Chelsea

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Serbia international Djordje Petrovic was sent to RC Strasbourg on loan in August due to concerns about his ability to play out from the back as manager Enzo Maresca increased those demands on his goalkeepers.

Playing under English manager Liam Rosenior in Ligue 1 was sold to an initially reluctant Petrovic as a way of improving those ball-playing skills.

Sources at Strasbourg and close to Petrovic believe the loan move has been productive and allowed him to develop his footwork, which was lacking following spells at MLS with New England Revolution and in Serbian football.

It has set up the chance for Petrovic to either return to Chelsea or possibly move to another big club, with sources close to the keeper believing £25m could be a possible valuation, although it could also potentially be high enough to deter suitors.

UK-based agency Unique Sports Group have poached Petrovic from his long-time agent ahead of the summer negotiations that will decide his future.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Chelsea remain resolute that they will not sign a goalkeeper in 2025 despite criticism for both Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen.

Jorgensen took Sanchez's place as the number one goalkeeper for Premier League matches after a series of errors from the Spain international.

But Jorgensen also made a mistake that cost Chelsea the match at the end of the the 2-1 away defeat to Aston Villa.

Chelsea believe that through their two goalkeepers, as well as loanee Djordje Petrovic, currently excelling at partner club Strasbourg, will be enough options to see them into the coming 2025-26 season.

They also believe that Genk goalkeeper Mike Penders, 19, is a top talent as he prepares to join for £17 million on 1 July.

Of course, Chelsea are not planning to carry all four goalkeepers simultaneously next season and will continue to assess their options as to who stays, is sold or loaned out again next season.

For now, former Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli will remain as a capable third choice back-up and is part of the leadership as one of the longest-serving members of the squad.

Ross Mooring
Fan writer

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Realistically, with so many teams around us, a top five finish and likely Champions League football for next season is a coin flip at this stage.

Defensive issues - both in terms of individual mistakes and a general vulnerability to allowing opposition chances - and a misfiring attack with multiple players out until towards the end of the season mean that the margins for gaining enough points to outcompete our fellow contenders are small.

Success however, is ultimately measured in trophies and the club has a great chance to add the Europa Conference League to the trophy cabinet, especially with Fiorentina and Real Betis in the other half of the knockout draw. Winning the Club World Cup is probably a reach given the strength of the other European heavyweights involved.

However the league plays out, just as much of a worry will be if the team continues to have problems cohesively moving the ball up the pitch and controlling games and fails to get back to the form that briefly saw the club within reach of Liverpool in December.

Regardless of how the season plays out, one of the biggest hopes is that several players show themselves to be important pieces for the future. This includes the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Jadon Sancho and Wesley Fofana, as well as Noni Madueke and Nicholas Jackson upon their returns. If they do not, that adds even more positions to the summer transfer target list.

Find more from Ross Mooring at Chelsea Fancast, external

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As we approach the crunch stage of the 2024-25 Premier League season, it only feels right to address what would be a good outcome for Chelsea from here onwards and what my biggest fear for Enzo Maresca's side is too.

Chelsea have a recent history of being very successful and because of that the new owner is like 'off you pop' to managers if he deems them to be underachieving.

There were protests by fans in the past week about how the club is being run, so qualifying for the Champions League with their young team would be a success but it will be a disappointment if they do not.

A big success would be if they are not still having to fight for that place right at the end of the season as well because only recently they were in title race talks.

And fans want to be competing for titles and big cups right now. They almost expect to be winning the Conference League, as opposed to hoping that they do, because they look like the best team in that competition.

They have to make it to the final and win it. Yes, the fans will celebrate but probably not in the same way as they would have it was a bigger honour.

Away from results is the conversation around Cole Palmer's form, which I think in the main is talked about too simplistically.

It is not like they have to give the ball to Palmer whenever they are attacking - it is just that the position he tends to find himself playing in is very important to their style of play.

The expectation should be on Palmer to score goals, alongside input from everyone else. Their worst case scenario is that their other players also have a dip in form at the same time.

When Chelsea are at their best, it is because of the way they attack. It's free-flowing and fun to watch because of the speed of their wingers, attacking midfielders and forwards.

If they cannot find that attacking excitement anymore and they become a bit stale because Palmer is still out of form and others have not stepped up, then that would be the worst possible end to the season.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

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Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has shrugged off criticism from the club's fans, saying it is "par for the course" and something he can accept as long as things at Stamford Bridge are "trending in the right direction".

The American billionaire formed part of a consortium to takeover the Blues in May 2022.

Fans gathered to protest the club's ownership on Tuesday night, prior to their 4-0 home win against Southampton, with seismic spending and inconsistent performances on the pitch forming the basis of much of the frustration.

Boehly was asked about receiving criticism from fans at the FT Business of Football Conference in London, to which he replied: "I think it is just par for the course.

"The reality is that the sooner you learn you can't keep everyone happy all the time, then freedom comes from that.

"You are just trying to execute a plan, but you recognise things aren't linear. As long as you are trending in the right direction, then you feel better. I think the trend is in the right direction and that's the thing that matters.

