Chelsea banter 3

01 May 2024 15:42:28
Omari Hutchinson, perfect situation would be sign a new deal, and another year loan at Ipswich, play regularly in premier league under a very good coach,

01 May 2024 16:50:36
I agree, I think that would be a good solution for all parties.

01 May 2024 18:28:04
Ahree eith you both.

02 May 2024 10:39:49
So do I.

01 May 2024 15:02:29
If Nkunku and Levi are out tomorrow that's 12 players missing through injury!
A chance for some academy players maybe?

01 May 2024 15:34:50
G8, I may well be wrong but I think it’s 13/ 14 players out for tomorrow and that is just about our worst injury total for the season.

You are correct about opportunities. I would like to see the RB position filled with one of academy players.

01 May 2024 16:11:29
It is utter madness Tom, half the squad missing! I guess Alfie will play RB with BB and Big Trev at CB and Marc C at LB. Conor and Moises in the pivot with Noni, Palmer and Mudryk behind Jackson leaving a bench of academy players.

30 Apr 2024 08:53:22
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, West Ham United v Liverpool - A Quick Liverpool Perspective

29 Apr 2024 21:19:16
I thought Noni was brilliant against Villa, the boy gets stick from some but just look at the talent. Yes, he made a mistake with the penalty fiasco, yes, he needs to work harder in defence but he is a talent, big, strong, quick and direct with a goal in him as well. About time he got some praise.

30 Apr 2024 08:17:09
Has had some really good games recently will be interesting to see how he develops has an eye for goal good dribbler to my mind he doesn't have his head up enough to view his options but undeniably a talent.

30 Apr 2024 08:43:06
He has certainly improved throughout the season. I’m still not totally convinced but I think it was Ed001 who sad that the lad needs good coaching.

Another player who has improved throughout the season.

30 Apr 2024 09:09:01
Good player but my only concern with him is is attitude.

30 Apr 2024 09:51:45
Were you concerned about Ballacks attitude when he tried to take a penalty instead of Lamps? All a bit unseemly from my recollection and he was an experienced player, but it didn't affect his attitude going forward.
Likewise Noni infact he's played well since Wembley/ Pen incidents.
And he is still a kid coming to terms with playing for a big club so he should be cut some slack.

30 Apr 2024 10:51:29
Love Noni too, G8. Thought he was stand-out during the tailend of last season. He's worked really hard to improve on the defensive aspect during the last few months, which was my main concern about him, because he's obviously massively skilful going forwards – if he can keep working on his game and decision making he's going to be some player. These are young kids with very few seasoned pros in the dressing room to guide them – I think Poch should get no little credit for this aspect of the situation.

30 Apr 2024 10:54:13
The penalty argument that stands out for me was between Drogba and Lamps. It was also an important pen as we were going for the title and Drogba wanted the golden boot. Eventually aLamos took it and scored but Drogba had the right hump. I would add that at no stage did JT or Carlo get involved in the on field argument.

30 Apr 2024 11:02:04
EdW. I agree Poch should be given credit for players performances improving throughout the season.

I can only think of 2/ 3 players who’s play hasn’t generally improved throughout the course of this season.

30 Apr 2024 15:08:28
You'right EdW and as have saiud myself not sure more than a hadful of managers could have done much better and many would have done perhaps a good deal worse.

30 Apr 2024 18:20:18
Which does not mean Poch cannot be criticised in terms of getting line-ups or substitions wrong - which he has on occasions. Yet in terms of odd line-ups, and some substitutions, this might be a matter of trying obver his first season to look at all the players properly, give them game time, so that the right decisions can be made about swho should stay or who should go - subject to this being possible! - in this coming transfer window. Who should stay, from what Poch and we have seen, should surely include, CG, CP, MG, TC, Enzo, MC, CC, NJ (as winger), and assuming head right NM. Quite a lot of others in the should probably keep too column. RJ if ever regains proper fitness should be an easy must keep but one worries about his fitness as most of us do, along with that of BC.

A manager can also be criticised perhaps for being seemingly unable to get players off to fast starts at start of games or after intervals, or to be entirely focused for whole of game. But players also responsible for this as they most certainly are for obvious blunders in front of goal or at the back.

