Chelsea

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

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Tottenham have won just once at Stamford Bridge since 1990. It is a miserable record, and one Chelsea fans want to continue.

But why does beating Spurs mean so much to so many Chelsea fans? It is a rivalry that dates back more than a century - and includes two relegations and a cup final.

The rivalry's origins date back to 1910, when Tottenham relegated Chelsea from the First Division by beating them on the season's final day.

It was cemented when they met in the first all-London FA Cup final, in front of 100,000 fans at Wembley in 1967.

Author Mark Meehan, who has written books about Chelsea, says: "It's a fan-driven rivalry going back generations and needle has built between fans, rather than being based on geography, like Arsenal versus Spurs."

He added: "It goes back as far as 1910 when Spurs relegated us. The rivalry escalated in the 1967 final because two former Chelsea players, Jimmy Greaves and Terry Venables, helped Tottenham win the cup.

"However, it intensified in 1975 when Eddie McCreadie, who had played for the club in the 1960s and early 1970s, was put in charge. He wanted to show he was as brave off the pitch as on it. He gave the captaincy to a young Ray Wilkins. But sadly, it all ended in relegation, with Spurs playing their part again.

"On the day of fan violence, Spurs won 2-0 a week before the end of the season, and Chelsea would be relegated again. It intensified the rivalry between supporters.

"In more recent times, Chelsea began getting the better of the rivalry to the point I got credited with calling their stadium 'Three Point Lane' in the Chelsea Independent fanzine, though I must admit I don't remember ever doing that."

That folklore explains why, when the iconic Liquidator walk-on music plays at Stamford Bridge before home games, there are chants of "we hate Tottenham" - regardless of whether they are the opposition.

England centre-back Levi Colwill, 23, is not currently in talks over an improved contract at Chelsea, however, discussions could resume in the summer. (Sky Sports, external)

Manchester United and Chelsea are both interested in signing Germany forward Karim Adeyemi this summer, with Borussia Dortmund willing to sell the 24-year-old for the right price. (Teamtalk, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney rates Chelsea's appointment of Xabi Alonso and likes the fact "he's been announced as manager" and not head coach.

Alonso has signed a four-year deal and will be officially unveiled after his first few days of pre-season.

"I'm going to praise the Chelsea ownership," said Rooney on The Wayne Rooney Show. "They are obviously clever people, but I think they've realised they've messed up and now they are trying to fix it. So fair play to them for doing that.

"Alonso has done really well. He won the league in his first season at Bayer Leverkusen and it was always going to be tough for him at Real Madrid.

"I felt like that was too big, too soon for him, but now he's going to Chelsea.

"He's got a four-year-deal and as he's been announced as manager that means he should be a bit more hands-on with players coming in and leaving.

"He's a very talented young manager who has been successful in Germany, while also playing in Germany, Spain and England winning trophies. There will be players that want to play for him.

"He's got an aura about him so they need to use that, rather than having someone who has probably never played the game deciding what players they should sign."

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Melissa Edwards
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Premier League game against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 20:15 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Chelsea announced former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso as their new manager on Sunday. On the appointment, McFarlane said: "Really exciting news - a great coach and massive pedigree. We're all really excited to be working with him. It doesn't surprise me. It's a massive club and we've got some really exciting players - some of the best players in the world who have shown, even though it's been a disappointing season, the quality that we have at times."

• On whether there has been a buzz around the club: "Yes, everyone has been excited. Like I said, a great coach. He'll have a lot of respect from everyone."

• The pair communicated via text at the weekend but McFarlane said he was keeping it "private", while adding that the conversation was "mainly around the final" of Saturday's FA Cup.

• On his time as interim head coach, he said: "I've enjoyed the challenge and the pressure. It's easier when you win games rather than lose them, but I've enjoyed it and we're ready for the game tomorrow."

• Following the Wembley defeat by Manchester City, McFarlane said they are waiting for Monday's training session to confirm player fitness, as they continue to "be careful" with Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill.

• On Mamadou Sarr and Benoit Badiashile not making the FA Cup final squad, he said: "They trained really hard, but we've got a lot of players in those positions. With all the players, we have to see how they come back today. We will make a decision as late as we can."