"In June, it will be three years - and it isn't a lot of time. As a 60-year-old, especially in an industry with so little downtime, it's a whirling dervish of activity when you step on.

"It's a steep learning curve, but I think that's a good thing."

On Chelsea's recent form, Boehly added: "December was peak but, eight weeks out, things are a little different now.

"If you look at the foundations being built, new management team, new academy leadership, sporting director leadership and player mindset. All that's there and now it is about cultivating the development of the team.

"You are always going to try to get better."

Chelsea remain keen on the possibility of signing Borussia Dortmund and Germany winger Karim Adeyemi, who is valued at 45m euros (£37.1m). (CaughtOffside), external

The Premier League could be forced to have two separate transfer windows this summer because of disruption caused by the Club World Cup. (Guardian), external

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Scott Read
BBC Radio Lancashire reporter

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Had you been at Molineux for Bashir Humphreys' Burnley debut at Wolves in the League Cup in August, you would be forgiven for being uncertain of his strongest position.

He played left-back, right-back and centre-half in the same game, and he did not look out of place in any of them. However, it is at left-back where he has found his place in what could turn into a record-breaking defensive season.

In the Clarets' sequence of 12 consecutive Championship clean sheets, Humphreys has started eight times. Crucially, during this run, he has started all three games against promotion rivals - away to Sheffield United on Boxing Day, and at home against Sunderland and Leeds United.

He has also been preferred at left-back in both Lancashire derbies - away games at Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End - a sign of the trust he has gained from manager Scott Parker.

During this run he also scored the second goal of his professional career, finding himself at the edge of the penalty area and finishing confidently against Hull.

When I asked Humphreys about that goal he said: "I'll be honest, I can't really remember what happened," but he did have clearer thoughts on how his game has developed since that versatile display at Wolves. He added: "At that time I felt like I was playing out of position at full-back but now I feel comfortable there.

"There has been a lot of growth for me. I feel like I've got more confidence in that position and it's about experiencing things in game."

Humphreys is looking to become the second-successive left-back on loan from Chelsea to win promotion at Turf Moor, following Ian Maatsen's successful season under Vincent Kompany.

And, just like Maatsen, if the Blues decide they do not need him, he will not be short of suitors.

Chelsea are poised to hold discussions with the representatives of River Plate's Ian Subiabre over a potential move for the 18-year-old Argentine winger. (Give Me Sport), external

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Former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer believes Cole Palmer's relaxed attitude will help him to find his shooting boots again in no time.

The 22-year-old remains Chelsea's top scorer in the Premier League this season but has not scored in his past seven appearances.

"With Cole Palmer, we see it time and time again that nothing fazes him," said Schwarzer on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "It's like: 'OK it didn't work. I didn't have a good game. I didn't take my chances. So what? On to the next one'.

"That's the thing about him and that's why I'm not concerned because he's so good a player and has such good quality, so it'll come."

Ex-Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison added: "All he needs is one goal. Once he gets one, he will be back on it again.

"Even the best players can suffer what he's going through at the moment, but do you know what I like about him? He still gets in there.

"It's when you start hiding and not getting in there that there is a problem. But he still wants to get in there and create chances. Once he gets one, he'll go on a good run again."

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Enzo Fernandez may still have a little way to go before he justifies his price tag of £106m, but his performances this season have certainly started to show glimmers of why Chelsea paid such big money for his services.

According to Squawka, external, he became the first player to create five or more chances, win over five duels and win possession more than five times in a Premier League game multiple times this season.

As well as doing so against Southampton, he also produced those stats in the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth last month.

His touch map highlights just how big of an impact he had on the game, with his 79 touches showing him just about everywhere on the pitch.

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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca insists goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen "should just follow the plan", despite coming under pressure from fans in the stands.

The Blues shot-stopper was jeered by his own supporters during the first half of Chelsea's 4-0 win over Southampton for playing short passes out from the back.

The 22-year-old, who has replaced Robert Sanchez as the side's number one, came in for criticism after his error proved costly for the team in their 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa on Saturday.

When asked if the fans made it difficult for their own goalkeeper, boss Maresca said: "My message to Filip was if you play a long ball, I will change you - but it is difficult for Filip or Robert when he is playing.

"It is difficult for all the keepers, but they should just follow the plan."

Chelsea returned to winning ways having endured a difficult run of form since Christmas that had seen them pick up just two wins in 10 games.

A small group of just over 100 Blues supporters protested against the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership before the match but, when asked to react, Maresca added: "The only thing I can say is that, at this moment, the fans have to trust because we are in the right process and direction.

"I said since we started that we have been in the top four or Champions League spots for most of the season and I feel it shows we are in the right direction.

"I feel they should trust the players because they are working every day to get the club where it deserves to be, which is in the Champions League."

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We asked for your thoughts after Tuesday's Premier League game between Chelsea and Southampton.

