Chelsea Owner’s Pursuit of Neymar Could Lead to Ancelotti Exit

Stamford Bridge owner wants to get involved in transfer matters again.

According to reports in South America, Chelsea’s representatives have been in contact with Santos over a summer deal for the 18-year-old Samba starlet.
However, the move is being driven by club owner Roman Abramovich and apparently without approval from Ancelotti – a situation that could leave the Italian out in the cold, and therefore out of a job, at the end of the year.
The former AC Milan coach, who won the double last season, has previously stated it would ‘not be a problem’ if he was let go by the Blues in the summer after what looks set to be a trophyless campaign.
But his move towards the Stamford Bridge exit could be accelerated by Abramovich’s meddling in the club’s transfer dealings, which has been highlighted as a problem before.
Neymar has already stated his desire to move to the Premier League this summer, saying Chelsea are ‘a great club’ and ‘it’s a dream of every player to play there’.
However, after being told of Neymar’s comments last month, Ancelotti said he was ‘not interested’.
‘It’s good for the club and the manager if players want to come here. He’s very young and a fantastic talent but at this moment we’re not interested,’ he said.

SOURCE: Metro

Meddling in transfer business was said to have been one of the big reasons for Jose Mourinho’s departure and was something that ‘Big Phil’ Scolari has stated was a factor during his brief stint at Stamford Bridge, so could owner Roman Abramovich be set to anger Carlo Ancelotti into leaving? Is that perhaps the Russian billionaire’s plan?

There are some who believe that Fernando Torres’s arrival at Chelsea was not sanctioned by Ancelotti either and that move has not exactly paid off either and one wonders if the pursuit of Neymar could be the final straw for the Italian who is strongly linked with a return to Roma this summer.

There is a great deal of speculation that this summer could see some real upheavals at the West London club with a number of the club’s old guard linked with Blues exits. The likes of Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka are all supposedly exit bound with Chelsea looking to the future, hence Abramovich’s reported interest in teenager Neymar.

The Brazilian international has been in phenomenal form for Santos and impressed whilst in action in London when he scored twice against Scotland in the friendly at the Emirates Stadium. Abramovich is apparently ready to splash the cash again having spent large sums to bring in Fernando Torres and David Luiz in January.

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Chelsea Are Not Interested In Neymar Says Carlo Ancelotti

Stamford Bridge boss denies speculation linking club with Brazilian star.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti says signing Santos forward Neymar is not in the club’s plans.

The 19-year-old declared it would be his dream to play at Stamford Bridge and was subject of £23million bid last summer.

After the Scotland game, Neymar said: “It’s a dream of every player to play at Chelsea.” He made similar comments earlier in the season.

But Ancelotti, who watched the Brazilian play in the 2-0 victory over Scotland, says the club are not interested having spent £50million on Fernando Torres in January.

“It’s good news because it’s good for the club and the manager if players want to come here,” Ancelotti said.

“It shows the rumours are true – there’s a good atmosphere here. He’s very young, a fantastic talent. At this moment, we’re not interested.”

“It was a good performance (against Scotland), but the best player on the pitch was [the Chelsea midfielder] Ramires – 100%.”

Since Neymar made his comments, he has shown interest in Barcelona whilst saying he wants to see out the remaining three-years on his contract with Santos.

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Neymar Told Not To Go To Chelsea By Santos President

Move to Stamford Bridge from Vila Belmiro would not suit the latest Brazilian superstar.

Santos forward Neymar has been warned off his ‘dream’ move to Chelsea by his club president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro De Oliveira.

The 19-year-old admitted this week it wants to play in England and said it would be his dream to play at Stamford Bridge.

The Brazil international even had a £23million bid accepted by his club from the Blues last year but the player felt it was not the right time to leave his family.

But Oliveira believes a move to West London is not a good idea as the style of play and weather is not suited to Neymar’s game.

“Playing in England is not the same as playing at Vila Belmiro,” he told ESPN. “It is much worse, because of the climate and the style of football, which he is unaccustomed to.

“We have demonstrated that, as he has developed into a player who represents the best of Brazilian football – being audacious, skillful, effective, attacking – he is going to become a key figure in the history of Brazilian football.

