Chelsea FC (The Blues) | Special Thread

Antonio Conte at feud with Marina Granovskaia: they communicate through Carlo Cudicini

39 minutes ago Times

Antonio Conte’s relationship with Chelsea’s key transfer negotiator Marina Granovskaia has become so fraught during this window that they often resort to communicating through Carlo Cudicini, one of the Italian’s assistant coaches. The Chelsea head coach aimed a barb at his employers after Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final defeat by Arsenal, claiming that they were responsible for “every single player” signed since the summer, and his relationship with many of the club’s executives appears increasingly fractious.

Conte has had a difficult relationship with Granovskaia throughout his time at Stamford Bridge due to her penchant for driving a hard bargain and demanding value in the transfer market, instructions that come from the owner Roman Abramovich. The pair have clashed over a number of transfers, with Conte understood to have been particularly unhappy with the way that she handled unsuccessful negotiations to sign Leonardo Bonucci and Fernando Llorente last summer.

The situation has worsened since the sudden departure of Michael Emenalo to Monaco in November, as the technical director acted as a buffer between them. That role is now increasingly falling to Cudicini, who is being used as a sounding board by both parties as well as relaying information between them. The former Chelsea goalkeeper is an unusual figure at Stamford Bridge in that he is almost universally popular, being a trusted member of Conte’s coaching staff as well as having the ear of Granovskaia and Abramovich.

Chelsea expect Conte to calm down after deadline day on Wednesday and refocus on football, as he has done after previous transfer windows, but there is a growing expectation that he will leave at the end of the season despite his contract running until the summer of 2019.

The situation is clear. Chelsea won the league again. Failed to build on it by refusing to sign top players yet again. And fans are putting it all on the manager yet again. The cycle will always repeat itself. We signed players with good potential and failed to complement it with experienced players who could lead on the pitch. Morata is still learning to be a starter, Rudiger is still a bit rough around the edges, Bakayoko hasn't adapted well enough. Don't forget Zappacosta, a man no one knew was a footballer. We also gave him Alonso, the human equivalent of an ailing turtle. The quality spread is so glaring and it is because we have failed time and time again to deliver Conte's first choice targets. Conte wanted Nainngolan, Sanchez, Alex Sandro and what did he get? Zappacosta, Batshuayi, Alonso, Bakayoko... People expect Conte to play mind-blowing football with players that shouldn't even be at a top club. Like expecting a Ferrari performance from a Mazda. Blaming the manager is

Report: Chelsea board losing patience with Antonio Conte after complaints about the club's transfer activity

12 hours ago Telegraph

Conte has again hinted he has little say in Chelsea's transfer dealings.
Chelsea will warn the Italian that he cannot continue to imply he has no input into signings when they are working hard to recruit targets specifically requested by their manager.

The Blues are trying to sign Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmieri from Roma on Conte's recommendation but that jarred with the wording of his answers at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday when he instead implied that the club are choosing the players.

The club do not want Conte to suggest again that executives, including director Marina Granovskaia, are dictating player recruitment policy to him when he holds a press conference on Friday ahead of the FA Cup fourth round tie against Newcastle. Conte is almost certain to leave at the end of the season but in the meantime there is a limit to how much criticism the club will put up with until that point.

If necessary it will be made clear to Conte that his post-match remarks have caused an escalation in what has been a mood of negativity around the club that many feel is unwarranted given their season so far. While a long way behind leaders Manchester City, Chelsea are safely in contention for the top four and have progressed into the Champions League knockout rounds and in the FA Cup.

As far as transfer negotiations are concerned, Chelsea have always attempted to land those targets identified by Conte, with Dzeko and Palmieri two of those, as well as the full-back Davide Zappacosta whose first team impact has been less than the club hoped.

The average lifespan for Chelsea managers under Roman Abramovich is 490 days.

The _Analyst said:

[emoji1] [emoji1] [emoji1] [emoji1] Judah? OK but remember the quality of players who won it back to back. Were we having the likes of Drinkwater, Bakayoko, Pedro, Alonso and Moses?

