In our look at the latest Chelsea-related news stories from the media, Fikayo Tomori talks about what he has been up to since the lockdown began while former Blues striker Hernan Crespo shares his thoughts on a famous dressing-room image taken of him 14 years ago.
These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.
Tomori focusses on studies
Fikayo Tomori has told Sky Sports he has taken advantage of the stoppage of the football season to focus on his studies and complete a business management degree.
The 22-year-old spoke last year about pursuing a degree with the Open University course and the enforced time away from football has given him an opportunity to hit the books.
‘When this all came about, I actually had three or four assignments left,’ he explained, ‘so I just thought here's a chance to focus and get it done, give myself a bit of breathing space.’
‘Now I'm a bit more bored, I haven't got that to focus on, but it's something I thought would help me focus with my mind, on and off the pitch. It keeps me out of trouble.’
The England defender went on to emphasise his preference for studies over video games.
‘I've never really been that kind of gamer, he added. ‘I guess you could say, I like to think I'm pretty intelligent and I'm that kind of person.
‘I like to engage my brain and keep it ticking, keep myself focused and give myself something to do away from football.’
Crespo on appreciating a special moment
Hernan Crespo says a photo of him staring intently at his Premier League winners’ medal in 2006 was a display of his appreciation for all the effort that had gone into winning the title that season, Goal.com reports.
After a season on loan at AC Milan, the Argentinian returned to Stamford Bridge and scored 10 goals as we retained the Premier League title, finishing eight points ahead of runners-up Manchester United.
‘This image means I was appreciating what I had, being isolated a little bit from the madness around you, congratulating yourself and analysing the work behind the achievement,’ said Crespo of the image taken in the dressing room at the Bridge following spirited celebrations on the pitch after the trophy presentation.
‘I looked at the medal and I thought: “You got it, what an achievement.” That's what's it all about. To prepare and to achieve it.
‘It had consequences for many people: the kit man, the massage man, fans, there was so much happiness behind all of that. And that is just for some lucky people,’ added Crespo who is now managing Argentinian top-flight side Defensa y Justica.
‘That's the reason why I try to convince my teams to understand how they impact everyone. That's why I want my teams playing in a certain way, being respectful between themselves and to their opponents.
‘For all of it, because you, unintentionally, are an example and everybody is looking to you.’
Chelsea reportedly keeping tabs on Gosens
According to 90min.com, Chelsea are keeping a close eye on Atalanta left-back Robin Gosens and considering a summer move for the 25-year-old.
With the Blues reported to be looking at defensive options for next season, the website suggest the German has come under scrutiny from a number of clubs including Chelsea.
‘Club scouts have been monitoring a number of potential options, and Nicolo Schira, in conjunction with 90min, can confirm Gosens has been one of those in Chelsea’s sights,’ the website reports.
‘The Blues are not alone in their pursuit of Gosens, with both Inter Milan and Lyon also tracking the German.
‘The French side saw a €25m bid knocked back in January and are expected to come back with a fresh offer in the summer. Atalanta are looking for closer to €30m.
‘Gosens, who can operate both as a left-back and a wing-back, had scored eight goals and contributed five assists for Atalanta before the 2019/20 football was put on hold, helping to turn his club into one of the most exciting sides in Europe.’