“He is going to gain international recognition, and maybe get chosen as the best player in the world, playing in Brazil.

“This is something that hasn’t happened since Pele’s day, and he has a golden chance.”

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Santos chief warns Neymar against England

Chelsea failed with a bid to sign Neymar, 19, from Santos last summer but retain an interest in the player and Carlo Ancelotti was present at Emirates Stadium on Sunday as the forward netted both goals in a 2-0 victory over Scotland.

Neymar has said it would be his "dream" to play for the Blues and, after his starring performance in England on Sunday, said: "The stadium is great; the pitch is, too. The weather I don't like all that much, but I could get used to it."

Oliveira, though, feels Neymar would struggle to play his natural game if he moved to a Premier League club.

"Playing in England is not the same as playing at [Santos' stadium] Vila Belmiro," he told ESPN. "It is much worse, because of the climate and the style of football, which he is unaccustomed to.

"We have demonstrated that, as he has developed into a player who represents the best of Brazilian football - being audacious, skillful, effective, attacking - he is going to become a key figure in the history of Brazilian football.

"He is going to gain international recognition, and maybe get chosen as the best player in the world, playing in Brazil. This is something that hasn't happened since Pele's day, and he has a golden chance."

Neymar has indicated that he has no plans to force a move from Santos in the imminent future. "I am happy there and, when the time comes, God will make me take the right decision and things will happen," he said.

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Chelsea Star David Luiz Wants Blues to Sign Neymar

New Brazilian international wants Stamford Bridge side to nab hot prospect.

David Luiz has urged Neymar to join Chelsea after the Brazil striker admitted he wants to move to Europe. The teenage Santos star scored twice against Scotland at the Emirates, watched by scouts from Juventus and Barcelona.

Chelsea twice tried to buy the 19-year-old last year before he opted to stay in South America. But now Luiz, who has become an instant hit at Stamford Bridge after joining in January, said he wants Neymar to join him and their countryman Ramires in West London.

“I am very happy, because I’m at one of the best teams in the world,” said former Benfica defender Luiz. “I would love it if Neymar came to Chelsea. He is going to be one of the best players in the world.”

Any transfer will be complicated by the fact that, last year, Santos sold on 10 per cent of his future transfer fee to an investment company.

SOURCE: Daily Mirror

Whilst clearly Neymar is developing a names of himself as something of a ‘diver’ there is also no doubting he has a great deal of potential and though the youngster has stated his desire to play in Spain or Italy rather than move to the Premier League, David Luiz would like the Blues to make an offer for the Santos teenager.

Luiz himself has started very brightly since his move from Benfica and it is true that Carlo Ancelotti and Roman Abramovich appear to be looking to build a new generation of talent and given that strikers Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka are both heading towards the end of their careers, perhaps a move for Neymar would be a wise, if expensive, one.

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Scots rebut Neymar racism claim

Neymar (centre) scored both goals as Brazil eased to victory against Scotland

A banana was thrown onto the field during Brazil's 2-0 victory and Neymar accused some fans of racist behaviour.

But the SFA said: "The Scotland supporters are known the world over for their impeccable behaviour."

And police match commander Mark Sheeran said: "The Scottish fans' behaviour was first class. There were no issues at all inside the stadium."

The SFA also say they will contact the Brazilian Football Federation and the match organisers, Kentaro, to inform them of their information and of supporters' widespread unhappiness at the accusations.

A statement added: "The Scottish FA also refutes claims from Neymar that he was the victim of racist jeers. There was no evidence of such instances but the Scotland supporters have confirmed they booed the player for perceived unsporting behaviour during the match.

"The tens of thousands of Scotland fans who travelled to London were, in fact, commended for creating a carnival atmosphere not just inside the stadium but across the city throughout the weekend."

Brazil midfielder Lucas Leiva removed the banana from the penalty box Scotland were defending in the 83rd minute of the friendly match at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.

And the majority of fans behind Allan McGregor's goal at that time were Brazilian.

Asked to comment on the banana incident, Liverpool midfielder Lucas said: "There is no more space for racism in the world.