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Ndiyo Ukaambiwa Alibeba EPL kwa foundation ya Waliomtangulia...
Sasa Kama Na Yeye Ni Fundi Kweli Atengeze Foundation Yake...

Na Ndiyo Hivyo Anaanza Kutengeneza Foundation Yake Mwenyewe Yakina Barkley, Drinkwater, Bakayoko na wengine anaowataka kuwanunua kama Crouch na Carroll..

King Ngwaba said:

Ndiyo Ukaambiwa Alibeba EPL kwa foundation ya Waliomtangulia...
Sasa Kama Na Yeye Ni Funding Kweli Atengeze Foundation Yake...

Na Ndiyo Hivyo Anaanza Kutengeneza Foundation Yake Mwenyewe Yakina Barkley, Drinkwater, Bakayoko na wengine anaowataka kuwanunua kama Crouch na Carroll..

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Mkuu ukifatilia tu kidogo kuhusu Chelsea utajua mengi. Mpaka sasa Conte hana maamuzi yoyote katika ununuzi wa wachezaji. Sasa jiulize unajengaje timu bila wachezaji unaowataka? Kumbuka Mourinho kipindi kile anachukua back to back alikuwa na power kubwa kwenye transfer issues

Alafu kingine unachopaswa kufahamu ni kwamba Mourinho kaiacha timu imegawanyika. Hazard alikuwa achezi mpira wa maana, Moses alikuwa sub, Alonso sub, Cahili sub nk. Na hao ndo ambao Conte kawatumia kuleta ubingwa. Huwezi kununua mchanga na mawe ukayapack tu na kujenga msingi kwa vitu vingine alafu mawe yakitumika unaanza kudai Eti wewe ndo ulijenga msingi.

Conte kaja na kuiunganisha timu. Mawe yaliyokataliwa na mjenzi akayakusanya na kuanza kuukarabati msingi uliokuwa na nyufa

Kuna makocha wanapenda kuwa na kundi kubwa la wachezaji mwisho wa siku kuwatumia hawawezi CONTE ni miongoni wa makocha hao.

Taarifa ya mkurugenzi WA ufundi WA timu maria anadaiwa kupewa maelekezo na owner WA timu anunue wachezaji LKN azingatie value for money, hili ndilo tatizo LA malalamiko ya conte kwamba hajui nani watakaosajiriwa. LKN, marina amemjibu kuwa wachezaji wanaosajiriwa ni conte ndiyo aliwataka, SASA, conte ndiyo ni shida, tunataka kocha mpya

The _Analyst said:

Mkuu ukifatilia tu kidogo kuhusu Chelsea utajua mengi. Mpaka sasa Conte hana maamuzi yoyote katika ununuzi wa wachezaji. Sasa jiulize unajengaje timu bila wachezaji unaowataka? Kumbuka Mourinho kipindi kile anachukua back to back alikuwa na power kubwa kwenye transfer issues

Alafu kingine unachopaswa kufahamu ni kwamba Mourinho kaiacha timu imegawanyika. Hazard alikuwa achezi mpira wa maana, Moses alikuwa sub, Alonso sub, Cahili sub nk. Na hao ndo ambao Conte kawatumia kuleta ubingwa. Huwezi kununua mchanga na mawe ukayapack tu na kujenga msingi kwa vitu vingine alafu mawe yakitumika unaanza kudai Eti wewe ndo ulijenga msingi.

Conte kaja na kuiunganisha timu. Mawe yaliyokataliwa na mjenzi akayakusanya na kuanza kuukarabati msingi uliokuwa na nyufa

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1.Kaja kuiunganisha timu sasa analialia nini?

2.Haya yanayomtokea Conte sio mapya hapo Chelsea yamewatokea makocha wote,Kwa nini Conte hana hayo maamuzi ya kununua wachezaji ?

3.Conte hana nguvu ya kushawishi wachezaji kulinganisha na Mourinho

Belo said:

1.Kaja kuiunganisha timu sasa analialia nini?

2.Haya yanayomtokea Conte sio mapya hapo Chelsea yamewatokea makocha wote,Kwa nini Conte hana hayo maamuzi ya kununua wachezaji ?

