John Obi Mikel suggested Eden Hazard had it in him to be as good as Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi… if only he had tried in training!
Mikel admitted that the Chelsea legend wasn’t a fan of getting down to work at the club’s Cobham training ground, something that may have stopped him reaching his potential.
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Hazard is one of the best wingers to have graced the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
Hazard, who joined from Lille for £32million in 2012, is a Chelsea legend.
In his career with the club, he made 352 appearances for the Blues, scoring 110 goals and providing 85 assists along the way to helping the club to two Premier League titles, two Europa League crowns and an FA Cup.
Having played together for five years, Mikel knew all about Hazard’s talents but admitted that his stellar career could have been even better.
Asked who the best player he’s ever played with Mikel told talkSPORT Drive: “Technically? Eden Hazard.”
Asked if he fulfilled his potential, Mikel said: “No. He didn’t train. He didn’t apply himself. Imagine if he did?
“Imagine if he worked out like a Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi?
“He didn’t like training, he didn’t fancy it because he was so technically gifted that he didn’t need it.”
Jason Cundy then asked if football came easy to Hazard, to which Mikel replied: “Too easy.
“He didn’t train, then went out on a Saturday at 3pm and wins you the game and wins man of the match.
“What can you say? Nothing.”
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Hazard is a Chelsea great but could have rivalled Messi and RonaldoCredit: Getty
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Mikel was full of praise for his former Chelsea teammate on talkSPORT
Responding to Mikel’s comments, Claude Makelele said: “You can say many things!
Mikel replied: “We told him, Claude.
“He’d say ‘no, leave me alone’. He’d say ‘I don’t want to go and train, you go and train’.”
Makelele then added: “Do you remember when we were starting with (Arjen) Robben, it was the same but every single day on the training ground we told him because we knew that we needed him in a game.
“Sometimes it needs to come from your teammates.”
Meanwhile, Cundy said: “When it comes so easy, and Eden Hazard is the best Chelsea player I’ve ever seen. He’s the best I’ve ever seen.
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Hazard earned legendary status at Chelsea having won a number of major honoursCredit: Getty
“But when it comes so easily, and he didn’t want to be the best in the world. He didn’t want to be a Cristiano, he didn’t want to be a Lionel Messi.
“He was happy doing what he was doing. And you’re absolutely right, the problem you’ve got, he would be the best player on the pitch on a Saturday.
“Now I don’t know what he did midweek because I didn’t see that. But every Saturday that he turned up, he was the best player on the pitch.”
In an interview withL’Equipe, Hazard was asked to weigh in on the eternal debate which pits the Argentinian superstar against the Portugese icon – and to offer an opinion on how he measured up himself.
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Hazard’s numbers for Chelsea were rather impressive
“Individually, Messi is perhaps the only one [better than me],” he said.
“I loved watching the Barcelona player, less so at the end, but he’s the greatest in history.
“It’s impossible to take the ball away from him.
“Cristiano is a bigger player than me but, in terms of pure football, I honestly don’t think so.
“Neymar, maybe.
“After that, he’s no better than me, but at Real, you’ve got the best, also in terms of their careers: [Karim] Benzema, [Luka] Modric, they were the best, [Toni] Kroos, Kevin [De Bruyne], they all exude football.”
Eden Hazard’s reaction after barber tries to troll him with Spurs prank
After seven years with Chelsea, Hazard joined Real Madrid for a fee in excess of £88.5million.
Despite struggling to recapture the form he showed in west London, Hazard did win two LaLiga titles and a Champions League while scoring seven goals and providing 12 assists in 76 matches.
He was also a part of Belgium’s golden generation, scoring 33 goals in 126 matches for his country before retiring from football in 2023.
Jamie Carragher is just ‘making noise’ in regards to his comments on Cole Palmer and his long-term contract at Chelsea.
That’s the view of talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan, who suggests there would have been some thought involved with such a lengthy deal.
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Palmer has a contract at Chelsea that runs until 2033Credit: Getty
Palmer has eight years remaining on his contract at Chelsea following his £42.5million move from Manchester City in 2023.
He has become one of the best talents in the Premier League with 60 goal contributions in 78 appearances across all competitions.
However, Carragher has raised concerns over potential frustration from Palmer with his teammates at Chelsea amid their poor form.
Carragher likened the situation to his fellow Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard on The Overlap Fan Debate when he said: “He was so much better than everybody else, it was like he was frustrated.”
He also criticised the length of Palmer’s contract and how difficult it would be for him to leave, potentially for a Champions League club.
