Jose Mourinho revive Chelsea say former Blues star

Jose Mourinho transformed Chelsea from a team of insecure players to a team of winners, says former Blues midfielder Claude Makelele.

Mourinho joined Chelsea for the first time in the summer of 2004 - one year after Makelele moved to Stamford Bridge from Real Madrid.

The club had not won a trophy for four years before the Portuguese manager's arrival, but he immediately led them to back-to-back Premier League titles.

Discussing his time working with Mourinho ahead of United's visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday - live on Sky Sports - Makelele told The Sun: "When I first arrived at Chelsea, I saw something that shocked me.

"There were big teams, Manchester United and Arsenal, and all the time we would play them and I'd hear, 'It's going to be difficult'.

"What? We can't beat Arsenal? My team-mates were insecure and that shocked me. When I saw this, I wanted to change it with my team-mates and say 'No, this is possible'.
We did change the mentality and, after, we beat them all the time and were fighting for the Premier League.

"I learnt a lot with Mourinho about being a competitor, about being focused on details and the consequences of your management.

"He made me understand football in a different way. Football is not just happiness. He makes you understand about society, partnerships, fans, media, every detail. And that is more important than ever in football. You need to be in control of this."

Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge with his current side Manchester United already trailing Chelsea by seven points in the Premier League.

He has come under pressure at Old Trafford already this season following United's slow start to the season, as well as a reported fall-out with Paul Pogba and an FA charge for allegedly swearing into a television camera.

Man United want to keep Anthony Martial

Manchester United’s management believe they are close to a breakthrough in contract discussions with Anthony Martial after holding ‘encouraging’ talks with the star’s representatives, Metro.co.uk understands.

The Frenchman is out of contract at the end of the campaign, though Manchester United have the option of triggering a one-year extension in his current deal to keep Frenchman tied to the club until 2020.

Martial’s agent had been deep into negotiations with the club over a fresh deal in November 2017 and all parties felt they were close to an agreement.

However, Alexis Sanchez’s arrival in January window derailed Martial’s campaign and his goal against Newcastle ten days ago was his first in the league since the South American’s move to Old Trafford.

Martial’srepresentativee sparked concern during the summer transfer market by claiming the Frenchman wanted to leave Manchester United but Metro.co.uk understands the club felt this was an attempt to accelerate contract talks.


Jose Mourinho had been open to selling the 23-year-old star but Martial has made an encouraging start to the term and Red Devils have made progress in recent weeks over a fresh five-year deal for the forward.

Mourinho and Shaw react after top class Manchester United deal confirmed!

Luke Shaw has admitted he is very proud to sign a new contract and stay at Manchester United for the foreseeable future.

After failing to impress boss Jose Mourinho in his first few months at the job as the special one felt Shaw was not fit enough and di not have the quality to be the clubs long-term left-back, and even started lining up possible replacements for the Englishman.

However, after getting himself fit, staying away from injuries and fighting for his Old Trafford future, he has earned a place in Mourinhos starting line-up and is now an integral part of the United squad, which is just why Mourinho was so keen to offer Shaw a brand new contract.

After signing his deal, Shaw said on the Sky Sports website: “Since I came to United it’s been a whirlwind four years. I am very proud to sign my new contract and continue my stay at this great club.I want to thank everybody that has stood by me and shown me huge support – the management, my team-mates and the fans. I want to let everyone know that I will give everything I have to repay them and deliver success over the years to come.

“I’m still very young with a lot more to learn and I can’t wait to continue my progress under Jose Mourinho.”

Boss Mourinho also reacted to the news Shaw has signed a new deal and admitted his delight at seeing the left-back sign up after a poor start to life under the special one, telling Sky Sports: “Luke fully deserves this contract. He understood his development process, he has worked really hard at every level and he always believes in himself which is a great attribute to have.Luke is still young and is improving all the time and he must feel very proud of himself.


“I am delighted that we are keeping such a talented young English player with a bright future ahead of him.”

