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

Lehmann claims ball caused 2004 loss to Blues

According to the Mirror, former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has pinned some of the blame for the Gunners’ loss to Chelsea in the Champions League in 2004 on the new ball used in the game.

While Arsenal were unbeaten in the Premier League that season, their Champions League campaign came to an end in the quarter-finals after Wayne Bridge’s late strike gave the Blues a 2-1 win at Highbury.

While Lehmann could do little about the winner, he was at fault for Chelsea’s equaliser early in the second half as he spilled a long-range shot by Claude Makelele at the feet of Frank Lampard, who tapped home.

The German felt the team’s busy schedule at the time put added pressure on the players and contributed to them making crucial errors in the game with the newly issued ball.

‘In 10 days what happened at the time (we had to play) against top, top teams,’ said Lehmann to beIN Sports.

‘No team, however good it is, can perform every two or three days on such a high level. It was our disadvantage against Chelsea.

‘I remember I made a mistake against Chelsea because we played with a brand new Nike ball and it came swerving like that and I couldn’t stop it. I couldn’t catch it.

‘It was a draw then with Frank Lampard and then in the last minute all of a sudden, because we were so tired, we couldn’t defend a draw and we lost that game.’

Bakayoko wanted by Sevilla?

The Sun reports Tiemoue Bakayoko could be heading to Spain next season with high-flying Sevilla interested in signing the French midfielder from Chelsea on a permanent basis.

The 25-year-old joined the Blues from Monaco in the summer of 2017 but after failing to impress in Antonio Conte’s side, he has spent the past two seasons on loan at AC Milan and Monaco.

Both loan clubs have opted against signing him permanently but Sevilla, who were third in La Liga before the season was halted, are reportedly ready to do a deal.

‘France Football claim Sevilla are willing to offer the midfielder an escape route at the end of the season,’ states the report.

‘Bakayoko is under contract until 2022, but Chelsea are willing to let him leave permanently in the summer. Frank Lampard is determined to recoup some of the transfer fee that the club forked out for him three years ago.’

Haaland expresses Lampard admiration

Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland created some excitement for Chelsea fans after he revealed his admiration for Blues head coach Frank Lampard in a Q&A video, the Daily Mail reports.

The Norwegian has been in red-hot form for Borussia Dortmund since he arrived from Red Bull Salzburg in January, netting 12 goals in 11 games for the German club.

And with several clubs keeping a close eye on the prolific 19-year-old, his response to a question posed to him by ESPN sparked an excited response from Blues supporters.

According to the Mail: ‘The striker was asked which retired player he would most like to play with and after giving himself some thinking time, he replied: “Frank Lampard”.

‘A few Chelsea fans commented on the video claiming that the forward could be on his way to Stamford Bridge in the future.

‘One claimed: “Haaland coming to a Chelsea confirmed”, while another said: “Chelsea double swoop for Sancho and Haaland”.’