But talkSPORT’s Jordan has dismissed Carragher observations, with the former Crystal Palace owner insisting players ‘are not stupid’.
When addressing how Palmer could have a problem leaving Chelsea on White and Jordan, he said: “Don’t sign the contract in the first place.
“I’m sure there’s plenty of people around Cole Palmer that would’ve been able to give him the right advice, given the fact that he had already signed a relatively long-term contract with Chelsea, and all they’ve done is extend it by a few more years.”
“So is he being critical of Palmer’s people for signing it?” asked Jim White, and Jordan said: “I think Jamie’s making noise for noise sake.
“Ultimately, players want to sign long-term contracts that are predominantly based upon, perhaps preserving some value for the club.
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Carragher has criticised the length of Palmer’s deal at ChelseaCredit: Getty
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But Jordan believes he is just ‘making noise’Credit: talkSPORT
“There may well be a whole raft of things [such as a clause], but I think it’s just noise.
“Players are not stupid, and my word, certainly the people around them that see the opportunity as a result of their careers.
“Agents aren’t going to be encouraging Cole Palmer to sign long-term contracts with Chelsea, because agents are going to make their money by moving him somewhere else.
“So the fact he’s got an agent and he’s signed a long-term contract might give you some indication that people have thought about this moderately carefully.
“Most people would’ve said, ‘Why did you leave Man City?’ He’s landed at Chelsea. The question was, has he outgrown Chelsea? Well no, he can’t have done because he’s signed a long-term contract.”
“They meant outgrown as in his capabilities, his levels,” Danny Murphy said, but Jordan replied: “Well it depends where you think he can play, and which club would want to buy him.”
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Palmer has found it tough of late but is still one of the best players in the leagueCredit: Getty
“He could play anywhere, play [for] any team in the world,” insisted Murphy in response.
Palmer signed a seven-year contract with the option of a further 12 months when he first joined Chelsea from City.
After an incredible debut season in which he 25 goals and assisted 15 others, he signed a two-year extension at Stamford Bridge until 2033.
The 22-year-old is therefore a long-term asset for Chelsea and any clubs interested in a transfer would likely have to pay huge money.
Palmer is the Blues’ joint-top goalscorer with Christopher Nkunku on 14 goals this season but has struggled throughout 2025.
He hasn’t scored since Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth in January, with no goals or assists coming in his last ten appearances.
Martin Keown reacts to Cole Palmer’s poor form and believes it is down to key Chelsea star being out injured
The attacking midfielder missed the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday with a muscle injury and his withdrawn from the England squad.
Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League and in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Conference League, where they will face Legia Warsaw.
John Terry has named the one reason stopping him from managing Chelsea in the future.
The former Blues captain revealed his desire to take charge of his old club as he looks to return to the dugout.
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Terry has revealed he would love to manage Chelsea one dayCredit: talkSPORT
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The former Blues captain spent 22 years with the club as a playerCredit: Getty
However, Terry believes ‘it’s not going to happen’ for him despite being his dream.
As a player, the defender spent 22 years at Stamford Bridge, with the final 13 of those as skipper.
During that time, Terry made 717 appearances for the club and scored 67 goals from centre-back.
He also won 15 trophies including the Champions League and five league titles.
After a season at Aston Villa, though, he retired aged 37 in 2018 before becoming an assistant manager to Dean Smith at Villa Park.
Terry remained in the role for almost three years before his departure.
The 44-year-old has yet to make the step up to a managerial role himself since.
Explaining his coaching journey, he told talkSPORT Breakfast: “I had to leave Aston Villa for personal reasons, for family reasons and stuff. But I loved my time there.
“I love coaching and after three years, I was ready to be a manager, so I came away and reset with the family.
“Then I had a couple of interviews and it was quite disappointing. In every interview I came away from they said ‘you have no experience as a number one’.
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Terry is currently back at Chelsea as an academy coachCredit: Getty
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However, he says one reason would stop him becoming first-team bossCredit: talkSPORT
“I’m like, okay, how do I get that? I’m keen to get in, I want to go in and it needs to be the right team, but didn’t get my opportunity.
“I’ve stepped back and I’m part-time in the Academy at Chelsea. I love doing it and I love being around the boys and supporting them.
“In terms of my life at the minute, I’m playing a load of golf and summer’s just about to come now. I’m playing padel: I’m fit, I’m healthy, I’m with my wife, with my family, enjoying life a little bit.
“We make big sacrifices as players, you don’t see the kids on their birthdays and all things like that.