• McFarlane said it was a "50-50" game at Wembley Stadium that was decided by "a bit of quality" from Antoine Semenyo, but there were moments when it could have been a Chelsea player "that decides the game".

• Tottenham would secure their Premier League survival with a win on Tuesday, or Chelsea could have a hand in potentially relegating one of their fierce local rivals. But McFarlane said his team aren't concentrating on these external factors: "We're very focused. We need to win the next two games to give ourselves the best chance to finish as high up in the league as possible and get European football. That is our only focus in doing our job and putting in the performance we need to."

• He added: "Everyone knows the rivalry but both teams have a lot to play for, so I don't think we need to do anything special. Both teams are fighting for the points so we shouldn't need any extra motivation - but it will naturally be there for a London derby."

Follow all of Monday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Chelsea? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Catch Tuesday's full commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra from 20:10 BST here

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea's interim head coach Calum McFarlane, goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts and set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva will stay on as part of new manager Xabi Alonso's coaching staff.

Alonso will bring in his long-time assistants Sebastian Parrilla, Alberto Encinas, Benat Labaien and Ismael Camenforte Lopez.

They have worked with him at both Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid, and will join him in west London when he arrives on 1 July.

Alonso has signed a four-year deal and will be officially unveiled after his first few days of pre-season.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast

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I was surprised to a point with Xabi Alonso taking the job on in the sense that I'm sure he would have other options if he was to bide his time and stay put.

I know Chelsea are going through a period not necessarily linked to the vast success they had during the Roman Abramovich era, and there is a transition away from that era, but they are still one of European football's iconic clubs.

When the opportunity comes to join a club of that size, certainly one in London in the Premier League, I think managers like Alonso would be silly to just disregard and dismiss it.

There is going to be a surprise he's taken this job given his standing in the game and the job he did at Bayer Leverkusen and the facts he's one of the most exciting young managers in European football.

If Chelsea can give him the control he wants in terms of recruitment and other areas of the club then they have got a really good manager there now.

What time has told us in the era under the American ownership is that the head coach doesn't generally have much control over recruitment and the footballing operation. What is pertinent here is that Alonso has been given the title of manager instead of head coach.

That might be a symbolic gesture but I think it indicates that the ownership are willing to give Alonso a greater say in how the club is run from a football perspective, but also almost certainly in regards to recruitment.

The bottom line for him in his first season will be to qualify for the Champions League. In terms of the way Chelsea are set up financially, and what they spend in the transfer market, they require the financial input that Champions League football brings.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Chelsea have an interest in Aston Villa attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers but Arsenal, Manchester United and Paris St-Germain are also looking at the 23-year-old England international. (Talksport), external

The Blues are targeting a keeper and are seriously considering a move for Sunderland's 23-year-old Dutchman Robin Roefs. (Mirror), external

Brentford have joined Brighton and Chelsea in showing an interest in Cologne's 19-year-old German winger Said El Mala. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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We asked for your views on Xabi Alonso becoming Chelsea's new manager.

Here are some of your comments:

Harry: The appointment of Alonso is the first sense of optimism I have felt since the 3-0 against Barcelona. It is the first Blue Co decision I have fully supported since they took over as well, hopefully steps in the right direction.

Tony: So long as they allow him to actually manage the team and the signings then this is a good appointment. I'm just not very confident he will be given the space and authority he needs. Hoping for the best!

Del: As long as the owners let him manage and pick transfer targets then I think it will be a success. Surely the owners have learned something in the past four years?

Dave: Xabi's appointment will hopefully bring stability back to Chelsea FC. Provided he is given a free reign, this may just be the start of something special, but he must be given time. We don't need major surgery with the squad but do need a new goalkeeper and new centre back to line up with Levi Colwill. We need to keep hold of Joao Pedro, Enzo Fernandez, Marc Cucurella, Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto. Also a top, experienced striker. If Blue Co keep their hands off the football team and management with the players in our youth teams coming through - and there is lots of talent there - we could be a force to be reckoned with in a couple of years.

Jerome: Alonso was definitely the best candidate for the role. We need his winning experience, both as a player and (more importantly) as a manager. I have to admit I didn't believe the owners would go with him. Are they willing to back him all the way, and give him the kind of influence others before him asked? Hopefully they do, because clearly they need to acknowledge their mistakes of the past.

