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16 Jul 2016 21:55:34
Ed, with the acquisition of Kante, and rumoura of the likes of Mario/ Gomes to potentially follow, can I ask if any club is interested in Cesc Fabregas or Obi Mikel? Don't think their names have cropped up for a while.
Thanks in advance.
{Ed002's Note - I can't help, sorry.}
16 Jul 2016 19:25:57
Hey Guys,
For those blues who didn't get to watch the match against Rapid here's the summary:
Match review:
Started off with our usual 4-2-3-1 formation and saw the usual from our midfielder players' which was to step backwards instead of putting pressure on the opponent when they had the ball and allowed rapid's midfield to dominate the game in the early stages.
This resulted in the first goal as rapid found it easy to have a go at our back line. Our defense didn't cover it in glory either. Attack was lacking usual fair and the single striker system does not inspire any result and resulted in us creating zero chances in the first half. The coach was pretty agitated in the touch line with our play.
Second saw 2 substitutions which started showing some results as we controlled the game better and had few chances. More than this rapid did not get any chances at goal until a school boy error in the 83rd minute gifted them their 2nd goal. We came close to scoring at least 3-4 times in this period. Lot of substitution done in the second half and all except 1 sub player did well in view. As the game neared its end more attackers were thrown on to the pitch resulting in 4-2-4 formation with focus on quick attacks but to no avail. At last it ended with 2-0 in with rapid getting their deserved win.
Positives:
Moses - Played with lot of energy and created 2 chances. He used the width of the pitch drew out the fullbacks to create space for costa and others
Djilobodji - That was good display in defense. No nonsense play throughout the match with winning some good headers and putting in some tackles
Aina - Real find of the match. played at left back and ran the show in second half. he and moses combined well down the left side. was unlucky not to score from a inswinging kick from 30 yard
Chalobah - played with calmness and had lot of good touch in the midfield. had a shot on target from 30 yards. rolled out the ball well for players to move forward
Willian - Continued from where he left last season
Negatives:
Ivanovic - school boy error and no energy on display.
Oscar - Poor touch and no sense of play
Mikel - Side passes and slow down play.
All 3 are not up there and needs to be moved on.
Matic and loftus cheek needs to improve on work rate and passing.
Thats it from me ppl.
16 Jul 2016 19:42:28
Thanks for the review indian blue. I didn't get chance to watch the match so I was interested to read what u had to say.
16 Jul 2016 19:52:49
Actually Chelsea played 343 during second half. Yes Djilobodji looked good apart from the first goal which was his and Baba's fault. I am more worried that we didn't create many chances😎.
16 Jul 2016 20:30:57
Agree with most of that Indian Blue mate. Fairly poor performance and it was obvious that these guys have been off for some time. It'll get better when the fitness comes and we have other players to return yet. Don't agree on Djilibodji, thought he was rash in the tackle and was at fault for first goal. Moses and Aina by far the best 2 players for us. Also would put Begovic in the negative section, looked very shakey.
16 Jul 2016 20:38:32
It was the normal formation except for 1 central midfielder rather than two. Just because players are committing forward doesn't change our formation. If so when we take corners it must be a 7-3 formations. Don't get too caught up in formations.
16 Jul 2016 20:43:06
Although it was our first game of the pre season I think we should be looking to move certain players on and promote and buy in younger hungrier players .
Out Matic and Obi, Kante and Chalobah in.
Out Ivanovic and Djilobodji in Aina and one to come in.
Out Moses and Reme, in (possibles) Gabigoal and Anderson/
Not too much spent out and we will have a good squad to go forward with, and sell on any players that don't wish to be at the club or will not make the grade, just an opinion .
16 Jul 2016 20:45:45
Where on earth are you lot getting that papy played well?!?!? He was garbage! Lost count how many headers he went up for and missed it! Exposed for first goal he has to read one twos around the box a young terry would of read the goal scorer run. What on earth you watching 😂.