"They say it's the first world here in Europe, but it's where it happens the most. That has to change.

"Everybody is equal today. It's a matter of respect."

Teenager striker Neymar, who scored both goals, was jeered by some spectators after receiving treatment in the first half following a Scott Brown challenge.

And former Scotland international Pat Nevin explained that the booing was a result of the Brazilian's playacting.

"He's one of those guys who lives in an alternative universe where the slightest brush leads to mortal pain as if it's going to kill him and then 20 seconds later it's magically got better," said Nevin, who was summarising the match for BBC Radio 5 live.

"I was getting infuriated really early on in the game with his actions when he was doing that because he's so brilliant, and that was what I thought the Scotland fans were shouting at.

"They were furious with all the diving about, rolling about feigning injury. If there was any racist abuse in the midst of that then I would be quite surprised but also completely and utterly disgusted and horrified because that doesn't sound like the Tartan Army."

Neymar, a reported target for many leading European clubs, made it three goals in three games for Brazil in a very one-sided affair.

But a memorable day for the 19-year-old was soured by the incident involving the banana and the catcalls.

They were jeering me a lot, even when I was about to kick the penalty

"This atmosphere of racism is totally sad," Neymar told a Brazilian TV station. "We leave our country to play here and something like this happens."

"They were jeering me a lot, even when I was about to kick the penalty the entire stadium was jeering.

"It's sad. I would rather not even talk about it, to keep the subject from escalating."

Brazil head coach Mano Menezes admitted he hadn't seen the incident, while Scotland manager Craig Levein added: "I don't know anything about that."

Meanwhile, Menezes believes Neymar, who has been linked with Real Madrid and Chelsea, would improve if he moved to England but would be a loss to the fans in Brazil.

"I think that could only be good for Neymar as it would be a confirmation of his development," he said.

"English football would make him stronger and help to escape strong marking.

"I don't see any problem.

"But Brazil fans will be deprived of watching a good player."

Menezes was diplomatic when asked if any of the Scottish players had impressed him.

"Scotland does not depend on individuals, it is a collective work," he responded.

"They had players missing like Darren Fletcher, who is important for Scotland and Manchester United, so they certainly have good individual players some of whom play in England.

"But Brazil controlled the game well so we could not see anything of their individual players."

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Nifty Neymar punishes Scots

The 19-year-old stole the show as the Samba stars made easy work of battling Scotland.

Brazil bossed the first half without getting their reward until the Santos youngster superbly curled home the opener shortly before half-time.

And he doubled their advantage after the break by winning and converting a 77th minute penalty.

It was no disgrace for Craig Levein's side who worked hard throughout but ultimately failed to bridge the gulf in class between the two countries.

And it left Scotland still looking for their elusive first win over Brazil.

The Scots had not beaten Brazil in nine previous encounters and there was little chance of ending that record in North London as they chased the ball almost from the first whistle.

There was a lively atmosphere in the ground before kick-off which was helped by the appearance beforehand of Brazil legend Ronaldo as guest of honour.

Scotland had an early opportunity when Kenny Miller, captain for the day, was fouled by Brazil defender Lucio 30 yards from goal but Charlie Adam's free-kick cannoned off the defensive wall.

The Scots were encouraged but midfielders James McArthur and Adam were guilty of some slackness with their passing which went unpunished.

However, Brazil slowly warmed to the task, showing little glimpses of their trademark fluidity going forward and in the 15th minute Chelsea midfielder Ramires rose high at the back post but could only head over from Elano's cross.

As the famous yellow shirts turned the screw, Jadson's low drive was parried by Allan McGregor before the Scots defence scrambled the ball to safety and then Leandro Damiao skimmed the bar with a header from Elano's corner.

Scotland were chasing the game as Brazil moved up the gears and Leandro had another chance from an Elano cross but this time headed wide.

Levein's side escaped again in the 27th minute when Lucas Leiva and Elano combined down the right and the Liverpool player's cut-back took the combination of McGregor and defender Gary Caldwell to clear, with the latter maybe helped by the use of an arm.

