Latest news with #Lavia
Daily Mirror
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Chelsea star Lavia eyes Club World Cup win after 'craziest game I've played in'
Romeo Lavia impressed as Chelsea beat Benfica after extra-time (Image: AFP via Getty Images) Romeo Lavia insists Chelsea have 'gained a lot' from the 'craziest game' he has ever played in. Chelsea now face Palmeiras in Friday's Club World Cup quarter final in Philadelphia with a growing belief they can go all the way in this competition. Belgium midfielder Lavia says Chelsea have always had confidence they could win the trophy in the United States which would pocket the club £97m in prize money. But if there was a big moment in their campaign then it was certainly the post-match celebrations after they saw off Benfica in extra time in the last 16 stage. Chelsea were on course for a comfortable win, the game was delayed by the weather for nearly two hours with the players taken off the pitch before Benfica snatched a last gasp equaliser when it restarted. READ MORE: Chelsea transfer failing laid bare as star valued at £85m one year after move collapsed READ MORE: Chelsea's crazy spend on Brighton stars highlighted by incredible Amex Stadium stat But if you wanted proof that this trophy means something to the players then Chelsea's celebrations after their goals in extra time and at the full time whistle told the full story. Lavia, 21, said: 'We were just celebrating a win and the qualification. Nothing wrong with that. Yes, we definitely gain a lot from that result but at the same time we feel as if we are ready to do what we need to do and we were feeling very confident before the game. 'It's just good to see that we had the right mentality to come back onto the pitch and complete the game. It's what we deserved so we were happy that it came out the way we wanted. It was probably the craziest game I've ever played in.' Romeo Lavia put the hard work in as Chelsea edged out Benfica (Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images) Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca branded the weather delay a 'joke' and 'not football' but Lavia was more measured in his attitude. The US rules state that games are held up for 30 minutes whenever lightning storms happen and that time resets each time a bolt strikes again. It has caused chaos and six weather delays in the tournament while the Chelsea players struggled to stay warm and focused in the dressing room when they were ordered off the pitch. Chelsea celebrated wildly after their victory (Image: AP) Lavia said: 'The rules are the rules and we just have to respect them whether we are angry about them or not because they are the rules and just get on with it. That's what we did. 'It kept getting delayed but we were just there waiting to get back on the pitch and to get the job done. They gave us communication only on how long until we could get back onto the pitch. 'It was quite surprising how many fans stayed because when we first came out again it felt like everyone had gone home and then they all came out and the support we had was insane. We really appreciated it.' Chelsea now face Palmeiras and Lavia says it is impossible to say who are favourites to go through and reach the semi finals. He added: 'They are a good team, we watched a few of the games in the Group stages so we know it will be a good game for us and we're excited to play it. It's a game of football you can never say one team is the favourite.' Both sets of players were forced off the pitch in Charlotte (Image: AP) Chelsea defender Malo Gusto also expects a tough game as Brazilian teams have achieved some big results - Flamengo beat Chelsea and Botafogo upset Paris Saint Germain - and now Palmeiras lay in wait. France international Gusto also says that Chelsea believe they can win the tournament after booking their quarter final place. Gusto added: 'We were disappointed about the result of the Flamengo but we have to look forward. Brazilian teams are very strong, they have a great desire to win. 'It's a good trophy for every team, of course we want to win and we have a great desire to win. If you play for Chelsea you have to win and you always look to win trophies. 'I think the best team will win and there's quite a few teams who will believe they can win the tournament. The team who wins it will be the team who prepares well together, they fight together in the moment and that's what we have to do in the future to win this cup.' Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Watch the Club World Cup free on DAZN The FIFA Club World Cup will see 32 of the world's best club teams including Man City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern Munich play across 63 games from June 14-July 13. Fans can watch every match live and for free by signing up to DAZN.
