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15 Oct 2017 20:34:39
Would any eds care to comment on Conte's future at the club? To me, the reporting on his potential departure seems extraordinarily groundless, even by tabloid standards. Chelsea seem to be backing him in the transfer market, results, if not 100% ideal, are not terrible, and I haven't heard any quotes from Conte or the board that would indicate a serious conflict. So I can only conclude that the 'Conte leaving' stories are just fearmongering to sell papers to nervous fans. Is there any actual substance to these?

pensioner

{Ed001's Note - there is some substance to it, he has made comments about wanting to go back to Italy. He was not fully settled here. However, his family have now come over, so that might change things. If they settle in England that would make a huge difference to him.}


1.) 16 Oct 2017 06:34:36
Thanks ed. I can understand missing one's home country. The amount written on it still seems awfully speculative to me but I guess that's how it goes.

{Ed001's Note - a lot is, but there is an underlying reason for all the speculation. Sadly people want to speculate to build it into a big story, as little ones do not get clicks. Personally I hope he stays, it is good for the game having so many of the better managers in the game in English footie.}


2.) 16 Oct 2017 08:57:31
Conte has to help himself though, and he can't make the same mistake Mourinho made in his last half season at Chelsea. Continuously picking his experienced players that are out of form, and hoping they'll regain form. Willian is badly out of form, so why not give Musonda a start if Eden or Pedro needs a rest? Christensen and Rudiger have been our best CBs probably, so why not play them and put Luiz in midfield (as it's been evident that you lose midfield control with Fab in there)?

He has to start being brave with his decisions. Christensen is young but has excelled at every opportunity. Rudiger is new but has been very very good for us so far. Musonda is young, but Willian's been crap and Mus's looked pretty good so far whenever he's played. Moses is now injured as well, so in order to keep Zappa fresh for the PL games I hope Conte gives Dujon Sterling a chance in the League Cup game next week.


3.) 17 Oct 2017 08:22:11
I agree Jackson. Willian needs to be dropped until he finds his form. It looks like he lost his form si ce the passing of his mother. so sad. He has been really good for Chelsea but itmoght be time to bench him more often.


4.) 17 Oct 2017 09:29:20
Conte continuesly picking Willian is a bit of a mystery!
It’s not as if Musonda is his only choice. He could play Pedro!


5.) 17 Oct 2017 12:06:46
Bit of a contradiction there Chelsea4life! . You can't expect a player to find form if he's not playing. But, in saying that, I do agree that he needs to be dropped.

I'd definitely start him in the league cup though.


6.) 17 Oct 2017 13:47:36
Also, if players remain on the bench picking up splinters, how do they show their form?


7.) 17 Oct 2017 20:17:57
Being on the bench might open his eyes that if he doesn't pull finger he will be left there . so when he does get a gap to play he will perform much better.


8.) 17 Oct 2017 20:41:17
Just to clarify my earlier post.
I’m talking about Pedro and Musonda being on the bench and NOT being able to show there form!
The way Willian is playing, I’m not sure he should even make the bench!


 

 

08 Dec 2015 21:55:18
Hello Eds,

Hope all is well. There seem to be a few reports of potential transfer bans for clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and the Madrid clubs regarding the signing of youth, but they don't seem well-founded. Are there any truth to these or are they utter nonsense?

pensioner

{Ed002's Note - It is a little convoluted and rather old news dating back to the Spring. However, FIFA has found two more clubs culpable of abusing the regulations regarding the transfer of minors - both clubs have had two window bans identified as punishment but neither have had the band imposed just yet. One of those clubs offered to voluntarily take a one window ban but that was not accepted. Additionally, a larger number of clubs (double figures) have been identified as potentially falling foul of the same regulations but investigations are now on hold. This larger number does include Arsenal and Chelsea but neither has been asked to defend their position at this time. The only clubs initially investigated were those in the Champions League three years ago - FIFA will have to decide whether to extend the investigation or look to an alternate solution. For now, it should not be a concern for the English sides.}


1.) 09 Dec 2015 13:27:52
So I take it the two culpable clubs are Atlético and Real Madrid.

{Ed002's Note - Correct.}


2.) 09 Dec 2015 18:31:59
Very interesting. Thanks so much for the insight!


 

 

29 Jan 2015 17:21:04
Hi Eds,

I was wondering if chelsea have any interest in Sergio Ramos. I'm guessing this is just some recycled transfer babble, but thought I'd check.

Thanks so much for your work!

pensioner

{Ed002's Note - I am not aware of interest.}


1.) 29 Jan 2015 19:38:04
Anything new on Varane.