01 May 2024 08:41:30
I think Poch will be given another chance but he needs to improve his half time team talk.

01 May 2024 13:50:32
Agreed Bill – we've often been shocking after half time.

And with JBS (although I've personally not seen anything from him that suggests we should keep Cucurella! ) – line-ups might have been an aspect of trial and error with a squad that was seemingly built with no sense of coherence. But one can also question why for example, if the goal was to learn about the players, he never tried Maatsen in his natural position?

Anyway, although I've found many of Poch's decisions baffling and have seen obvious negatives, I don't believe we can keep cycling between managers, and don't want to keep cycling between managers. To change that culture, as the new owners said they would, at some point you have to show some steel. If we continue to fire and hire a potential long-term manager will simply not look at the club as a viable place to pitch up.

29 Apr 2024 15:53:17
Ed there are rumours that we could get transfer ban and points deduction due to ffp breach after Chelsea admitted loss of 90m£ in season 22/ 23? Do you know anything about that?

{Ed002's Note - Chelsea need to raise something like £106M by June 30 and largely that has been done.}

29 Apr 2024 19:55:41
I’d expect 28m for Hall is already done. Good chance we could get Maatsen done also with a 35m release clause although I’d rather him stay.

29 Apr 2024 23:15:41
I believe I've read mount is counted into this year's quota too so that's around 90 with hall and mount. Presumably we will sell lukaku for maybe 15, maatsen for 25-30 etc.

29 Apr 2024 22:27:50
Thanks Ed.

30 Apr 2024 12:55:58
Think we could get 30m from Saudi for Lukaku tbf standard.

30 Apr 2024 21:02:53
They have also apparently sold some hotels in london.

30 Apr 2024 22:08:26
they are also getting 50 million being reported for club world cup.

29 Apr 2024 16:43:20
When I saw the badiashile nudge I thought it would be given as foul by ref,
Ref was right there, he saw it, no obstruction and yards away. He saw it and didn't think it was a foul, var obviously said we think you got this wrong we suggest he takes a look, cancelled goal almost instantly, my gripe with this was the sterling push in back v Brentford not given as it was shoulder > to back, then I was suggested would that of been a penalty the other way around and I don't think that would be given,

Then there was Michael Oliver yesterday. 5 yards and actually waved his arms to say definitely not a penalty when rice absolutely booted Davies,

The level of refereeing is at all time low, referees don't want to make calls, there just waiting for VAR to do there job for them, and they can't be trusted as they are
Looking for reasons rather than anything " clear and obvious, and once they do make a decision or let it go on, as soon as VAR suggest otherwise they almost always change there mind, there's no consistency across the league with referees,

29 Apr 2024 17:19:45
Agree with you Matt.

29 Apr 2024 17:57:37
Couldn't agree more .

I would change VAR have automated offside like they are going to then give each team a challenge per half on non offside decisions, when they challenge the ref goes to the monitor to look with nothing said to him by stockley park, if the team is correct you keep your challenge if wrong you lose it.

29 Apr 2024 20:11:25
I think when a referee allows the play or goal to stand, VAR should ask the referee, did you see the contact between badishille and Carlos, if so are you happy to allow, then referee can say I saw and it stands or I didn’t see, or I saw, was 50/ 50 I’d like to look again, let these refs ref the game and be accountable, and limit the VAR as much as possible,

30 Apr 2024 07:25:49
Completely agree Matt, although the Grealish hand ball that was on target until it hit his away from his body arm was deemed "not a foul" by VAR. This is where ref's should be Mike'ed up with VAR and available to the fans in the stadium and on TV, so instead of one person deciding there was nothing, everybody would be accountable. This is where
technology is heading, and, if refs are going to abide, rather than make a tough decision, then our premier league is in a spot of trouble.
Whilst we admonish our referees for bad decisions, our VAR advisors ( who hold far much more power) go unpunished! These people (very well paid I might add) produce one bad decision after another, they need to be made accountable along with the referee's.