“Picking the kids up from school and dropping them off or dropping them to their friend’s house and stuff like that means everything to me.
“I think the longer I leave it, the less likely it is to happen.”
John Terry’s Chelsea trophy haul
Premier League – 5
FA Cup – 5
League Cup – 3
Champions League – 1
Europa League – 1
Community Shield – 2
Deceived! Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel lays into Jadon Sancho in scathing rant
Terry briefly reunited with Smith at Leicester two years ago for the final two months of the season.
He is now back at Chelsea in a role coaching in the academy but continues to dream of managing the club one day.
The ex-England international added: “I still have a dream, I’d love to go in at Chelsea one day.
“Does that happen without me doing the other levels? No, it probably doesn’t. So, realistically, it’s not going to happen for me.
“I’m comfortable with that, I’m happy, I’ve done all my badges, I’m ready. So if anything does ever come up and it’s the right opportunity, I’ll go in.”
Current boss Enzo Maresca has been in charge of the Blues since the summer.
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Terry has had spells as Smith’s assistant at Villa and LeicesterCredit: Getty
The Italian penned a five-year deal through to 2029 after joining from Leicester.
Maresca has since won 25 of his 43 matches, with Chelsea fourth in the Premier League and into the last eight of the Conference League.
John Terry was speaking on Chelsea and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Watch every game from the FIFA Club World Cup on DAZN for free.Sign up today.
Terry was in town to promote the revamped FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on June 14 and will be held across the United States.
A new-look trophy as well as an increase to a 32-team field are among the biggest changes to the tournament.
However, more teams means more games at a time when there are already worries over player welfare in terms of too much football.
Terry completely understood the concerns and proposed a solution but also pointed out that since his retirement, he dearly misses playing.
If anything, he wished he played more.
“This is an opportunity that financially is mega for every club involved, let alone if you go on and win it,” Terry said.
“To participate, it’s big financials.
“I think we have to be careful in terms of player welfare and stuff like that because being ex-players, we have to support that.
“Can there be a break mid-season, I think there should be. You played two, three games a week around the Christmas period and it’s really busy.
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This year’s Club World Cup is the first under its new-look formatCredit: FIFA
“Then in February, March, April, you play Saturday, Saturday, Saturday. You could easily just throw a couple of games in there as well.
“But I think in terms of players, like for me, six years retired, I’d love to still be playing. I’d love to go back and say, ‘I wish I had 60, 65 games a season.’”
Terry also felt managers can play more of a role when it comes to easing the workload of their players.
However, the Chelsea great believed the onus should always be on the players to keep their bodies in tip-top shape, especially at the top level.
“I think the most I ever get off after a season was probably three weeks,” Terry said.
“Now, because Chelsea was in the finals of Champions Leagues or later stages, FA Cup, which is the last game of the season, you’re kind of getting two-and-a-half, three weeks off at a maximum. At the top level, that’s what you’re used to. So we’re not asking anything different of what our generation have done or what the top sides have done.
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Several players across the Premier League have picked up injuries amid concerns over too many gamesCredit: Getty
“I think that when you’re a top player, you’re expected to be able to be robust, you’ve got to look after yourself.
“I could quite still easily play three games a week. Ninety minutes at the top, top level. Maybe not at the top level, but if I’m in my prime like these guys are, you can go and churn out those games.
“I think the struggle for me is, when you play Saturday to Saturday and the manager says, ‘No days off, we’re in Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,’ because maybe you’re under a bit of pressure from the owners, you can’t give players days off, I think the players and managers at the football clubs have a responsibility to really look at the winter break or give players days off throughout the season.”
Current Chelsea side
After two seasons away from the Champions League, Chelsea are firmly in the hunt to return to Europe’s premier club competition.
Enzo Maresca‘s side sit fourth in the Premier League, although just five points separate the Blues from 10th-placed Bournemouth.
A large part of Chelsea’s success this season is down to superstar midfielder Cole Palmer, who has 14 goals and six assists in the league this season.
John Terry names the surprise Chelsea star who won bleep test ‘by a mile’
But Terry, who is often in the building at Cobham as a part-time coach with Chelsea’s academy, revealed Palmer offers far more than just his ability with the ball.
“He’s quite quick,” Terry said.
“I was at Chelsea the other day, and they were doing a bleep test.
“He won it by a mile. He was cruising, like people were dropping out. He was there right to the end.
“In terms of fitness levels and the power, he looks quite skinny, but very strong.
