FA CUP 4TH ROUND: Saturday’s Match Reports

Manchester City thwacked Aston Villa, Tottenham ease past League One strugglers Colchester, Ighalo late goal send the Hornets to the fifth round; While Hammers hold Liverpool to earn replay....

Nacer Chadli scored twice as Tottenham eased into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 4-1 victory over League One strugglers Colchester.

The Premier League side made seven changes for the trip to the Weston Homes Community Stadium and took the lead in the 27th minute when Chadli fired home from the edge of the box.

Eric Dier doubled Spurs' lead after the break with a deflected shot before Chadli headed in the third after Marvin Sordell hit the post for the hosts.

An 80th-minute own goal from Ben Davies gave Colchester faint hope of a comeback but that was soon snuffed out as Tom Carroll added the visitors' fourth.

The win extends Spurs' impressive away form - they are now 10 games unbeaten on the road and have scored in their last 15 consecutive away matches.

While Colchester who are bottom of League One and without a league win since October, were knocked out to face the league woes.

Odion Ighalo came off the bench to net a late winner as Watford beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 in the FA Cup fourth round.

The hosts had looked set to extend their unbeaten run to 14 games in all competitions in a contest where two much-changed sides mustered little at the City Ground.

Ighalo capitalised on Kelvin Wilson's error in 78 minutes to fire home in a 1-0 victory that consigned Forest to their first defeat since November 21.

It was Wilson's inability to deal with Allan Nyom's right-wing cross that presented the Nigerian with the chance and it provided another low moment in this fixture for the centre-back, who was sent off in the last meeting between these two following a clash with the matchwinner.

The two managers made 15 changes between them and there was a first appearance for Watford goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon following his switch from Sunderland earlier this month.

Wonderkid Kelechi Iheanacho's hat-trick kept Manchester City's quadruple dream alive as they strolled to a 4-0 FA Cup win over Aston Villa.

The striker's treble saw Manuel Pellegrini's men cruise in the fifth round just days after they reached the League Cup final.

City also remain in the hunt to regain their Premier League crown and face Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League next month.

The impressive Iheanacho added to his early strike with a cool penalty before running through unchallenged in the second half to claim the match ball.

Raheem Sterling hooked in a fourth at Villa Park to ensure Sergio Aguero and David Silva were never needed from the bench.

But in 19-year-old Iheanacho, who now has eight goals this season, they have a striker who demonstrated he can be an able deputy to Aguero after he ran Villa ragged.

He left the hosts - last season's beaten finalists - to concentrate on their survival battle with Remi Garde's side 10 points from safety.

A blunt Liverpool attack failed to break down West Ham in a goalless FA Cup fourth-round match at Anfield on Saturday evening.

Hammers goalkeeper Darren Randolph denied Christian Benteke twice and Joe Allen once as the Reds pushed for a winner late on, but a much-changed Liverpool line-up lacked a cutting edge.

Enner Valencia wasted West Ham's best opportunity after 16 minutes, but the forward miscued his header when left unmarked in the Reds box.

The replay now adds another game to an already crowded fixture list for both sides, with the Reds also set to contend with Europa League action and the Capital One Cup final next month

FULL RESULT

Colchester 1 - 4 Tottenham FT

Arsenal 2 -1 Burnley FT

C Palace 1 - 0 Stoke FT

N Forest 0 - 1 Watford FT

Oxford Utd 0 - 3 Blackburn FT

Shrewsbury 3 - 2 Sheff Wed FT

Portsmth 1 - 2 B'mouth FT

A Villa 0 - 4 Man City FT

Reading 4 - 0 Walsall FT

Bolton 1 - 2 Leeds FT

W Brom 2 - 2 Peterboro FT

Bury 1 - 3 Hull City FT

Liverpool 0 - 0 West Ham FT 

Alexis Sanchez net prove decisive as Arsenal progress into FA Cup fifth round

Alexis Sanchez scored on his first start since November as Arsenal kept their dream of a third straight FA Cup alive with a 2-1 victory against Championship side Burnley at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners' opener came from an unlikely source as Calum Chambers put his side ahead on 19 minutes with a superb curling effort before Sam Vokes powered a header past David Ospina to bring the visitors level.

Sanchez, who returned to Arsenal's starting line-up alongside Francis Coquelin, restored the home side's lead in the 53rd minute as the holders held on to book their spot in Monday's fifth round draw.