16 Jul 2016 22:10:35
My view on today's game was we where poor, as expected with it being first pre season. I thought Moses was great and looked a threat every time he got the ball, aina played well along with chalobah when subbed on. I can't help but feel sorry for Costa as we sit so deep where as he plays so high up the pitch, chasing defenders on his own a lot of the time. When we play high up the pitch we look a very good side but when we drop deep where awful. With mikel and matic you would think the defense would be well covered but it still seems easy for other teams to find pockets of space around our box to create chances. Very pleased with kante signing but unless matic or mikel move on then I think loftus cheek would benefit hugely from a premiership loan. Overall first game, only preseason so all about fitness but I hope conte try's his way of playing instead of basically using the formations the Chelsea team have been using for years because two holding in a 4-2-3-1 bores the hell out of me.
17 Jul 2016 07:34:03
That was our first pre season game and Rapids seventh (they've won the previous six, cheeky fiver on them to win Champions League) . Some of our players are bound to be rusty.
17 Jul 2016 09:57:35
He looked awful. No where near good enough!
16 Jul 2016 19:25:38
First game of pre-season calm down.
We've got Kante after all! ;)
16 Jul 2016 23:01:37
That was painfull to see I know it's the first game but I tell you now there's a lot more work than people think there is why the hell Ivanovic mikel Moses papa are even aloud on a bus with us let alone play is laughable.
16 Jul 2016 19:13:02
Btw during the next four pre season games if we are going to with a back four let's start Aina at right back and see how he gets on I've been thoroughly impressed with him whenever I've seen him play, he has all the attributes to be a quality full back.
16 Jul 2016 18:56:42
Don't like going over the top in pre season but surely Ivanovic's time is up now? I've just watched the game another howler I think it's worth getting what we can from his contract now and sign another full back depending on where Azpilicueta plays and what system Conte uses I wouldn't mind Lichsteiner 👍🏼.
I love Ivanovic he's been a massive player for Chelsea with his big goals but I'm sorry to say he needs to call it a day.
16 Jul 2016 19:12:46
because he made one mistake during the game personally I'm much more worried about RLC who the Chelsea player on the pitch. Also there's something wrong with Costa.
16 Jul 2016 19:34:53
RLC's been playing out of position for the last twelve months pal he's not a no.10. Watch the game properly. You play a player in a position to suit their top attributes. RLC's is running with the ball he can't do that at no.10.
16 Jul 2016 23:06:58
One mistake in game what about every game last year he played in he's don't sorry needs to go and get a mini bus to take another 6 with him.
17 Jul 2016 07:58:17
Considering it was the first start of pre-season a few players looked sharp, Moses, Aina especially and Chaloabah, elsewhere sad to say, Ivanovic looks like he will carry on as last year and like the equally poor Oscar, he needs to be moved on. Rahman and Mikel are also past their sell buy date and I cannot see any reason why we need to continue with Baba when Aina looks more than capable of playing in the team. Costa looked as he often does, as if he would rather be elsewhere; playing the way we did was not a help.
16 Jul 2016 18:26:47
Hi Ed, had a look through the site but couldn't find anything on fullbacks. Do we hold any interest in either left or right backs for the upcoming season or do they think that what we have is sufficient?
Thanks for all then info so far!
Up the blues!
{Ed002's Note - No idea, sorry.}
16 Jul 2016 17:07:06
Ed18 not sure if you could help but is there no chat for the preseason games.
{Ed018's Note - I'll pass it along, maybe for next match one will be up}
16 Jul 2016 16:42:31
Anyone going to watch the Chelsea friendly?
16 Jul 2016 16:59:01
I'm going to watch it. Don't understand why djilobodji is starting when a youngster could be playing. I may be wrong but sure ed said djilobodji wouldn't be staying at Chelsea this season.
16 Jul 2016 17:18:18
Don't get hung up on player selections in pre-season matches.
Given Conte has had little time with the (depleted) squad and the youth teams have only just returned from their own pre-season tour.
16 Jul 2016 17:29:42
I get what your saying but could have had aina playing right back with ivan mov No to CB and then maybe bring djilobodji on with like 20-30 mins to go.
16 Jul 2016 17:55:14
We all have our different ideas. there are a few preseason games - I think we'll see more of what Conte sees as "his" squad for the matches in America.
16 Jul 2016 15:00:29
I'm happy to confirm we have signed Kante on a four year deal. Great News.
16 Jul 2016 16:25:29
5-yr deal. :)
16 Jul 2016 17:33:27
I doubt anyone cares but "He is a perfect fit in terms of Antonio Conte's philosophies and the style of football he wants to play, " added Emenalo; makes you wonder how much Conte actually knew about Kante. Managing the Italian national side and in Serie A I doubt he had heard enough to say 'buy him'.
