Chelsea Banter 4

19 May 2026 09:08:13
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Aston Villa v Liverpool - A Not So Quick Liverpool Perspective

18 May 2026 22:19:00
Apparently Pedro not in the Brazil WC squad. I'm actually shocked at that admission. Big mistake King Carlo.

19 May 2026 00:03:01
Gutted for both him and Andrey. I hope a lot of our squad get left behind so they can actually get some rest. However, it's the pinnacle, and players will be heartbroken.

Hopefully it motivates the boys.

19 May 2026 05:41:46
My initial reaction is one of sadness for the players, but that immediately turns to happiness that they get a full off-season and then a full pre-season with Alonso.

19 May 2026 08:32:17
J

I totally agree, our players need rest.

19 May 2026 08:41:14
Bill, we need a rest from our players. As for Pedro and Santos being left out of the Brazil squad, I can't really comment, as I don't know the makeup of the squad and who was preferred over them. Slightly surprised about Pedro, not so much Santos, as I am yet to be convinced about him.

19 May 2026 08:45:49
That is a good point, but some players who are not picked for their national teams move to other clubs.

19 May 2026 09:35:17
Tom, like Barcelona?

19 May 2026 09:37:46
Agreed, Tom, and specifically in this case... he may feel that, were he at Barca, he wouldve 100% been picked.

19 May 2026 17:40:14
Brazil have picked these forwards for the World Cup. Have copied and pasted. Not that one is from Brentford and another from Bournemouth, so not all are from Barcelona or Real Madrid! But both Brentford and Bournemouth exceeded expectations this season, while CFC greatly did not, and perhaps the relative success of those 'smaller clubs' helped draw the attention of CA to their forwards.

Brazil forwards:

Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Neymar (Santos), Endrick (Lyon), Rayan (Bournemouth), Igor Thiago (Brentford).

18 May 2026 20:48:15
Alonso likes a back 3 and wing backs with 2 in the pivot and 2 number 10's behind a striker in a 3-4-2-1 formation, although he can also be adaptable as he was at Real Madrid and play a 4-2-3-1.
We are well stocked with players who can play in the pivot, at wingback and as 10's, plus our wingers are hopeless, so they can be sold.

Hato will be perfect on the left of a back 3 with Levi in the centre. So the priority must be a keeper, right sided centre back and back up striker to Joao Pedro and we are sorted. Plenty of squad fillers knocking around on loan and in the academy.

18 May 2026 23:00:05
Greenaway, surely Penders comes in as keeper? Quenda is a perfect wing back cover either side for James/Gusto and Curcurella. We have the likes of Josh and Trevoh as back up centre backs. Maybe sign a worldie? Do we need a striker? JP has scored 20, so works for me.

19 May 2026 06:08:04
I think it'll end up being a back three system, even if it looks like a four on paper sometimes. This is how I see the summer going, with that in mind.

I think we'll see Penders compete with Sanchez for the starting GK spot. Jorgenson sold or loaned (maybe replace Penders at Strasbourg).

Tosin, Badiashille and Fofana all sold. The rumours, before he was confirmed as manager, were that Alonso wanted two CB's. That leans towards him wanting to play a back three. Personally, I think Van Hecke, to play as RCB, and Lacroix, to play as CCB, would be fantastic additions. This two in a three, with Colwill at LCB, would be very balanced, with good passing ability out the back, and good EPL experience. Hato, Chalobah and Acheampong all serving as other options in the squad.

The links to a move for Hall, leave me thinking the club know Cucurella wants to move on. Hall would be an excellent, if slightly unlikely, LWB signing. I hope Alonso can convince Cucurella to stay. Barco is pretty much confirmed now, after he said his goodbyes at Strasbourg. He offers good cover at LWB, but I think will be more of a CM addition. Also got the young Brazilian, Danner I think, joining from Corinthians this summer. Surely a loan candidate, but maybe he impresses in pre-season.

James nailed on as the RWB, for as long as his body can hold out in the role. Gusto may be better in that role, than as a pure RB, where he's less likely to get lost and loose his man when defending the back post. Quenda coming in could get above Gusto in the pecking order pretty quickly.

I don't think we need any additions to the midfield, so long as we can keep what we have.

