Pedro Rodríguez

[OhForAGreavsie 5,892]

5 hours ago, Jason said:

I don't understand why people have read or are reading too much into Pulisic's comments about getting ignored on his first day. He said it himself, it was after a long training day, everyone was tired and sleeping inside the bus. I'm sure he got a proper introduction the following day and he didn't mean anything malicious with it. There's nothing after that to suggest he isn't liked etc and he looks to be getting along well with the younger players, which is hardly surprising.

We aren't the only club to have not made the players take a pay cut. Based on the usual reliable sources, discussions between the players and club were amicable and there was no ill feeling between both parties. The club asked the players to continue supporting charities during this pandemic and given we have not furloughed any staff, continue to pay the players and staff's wages in full and are looking to spend big in the transfer window, it suggests the club are in a good/stable position to survive this period without the wage cut. And that is when you consider we have two full proper teams within the club - the men and women teams.

As for Pedro, I agree with you that he has every right to do what he wants since his contract expires on June 30 but I'd reserve my judgment until we get an official news or stories from more reliable sources on what's happening. Right now, the rumors that are going around are just that...rumors. 

Thanks J,

I hope I've made it clear that I am also reserving judgement on the Pedro story by prefacing my comments with, "If true". 

Pulli described traveling alone from his arrival point and meeting up with the squad at their hotel during the preseason tour. He said that he was then pretty much left to his own devices until the start of his first training session. Contrast this with earlier new signings joining up during overseas tours being met at the airport by JT, and travelling with him to get settled in and to meet the group.

In my previous comments about the players help for the club*, and in the one to which you replied, I've acknowledged that there is room for impressions to be updated when more complete information is known. Notice I said the players seemingly didn't offer to help the club.

It was reported that the players offered to sacrifice a portion of their earnings on condition that the club paid that money to charity instead. This would result in little or no saving to the club. Granted, the club's press release stated that the players had been asked to make charitable donations, but reports suggested that this was just an attempt to spin the outcome of discussions. It was said that Chelsea still hoped the players would agree to share some of the financial burden.

I'm proud of the way CFC has behaved during the pandemic, and I have a good opinion of our players too. Whether we ever get to hear details or not, I hope club and players resolve the situation in a way that shows they really are in this together.

*To avoid any thoughts of hypocrisy: The club is refunding a pro-rata amount from the cost of season tickets. It has invited ST holders to make a donation, if they wish, to one of a selection of charities, and stated they will match amounts donated. I wrote to the club saying that I had made (small) contributions to a number of charities already, and that I would prefer the club to keep the refund. They have not replied.

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7 minutes ago, OhForAGreavsie said:

Pulli described traveling alone from his arrival point and meeting up with the squad at their hotel during the preseason tour, then pretty much being left to his own devices until the start of the first training session he was involved with. Contrast this with previous new signings joining up during overseas tours being met at the airport by JT and travelling with him to be introduced to the group.

But...but, it's just a minor thing?  I can't remember the past but don't tell me JT went and met with every new signing at the airport etc in the past?

8 minutes ago, OhForAGreavsie said:

In my previous comments about the players help for the club*, and in the one to which you replied, I've acknowledged that there is room for impressions to be updated when more complete information is known. Notice I said the players seemingly didn't offer to help the club.

It was reported that the players offered to sacrifice a portion of their earnings on condition that the club paid that money to charity instead. This would result in little or no saving to the club. Granted, the club's press release stated that the players had been asked to make charitable donations, but reports suggested that this was just an attempt to spin the outcome of discussions. It was said that Chelsea still hoped the players would agree to share some of the financial burden.

I'm proud of the way CFC has behaved during the pandemic, and I have a good opinion of our players too. Whether we ever get to hear details or not, I hope club and players resolve the situation in a way that shows they really are in this together.

There has been nothing to suggest that the players and club are or have been on bad terms over the wage cut. Am sure they are resolving or have resolved the issue amicably. 

[OhForAGreavsie 5,892]

1 minute ago, Jason said:

But...but, it's just a minor thing?  I can't remember the past but don't tell me JT went and met with every new signing at the airport etc in the past? 

No, I can't say that I know that he did meet them all but players have described him doing that to welcome them so it was at least an occasional thing. The examples I remember were of players joining an American tour in progress.

5 minutes ago, Jason said:

There has been nothing to suggest that the players and club are or have been on bad terms over the wage cut. Am sure they are resolving or have resolved the issue amicably. 