How Jose Mourinho could avoid Chelsea v Manchester United touchline ban

Jose Mourinho could avoid a touchline ban for Manchester United's trip to Chelsea on Saturday, despite facing an FA charge.

The former Chelsea boss has until 6pm on Friday to respond to the charge for allegedly using abusive language after United's 3-2 comeback win over Newcastle before the international break.

Should Mourinho respond to the charge close to Friday's deadline, any sanction would not be imposed due to the normal procedure time of an independent commission hearing.

If he responds with enough time for a hearing, he could miss United's trip to Stamford Bridge, live on Sky Sports Premier League.

Unlike player disciplinary matters there is not a pre-determined punishment for cases of this kind, meaning any sanction would need to be decided after a hearing.


If Mourinho is found guilty he faces anything from a warning, a fine, or a touchline ban, which would most likely come into effect for United's game against Everton.

Chelsea reportedly plotting audacious move for PSG winger

Chelsea are reportedly in the race to sign Angel Di Maria amid uncertainty over his PSG future, with Liverpool and Manchester United also in the running for his signature.

The former United forward is apparently interested in making a move back to the Premier League, but he will be asking for wages of around £200,000-a-week.

The Paris Saint-Germain star left Manchester United for France in 2015 after just one season at Old Trafford.

It is understood United fans consider Di Maria one of their worst signings ever, after paying just under £60million for the Argentina winger.

The Express believes Chelsea are interested in a deal to take Di Maria back to the Premier League despite their wealth of experience upfront, whilst Manchester United are said to be keeping tabs on him too.

Di Maria has tried to rebuild his reputation in Paris and has an excellent record for the Ligue 1 champions.


In 147 appearances, Di Maria has bagged 56 goals and provided 55 assists, but PSG have a wealth of attacking options to chose from and are happy to let the attacker walk at the end of his deal.

Man Utd Prioritise David De Gea Contract Extension as Jose Mourinho Demands New Deals

Manchester United have made extending David De Gea's contract their top priority after making progress with new deals for Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw.

The Spaniard is among a host of first team players whose current deal expires at the end of this season, although United can extend De Gea's contract by another year, an option they are expected to take up soon.

Both Shaw and Martial already have new offers on the table and Manchester United are confident that the two players will sign on the dotted line, which according to the Evening Standard will tie them to Old Trafford for another five years.

De Gea's contract situation will now become the club's main focus, although manager José Mourinho is also pushing for two more players to be given new long-term deals in the north-west.

I've absolutely no issues with De Gea leaving at the end of his contract. Has given Utd so many great years and never complained to the press, unlike Dab man.

— AP (@__AP____) October 8, 2018

The Evening Standard also claims that Mourinho wants both Ander Herrera and Juan Mata to be rewarded with contract extensions due to their influence in the Manchester United dressing room.

Mourinho has reportedly already approached executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward over Mata and Herrera's future at the club.

Combined, the pair have 257 appearances for Manchester United across all competitions and have become two of the most senior figures within the squad.

Although both Mata and Herrera are now considered to be on the periphery of Manchester United's first team, Mourinho is believed to have hailed their importance during the club's crisis on and off the pitch this season.

Man United set too extend Luke Shaw contract

The Premier League and UCL giants Manchester United are set to open contract negotiations with Luke Shaw.

The 23-year-old star has completely turned things around at the Red Devils this season. A case can be made for Englishman likely being our best outfield player to date in the 2018/19 season.

Now, according to Bleacher Report’s Dean Jones, Manchester United’ management are planning a sit down with the left-back and discuss a new contract.

It really is a success story for Luke Shaw, particularly as it has been such a long road for the former Southampton player following that horrific leg break star suffered against PSV Eindhoven in a Champions League group-stage match.

With just one year left on his current contract, Manchester United have to do all they can to tie Luke down to a new deal as quickly as possible.


In January, he’d be free to negotiate to overseas clubs about the possibility of signing a pre-contract; that’s providing Red Devils don’t take up the option to extend his contract by a further year, as that clause is still to be triggered.

