Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Pressure on Tuchel, Declan Rice plan, Mendy contract update
Chelsea news and transfers as things happen on Wednesday in the wake of their defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League
Chelsea’s Germa coach Thomas Tuchel (L) reacts as Dinamo Zagreb’s Croatian head coach Ante Cacic (R) looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group E football match between Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) and Chelsea (ENG) at The Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb on September 6, 2022.
Good morning and welcome to the football.london liveblog for all your Chelsea news and updates throughout the day on Wednesday, September 7.
It was another disappointing result and performance for Thomas Tuchel last night as Chelsea fell to a shock 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League group stage opener. The result means it is now three away defeats in a row for the Blues, with another trip on the road to come against Fulham this weekend.
Having already laboured to a poor start in the Premier League there is now increasing pressure on Tuchel to overturn Chelsea’s fortunes after form has dipped since the new year. This comes as Todd Boehly continues to revamp the club, opening talks and swiftly being rebuffed by Edouard Mendy as the keeper looks to negotiate a better deal.
We’ll have all the latest from Chelsea all day, right here. Don’t go anywhere!
07:32Tom Coley
A tough night for all
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Brought into the starting XI ahead of Edouard Mendy for the first time since March, Kepa would have been desperate to keep a clean sheet. That didn’t happen. The Spaniard was left exposed for Mislav Orsic’s opener but produced a smart stop to deny Arijan Ademi and an excellent one to keep out a shot from Stefan Ristovski. 6
Cesar Azpilicueta
With Thiago Silva left at home, it was no surprise Thomas Tuchel turned to the experience of Azpilicueta, who started on the right of the back three. Unfortunately, the club captain is a fading force and offered little in possession during the opening period. It came as no surprise that Azpilicueta was brought off at half time. 4
07:26Tom Coley
Nightmare debut
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a nightmare debut for Chelsea with his new side falling to defeat Dinamo Zagreb in their Champions League group stage opener.
Thomas Tuchel handed Aubameyang his debut after the Gabon striker missed Chelsea’s win against West Ham as he was fitted for a mask to protect his injured jaw. He was awarded a first start in Croatia but couldn’t help his side find an answer to their goalscoring woes.
Tuchel’s side laboured in attack once more and despite a lively start, once Mislav Orsic opened the scoring, Aubameyang’s impact became less and less noticeable. He did have several early moments to excite Blues fans, springing to life around the box in order to create space but choosing to pass in situations that would have favoured a shot at goal.
21:14Tom Coley
Good morning
Well last night was a massive disappointment for Chelsea.
Hopefully we can bring you some positive news today as Todd Boehly continues a mass overhaul inside the club.
Stick with us here for all the latest Chelsea happenings!