Here are some of your comments:

Chelsea fans

Andy: Good performance from the whole team. Cole Palmer wasn't at his best but it was great to see the other players step up with goals and assists. Cole Palmer FC no more, but I still fully expect he will turn it on again soon - watch out Leicester! Good to see Moises Caicedo get a few minutes' rest and the young players gaining some minutes. Filip Jorgensen was also very good and it looked like a deliberate ploy to keep passing it to him to build his confidence and seems to have worked. Hopefully it is a springboard for the rest of the season.

Tim: Chelsea played with more passion and seem to have found their form again, but they still had a lot of chances that they wasted. Southampton were a good team to play after some poor results. If we can get a few key players back then we can make fourth spot. Then we need to find a new keeper and a more prolific centre-forward in the summer.

Kevin: This doesn't fool me. We did not play well, Southampton are just poor and if we do not improve quickly I cannot see us winning many more games. We simply do not create many scoring chances and we fail to put away the few we have. Frayed nerves until the end of season for us fans, I think!

Tony: Nice to get a win, but it was against a team completely out of their depth in the Premier League. It still feels as though Chelsea are happier going backwards and sideways, and are not moving the ball quickly enough. Hopefully the boys will take confidence from the win and we can start to threaten again.

Southampton fans

Paul: I can't see where our next points are coming from because of the way we are playing at this stage of the season. We sold the experienced players and brought in a group of youngsters that haven't gelled, however potentially talented they are. If we carry on selling the talent when we generate it, we're likely to drop through the leagues yet again. Depressing doesn't cover it.

Martin: Beaten before we started. That team would struggle in the Championship. With the exception of Aaron Ramsdale and Matheus Fernandes, no-one would get in any other Premier League team. Our manager also looks out of his depth.

Daniel: Sadly Ivan Juric cannot get it right either and the line-up seems wrong. Players like Will Smallbone are nowhere near this level. It looks like the players have given up any fight for him and we look completely clueless. Two of the best performances of the season came under Simon Rusk. We could give him a shot to scrape us at least three more points. It is just a dire situation for us to be in.

Matthew: We have no discernible style of play or gameplan. At least with Russell Martin there was a plan and structure, despite it not working perfectly. Then at least we had a chance that it might work, but a team with no plan has no chance. Coupled with the poor calibre of attacking players, we're doomed to keep conceding more goals and creating and fewer opportunities. Our strikers have more left feet than they do Premier League goals. Derby fans are preparing to happily brush off their embarrassing title, and soon.

Forward Cole Palmer will be asked if he is happy to stay at Stamford Bridge this summer if Chelsea miss out on Champions League qualification. (Times - subscription required), external

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Enzo Maresca spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Chelsea's victory against Southampton: "Very happy. We said already that from now on every game is important. And if we get three points it's even better.

"First of all, every game is tricky and anything can happen. We have to embrace that and we started the game in the right way. This is the worst game because everyone takes it for granted. It's dangerous.

"I think the performance was there. Even the last game against Aston Villa the performance was there.

"We said since we start we cannot rely on Cole [Palmer] for every game. He has to continue to work, continue to be happy, continue to laugh they way he does. We are completely happy with him. It is normal to go through a moment where you struggle to score but it doesn't matter. Just continue and you are going to score many goals.

"In some games we have been unlucky and we could have finished it with a clean sheet.

"The players are happy, this is good. We know that every game is difficult and we're trying to win as many games as we can."

Joe Rindl
BBC Sport journalist

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Chelsea were desperate for this win.

After starting the season with 18 wins from 26 matches in all competitions, the Blues had won just three of their past 12 before their match with Southampton.

But they always looked better than the struggling Saints with Christopher Nkunku particularly impressing as they created numerous chances.

While the French forward starred, key man Cole Palmer continued to stutter.

Much has been written about Chelsea's top scorer, who has now gone seven matches without a goal.

He missed two glorious chances when one-on-one in the first half with one effort saved by Aaron Ramsdale and another dragged wide. After the restart he blasted a cut-back over the bar and had a free-kick kept out by Ramsdale.

So while there were plenty of positives for Chelsea supporters, some will continue to worry about Palmer's lengthening goal drought.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca also chose to play goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen who was at fault for Aston Villa's late winner against the Blues last time out.

The 22-year-old Swedish keeper had little to do although he did make a fine diving save to deny a Paul Onuachu header with the score goalless.

Late on, Chelsea gave Premier League debuts to 19-year-old midfielder Mathis Amougou and 17-year-old forward Shumaira Mheuka.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Chelsea's performance

What did you make of Southampton's display?

Come back to this page on Wednesday to find a selection of your replies

Four matches make up Tuesday's Premier League action and we will bring you every moment.

• Brighton v Bournemouth

• Crystal Palace v Aston Villa

• Wolves v Fulham

• Chelsea v Southampton (20:15)

All kick-off times 19:30 GMT unless stated

Follow all the action and reaction here

Chelsea's poor recent from is down to opposition teams figuring out the Enzo Maresa style of play, Blues fan Tom Overend has told The Football News Show's Ben Croucher and ex-Premier League midfielder Michael Brown.

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