2015–16 Chelsea F.C. season

Left winger Gaël Kakuta leaves the Blues to join La Liga side Sevilla, for a fee of £2.5 million.[5][6][7]

Goalkeeper Petr Čech leaves the club to join London rivals Arsenal on a three-year deal. The legendary Czech played 486 games for the Blues in all competitions winning four Premier League medals, four FA Cup medals, three League Cup medals and one UEFA Champions League medal.[8][9]

Petr Čech starred in the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final, saving an extra time penalty from Arjen Robben as well as two penalties in the penalty shoot out and was subsequently named Fans' Man of the Match.[10] While at the Blues, Čech holds a number of goalkeeping records, including the Premier League record for fewest appearances required to reach 100 clean sheets, having done so in 180 league appearances.[11] During the 2004–05 season, Čech went 1,025 minutes without conceding a goal – a Premier League record, until it was surpassed by Edwin van der Sar of Manchester United.[12] He won the Golden Glove three times; in the 2004–05, 2009–10 and 2013–14 as the Premier League goalkeeper with the most clean sheets. Čech kept a club record 220 clean sheets for Chelsea in all competitions.

On 3 July, the Blues announced the signing of Radamel Falcao on a season-long loan deal from Monaco.[13][14]

Young central midfielders Josh McEachran and Marco van Ginkel leave the Blues on a permanent basis and on loan, respectively. McEachran joins Championship club Brentford on a four-year deal for a reported £750,000,[15][16] while Van Ginkel joins Stoke City on a year-long loan deal.[17][18] Along with Van Ginkel moving on a season-long loan, U21 player Andreas Christensen joins Borussia Mönchengladbach,[19] while Nathan and Isaiah Brown join Eredivisie club Vitesse Arnhem.[20]

On 13 July, the Blues completed the signing of Bosnian goalkeeper Asmir Begović from Stoke City on a four-year deal for a reported £8 million.[21][22] Patrick Bamford extends his contract for another three years and is loaned to Premier League outfit Crystal Palace.[23]

José Mourinho also confirmed that Bertrand Traoré will be a part of his first team plans next season, as is Victor Moses. On 28 July, left back Filipe Luís leaves the Blues after just one year, moving back to former club Atlético Madrid for a reported £11.1 million.

Chelsea lost the 2015 FA Community Shield 1–0 to Arsenal thanks to an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain goal in the 24th minute. Diego Costa missed the game through injury, and it was the first time Arsène Wenger defeated José Mourinho in 14 attempts.[24]

On 3 August, Todd Kane signs a new three-year deal at the club, therefore keeping him at the Blues until 2018.[25] Young England forward Dominic Solanke joins fellow Blues players Isiah Brown, Lewis Baker, Nathan and Danilo Pantić on loan at Dutch Eredivisie team Vitesse Arnhem on a season long loan.[26]

On 5 August, Chelsea lost to Fiorentina 1–0.[27][28]

Mohammed Salah joins Roma on a season long loan and Todd Kane joins NEC Nijmegen.[29][30] On 7 August, manager José Mourinho has signed a new four-year contract, keeping him at Stamford Bridge until at least 2019.[31] Young centre-back Alex Davey joins Peterborough United on a one-month loan deal.[32]

Chelsea started their Premier League campaign at home against Swansea City. Swansea come from behind twice to draw 2–2 with ten-man Chelsea. Oscar gave the Blues the lead before André Ayew drew Swansea level, yet Chelsea went in 2–1 up at the break thanks to a Federico Fernández own goal. Six minutes into the second half, Thibaut Courtois was sent off for a last man foul on Bafétimbi Gomis, where Gomis then stepped up to equalise for the Swans.[33][34][35] This match involved an incident in which Eva Caneiro, the Chelsea team doctor, came on to treat Eden Hazard – an action for which she was later criticised by José Mourinho. Caneiro would later take the club to court and eventually won a £5 million settlement. This event, however, signalled the beginning of a downward spiral that would culminate in José Mourinho's sacking.

Oriol Romeu joins Southampton after four years as a Chelsea player in which he made 33 appearances, scoring once from the penalty spot against Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2012.[36]

Nathan Aké has signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea and will continue his development by spending this season on loan in the Premier League at Watford.[37][38]

Manchester City hammered the Blues 3–0 at the Etihad Stadium, goals from Sergio Agüero, Vincent Kompany and Fernandinho condemning José Mourinho to his joint-heaviest defeat whilst in charge of Chelsea.[39] Despite only being the second game of the season, Manchester City move five points ahead of the Blues. Directly after the game, German Bundesliga club FC Augsburg announce that Baba Rahman has signed for Chelsea for a reported fee of £21.7 million.[40][41][42]