PSG set sights on Manchester United shot Stopper

According to the Daily Mail, European giants Paris Saint-Germain are closely monitoring David De Gea's situation at Manchester United and are ready to swoop in for the star player if an opportunity arises.

It is also widely reported that despite the Manchester United hierarchy wanting to tie down De Gea to a long-term deal, the player is in no rush to sign a new contract. Being their best player, De Gea is probably looking for better personal terms and willing to bide his time until a better offer comes his way.

In case you didn't know...

There have always been rumors circulating regarding De Gea's future at Manchester United since the last few transfer windows. Real Madrid had been in the running for the world-class goalkeeper's signature and almost got him in the 2015-16 summer transfer window. With the signing of Thibaut Courtois in the recently concluded transfer window though Real Madrid have withdrawn their interest in the Spaniard.

Hence, PSG are the only team really in contention to land De Gea's signature and can look to tempt him with a lucrative deal given the financial resources the club have.

The heart of the matter

De Gea has been one of the best players for the Red Devils in the last couple of seasons. His goalkeeping displays have certainly saved the club from a defeat in many situations. Having won the Premier League Golden Glove last season, De Gea is the most valuable asset for Manchester United. As a result, the club should try and speed up contract negotiations and attempt to extend De Gea's stay at Old Trafford.

Rumour Rating: 6/10

The Daily Mail is a reputed publication and this report might turn out to be true in the future.

Man United reportedly monitoring PSV player linked with EPL giants

Manchester United and Premier League rivals Liverpool are keeping close tabs on PSV Eindhoven starlet Steven Bergwijn, according to the latest reports.

Bergwijn has netted 14 goals since breaking into the Dutch side’s first-team back in 2014 and is being tipped for stardom in Holland amid strong interest from Europe’s elite clubs.

The 21-year-old star has impressed in PSV Eindhoven’s attack alongside Hirving Lozano, another player who has been connected with Manchester United in recent times.

Sport claims both Reds and Red Devils have had scouts in attendance to watch Steven’s performances this season with a view to landing the Netherlands Under-21 international.

The youngster has a £17.6m (€20m) release clause in his contract at the Philips Stadion. PSV Eindhoven manager Mark van Bommel believes Steven’s feet are firmly on the ground in spite of the growing interest.

‘Steven has very sensible people around him,’ Mark Van Bommel said.

‘His parents are real example parents, in the way they deal with him. We talked well together during the summer. I think it’s really great. Perhaps already a top European player. Yes, already.’

Man City boss Guardiola: Cruyff my biggest influence

Pep Guardiola admits Johan Cruyff was his big coaching inspiration speaking at the Festival dello Sport in Trento.

“Johan Cruijff was the most important person that I worked with, as he opened my eyes with his style of football," said Manchester City manager Guardiola.

“He helped us all understand a different way of looking at football. It was like going to school every day. We would win and he'd tell us the reason we were winning. He made us fall in love.
“It's no coincidence that so many players who worked under Sacchi and Cruijff are now Coaches, because their minds were opened. They gave us new love for the sport.

“I didn't invent tiki-taka. We won the Champions League with Barcelona and a team full of players who had started in the academy at the age of 8-10. It was a unique moment of the stars aligning, with the faith of the club and a group of lads who all saw football the same way. We could've signed bigger stars, but wanted to cultivate that hunger.

“To be honest, I don't really like tiki-taka much as a concept, but we knew exactly where we wanted to go with the ball. There is nostalgia for it now, but it was wonderful to experience it. We'll see if they still talk about it in 10-20 years, much like they do with great movies."

Jamie Carragher urges Liverpool to land attacking midfielder during January window

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher thinks Liverpool need to land a Coutinho replacement in January.
The pundit and one-time Liverpool centre-back was speaking as a result of the 0-0 draw with Manchester City at Anfield.

In Reds’ past four matches in all competitions, the club lacked central creativity, especially when James Milner, Gini Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson have been deployed as a trio.

Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri both have the ability with the ball and vision, but Xherdan is probably suited to the front-three while the Naby is still finding his feet.