3.Conte hana nguvu ya kushawishi wachezaji kulinganisha na Mourinho

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1. Kilichomuondoa Mourinho yeye ndo kakiweza.
Kachukua ubingwa na round ya kwanza imeisha tupo nafasi ya tatu kitu ambacho ni nadra CHELSEA.

2. Naamini Lampard alikuwa na ajili timamu aliposema Conte ni kocha ambaye Chelsea haipaswi kumwachia

3. Conte asingekuwa na ushawishi muda huu tungekuwa nafasi ya 10 kama ilivyowahi kutokea

Chelsea are putting pressure on Roma to agree double deal on Dzeko and Palmieri by approaching Giroud and Llorente

3 hours ago Standard

More talks will take place today with the transfers being held up over add-ons as Roma seek £13.2million on top of the £44m fee.

Chelsea have also had second thoughts about giving Dzeko a contract until 2020, his minimum demand at this stage, and have offered a deal until 2019. With the window closing on Wednesday, Chelsea are running out of patience and are considering other players.

Sources in Italy suggest they have had a loan move for Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud, who is also on Borussia Dortmund’s wish-list, rejected by the Gunners.

Chelsea have already failed with one attempt this month to sign Llorente on loan and it is believed they will make a second approach to Tottenham. Coach Antonio Conte wanted to buy Llorente last January and in the summer only for Spurs to beat them to it.

Emerson has agreed a four-and-a-half-year contract but even his switch is under threat due to the impasse and Paris Saint-Germain’s Layvin Kurzawa is now an option.

The Chelsea hierarchy are aware Roma want to raise £36.7m this month to help them comply with Financial Fair Play. By Chelsea showing interest in other targets, Roma will have to think about lowering their demands or risk both transfers collapsing.

Deadline set for Dzeko deal

an hour ago Matt Law I Telegraph

Few days left to spare
Chelsea have held new talks to try to sign striker Edin Dzeko from Roma, but are prepared to move on to other targets if a deal is not reached by the end of the weekend.

But Chelsea will not wait until the final days of the transfer window, which shuts next Wednesday night, for Roma to find a replacement for Dzeko.

If a deal is not done over the weekend, then Chelsea will focus their efforts on other striker options such as Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud, Stoke City’s Peter Crouch and Burnley’s Ashley Barnes.

Antonio Conte will hope that does not prove to be the case, as Dzeko is a player he put forward to Chelsea and their willingness to pursue him indicates that they are listening to his opinion.

King Ngwaba said:

£1b ya Project Ya Uwanja Wenu Mpya Mashabiki Mutaijutia!! Haki Ya Nani Mutaletewa Kina Mrisho Ngasa Mpaka Mujute.!
Yani Musitegemee Kwa Abramovic Kwa Kipindi Chote Cha Ujenzi Kuwa atatoa £80 Kununua Mchezaji world Class.

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Swansea haooo.[emoji125] [emoji125] [emoji125] [emoji125] [emoji125]

The _Analyst said:

1. Kilichomuondoa Mourinho yeye ndo kakiweza.
Kachukua ubingwa na round ya kwanza imeisha tupo nafasi ya tatu kitu ambacho ni nadra CHELSEA.

2. Naamini Lampard alikuwa na ajili timamu aliposema Conte ni kocha ambaye Chelsea haipaswi kumwachia

3. Conte asingekuwa na ushawishi muda huu tungekuwa nafasi ya 10 kama ilivyowahi kutokea

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Jose alichukua EPL back to back ni yeye na SAF tu ndio wameweza weka hiyo record.Majority ya Chelsea legend waliletwa na Jose (Drogba,Cole,Carvalho,Makelele,Essien,Cech akina Lampard,JT walikuwa WC baada ya kucheza chini ya Jose

Conte angekuwa na ushawishi asingewakosa wachezaji ambao anawataka na kuishia kuwasajili kina Barkley,Batshuayi,Zapacosta

Belo said:

Jose alichukua EPL back to back ni yeye na SAF tu ndio wameweza weka hiyo record.Majority ya Chelsea legend waliletwa na Jose (Drogba,Cole,Carvalho,Makelele,Essien,Cech akina Lampard,JT walikuwa WC baada ya kucheza chini ya Jose

Conte angekuwa na ushawishi asingewakosa wachezaji ambao anawataka na kuishia kuwasajili kina Barkley,Batshuayi,Zapacosta

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Mkuu, ni kweli hujui current market transfer kwa sasa au nimekusoma vibaya? Kama hana ushawishi kwa nini Willian alikataa kumfuata Mourinho? Kwa nn Hazard na Courtois wanasema they are happy in London na Huku wakihitajika na Zidane?