Arsener are now 14 games unbeaten in the FA Cup 

Arsene Wenger's side have now switch their attention to defending the trophy that they have won for the past two seasons. While Burnley who sit third in the Championship, will now turn their attention back to promoting to the Premier League.

Arsenal made nine changes from the side that lost 1-0 to Chelsea last weekend with Mohamed Elneny coming in for his debut and Sanchez and Coquelin returning to the starting line-up following long injury lay-offs.

Manchester United to rival Leicester for Ahmed Musa

Manchester United could make a late bid to try and beat Leicester to the signing of CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa, with the Nigeria international gaining interest in the Premier League.

Leicester have already been linked with the 23-year-old, and are believed to have had a £15m offer rejected by the Russian club as they look to hold out for a fee of at least £18.9m.

But The Express reports that United are showing interest in Musa ahead of Monday’s January transfer window deadline, and they could launch a bid over the weekend to try and snatch the striker out of the grasp of the Premier League leaders.

The Nigeria national team captain Musa has scored 10 goals this season for CSKA Moscow, and his arrival would give United manager Louis van Gaal more options in attack, given that the club have scored the least number of goals this season from the current top eight.

Dele Alli signed new deal, to stay with Tottenham till 2021...

Dele Alli has committed his long-term future to Tottenham by signing a contract extension which runs until 2021.

The 19-year-old England international midfielder has made a huge impact at Spurs since arriving from MK Dons and made his first start for his country against France in November, scoring a spectacular opener in a 2-0 friendly win.

Alli came through the youth system at MK Dons and, although he was signed by Spurs on transfer deadline day in February, remained on loan in Milton Keynes for the rest of the season, helping them secure promotion to the Championship.

He made his Tottenham debut from the bench when they kicked off their Premier League season with a 1-0 defeat at Manchester United and wasted little time in becoming a first-team regular.

Alli has started 15 of the past 16 Premier League games since his first start in the 1-0 win at Sunderland in September and has scored five goals in his 18 league appearances.

"I'm delighted. The club has been really great to me since I arrived," Alli told Spurs TV.

"We have a great young team and I can only see us moving forward. I am really happy to be here.

"When I signed here I wanted to play for Tottenham and I was not thinking about going anywhere else at the time. The manager and everyone have helped me a lot and thankfully I have broken in and got a few games.

"I have shown a lot of people what I can do and established myself as a Premier League player but I am 19 and I have still got a lot to learn. I can't think of a better place at the minute to do that.

"When I was moving from MK , the philosophy they had as a club, it was important I found that. 

The football suits me as a player and it's a great club to be at.

"Nothing changes with the contract, I'm still going to keep working hard on and off the pitch and doing as well as I can." he concluded.

BREAKING : Liverpool Confirmed Capturing of Caulker on loan term

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of defender Steven Caulker on loan from QPR until the end of the season, Sky Sports report.

The club have announced the relevant paperwork has been completed in time to allow the centre-back to be eligible for selection for the visit of Arsenal in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

The 24-year-old  is expected to train with his new team-mates on Tuesday afternoon after travelling up to Merseyside from London.

Caulker has been on loan at Southampton but has found first-team opportunities at St Mary's limited this season, making just eight appearances for the Saints, including just one in the league.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was desperate for defensive reinforcements after injuries to central defensive quintet Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren, Mamadou Sakho, Kolo Touré and Joe Gomez.

Tottenham academy graduate Caulker, who was capped by Roy Hodgson in a 2012 friendly against Sweden, is expected to be named on the bench for the clash with Arsenal.

Ballon d'Or 2015 : How It All Went Down in Zurich...

Lionel Messi won the FIFA Ballon d’Or for the best player in the world for the fifth time, while US midfielder Carli Lloyd also claimed her first-ever FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award. FC Barcelona coach Luis Enrique Martínez and US national team coach Jill Ellis was also named FIFA World Coaches of the Year for Men’s and Women’s Football respectively for the first time. 

The winners were chosen by the coaches and captains of the national teams as well as by international media representatives invited by FIFA and France Football. The entire electoral procedure was overseen and monitored by PricewaterhouseCoopers Switzerland (PwC).