“If Liverpool are in a really good position in January, I think they’ve got to be looking to address that [midfield area],” Carragher told sports television channel Sky Sports post-match.

“Even if Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain comes back, [Naby] Keita goes in or Fabinho goes in they are all the same. Liverpool don’t play with a No 10, but there’s no David Silva or Bernardo Silva or a player like that in the squad.

“I’m not talking about that player playing every week. It’s just the fact of having someone like that in the squad to turn to when you feel you need that player.”

Fabinho tips this Liverpool forward to become “one of the best” in the world

Lverpool midfielder Fabinho believes Sadio Mane has the tools to become one of the best players in the world.

The Senegalese forward started the season brightly with four goals till the start of September but hasn’t found the back of the net since.
Mane is still a dangerous attacker with his speed and movement, and Fabinho highlighted some of his key features to Goal (h/t Express):

“Sadio Mane is an excellent player.
“Before I came to Liverpool, I saw him on TV and I liked him a lot.
“He is very fast and very intelligent. He has everything to continue growing to become one of the best players in the world.
“I hope he continues with us for a long time. It is a pleasure to play alongside him.”

The Brazilian believed that our front three would click soon, despite Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Mane not scoring goals for fun.

“They want to get better and they are very hungry for goals.
“Our team is very good because of the strength of our attack.
“I hope they score many goals this season.”

Mane had an excellent season last time with 10 goals each in the Champions League and Premier League. The Senegal star just needs one good game under his belt and should be back to his best.

Liverpool face Huddersfield after the international break and hopefully, we will see some fireworks from our attackers against the Terriers.

Liverpool set to battle with Man United for tricky winger with €20m release clause

Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly both monitoring PSV Eindhoven ace Steven Bergwijn after his blistering start to the 2018-19 Eredivisie campaign.

According to Sport, the 21-year-old ace has a release clause of only €20m (£17.5m), which is an affordable price for the EPL pair.

Bergwijn is able to operate on either side and has netted four goals and provided four assists in eight league matches so far in 2018-19.

This could potentially be a breakout campaign for him if he can maintain his form, but the young forward already boasts a decent amount of experience in the PSV Eindhoven first team.

Last term he made 32 league matches, netting eight goals and providing seven assists, while Seven was a regular from the bench in 2016-17.

Given his incredible form, it is no surprise the likes of Reds and Red Devils are taking an interest in the youngster.


A move to Liverpool would arguably be a better fit, as German coach Jurgen Klopp is still in need of added attacking depth to provide rivalry and cover for Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.

Chelsea set to swap Hazard for Gareth Bale

Chelsea could reportedly be offered the signing of Gareth Bale in a deal taking Eden Hazard to Real Madrid, according to latest transfer rumours in Spain.

The Blues could definitely do with a quality attacking player like Bale in their ranks if they are to lose Hazard anyway, which will look increasingly likely the longer he goes without signing a new contract.

Hazard’s current deal is due to expire at the end of next season, and Marca report he’s turned down various offers of renewing and is confident of getting his dream move to the Bernabeu.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are among the clubs being linked with Bale, along with top four rivals Manchester United, even though the Express recently claimed the player himself was not so keen on leaving Spain.

The Wales international has shone in the Premier League in the past, though he’s also won a huge number of big trophies with Real, even if he’s never been quite as important a player for them.

Bale did manage to score twice in last season’s Champions League final win – enabling him to pick up the famous trophy for the fourth time since he joined the club in 2013.

Overall he’s also scored 92 goals for Los Blancos – a decent record for a player who doesn’t play as an out-and-out striker
.
It’s unlikely the 29-year-old would come close to replicating that at either Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford, but Don Balon claim Madrid want to offer him plus £44million to Chelsea for the Hazard transfer.

While Chelsea and Hazard might go for that, it remains to be seen if Bale himself can be persuaded.

If CFC can snap him up it would be a big blow for rivals United, who remain linked with the player by the Express and who could urgently do with an upgrade on out-of-form attackers like Alexis Sanchez and Marcus Rashford.