The Blues announce the signing of Barcelona winger Pedro for a reported £21.4 million, signing a four-year deal with Chelsea. Pedro has won the World Cup, European Championship, three UEFA Champions Leagues and numerous titles in Spain with Barça.[43][44][45] Pedro will wear the number 17 shirt, which was given to Baba Rahman, the latter vacating it to number 6. The number 17 was previously worn by Eden Hazard and Mohamed Salah.[46]

On 23 August, the Blues announced the signing of Kenedy from Fluminense, who will wear the number 16 shirt.[47] Pedro stars on his Chelsea debut as he scores one and assists another as the Blues win their first game of the season against West Bromwich Albion. Thibaut Courtois saved a first half James Morrison penalty before goals from Pedro, Diego Costa and César Azpilicueta sent Chelsea in 3–1 up at the break. Despite having John Terry sent off in the 54th minute, Chelsea held on to claim all three points.[48]

Chelsea are drawn away against Walsall in the Third Round Capital One Cup.[49] [50] While Juan Cuadrado signs on a year-long loan deal for Italian Serie A club Juventus.[51][52]

In José Mourinho's 200th Premier League match, Chelsea lost 1–2 to Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. The defeat was only Mourinho's second home defeat in his Chelsea career. Goals from Bakary Sako and Joel Ward either side of Radamel Falcao's first goal for the Blues sent Chelsea eight points behind leaders Manchester City.[53]

Chelsea players celebrate their goal against Maccabi Tel Aviv.

On transfer deadline day, Chelsea announced the signing of Nantes defender Papy Djilobodji for a reported £2.7 million.[54] Victor Moses extends his contract for another four years and is loaned to West Ham United.[55] The Blues also signed Michael Hector for a reported £4 million from Reading; he was immediately loaned back to Reading for the entirety of the season.[56]

First choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is ruled out for up to three months with a knee injury.[57] The Blues' poor form continued as they suffered another defeat, this time away at Everton. A Steven Naismith hat-trick condemned Chelsea to a third defeat after just five games, as many as they suffered in the entire previous season.[58]

Chelsea win their first home game of the season as they defeat Maccabi Tel Aviv 4–0. Goals from Willian, Oscar, Diego Costa and Cesc Fàbregas sent the Blues top of Group G after one game.[59] This victory was Chelsea's first clean sheet since the Blues won the title last May 1–0 against Crystal Palace.[60]

Diego Costa eyeballs Arsenal's Gabriel. The latter would be the recipient of a red card later rescinded, while the former was charged with violent conduct.

Goals from Kurt Zouma and a Callum Chambers own goal gave Chelsea a 2–0 victory over nine-man Arsenal. Gabriel and Santi Cazorla were sent off for the Gunners, the former for kicking out at Diego Costa and the latter for receiving two yellow cards. The Blues also keep their first clean sheet of the 2015–16 Premier League season, Zouma's goal was his first in the Premier League for Chelsea.[61] Two days after the game, both Chelsea and Arsenal were charged with failing to control their players and Costa was charged with an act of violent conduct for the incident that started the disturbance, where he slapped Laurent Koscielny in the face, which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.[62] Costa was given a three-match suspension,[63] while Gabriel had his three-match suspension withdrawn after a "wrongful dismissal claim" from Arsenal and he was available for their next match.[64]

Chelsea came from 2–0 down with ten minutes to play to secure a point away to Newcastle United thanks to late goals from substitutes Ramires and Willian. Ayoze Pérez and Georginio Wijnaldum sent the Magpies ahead before the Brazilian substitutes sent the Blues five points off the top four.[65]

The Blues' last game in September finished in a 2–1 loss at Porto in a hard-fought game. Chelsea failed to claim a draw as goals from André André and Maicon sent Porto one point ahead of Chelsea.[66]

Chelsea's starting eleven against Dynamo Kyiv in the UEFA Champions League.

Chelsea's poor start to the season continued as Southampton came from behind to record a victory at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have taken only eight points from a possible 24 this season and are only four above the relegation zone.[67] After Saturday's home defeat, Chelsea have offered their full support to manager José Mourinho. Meanwhile, Blues captain John Terry says the 52-year-old Portuguese is the best person to help the club recover from their miserable start. "If anyone is going to get us out of this hole it is going to be José Mourinho", said the 34-year-old defender.[68]

The Blues defeat Aston Villa 2–0 at Stamford Bridge, with a Diego Costa goal and an Alan Hutton own goal. José Mourinho dropped Eden Hazard, Nemanja Matić and Gary Cahill and chose to start youngsters Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Baba Rahman.[69] Four days later, Chelsea draw 0–0 with Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv, keeping them in third place one point behind the Ukrainian champions.[70]