16 Jul 2016 15:02:27
Kante, Batshuayi, Courtois, Hazard and Oscar staying, bids for Mario, Koulibaly and Morata already made. Will people stop worrying now?
16 Jul 2016 15:53:25
Well, Oscar, Fabregas and RLC got a serious competition, maybe even Hazard😉.
16 Jul 2016 14:12:55
Can people explain why they are against us signing Joao Mario?
He's only 23 and yes he may have not scored or assisted loads last season but what I've seen of him (admit haven't seen loads of him) he looks like a decent player who will just add depth and he will only get better. Not saying that I'm pro or against signing him but just don't see how people just shoot the idea down straight away.
16 Jul 2016 15:10:04
He is just an ordinary player and there are plenty of better players that would probably cost less. Scores a goal every 6.5 games! I am not a Pedro fan but I would take him over Mario.
16 Jul 2016 15:18:44
Just because he doesn't score a lot doesn't mean he's not a good player. If he came to Chelsea he would be surrounded by better players which will improve him overall. I think he's a pretty decent player and still young so why not.
16 Jul 2016 16:29:59
I'd argue that he doesn't seem to be an improvement on what we currently have either starting or squad wise really. If he ends up signing i wouldn't necessarily be against it but I just don't see why we need him atm. Perhaps if we were to sell at least one if not two AM's/ wingers I'd understand his purchase.
16 Jul 2016 11:12:19
I haven't been this excited about season for a long time. I think we need a new approache. I like the idea of a new system, a new formation. The idea of 2 strikers excites me. I'm hoping we give your youth a chance. Imagine aina on the wing. RLC in the Center. I'm not nieave enough to think that will be regular accurance but it's a nice thought. the only thing that concerns me is Dave. He's s great defender, the best. but going foward is not his strong point. With conte's system will he adapt? In any case as Chelsea fans we have a lot to look forward to. COYB.
16 Jul 2016 12:28:43
Couldn't agree more mate. Not been this excited for a season since Jose's first back at the club. Conte has done everything just about perfectly so far and the club is making some great signings and targeting brilliant players. Kante really is a top signing, I'm sure almost all the big clubs would've wanted him and we're getting him! Batshuayi is an interesting one, I'm looking forward to seeing how he does. Just hold on to Costa and Hazard and add a centre back and we're good to go in my opinion. It's not necessarily the formation change that's exciting me, it's Conte's passion and mentality that will take us to the very top. Hopefully he'll be the man to make us forget all about Mr Mourinho!
16 Jul 2016 13:11:30
Couldn't agree more, window opened 2 weeks ago and the club are doing great transfer business while also signing current players upto extended contracts. Conte looks a great manager and has said he will adapt a system to suit our players. All positive.
16 Jul 2016 14:55:57
The only negative I see with 352 is the 2 wing backs have to be attacking, so azpilacueta and ivanovic are out of the question, they love tackling and the art of defending, round pegs square holes, I'm almost certain conte will use a system to suit the players we already have so I'm thinking 4231 or 433 with Costa and batshuy being rotated as the main striker, it would not surprise me at all if we didn't sign another striker, I hope I'm wrong I hope we go 352, but again our left wing back would be Kennedy who is a left forward not a lb, or baba who would need to improve immensely on last season, I would put my house on it we won't play 352 as our main formation, shame though.
16 Jul 2016 11:07:18
Ed002, I have a question that I hope you can help me with if you don't mind.
I read that Napoli have now given Chelsea a new asking price for Koulibaly which, by all accounts, is probably high.
Obviously, I don't know whether Chelsea will pay this price or not, but they seem to be deliberating over it.
How is that Chelsea would contemplate paying a high price for Koulibaly but would not, seemingly, countenance paying such as price for John Stones or Marquinhos, two previously primary targets for the centre half acquisistion which the club needs?
I understand that you said the new asking price for Koulibaly is making Chelsea think twice, but I am just keen to ask about the rationale behind the club's valuation criteria for the recruitment of centre halfs in what is an already inflated market?
Thanks for your time.
