Here are the latest Chelsea evening headlines for Thursday, October 15.
Veteran Italian winger explains failed Chelsea move
Former Italy international Antonio Candreva has revealed he came close to joining his compatriot Antonio Conte at Chelsea, but the move never materialised.
The transfer would have taken place midway through Conte’s first season at Stamford Bridge, the title-winning 2016/17 season, but Chelsea never followed up on their interest.
“There was a strong interest during the January transfer window, but nothing happened because I’d only just arrived at Inter (the previous summer from Lazio),” Candreva told Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness ).
“If in the future, the possibility (of having an experience abroad) arrives, I could consider a nice offer.”
Candreva eventually got to work under Conte, who arrived at Inter last summer. He made 40 appearances in all competitions for the Nerazzurri, but has now left on a loan deal to Sampdoria.
Rival boss emphasises the pressure Frank Lampard faces at Chelsea
Southampton manager Ralph Hassenhuttl implied that Frank Lampard has no excuse if Chelsea don’t improve on last season after spending over £200million to bolster his squad this summer.
The Austrian coach was perhaps looking to amp up the pressure on his opposite number ahead of this weekend’s clash.
"If they are not better than last season then that's a lot of money for nothing, so they have to be better,” Hasenhuttl said in his pre-match press conference.
"They have so much quality now with Kai Havertz and others. They are a team who are prepared to win title and trophies so it will be more difficult than last season, maybe.
"The level is high and we have to reach their level otherwise it will be difficult to get something."
Chelsea welcome Southampton to Stamford Bridge for a 15:00 kick-off this Saturday, October 17. Hassenhuttl’s Saints won 2-0 on their last visit, Boxing Day last year.
Chelsea starlet makes Golden Boy shortlist
Callum Hudson-Odoi has been named in the 20-man shortlist for the prestigious Golden Boy award, for players 21 or under in Europe.
There was plenty of speculation the 19-year-old winger would join European champions Bayern Munich in the summer, but he’s stayed put at his boyhood club.
The other Premier League nominees are Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Ferran Torres, Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Wolves’ summer signing Fabio Silva.
Previous winners include the likes of Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas, and Kylian Mbappe. The last English player to win it was Raheem Sterling, after he broke through at Liverpool in 2014.
Here’s the 20-man shortlist in full .