José Mourinho and Nemanja Matić were sent-off as Chelsea's miserable Premier League campaign continued with a 2–1 defeat at West Ham on 24 October. Mauro Zárate fired the Hammers in front when Chelsea failed to clear a corner. Matić was sent off after being booked twice in nine minutes before the break, and Mourinho joined him after speaking to referee Jon Moss at half-time. Gary Cahill levelled from a corner but Andy Carroll met Aaron Cresswell's cross to send the Hammers to second in the table.[71]

Chelsea crashed out of the League Cup in the fourth round after Jack Butland's penalty shootout heroics earned ten-man Stoke City a 5–4 spot-kick win that increased the pressure on José Mourinho. Jonathan Walters struck a goal worthy of winning any contest to give Stoke the lead early in the second half, before Loïc Rémy's injury-time equaliser took the tie the distance at the Britannia Stadium. After nine out of the first nine spot-kicks were clinically despatched—with the likes of Charlie Adam, Marko Arnautović, Oscar, Rémy and Willian successful—Eden Hazard saw his attempt brilliantly saved by Jack Butland, who earned his side a place in the last eight.[72]

Philippe Coutinho scored twice as Liverpool came from behind to beat Chelsea 3–1 at Stamford Bridge on 31 October to ratchet up the pressure yet further on the beleaguered Mourinho. A Ramires header gave the Premier League champions the lead after just four minutes, but compatriot Coutinho fired Liverpool level in some style just before half-time. Oscar came close with a long-range chip, but chances were few and far between in the second half until another Coutinho effort clipped John Terry and flew past Asmir Begović. Christian Benteke made sure of the points with a composed finish in the closing minutes as Jürgen Klopp secured his first league win since taking charge of Liverpool.[73]

Oscar with opposite number Ryan Mason in the London derby between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea eased the pressure on manager José Mourinho as Willian's late winner gave them a crucial Champions League victory over Dynamo Kyiv at Stamford Bridge. The win moved the Blues into second place in Group G, three points behind leaders Porto, but now with a two-point cushion to Dynamo.[74]

Premier League-wise, though, Chelsea continued their struggle as they lost in a 1–0 away game at Stoke City. Seeing Norwich City win, this left them 16th in the League and three points above relegation.[75]

Chelsea recorded their first win in four Premier League matches as Diego Costa's first goal in seven games gave them a narrow victory over Norwich. The Blues finally broke through when Costa finished off Cesc Fàbregas' quickly taken free-kick. The home side were denied a second when Kurt Zouma's flick hit the crossbar.[76]

The Blues also secured back to back wins, after defeating Maccabi Tel Aviv 4–0. Goals from Gary Cahill, Willian, Oscar and Kurt Zouma sent Chelsea closer to the knockout phase, needing only one point home against Porto.[77]

Tottenham Hotspur extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to a club record 13 games with a 0–0 draw against Chelsea at White Hart Lane. Neither goalkeeper was to beaten before the final whistle, leaving Mourinho's side 14th in the table with one win in their last five Premier League matches.[78]

The away goalmouth in Chelsea's home defeat to AFC Bournemouth.

Glenn Murray scored a dramatic late winning goal as AFC Bournemouth recorded one of the most famous wins in their history against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The substitute had been on the pitch for just 99 seconds before he bundled home the winner. Mourinho's side, who sit 14th in the table, have now suffered eight defeats in 15 league games and Eden Hazard's goalless streak stretching to 25 games in all competitions.[79]

Chelsea advanced to the Champions League knockout stage with a 2–0 victory, which eliminated opponents Porto and sent the Portuguese side into the Europa League. Costa, on the bench in the Blues' last two games, had a hand in the opening goal when his saved effort rebounded in off Iván Marcano and Willian scored the second goal.[80]

The Blues lost their ninth Premier League game (out of sixteen) of the season, while Leicester City moved to the top of the Premier League, in a 2–1 loss on Monday. This left the defending champions just one point clear of the relegation. Jamie Vardy scored for the sixth consecutive Premier League home match and Riyad Mahrez scored the second goal before Loïc Rémy could halve the deficit with 13 minutes remaining.[81]

Chelsea players in conversation with the referee during their defeat to Leicester City.

On 17 December, after the loss against Leicester City and after losing nine out of sixteen league games, manager José Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea.[82] Former Netherlands boss Guus Hiddink was appointed interim Chelsea manager until the end of the season following the sacking of Mourinho. The Dutchman was to be at Stamford Bridge for Sunderland's match, but Steve Holland took control of team matters for the game alongside Eddie Newton, who now took on the role of assistant first-team coach.[83]

Chelsea began their second post-José Mourinho era by scoring three goals in the Premier League for the first time in nearly four months to beat Sunderland. Fabio Borini pulled one back for Sunderland when he bundled in from close range, but that was not enough to take it to a comeback. The day was marked by fan protests and shows of support for Mourinho.[84]

On Boxing Day, Diego Costa scored twice as Guus Hiddink's second spell as Chelsea boss started with a 2–2 draw against Watford.[85]

On 28 December, keepers David de Gea and Thibaut Courtois were the stars of the show as Manchester United and Chelsea drew 0–0.[86]

Bryan Oviedo jockeys Pedro in the 3–3 draw against Everton.