The awards were presented on Monday evening (11 January 2016) during a 90-minute show at Zurich’s Kongresshaus that was hosted by Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt and British journalist Kate Abdo. The musical entertainment for the 1,100 guests and TV viewers in over 190 countries and territories around the world was provided by British pop star Leona Lewis and young Croatian cellists Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser, known as 2CELLOS.

This year’s FIFA Fair Play Award was presented to all the football organisations and clubs around the world that are working to support refugees. Former German international Gerald Asamoah, who campaigns for the welfare of refugees, received the award from former South African icon Lucas Radebe on behalf of all the awardees. This year, the world has witnessed a refugee crisis in the Middle East and Europe because of conflict in Syria. Many innocent people have fled their homes in desperate conditions to find safety for themselves and their loved ones. 

Society has responded and the world of football has also contributed to the cause. Clubs and football organisations all over the world have acted to help welcome and support refugees as they integrate into local communities.

International players’ union FIFPro received votes from 26,478 professional players from around the world for the FIFA FIFPro World XI, the best team of 2015, with the following result: Manuel Neuer (Germany/FC Bayern Munich) in goal; Dani Alves (Brazil/FC Barcelona), Marcelo (Brazil/Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Spain/Real Madrid) and Thiago Silva (Brazil/Paris Saint-Germain) in defence; Andrés Iniesta (Spain/FC Barcelona), Luka Modrić (Croatia/Real Madrid) and Paul Pogba (France/Juventus) in midfield; and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Argentina/FC Barcelona) and Neymar (Brazil/FC Barcelona) in attack.

The FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal of the year was also presented after 1.6 million football fans cast their votes on FIFA.com, FIFA on YouTube and francefootball.fr. This award, which is a tribute to Ferenc Puskás, the captain and star of the 1950s Hungary team, was won by Brazilian Wendell Lira from Goianésia, who topped the poll with 46.7 % of the votes ahead of Lionel Messi (33.3 %) and Alessandro Florenzi (7.1%).

Lionel Messi beats Ronaldo and Neymar to pick his 5th Ballon d'Or

On Monday in Zurich, Messi received the Ballon d'Or, given to the world's best player, for a fantastic 2015. Messi scored 57 goals and had 22 assists, beating out Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (54 goals, 17 assists) and Barca teammate Neymar (44 goals, 13 goals). Messi won FIFA World Player of the Year in 2009 before it was merged with France Football's Ballon d'Or in 2010 to start the current Ballon d'Or award.

Either Messi or Ronaldo, who became a three-time winner last year, have won the past eight awards.

It comes as no surprise that Messi won. He was the heavy favorite all along, and FIFA even appeared to have leaked the result of Messi winning last week.

Messi finished with over 41 percent of the votes, while Ronaldo had 27 percent.

Some may think that Messi being injured towards the end of last season would hurt him, but the award is specifically for achievements from November 22, 2014 to November 20, 2015. After winning six trophies in 2015, this is the icing on the cake for the awe-inspiring Argentine.

Ronaldo is Going Nowhere - Zinedine Zidane

Cristiano Ronaldo will not be leaving Real Madrid in the near future, insist new manager Zinedine Zidane who described the forward as the "soul" of his club.

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has showed his interest in bringing back the Portugues to Old Trafford in November.  

Zidane was speaking before his first match in charge of Real who host Deportivo in La Liga on Saturday.

"Cristiano is more than non-transferable," added the Frenchman.

"He is the soul of the team. He's going nowhere."

Speaking in November, Val Gaal said: "We are looking at all players, not just Ronaldo. But these players are mostly un-gettable.

"With Ronaldo, let's wait and hope."

Ronaldo left United for Real in 2009 for a then world-record £80m fee and has become the Spanish side's top goalscorer.

The Portuguese, a three-time Fifa world player of the year, broke Raul's record of 323 goals for Real earlier this season.

With Real he has won one La Liga title, a Champions League crown and two Spanish Cup titles in almost seven years.


Before moving to Madrid, he won three Premier League titles, one Champions League, one FA Cup and two League Cups in six seasons at United. 

Full List Of Winners At 2015 CAF Award

·        Aubameyang Dethroned Yaya With 7 Votes

·        Nigeria Duo Win Big

On Thursday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), celebrated the best players on the continent.

Gabon striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, was crowned the African Player of the Year for the first time.