“Takes the ball on the half-turn really quick as well. Like, impossible to play against.”
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Palmer may have silky skills but boasts an underrated engineCredit: Getty
Terry added the game ‘seems to be too easy’ for Palmer at times and hailed his partnership with Blues striker Nicolas Jackson.
“He strolls through games a little bit, but he’s so far ahead of everyone else in terms of the way he sees the game,” Terry said.
“He always plays that forward pass.
“He’s never looking for the simple one. I think him and [Nicolas] Jackson have a really good relationship as well.
“Nico likes to play on people’s shoulders, which a lot of strikers don’t do nowadays as well. But he’s just been phenomenal.
“When you go to these games at the Bridge you can’t help but just watch and follow him. The ball’s at the other end of the pitch, and you’re just watching his movement.
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Terry is a big fan of the partnership between Palmer and JacksonCredit: Getty
“He’s always on the half-turn, getting in little pockets.
“(Gianfranco) Zola used to find himself in areas that he didn’t even know existed. He’s the same as well, but he turns and wants to drive at people and play forward, which I think is the key to it.”
Former teammates and managers
Having enjoyed a playing career that spanned two decades, Terry has shared the pitch with some incredible teammates.
The majority of them have since hung up the boots, some of which have allowed themselves to, deservedly, enjoy retirement after years of keeping themselves in peak physical condition.
There are also others who have remained in top shape, one of which is former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.
In fact, Terry believes Obi Mikel, now 37, is in such good nick he could easily still play at the top level.
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Mikel was a key cog in Chelsea’s midfield for a decadeCredit: Getty
“He was brilliant,” Terry said.
“To have him in front of me playing was brilliant. He covered so much ground.
“I still play in ex-Legends games now and stuff and he can still play. He could still play in the Premier League today. He had it all didn’t he?
“Those holding midfielders like Makelele get recognised. There’s certain players in that role that don’t get the credit they deserve. And Obi was one of them.”
Mikel was brought to Chelsea in 2006 when Jose Mourinho was in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho, who famously declared himself ‘The Special One’ when he first moved to Chelsea in 2004, arrived with plenty of hype having just won the Champions League with Porto.
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Terry was left in awe of Mourinho’s work ethic when he first arrived in 2004Credit: Getty Images – Getty
It didn’t take long for Mourinho to leave Terry with a lasting impression.
Commenting on what it was like to work under the Portuguese boss, Terry said: “To get a first impression when he first arrived, the detail and the level of training.
“I used to pride myself for getting in very early, I went in at 8:15am and he’s already out there putting the cones on the pitches, setting up the pitch, that was his standards every day.
“His standards were incredible and every had to abide by it, but seeing him work, on the pitch it was incredible, his detail in the pre-match games and the tactics of the opposition and how we were going to break teams down…
“And also a lot of the time, he focused on us, which I’d not really had as a player, so he understood, we had a really good bunch of players.
“But a phenomenal manager, a phenomenal person and man to work with and certainly was never scared to say what he thought that’s for sure.”
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Mourinho brought plenty of success to Stamford Bridge across his two stintsCredit: GETTY
Terry continued: “He was the best I ever worked with, in terms of management, his tactics, the whole package.”
Under Mourinho, Chelsea won six trophies in the space of just three years before he departed in September 2007.
Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge in June 2013 and helped the Blues to another Premier League title and a League Cup.
However, his exit in December 2015 came amid an alarming form slump.
As for what went wrong in his second stint, Terry felt there was simply too big of a disconnect with Mourinho’s methods and the changing demands of the new generation of players at the squad.
“A lot of people said he was different the second time,” Mourinho said.
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Mourinho’s second spell at Chelsea didn’t quite go to planCredit: Getty
“I think the big difference when he came back was players were different. In that first era, 2004/05, he could have said to me, Lamps, Didier or anyone who was in the squad, ‘You’re being rubbish, you need to be better.’
“That second time around, players were different. That generation, the players were starting to go the other way where they didn’t like being told what they were bad at, they wanted a pat on the back all the time.
“So in terms of him, I don’t think he was different. I think the group was different, and I think he was very much still, ‘This is how I coach, this is how I manage, I’ve been very successful this way, why would I change.’ And also, I agree with him.”
What’s he doing now?
When Terry stepped away from his role as an assistant manager at Aston Villa in July 2021, he did so with the hopes of taking up a managerial role elsewhere, but it has not eventuated
Terry did make a brief return to a Premier League dugout when Dean Smith brought him on as an assistant at Leicester City in April 2023.