Chelsea secured their first victory in Hiddink's second spell as boss to move six points clear of relegation with a win at Crystal Palace. A first-half goal from Oscar gave the Blues the lead at Selhurst Park, before second-half strikes from Willian and Diego Costa secured all three points.[87]

John Swift extended his loan with Championship club Brentford until the end of the season. Additionally, both Patrick Bamford and Christian Atsu returned to the club following their loan spells with Crystal Palace and Bournemouth respectively.[88]

On 10 January, Chelsea advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup, defeating Football League One side Scunthorpe United 2–0. Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored the second goal, the first of his senior career at Chelsea.[89]

On 24 January, Chelsea earned a 1–0 victory over Arsenal after a first-half goal from Diego Costa. With this win, Chelsea moved past West Bromwich Albion into 13th in the league over goal difference with 28 points.[90]

On 31 January, Chelsea rounded out the month with a 5–1 victory over Championship side MK Dons in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The Blues will host Manchester City in the fifth round on 21 February.[91]

Chelsea began the month with back-to-back draws against league opponents Watford and Manchester United, 0–0 and 1–1, respectively.[92][93] The draw against Manchester United was marred by a serious knee injury to Kurt Zouma, which would rule him out until the following season.

Chelsea returned to their winning ways on 13 February, dominating Newcastle United 5–1 at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea led 2–0 within ten minutes thanks to goals from Diego Costa and Pedro. Costa later set up Willian, who finished to make the lead three goals at the 17 minute mark. In the second half, Pedro added a second goal, and Bertrand Traoré scored his first league goal to make it 5–0. The Magpies got a 90th-minute goal through Andros Townsend, but it was little consolation as the rout ended in favor of the Blues. The only other blemish of the game was a hamstring injury to club captain John Terry, who missed the next match.[94]

Chelsea then faced Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16. Chelsea were without John Terry and Kurt Zouma, due to injuries, and Nemanja Matić, as he had been suspended for accumulating two yellow cards. Because of this, Chelsea started Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanović at centre back, and Baba Rahman and César Azpilicueta at full-back. The Parisians dominated possession throughout much of the half and eventually capitalized in the 39th minute. Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel conceded a foul just outside the 18-yard box. PSG forward Zlatan Ibrahimović's free kick deflected off Mikel, who was part of the wall, and past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Just a few minutes later, however, Chelsea equalised through Mikel from a stoppage time corner kick. PSG regained their lead late in the game as Edinson Cavani, who had only entered the match moments prior as a substitute, broke through the Chelsea back line and beat Courtois. The lead would hold, with PSG holding a 2–1 lead heading into the second leg.[95]

Five days after the loss in Paris, Chelsea bounced back with a 5–1 win against Manchester City in the fifth round of the FA Cup. City manager Manuel Pellegrini chose to play a weakened squad that featured five youth players making their senior debuts.[96] Chelsea struck first, Diego Costa scoring on a 35th-minute header. However, City immediately responded, with David Faupala scoring on his senior debut and tying the score going to halftime. However, Faupala's goal was the last glimmer of hope, as Chelsea would score four times in the second half. Four different Chelsea players scored in the second half: Willian, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard, and Bertrand Traoré. The final score was 5–1.[97] Later that day, Chelsea drew Everton as their opponent in the sixth round, to be played on 12 March.

Cesc Fàbregas helps Paris SG's Ángel Di María to his feet as Chelsea exit the UEFA Champions League.

Chelsea began March with a victory against Norwich City on the first day of the month. Chelsea scored just 39 seconds into the match behind a strike from Kenedy, a natural winger who had lined up as a left back. Having taken the lead in the first minute, Chelsea later doubled it in the final minute of the first half, with Diego Costa scoring in stoppage time. Norwich would cut the Blues' lead to one after a 68th-minute goal from Nathan Redmond. However, Chelsea would manage to hold on to their lead and win. The final score was 2–1.[98]

Four days later, Chelsea faced off with Stoke City. Chelsea scored through Bertrand Traoré in the 39th minute. Chelsea maintained their lead, but Mame Biram Diouf would equalize in the 85th. This score would hold, a 1–1 draw.[99]