The 26-year old beat Ivorian Yaya Toure and Ghana’s Andre Ayew to the crown, the most prestigious individual award in African football. He polled 143 points, seven more than Toure whilst Ayew finished a distant third with 112 points.

He thus becomes the first from his country, Gabon, to win the prize and was decorated at the 2015 Glo-CAF Awards Gala held on Thursday, 7 January 2016 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Nigeria.

The feat by Aubameyang ended the four-year reign of Toure, which lasted 2011 to 2014.

For the African Player of the Year – Based in Africa, Tanzanian Mbwana Aly Samatta was decorated, becoming the first from East Africa to win the coveted prize, reserved for footballers plying their trade on the continent.

Samatta garnered 127 points, ahead of his TP Mazembe teammate and DR Congo goalkeeper Robert Muteba Kidiaba, who amassed 88 points. Algerian Baghdad Bounedjah trailed in third place with 63 points.

Cameroonian Gaelle Enganamouit was adjudged Women’s Player of the Year becoming the first from her country to pick up the prize.

It was double delight for hosts Nigeria with two prizes, Victor Osimhen – Youth Player of the Year and Etebo Peter Oghenekaro – Most Promising Talent of the Year.  

FULL WINNERS AND THEIR AWARDS

AFRICAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR –  Pierre-Emerick AUBAMEYANG (Gabon)
AFRICAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR –  BASED IN AFRICA – Mbwana Aly SAMATTA
WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Gaelle ENGANAMOUIT (Cameroon)
YOUTH PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Victor OSIMHEN (Nigeria)
MOST PROMISING TALENT OF THE YEAR – Etebo Peter OGHENEKARO (Nigeria)
COACH OF THE YEAR – Herve RENARD (France) – Former Coach of Cote d’Ivoire
REFEREE OF THE YEAR – Bakary Papa GASSAMA (Gambia)
NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR – Cote d’Ivoire
WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR – Cameroon
CLUB OF THE YEAR – TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
AFRICAN LEGEND
Charles Kumi GYAMFI (Ghana)
Samuel MBAPPE LEPPE (Cameroon)

AFRICA FINEST XI
Goalkeeper: Robert Muteba KIDIABA (DR Congo)
Defenders: Serge AURIER (Cote d’Ivoire), Aymen ABDENNOUR (Tunisia), Mohamed MEFTAH (Algeria)
Midfielders: Andre AYEW (Ghana), Yaya TOURE (Cote d’Ivoire), Sadio MANE (Senegal), Yacine BRAHIMI (Algeria),
Forwards: Mbwana Aly SAMATTA (Tanzania), Pierre-Emerrick AUBAMEYANG (Gabon), Baghdad BOUNEDJAH (Algeria)

SUBSTITUTES
Djigui DIARRA (Mali)
Azubuike OKECHUKWU (Nigeria)
Kelechi NWAKALI (Nigeria)
Zinedine FERHAT (Algeria)
Adama TRAORE (Mali)
Victor OSIMHEN (Nigeria)
Kermit ERASMUS (South Africa)

Van Gaal storms out of press conference, rant against speculation over his future

Louis van Gaal sensationally walked out of his press conference ahead of Manchester United's trip to Stoke City on Boxing Day after criticising media speculation over his future.

The 64-year-old allowed only two questions during a five-minute long rant, which began with him asking reporters whether they wanted to apologise for the treatment he has been subjeced to this week.

Van Gaal's future has come under intense speculation since last weekend's home defeat to Norwich City. The club have since issued the Dutchman an ultimatum, specifying that he must avoid defeat in their next two league fixtures to save his job.

The former Ajax and Barcelona head coach appeared visibly angered by the speculation which surrounds his position.

"I think I was already sacked," he said. "I have read I have been sacked.

"What do you think that happens with my wife or with my kids or with my grandchildren? Or with the fans of Manchester United? What do you think?"

After making it clear that he had only attended the press conference because of Premier League rules dictating that he had to, Van Gaal insisted he retains the support of his squad and backroom staff.

"I have tried to lift the confidence of my players," he said. "I have done everything this week.

"I have held meetings with the players, with members of staff. I have held a Christmas lunch, I have held a speech and I feel the warmth and the support of everybody in Carrington.

"I only say now I am focused on Stoke City, I help my players.

"I wish you a merry Christmas and maybe also a happy new year when I see you," he concluded. "Enjoy the wine and a mince pie. Goodbye."