Scottish Sun
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Chelsea star Romeo Lavia reveals bizarre plan to make Premier League more ‘showbiz' after Club World Cup trip to US
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ROMEO LAVIA reckons the Premier League should introduce the glitzy walk-ons which are stealing the show at the Club World Cup. Players are introduced to the crowd individually with razzmatazz ahead of the matches. 4 Lavia admits he enjoyed the walk-on in Chelsea's opening game Credit: Getty 4 Players line up before the Club World Cup match between Chelsea and Los Angeles FC in Atlanta Credit: AP 4 Nicolas Jackson is surrounded by lights as he makes his entrance Credit: Getty And Chelsea midfielder Lavia, 21, said: 'It's a bit of a showbiz thing, isn't it? I quite like it. 'The only difference is we might get a bit cold because once you're out there, you have to wait for the other players. 'But I enjoyed it. Why not bring it to the Premier League?' Lavia was taken off at half-time in Chelsea's opening 2-0 Group D win over Los Angeles FC. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL GIMME FIVE Chelsea vs LAFC viewers revealed with Club World Cup clash a 'standout moment' WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN Having had his season interrupted by niggling injuries, he sees this tournament as a way to steadily recover full fitness, form and consistency. He was replaced by Blues vice-captain Enzo Fernandez, who wrapped up the victory with their second goal. Competition for places is at the heart of what drives the Blues on. Lavia said: 'It's what is needed for the club, so it's all healthy. We all have great connections. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS 'It's about doing our best every day and then the manager must decide who he wants to pick. 'It was about managing minutes for me. There's no physical issue. 'The biggest 'credit' a footballer can have is to be available. It's definitely something I'm aware of. Incredible ref cam footage shows moment Chelsea star Pedro Neto sent opponent 'back to LA and into next MLS season' 'I just want to put the injuries behind me and look to the future.' Chelsea will continue ther pursuit of global domination on Friday when they face Flumengo. The Brazilians opened up their campiagn on Tuesday by beating ES Tunis 2-0.
The Irish Sun
17-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Chelsea star Romeo Lavia reveals bizarre plan to make Premier League more ‘showbiz' after Club World Cup trip to US
ROMEO LAVIA reckons the Premier League should introduce the glitzy walk-ons which are stealing the show at the Club World Cup. Players are 4 Lavia admits he enjoyed the walk-on in Chelsea's opening game Credit: Getty 4 Players line up before the Club World Cup match between Chelsea and Los Angeles FC in Atlanta Credit: AP 4 Nicolas Jackson is surrounded by lights as he makes his entrance Credit: Getty And Chelsea midfielder Lavia, 21, said: 'It's a bit of a showbiz thing, isn't it? I quite like it. 'The only difference is we might get a bit cold because once you're out there, you have to wait for the other players. 'But I enjoyed it. Why not bring it to the Premier League?' Lavia was taken off at half-time READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Having had his season interrupted by niggling injuries, he sees this tournament as a way to steadily recover full fitness, form and consistency. He was replaced by Blues vice-captain Enzo Fernandez, Competition for places is at the heart of what drives the Blues on. Lavia said: 'It's what is needed for the club, so it's all healthy. We all have great connections. Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS 'It's about doing our best every day and then the manager must decide who he wants to pick. 'It was about managing minutes for me. There's no physical issue. 'The biggest 'credit' a footballer can have is to be available. It's definitely something I'm aware of. Incredible ref cam footage shows moment Chelsea star Pedro Neto sent opponent 'back to LA and into next MLS season' 'I just want to put the injuries behind me and look to the future.' Chelsea will continue ther The Brazilians opened up their campiagn on Tuesday by beating ES Tunis 2-0. 4 The Mercedes-Benz Stadium was a lot warmer than your average Prem ground Credit: Reuters
The Sun
17-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Chelsea star Romeo Lavia reveals bizarre plan to make Premier League more ‘showbiz' after Club World Cup trip to US