30 Apr 2024 13:05:36
100% agree Matt. VAR should be asking ‘did you see the incident’ if yes, they should ask the ref to describe what they saw. If they say the defender got the ball and they didn’t, send them to the monitor etc but if the ref has said I saw a shoulder barge then there’s no need for it to be referred to the monitor unless it’s a red card offence imo.

The handball in the city game, the ref gave a corner, so the contact wasn’t seen so they should have gone to the monitor, it should be down to the ref whether it was accidental or on purpose, the decision shouldn’t be made by VAR.

The whole point of VAR is to ‘not re-referee’ incidents. So if a ref has seen it and makes a subjective call it should stand.

30 Apr 2024 22:11:27
it was a clear and obvious foul and a good decision in my opinion the ref should of spotted it in real time do.

01 May 2024 05:33:20
The wonderful experience of celebrating a goal with your own fans within a stadium has now become a time when fans hold back on that emotion.

VAR for me has become a technology that sucks the life out of game.

{Ed025's Note - im with you Tom..

29 Apr 2024 11:28:28
Just watched Thiago Silvas farewell video. Wish him all the best. Think for a player of his age to come to the premier league and become arguably one of the best defenders over the past 4 years is a testament to who he is as a person and how he's looked after himself as a player.

Would have loved to see him at Chelsea in his prime but glad we got him at all. Rolls Royce of a player. For me he has to be in that bracket of being one of our greatest centre backs behind JT.

29 Apr 2024 11:47:44
Sounds like he maybe back in some capacity in the future which would be great.

29 Apr 2024 11:52:12
dan, very sad to see him go but nice to hear him say he might come back in a different capacity. His sons are still at the club and I hope they are successful.

Good luck to Thiago and thanks for the memories.

29 Apr 2024 12:08:52
Absolute legend so happy he got to win the champions league here.

29 Apr 2024 12:19:12
Also, the WORLD club championship.

29 Apr 2024 12:32:34
I must admit I was slightly sceptical when we signed him because of his age but he has been top class for us. I wish him all the best for the future.

29 Apr 2024 14:36:40
Thiago Silva. An utterly brilliant footballer. So glad he got his CL and WC medals with Chelsea FC. All the very best Thiago.

29 Apr 2024 17:21:37
Despite his age he has been one of our very best players over the time he has been with us and we will remember his time at the Bridge wity fondness. Yes, all the very best TS.

28 Apr 2024 21:54:43
Another loan player who seems to have had a productive season in the lower divisions with Bristol is Harvey Vale. Played over 40 games. I'm sure he will progress and have a good football career.

29 Apr 2024 01:12:35
He’s done well but probably not done enough to get a chance in the first team. Omari Hutchinson on the other hand is some player in his first full season. We really are blessed from the right wing with Palmer and Hutchinson but Kendry Paez is the player I can’t wait to see join. He looks like an Endrick level talent.

29 Apr 2024 11:46:33
Hutchinson is very inconsistent has games where he's anonymous and others where he is a game changer.
He certainly wouldn't be ahead of Palmer/ Noni and wouldn't be happy on the bench.
He left Arsenal due to not getting enough starts so another loan period would be best for him next season ideally in the PL if he would be a starter.

29 Apr 2024 12:16:41
KDrog think you're probably right re OH at the moment.

28 Apr 2024 21:23:52
Watched the Napoli v Roma game and my choice Osimhen was just ok, scored a pen but Tammy took his goal very well.

29 Apr 2024 08:22:09
Tom

He haa just been ok for a while now, maybe just getting stale at Napoli, we will see if that is the case at PSG next season.

29 Apr 2024 08:33:15
Bill, sadly you are probably correct that PSG will be his next club. I live in hope and I guess I’m now looking at him as player as what might have been.

You never know, it could be the return of Tammy.

29 Apr 2024 12:20:12
One think we do need and miss up front is a striker who is good in the air but must also be highly mobile due to v fast paced and interchanging positions style pioneered by likes of Pep. This has been a Jackson waekness thus far and most of our headed goals come from defenders which may be not uncommon but we have to have at least one attacker who is good in the air!