Despite talk of his dismissal intensfying by the day, it emerged earlier that the majority of the Old Trafford heirarchy want to give their manager a chance to meet the terms of this week's ultimatum.

Although some members of the United board were hoping that Van Gaal would resign following the Norwich game, most officials believe it would go against club traditions to dismiss him prematurely.


Jose Mourinho, who was dismissed from his role as manager of Chelsea last week, is the favourite to replace the Dutchman.

Guardiola : Abramovich Ready to Break The Bank

Roman Abramovich is ready to break the bank to bring Pep Guardiola to Chelsea in the summer, according to reports.

The Russian billionaire is desperate to land the Spaniard after he made it clear that he would leave Bayern Munich in the summer after three years in charge. 

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are hoping to use the ‘luxury London lifestyle’ as a trump card when trying to persuade Pep Guardiola to make the decision of having Chelsea as his next club instead of Manchester City, following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich won’t give up on his attempt to bring the former Barcelona boss to Stamford Bridge, something which nearly happened back in 2012 until the Spaniard turned the deal down.

The 44-year-old is being heavily linked with the Manchester City job following the news that he’ll be leaving his current club Bayern Munich at the end of the season, but Abramovich is attempting to bring the manager to West London by making him the highest paid manager and giving him significant funds to sign first-team players.

The board at Chelsea now want to make a statement following the sacking of Mourinho, by the landing the biggest name there is.

However, it won’t only be cash that will lure Guardiola to Stamford Bridge. It’s believed that Guardiola’s wife, Cristina Serra, has a preference of living in London rather than Manchester once they leave Germany.

Chelsea Ladies sign Karen Carney

Chelsea Ladies FC have announced the signing of England international Karen Carney from Birmingham City Ladies on a two-year deal.

Carney will officially link up with Emma Hayes’s side on new years day after agreeing the deal with the FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Cup winners.

The 28 year-old midfielder has 110 caps for England and played a key role in England coming third in the World Cup in the summer.

Carney said:
I am thrilled to have signed for Chelsea Ladies.  The team won the Double last season to establish themselves as the top club in the country and I am excited about the prospect of helping to build on that.

It is the right point in my career to begin a new challenge and having spoken to Emma we share the same ambitions and I firmly believe this is the place to achieve those goals.

Carney also played in the USA playing in the Women’s Professional Soccer League playing under Emma Hayes at Chicago Red Stars before retuning to England to rejoin Birmingham City.

Hayes said:
I know her well having worked with her previously and she has a fantastic character both on and off the pitch.  She is a student of the game and brings additional leadership to our squad.


I see Karen complimenting the talent we already possess in the final third.  All our attacking players will benefit hugely from her vision and passing.

Barca Down River Plate To Clinch Fifa Club World Cup For Third Time

Barcelona won their fifth trophy of 2015 after clinching the Fifa Club World Cup for a third time with a comprehensive victory over River Plate.

River could not cope with Barca’s Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Messi scored the opener after returning from a kidney problem when he controlled Neymar’s pass to finish.

Suarez latched onto Sergio Busquets’ brilliant ball over the top to double their lead and then added his second with a header from Neymar’s cross.

Uruguay striker, Suarez finished the tournament with five goals in two games after scoring a hat-trick in the 3-0 semi-final win over Guangzhou Evergrande. 

Less than a year ago Luis Enrique was reported to be on the verge of being sacked, but the club’s board stuck by him and since then they have won five of the six possible trophies 2015 had to offer. Only a Spanish Super Cup defeat by Athletic Bilbao denied them the chance to match the 2009 sextuple under Pep Guardiola.

They are top of La Liga for now on goal difference from Atletico Madrid, who play later on Sunday, and in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey and Champions League - as they bid to do it all again in 2016.

Barcelona have scored 176 goals this year - a new club record. They have one final game to add to it - at home to Real Betis in the league on December 30.
  

Mourinho Turns Down Roma

Jose Mourinho has turned down an approach from Italian club Roma, according to Sky Sports.

It is understood the Serie A club, who are fifth in the league heading into the Italian winter break, are expected to sack current boss Rudi Garcia.

Sources in Italy understand that Roma made contact with Mourinho, who was sacked by Chelsea on Thursday, but he declined to enter talks over the role.