But since then, Terry hasn’t been an overly visible presence in Premier League circles.
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Terry became an assistant under Smith at Villa in 2018 and departed in 2021Credit: AFP via Getty
However, the Blues great wouldn’t have it any other way as he gets more time to play golf, padel and be with his family.
He still harbours aspirations of being the Chelsea manager, but has accepted that ‘dream’ is unlikely to transpire.
“I had to leave Aston Villa for personal reasons, for family reasons and stuff. But I loved my time there,” Terry said.
“I love coaching and after three years, I was ready to be a manager, so I came away and reset with the family.
“Then I had a couple of interviews and it was quite disappointing. In every interview I came away from they said ‘you have no experience as a number one’.
“I’m like, okay, how do I get that? I’m keen to get in, I want to go in and it needs to be the right team, but didn’t get my opportunity.
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Terry is fond of the fairways ever since his retirement from football in 2018Credit: Getty
“I’ve stepped back and I’m part-time in the Academy at Chelsea. I love doing it and I love being around the boys and supporting them.
“In terms of my life at the minute, I’m playing a load of golf and summer’s just about to come now. I’m playing padel. I’m fit, I’m healthy, I’m with my wife, with my family, enjoying life a little bit.
“We make big sacrifices as players, you don’t see the kids on their birthdays and all things like that.
“Picking the kids up from school and dropping them off or dropping them to their friend’s house and stuff like that means everything to me.
“I think the longer I leave it, the less likely it is to happen.
“I still have a dream, I’d love to go in at Chelsea one day. Does that happen without me doing the other levels? No, it probably doesn’t. So, realistically, it’s not going to happen for me.
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Terry remains involved as a coach within Chelsea’s academy set-upCredit: Getty
“I’m comfortable with that, I’m happy, I’ve done all my badges, I’m ready. So if anything does ever come up and it’s the right opportunity, I’ll go in.”
Jack Grealish
Terry was fortunate enough to have a front row seat to the rise of Villa’s most successful academy product, Jack Grealish.
The pair played together during the 2017/18 Championship season before Terry helped coach Grealish when he returned the following campaign as part of Smith’s coaching staff.
Under Smith, Grealish blossomed into one of the best attacking talents in the Premier League.
Grealish would terrorise defenders with his mazy dribbles across the park and defence-splitting passes.
His rise culminated in a £100million move to Manchester City in August 2021 as he sought to win trophies.
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Grealish and Terry could not get Villa promoted during the 2017/18 season
Although he’s done just that, it’s come at the cost of valuable playing time.
Now 29, Grealish is struggling to break into Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up and is at real risk of missing out on making the England squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It’s why Terry believes Grealish must contemplate a summer exit if he is to feature at the World Cup and needs to play for a manager who will give him the licence to roam across the park.
“Knowing Jack, he’s not the type of player that wants to be sitting on the bench, I don’t think it’s good for him.
“I think he’s at his best when he’s playing week in, week out, when he’s dominating – he’s one of those players that kind of takes it on the back foot.
“Gets at defenders, drives the the team up the pitch, drives the team forward, so I think for him, he needs to start playing.
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Grealish’s attacking numbers this season are not what’s expected from a £100m player
“He needs to look at his options, because Man City have not been great this year and he’s still not getting a look-in.
“So from his side, I’d be a little bit worried and go, ‘I need to get out,’ because England means the world to him.
“And I have to say, all eyes are on Jack always, it’s difficult, he’s a young boy with a lot of pressure on his shoulders.
“I’ve never seen anyone work so hard at a football club when I was at Villa, I’ve got a real insight into that as well and how much football means to him in general.”
Terry added: “I think it will be good for him to weigh up his options. I’m not saying to leave Man City, because they’re one of the top teams in the world.
“But I think he needs to ask questions, ‘Am I going to be part of this in the future?,’ but Jack is an unbelievable talent, and I think he’s at his best when he’s got the freedom, and I think he needs a manager to give him the license to go and be Jack Grealish.”
John Terry was speaking on Chelsea and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Watch every game from the FIFA Club World Cup on DAZN for free.Sign up today.
Mauricio Pochettino made an honest reflection of his stint as Chelsea manager as he joined talkSPORT for an exclusive interview.
The Argentine boss admits his season in charge can only be deemed ‘unsuccessful’, but insists he left Chelsea in a better place than he found it in before handing the reins over to Enzo Maresca.