The wingers are all in trouble, Neto, Garnacho and Gittens could all conceivably leave this summer. We've recently been linked with a move for Nwaneri from Arsenal, which is something I'd definitely support. We'd still need someone for that inside left role. Matt Law had some interesting / negative things to say about Rogers lack of maturity, and it being something this group doesn't need. I actually think Gibbs-White would be a better signing, he's had goals and assists consistently for a couple of seasons now.

Emegha will add much needed depth up top, but can't see him unseating Joao Pedro as our starting number nine. Guiu will likely be sold (Coventry sniffing around), with Delap our no 3 choice and Conference League golden boot candidate. Jackson to be sold.

Don't know what our SD's have been doing, bloody easy game this 🤣

19 May 2026 08:53:55
J, I agree with the majority of your post, and as you say, it will be interesting to see if Alonso wants four wide players in his squad.

Neto was rumoured to be of interest to Barcelona and Liverpool. I can only see Garnacho going out on loan.



I think there will be lots of players sold in this window. Guiu, Disasi, Tosin and Badiashile, Fofana or Chalobah, I think, are definite.

I would like to see the back of Gusto as well, but I can see him being ok under Alonso.

19 May 2026 09:02:24
Interesting posts. There will be a lot of twists and turns before the start of the season.
There is a scenario where Pep leaves City, Man U appoints Carrick, and Liverpool stick with Slot, which would be very good for us. The first two are very likely, but I would be surprised if Liverpool retain Slot, even if they get Champions League football.

17 May 2026 21:57:17
Successful people, businessman or otherwise have the ability to evaluate, change course and go again. Fair play and great credit must go to Blue. co on the appointment of Alonso and making him the manager and not just a coach. I think Maresca walking out after failing to get the backing he thought he deserved taught them just how important it is to get the right man at the helm.

Alonso will guide us back to the top table but without that change from the owners it wouldn't be possible.
I haven't spoken to a single Chelsea fan who isn't over the moon.

18 May 2026 15:59:00
Yes, it's only taken them 4 years, but they've finally taken a step in the right direction... now it's on to summer and seeing who we sign.

18 May 2026 15:56:42
I am v hopeful that Alonso appointment has meant that BlueCo will now allow mores serious footballing minds to help return the club to being competitive in EPL and ECL again and allow someone wjho is a proper 'manager' rather than 'head coach' to be large part of enabling this to happen. Nothing giuaranteed though and we have fair bit still to go to building squad depth required that fills existing gaps in first team positions that need strengthening as well as providing quality cover in all positions. Though we all know that we do hace some fine players - amny of them still v young - for new manager to build on in developing strong enough squad.

So we will doubtless be seeing lots of ins and outs yet again and I think you are being far too generous to the business acumen of BlueCo who have been in place as owners for some years yet, spent billions, and yet only now seem to be seeing the light in terms of what has seemed blindingly obvious: don't appoint very inexperienced (in terms of EPL football/or managing at the top level) 'head coaches' and not just confining buying almost only very young 'prospects' rather than the more clearly finished article - though of course it is also about getting the fit right, the combintaions that will work, players with right mentaility etc

In many lines of business and without the massive resources behind them our current owners would surely have gone broke several times over by now. In comparison RA in our Chelski days got it right from the get go - with mangerial appointment of JM and players brought in that gave us great spine to the team - even if by no means always getting it right in his seventeen years or so as owner. Perhaps particularly in parting ways with Carlo after the man had won us the double. But CFC trophy array of 18 major trophies - no Conference league ones! - under RA was apparently 3 more than any other club in the period 2004 to 2022.

RA's last managerial appointment TT won us our second Champions League in 2021. In the 2021-2022 season we finished 3rd with 74 points. TT in charge and who had behaved with dignity and kept our boat afloat when owenerless and sanctioned.

BlueCo took over a still top club. They have taken four years (hopefully) to have learnt key lesson that a club need. The best finishes under since they took over in May 2022 - almost exactly four years ago -was obviously Maresca's 4th place with 69 points then Poch's 6th place with 63 points.

