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

Former Chelsea manager opens up about how close he was to signing for Real Madrid

Antonio Conte has revealed how close he was to joining Real Madrid as a head coach, as reported in Football Italia.He spoke in a press conference ahead of his Inter Milan’s fixture against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League.‘There were a couple of moments in which I was very close to coaching Real Madrid,’ stated Conte.‘However, the season had already begun, it would have been difficult to take over, a schedule had already been made by the club and in a very sincere way I preferred to postpone.‘Right now, I’m really focused on Inter, I started a project here with a very strong ownership and I’m happy. We’re creating something important.’ he said.Conte spent two seasons at Stamford Bridge wherein a short space of time he popularised the 3-4-3 formation which he used to dominate the league.In those two years, he won the Premier League title and the FA Cup in the 2017/18 season.

Blues still in Declan Rice race

According to The Athletic, the Blues have still not given up on the prospect of signing English midfielder Declan Rice.

According to The Athletic, the Blues have still not given up on the prospect of signing English midfielder Declan Rice.The report states that Chelsea never made a bid for Rice but he remains a priority due to the experience and versatility he can provide.Rice has made over 106 appearances for West Ham and can be deployed as a holding midfielder or a centre-back.According to The Athletic, part of getting Rice to Stamford Bridge will be preventing the 21-year-old from signing a new contract with the Hammers. His current one runs out in 2024.Rice has played every minute of West Ham’s Premier League campaign and has proven to be a regular face in the English set-up too.Rice joined Chelsea aged seven and was team-mates with Mason Mount at the Chelsea Academy. He was released at 14 and went on to join West Ham.

Sherwood backs Chelsea for title

Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has tipped Chelsea as one of the big title challenges for the Premier League this season.

Speaking on Premier League Productions on the weekend, Sherwood named the three teams he feels have a shot of winning the league this season.

‘It’s either going to be Liverpool, Chelsea or Manchester City,’ he said.

‘I think Chelsea have got a squad now, I think they’ve got the firepower going forward to really challenge.’

Frank Lampard’s men travelled to Burnley where we once again put on an attacking masterclass by scoring three goals.

The new boys at the back were impressive again as they managed to keep another clean sheet with Edouard Mendy in goal.

The Blues will be looking to make it five clean sheets in a row when we face French side Rennes this week in our third Champions League fixture.