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

Zola applauds Werner

Former Chelsea forward Gianfranco Zola has praised Timo Werner for the work he does for his team-mates.

Speaking to Tuttomercatoweb, the Italian believes bringing a striker to Stamford Bridge might change the role of Werner in the side.

‘Chelsea had an extraordinary season last year,’ he said. ‘But the focus was always on the fact that they lacked a goalscorer.

‘They often created chances, and in some games, they were penalised. Lukaku comes in to fill that gap, but I like Chelsea the way they are.’

Werner was one of the biggest contributors for the Blues in his debut season in England. The German scored 12 goals and picked up 15 assists in all competitions.

‘Werner did the dirty work for everyone else,’ Zola added. ‘He is the reason they won the Champions League.

‘He put others in a position to do well.’

Havertz on his shirt number

Our Champion League final goalscorer Kai Havertz has revealed why he wears the number 29.

Speaking to The Athletic, The 22-year-old credited his brother as the inspiration behind wearing the same number his whole career.

‘When I was young, I used to play FIFA or Pro Evolution Soccer with my brother,’ he said. ‘We always made ourselves in the game.

‘I had number 10, golden boots and things like that. My brother always put number 29 on his shirt.’

The German made his debut for Bayer Leverkusen at 17 and became the side’s youngest top-flight player and goalscorer until the record was recently broken. During his time in the Bundesliga, he scored 46 goals for his club.

‘When I came into the professional game and Leverkusen asked me what number I wanted to have I asked them which numbers were free,’ he continued. ‘When they said 29, I said I’ll take it because of my brother.

‘Sometimes it’s lucky for me, sometimes not, but I like the number now and I think everybody knows me for it.’

Solskjaer tips Blues for title

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has backed the Blues as potential title contenders ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

Speaking in a report that was repeated in the Daily Mail, Solskjaer added that he has been impressed by Chelsea and thinks we have what it takes to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool.

‘I feel us and Chelsea have spent well,’ he said, ‘We have worked well and we should look at ourselves as potential challengers.

‘It feels like this season coming up is one of the strongest Premier League seasons.’

The Blues will travel to Belfast for our UEFA Super Cup fixture against Europa League champions Villarreal on Wednesday night. We start our Premier League campaign against Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace side at Stamford Bridge.

‘Of course, it’s been City and Liverpool fighting it out for a few years,’ he added. ‘Anyone who ends up above last year’s champions will be champions.’