Agreed.

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Chelsea are still waiting to find out whether or not Willian and Pedro will sign contract extensions to play for the club past June 30 with the pair worried over what will happen if they suffer serious injuries.

Telegraph Sport understands both players are open to the prospect of signing extensions to the end of the season, but progress has been held up over what would happen if either player sustained an injury that could leave them without a club.

It means that with just over a week to go until Chelsea restart their season against Aston Villa, head coach Frank Lampard is unsure over whether or not he will be able to count on two of his most experienced players.

Willian and Pedro are both out of contract in the summer and have been the subject of interest from clubs in England and in Europe.

While the duo are keen to play out what may be their final seasons at Stamford Bridge, there is also concern over what would happen if they suffered an injury that prevented them finding a new club.

One solution would be for Chelsea to include clauses in any temporary extension that would guarantee them another short-term extension if they suffered an injury that prevented them joining a new club in the next transfer window.

But, given it has not been decided when the next transfer window will open and how long it will run for, the club would understandably be reluctant to make any such commitments.

Further complicating the situation of Willian has been the fact that Chelsea made what they believed to be a very good offer of a two-year extension to his deal only for the Brazilian to request three more years.

Signing a two-year contract would alleviate any of the fears the 31-year-old has over the threat of sustaining an injury during Chelsea’s run-in to this season.

Willian has attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, while Pedro has held talks with Roma - and Valencia have shown an interest in the former Barcelona man.

Negotiations with Willian and Pedro will continue, as clubs have until June 23 to reach an agreement with players whose contracts are due to expire at the end of the month.

But Lampard will hope to have some clarity from the pair as soon as possible. Other than Willian and Pedro, he has Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Mason Mount to choose from in wide positions.

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Frank Lampard making plans for life at Chelsea without Willian and Pedro in case duo depart

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/06/16/frank-lampard-making-plans-life-chelsea-withoutwillian-pedro/

Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard has been making plans in case Willian and Pedro Rodriguez do not extend their contracts past June 30.

With less than a week to go before players whose contracts are due to expire at the end of this month must sign temporary extensions to take them to the end of the delayed season, Chelsea are yet to receive clarity on the intentions of Willian and Pedro.

That means Lampard has had to use this mini pre-season ahead of Chelsea’s first game back against Aston Villa on Sunday to make plans in case the pair decide not to play on.

Players have until June 23 to sign temporary extensions, otherwise they will not be able to play on after June 30. That means Willian and Pedro will certainly be available for the Villa game, plus the visit of Manchester City and the FA Cup tie against Leicester City.

But Lampard is having to give consideration to a scenario in which he could be without the pair for the seven Premier League games after that and has tested a number of players in their positions.

Lampard has fit-again Christian Pulisic and winger Callum Hudson-Odoi who can comfortably step in for Willian and Pedro, while midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s return offers him further options.

Mason Mount has played wide left on a number of occasions this season, while Loftus-Cheek has himself been used in forward positions in the past and underlined his goal threat with a brace in the friendly against Queens Park Rangers.

Lampard has been careful not to allow Chelsea to give away too many clues from their training sessions and games, but it is understood players have been rotated heavily in the wide positions.

Willian has previously claimed he would be happy to play out the remainder of the season with Chelsea, even if he leaves the club in the next transfer window. But he and Pedro are yet to commit themselves amid suggestions that the duo are concerned about what would happen if they sustained injuries over the run-in.

Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have shown an interest in Willian, who took part in a number of unapproved interviews regarding his future after flying to Brazil during the coronavirus lockdown, while Roma and Valencia have held talks over a move for Pedro.

Losing two of his most experienced players for the run-in, with Chelsea competing for Champions League qualification and the FA Cup, would be a blow to Lampard but the club can do little more than wait to see if Willian and Pedro sign up.

Further complicating negotiations over this season has been the fact that Willian rejected Chelsea’s offer of a new two-year contract, insisting he wanted a three-year extension.

[Blues Forever 1,232]

 

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1 minute ago, Blues Forever said:

 

Well, that's unfortunate.....

[Yeboii 1,844]

Guess that is why Livramento was getting into first team practice.

[Pizy 18,368]

Can't blame him but yeah, that's unfortunate for us. If Willian does the same it'll really be a blow. Especially if Willian does so and then joins one of our rivals. 

