Chelsea Banter Archive March 11 2013

11 Mar 2013 12:59:59
". Although seen as a laughing stock with some fans, for some strange reason, Benitez proved again yesterday that he is a top class coach. While his detractors always use his spell as Inter Milan boss as a reason to mock him, the truth is that he was managing an ageing side who had just won the Champions League and had lost their hunger.

Ignoring that spell, he won La Liga twice in three years with Valencia, in a league containing the excellent Barcelona and Real Madrid sides, and he turned Liverpool from a top six side to a team that very nearly won the Premier League in 2009, making them one of Europe's most respected sides along the way.

His final year at Anfield was a mess made by Tom Hicks and George Gillett, but he is still held in great regard by many Liverpool fans.

While Sunday's 2-2 draw at Old Trafford wasn't quite Istanbul, it was another brilliant tactical switch by a manager who deserves more respect than he is currently getting.

After the game, Chelsea fans everywhere should've felt very embarrassed at the abuse they were giving their manager when he brought off Lampard, and it's funny how few of them were willing to accept they were wrong and actually give Benitez credit for once.

It is understandable why his appointment was not a popular one, given his history with Liverpool, but the way they have treated him has been an absolute disgrace.

Lampard is undoubtedly one of the Chelsea's best players over the last 20 years, but he can often be a disruption to the shape of a side. The likes of Gerrard, Michael Ballack and Paul Scholes have all struggled to play alongside him, and his withdrawal changed the entire complexion of the game.

11 Mar 2013 13:20:35
ed. what's you sincere and honest opinion on the above article? {Ed002's Note - I have the opinion that the fans of the club should be supportive of the manager whilst he is at the club - it was only ever going to be a temporary position.}

Liverpool fan in peace.

Agee with that, also he sorted out our academy that is starting to produce some brilliant star. I can understand why he is unpopular but whatever happens we have all got to get behind our team and manager. Also he winds up old whiskey nose.

Im no rafa hater but Brilliant tactical switch? It should be blatantly obvious to him that rami and lamps can't play as the 2 in front the back 4. Well it is and has been to me for ages.
Just hope he never plays the together again.
Cfcmatt.

11 Mar 2013 19:17:29
are u sure. lampard to be dropped to the bench.
the last time a manager dropped him to the bench. got sacked and fans started slating him.

11 Mar 2013 10:30:37
Yes I've been very critical of him in the past but when Mikel came on yesterday he had a massive impact on the game.

You can't play Ramires in that two man midfield, especially as a holding player, and expect him to play well. Alongside the likes of Lampard he is restricted and you don't get the best out of him. Yesterday, when partnered with Mikel, he was given the licence to make those charging box-to-box runs forward and we once again saw the Ramires of last season.

Getting back to Mikel - he broke the play up, covering the back four perfectly and his passing was as positive as I've seen from him in blue. He was the most important player on the pitch for us in the second half.

Azpiliqueta was also very good yesterday (again), as was David Luiz in the second half. It leaves me dumbfounded when I see him line up at centre half, as I know how good he is in midfield; but during that second half yesterday we actually looked like a team. Sit Oscar a little deeper with Mikel and Ramires, give Mata and Hazard the freedom to influence the game and add a footballing/creative striker to the fold and we could/should be golden.

11 Mar 2013 10:59:02
I could agree more.

Top post Surewould. Agree with the lot

I've always hated mikel and ill admit it defensively he was good yesterday but you seem to forget his couple of miss tackles and his terrible few passes in there half. But he did look a lot better. Lampard time is up here. BLUEBOY1

11 Mar 2013 09:01:59
rafa. tactics was spot on. as his. team selection.
he wanted moses in the lineup. and bring hazzard in the second half.
he dropped lampard who was actually doing nothing from past some time. and bought the only DM. mikel to release ramirez forward.

boy we ripped the UTD today.

I think if we could have got mascherano on Jan transfer window we would have done brilliant.

His team selection was to have Frank and rami in the pivot. It was a horrid decision. Props to him though for seeing the problem and correcting it. Finally he did something proactive, albeit after making a mistake from the outset. Hopefully he can pay as much attention for the rest of the campaign.

I remember seeing mikel near thier 18 yard line often, and losing the ball, and passing to them as usual, and then everyone scampering back, yeah great tactics!

Apologies for saying pivot. Shocking word.

11 Mar 2013 04:13:25
Great second half from chelsea, and Rafa actually called the right soots in terms of the use of his subs. If we continue to play like this for the rest of the season, a top 4 finish should be expected.


RDM