John: Chelsea fan for 35 years here, and it's getting to the point where I wonder what difference a manager really makes at this stage. I don't think they have full control, and never get enough time anyway, so it's hard to feel hopeful about any appointment now.

Michael: I just hope his style is more exciting than the past couple of years. Whilst Enzo Maresca was able to win games, we had to sit through an awful lot of boring stuff for fleeting moments of entertaining football. It was even duller under Liam Rosenior. I thought it was improving under Calum McFarlane, but passing a corner back to the goalie in an FA Cup final indicates the lack of adventure and confidence is ingrained in the players.

Peter: He needs to be given time and freedom to create a team. He needs to also tap into the winning history of the club, the John Terrys, Thiago Silvas, etc. Changing everything over the past few years ripped the heart and mentality out of a team needing to naturally evolve from the Abramovich era. Good luck as he will need it.

Steven: Absolutely buzzing with this appointment. First one since they took over where you're actually excited and think they're right for the Chelsea role, especially making him a manager too. They have got it wrong, now they include a manager and give him control, the right appointment too, best man they could have got.

Ben: Best thing this ownership has achieved. Perfect man for the job and I can't wait for next season.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea are facing cultural issues that continue to undermine their progress. These were brought into focus by a protest march involving about 200 fans on Wembley Way on Saturday.

There is a growing disconnect between the supporters and the club, as well as the fans and the players. In some cases, there are also divisions within the squad, the players and the wider organisation.

One contributing factor, as influential co-owner Behdad Eghbali has acknowledged, is "getting that stability on the manager side of things", which is something the club "hasn't done right as yet".

The hope is that someone of Xabi Alonso's status and authority can help address that, reinforcing the club's ambition and improving communication with both players and supporters.

On the pitch, he will be tasked with improving the team mentally, physically and tactically.

Questions have been asked about the squad's mentality, with accusations of players "downing tools" this season, having the worst disciplinary record in the division and a poor record in key matches.

That includes a 14-game winless run against Manchester City and seven consecutive defeats in domestic cup finals.

Physically, Chelsea have been outperformed by opponents, having covered less distance than any other team in the Premier League this season, aside from a single exception at Anfield in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool last weekend.

Defensively, the problems under Enzo Maresca earlier in the campaign evolved into wider issues at both ends of the pitch under Liam Rosenior, whose six-game losing run without scoring ultimately led to his exit.

It was a closely fought match against Pep Guardiola's side, but interim boss Calum McFarlane was left bemoaning the fact "football can be cruel", believing his side deserved at least one penalty.

He added: "It is a really talented group. There is lots of quality. The fight and heart has been questioned at times but, in the last two performances, I don't think you can question that."

There is quality, but there is plenty of work still to be done.

Chelsea have a furious fanbase and have gone from Maresca to Rosenior to McFarlane and now Alonso in five months.

The club's ownership is under scrutiny and Alonso has much to do. It will be a tough task trying to bring it all together.

Read the full article here

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Chelsea's newly-appointed manager Xabi Alonso says he is filled with "immense pride" after signing a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

The 44-year-old, who has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid by mutual consent in January, will succeed Liam Rosenior and relieve Calum McFarlane of his interim duties when he begins on 1 July.

Prior to his La Liga stint, Alonso spent three years in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, leading the club to their first-ever league title and also lifting the German Cup with the Bundesliga side.

"Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club," Alonso said.

"From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.

"There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies."

A club statement added: "We look forward with confidence to the next phase in collaboration with Xabi Alonso, united in the determination to bring success to Stamford Bridge, a hallmark of the club's history and future."

How are you feeling about the appointment? What can Alonso bring to the Blues?

Let us know your thoughts here

We asked for your thoughts after Chelsea's FA Cup final defeat by Manchester City.

Here are some of your comments:

Keith: A very good performance just lacked that cutting edge up front. Disappointed? Yes, but hopefully we can build on this in the last two games and next season under a permanent manager.

Kate: We turned up and put in a really good performance, although we never looked liked scoring. What a difference Colwill makes - boy, have we missed him. Hato was impressive and everyone put in a shift which has been missing in so many games this season.