29 Apr 2024 13:18:53
Yom

I think it would be massive gamble with Tammy due to the really bad injury he had recently.

Maybe a season loan with no obligation might be an option.

29 Apr 2024 15:45:23
Bill, I am not suggesting we sign Tammy but we have had a lot worse CF's at our club than him.!

29 Apr 2024 16:41:22
I would be more than happy with Tammy Abraham.

28 Apr 2024 15:03:03
Watching the Spurs game, their fans booing them off at Half time. Havertz with another goal, just shows what patience from a manager does and nice when the fans unite behind the team. I'm hoping we have patience with our young squad and the manager, be it Poch or whoever shows the same patience and care that Arteta is doing at the gooners.

28 Apr 2024 15:44:51
Spot on G8.

28 Apr 2024 17:52:22
Stick with a manager with a losing mentality who would prefer to go to penalties in a cup final against liverpools kids? Yeah right get a grip almost as bad as you betting against your own team. Proper bandwagon fan.

28 Apr 2024 18:18:01
Blimey, I want Poch as our manager for the start of next season. I suppose that must mean I’m a “bandwagon fan, ” whatever that is?

Maybe we could arrange for “bandwagon” meetings/ p@ss ups on a regular basis to discuss the good old days!

Out of interest, what is the longest term Jose has ever been a manager at any of his clubs?

28 Apr 2024 19:12:21
Nothing against you Tom. Just this poster seems to cause trouble on this site and bets against his own team. Think he goes on most sites doing the same. Not sure what his problem is. Not a Chelsea fan by the sounds of it.

28 Apr 2024 19:18:31
Looks like Frank is back! ?.

28 Apr 2024 19:19:38
Barnet, I never assumed for one moment that you had anything against me. I just like the idea of being a “bandwagon fan. ”.

28 Apr 2024 20:14:41
G8. What are you talking about fans, support and patience? Arsenal (going for the league btw) literally emptied to a man last week when 2-0 down! As for Havertz? Arsenal will NEVER get the return on Havertz that Chelsea got. He scored the winning goal in the CL final, and then got their money back. Brilliant investment.

28 Apr 2024 22:55:36
Keep Poch for the start of next season needs a fully fit squad changing manager all the time is madness I would of kept Potter if they do get rid of Poch please not Jose

As for betting on or against one's own team generally don't like betting on Chelsea games I am nervous enough anyhow but I can see the attraction of betting against them if you lose you are happy that Chelsea won if you win you get compensated for a Chelsea defeat if that makes sense.

29 Apr 2024 08:28:11
It looks like most on here are in favour of Poch carrying on and if reports are to be believed so are the players.

I think it would make sense to see what he makes of this talented squad providing the injury record vastly improves next season and we have somewhere near a constant 11 first teamers to choose from.

29 Apr 2024 08:40:05
Bill, I’m not sure about a majority but there are a few of us who would like Poch to start as our manager next season.

To be honest Bill I’m never a fan of players saying they like or support the manager, that should be done on the pitch. Also, that sort of sentiment almost confirms my pre appointment assessment of him as being “to nice. ”

Anyway, nothing has really happened this season that I personally wasn’t anticipating other than a “shed” load of injuries and I’m gutted not to have really seen Nkunku or Lavia playing in Chelsea blue.

29 Apr 2024 09:06:38
I’m 50:50 on Poch. I can see both sides. He should have won the LC, but tbh it was the players who fluffed their lines at Wembley. The injuries have been wretched for the guy, the inconsistency of “which Chelsea will turn up? ” is, (in the main) to do with being such young players. Looking from the outside for next season here would be my moves, sign a WC CB and CF. That’s poss (£200m) . If possible, sell Sterling (20m), Murdyke (30m) Reece (40m), Chillie (30m), Sanchez free. I’ve got those five at around £110m. Hall is going Newcastle, so a few quid there to be had. Do not be selling CG, TC. What are the chances? Probably next to zero.

29 Apr 2024 10:01:50
Of course they are bill1995. Paid millions to have a manager who is very nice and kind to them even though they need a bollocking.

Bring Jose back.

