The Week That Was...

Last updated : 25 April 2003 By Rich Godden
Last Saturday, we were outplayed by Aston Villa. Aston Villa! The 2-1 defeat left us anxiously clinging on to our Champions League place. Yet, true to Chelsea, we pulled out a stunning victory against Everton on Easter Monday to leap up to third in the table.

Our three main strikers (Jimmy, Eidur and Franco) all got on the scoresheet and the enigma that is Jesper Gronkjaer had arguably one of his best games in a blue shirt. Everything is looking peachy ahead of the big derby this Saturday against Fulham...

Apart from the fact that the groundshare rumours refuse to go away. John Terry issued a hands off warning to Fulham with regards to them sharing the Bridge: he said "Hopefully, that won't be the case. Chelsea have a few problems financially, but I hope we wouldn't have to do that.

"This is our stadium and we don't want to share it with anybody, even if it means getting a bit more money. This is our ground and it should remain ours."

Meanwhile, several players have spoken to the press about our Champions League hopes. Jesper Gronkjaer said "It's important for the club to be in the Champions League and all the players know that. We've had a few seasons not getting into the Champions League and some poor results in the Uefa Cup.

"We're aiming for the Champions League this season and getting closer. And it shouldn't be possible for Everton to do it now."

John Terry also sees the Champions League as being vital to the club's future... he said "Qualifying for the Champions League could make everything a lot easier. Getting into it would enable us to sign up more players. Jody Morris' contract is up at the end of the season and it's vital to hold on to him."

Personally, I think that the club might as well offer Jody Morris a new contract- the money that would be spent replacing him would far outweigh any contract given to him, so it seems like a logical thing to do. Rumours suggest he is Blackburn bound though...

And on the subject of contracts, it looks as if William Gallas will sign a new deal. His agent said "We are close to an agreement. Lots of other clubs are interested but William wants to stay.

"He is happy at Chelsea and has great respect for their coach, Claudio Ranieri. It's up to Chelsea."

You heard the man- sign him up sharpish!

And Eidur Gudjohnsen has been in the press today, talking about his season. He said "It's been frustrating at times for me this season but I've kept on believing and hopefully I can nick another couple of goals before the end of the season.

"It would be nice to end an average season on a bit of a high.

"I've said it since December that qualifying for the Champions League is a must. It would be such a shame to let it slip away now. We've worked hard all season to get that.''

It has been hard work for the Blues to get in this position and Eidur is right- it would be a shame to let it slip. Yet the Daily Express seem to think the Champions League is bringing us £100million- why else would they be linking us with a £7 million move for Joe Cole?

When will they learn!