{Ed002's Note - RTP.}


 

 

 

pensioner's banter posts with other poster's replies to pensioner's banter posts

 

17 Aug 2016 17:51:16
I read previously we were watching three players at the olympics - I'm guessing gabigol and Maia are two but who's the third? Perhaps an Ed or a clever poster can help me out.

pensioner

1.) 17 Aug 2016 18:26:19
Mikel.


2.) 17 Aug 2016 20:48:15
Possibly Marquinhos.


3.) 18 Aug 2016 03:27:00
Neymar.


 

 

11 May 2016 09:03:31
Hi Eds,

Not a rumour, but an inquiry about transfers themselves. I've noticed 'issues' mentioned that hold up deals and sometimes even prevent them. Are these mostly two parties not seeing eye to eye on money? or are there other types of issues that commonly arise?

I acknowledge that this is a fairly broad question, and any insight would be appreciated.

pensioner

{Ed002's Note - It can be all sorts of things, past behaviour, wages, personal terms, etc..}


 

 

23 Mar 2016 05:40:42
It feels like we've been getting our hopes up for the youth squad for a few years now, and if I'm drinking the blue kool-aid it seems like we've got a crop to put fergie's fledglings to shame waiting in the wings if only a manager would play them.

traore, kenedy, ake, christensen, RLC, solanke, aina, boga, brown, baker, and about a dozen more are all hyped as potential stars. Taking off the blue glasses for a minute, how do our youth players stack up against other teams? Do all fans think they have the world class players lurking at the training ground? Or are ours actually special?

Eds?

pensioner

{Ed018's Note - certainly some of those names have the potential but we'd be kidding ourselves if we think all of those players will become world class.}


1.) 23 Mar 2016 16:26:50
If I'm being honest, I think Christensen and Musonda are the only ones who can be world class in the future. No disrespect to the others, who are fantastic talents in their own right.
Solanke for example. I think he can definitely reach Costa's level, but many would argue that Costa is just below that world class tier. Boga, Traore and Kenedy can become very good attacking mids/ wingers, but I don't think they can reach world class status. However, some of them can certainly have a place in our squad. I'm a big fan of Traore myself.
Ake is another one who perhaps could be included in the squad. He's not a superstar, but he's shown that he can handle the Premier League and he's a versatile player, which every top squad needs. His ability to fill in at left back, centre back and especially central midfield (I really like him in midfield) would make him a valuable asset.
Aina might leave in the summer, and I'm not too big on Brown (IMO he looked great in the youth teams because physically he was more developed than most other youngsters) .

Just my own opinion now, but Chalobah might still become a very good player. He's got a boatload of talent, but he simply needs to settle down at a good club with a manager that has the intention of playing him. It probably won't be at Chelsea, but I hope he fulfills his talent at some club.


2.) 23 Mar 2016 17:09:59
Personally, I would add John Swift and RLC to the potentially world class.


3.) 23 Mar 2016 18:17:53
In all fairness they don't have to all be world class. If you look at the chelsea team of the last decade there are very few players we have had that have been world class. I'd argue jt lampard and drogba and hazard (when he tries) fall into that bracket. We don't need them all to be world class to have a good team. Just look at Leicester and atletico Madrid.
I'd argue Christensen musonda and rlc seem the most likely to do it as it stands but who knows what could happen. This time a year and a half ago no one thought anything of Harry Kane and look at him now. I'd also say I think both traore and Solanke could have it in them but traore needs to bulk up and play more to see how consistent he is and Solanke could improve tactically a lot and he is very young so it's harder to tell.
I think the likes of baker ake Clarke salter and kenedy could be good players for the squad but I doubt they'd all make it due to new signings and lack of space for so many youngsters. I've heard good things about da silva and sterling but they are very Young but look like top draw youths. I hope that musonda rlc christensen and atleast one other become world class but they don't all have to be to make a good team.


4.) 23 Mar 2016 19:10:46
You probably forgotten ballack and makelele they were word class players.


5.) 23 Mar 2016 19:43:00
We know the 'youth' talent was there but it is a huge step up into 'young EPL' talent and this is where I personally think we fall short. Sending players to soft leagues and average teams does nothing whereas there are Championship and a few Premiership teams that would bite Chelsea's hand off to get hold of some of the potential listed in the comments above.


6.) 24 Mar 2016 07:54:22
Boga defo.


7.) 25 Mar 2016 04:29:38
I really think as others said it depends on your cutoff for what world class is and again there's really no predicting the future. One thing I will say is people are always looking for the "next big thing" and lose track of guys like Zouma (1 year older than RLC) and Courtois. Both of those guys are going to be in the world class category. Beyond that I think the Harry Kane mention is very accurate in terms of how unpredictable youth development is.