On 9 March, Chelsea lost 1–2 (2–4 on aggregate) to PSG in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16. Adrien Rabiot put PSG ahead 16 minutes into the match. Chelsea's Diego Costa equalised 11 minutes later, putting the aggregate score 3–2 in favor of PSG. A second Chelsea goal would have forced extra time, and they looked the better side for the remainder of the second half, but failed to score such a goal on several chances. In the 60th minute, Costa went to ground with an injury and had to be replaced by Bertrand Traoré. Seven minutes later, Zlatan Ibrahimović connected with an Ángel Di María cross. This all but ended any chances of a Chelsea comeback, as, due to the away goals rule, would have needed to score three goals in just over 20 minutes. Chelsea failed to score even one, let alone three, and the score ended 1–2 (2–4 on aggregate) in favor of PSG.[100]

On 12 March, Chelsea lost 2–0 away to Everton in the sixth round of the FA Cup. Former Chelsea's player Romelu Lukaku scored both goals for Everton. As of 12 March, Chelsea were eliminated from all knockout competitions and sat 10th in the league.[101]

On 19 March, Chelsea earned a 2–2 draw with London rivals West Ham United at Stamford Bridge. West Ham United opened the scoring with a fantastic long range shot from Manuel Lanzini which sailed past Thibaut Courtois in the 17th minute. However, just before the half time break Spaniard Cesc Fàbregas equalized with a sublime free-kick. West Ham United re-took the lead in the 61st minute courtesy of substitute Andy Carroll. However, Chelsea replied again this time in the 88th minute after Ruben Loftus-Cheek was brought down by Michail Antonio in the penalty area, therefore earning the Blues a penalty with seconds of normal time remaining. Chelsea then found their second equalizer of the match after Cesc Fàbregas converted the penalty comfortably past goalkeeper Adrián.[102]

Debutant Alexandre Pato scores Chelsea's second of four at Villa Park from the penalty spot.

Chelsea began the month with a 4–0 away victory at Villa Park, beating a struggling Aston Villa side. Matt Miazga, Alexandre Pato and Jake Clarke-Salter all made their first-team debuts for Chelsea. Chelsea took the lead through Ruben Loftus-Cheek after his shot was deflected by Villa defender Joleon Lescott. The Blues then doubled their advantage through an Alexandre Pato penalty, after he was brought down in the area by Aly Cissokho. Pato had replaced the injured Loïc Rémy in the 23rd minute. Chelsea then scored a third through Pedro a minute into the second half. Pedro scored a second after a Pato shot was parried away by Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan and found its way to the feet of the Spaniard.[103]

On 4 April, Chelsea announced that Antonio Conte would become the new first team head coach at the start of the 2016–17 campaign.[104][105]

On 9 April, Chelsea lost 1–0 at Swansea, with the Swans scoring through Gylfi Sigurðsson.[106]

On 16 April, Chelsea lost 3–0 at home to Manchester City, the same scoreline as the previous league meeting between the two sides in August 2015.[107]

On 23 April, Chelsea played away at Bournemouth. Chelsea got on the board early with a goal from Pedro, followed by two Hazard goals and a Willian goal. Hazard scored three goals in the Premier League this season. Fabregas contributed three assists in the win.[108]

Chelsea's back five, punctuated by Sunderland man Jan Kirchhoff.

Chelsea went winless throughout the month of May, managing three draws and a loss. Their first game of the month on 2 May was a 2–2 draw to Tottenham Hotspur in which Chelsea came back from being 2–0 down at half time, to secure a point against Tottenham and effectively end their London rival's hopes of obtaining the Premier League title, as Tottenham dropping points meant that they were mathematically unable to surpass Leicester at the top of the table. The opening goals for Tottenham came from Kane in the 35th minute and Son Heung-min's low strike in the 44th minute. The match seemed to be decided until Chelsea returned fire in the second half with Cahill lashing in a goal from distance in the 58th minute, and Hazard then scored a goal in the 83rd minute to continue to regain his form after not having scored until April, and to maintain Chelsea's unbeaten streak at home against Tottenham for the 26th year in a row.[109]

Chelsea's next game was a 3–2 away loss to Sunderland on 7 May, which proved to be crucial for the home side's survival in the top flight of English football, at the time moving Sunderland up to 17th in the table and one point clear of their bitter rivals Newcastle United. Chelsea scored the opening goal with a precise finishing strike from Diego Costa in the 14th minute, giving them the lead until Sunderland equalised with a 41st minute volley from Khazri. Chelsea regained the lead seven minutes later in added time with a goal from Nemanja Matić to put them 2–1 up at half time. Sunderland were to turn the game on its head in the second half with two goals in the span of three minutes from Fabio Borini and Jermain Defoe, scored in the 67th and 70th minute. Chelsea were unable to fight back for a draw as Sunderland held on for the three points which would boost their survival hopes. Chelsea remained 9th in the table following the result, possessing a better goal difference than Stoke City in 10th position.[110]

Former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri–now with newly-crowned champions Leicester–in Guus Hiddink's last match as Blues boss.