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Pochettino insists the Chelsea he left was in a much better position than the club he joinedCredit: Getty
Pochettino signed a two-year deal with the option for a third as he became the second permanent managerial appointment of the Todd Boehly era in May 2023.
The former Spurs boss was tasked with lifting the west London club out of the mire following a dismal 12th place finish and stabilising things behind the scenes after an unsettled season which saw four different coaches in the dugout – Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor and Frank Lampard.
In many ways, that’s exactly what he did. While after a number of transfer windows of staggering spending a sixth place finish was still a disappointment, it was clear there was a vast improvement on and off the pitch.
The club was back in European football and it appeared Pochettino was building a solid base for his fresh young squad.
However, the manager and club decided to part ways just one season into his two-year agreement and Pochettino’s exit was confirmed just two days after the final game of the campaign.
Pochettino – who has since been appointed head coach of the United States national team – departed Stamford Bridge with a record of 26 wins, 11 draws and 14 defeats in 51 games in the Blues hotseat.
In comparison, Maresca’s record since his arrival as the new Chelsea manager in the summer stands at 25 wins, seven draws and 11 defeats in 43 matches – with the club currently fourth in the Premier League table.
Poch looked back on his Chelsea stint and kept the door open for a possible return to London… with SpursCredit: talkSPORT
“In the way that we arrived and moved forward, the project and the team with all the circumstances. When you start to see all the circumstances, I think it was a good season for us. It was a good year.
“I think to change the dynamic and to put the team again in a position to play in Europe and to finish in the top ten after the season before where Chelsea finished 12th.
“I think we managed to change the atmosphere. We changed it to be optimistic and to be positive. You know, the season before things were not so good.
“I think that was good, but for different reasons. In the end we split, but I think things always happen because of the best for both sides.
“But I’m happy with the experience and happy to learn a lot because I think we learned a lot also being in Chelsea.
“I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be there. We left the team in a different position than when we arrived.”
Chelsea great John Terry is ‘jealous’ of fellow ex-Blues skipper Cesar Azpilicueta for winning the one trophy he never could.
Terry won just about everything there was to win throughout his 19 years at Stamford Bridge as a player.
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Terry’s trophy cabinet has one notable absenceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The 44-year-old’s trophy haul included five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League.
Yet there’s a glaring absence in Terry’s trophy cabinet: the FIFA Club World Cup.
Chelsea‘s Champions League triumph in 2012 booked them a spot at the Club World Cup that same year.
However, they were on the wrong side of an all-time upset as Brazilian side Corinthians beat the Blues 1-0 in the final.
Corinthians’ victory remains the only Club World Cup victory from a non-European team since 2007.
Chelsea would return to the Club World Cup final in 2021 thanks to their win over Manchester City in the Champions League final earlier that year.
The Blues went one better in the final that year as they overcame Palmeiras 2-1 in an extra-time thriller, meaning they could officially call themselves the best in the world.
Azpilicueta, Chelsea’s skipper at the time, had the honour of lifting the trophy in Abu Dhabi.
Terry was long retired by the time Chelsea won the Club World Cup, but it didn’t stop him from watching the celebrations with a serious sense of envy.
“I’ve never won this trophy,” Terry said on talkSPORT Breakfast.
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The ex-Blues skipper appeared on talkSPORT to talk all things Club World CupCredit: talkSPORT
“Cesar Azpilicueta went on to win this when he was a player and I’m jealous of that.
“As a player you want to be able to say you’ve won every trophy possible, and this fits into that category. It’s going to be a great event.
“Also as a player at the back end of your career you want to say ‘I’ve played in that and I’ve played against the very best.’
“This is probably going to be the first time in the world where you can say every team available that is the best is going to be there.
“Once it kicks off, players are going to want to win it.”
Perhaps Terry will grow envious of incumbent Blues skipper Reece James as Chelsea will compete in this year’s Club World Cup, which has undergone a major revamp.
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Azipilicueta helped Chelsea to win their first Club World Cup in 2021Credit: Getty
The west London outfit are one of 32 teams set to descend on the United States and will begin their journey in Group D alongside Brazilian side Flamengo, Tunisia’s Esperance de Tunis and Mexican club Leon.
Participation in this year’s Club World Cup is also set to provide Chelsea and all others competing with a major financial boost, as the winner is set to receive in excess of $100million.
Chelsea’s first game will be against Leon at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on June 16.
The Blues’ clash against Flamengo will also hold extra significance for the Brazilian side’s manager, Filipe Luis, given he spent a season at Stamford Bridge in 2014.