 

 

16 Dec 2015 09:32:40
I honestly hope I'm just getting carried away, but I'm not sure what I hope to see from the team at this point. I obviously hoped we could defend the title at the start of the season, before the bournemouth game I thought we might pull out top 4, but now I think I'd settle for avoiding relegation and knocking out PSG, followed by a complete overhaul of the roster - get rid of the underperforming senior players and buy some real quality to forge a new team. Something seems rotten but it seems like no one can really pinpoint it. What are your expectations?

pensioner

1.) 16 Dec 2015 11:55:10
it's easy said than done


2.) 16 Dec 2015 12:38:43
I think they should give the youth a chance, they would show hunger and desire to win matches.


 

 

16 Dec 2015 09:17:23
I'd really like to hear what the eds make of Chelsea's poor performance in the league - is it the players? Jose? the relationship between the two? Poor transfer dealings? An absurd run of bad luck? We've all seen various teams' form fluctuate but I really can't make sense of how terribly our season has gone.

pensioner

{Ed001's Note - personal opinion is that it is mainly down to the players underperforming but that is partly down to Jose and the relationship with the players. In some part that is down to poor transfer dealings, which upset the confidence of the squad, but a lot is down to the falling out with the medical staff. That just pushed things a little too far and it has caused a major effect on form, especially as there is clearly a rift between Jose and Eden Hazard. From what I can gather, the issues with the medical staff were more down to a feeling they were mollycoddling Hazard, who just needed to man up a bit.}


1.) 16 Dec 2015 09:44:26
10000% agree on Hazard being mollycoddled. He is a wimp. Look at the amount of times Messi/Ronaldo gets hit game after game and they get up and get on with it. You could tell after 10 mins that Eden wasn't up for it on Monday. Do you think he's struggling mentally Ed? I say this because JM said he could be the best player in the world, but Eden already said himself he couldn't get up to those levels. I mean. Come on. You smashed the league last season and this season all he seems to do is doubt himself. He can't run, tackle, dribble or pass this time. Would you sell him?

{Ed001's Note - I think he lacks the mental toughness to ever be as good as he could be. Personally I think the time to sell him was the summer, but the fans would have been up in arms if he had gone then.}


2.) 16 Dec 2015 10:48:50
CFCAdam/Ed001: Good posts. I think a number of supporters felt the same and even more so during this season, Hazard is fine when all goes his way but mentally not tough enough when it is not. He admitted he hated pre-season training and for awhile early on he looked a little chunky and his form has been poor and there were a number who voiced the same as CFCAdam, he looked on Monday like a player that wanted off and given JM's comments about his injury, I think he thought the same. No player is bigger than the Club and we should let him go.


3.) 16 Dec 2015 12:14:07
I have said for a while that Hazard clearly wants out.
Well let's sell him and anyone else who wants to go, I think we need to get rid of costa, Oscar, fabregas and remy none of whoms heart seems to be in it.
The trouble is although I am a big fan of jm, and we wouldn't be where we are today but for his arrival first time. I am concerned there seems to lack of a plan b. I think he may end up going, and the people to blame are the above mentioned. Although not player power, it is player inactivity ie failing to perform that could ultimately cost him his job.
Which is a disgrace and you hope it comes back on those players.


4.) 16 Dec 2015 12:41:25
Totally agree. Jose's after match 'chat's have always bothered me but here is a man who was third in his first season back, won the title in his second and now he's not the right man for the job! Bizarre as I would put the onus on the players until such time you reach the "we need a new face" stage. He made it clear with talk about Griezmann and Pogba that he wanted to strengthen his Championship winning team and look what we ended up with. I had hoped RA's fickle nature had gone.


 

 

 

pensioner's rumour replies

 

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30 Jan 2018 19:05:57
that's where we disagree c1955 - I just don't believe being around the first team is enough for a young player. Not one youth player has broken through in that way over the past decade+. Our two biggest successes - courtois and christensen - went on extended loans to teams getting champions league football. In 18 mo, musonda will be returning at age 22 with (best case scenario) 6+ european matches and the confidence of 2 league titles. Better odds than hoping for some harry kane situation miracle I think.

pensioner

 

 

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30 Jan 2018 05:37:27
C1955, I don’t think he was ever going to get meaningful minutes this half season, itd be lotus cheek all over again. Seeing how rlc has played this season (when not injured) gives me hope for this move. At a certain point, players need full games regularly and musonda was never going to get that here barring serious injury to the seniors.

pensioner

 

 

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16 Oct 2017 06:34:36
Thanks ed. I can understand missing one's home country. The amount written on it still seems awfully speculative to me but I guess that's how it goes.