Chelsea's penultimate game of the season and their last away fixture was a 1–1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield, on 11 May. After a slow start, Eden Hazard found the net again, continuing an improved run of form with a 32nd minute solo goal to put the Blues in front. The game remained uneventful until Christian Benteke equalised for Liverpool, with a header in the 2nd minute of added time during the second half, claiming a point for the Merseyside club and increasing the team's unbeaten home streak to 12 games.[111]

Chelsea's final game of the 2015–16 Premier League season on 15 May resulted in another 1–1 draw, this time at home to champions Leicester City whom they had failed to defend their title against from the previous season. The game remained goalless until the 66th minute with Cesc Fàbregas scoring a penalty. Leicester responded quickly with a goal from Danny Drinkwater fourteen minutes later, to conclude the campaign with Chelsea finishing 10th due to a win from Stoke City sending the club above Chelsea in the table. Chelsea's tenth-place finish marked the club's lowest finish in the Premier League since the 1995–96 season, in which they finished 11th. It also marked the worst defence of a title in the Premier League's 24-year history, and confirmed the club's absence from European competition in the 2016/17 season.[112]

José Mourinho as Chelsea manager. Mourinho was sacked in December 2015.

Position	Staff
First-team Manager	Guus Hiddink
Assistant Manager	Steve Holland
	Eddie Newton
Technical Director	Michael Emenalo
Goalkeeper Coach	Christophe Lollichon
Fitness Coach	Chris Jones
Assistant Fitness Coach	Carlos Lalin
Senior Opposition Scout	Mick McGiven
Medical Director	Paco Biosca
Head of Youth Development	Neil Bath
Under-21 Team Manager	Adi Viveash
Under-18 Team Manager	Joe Edwards
Head of Match Analysis/Scout	James Melbourne
International Head Coach	Dermot Drummy

Source: Chelsea F.C.

The Bridge

Owner	Roman Abramovich
Chairman	Bruce Buck
Directors	Marina Granovskaia Eugene Tenenbaum
Ground (capacity and dimensions)	Stamford Bridge (41,663 / 103x67 metres)
Training Ground	Cobham Training Centre

Source: Chelsea F.C.

Adidas have launched three kits as usual for Chelsea. Each kits feature a fingerprint motif woven onto the label, which symbolises the connection of the club's fans, according to the website.

• Home: The home kit stays loyal to tradition, with white and red trims at the collar, sleeves, shorts and socks. The vertical pinstripes pay a tribute to Chelsea's history, which have been a feature of several iconic shirts from the past three decades. The kit features a fingerprint motif woven onto a label on each shirt. The sponsor logo of Adidas and the words "YOKOHAMA TYRES" are both white, while the sponsor logo of Yokohama is red.[115]
• Away: The away kit features a predominantly white body with blue and red bands on each arm. Same as the home shirt, the away kit features a "fingerprint" on the hem. The sponsor logo of Adidas and the words "YOKOHAMA TYRES" are both blue, while the sponsor logo of Yokohama is red.[116] The shorts and socks are white and blue respectively, enabling them to be mixed and matched with their home counterparts.
• Third: The third kit is black and white and features a fading, lateral pinstripe design on the shorts, which features as a subtle graphic on the shirt as well. The badge is adjusted to the kit colours of black and white. The kit follows the theme of many other third kits of important clubs that Adidas supplies for the big club. The sponsor logo of Adidas and the words "YOKOHAMA TYRES" are both white, while the sponsor logo of Yokohama is red.[117]
• Keeper: The primary goalkeeper kit is 'vivid mint', combined with navy blue applications. There is also an away yellow kit and third black kit as well.

As of 11 May 2016.[118]

