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

Carabao Cup may not be a priority for Spurs

Jose Mourinho has admitted Tottenham Hotspur’s intense schedule could prove detrimental to their hopes of beating Chelsea in the Carabao Cup tonight, TalkSport reports.

Spurs are in the middle of an arduous sequence of five matches in 10 days and face Israeli side Maccabi Haifa in a Europa League qualifier just 48 hours after their meeting with the Blues before travelling to Old Trafford to play Manchester United on Sunday.

According to Mourinho, progression in the European competition is a bigger concern to him at the moment because of its financial implications.

‘I would like to fight for the Carabao (Cup) but I don’t think I can,’ said the former Chelsea boss.

‘We have a game on Thursday that gives us not as much money as the Champions League but the group phase of the Europa League gives us a certain amount that, for a club like us, is very important.

‘It’s a competition with a possible group phase that gives us a good chance to go through to the next knockout stage so this game on Thursday is very important for us.’

Spirited Azpi pleases fans

According to sportsbible.com, Chelsea fans liked what they saw from Cesar Azpilicueta when he came on at half-time at the Hawthorns last weekend and helped spark a big comeback by the Blues against West Bromwich Albion.

With the visitors trailing 3-0, the Spaniard replaced Marcos Alonso after the opening 45 minutes and in the website’s observation of the video footage: ‘He passionately delivered instructions and barked at his teammates to improve their standards.’

The passionate performance by the versatile defender caught the eye of Blues supporters and earned him plenty of praise on social media.

‘I don't care what anyone says but Cesar Azpilicueta deserves the title "Captain, Leader, Legend." There is not a single man in this squad more committed than him,’ tweeted one fan.

‘He loves the club. Ranting at the players, waking them up, calming influence,’ added another.

‘I remember this moment exactly when he came on the second half. The passion and drive this man has for the team is simply unmatched and he also has the ability to play at RB, LB, and as one of three at CB. Just really happy we still have someone like Azpi in our defence,’ said one more.

Ivanovic seeks to make his mark on Baggies

Chelsea legend Branislav Ivanovic has told the Express and Star he still has a lot to prove in the Premier League as he works on his fitness in preparation for West Bromwich Albion’s visit to Southampton this coming weekend.

The Serbian defender won three Premier League titles, three FA Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League with Chelsea but does not intend to rest on his laurels now he has joined the Baggies.

‘Of course I had a career with Chelsea but now I am in a new beginning,’ said the 36-year-old.

‘I need to first of all work hard and make sure I am ready for the Premier League.

‘The Premier League is the best and toughest league in the world. It is the strongest league in the world. I need to challenge myself and make sure I am ready for the challenge.

‘When you are a player you always find a motivation and you always find something deep inside yourself. I have a lot of ambition and I want to prove a lot of things.

‘So first of all I need to work hard, believe and try to give everything for the team and the club to be a success.’