Month: May 2019

The defender wished his departing team-mate the best for his expected move to Real Madrid and conceded the Blues will find it tough without him

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta admitted Eden Hazard will “be a big loss” as the Europa League winners prepare to say farewell to their two-goal Baku hero.

Star attacker Hazard revealed the 4-1 victory over Arsenal on Wednesday is almost certain to mean “goodbye” with an expected switch to Real Madrid seemingly moving closer.

Olivier Giroud and winger Pedro also got on the scoresheet to help make the Belgium international’s potential goodbye appearance a memorable occasion.

Hazard, 28, joined Chelsea from Lille in 2012 and ranks as one of the London club’s greats, having won two Premier League titles and enjoyed success in the FA Cup and Europe.

“It’s a big loss for us, as a player and as a person,” Azpilicueta told beIN Sports .

“We came here together seven years ago, we have won six trophies, it’s been amazing on and off the pitch for me.

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“I can only wish him the best because he’s a very good friend of mine.

“The desire he’s shown on the pitch for the club, his behaviour as the star man, I think everybody in the club loves him.

“He’s not selfish – a lot of times I heard rumours about him leaving. In other situations maybe other players could push but he didn’t do it.

“I can only say all the best and we’re going to miss him.”

Maurizio Sarri’s future at Stamford Bridge is also uncertain amid links to the vacant Juventus post.

The Italian guided Chelsea to a major trophy and Champions League qualification at the first attempt but, when asked whether his head coach should stay, Azpilicueta noted the decision is out of his hands.

“It’s not my choice. Obviously Maurizio is the manager,” the Spanish full-back said.

“We started the season quite late. In February, March we were in difficulty, we were sixth in the Premier League and everybody thought we were out of the Champions League.

“We came back, we finished third… lifted the Europa League [and] lost on penalties in the Carabao Cup [final]. I think if you look at the whole season it has been very great.”

The club boss is a “great guy” and is fully deserving of his Europa League success, according to the Chelsea defender

David Luiz hailed Maurizio Sarri’s “amazing” impact on Chelsea following the glittering 4-1 victory over Arsenal in the Europa League final in Baku.

Former Napoli boss Sarri lifted his first major trophy after Eden Hazard’s double and one apiece from Olivier Giroud and Pedro torpedoed Arsenal’s bid to squeeze into next season’s Champions League.

Hazard revealed the match is likely to mark a “goodbye” to the Blues and doubt also surrounds the club’s head coach, Sarri having been heavily linked to the vacant Juventus post in recent weeks.

Uncertainty has plagued the Italian since a mid-season slump, which brought criticism of his playing style, but centre-back David Luiz commended his contribution.

“He’s been amazing for this club,” the Brazilian said on the pitch after full-time.

“I don’t know about the speculation, everybody talks about everything. Now is the time to talk about the title.

“Sarri believed in my game. He’s a great guy, a great coach and he deserves this.

“I think it was a great year. We had ups and downs but I think we improved a lot, learned a lot and finished very well.

“We fight for the Champions League in third position [in the Premier League] and today we won a trophy.”

Sarri still has two seasons left to run on the contract he signed at Stamford Bridge in July 2018, and admits he thinks he has earned the right to stay on with the club. 

“I think so, but it’s only my opinion,” he told a press conference when asked if he’d done enough to keep his job. “My opinion is not enough.”

And Sarri is looking forward to speaking with the club about his future. 

“You know very well that I love the Premier League, the level of the competition,” he said.

“I am lucky because I am in Chelsea, one of the best teams, one of the best clubs in the Premier League in the best championship in the world.

“So, at the moment, I am happy. But, of course, I want to know if the club are happy. If we can improve. That’s normal, I think.

“But I do a discussion with the owner, the president, the director after every season in every club, so I think it’s normal.”

 

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After his first season ended with Europa League final defeat the first-year boss asked Gunners supporters to trust him as he works to improve his team

Unai Emery has asked Arsenal’s supporters to trust him as he embarks on a long-term rebuilding process in North London.

The ex-PSG boss’s first season in charge ended in a chastening 4-1 defeat to Chelsea in the Europa League final in Baku on Wednesday night.

The game represented their last chance to qualify for next season’s Champions League, after a fifth-place finish in the Premier League.

Emery acknowledged that a place in Europe’s premier club competition was an ambition he hadn’t achieved, but said that the Gunners had progressed in his first season.

“We knew it would be difficult, and we are in our process. I want to say to all the supporters we are in this process,” he told a press conference.

“Really the first target has not been achieved this year, but I think we are closer, firstly in the Premier League, and second in this competition, playing the final.

“Next year is a big challenge for us to take one more step on our way, in our will with the young players.