Scotland came close for the first time in the 35th minute when a wonderful whipped in free-kick by Adam was met by Steven Whittaker whose header sped past the far post.

However, Brazil's expected goal arrived four minutes from the break when Neymar took a pass from Andre Santos inside the Scotland box and ignored the attention of Caldwell to almost casually fire past McGregor and in to the far corner.

Neymar started the second half as positively as he had finished the first and there were less than two minutes played when he unleashed a drive from distance which clipped the bar on the way over.

From the goal-kick McGregor put McArthur in trouble and the Rangers keeper had to make amends, diving to take the ball away from Neymar's toes before blocking Leandro's close-range shot.

Scotland were cut open again in the 52nd minute but Ramires blasted over from inside the box after taking a pass from overlapping full-back Dani Alves.

Another Elano corner was headed past the post by Leandro on the hour mark by which time Brazil had the game even more firmly in control.

There was a big cheer from the Tartan Army in the 63rd minute when Scotland won their first corner but Adam's disappointing effort was easily cleared, before Kris Commons came on for Whittaker.

The introduction of the Celtic wide man momentarily fired up Scotland and re-energised the Scots' fans.

But in the 76th minute a clumsy challenge by Adam on Neymar saw referee Howard Webb point to the spot and the striker sent McGregor the wrong way with the well-taken penalty.

Then, as Scotland defended some more, the ball appeared to strike the hand of Caldwell again as he tried to block a shot from Santos but Webb shook his head.

Two minutes from the end, after Brown was fouled by substitute Elias 30 yards from goal, Commons' free-kick was comfortably saved by Julio Cesar and any hope of a consolation was gone, although there was still time for Brazil substitute Jonas to miss a sitter.

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Neymar racism row mars Brazil win

Brazil star Neymar is at the centre of a racism row after a banana was thrown on to the field during his country's 2-0 victory over Scotland at the Emirates Stadium.

The alleged incident took place as the 19-year-old was preparing to take a penalty to score his second of two goals during Sunday's match.

Speaking afterwards, Neymar accused some spectators of racially abusing him, a claim also made by team-mate Lucas Leiva, who television pictures reportedly showed retrieving the banana.

Neymar said: "I feel great and scored two but what happened with the banana is sad. I don't want to make a big deal of it. I was running down the touchline in the second half and saw it but I didn't see where it came from.''

Santos forward Neymar, who has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea, said on Brazilian television channel Sportv: "They were jeering me a lot, even when I was about to kick the penalty. The entire stadium was jeering. This atmosphere of racism is totally sad.

"We leave our country to play here and something like this happens. It's sad. I'd rather not even talk about it, to keep the subject from escalating.''

Sunday's match was played at a neutral venue in England and it is unclear whether the banana was thrown by a supporter of either side or a neutral.

The Scottish Football Association have strongly refuted claims that Scotland fans - the Tartan Army - had any involvement and a spokesperson said: "There has been no such incident reported to the police or the stadium safety officer. In fact, the tens of thousands of Scotland supporters who travelled to the Emirates were commended for their behaviour.

"The Scotland supporters are known the world over for their impeccable behaviour and we have no reason to believe that, after speaking to the relevant authorities, they have been anything other than exemplary.

"The Scotland fans helped create a wonderful spectacle inside the Emirates and throughout London and should be applauded for their support.''

Neymar's Brazilian team-mate Lucas, who plays his club football at Liverpool, said: "There is no more space for racism in the world. They say it's the first world here in Europe, but it's where it happens the most. That has to change. Everybody is equal today. It's a matter of respect.''

Brazil manager Mano Menezes and Scotland boss Craig Levein both denied any knowledge of the incident. Menezes said: "If it happened, that would be lamentable but it has not been confirmed yet.''

Tartan Army spokesman Hamish Husband strongly denied the jeering of Neymar was racially motivated. He said: "The reason Neymar was booed was because we believed he was feigning injury. Racism has no place in the Tartan Army, and if it did, it would be stamped out immediately, because we are self-policing.

"Any suggestion of racism from the Tartan Army today, as far as I am concerned, is absolute tosh. We accept that Brazil played us off the park, and we applauded them for that.''

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