Levi Colwill`s Unexpected Reward
Defender Levi Colwill received an unusual prize following Chelsea`s successful Conference League campaign. Ahead of the final last month, the player shared that he enjoys building LEGO sets as a form of therapy and a way to relax from the intensity of top-tier football.
In appreciation for his contribution to the team`s cup win (a 2-0 victory over Real Betis in Poland on May 28) and for generating publicity for their brand, the Danish toy company LEGO sent Colwill a gift set.
The gift is a 487-piece Marvel Spider-Man head model, which should provide the centre-back with a pastime during his downtime at the Club World Cup.
Colwill previously mentioned using LEGO to maintain a positive mindset while injured last season, having built a model of the Home Alone house. We look forward to hearing about his progress on the new build.
Maresca Focused, Players Explore Philadelphia
When asked by a local reporter about his impressions of Philadelphia during the Club World Cup, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca quipped that he was primarily familiar with the route between the training ground and the hotel, having had little opportunity to explore the city.
Philadelphia is known as a notable city, historically serving as a U.S. capital alongside New York and Washington D.C.
In contrast to the busy manager, some Chelsea players have found time to see the sights. Reporters even spotted Marc Cucurella and several teammates taking a stroll through the city centre recently.
Filipe Luis`s Touching Reunion
Filipe Luis, widely regarded as one of football`s most amiable personalities, reinforced this reputation before his Flamengo side faced Chelsea in the Club World Cup last Friday.
The former Chelsea full-back spent only one season at Stamford Bridge a decade ago and didn`t fully settle, but he made friends and won the Premier League and League Cup.
Despite having left Chelsea many years ago, Luis, now manager of Flamengo, made a point of seeking out Darren Walsh, Chelsea`s long-serving club photographer, in the dugout area before the match.
The two shared a warm embrace, and Luis specifically thanked Walsh for a photo from 2015 showing him lifting the Premier League trophy. Luis, 39, shared that he still proudly displays this photograph at his home in South America.
Andrey Santos` Chelsea Future Concerns
Chelsea fans are growing worried about midfielder Andrey Santos` prospects at Stamford Bridge, questioning if he`ll truly get a fair chance.
The Brazilian impressed during his loan spell at sister club RC Strasbourg last season, but he is yet to play for Chelsea in the current Club World Cup.
The fact that newer signings like Dario Essugo and Liam Delap have featured, particularly Essugo who plays a similar position, has added to fans` confusion regarding Santos` absence.
This frustration was heightened when he was left out against Flamengo, a match against a fellow Brazilian club (Santos came from Vasco Da Gama) that would have undoubtedly motivated him.
Supporters fear a scenario similar to Djordje Petrovic, where a lack of first-team opportunities could lead a promising talent to seek a move elsewhere for regular playing time.
While linked with clubs like PSG, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal, Santos is still expected to remain at Chelsea and compete for a midfield spot alongside players like Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez.
He is anticipated to play in Chelsea`s final Club World Cup group match against ES Tunis, with Maresca confirming plans for squad rotation. The manager stated, “For sure, tomorrow we are going to do rotation. We`ll see if there is any chance for the ones that are not playing a lot.”
Depending on the extent of Maresca`s rotation in the hot conditions, this could also mean game time for players like Christopher Nkunku or goalkeeper Mike Penders. However, if Santos is again left out, it`s clear he will be disappointed.
Leaked 25/26 Kit Designs
Chelsea`s modern identity is often associated with stylish kits, and their collection for the 2025/26 season appears to follow this trend.
Given the high price of football shirts, fans often need to be selective about which one they purchase.
The new home and away kit launches have been popular, with many fans eager to buy shirts featuring `PALMER 10` and the Champions League sleeve badges. However, leaked images of the pre-match shirt, which is significantly cheaper, might make some fans regret their earlier purchases.
This leaked pre-match design aligns with Nike`s `T90` theme for next season, tapping into the current popularity of football nostalgia.
It`s expected that a black third kit will also feature the retro badge and T90 detailing. This design could prove to be the most popular among fans and a frequent choice for wear at Stamford Bridge next season.
Thiago Silva`s Enduring Class and Reunion
Thiago Silva`s departure from Chelsea just over a year ago was an emotional moment for many fans, who saw him leave as a club hero.
His performances in the Club World Cup this summer suggest he could potentially still contribute to Enzo Maresca`s team, even in a reduced capacity this season.
Playing for his boyhood club Fluminense, he put in a strong 90-minute performance in a clean sheet against Borussia Dortmund. He excelled in aerial duels, made clearances and interceptions, and was remarkably not dribbled past once.
Beyond his on-field performance, Silva also demonstrated the positive impact he had within the Chelsea dressing room, sharing a touching moment on the pitch with young player Carney Chukwuemeka.
His experience and leadership might have helped Chelsea achieve a higher league position, and a player of his calibre would undoubtedly be an asset in their Champions League campaign next season.
The 40-year-old defender continues to impress with his form and is widely expected to return to Chelsea in some capacity in the future.
Hernan Crespo Coaching Angelo Candido
Former Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo has taken up a significant coaching position in Brazil and will now play a key role in the development of one of Chelsea`s most recent young signings.
Crespo has returned for a second spell as manager of Sao Paulo, replacing fellow Argentine Luis Zubeldia.
The 49-year-old`s return comes over four years after he led the club to the Sao Paulo state title, ending their nine-year trophy drought.
Following that, he coached in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, guiding Al-Ain to the Asian Champions League title in 2024 and securing their spot in the current Club World Cup.
Crespo was a Chelsea player for five years, featuring under Jose Mourinho and being part of the Premier League-winning squad in 2005-06.
His current Sao Paulo squad combines youth and experience, including three players familiar from spells in England: former Chelsea player Oscar, Lucas Moura (ex-Tottenham), and Cedric Soares (played for Southampton, Arsenal, and Fulham).
Alongside these experienced players is an exciting young talent who caught the eye of Chelsea scouts at this year`s South American Under-17 Championships and is seen as a future star.
This is 16-year-old Angelo Candido, who started all six matches for Brazil as they won the tournament, scoring their goal in the final with a spectacular header.
Chelsea`s scouting network was clearly impressed, as sister club Strasbourg recently signed the teenager in a £4.5m deal.
While he cannot officially join Strasbourg until after his 18th birthday, Candido has a strong chance of breaking into the Sao Paulo first team before then if his rapid progress continues under Crespo.