[Rapkun 668]

If we lose both Pedro and Willian, it would seriously hurt our chances for Champions League football. We really needed the whole squad.

[Atomiswave 6,072]

Thats not so good all things considered and could well bite us hard, he is well entitled to do that now that he is off to Roma. Willan will follow suit only matter of time now. Bloody hell lets for gods sake not blow top 4 finish. I dont want thursday night footy in Khazakstan bazakstan etc etc.

[Rapkun 668]

5 minutes ago, Atomiswave said:

Thats not so good all things considered and could well bite us hard, he is well entitled to do that now that he is off to Roma. Willan will follow suit only matter of time now. Bloody hell lets for gods sake not blow top 4 finish. I dont want thursday night footy in Khazakstan bazakstan etc etc.

I still have hope Willian will try to finish the season with us considering he's been here longer than Pedro and probably cares more about the club, but we're close to deadline now and his agent will do everything to convince him not to.

[Atomiswave 6,072]

3 minutes ago, Rapkun said:

I still have hope Willian will try to finish the season with us considering he's been here longer than Pedro and probably cares more about the club, but we're close to deadline now and his agent will do everything to convince him not to.

Yeah makes sense...fat chance he is here till the last game. I bet JM has been in contact with him for spurs.

[Vesper 28,801]

9 hours ago, Blues Forever said:

 

Exclusive: Pedro unwilling to play for Chelsea after agreeing Roma move

https://theathletic.com/1877942/2020/06/17/pedro-chelsea-roma-transfer-premier-league/

Pedro is unwilling to finish the season with Chelsea because he has agreed terms with Roma to play for them in 2020-21 and does not want to put the move at risk.

Sources have told The Athletic that Pedro has finalised a two-year deal with the Serie A club, which includes an option for another year. He will be paid in the region of £56,000 a week.

The former Barcelona forward’s current contract at Chelsea runs out at the end of this month, but Chelsea have been trying to convince him to agree a short-term extension so he can play their remaining matches, which stretch into August. Chelsea have nine fixtures in the Premier League, an FA Cup quarter-final against Leicester and the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich.

The latter, which will be held on August 7 or 8, isn’t so important as Bayern boast a 3-0 advantage from the first leg in February. But Chelsea need a strong squad to help them qualify for Europe’s elite club competition again via the Premier League, as well as trying to win the FA Cup — the final of which takes place on August 1.

Special dispensation was put in place for players whose deals were expiring on June 30 because of matches being postponed for more than three months due to the pandemic.

Willian is in the same situation at Stamford Bridge, but neither the Brazilian or Pedro have put pen to paper and time is running out. All temporary agreements have to be completed by next Tuesday. Both players have been involved in Chelsea’s preparations up until now, however coach Frank Lampard has been looking at other options to play out wide before the club’s first match of the restart away to Aston Villa on Sunday. Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount could all play in the wide positions against Villa should one or both of Willian and Pedro refuse to play.

It is believed Pedro does not want to sign anything with Chelsea. He is reluctant to play for the club again for fear of picking up an injury and missing out on a payday worth £2.9 million a year in Rome.

Pedro, who joined Chelsea from Barcelona for £21.4 million in 2015, turns 33 next month and sees the switch as not only financially beneficial, but provides him with an opportunity to still play at a high level for a few more years.

Roma want to add a player of his experience — Pedro has won 25 major honours for club and country — to their squad to help them qualify for the Champions League in 2021-22. They need someone to do a similar job to that of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who is currently on loan at Roma from Arsenal but has been able to play only 13 times in Serie A for them due to injury.

Pedro has held talks with clubs for several months, including Valencia and MLS outfit Inter Miami. It was clear from a very early stage that he would be allowed to leave Chelsea as a free agent at the end of this season.

He has scored a credible 43 goals in 201 appearances for Chelsea, but has started just eight times under Lampard in the Premier League. He was a key part of the squad which won the Premier League in 2017, the FA Cup a year later and the Europa League 13 months ago.

It will take a late U-turn for the situation to change and for Pedro to feature for the club again.

There is a bit more optimism over Willian, however. The Athletic has already reported he is prepared to keep playing until the season comes to an end. The 31-year-old significantly started and scored in a 7-1 friendly win over QPR on Sunday.

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[DDA 9,690]

Think we will need a few Pedro clutch goals in this run to the end.