ROMEO LAVIA reckons the Premier League should introduce the glitzy walk-ons which are stealing the show at the Club World Cup. Players are introduced to the crowd individually with razzmatazz ahead of the matches. 4 4 4 And Chelsea midfielder Lavia, 21, said: 'It's a bit of a showbiz thing, isn't it? I quite like it. 'The only difference is we might get a bit cold because once you're out there, you have to wait for the other players. 'But I enjoyed it. Why not bring it to the Premier League?' Lavia was taken off at half-time in Chelsea's opening 2-0 Group D win over Los Angeles FC. Having had his season interrupted by niggling injuries, he sees this tournament as a way to steadily recover full fitness, form and consistency. He was replaced by Blues vice-captain Enzo Fernandez, who wrapped up the victory with their second goal. Competition for places is at the heart of what drives the Blues on. Lavia said: 'It's what is needed for the club, so it's all healthy. We all have great connections. 'It's about doing our best every day and then the manager must decide who he wants to pick. 'It was about managing minutes for me. There's no physical issue. 'The biggest 'credit' a footballer can have is to be available. It's definitely something I'm aware of. Incredible ref cam footage shows moment Chelsea star Pedro Neto sent opponent 'back to LA and into next MLS season' 'I just want to put the injuries behind me and look to the future.' Chelsea will continue ther pursuit of global domination on Friday when they face Flumengo. The Brazilians opened up their campiagn on Tuesday by beating ES Tunis 2-0. 4
Daily Mirror
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Chelsea star wants Premier League to copy Club World Cup concept despite mocking
The Club World Cup has been introducing players to huge fanfare before matches and Chelsea star Romeo Lavia would love to see the Premier League copy the concept Romeo Lavia reckons the Premier League should bring in the Club World Cup style player introductions before every game. The FIFA tournament has made a big thing of players taking it in turns to be introduced to the crowd before walking out onto the pitch amid big fanfare pre-match. It has been one of the most eye-catching aspects of the new tournament in the United States and has attracted a lot of mickey-taking, while some of the players have looked uncomfortable at the showbiz-style walk-on. But Lavia says he likes it and believes the Premier League could learn a few lessons from the tournament in the United States. Chelsea midfielder Lavia said: 'It's something special and new for us. It's a first for us. I enjoyed it. Why not bring it to the Premier League? 'I mean, it's a bit of a showbiz thing, isn't it? I quite like it. The only difference is if we did it in the Premier League, we might get a bit cold! Because once you're out there, you have to wait for maybe the other players. But apart from that, it was good. I guess we always learn new things from international tournaments and that's what makes it special.' The Premier League already has a line-up before each game for the TV cameras but the Club World Cup has made even more of a feature of it as well as using graphics on the big screens after each VAR decision and offside check. Despite the criticism and fans staying away from some games, Lavia says Chelsea have enjoyed the tournament so far and they have watched other games from the training base. He said: 'Even before arriving here, we understood how big this competition was. It's great to see. We've watched some of the other Club World Cup games on TV as well. We're happy to be here. They are all great games and at a good level. And I think every team has got different qualities because they're coming from a different environment. So it's nice to watch because you don't get to see all these teams often.' Lavia has been plagued by injury since his arrival at Chelsea and played for 45 minutes in Atlanta in their 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC before being subbed which was pre-arranged. He is set to start against Flamengo on Friday. However, after a stop-start time at Chelsea, he believes he is finally ready for lift-off two years after joining the club in a £53m move from Southampton. And he believes the Club World Cup is good for building up team understanding. Lavia added: 'It's what is needed for the club of this level, so it's all healthy. We all have great connections together. It's just about doing our best every day, and then the manager must decide who he wants to pick, but all the players are going to be ready. I feel very good, confident in my body and in what we can achieve as a team as well. I think that's what we are all working towards. I am not thinking too far ahead. 'It's just about taking each game as it comes and then doing everything possible to stay fit, and playing as many games as possible. I think the biggest 'credit' a footballer can have is to be available. It's definitely something I'm aware of. So I do everything possible to stay fit. Honestly, all the injuries I have had before, I just want to put them behind me and look forward to the future feeling good.'
