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

Leboeuf names Cech one of the best

Frank Leboeuf has labelled Petr Cech as one of the best goalkeepers of all time.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Leboeuf was asked to pick a combined team of our Champions League-winning side in 2012 and our FA Cup-winning team in 2000.

The 1998 World Cup winner had to choose between former goalkeeper Ed de Goey and Cech for the number one spot.

‘Well, two giants and two big personalities,’ he said. ‘My former team-mate De Goey did a fantastic job while at Chelsea but I will go for Cech.

‘I followed Cech since he was at Stade Rennes before he came to Chelsea and then finishing his career at Arsenal.’

The former Czech international signed for the Blues in 2004 and won the Premier League in his debut season, conceding just 15 goals during the entire campaign.

‘That guy was magical,’ he continued. ‘We had so many fantastic goalkeepers during my time but Cech was one of the world’s best.’

Essien on becoming a coach

Former Blues midfielder Michael Essien is learning the ropes of management at Nordsjaelland.

Talking on The Football Ramble podcast, the former Ghana captain spoke about why he decided to go into coaching after retiring.

‘It’s one of those things I am going to carry with me,’ Essien said. ‘Hopefully, I can transmit to the boys if one day I become a manager.’

Essien admits at first, he didn’t want to become a coach but his attachment to football was too strong to not lure him back into the game.

‘I didn’t think I would make the transition,’ he added. ‘When I was playing, I always said “No, I don’t want to be a coach” but when you love the game so much you always try and be in the game.

‘So, two years ago I said I am coming towards the end of my career and I want to learn about the coaching side of the game.’

Ferdinand impressed by Rudiger

Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has praised Antonio Rudiger for his performances since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking on his podcast FIVE, the pundit highlighted the 28-year-old’s hunger and desire in his Champions League performances.

‘I watched Rudiger against Leeds and Atletico Madrid, the intensity with which he’s playing right now is what you need to be a top player,’ Ferdinand said.

‘You can see it, he’s screaming at players, he makes a block, and he stands up and he gets into the face of the attacker.’

The German international has been heavily involved since the arrival of Tuchel. Rudiger has played 12 of the 14 matches of the German’s reign.

‘I witnessed it and I was like “woah he is on it,”’ Ferdinand continued. ‘He isn’t getting beaten by anyone at the moment the way that he’s on it and concentrating.’