{Ed002's Note - Players have different valuations. Marquinhos not joining is nothing to do with price. Chelsea bid as his as they considered Stones was worth last summer. I don't get your concern.}
16 Jul 2016 09:54:57
If the Kante deal does go through who do you guys think will be our next signing?
I'm hoping for koulibaly as we need a defender and it seems as though we take too long for defenders and their prices go up after their performances. We've lost out on a few before due to this (varane, stones, Marquinhos) we should try and wrap up a deal as quick as we did with Batshauyi!
Any way I think koulibaly is a great defender, he's not old, he has great pace for a defender, he's tall and strong and is really good at tackling. He is also really good with the ball at his feet and amazing in the air.
16 Jul 2016 09:51:02
I was just wondering what everyone's opinion on our first 2 signings (on the basis that Kante joins)
Do you think they are good and will they make the starting 11
I personally think Batshauyi is a great signing - a proven goal scorer, great pace, great dribbling ability and can only improve
And Kante is a quality midfielder, his work rates are unbelievable and his stamina in game is incredible.
16 Jul 2016 09:48:05
All these rumours saying Kante has passed his medical I just want to know of this is true because if he joins Chelsea our midfield will be incredible.
15 Jul 2016 23:46:20
Ed002, you said on the European pages Kante has an offer from us which he must decide on quickly, do you know if that decision has been made, and if it is a positive one in regards to a transfer?
Thanks in advance.
{Ed002's Note - I would have thought you would have known this.}
16 Jul 2016 09:06:52
Mate it's a done deal stop worrying.
16 Jul 2016 00:03:18
Hey Ed002,
Are there any plans to bring any of Antonio Conte's backroom team from His time as Italy Manager to Chelsea?
There was a lot of speculation about it when it was first announced Conte was to take over at Chelsea but it seems to be quiet lately.
Apologies if this has already been discussed.
Thank You in advance.
{Ed002's Note - Whilst he will have coaching staff joining him there are no plans about the backroom staff as far as I know.}
16 Jul 2016 12:33:22
Thank You for the reply Ed002, much appreciated.
Do You know who these coaches are ot is that undecided at this time?
Thank You in advance.
{Ed002's Note - I know of two but I really don't want to get in to too much discussion about coaches prior to any announcement.}
16 Jul 2016 19:38:18
OK Ed002,
I totaly understand. Thank You for the reply.
16 Jul 2016 00:00:50
I would have been happy with Kante for his buy out clause of £20m. The fact that we have apparently paid €36m (closer to £30m) leaves me feeling the deal is a bit expensive. Ed002, I know you say the money is unimportant and it simply confuses people but could you please just give an insight as to why (if the above is roughly true) we have had to pay so much over the release clause? If he wanted to leave and we were willing to pay the release clause why have we paid £10m more? What's the point in the release clause? Many thanks for your time as always. I vaguely remember you saying in the past that a club doesn't have to sell if a release clause is met but I would have thought they would be obliged to sell if the player wanted the move. You would gather that that's why the player had it negotiated into his contract in the first place. A little bit of knowledge as to how this all works would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
{Ed002's Note - Forget anything about buyout and release clauses please - it is clearly something that is yet again causing confusion.}
16 Jul 2016 08:14:24
I think I read somewhere that Leicester only have to accept the highest offer above the sum of £20m. I assume that's why we offered above that sum, to ensure our bid is competitive enough to be accepted reasonably quickly.
16 Jul 2016 11:23:37
Put it this way I'd rather pay 30 million for Kante than 100 million for Pogba. As good as Pogba is he doesn't dominate the midfield as much as he should. Kante runs it on his own.
16 Jul 2016 04:54:15
Joao Mario update on European pages, well worth a look!
16 Jul 2016 07:12:48
In my honest and fair opinion, we shouldn't get him at all. That guys is just another Ramires with no passing ability.
We should use all of our financial power to get Marqinhos or Griezmann with Costa + money in return.
16 Jul 2016 08:36:06
No passing ability?!
The player is class and would definitely add to the squad. Whilst I liked Ramires (and I did, mainly from an effort point of view), João Mário is a different level.
16 Jul 2016 09:43:59
Joao Mario is terrible. 48 games last season, 6 goals and 1 assist. In an average league. We need to be looking at better players than this guy. Would rather promote a youngster than spend £20m plus on average players.