Chelsea Banter Archive September 02 2011

02 Sep 2011 21:22:21
Hi Ed - I was a little surprised that Lukaku was left out, I personally think the CL wouyld have been ideal for him. SSN say he is not available for the group stages, does that mean if we get through to knock out stage he can be called upon.

Thanks {Ed002's Note - There are options to switch the squad around between stages.}

I was under the impression that U21s dont need to be included in the 25 man squad? Meaning he can still play! As well as all the other younger players not in the squad. {Ed002's Note - No, that is the league squad.}

02 Sep 2011 17:04:33
In the downtime until January, I think it's worth reflecting on some of the commentary you get here on the site. In particular, I wanted to address the notion that Lampard has no "pace".

To be fair, I don't think Frank Lampard has every had that much pace - he is a superb endurance athlete, not a sprinter. I think it is perhaps more pertinent that Frank has lost a little speed of thought, since being out injured at the beginning of last season.

When Frank came to Chelsea, he was a box to box midfielder with a good engine who scored a few goals. At the time, £7m, I think it was, seemed about right, and Frank seemed at the right level for the club he was joining - a top six club, but not really a title challenger.

Frank has himself credited Ranieri, and later Mourinho, with changing that. What they seemed to teach him, and what he had the dedication and tenacity to learn, was to have a picture of what was around him - that ability to know what you intend to do with the ball before it arrives. Just the last 18 months or so, that seems to have deserted him a little, with him getting caught in possession more often and giving the ball away more.

Pace really isn't the be all and end all - unless your name is Sven whose only recommendation on most players was "he has a lot of pace". For the disallowed penalty against Stoke, the tackle came because Frank got there. Equally, I don't recall many stating that Riquelme, Scholes, Xavi, Ballack etc. are/were too slow. Much of what we call "pace" is actually the ability to create time on the ball.

It might not be a coincidence that this coincided too with Drogba being ill with Malaria. Didier, the way he plays, creates space for Frank to move into, forcing centre halves back and allowing Frank to move from a slightly deeper position into space.

Torres' approach is different and that, aligned with getting older etc., will no doubt require a change of approach. Personally, I think and hope that Mata will be the key that unlocked Fernando's game.

And as for Frank, maybe he will sit a little more, or track back a little less relying on Ramires' energy. I think he will be able to do that and have a good season - though maybe without the goal output we've benefited from. He's done it for England - I've always thought that Frank has much more tactical awareness and discipline that Steve Gerrard, for example - and could perform a similar role for Chelsea.

Two from Ramires, Lampard, Mereiles, McEachran when fit doesn't look any worse that, say, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson, Cleverley. As we all know, perhaps the only thing missing is a David Silva, Mikel Arteta or, dare we whisper it, a Luka Modric.

Sorry - essay over.

S

It was 11m when he signed, still a fantastic bargain! not happy with the people that slag him off. Although he doesn't do much spectular, he rarely puts a foot wrong. I also have a feeling that we are going to see a spectacular return to form shortly...

I agree ampard untill last season never had a long lay off due to injury, he looked rusty last season and never got into his stride, we have only played three games this season and I belive Lampard will find his feet and get back to the great player he is.

02 Sep 2011 15:59:37
I think lampard should have put pressure on his uncle harry redknapp in modric case. Redknapp should have then put pressure on levy to make modrics contract void so that he could have joined us on bosman free transfer. It was so simple guys, lampard should have done something.

02 Sep 2011 14:00:53
Shera di team hai chelsea

chelsea team contains lions

02 Sep 2011 11:49:37
Hi Ed, Sky Sports News is reporting Galatasary has made an undisclosed bid for Carlton Cole of West Ham. Are there sill leagues in Europe that have transfer windows still open thus allowing these clubs to purchase players from England? Just i previously thought Galastasary were interested in Kalou/Drogba and was wondering if its still possible for them to make bids for them? Thanks

PB {Ed001's Note - Turkey's closes on Monday, they can still sign players until then.}

Any chance of Kalou being sold or given away? {Ed002's Note - The window has closed in most countries. His options are limited to a few countries (including Turkey) so it is unlikely.}

01 Sep 2011 23:20:10
Do you think Meireles will start most games now?

This would be my Team;

Cech

Bosingwa Terry Luiz Cole

Ramires Meireles Lampard/Josh

Mata Torres Sturridge

What do you think?