Chelsea Banter Archive August 06 2015

06 Aug 2015 22:55:49
I think looking at people's views as well as my own that frustration is kicking in before the start of the new season. I believe our lack of transfer activity has a lot to do with this. The top teams in our division have all strengthened while we seem to be happy with basically just replacing out going players instead of upgrading the current first 11. For example there are players available like pedro/gotze who would be upgrades on the likes of cuadrado. Watching Jose in his interviews I think he looks just as frustrated as Us fans as I believe the board have his hands tied regarding transfers. I think it's our formation that also holds us back a lot. It's was only pre season but I can't remember us creating any clear cut chances in all our games. We play two holding players and still concede a lot of good chances to our opponents. I'm sick of saying this but when we high press we look great. When we don't we look really bad.

06 Aug 2015 23:47:58
Simple to me if Costa doesn't score 20 + again and Hazard doesn't top what he did last year then am not saying it's going to be shocking but it's not going to be like last year we will struggle against top 5 and struggle to complete that goes matic as well he gets injured suspended will struggle

07 Aug 2015 11:39:13
I think our fullbacks are having a major impact on our attacking play. I think Ivanovic is average player at best and should be a back up, Dave shouldn't be playing LB as he doesn't contribute to attacking at all, He should definitely play in his natural position(RB) and Baba(when he joins) should be our main LB.

07 Aug 2015 13:09:20
Although not a Rahman fan particularly, he has said that wherever he goes he wants first team football which would indicate that 'if' we have made a bid and I mean bid not just an enquiry which counts for little, he may well come straight in and Azi switches which is what Mourinho implied in an interview last year. Azi on the right bolsters that weak right side and hopefully will enable Willian to stay forward. Remember Azi started life as a right sided midfielder before dropping back. I was hammered earlier for suggesting Ivanovic, who I like, has lost some of the pace he had and is vulnerable to a quick winger and getting caught getting back.

06 Aug 2015 15:14:49
Maybe some of you have noticed that I have made 0 comments on how we played during preseason. That's because I haven't seen Chelsea game in total(except full highlights) until last night. I have read many of fellow posters comments and most of those comments were critical.
After Fiorentina match I may say that I am finally understanding what is Mourinho trying to achieve. It's quite possible that we don't need more signings and that Mourinho really means that.
He is seriously trying to improve his squad and bring it to another level.
It will take some time maybe month or two but, if he manage to do it Chelsea is not going to have any competition at PL.
He is trying to play total football and only team in Europe which is able to do it at the moment is Bayern Munich(not Barcelona-although they are trying to get there).
It's not easy to achieve that but that's the only way out since we're unable to compete financially with MU,MCFC, PSG or Real Madrid.
Cheers, better days are coming. Don't worry about lack of marquee signings. Just remember what players and how fantastic players we have.

06 Aug 2015 16:23:22
What a load of rubbish. 👆
Total football? Mate you ain't got a clue.
In my opinion, jose has his hands tied when it comes to transfers , I think because the kids have done well over the last 3/4 years the club want to see some of them integrated into the first team , so ain't giving him the millions he wants.
Will Jose's ego and win at all cost attitude get in the way of him developing the kids.
The sign of a truly great manager isn't one who can chuck money about and buy the trophies it's one who can develop the talent he has and make them winners.
Can jose do this with the crop of talent in the youth set up or will his ego get in the way. Can you see him being happy and motivated finishing 3rd but seeing development in the kids?
I posted on here about 3 years ago questioning weather he could do it with kids - the time has come for him to answer.
I'm not so sure he can.

06 Aug 2015 17:12:12
Cfcmatt, I can't think of 1 player who has come through our youth system that has gone on to make us regret not playing them. Sinclair? Cork? Mceachran? Bertrand? Name one player that would get into our first team. The problem is not Jose not playing them, the problem is that they have not been good enough.

06 Aug 2015 18:09:10
You obviously didn't understand a single word in my post. Integration of young players has nothing to do with it. It's about totally new approach to the game. The hardest thing to manage in this sport is to play futsal on football pitch. That means to get to another(higher) level.
But obviously you have no idea what I am, talking about.
About youth integration,maybe a very few youngsters will get limited chance this season.
The club already has plenty top players. Buying for the sake of buying will probably make you and a bunch of plastic fans like you happy. But it's not about you, it's about the club.
If you don't understand game called FOOTBALL, go and watch rugby or American football.

06 Aug 2015 19:17:02
To be clear. My post was about completely new tactical approach from Mourinho. It doesn't work yet but it will work in the future. Chelsea might not manage to defend the title or win CL this season but it will bring success in the future. Trophies are not the thing that raises manager above others. There is something called legacy.

06 Aug 2015 20:07:26
Completely new tactical approach? Don't know where you get that from. Futsal on a football pitch? No you're right I have no idea what you're talking about.
If you think we're in for anything different than last season then think again. I'm not hating on jose just he's got his way (winning matches) and that's it. I was at wembley Saturday and must have seen ivanovic launch delap style throw in's 10 times. Is that the total football you're talking about?
Honestly (mrs costa), I'd rather Ryan Bertrand at left back or cover for left back than this new fella from Augsburg.