The ex-Chelsea defender has started well, winning the Rio de Janeiro State Championship, Supercopa do Brasil and Copa do Brasil as coach.
“It’s special because I know a lot of the people at Chelsea, it’s a club that really welcomed me,” he said when asked about the prospect of playing his former side.
“The fans gave me a warm welcome and were fantastic with me, as well as the club staff, and I have a lot of friends there.”
Cole Palmer needs Nicolas Jackson to function at Chelsea – he gives him the space to shine.
That’s the opinion of Arsenal legend Martin Keown, who believes Jackson’s absence in the Blues side has contributed to Palmer’s poor form of late.
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Palmer and Jackson share a great relationship on the pitch – something that has been missing in recent weeksCredit: Getty
Palmer is currently enduring his worst spell as a Chelsea player, having failed to be directly involved in any goals during his last nine games in all competitions.
And that run could stretch to ten with the west London outfit to face rivals Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday – a team they have lost seven out of their last 11 games to.
England international Palmer has scored twice from his three fixtures against the Gunners, and Chelsea fans will be desperate to see him end his barren spell in north London.
Nothing seems to be going right for the ex-Manchester City playmaker, with Palmer hitting an unwanted career first in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Leicester last weekend.
Prior to Marc Cucurella’s second half winner, the 22-year-old missed the first penalty of his career having previously scored each of his 12 spot-kicks for the Blues.
And while he has unarguably been a massive hit since his £42.5million arrival in 2023, there is undoubtedly concern over his drop-off.
But Keown believes Jackson‘s hamstring injury has played its part, with the Senegalese striker stretching defences to give Palmer the space to attack.
Sadly for Chelsea supporters, Jackson, who has missed his side’s last five matches, will not be in action against Arsenal as he targets a comeback after the March international break.
Speaking to talkSPORT.com, Keown was asked whether supporters should be worried over Palmer’s drop-off in 2025.
To which he said: “I think it’s linked to Jackson being fit.
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Palmer is struggling for form having gone nine games in a row without a goal or assistCredit: Getty
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But Palmer still leads his Blues teammates for goals and assists in the Premier League
“I think he’s really underrated and I looked at his statistics – he’s making more high-intensity runs than any other player.
“Almost 100 more runs into channels, he’s freeing up space for Palmer.
“OK, it [Palmer’s form] started to drop a little bit before Jackson gets his injury.
“But they need him back really quickly.
“And of course, again, recruitment, it’s an area Chelsea will want to strengthen despite the fact they’ve spent £1.5billion on players.”
Despite Palmer’s form, Chelsea have returned to winning ways – beating relegation-threatened Southampton and Leicester in their last two matches.
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Jackson may have his critics, but Chelsea are a better team with the striker leading the line
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The Senegal international has missed Chelsea’s last four top-flight matches with a hamstring issue
Their victories have lifted them back into fourth spot having previously won just two from their ten previous top-flight matches.
But Keown isn’t getting carried away by their positive results, as he stated that their current stars may be feeling the pressure of Chelsea’s history under ex-owner Roman Abramovich’s stewardship.
He also insisted that comments made by boss Enzo Maresca where he insisted his side were not in a title race may have done more harm than good.
Pressed as to whether Chelsea have turned a corner, Keown remarked: “Well, they were two useful home games.
“You play Southampton and then you play Leicester, it was on the brink a little bit with the fans, [there is] high expectations with the last regime of ownership.
“They won 21 trophies in 19 years and they’re looking at the [current] team and thinking, ‘Are they really at the level anymore?’
Danny Murphy defends Cole Palmer and insists he’s still one of England’s best players!
“So it’s a hard club to play for from that point of view with their history.
“It seems to be weighing heavy a little bit on the players.
“Cole Palmer, no goals in seven [Premier League games]. But six points on the board and you’re back in the top four.
“So that’s a launching pad really now for the rest of the season, it’s important what they do and what he [Maresca] says.
“Because I do feel that where he kind of lowered the bar a little bit around the Christmas period when he was saying they weren’t in the race to win it, it seemed to have put the brakes on their success.”
Who are you and what have you done with Cole Palmer?
The Chelsea talisman continued his poor run of form against Leicester, but in a way no one was expecting, by missing a penalty.
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Palmer couldn’t believe it, and neither could weCredit: Getty
Jadon Sancho was on his way out of the away box at Stamford Bridge when he was unnecessarily clipped by Victor Kristiansen for a clear spot kick.
