Fabrizio Romano drops 'real' Chelsea manager development as 'top' coach would 'love' move

Joao Pedro admitted he felt sorry for Chelsea supporters after Monday’s 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest extended their desperate run.

It was a sixth Premier League defeat in a row for the Blues for the first time since 1993 and meant it was now impossible for them to finish in the top five and qualify automatically for the Champions League.

There is also the increasing likelihood that they will struggle to finish high enough to make either of the other two European competitions, after defeat to a Forest side showing eight changes saw them drop to ninth, with a visit to Anfield to play Liverpool up next.

Chelsea went a goal down to Taiwo Awoniyi after 98 seconds as they gave the ball away at a throw-in and from there their afternoon fell apart.

“From the beginning we conceded too early which made it really difficult to turn the game around,” said Pedro. “We need to find a way not to make these mistakes every game.

“This is the Premier League. If you concede very early, it’s difficult to come back. Everyone needs to look at themselves, me included, to find a way to do better. I feel sorry for the fans. We need to see where we can improve.”

Any suggestion that last weekend’s FA Cup semi-final win over Leeds had turned around Chelsea’s season was swept away at Stamford Bridge by Forest’s second string.

Manager Vitor Pereira had an eye on Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa but the team he sent out in west London were better than their hosts in every department.

Igor Jesus scored a penalty to make it 2-0 after Malo Gusto had fouled Awoniyi, then the striker tapped in from Morgan Gibbs-White’s cross in the second half.

Pedro smashed in an overhead kick in stoppage-time which at least spared the Blues the humiliation of a sixth loss in a row without scoring for the first time in their history, drawing ironic cheers from the small number of supporters who had stayed.

There was also a missed penalty from Cole Palmer and a serious head injury to teenage debutant Jesse Derry, who required oxygen on the pitch before being taken to hospital, on an awful day for the club.

“We need to improve,” said Pedro. “Everyone needs to step up, me included. We always talk to each other to find a way to win games. Last week we beat Leeds, this week it didn’t happen. We need to find a way to be consistent.

“I think the motivation is always there. We still need to fight for every point, every game and in the end, we can see what we can achieve.”

Chelsea manager latest: Xavi approach, Iraola decision

Speaking on his personal Youtube channel, Fabrizio Romano refuted claims Chelsea have made an approach to former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez, despite hailing him as a 'top' coach.

The legendary midfielder, who went on to win La Liga as Barca manager, has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, with reports in the English press claiming there have been talks over a deal.

Romano states no such talks have taken place, but does confirm the Spaniard would 'love' to test himself in the Premier League, leaivng the door open to a move in the future.

"They are not talking to Xavi, there are different candidates, there are different names on the shortlist, what's real is that Xavi would love to work in England.

"Xavi feels ready for an opportunity even outside of Spain, Xavi feels ready for a new chapter."

Another possible candidate is Andoni Irola, with Football Insider reporting this week that both Chelsea and Crystal Palace have made approaches to the departing Bournemouth boss.

The 43 year-old is set to delay his decision however, as he is expecting interest from a number of different clubs this summer.

For Chelsea, Calum McFarlane will continue until the end of the season and have the chance to win his first trophy as a manager in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

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