06 Aug 2015 22:16:27
Id rather Bertrand than baba Rahman he had a great season with Southampton last year and I think we should of never let him go I generally feel if azpi was right back and Bertrand left we would be better I think brana is getting caught out an awfull lot the last couple of months and he's hopeless going forward don't get me wrong he's a legend a great player to get a goal but just my opinion I think the squad needs strengthening I still don't think rlc is ready he's a year off that in my view hope I'm wrong great talent I also think ake and kalas should make it and time will tell with brown and solanke

06 Aug 2015 23:06:52
When I mentioned futsal on the football pitch-that means totally different approach to football game. To majority futsal is no different than football but actually it's different sport. Closest to futsal or mini football on the true football pitch is a kind of football tactics played by Barcelona several years ago. Now Bayern is playing the same way. That tactics demands short passing football with extreme passing accurancy and constant rotation of players on the pitch plus full tactical awareness.
Traditional football tactics stand no chance against it.
Watch some recent Bayern games and you will understand what is Mourinho trying to emulate.
I truly believe that our players are not worse than Bayern's.

07 Aug 2015 07:40:56
I can't take this kid seriously 👆, so jose is trying to copy pep? Hahaha.
I've never read such guff.
Also Ed , this antibot calls me out for being plastic and I give him some chat back and you edit my post.
Thanks for that.

07 Aug 2015 08:42:15
Futsal? I'm lost!

07 Aug 2015 09:21:51
Mate, futsal is nothing like total football

07 Aug 2015 19:01:25
Total football was invented by Dutch, it has nothing special to do with Guardiola except that he admirers tactic. So what if Mourinho does it as well.
Futsal doesn't have defenders, midfielders or strikers all four outfield players are completely involved in defending and attacking with constant movement and rotation.
Total football involves all outfield players in attack, defence and build up play.
That's why is so difficult to play it.
Bayern Munich is successfully playing it but there are other teams which are trying to do the same.

06 Aug 2015 11:02:09
Anyone believe we will sign anyone else before the transfer windows close? Obviously it seems rahman is coming, where are you wanting chelsea to strengthen?

06 Aug 2015 12:03:49
A simple answer, yes and we must with the cloud over Costa. However, what is paper/agent talk and fact. On one hand a new offer for Stones is due and on the other Mourinho is reported to want that discussion on hold. Rahman's agent says he has agreed his personal terms and then goes on to say the two clubs now need to talk; what sort of transfer is that and Rahman has made it clear he wants first team football therefore is Mourinho going to switch Azi to the right to add some strength going forward which we are lacking. Everything else we read appears to be media talk BUT there have been several snippets about Pogba circulating, some reported here and if it is possible and he is interested in joining the club over others I have said from the start we will pull out every stop to get him and I think he will fill a void we have. Apart from Griezmann where that went cold quickly the others thrown around leave me cold.

06 Aug 2015 15:16:21
Rahman is a case of when not if, Stones will defo leave Everton, I just hope he comes to us and not Utd. If Stones decides on United then I still think we'll sign another CB.

I still think we'll see another player come in as well as that. You'd like to think an attacking players will be on the club's mind given some of the issues we have in that area. Problem is, as Frensham says, the options available, such as Callejon, leave one a bit cold!

Griezmann and Pedro would have been good options, Griezmann is the perfect addition to the squad for me, but they both look unlikely at best now. Is Kenedy going to get a work permit? Is he the option, and reason Solanke got a loan? Is he good enough to impact the first team this season? I've tried to look at this preseason as positively as possible, but there are lots of question marks, such as these, around the squad at the moment. I just hope they're dealt with positively.

06 Aug 2015 16:10:23
Attacking wise we're pretty stacked right now. A lot of people say they'd like a new player for the right side. But we've already got Willian, Moses and Traore. That seems more than enough to me. Moses has really impressed and deserves a chance. Traore is very promising and should perhaps earn some minutes as well during the season. Willian is a very steady performer and important to the team. So I don't think another attacker is necessary.

06 Aug 2015 16:46:39
Yeah Jackson Moses, Traore and Willian are decent players But they won't take us to the next level. You're too blinded for your love for Traore to realize it. Moses has been inconsistent for years and just because he's had a good PRE-SEASON doesn't mean anything. Willian doesn't score enough goals as good as a player he is that's why I'd like to Pedro come in because at least he's got goals in him. Traore needs a premier league loan before being anything ready for our team. I want for Cuadrado to come good but he's hardly showing anything so it'll be interesting to see what happens.

