ALEJANDRO GARNACHO FOCUSED ON PROGRESS AND ACHIEVING CHELSEA DREAM TARGETS
The manager has declared his ambition to win "at least one trophy" this season, stating his belief that the current squad can compete for the Premier League and other major honours.
Alejandro Garnacho is excited to assist Chelsea in gaining more momentum when we travel to Nottingham Forest to resume Premier League play.
The Blues had a difficult stretch between the international breaks in September and October, as our absentee list grew as a result of injuries and suspensions, and our performances did not match those of the first few weeks of the season.
But we ended on a positive note. On the night when Champions League football returned to Stamford Bridge, we recorded a well-earned victory over Benfica. We then defeated the defending Premier League champions Liverpool 2-1 to enhance our confidence.
A boisterous atmosphere was produced inside Stamford Bridge by Estevao Willian's goal in the 95th minute, which also ensured we eliminated the Reds from the top of the table.
Forest is now ranked 17th in the league after suffering back-to-back losses before the international break. Garnacho is aware that if the Blues want to build on the momentum created by our thrilling victory over Liverpool, they cannot afford to be complacent at the City Ground.
The winger, who joined the Blues from Manchester United in the summer, added, "It is a trying moment for them, but you never know in football." Even though they have not been winning, they have talented players who will strive for victory. We must be prepared.
"After a little bit of terrible luck with red cards, we are in a strong position in the league [five points off first spot], especially after that." For instance, we ought to win the match against Brighton. And I think we would win the match at United if we played 11 on 11.
But we are all right. To be up there, I believe it is critical to build on the most recent victory over Liverpool and attempt to win again.
After joining Chelsea from Manchester United in August, Garnacho was gradually incorporated into the team's lineup; the Argentine played as a substitute in his first two games for the Blues against Brentford and Bayern Munich.
However, the 21-year-old was the driving force behind our victories against Benfica and Lincoln City, and he also had a strong performance against Liverpool. Garnacho is optimistic about the Blues team's potential this season after settling into life at Stamford Bridge.
We want to strive to win at least one trophy, and I believe we have a team that can compete in the league and for the other trophies, he stated. I believe we can compete for the major titles because of the team's and the club's current moment. We have a dream about it.
Our quest for a trophy this season will continue tomorrow when we play Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, which kicks off at 12.30 p.m.
LIAM ROSENIOR’S "DETAILED TALKS" WITH CHELSEA LEADERSHIP REVEAL AGGRESSIVE SUMMER TRANSFER STRATEGY
Liam Rosenior confirms no Chelsea players want to leave, including Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer, despite UCL exit.
Liam Rosenior is currently engaged in thorough discussions with Chelsea’s leadership about their plans for the summer transfer window. Interestingly, none of the players has approached him expressing a desire to leave.
After Chelsea’s exit from the Champions League last-16 against Paris Saint-Germain, speculation swirled around Enzo Fernandez’s future, while names like Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo have also been linked with moves away since Rosenior took charge in January. Ahead of their trip to Everton, Rosenior addressed questions about possible departures if the team misses out on Europe’s top competition again. He also spoke about the ongoing efforts to bring new players in.
“We're having very detailed talks about where we need to strengthen,” he said, referring to conversations with the sporting director team, headed by Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart. “I’ve shared my thoughts on what’s needed, and we’re mostly aligned on the approach, which is encouraging. But the priority is also handling the present properly. It’s crucial to be in a good spot now. Planning is important, but so is winning in the moment. That’s why I’m here, and I’m having positive discussions with ownership and the sporting directors about it.”
Rosenior emphasised that key players like Enzo Fernández want to remain at Chelsea. After Fernandez’s recent interview with ESPN Argentina, where he was noncommittal about his future following the heavy loss to PSG, Rosenior reached out to him personally.
“Our plans don’t hinge solely on qualifying for the Champions League; there are many variables,” Rosenior explained. “We need to make the best of the situation we’re in and stay as strong as possible. I maintain a close relationship with the players; we talk beyond football about their families and their lives. I’m particularly close with Enzo and the others. Since I arrived, no one has told me they want to leave in the summer. The focus is really on improving together as a team and figuring out what it takes to win right now.”
When asked specifically if that applies to Fernandez, Palmer, and Caicedo, Rosenior was clear: “They love it here.”
WHY ENZO FERNANDEZ REFUSES TO COMMIT TO CHELSEA’S FUTURE PROJECT
Enzo Fernandez has sparked Chelsea exit fears after refusing to commit to his future following a 2-8 defeat to PSG.
Chelsea fans barely had time to process a brutal 8-2 Champions League thrashing by PSG on Tuesday when vice-captain Enzo Fernandez stirred things up even more. ESPN Argentina asked him about his future, and instead of assurance, Fernandez left everyone guessing about whether he’d still be at Stamford Bridge next season.
His answer? “I don’t know. There are eight games left, and the FA Cup. There’s the World Cup, and then we’ll see.” Not exactly what supporters needed to hear after a rough night. Honestly, Enzo, now’s probably not the best time for uncertainty.
People have been gossiping about Fernandez’s next move for a while now. Real Madrid and PSG keep cropping up as possible destinations, despite Chelsea sources insisting they won’t sell him. He’s locked into a contract until 2032, but if he pushes for an exit, who knows if that changes.
Fernandez holds a hefty price tag of £107 million; when he arrived in January 2023, it was a British record at the time. He’s backed it up this season, stacking up 12 goals, 6 assists, and playing more minutes than anyone else on the squad.
Still, Chelsea has been searching for someone who can play that No. 10 role where Fernandez has spent most of the season. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is on their wishlist, though nothing’s happened yet. Rogers, 23 and once a Manchester City academy kid, has been lighting it up at Villa lately. He signed a contract extension in November, but rumours about his future just won’t die.
Rogers is definitely on Chelsea’s radar. If Fernandez leaves this summer, and really, that’s still wide open; Rogers could be a target.
You can expect Chelsea to be busy in the market soon. They need a centre-back after missing out on Jeremy Jacquet in January. Douglas Luiz was briefly considered but wound up at Villa, so midfield is still in the mix. Plus, given their attacking troubles this season, they’ll be looking to upgrade up front too.
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