These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Valencia boss left alone at press conference

New Valencia manager Albert Celades attempted to play down player unrest at the Spanish club when he spoke on Monday at the press conference ahead of his side’s Champions League match against Chelsea, Goal.com reports.

None of the Valencia players were in attendance as they reportedly boycotted the media event to protest against the sacking of previous manager Marcelino last week.

However, Celades insisted they were still well prepared to face the Blues at Stamford Bridge despite the current situation at the La Liga side.

‘Obviously it’s not an ideal situation but it’s the players’ decision, really. I don’t have much more to say about that. There isn’t anything I can do about it,’ said the 43-year-old.

‘I speak to the players every day. They took this decision but there is always dialogue. The reaction I’ve had has been very good and I’m sure it will continue to improve.

‘The spirit is very good. (Tuesday) is the start of the best club competition in Europe and that is ample motivation for the players to give their best.

‘They want to play, taste the atmosphere. and be in the starting XI. No-one wants to miss out and that, for me, is the most important thing.’

Celades believes his side can cause problems for Chelsea.

‘It will be a big challenge but a fascinating one too. We’re sure they [Chelsea] can cause us a lot of problems,’ he added.

‘We’re going to prepare for the game in the best way possible and try to get a result.’

Holland to assess Abraham for England

The Telegraph reports England assistant manager Steve Holland will be back at Stamford Bridge tonight to run the rule over Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham during the Blues’ Champions League clash with Valencia.

While the former Chelsea assistant coach will also be assessing the form of England internationals Mason Mount and Ross Barkley, the focus is expected to be on Abraham, who shares top spot in the Premier League Golden Boot standings after netting seven goals in the Blues’ last three games.

The report suggests he could be called up for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Bulgaria next month.

‘The 21-year-old is competing with Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson to be Harry Kane’s deputy, although Nigeria are attempting to convince Abraham to switch his international allegiance to the country of his father’s birth,’ states the report.

‘Abraham has previously stated that he wants to play for England, having won two caps in friendlies against Germany and Brazil, but he has not yet closed the door on Nigeria’s interest.

‘Southgate’s decision over his next squad could prove pivotal to Abraham’s international future and former Chelsea coach Holland will be at Stamford Bridge hoping to watch him make his Champions League debut against Valencia.’

Shevchenko’s son looking to make mark at Academy

According to the Sun, the 12-year-old son of Ukraine national manager Andriy Shevchenko is currently training at the Chelsea Academy and could qualify to represent England through his residency status.

Kristian Shevchenko, who is the second son of the former Chelsea striker, was born and raised in England and holds a UK passport, making him eligible to play for the Three Lions.

‘My second son is training at Chelsea Academy,’ said Shevchenko in an interview with Ukrainian website Vesti.ua.

‘This is a very good school, which brought up more than a dozen players of excellent level.’

In addition to being eligible to play for Ukraine and England, Kristian could also represent the United States or Poland through his mother who is a citizen of both countries.

Asked which national team he would like his son to represent in the future, Shevchenko said: ‘I would like to face such a choice. I'd love to. If there is to be such a choice, then we will talk.’