups

Chelsea- Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, David Luiz, Bosingwa, Essien, Meireles, Malouda, Mata, Sturridge, Torres

Man Utd- De Gea, Evra, Ferdinand, Evans, Smalling, Park, Carrick, Nani, Young, Welbeck, Hernandez

AVB - Torres ready

Blues boss happy for striker to lead the line

Fernando Torres: Andre Villas-Boas insists striker is mentally ready

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas insists Fernando Torres is mentally ready to take on Manchester United.

The £50million striker will spearhead the Blues' attack in Sunday's mouth-watering contest against the champions at Stamford Bridge.
Torres has been given an extended run in Villas-Boas' attack with Didier Drogba on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Ivory Coast.

The former Liverpool man has not found the back of the net since October, but Chelsea's boss is giving him his backing.

Ready

"Off the field, mentally he is ready, he knows his responsibility, he knows what he has to do," said Villas-Boas.
"On the field and on the training ground, we try and work on his movement. That's the only thing we can do and we have been for quite some time.
"I think eventually we could say that a goal will trigger it all but we have to wait and see because there needs to be continuity after that."

Finish

Chelsea head into Sunday's fixture two points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal and the Portuguese tactician does not believe they will drop anymore places.
"I don't think we'll finish below fourth spot," he continued.
January signing Gary Cahill is in line to make his debut with John Terry ruled out through injury and Villas-Boas is happy throwing him into the fray.
"I think he has been ready from the start, to be fair - he's trained magnificently well," he concluded.