Jocaleb: Chelsea have spent so much money but today you look at the bench when we went 1-0 down and you simply cannot look at any of the players on the bench and think yes, he can come on and change the game. It's absolutely shocking that we're lacking so much squad depth with so much money spent. No matter what manager comes in unless the owners change their strategy, Chelsea will not win anything for a very long time.

Stevie: We learned that this side can put the yards in and we learned that this side still lack the killer forward we need. We saw again that the business model of the club is to the detriment of the defence and goalkeeper situation. No leaders that stand out on the pitch with regards to pulling them together during the big moments in a game.

Yusuf: Interesting how much the narrative changes if either of the two "shoulder-to-shoulder" penalty shouts are given. Chelsea likely would have seen the game out and had momentum going into the summer with an FA Cup and Alonso at the helm.

James: Not a classic and despite my optimism the result I expected. A massive internal review is needed over the summer. If Chelsea are to take the next step and win finals, signing experienced players is key.

Chally: A much-improved Chelsea performance after a very poor season. They managed to hold off City but showed very little going forward. Need wholesale changes next season.

Bri: A shadow of previous teams. No pace going forward and always an easy option of a backward pass. Palmer a shadow from last season and we have no real threat from a decent number nine!

Sami Mokbel and Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport

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Chelsea are closing in on appointing Spaniard Xabi Alonso as the club's next permanent head coach.

The former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss, 44, is expected to sign a four-year deal in the coming days.

Talks have been ongoing for a number of weeks and Alonso is understood to have been open to the role if he received certain assurances.

What do you think about Alonso being the preferred candidate? Tell us

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On the Wembley occasion...

• There were just 16 shots in this match (Man City 9, Chelsea 7), the lowest in an FA Cup final since Wembley re-opened in 2007.

A familiar feeling in a bad way...

• Chelsea are just the second side to lose four consecutive FA Cup final appearances, after Leicester City between 1949 and 1969.

• Chelsea's Reece James has played in four FA Cup finals and ended on the losing side each time. It's the joint-most different finals a player has appeared in without ever winning the competition, along with Paul Bracewell.

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A familiar feeling in a good way...

• Pep Guardiola is the first ever manager to win three or more English league titles, three or more European Cup/Champions League titles, three or more English FA Cups and three or more English League Cups.

• Man City's Marc Guehi is the fourth player to play for the different winning teams in consecutive FA Cup finals (Crystal Palace last year) after Arthur Kinnaird (Wanderers 1878, Old Etonians 1879), Brian Talbot (Ipswich 1978, Arsenal 1979) and Olivier Giroud (Arsenal 2017, Chelsea 2018).

Some hope for Chelsea...

• At 24 years and 301 days, Chelsea's was the youngest average starting XI for an FA Cup final since Nottingham Forest in 1991 (23y 309d).

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Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane speaking to BBC Sport: "I am proud of the performance. I thought it was a really even game. Congratulations to City, they came out on top. The game was decided by one moment of quality. On another day we get that. I thought it was a really even game. I thought we got into some really good areas and both teams created similar chances."

McFarlane thought his side should have had a penalty when Jorell Hato went down but that he has not spoken to the referee.

McFarlane continued: "I am really happy with the performance, how we executed the tactical plan. I thought it worked well at times. This group has shown what they are capable of doing. City are one of the best in the world and we have gone toe to toe with them. It was really even in my opinion."

"We have two games, we need to get six points to give ourselves the best chance of making Europe. It's a massive club, we need to be competing in the best competitions."

Chelsea captain Reece James, speaking to TNT Sports: "I mean disappointing obviously, to lose. Not much in the game. It was pretty even. They had one half chance, and they managed to take it.

"No one is happy when you lose. We have lost a fair few games recently - it has been difficult.

"Every time we step out onto the pitch the target is to win."

On what Chelsea need in the future: "I think the key thing is stability.

"Last week we went to Anfield and probably should have won, then we lose here today. It is difficult. There is a lot we need to learn and to take forward."

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Chelsea have now lost an English football record four FA Cup finals in a row and seven domestic finals in a row since Antonio Conte's side won the FA Cup.

It also leaves Chelsea with the real prospect of missing out on European qualification while ninth in the Premier League.

It will be an issue for any rebuilding job under a new manager.