Mourinho’s representatives issued a statement on Saturday confirming that the former Porto, Inter and Real Madrid manager has no plans to take a sabbatical but it appear a return to Italy is not on his agenda.

Another potential candidate is the former England manager Fabio Capello but he has also ruled out a return to his former club Roma, having been on their list of potential successors to Garcia.

Leicester Upset Everton, Ayew Earn Point For Villa, While Man U Slump to Norwich As Chelsea Regain their Lost Confidence..

Leicester upset Everton at Goodison Park; Chelsea back to winning ways after Mourinho as Van Gaal side slump to the newly promoted Norwich….

Manchester United suffered a third consecutive defeat at the hand of Norwich City by 2- as ‘The Canaries’ got their first victory at Old Trafford since 1989.

The result sees United drop out of the top-four on the table headed by Leicester City.

Meanwhile, Chelsea began the post-Jose Mourinho era with a 3-1 victory over Sunderland at Stamford Bridge to ease away from the Premier League's bottom three while Leicester City moved five points clear at the top.

The home fans sang the name of the man who was sacked on Thursday after Chelsea's worst start to a season since 1978 and newly appointed interim coach Guus Hiddink watched from the stands, goals from Branislav Ivanovic, Pedro and Oscar restored some sense of normality in west London.

Leicester's remarkable title challenge continued with a 3-2 victory at Everton that ensures they will spend Christmas top of the table, a year after occupying bottom place heading into the hectic holiday schedule.

Two Riyad Mahrez penalties and a goal from Shinji Okazaki put Leicester on 38 points from 17 games, with chasing Arsenal and Manchester City, who clash on Monday, on 33 and 32 respectively.

Tottenham Hotspur took advantage of United's woes to move into fourth place thanks to a 2-0 win at Southampton while Crystal Palace remain sixth after a 2-1 win at Stoke City.

Bournemouth claimed a third consecutive league victory with a late Charlie Daniels penalty sealing a 2-1 victory at West Bromwich Albion who had James McClean sent off in the first half and Salomon Rondon in stoppage time.

Jordan Ayew's stunning goal cancels out Coloccini's first-half effort. Ayew drove into the top corner from just inside the area to cancel out Fabricio Coloccini close-range opener and reshape the final scoreline Newcastle 1-1 Aston villa respectively...
Both sides had chances to win in the closing stages, with Newcastle striker Georginio Wijnaldum and Villa's Rudy Gestede having shots saved. 

Results:

Chelsea 3-1 Sunderland

Everton 2-3 Leicester City

Manchester United 1-2 Norwich City

Southampton 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Stoke City 1-2 Crystal Palace

West Brom 1-2 Bournemouth
Newcastle 1-1 Aston Villa. 

 

CHELSEA APPOINT HIDDINK AS NEW MANAGER

Chelsea Football Club have confirmed the re-appointment of former manager Guus Hiddink as  interim manager until the end of season

“The owner and the Board welcome back a coach with a wealth of top-level experience and success, including his previous spell with the club in 2009 when we lifted the FA Cup.

Mr Abramovich and the Board believe that Guus has what it takes to get the best out of our talented squad.”

The newly appointed interim manager Guus Hiddink said: 'I am excited to return to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world but is not where it should be at the moment. However, I am sure we can all turn this season around.

‘I am looking forward to working with the players and staff at this great club and especially renewing my wonderful relationship with the Chelsea fans.'

The Dutchman will be at Stamford Bridge for today’s match but Steve Holland will take control of team matters for the game alongside Eddie Newton, who will now take on the role of assistant first-team coach.

Guus took temporary charge of Chelsea in February 2009, losing just one league game as we recovered from a poor first half of the season to finish third in the Premier League, guaranteeing Champions League football for the next campaign and signing off in style thanks to a 2-1 FA Cup win over Everton at Wembley.

Guus Hiddink In Talk With Chelsea

Former Netherlands boss Guus Hiddink is in talk to become Chelsea's interim manager following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.

The 69-year-old Dutchman was at a London hotel on Friday, holding discussions with Blues officials.

He is expected to be on stand when Chelsea entertain Sunderland on Saturday.

Eddie Newton and Steve Holland are those that will oversee the Blue's Saturday week 17 EPL match.

Guus Hiddink who replace Louis van Gaal as manager of the Netherlands after World Cup 2014, but fail woefully with the  side ...