Squad no.	Name	Nationality	Position(s)	Date of birth (Age)
Goalkeepers
1	Asmir Begović HG1		GK	(1987-06-20)20 June 1987 (aged 28)
13	Thibaut Courtois		GK	(1992-05-11)11 May 1992 (aged 24)
32	Marco Amelia		GK	(1982-04-02)2 April 1982 (aged 34)
33	Mitchell Beeney U21		GK	(1995-10-03)3 October 1995 (aged 20)
40	Bradley Collins U21		GK	(1997-02-18)18 February 1997 (aged 19)
Defenders
2	Branislav Ivanović		RB / CB	(1984-02-22)22 February 1984 (aged 32)
5	Kurt Zouma U21		CB / DM	(1994-10-27)27 October 1994 (aged 21)
6	Baba Rahman U21		LB	(1994-07-02)2 July 1994 (aged 21)
20	Matt Miazga U21		CB	(1995-07-19)19 July 1995 (aged 20)
24	Gary Cahill HG1		CB	(1985-12-19)19 December 1985 (aged 30)
26	John Terry HG2		CB	(1980-12-07)7 December 1980 (aged 35)
28	César Azpilicueta		RB / LB	(1989-08-28)28 August 1989 (aged 26)
34	Ola Aina U21		CB / RB	(1996-10-08)8 October 1996 (aged 19)
37	Jake Clarke-Salter U21		CB	(1997-09-22)22 September 1997 (aged 18)
39	Fankaty Dabo U21		RB	(1995-10-11)11 October 1995 (aged 20)
43	Fikayo Tomori U21		CB / RB	(1997-12-19)19 December 1997 (aged 18)
Midfielders
4	Cesc Fàbregas HG1		CM / AM	(1987-05-04)4 May 1987 (aged 29)
8	Oscar		AM / RW / CM	(1991-09-09)9 September 1991 (aged 24)
10	Eden Hazard		LW / AM / RW	(1991-01-07)7 January 1991 (aged 25)
12	John Obi Mikel		DM / CM	(1987-04-22)22 April 1987 (aged 29)
14	Bertrand Traoré U21		RW / LW / CF	(1995-09-06)6 September 1995 (aged 20)
16	Kenedy U21		LW / AM / RW	(1996-02-08)8 February 1996 (aged 20)
17	Pedro		RW / LW	(1987-07-28)28 July 1987 (aged 28)
21	Nemanja Matić		DM / CM	(1988-08-01)1 August 1988 (aged 27)
22	Willian		AM / RW	(1988-08-09)9 August 1988 (aged 27)
36	Ruben Loftus-Cheek U21		CM	(1996-01-23)23 January 1996 (aged 20)
38	Kasey Palmer U21		AM	(1996-11-09)9 November 1996 (aged 19)
41	Charlie Colkett U21		CM	(1996-09-04)4 September 1996 (aged 19)
Strikers
9	Radamel Falcao		CF	(1986-02-10)10 February 1986 (aged 30)
11	Alexandre Pato		CF	(1989-09-02)2 September 1989 (aged 26)
18	Loïc Rémy		CF	(1987-01-02)2 January 1987 (aged 29)
19	Diego Costa		CF	(1988-10-07)7 October 1988 (aged 27)
42	Tammy Abraham U21		CF	(1997-10-02)2 October 1997 (aged 18)

• HG¹ = Association-trained player
• HG² = Club-trained player
• U21 = Under-21 player

Chelsea have had 37 players spend time out on loan in 2015–16, with five playing for two different clubs. Stipe Perica had signed a deal to spend the entire season out on loan prior to the 2015–16 season, while a further 29 exited for the entire season by the end of the summer transfer window. Six would return prematurely prior to or during the winter window, but by its close four of that group had exited on new deals to the end of the campaign. John Swift, who joined Brentford on 1 October ultimately had his loan extended to the end of the season, while two further players exited on new season-long deals in January.

Updated to match played 15 May 2016
Source: Competitions

Updated to match played 15 May 2016
Source: Competitions

  Win   Draw   Loss

Opposition	Home score	Away score	Aggregate score	Double
Arsenal	2–0	1–0	3-0
Aston Villa	2–0	4–0	6-0
Bournemouth	0–1	4–1	4-2
Crystal Palace	1–2	3–0	4-2
Everton	3–3	1–3	4-6
Leicester City	1–1	1–2	2-3
Liverpool	1–3	1–1	2-4
Manchester City	0–3	0–3	0-6
Manchester United	1–1	0–0	1-1
Newcastle United	5–1	2–2	7-3
Norwich City	1–0	2–1	3-1
Southampton	1–3	2–1	3-4
Stoke City	1–1	0–1	1-2
Sunderland	3–1	2–3	5-4
Swansea City	2–2	0–1	2-3
Tottenham Hotspur	2–2	0–0	2-2
Watford	2–2	0–0	2-2
West Bromwich Albion	2–2	3–2	5-4
West Ham United	2–2	1–2	2-3

  Win   Draw   Loss

The fixtures for the 2015–16 season were announced on 17 June 2015 at 9am.[228][229]

Chelsea v Swansea City

8 August 2015 1	Chelsea	2–2	Swansea City	London
17:30 BST	Oscar  23' Fernández  30' (o.g.) Courtois  52' Terry  53'	Report	Shelvey  18' Ayew  29' Cork  45+2' Gomis  55' (pen.) Williams  90+3'	Stadium: Stamford Bridge Attendance: 41,232 Referee: Michael Oliver

Manchester City v Chelsea

16 August 2015 2	Manchester City	3–0	Chelsea	Manchester
16:00 BST	Agüero  32' Kompany  33',  79' Fernandinho  45+1',  85' Touré  51' Mangala  90+1'	Report	Ivanović  48' Hazard  81'	Stadium: Etihad Stadium Attendance: 54,331 Referee: Martin Atkinson