“We are disappointed today, but in general, I think we made a new step improving and being competitive. We’ll have to take one more step next year.”

Failure to qualify for the Champions League will certainly affect Arsenal in the transfer market, but Emery again asked for patience.

He hoped Arsenal’s status would attract players, but also believes they have the players in place to achieve their ambitions.

“I think Arsenal is a big name in the football world, and a lot of players want to play here. We are in one process and we need in this process, to be strong,” the 47-year-old continued.

“The transfers, I don’t know for next year, but the club is working to improve and to get all we need to go on our way.

“Also, we have a lot of players with the possibility to improve. We are playing a lot of young players who were experiencing a final for the first time.

“I am positive for the future, creating our way with young players, and getting better as we go.”

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The ‘keeper retires as a proud man despite his club’s 4-1 mauling in the Europa League final against the club he represented for over a decade

Retiring Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech says he can leave the game with his head held high despite a 4-1 loss in his final career appearance.

Cech’s Gunners suffered a 4-1 reverse at the hands of Chelsea in the Europa League final. The Czech Republic international represented the Stamford Bridge club with distinction for 11 years before making the switch to the Emirates in 2015.

Although the scoreline went against his team, Cech counts himself lucky to have bowed out of football at the highest level.

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“I’m proud of myself and I’m proud of the way I played today because when you play your last career game in the final there is a lot of pressure and speculation,” he told BT Sport after the game.

“I had to perform and I have to say I have done everything I can, and I can look back with no regrets apart from the fact we worked so hard all year to finish with nothing.”

Cech went on to praise the dedication of this, his final group of team mates, as they end the season empty-handed and with their hopes of qualification for next season’s Champions League dashed.

“This group of players do not deserve it because of how much work has been done this season.

“It is easy to say we finish empty-handed but I can assure everyone that the work we have done will mean this team will come back much stronger next year.”

Cech, who turned 37 on May 20, appeared 333 times for Chelsea and there are rumours the club are sounding him out about a return to west London in a Director of Football role.

The ‘keeper who was visibly emotional as the curtain fell on his career was guarded about his future after the game, referencing his Arsenal contract, which still has a month to run.

“I keep saying I wanted to lift the trophy and then think about it,” the 124 cap international continued.

“Until June 30 I am an Arsenal player.”

Defeat in Wednesday’s final aside Cech can review a distinguished career that saw him win four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League.

The winger said his goodbyes to the Blues after winning the Europa League and, though he wouldn’t confirm his destination, wants to face his old clubs

Eden Hazard may not be ready to say where he’ll be playing next season, but he has already drawn up his ideal opponents in the Champions League. 

The Belgian winger confirmed he would be leaving Chelsea after scoring twice as the club took a 4-1 win over Arsenal in the Europa League final on Wednesday.  

Hazard is widely expected to join Real Madrid this summer, and though he wasn’t ready to name names just yet, he does hope to face his old clubs on the pitch in the near future. 

“In the next few days, my departure will be official. I think it was my last game, it’s between clubs right now, I cannot talk about it yet,” he told RMC Sport.

“I hope to face Lille and Chelsea in Champions League next season.” 

Hazard has been a crucial member of the Chelsea squad since joing the club in the summer of 2012 from Lille, but has been consistently linked with moves away.  

But Hazard says he was never unhappy while with the London club, even if his time in the Premier League is coming to a close.  
 
“During the past seven seasons I was always happy,” he said. “There are ups and downs, but the pleasure of playing football is still there.  

“And when we win trophies it’s always good for everyone.” 

And the winger says his love for the club is not coming to an end.  

“I love Chelsea,” he said to TNT. “Chelsea is part of my life, part of my family, and I will always support them.” 

Former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas was also feeling the emotions of the day, having seen Hazard put in one last star showing for the club.  

“Even I’m feeling emotional,” he told BT Sport. “What a performance by Eden Hazard with two goals and it is probably goodbye after seven years of fantastic service to this football club.” 

Current team-mate Pedro was also happy to see Hazard go out on a high note.  

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“He’s the best player on the team,” he told BT Sport. “He’s a top player. I’m so happy for him and for this title as well.” 

The Italian pointed out that he is under contract until 2021 in west London, as reports of a move to the Old Lady intensify

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has responded to links with Juventus by expressing his desire to stay at Stamford Bridge.  

The Italian lifted his first trophy with the Blues in a 4-1 demolition of Arsenal in Wednesday’s Europa League final.  

Eden Hazard led the way with a double, with tournament top scorer Olivier Giroud and Pedro also pitching in to take the honour in the London derby in Baku.  

It has not all been plain sailing for Sarri in his first season in English football, which has included plenty of barracking from the stands and rumours of his dismissal at the end of the current campaign.  

Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus exit, moreover, has heightened speculation that the former Napoli coach might be ready for a return to Serie A just 12 months after leaving.  

But Sarri insists that he is keen to continue in the Premier League, pointing out that his Chelsea deal still has plenty of time left on it. 

“I still have two years of contract,” he remarked to RMC following the final whistle in Azerbaijan. 

“After that we’ll see, what we can improve and if the conditions are there to continue. I want to stay yes, because the Premier League is the biggest league and I am happy here.” 

One man who looks almost certain to seek new climes is Hazard, who effectively bade farewell to Blues fans after getting his hands on the Europa League trophy.  

And Sarri had warm words for his Belgian star, who is expected to line up with Real Madrid in 2019-20 onwards. 

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“Hazard is a special lad who is also extraordinary,” he said of his final hero. 

“The first half was hard for us, it was our 64th game of the season, we had to put a lot of heart in. 

“We had to win, and the players were very good. The second period was better, and it was entertaining for the spectators.” 

Chelsea have been linked with a number of managerial candidates in recent weeks as Sarri’s future has come into question, but the Italian has maintained that he has matched the goals of the club and that his desire is to stay put in England.  

The French striker opened the scoring in Baku and his happy his current team won, but spared a thought for his old club

Olivier Giroud has admitted it was hard to score against Arsenal but said he was proud to win the Europa League with Chelsea.

The French international striker opened the scoring for Chelsea in their 4-1 win over the Gunners, his 11th goal in the competition this year. He also won a penalty that Eden Hazard converted and laid on an assist for Hazard’s second, and Chelsea’s fourth. 

The first half was goalless and Giroud celebrated his sides efficiency in the second period that saw them run out easy winners by the final whistle. 

“It was an interesting first half but there were no goals,” the 32-year-old told BT Sport . 

“It was a good final and we were better, more efficient in the second half. 

“I am very proud, this team deserved to win something. It was special for me, I am happy for this club. It’s my second trophy in two years.” 

Despite his happiness at his current club’s triumph, Giroud admitted to being torn by the identity of the team they defeated. 

The Frenchman spent five and a half years at Arsenal, before being allowed to cross the English capital in January 2018. 

Giroud appeared not to celebrate his goal, and he offered an explanation as to why. 

“These two clubs changed my life, they gave me the opportunity to play in the Premier League. I didn’t want to celebrate at Arsenal, but I am so proud to win this trophy with Chelsea.” 

Giroud left Arsenal as the signings of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette saw him fall down the pecking order. 

He has struggled for goals and game time in the Premier League this year. He has appeared 27 times in the top-flight for Chelsea, but amassed just 832 minutes in that time, scoring two goals. 

The World Cup winner has grabbed his chance in the Europa League though, appearing in 14 games for his 11 goals, and he believes his returns are indicative of his dedication. 

“When you give me the chance to get game time I always try my best. It was our second target to win the Europa League after finishing in the top four, so I feel blessed.” 

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The Gunners are facing up to the very real prospect of having to sell one of their star players after Wednesday’s devastating 4-1 loss to Chelsea

It’s 2,500 miles from London to Baku – and that feels exactly how long the road back to the Champions League now is for Arsenal after they were thumped 4-1 by Chelsea in the Europa League final.

Wednesday night was win or bust for the Gunners having let a top-four finish in the Premier League slip through their grasp in the final weeks of the season, but they couldn’t raise themselves against a Blues side who had already secured themselves a place amongst Europe’s elite next season.

Now, as they start the long journey back to London, Arsenal are left starring into the abyss as England’s top sides continue to get stronger around them.

Unai Emery will have a transfer budget of just £45 million to play with this summer to try and close the gap on the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Spurs.

Arsenal will be joined in the Europa League by Manchester United and Wolves next season, two teams who will no doubt spend massively in the coming months to improve their squads. Emery will not have that luxury.

This had been a promising first season for the Spaniard, but the way things have ended both domestically and in Europe will be tough to come back from.

There is no question of Emery leaving this summer; he will be backed by the club. But for some fans the question of whether he is the right man to lead the rebuild will remain.

And the manner of this defeat in Baku will only add to those questions. Arsenal started brightly, faded after the half hour mark and then capitulated in the second half.

Olivier Giroud stooped to head Chelsea in front on 49 minutes and Pedro made it 2-0 on the hour. Eden Hazard’s penalty stretched the advantage further and the Belgian immediately killed off any hopes of an Arsenal comeback after Alex Iwobi’s brilliant strike had briefly reduced the deficit.

Emery stood hands in pockets as the goals flew in, grinding his teeth at what he was seeing from the technical area.

He will know what now faces him this summer. Another season without the riches of the Champions League makes his job incredibly difficult.

