Chelsea great Michael Essien has urged his former club to keep faith with head coach Antonio Conte despite their struggles this term.
The Blues have mounted a feeble title defence this season, and have their work cut out to qualify for next year’s Champions League.
They’re currently five points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with four matches to play, and their underwhelming form has prompted speculation about Conte’s future.
However, former Chelsea midfielder Essien believes that the Italian…
Former Chelsea star Michael Essien has hailed Mohamed Salah’s ‘amazing’ impact in the Premier League and is proud to see an African star thriving at the top level.
Salah saw off competition from Manchester City trio Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Leroy Sane to win the PFA Player of the Year award on Sunday, adding yet another accolade to his fine campaign.
The Egypt international has already netted 31 goals in 33 Premier League outings so far this term, and remains in the running for the Champions…
Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien reflects on the Blues’ 2017-18 season and his days playing at Stamford Bridge.
ATHENS, Greece — Panathinaikos say long-delayed payments have been made to Michael Essien and two others in an effort to avoid losing nine points as the Greek club struggles with mounting debts and the threat of relegation.
A sports judge ordered Panathinaikos to settle debts with Essien, Argentine winger Sebastian Leto and Spanish forward Toche within three days or lose the points.
Club officials did not say how much money had been paid.
Essien moved to Panathinaikos from AC Milan in 2015 and…
The biggest story in Ghanaian football this week has been the news, from Indonesia, that Michael Essien has been deemed surplus to requirements by Persib Bandung.
It is the sort of headline that few Ghanaian football fans ever thought they’d see, as one of the nation’s all-time greatest reaches a new career low.
With Indonesian clubs only able to register three foreign players, Essien has found himself on the outside, having made 29 appearances and scored five goals for the Bandung Tigers.
“I kind…
Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho had two spells at Chelsea, and enjoyed the services of a swathe of African stars.
Ahead of his meeting with his former club on Sunday, KweséESPN had a go at picking The Special One’s All-African Chelsea Dream XI.
Goalkeeper: Yves Makabu-Ma-Kalambay – There was only one contender for the goalkeeping spot in this dream team, with Belgian-born Democratic Republic of Congo stopper Ma-Kalambay the only option.
He moved to Chelsea as a youngster in 2003 and was…
PJ Roberts assesses if Rafael van der Vaart is suited for a move to Indonesian club Bali United.
Former Newcastle United and Liverpool midfielder Danny Guthrie has joined Mitra Kukar in Indonesia’s Liga 1, just after his ex-Reds’ teammate Mohamed Sissoko left the club.
The Indonesian side confirmed the signing on their Facebook page, showing images of Guthrie undergoing his medical check.
Guthrie signs as a free agent, his most recent spell with Blackburn Rovers having ended last year. His contract is for one year, with the option of an extension.
“Hopefully the presence of Danny is able to…
PJ Roberts assesses if Rafael van der Vaart is suited for a move to Indonesian club Bali United.
After making the 2016 final, Indonesia will fancy their chances at November’s AFF Suzuki Cup, which will introduce a new home-and-away format for the group stage.
But ASEAN success is just one of the hopes for Southeast Asia’s most populous nation.
Here are five 2018 football wishes for Indonesia.
1. More big names
The build-up to the 2017 Indonesia Liga One season was sent into the stratosphere by the arrival of five world stars. Michael Essien, Didier Zokora, Mohamed Sissoko, Peter Odemwingie,…
ESPN FC’s Jason Dasey and John Wilkinson discuss Simon McMenemy’s success at Bhayangkara FC.
The international headlines written about the Indonesian Liga 1 at the start of the 2017 season focused on marquee signings such as Michael Essien and Didier Zokora. At the end, they may be all about Simon McMenemy.
The British coach has taken unfashionable Bhayangkara to the top of the 18-team table, with just one third of the season remaining. The dream is on, though the 39-year-old is trying his best his players focused.
“Everyone is getting excited, but it is my job to keep the players grounded,…
Ex-Stoke winger Peter Odemwingie is continuing his fine form in Indonesia for Madura United.
Bali United defeated Madura United 5-2 on Sunday to leapfrog above the visitors to take top spot in Indonesia’s Liga 1.
A hat trick from Dutch star Sylvano Comvalius did the damage against a Madura team missing star forward Peter Odemwingie through suspension.
A sixth-minute goal from Nick van der Velden gave Bali the lead against Madura, who arrived on the island in pole position. Then two goals in the next 15 minutes from Comvalius, the second a penalty, put Bali 3-0 ahead and in total control…
FC’s Jason Dasey and Dez Corkhill recap Carlton Cole’s time at Persib Bandung, and the factors which led to his exit.
Michael Essien scored his third goal of the season, helping Persib Bandung to a 3-1 win over PS TNI that moves the troubled team away from the relegation zone in Indonesia’s Liga 1.
The former Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder struck midway through the first half at the Stadium Si Jalak Harupat on Saturday night to extend the West Javans’ lead against the visitors.
Heading into the game, Persib had collected two points from a possible 15. It was a run that had not only resulted in the departure…