29 Apr 2024 15:59:29
Bill Poch developed Palmer, Gusto, Gallagher and Caicedo are looking better and better. He is good in developing young players. But if we want trophies and better league position we need some more experienced addition as well as clinical no. 9.

29 Apr 2024 20:04:38
I think it’s a fallacy that Poch has developed young players: Gusto, Palmer and Caicedo were “developed “ at their previous clubs and what about our other young players? Colwill hasn’t developed by being played out of position.

29 Apr 2024 20:33:44
I don’t. Good point Blue.

30 Apr 2024 10:56:27
Jose now would be the worst for this young squad imo. Jose first time around was a different guy, serious and hard but also playful. He seemed to change a lot when his father died, became bitter. Plus, I can't forgive the way he used to bully certain players. I feel like he's a toxic vibe, and would absolutely stick with Pochettino because, as others have said, he's not had a season with a first-choice squad, and was basically handed a mishmash of a team to work with. Patience is usually rewarded in football, but it's not something we've seen a lot of as Chelsea fans – sure, short-termism gets you results for a time, but ultimately it's diminishing returns, as we started to see towards the end of the Abramovich era.

27 Apr 2024 20:52:42
Ed with your knowledge why is he still the manager what are they not getting.

{Ed002's Note - THe decision will come when the season is over = as I have explained.}

28 Apr 2024 10:50:29
Just maybe they learned a lesson about changing managers during a season. ’.

28 Apr 2024 11:30:51
Ed

Thank you for your response.

Just wondering with a numbwr of clubs possibly looking for new coaches, if we wait until the summer to do a review, do you think we could loose a coach that would suit our squad and who with your knowldege do you think that should be (if Poch goes)

I see you called it with Slot for Liverpool.

{Ed002's Note - The club would look to Amorim again, but there are other options like Sanchez, De Zerbi and Mr Mourinho.}

28 Apr 2024 11:52:23
Not only does Poch deserve until the end of the season but he deserves next season as well.
The unparalleled injury list has completely disrupted the development of the side this season to a point where no realistic analysis can be made.
In addition the newcomers to the league who have remained fit are starting to look better.
Poch needs backing not sacking with a new and experienced goalkeeper, CB and striker and then a bit of luck with injuries next season.
If we aren't in touching distance of top 4 next season, assuming more normal injury record, then he should go.

28 Apr 2024 12:08:00
Bill, I think the club will start the season with Poch still as our manager and as Ed has kindly informed us if he is sacked there will be alternatives considered.

Some months ago I posted a “hunch” about Pep leaving this season. If that happens and with Liverpool, Bayern and at the time Barcelona all looking for new managers it could have been an interesting time to be a top manager.

28 Apr 2024 11:57:41
Thank you Ed

Who out of those 4 would be your choice?

{Ed002's Note - Mr Mourinho.}

28 Apr 2024 12:18:06
Ed, If a change is made, I hope your choice never happens.

28 Apr 2024 12:18:57
Interesting, thank you Ed, hopefully Poch survives, I think he has at least earned another season.

28 Apr 2024 13:57:02
I also think Poch has done as well as most managers would have this season given number of youngsters in squad with little EPL experience and vast injury list plus lack of proven out and out striker and/ or attacker who is good in the air. So would be with KDrog and Bill on this.

28 Apr 2024 16:02:49
I want Poch to stay but if I change was to happen Id love it if Mourihno came back with John Terry as number 2.

28 Apr 2024 16:08:10
Would love mourinho.

28 Apr 2024 16:25:00
Mourinho's ship has sailed.

28 Apr 2024 18:00:34
Still best manager in world for me and would be over the moon think he’s the only one with the power to persuade good players to join as well, let’s be honest who would join the at the minute and no champion league it’s going to be hard.

28 Apr 2024 18:20:54
Jose persuading players to join sounds very Klopp like.

The thought of Jose as our manager for a third time scares the life out of me for the reasons I have previously given.

28 Apr 2024 14:15:20
Hi Ed, I hope you're well!

I personally wouldn't be opposed to a return for Mr. Mourinho, but I was wondering if you could perhaps explain why he would be your choice?