The _Analyst said:

Mkuu, ni kweli hujui current market transfer kwa sasa au nimekusoma vibaya? Kama hana ushawishi kwa nini Willian alikataa kumfuata Mourinho? Kwa nn Hazard na Courtois wanasema they are happy in London na Huku wakihitajika na Zidane?

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Sasa ulitaka waseme hawako happy?

Real Madrid hawajawahi kupeleka bid yeyote kwa Hazard au Courtois.

Angalia players ambao Jose amewasajili ndani ya miaka 4 Cesc,Costa,Willian,Pedro,Mikhi,Ibra,Sanchez angalia timu walizotoka na alivyowaconvice mpaka akawasajili licha ya kuhitajiwa na timu nyingine.Wakina JT,Drogba,Lampard,Essien ndio wanajua ushawishi wa Mourinho.

Conte ana-struggle kuwasajili hata kina Chamberlain

Belo said:

Sasa ulitaka waseme hawako happy?

Real Madrid hawajawahi kupeleka bid yeyote kwa Hazard au Courtois.

Angalia players ambao Jose amewasajili ndani ya miaka 4 Cesc,Costa,Willian,Pedro,Mikhi,Ibra,Sanchez angalia timu walizotoka na alivyowaconvice mpaka akawasajili licha ya kuhitajiwa na timu nyingine.Wakina JT,Drogba,Lampard,Essien ndio wanajua ushawishi wa Mourinho.

Conte ana-struggle kuwasajili hata kina Chamberlain

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Conte hausiki kwenye usajili kama hujui. Yy anatoa mawazo yake tyu. Then board ndo inahangaika

Conte requested Sandro and Chelsea board gave him Alonso
- Conte requested Naigolan and Chelsea board gave him Drinkwater
- Conte requested Koulibaly and Chelsea board gave him Rudiger
- Conte requested Belotti and Chelsea board gave him Morata
- Conte requested Danilo and Chelsea board gave him Zappacosta
-Conte requested for Veratti, Tolisso, Bonucci, Candreva, Vigil etc and you know what happens. Someone is sleeping on duty at Chelsea. They must not always sack managers.

GUYS SHARE TO GROUPS! SOMEONE AT CHELSEA HAS TO WAKE UP!

Chelsea have signed 12 players since Conte has been at the club but it is unknown how many of those were brought in with the 48-year-old’s approval. But how well have Chelsea signings performed since Conte’s arrival in the summer of 2016?

1. Michy Batshuayi - £33.2million - July 2016 - Marseille

Batshuayi was expected to compete with Diego Costa for a starting position after bagging 26 goals in all competitions in his final season with Marseille. But the Belgian failed to win over Conte during his limited time on the pitch and is set to leave the club on loan this month in light of Edin Dzeko’s impending arrival.

2. N'Golo Kante - £30m - July 2016 - Leicester City

The Blues pulled off one of their greatest ever signings when they secured the title-winning midfielder from Leicester. The enforcer has been nothing short of a revelation at Stamford Bridge and he became the first ever player to win back-to-back titles with different teams last season. The fact Blues fans hold Kante in higher regard than former hero Claude Makelele, tells you all you need to know.

3. David Luiz - £34m - August 2016 - Paris Saint-Germain

The Brazilian defender has enjoyed a largely successful return to west London having picked up an elusive Premier League title in his first season back with the club since 2011. Luiz formed an impressive partnership with Gary Cahill at the heart of the Blues' defence before losing his place in the team to Andreas Christensen in October. The 30-year-old has been linked with a move away from the club but Conte has stated his desire to keep Luiz as part of his squad.

