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

Two Blues named in BBC’s team of the week

BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has included Thiago Silva and Mateo Kovacic in his latest team of the week selection after Chelsea’s 3-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday.

The former England forward named Thiago Silva in his back four for the second week in a row after the Brazilian veteran capped his impressive defensive display in north London by heading in our opening goal.

‘I half expected Spurs to expose Thiago Silva. He is after all 36,’ said Crooks.

‘However, after 49 minutes it was Silva who had exposed Spurs. The Brazilian defender is renowned for attacking set-pieces in the opposition penalty area but, alas, Tottenham couldn't have watched the Chelsea video!

‘Anyone who has seen Chelsea play will know there are a few dangers in the box on set plays and Silva is one of them. In the end, this was men against boys. This Chelsea side is capable of anything this season.’

Kovacic missed out on selection last week despite scoring in our 3-0 win over Aston Villa but Crooks lauded his contribution in the midfield engine room during our derby win.

‘This lad has been outstanding all season for Chelsea. Quietly getting on with things and allowing the stars of the show to take the glory,’ he said.

‘However, make no mistake, Mateo Kovacic is at the heart of Chelsea's success these days.’

Ba eyeing role in England

The Sun reports that former Chelsea striker Demba Ba is keen to work in English football again after announcing his retirement as a player last week.

The 36-year-old has met up with his former coach and mentor Ralf Rangnick, who is now head of sports and development for Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow, as he weighs up his options after hanging up his boots.

‘I would be happy to become a sporting director in future. I want to learn from Ralf Rangnick,’ said Ba to sport-express.ru.

‘I couldn't imagine anyone better than him to learn from, as he is the best. I have kept in touch with him since leaving Hoffenheim, and he had a big impact on my playing career.

‘Now he will influence my post-playing career as well. I will learn from him as long as we are both alive.’

While the former Senegal international played football in several countries including France, Belgium, Germany, China and Turkey, he is clear about where he would like to go next.

‘Of all the countries I have played in, England was the one most right for me,’ said Ba who also had spells at West Ham and Newcastle United.

Drinkwater looks for Reading revival

Danny Drinkwater has told TalkSport that he is keen to get his career back on track after joining Reading on a season-long loan.

The 31-year-old has not played for Chelsea since 2018 and after disappointing loan spells at Burnley, Aston Villa and Turkish club Kasimpasa, he hopes his latest move proves more fruitful.

‘It’s football, it’s never straightforward, it’s never simple. I’m just excited for the new challenges,’ said the midfielder, who made his Reading debut in their 2-1 win at Championship leaders Fulham last weekend.

‘I need to [kick-start my career]. I’m more excited about this than I have been for a few years now, especially how my career’s panned out.

‘Games, getting the enjoyment of football back, then going from there. A few have slid away, I’ve made mistakes, I’ve not played.

‘I’m desperate for games, I know my position and I know it’s not what I’ve expected for 10 years. So I’ve got to make changes and I’m making the right steps.’