{Ed002's Note - Knows the club, successful, likeable.}

28 Apr 2024 19:16:04
Bringing in Mr mourinho alone would be the best move the owners have made yet.

28 Apr 2024 19:33:32
The thought of another season of mid-table mediocrity and lame excuses scares the the life out of me.

28 Apr 2024 20:42:49
Agree I think it’s already in the pipe line most fans favourite easy move to get fans on there side bring a good feeling and that professionalism back.

28 Apr 2024 21:52:50
Nib, wasn’t Lamps a fan’s favourite and that didn’t end well and I’m not suggesting there is comparison in managerial ability.

This is about what I predicted for a season and while it’s been disappointing it’s hardly been surprising. Next season I would hope for and expect us to be challenging for a champions league place but not the title.

I did semi check the duration of a Jose management term, it looks to be about just under three seasons.

29 Apr 2024 07:59:11
When have we ever had a manager that lasts more that 3 seasons this century!

29 Apr 2024 08:30:41
I’ve NEVeR been happy with the constant changing of managers and on so many occasions all the coaches that go with them on there managerial tour bus. Yea, I know until recently will did ok changing every few seasons or months.

I would love for us to have a Fergie, Wenger, Pep or Klopp but I find the whole process debilitating and I long for stability of management.

Me wanting stability has little bearing on me not wanting Jose. I have already given my list of reasons why I wouldn’t want him back for a third time. If we want a previous manager back then give me Carlo.

29 Apr 2024 08:35:02
Perhaps it's because we are picking the wrong managers who are short timers.

29 Apr 2024 09:03:23
Bill, It’s hard to argue that constantly changing managers didn’t bring success to our club, the stats prove that.

We have even changed managers mid season twice and won the Champions League but I’m personally not a fan of constant change and certainly not five managers within two seasons.

Mind you, I haven’t wanted any of at least our last six full time managers sacked. I also only wanted one of them appointed.

29 Apr 2024 10:18:03
I don’t care how many times we change managers. I suspect the days of long term coaches are over. I wonder how many, if any, coaches who start at PL clubs next season will last more than three seasons.

29 Apr 2024 11:48:44
The fact that it’s a rarity doesn’t mean fans can’t want it. I think it takes time to build a structure like the managers I’ve mentioned.

29 Apr 2024 16:04:39
KDrog, I believe our players have been seriously lacking fitness. Also obviously medical team is not on the level on medical team during Abramovich era.

29 Apr 2024 17:18:34
TheBlue, the strange thing as and it’s pro just a coincidence but this season lots of clubs seem to have a high level of injuries.

29 Apr 2024 17:42:01
Tom, not sure what you mean by structure but Poch is no Ferguson, Pep, Klopp ot Wenger. He doesn’t stay at clubs for long and there is a reason for that.

29 Apr 2024 18:12:03
I have NEVER suggested that Poch is as equivalent manager to Fergie, Wenger, Pep or Klopp. All I have referenced is the duration of there tenure and the long term involvement in there respective club’s structure.

If there is a so called “reason” why Poch has left clubs then the same applies to the likes of Jose! I thought you didn’t care about how long a manager is in his post.

29 Apr 2024 19:55:46
Tom, I don’t care how long a manager is in post, what I said didn’t contradict that. Jose has a number of trophies under his belt unlike Poch.

29 Apr 2024 20:32:21
I will support Poch to change his trophyless premiership record at Chelsea and under no circumstances do I want Jose back at Chelsea.

I want him to part of a successful structure Andy Chelsea and I do care how long he stays because if he is our manager for a long time he will have had to been successful.

30 Apr 2024 09:09:01
We all want Chelsea to be successful and if Poch was here a long time it might indicate success but that’s not the point. That is wishful thinking. Poch has been around a long while without success and there is nothing I have seen to make me believe that will change.

30 Apr 2024 10:57:28
It’s only “wishful thinking” in your eyes. I believe that given time Poch will be a successful manager at our club.

30 Apr 2024 11:59:06
Tom, it is my eyes that count for me.

30 Apr 2024 13:08:43
Obviously the reverse applies!