Here is your Chelsea digest for the morning of Tuesday, October 13.
Former Manchester United boss on ‘special’ Chelsea player ahead of potential debut
Louis van Gaal has described Hakim Ziyech as a “special player” ahead of the Moroccan’s potential competitive debut for Chelsea this weekend.
Ziyech could feature against Southampton following his summer move to Stamford Bridge from Ajax and van Gaal, who has observed Ziyech closely in Netherlands, has whet the appetite of Chelsea supporters.
“He has developed tremendously at Ajax. Not so much in creativity, but as a team player,” Van Gaal, told NOS.
“The public has come to realise that he works very hard for a creative player. And then he also scores goals and gives assists. That makes you a special player.”
World Cup winner unhappy with Chelsea forward in France dressing room
A video clip has surfaced showing Kylian Mbappe seemingly unhappy with Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud in the France national team dressing room.
The two players started Les Blues’ goalless draw against Portugal in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday, with a clip posted to Twitter by Get French Football News showing the scene in the home side’s dressing room afterwards.
Giroud can be seen walking around the dressing room and shaking hands with teammates Houssem Aouar and Mbappe. The latter, however, appeared to have a disgruntled reaction to Giroud’s ruffling of his hair.
Shortly after, Mbappe is shown to be brushing his hair after Giroud’s spot of mischief, with a disgruntled expression still painted on his face.
Former Manchester United captain hits out at Chelsea youngster’s conduct
Former Manchester United midfielder turned TV pundit Roy Keane has targeted Chelsea youngster Ethan Ampadu for his play-acting in the Nations League draw between Republic of Ireland and Wales.
Ampadu, who made the loan move to Sheffield United from Chelsea during the summer window, had a soft penalty claim turned down in the opening half an hour, with the 20-year-old also going down despite minimal contact after an incident involving Darren Randolph.
Keane stated he would be embarrassed if he were Ampadu in the situation, calling his conduct “ridiculous.”
“Just disgraceful, really,” the former Republic of Ireland international said on ITV Sport when asked for his reaction to the incidents.
“This Ampadu, like, what's the game coming to? He should be ashamed of himself, grabbing his head. I'd be embarrassed if I was him. Ridiculous.”