4. Marcos Alonso - £24m - August 2016 - Fiorentina

Alonso proved to be one of the transfer coups of the season as he quickly became a key part of Conte’s 3-5-2 formation, which led the Blues to the Premier League title. Far from being one dimensional, Alonso has developed into one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking fullbacks by providing a genuine goal threat as well as energy down the left flank.

5. Eduardo - Undisclosed - August 2016 - Dinamo Zagreb

The 33-year-old goalkeeper joined the Blues to provide cover for Thibaut Courtois and Asmir Begovic in case of injury. The experienced shot-stopper is yet to make an appearance for the Blues and that record appears unlikely to change. Eduardo is not subject to a verdict given he was never expected to play under Conte.

6. Willy Caballero - Free - July 2017 - Unattached

Caballero made his Premier League debut against Brighton last weekend, but looked rather shaky as he somehow escaped giving away a penalty against the Seagulls. The Argentine is unlikely to put Thibaut Courtois’ place in the side under scrutiny anytime soon.

7. Tiemoue Bakayoko - £40m - July 2017 - Monaco

The French international was signed ahead of Nemanja Matic’s departure to Manchester Unitedand was expected to play a similar role for the Blues under Conte. But the 23-year-old has struggled to show his best form at Stamford Bridge and has earned criticism for his lumbering displays alongside the more industrious Kante. Conte has spoken about Bakayoko’s need to improve the tactical side of his game and is reportedly keeping tabs on Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri as a potential replacement.

8. Antonio Rudiger - £29m - July 2017 - Roma

The 24-year-old has endured an indifferent start to his first season in England and has been guilty of making a number of costly errors. Conte had hoped the defender would display the strength of former captain John Terry as a compliment to the more refined Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta. Rudiger has yet to fully establish himself as a key player for the Blues but possesses all the attributes to thrive in the Premier League.

9. Alvaro Morata - £60m - July 2017 - Real Madrid

Conte was said to be furious after missing out on Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United, who had previously been expected to head to Stamford Bridge. However, Morata’s start to life in England proved fruitful as he scored three goals in his opening four league games. But things have proved more difficult for the Spaniard in recent months after going six games without a goal. Conte has pointed to the 25-year-old’s back problem as the real issue behind his slump in form, but Morata has yet to fully convince everyone he is suited to the playing style of the Premier League.

10. Davide Zappacosta - £27m - August 2017 - Torino

The Blues had been in the market for a fullback who could provide competition for Victor Moses. But having failed in attempts to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Rafinha, Chelsea turned their attentions to the Torino man. Zappacosta earned his first call-up to the Italian national team under Conte during their time together with the Azzurri. The fullback has featured heavily in the Champions League but appears to be an obvious example of the club’s questionable transfer policy.

11. Danny Drinkwater - £35m - September 2017 - Leicester City

Drinkwater arrived at Stamford Bridge with a thigh injury and was unable to make his first appearance for the club until the end of October but has largely impressed, so far, in his limited appearances. The England international has been able to resume his midfield partnership with Kante, which helped Leicester to an incredible title triumph in 2016. The 27-year-old may not be a headline signing but the signs suggest he will prove to be an astute acquisition.

12. Ross Barkley - £15million - January 2018 - Everton

Securing one of England’s most naturally talented midfielders for a knockdown price represented something of a coup for the Blues, who reportedly saw off interest from London rivals Tottenham. The Italian boss appeared to suggest the club sometimes pick the ‘first name’ or the ‘last name’ on his list of transfer targets and took little credit for Barkley’s arrival. Similarly to Drinkwater, Barkley joined the club with an injury and will take time to bed in, something which is likely to irk his manager.



Who do you think is the best signing under Conte? And which one is worst?

Jasho La Kuku said:

Conte hausiki kwenye usajili kama hujui. Yy anatoa mawazo yake tyu. Then board ndo inahangaika

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Makocha huwa wanatoa list ya wachezaji wanaowahitaji pia kocha ana influence kubwa kuwashawishi wachezaji na kuishawishi hiyo board inunue wachezaji inaowataka