Here are your Chelsea morning headlines for Saturday, April 25.
Smith on possible Barkley transfer
Aston Villa boss Dean Smith says there have been no discussions over purchasing Ross Barkley on a permanent deal at the end of his loan deal this summer.
“Ross Barkley came in on loan at the start of the season. Obviously, Frank Lampard was the manager at the time we brokered a deal to bring him in on loan," he said in a press conference. "That’s where it was.
“He’s got another two years left on his contract at Chelsea and [purchasing him has] not been discussed at all.”
Barkley has made 17 Premier League appearance for Aston Villa so far this season.
Tuchel's Mendy decision
Thomas Tuchel was asked in his pre-match press conference about whether Edouard Mendy would return in goal against West Gam after Kepa Arrizabalaga got a surprise Premier League start in the draw with Brighton.
The Blues boss said: "Mendy will be in goal. The change was made for Kepa in the cup game and before then me and the goalkeeper coach decided Kepa should stay one more game to have it as a reward, to get a bit of rhythm.
"What he's doing in training and the dressing room is simply outstanding in terms of personality.
"I'm happy he showed it on the pitch. He had two clean sheets in two matches so it's a good feeling we have two goalkeepers. Edou will be in goal tomorrow."
Jorginho's Lampard dig
Jorginho has claimed that Frank Lampard was not ready to be Chelsea head coach, with the midfielder adding that the club record goalscorer was given the job because of his legendary status and did not have sufficient managerial experience for such a big job.
Speaking to ESPN Brasil, he said that Lampard had “skipped some steps” having replaced Maurizio Sarri in the summer of 2019 following just one year in charge of Derby County in the Championship.
"Look, I'll be really sincere here on Lampard. I believe, given he was a legend at the club, he skipped some steps necessary for learning before moving to a big club,” the Italy international said.
"He came to a club where he is a legend, without having experience at other clubs. I think he came too soon, skipped a few steps ahead and wasn't ready for a job at this level, to be honest."