Hiddink, who has already had one spell as Chelsea boss, winning the FA Cup in 2009, is yet to sign a contract.

The Blues are currently 16th in the Premier League table, just one point above the relegation zone after losing nine of their first 16 games.

Mourinho was sacked as manager on Thursday, just seven months after guiding Chelsea to the Premier League title.

Chelsea likely to announce later today that Guus Hiddink will succeed Jose Mourinho as manager but on interim basis until end of season

GUUS HIDDINK ARRIVES IN LONDON TO TAKE OVER AS CHELSEA MANAGER

The Dutchman was photographed at Heathrow Airport on Friday morning as he touched down in the capital to put the finishing touches to his new Chelsea deal.

Hiddink is set to be appointed Chelsea manager until the end of the season.

The Dutchman, 69, will take over from Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge in his second spell as caretaker manager of the club.

Hiddink, who was axed by Holland in June after a disastrous start to their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign admitted he was set for talks with the Chelsea hierarchy but gave little away about further plans.

“I want to get some good insight before I make my decision,” he told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. “I want as much information as possible. Chelsea are in a bad situation and there are reasons for that.

“Whether or not I’m visiting their next match depends on my first conversation. Then I’ll decide if I should stay in London longer.”

The Dutchman is set to watch from the stands on Saturday as Chelsea host Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.

Currently the London side was placed on16th place just a point above the relegation zone and 20 points behind Premier League leaders Leicester.


Hiddink won an FA Cup with Chelsea in 2009 when he combined the role with the Russia manager’s job following the dismissal of Luiz Felipe Scolari in the February of that year.

Picture Credit: Dailymail (uk)

CHELSEA SACK JOSE MOURINHO

Chelsea sacked manager Jose Mourinho exactly seven months after he led them to the Premier League title.

The 52-year-old Portuguese had been in his second spell at the club, taking charge in June 2013.
Chelsea have lost nine of their 16 league games so far and are 16th in the table, one point above the relegation places.
Mourinho's 2-1 defeat at leaders Leicester City on Monday was his final at the club.
Pep Guardiola, Guus Hiddink, Juande Ramos and Brendan Rodgers have all been touted as possible successors as Blues owner Roman Abramovich begins another managerial search.

The club press statement goes thus :

“Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent.

All at Chelsea thank Jose for his immense contribution since he returned as manager in the summer of 2013.

His three league titles, FA Cup, Community Shield and three League Cup wins over two spells make him the most successful manager in our 110-year history. But both Jose and the board agreed results have not been good enough this season and believe it is in the best interests of both parties to go our separate ways.

The club wishes to make clear Jose leaves us on good terms and will always remain a much-loved, respected and significant figure at Chelsea. His legacy at Stamford Bridge and in England has long been guaranteed and he will always be warmly welcomed back to Stamford Bridge.

The club’s focus is now on ensuring our talented squad reaches its potential.
There will be no further comment until a new appointment is made”. 

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW

Round of 16 draw: Arsenal Face Barça Again, While Chelsea Was Given A Revenge Lifeline Against PSG, Juve v Bayern.... 

Defending Champions Barcelona will face Arsenal in the last 16 following the draw in Nyon, with Chelsea meeting Paris Saint-Germain for the third year running and Juventus up against Bayern München.

Chelsea and Paris have played in each of the last two seasons, with both ties decided on away goals. The Blues won their 2013/14 quarter-final, while Paris gained revenge in dramatic fashion in last term's round of 16.

FULL LIST AND DATES OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUND OF 16 DRAW 

16 February & 9 March
Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) v Chelsea (ENG)
Benfica (POR) v Zenit (RUS)
17 February & 8 March
Gent (BEL) v Wolfsburg (GER)
Roma (ITA) v Real Madrid (ESP)
23 February & 16 March
Arsenal (ENG) v Barcelona (ESP)
Juventus (ITA) v Bayern München (GER)
24 February & 15 March
PSV Eindhoven (NED) v Atlético Madrid (ESP)

Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) v Manchester City (ENG)

Here Are The Complete Illustrations Of The Road to Milano 
Quarter-final draw: 18 March
Quarter-finals: 5/6 & 12/13 April
Semi-final draw: 15 April
Semi-finals: 26/27 April & 3/4 May
Final (San Siro, Milan): 28 May