West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea

23 August 2015 3	West Bromwich Albion	2–3	Chelsea	West Bromwich
13:30 BST	Morrison 14',  35', 59' McClean  37' McManaman  71'	Report	Matić  17' Pedro  20' Costa  30' Azpilicueta  42' Terry  54'	Stadium: The Hawthorns Attendance: 23,256 Referee: Mark Clattenburg

Chelsea v Crystal Palace

29 August 2015 4	Chelsea	1–2	Crystal Palace	London
15:00 BST	Cahill  71' Falcao  79'	Report	Sako  65' Cabaye  73' Ward  81'	Stadium: Stamford Bridge Attendance: 41,581 Referee: Craig Pawson

Everton v Chelsea

12 September 2015 5	Everton	3–1	Chelsea	Liverpool
12:45 BST	Naismith  17', 22', 82' Galloway  65' Stones  87'	Report	Matić  36' Azpilicueta  88' Costa  90+3'	Stadium: Goodison Park Attendance: 38,311 Referee: Andre Marriner

Chelsea v Arsenal

19 September 2015 6	Chelsea	2–0	Arsenal	London
12:45 BST	Costa  45+1' Ivanović  49' Zouma  53' Oscar  64' Chambers  90' (o.g.)	Report	Gabriel  45'  45+1' Hazard  72' Cazorla  30'  79'	Stadium: Stamford Bridge Attendance: 41,584 Referee: Mike Dean

Newcastle United v Chelsea

26 September 2015 7	Newcastle United	2–2	Chelsea	Newcastle upon Tyne
17:30 BST	Colback  34' Pérez  42' Wijnaldum  60'	Report	Ivanović  68' Ramires  79' Willian  86' Pedro  90+7'	Stadium: St James' Park Attendance: 48,682 Referee: Martin Atkinson

Chelsea v Southampton

3 October 2015 8	Chelsea	1–3	Southampton	London
17:30 BST	Willian  10' Ramires  43' Falcao  57'	Report	Romeu  9' Bertrand  26' Mané  34',  60' Davis  43' Pellè  72',  86' Ward-Prowse  77'	Stadium: Stamford Bridge Attendance: 41,642 Referee: Robert Madley

Chelsea v Aston Villa

17 October 2015 9	Chelsea	2–0	Aston Villa	London
15:00 BST	Costa  34' Hutton  54' (o.g.) Willian  74'	Report	Ayew  49' Richardson  62' Grealish  85'	Stadium: Stamford Bridge Attendance: 41,596 Referee: Roger East

West Ham United v Chelsea

24 October 2015 10	West Ham United	2–1	Chelsea	London
15:00 BST	Zárate  17' Kouyaté  74' Carroll  79'	Report	Azpilicueta  24' Matić  35'  44' Costa  45' Fàbregas  45' Cahill  56' Willian  81' Mikel  90+5'	Stadium: Boleyn Ground Attendance: 34,977 Referee: Jonathan Moss

Chelsea v Liverpool

31 October 2015 11	Chelsea	1–3	Liverpool	London
12:45 GMT	Ramires  4' Mikel  66'	Report	Coutinho  23',  45+3', 74' Lucas  58' Can  65' Benteke  83',  86'	Stadium: Stamford Bridge Attendance: 41,577 Referee: Mark Clattenburg

Stoke City v Chelsea

7 November 2015 12	Stoke City	1–0	Chelsea	Stoke-on-Trent
17:30 GMT	Whelan  44' Arnautović  53' Shawcross  57' Johnson  90'	Report	Rahman  45+2'	Stadium: Britannia Stadium Attendance: 27,550 Referee: Anthony Taylor

Chelsea v Norwich City

21 November 2015 13	Chelsea	1–0	Norwich City	London
15:00 GMT	Willian  35' Costa  64'	Report	Mulumbu  31' O'Neil  47' Bassong  61' Olsson  69'	Stadium: Stamford Bridge Attendance: 41,582 Referee: Craig Pawson

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea

29 November 2015 14	Tottenham Hotspur	0–0	Chelsea	London
12:00 GMT	Rose  32' Kane  40' Walker  45+1' Vertonghen  53'	Report	Azpilicueta  59' Matić  90+5'	Stadium: White Hart Lane Attendance: 35,639 Referee: Michael Oliver

Chelsea v Bournemouth

5 December 2015 15	Chelsea	0–1	Bournemouth	London
17:30 GMT	Pedro  21' Costa  63'	Report	Surman  23' Murray  82'	Stadium: Stamford Bridge Attendance: 41,631 Referee: Mike Jones

Leicester City v Chelsea

14 December 2015 16	Leicester City	2–1	Chelsea	Leicester
20:00 GMT	Vardy  44',  46' Mahrez  48' Huth  50'	Report	Rémy  77'	Stadium: King Power Stadium Attendance: 32,054 Referee: Mark Clattenburg