pensioner

{Ed001's Note - a lot is, but there is an underlying reason for all the speculation. Sadly people want to speculate to build it into a big story, as little ones do not get clicks. Personally I hope he stays, it is good for the game having so many of the better managers in the game in English footie.}


 

 

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05 Jan 2017 18:28:07
Brilliant Ed, thanks for the update!

pensioner

 

 

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09 Dec 2015 18:31:59
Very interesting. Thanks so much for the insight!

pensioner

 

 

 

pensioner's banter replies

 

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06 Mar 2018 19:48:20
Ed0333, You're not getting it. I don't care about a nice manager or a media darling, I just want someone who doesn't go off the rails, because that shows they don't have a good handle on the situation. For example - early Mourinho was great, while the last season of Mourinho was ineffective and a distraction.
I believe a manager has to be an effective communicator to have sustained success. But since I'm not privy to a manager's interaction with the players or board, their handling of the press is the closest insight I get. Take Ferguson, as you point out. Great manager, masterful handling of the press. On the other hand look at Enrique. A bit of a nutter. Sure he was a good player and had some success coaching Barcelona (but who wouldn't with Messi, Neymar and Suarez) . He must have some skill to have gotten as far as he has, but I don't think he's cut out for a managerial position like Chelsea's.
As to being a winner and that's what matters, I disagree with you there. There's a long list of successful players who never made it as manager and vice versa. I don't rate Enrique's stint with Barcelona, given the resources he had, highly enough to overlook the red flag of his public appearances.

pensioner

{Ed0333's Note - “Had some success coaching Barcelona”..... He won 9 trophies in 3 seasons..lol. You don’t rate that? There was the small matter of 2 La Ligas titles and a Champions League in that haul. Are you crazy for not appreciating that feat? If Klopp won 9 trophies in 3 seasons at Liverpool I wouldn’t care if he was off with the press. You clearly have no idea what your talking about and your point holds no credence with me. Maybe one of the other editors will indulge your bunkum but I’m certainly not going to. Your club is not the juggernaut it used to be your gonna lose your coach and probably your best player in the summer you could do a lot worse than Luis Enrique. He’s a winner has pedigree has a footballing philosophy buy oh yes I forgot he doesn’t treat the press nicely so he must be a c***. Scolari, Jose, Conte, Villa Boas were/are all prickly with the press you still hired them.


 

 

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04 Mar 2018 23:43:46
Ed0333, not sure where you got that I’d care about a ‘nice’ coach- I don’t. Rather it’s that I think a manager’s interaction with the media affects their job, and I think Enrique’s eccentricities reflect some shortcomings in a position where communication is critical.

pensioner

{Ed0333's Note - the most successful manager in Premiership history was an absolute asshole with the press. Do you think united fans cared if he was the media darling? I think not. Who cares if Enrique is ‘eccentric’ with the media he’s a winner and that’s what should matter.


 

 

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03 Mar 2018 23:37:16
I agree with a lot of what you have to say blue nose. I've been one of those who've defended conte and liked that he is relatively honest for a manager. However, like ed001 points out, he's overly critical of the board in public. I'm starting to think that's hurting the cause and he doesn't seem nearly as invested as last season.

For a long time I felt the media were driving him out, and maybe that's a cause of it, but I'm starting to feel like maybe it'd be best for everyone if we part ways.

Jardim, sarri seem solid, not sure if nagelsmann would transfer over well, but he's young and exciting. Really hope Enrique isn't a serious option, his media relations were terrible at Barcelona, I can't imagine how bad it'd be in England.

pensioner

{Ed0333's Note - why do you care if your manager isn’t nice to the media surely you want a guy whose a winner and Enrique is certainly that. I would move heaven and earth to get Nagilsmann because he is gonna be a phenom. He truly is special and with money to spend he will be a tour de force.


 

 

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02 Feb 2018 23:30:28
I think many fans have wild expectations these days. At the start of the season I felt like if we made top 4, a semifinal in a domestic cup and the quarters of the champions league, I'd call it a solid season.

Returning to champions league was always going to put a lot of strain on our relatively small squad, and we had a lot of players to move on and replace (matic/ costa/ terry etc) . People underestimate how difficult it can be to integrate new players, for every one that hits the ground running, many more need time to adjust to a new team's play style.

The only thing concerning me now is top four- I'd like a little more room over 5th place, but I feel pretty confident we can outperform at least one of pool, spurs, or manu between now and the end of the year. We're through the mayhem of the winter schedule, so I expect our injuries to clear up, which will help a lot.

pensioner

 

 

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22 Nov 2017 23:22:48
I hope for a front three- hazard morata pedro. Liverpool's strength isn't being difficult to break down, id rather have three who can take a shot.

pensioner