06 Aug 2015 16:52:24
Jackson: The answer was in your own comment. We are stacked in numbers but Willian is stuck in his "must get back at all costs" mind-set to the detriment of his attacking role, Traore is all 'future' and I cannot see him getting anything other than soft game time and then Moses who has proved to be something of a surprise in pre-season but can he deliver week in and week out, that is the chance we will be taking. As Champions who want to defend their crown 'steady' will not cut it. I genuinely do not believe Mourinho is content with the current squad although he must feel comfortable that he has a lot of developing talent a year or two on and I would be staggered if he is being restricted financially. There may be some surprise(s) in the pipeline and we are playing brinkmanship with a few clubs for certain players.

06 Aug 2015 17:34:46
Moses also played very well for Stoke last season. It's not just this preseason that he's performed well. And you're right, I love Traore. But I don't mean that he needs to start every other game. But the occasional game here and there should definitely be feasible.
IMO if there's a world class or at least top class player coming in, it should be in central midfield. In bigger games, we still struggle in the midfield battle for control or even flat out lose that battle. That's where the top class addition should come in, preferably replacing Ramires.

06 Aug 2015 18:07:04
Preferably. I think you meant imperative. On his day I loved watching him but Oscar is not having many days now!

06 Aug 2015 19:37:44
Sorry Jackson I got to disagree with you here. Hazard, Oscar, Willian, Moses and Traore isn't enough. I like Willian, love Hazard and I'm hopefull we'll see more from Oscar; but Moses is just a squad player and Traore, in my opinion, isn't even that at this level - yet. Add to that the issue with injury prone and form dodging strikers and it's a concern. Chelsea need to add a wide player who can also deputise up front.

06 Aug 2015 20:29:17
Agree to disagree then, lads. I'm comfortable with our attacking midfield options. I really like Moses. He's got decent technique and is very physical. He'll add to our attack, I really believe that. Willian is also a good option, but the same question remains. Can he try to give us a little more attacking input? He's so quick and actually has some neat close control if I'm not mistaken, but he rarely tries to beat players. It's weird. And yeah, I just like Traore, sue me hahah ;-)

06 Aug 2015 22:25:22
Lads I really have to say I don't think our attacking options offer enough goals . meaning every team we play will double up on hazard like they have in pre season with out Costa we look poor but I'm confident remy will do better when the league starts in all fairness he done very well every time we called upon him last year and ders no doubt an option still for him to go if a club makes a bid might happen although I think it's a bit late now and maybe mourinho wouldn't like the hassle of selling and buying this late. griezman and pogba and we would walk the league . matic needs someone next to him in big games remember against Man U last year we had the lowest possession in home games at just 29 per cent Oscar I'm sorry I do t see what he offers use him in pogba deal touch wood

06 Aug 2015 22:29:05
Have to agree with Jackson here. Moses always had the talent, maybe a year or two away playing regularly has made him a better more consistent player. Traore should get a few matches or cup games. Cuardrado, wasnt a great performance but he did show a few near touches and to be honest that gives me hope. January to may he looked almost too scared of trying anything in case in screwed up.

I said it myself, and Jackson has before, it's centre mid that we need something. Ramires is turning into the problem for me, he doesn't have the skills or passing to work in a 2 man pivot. If anything, we are a player up from last year, Rlc, so hopefully he will get a lot of starts. Yeah griezmann would be great, but what's the point of a rough million player on the wing who gets not service because we don't have the players to control midfield when matic and fabregas are exhausted from starting every game.

But good discussion points being raised,we will just have to wait and see

06 Aug 2015 08:14:46
I posted about Sanchez when he became available but many of expressed optimism wit what we had. Though we won d league but we all wish we signed him now. We are about to see same with PEDRO @ United. Again we won d title last season mainly bc other teams were bad and now our rivals had strenghtened.For all that Fab gives us, he makes us weaker in d midle. We need a CM, a Lampard to better complement Matic. Mou had beta overcame his 3rd season hurdle he faces every where he's been. #Blues4life.

06 Aug 2015 01:28:05
So now pre season is out the way. Who's everyone's starting 11 v Swansea?
Courtouis
Ivan. Terry. Cahill. Dave
Fabregas. Matic
Willian. Oscar. Hazard
Falcao

I think falcao gives a lot more movement and I'm shocked how strong he is on the ball. Fabregas I think looks a better player when playing deeper. He's not that good defensively but by playing deep he gets more time to get the team moving forward.

{Ed018's Note - that's what I'd go with but Jose has had Ramires out there with that group of players instead of Oscar so I'm not so sure Oscar will be starting}

06 Aug 2015 09:40:52
Oscar has to start for me. And then along with Hazard of course either Willian or Moses as the 3rd attacking midfielder.
So yeah, basically agree with your team. The starters mostly seem to pick themselves still, there's not a lot of change from last season. Maybe Zouma can start, and I wouldn't be opposed to that, but Cahill also deserves it. So knowing Mourinho it'll be Cahill.
I'm pretty confident we'll win.

06 Aug 2015 10:06:56
If Costa is unavailable I think Remy will start - he has looked sharper than Falcao. Jose talks up Oscar but doesn't seem to trust him - what he sees in Ramires God only knows!