He and his fellow Blues were likely expecting the inevitable, but it didn’t come, as a usually ice-cold Palmer saw his shot to the bottom left of the goal saved by Mads Hermansen.
Palmer instantly ran over to take the resulting penalty with the score still 0-0, while Hermansen celebrated wildly.
The Dane’s reaction was understandable, given Palmer had never missed before from the spot in the Premier League, with his 13 in-a-row the longest run without ever missing.
Responding to the scenes on talkSPORT, host Adrian Durham said: “It’s his first miss, it’s a shocker, it really is, that does represent a new low for Cole Palmer.
“Listen, his stats are actually pretty good, when you consider he has 14 goals, six assists in the Premier League this season, it’s just recent weeks it has not been good at all.”
Palmer, who the majority would consider Chelsea’s best player, has just three goals and zero assists in his last 14 games in all competitions.
The team itself has also hit a rough patch, going on a four-game winless run in December before four defeats in five across January and February.
Still in the Conference League, they were knocked out of the FA Cup and what looked like a certain top-four finish has slipped away.
Overall, Palmer has a stellar 39 goals and 21 assists since signing for Chelsea in 2023 from Manchester City.
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Palmer has been by far Chelsea’s most reliable attacker this season
Brilliant almost anywhere across the pitch, it’s been his penalty technique that has earned the 22-year-old the nickname ‘Cold Palmer’.
Yet that went missing in the first half against the Foxes, with Hermansen’s save not even a difficult one to make.
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It wasn’t the kind of first half we’re used to from the No.20
Adrian Durham believes Cole Palmer is part of the PROBLEM at Chelsea this season
Enzo Maresca has revealed how playing Reece James in midfield for Chelsea has been a long-term idea.
James is mostly known for his quality as a right-back but started as a midfielder for the Blues in their 2-1 win over FC Copenhagen.
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James scored his second Chelsea goal of the season from midfieldCredit: Getty
He scored the opening goal of their UEFA Conference League last 16 first leg clash with a first-time effort from outside the area.
The 25-year-old ran from midfield as soon as Marc Cucurella regained possession on the left before hitting his shot into the bottom corner.
Whilst his positioning may have appeared unorthodox, Chelsea head coach Maresca revealed that playing James in midfield is nothing new.
“You can ask Reece,” he explained in his post-match press conference.
“When I signed with Chelsea, probably the day after, I sent him a video about seeing him as a midfielder.
“I saw Reece as a midfielder, not now but since day one. I sent him… As I said, before I met him for the first time he was on holiday, I sent him a clip about him, how he can play [as a] midfielder.
“So I imagined Reece playing [as a] midfielder a long time ago, he’s playing now but the good thing about him, he played this year already [at] full-back.
“Already [as a] central defender, he played in different positions. But the main target for us is to help him to be fit all season.”
Maresca was referring to James’ loan spell at Wigan Athletic during the 2018/19 season, which was instrumental in his rise at Chelsea.
The then teenager excelled for the Latics as he was their Player of the Year and selected to the Championship Team of the Season.
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Maresca has always been keen on playing James as a midfielderCredit: Getty
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The Chelsea man shone in the role at Wigan, scoring an excellent goalCredit: Wigan Athletic YouTube
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James’ striker left the Bristol City goalkeeper rooted to the spotCredit: Wigan Athletic YouTube
James started off at right-back before moving into midfield, with one outing in particular seeing him win Wigan’s Goal of the Season award.
During a 2-2 draw away at Bristol City, the Chelsea academy product shrugged off an opponent and fired into the top corner from range.
It’s a goal that certainly caught the eye of Maresca and gave him the chance to remind his club captain of his versatility.
“When you watch a player, sometimes you also have to use a little bit of imagination,” he further explained.
“You have to imagine a player doing something and I always imagined him also behaving as a midfielder.
“Then I watched some of his games when he was on loan from Chelsea to the Championship [with Wigan], where I still remember he scored a fantastic goal from 25, 30 metres as a midfielder.
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James’ latest goal has taken Chelsea a step closer to the quarter-finalsCredit: Getty
“I still remember the video that I sent him, and especially the best thing from Reece in this moment that is also helping us in terms of leadership.
“And he’s growing a lot since I measured that we need him, and this is important.”
James had played in midfield for Chelsea before Thursday night’s win in Copenhagen and could earn more appearances there with Maresca.
It was only his 12th appearance of the season, with hamstring issues limiting his minutes for the Blues.
The goal was also his second of the campaign and followed by an Enzo Fernandez finish to give Chelsea the advantage for the second leg next week.
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