Arsenal are a club whose entire business model is based around the Champions League. In the past two seasons, they have been haemorrhaging money without it. 

The wage bill is crippling their ability to spend, with owner Stan Kroenke still refusing to put in any of his own money to help fund things. It leaves Emery facing up to the very real prospect of having to sell just to give himself some money to spend.

Alexandre Lacazette said in the build-up to this final that he would talk to the club in the summer about his future, with the likes of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid said to be circling.

And, unfortunately for Arsenal, it may have to come to something like that because the rebuilding job facing Emery is huge.

It’s not an understatement to say this final was Arsenal’s biggest match in a decade. It was a game they had to win, but they lost in embarrassing style.

There was no fairytale ending for Petr Cech, no trophy for Aaron Ramsey to say goodbye with. Lucas Torreira was in floods of tears when he left the pitch and it was a similar scene in the stands.

A match which promised so much failed to deliver. Now the rebuild begins, but it’s going to be all the more difficult after the nightmare that was Baku.

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After scoring twice in the final against Arsenal, the Belgian star appeared to confirm his exit from Stamford Bridge

Eden Hazard appeared to confirm his Chelsea exit after scoring twice in his side’s 4-1 Europa League final defeat of Arsenal.

Hazard has been linked with a move to Real Madrid at the end of the season and confirmed after the game that his time at Chelsea has likely come to an end. 

“I think it’s a goodbye but in football you never know. My dream was to play in the Premier League. I played here for seven years for one of the biggest clubs in the world and maybe it’s time for a new challenge,” the Belgian told BT Sport.

Hazard has already said his decision was made and on Wednesday he indicated that an announcement on his future would be forthcoming shortly. 

“I don’t know yet. I think it will be decided in a few days,” Hazard said.

“My target was to win the trophy, that was the only thing in my mind. I made my decision already. I said it two weeks ago. Now it depends on the clubs, both clubs.

“I am just waiting. You will see, you will know in a couple of days.”

Hazard won’t be leaving Chelsea without one final strong performance though, as his brace in Baku helped his side to a trophy in manager Maurizio Sarri’s first season in charge. 

The Blues and the Gunners entered half-time scoreless before the deluge of goals in the second half, with Olivier Giroud and Pedro opening the scoring for Chelsea before Hazard’s brace.

“When Ollie scored, I think it was the beginning of a great night,” Hazard said. 

“We played well in the second half. They had a few chances at the end when the score was 4-1. I’m just happy to lift this trophy with the boys.” 

With his double, Hazard became the first player to score a brace in the final of a major UEFA competition for an English club since Mark Hughes for Manchester United against Barcelona in the 1991 Cup Winners’ Cup final. 

When asked what Sarri said to his side at the break, Hazard said: “Just to keep playing, try to keep playing. What we did in the second half. 

“We know we have the players when we want to play all together. We fight all together. 

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“This showed our mentality. We did it for the boys, for the fans, for the manager, for the staff. It’s a great trophy to win.” 

All three of the players who scored for the Blues in Wednesday’s final in Baku reached European or personal marks

Wednesday’s Europa League final saw each of Chelsea’s three goal-scorers set or equal records.

Olivier Giroud, Pedro and Eden Hazard each scored in a game that saw the West London side lift the Europa League trophy and their opponents Arsenal miss out on next season’s Champions League as a result.

Former Gunner Giroud opened the scoring for the Blues, his 11th goal in the Europa League this season, tops in the competiton.

No player has scored so many goals in a season in a major European competition for an English club since Alan Shearer for Newcastle United in 2004-05.

Giroud also surpassed Just Fontaine as the highest French scorer in a single European season. Fontaine’s record had stood for 60 years.

Pedro scored Chelsea’s second and in the process became just the fifth player to score in a final of both the European Cup or Champions League and the UEFA Cup or Europa League. Allan Simonsen, Hernan Crespo, Dmitri Alenichev and Steven Gerrard preceded the Spanish international.

Pedro scored in the 2010-11 Champions League final, opening the scoring for Barcelona against Manchester United. Barca ran out 3-1 winners in that game.

Chelsea went one better against Arsenal on Wednesday, winning 4-1, with Eden Hazard netting his side’s final two goals.

Hazard’s first was his 20th in all competitions for Chelsea, which is his highest in a single season for Chelsea. This is his seventh season at Stamford Bridge.

He also got the assist for Pedro’s second, which was his 17th of the year. That’s tied for the most by a Premier League player in all competitions this year.

Many suspect that this will be Hazard’s final game in a Chelsea shirt, with Real Madrid expected to announce their capture of the Belgium international as soon as Monday.

He was substituted as time ran down on the game and potentially his Chelsea career.

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