This is a massive moment in terms of whether we can rejoin the elite not just in EPL but in Europe again in near future, or not

18 May 2026 19:28:51
JBS, I have given credit to the owners for the appointment of Alonso as "manager". This is, hopefully, the first step in a proper reflection of mistakes of the past. The next step will be the transfer window. We need to move on players who are not good enough, and the shirkers. We have all done to death the positions we need to strengthen in.

We have young players coming in that we have already signed, but any additional signings must be proven in terms of ability and mentality. That said, I am going into next season with some hope for the first time in a while. I will at least have a happy summer.

18 May 2026 20:54:12
Am on same wavelength as you, Jimbo, and do have hope that Alonso appointment marks a turning point in right direction for club under BlueCo.

18 May 2026 23:12:58
J, don't panic, mate, we are ok.

17 May 2026 12:50:47
The Liverpool site has a lot of anger about Alonso joining us but also a lot of negativity aimed towards their manager, owners and SD’s. Very much like the last days of the LR tenure and our SD’s.

18 May 2026 10:58:19
Tom, your mate who put the bet on Alonso must be very happy. The drinks are on him. 🍻

18 May 2026 11:00:19
The seem to be very angry Tom and in disbelief that Alonso has come to us.

18 May 2026 11:18:56
Jimbo, he is over the moon, and yes, the drinks are on him. I managed to take a few quid off him as he said Alonso would be at the cup final.

17 May 2026 10:36:27
Alonso coming in as manager is a huge statement by the ownership group and just shows what a huge draw we are as one of the world's biggest clubs. Even without Champions League football we can still attract the very best and now we need to kick on. My Liverpool mates are beside themselves that we got him.

17 May 2026 11:33:26
Greenaway, my scouser mates are the same, and you are so correct about CFC being able to sign so called top managers when so many said we couldn't.
Obviously, it begs the question why not do it before, but it also shows that some of our fans' understandable doubts were misplaced.

17 May 2026 12:08:35
Unlike other managers, Alonso will have my 100% support. I think they have done a great job in getting him.
One of the major factors why he left Real was due to players moaning about fitness and how much running he makes them do.

For me, that's what these players require. I think you will see a few players leave as well. It's brought just a little excitement back to being a Chelsea fan.

17 May 2026 12:54:10
Nice to hear that, Nib. I like your passion for the club.

17 May 2026 12:23:17
Greenaway Tom

On the Liverpool site they are now saying they did not really want him and one of their do called ITK's who said Slot was going and Alonso coming, now says he tried to contact last minute but they turned him down, yeah right.

By the way they are still calling us Chelski, perhaps somebody should tell them we have been under American ownership for 4 years now, perhaps ED001, you can enlighten them.

{Ed001's Note - would you rather be known for Roman's ownership or what is happening currently? I would say it is more of a compliment that you did so well under him people still think of you that way.}

17 May 2026 13:12:09
Bill, after yesterday's disappointment I'm enjoying today's bit of fun.

17 May 2026 13:34:42
Fair enough ED001, I will take any compliments that come our way.

{Ed001's Note - I am sure in time they will give over with the Chelski stuff and find a new nickname. I am just glad the rent boy crap is rarely seen now.}

17 May 2026 15:02:56
Bill, the scousers are in meltdown, mate. They want Slot out and are in dismay that Alonso has chosen to join us when they thought he was waiting for them. The fact that Alonso is also appointed Manager as opposed to Head Coach is also very significant. I'm utterly delighted.

17 May 2026 17:41:03
Greenaway

I have to admit I was really worried we would be left with Silva.

17 May 2026 18:33:42
Bill, so was I. Credit to the owners for making the right decision and moving so quickly.

17 May 2026 08:16:05
The boys tried their hardest but there was just no tactical plan in place, it was as if they just went out and played the game they love as we all did and maybe still do when at school.
When Alonso is appointed I won't mention Maresca again but if Maresca had been pacified and kept in place until the end of this season we would of qualified for the Champions League and may well of won at least one pot as well.

As it is we will have no European football unless we scrape into the Conference League.
7 losses in a row going back to 2019 in domestic finals is piss poor as well with that loss to Liverpool's under 7 side under that serial loser Pochetino being the hardest to take.

17 May 2026 07:41:18
So, it looks like Alonso is our new manager and like all our managers he will get my 100% support.

It now looks likely that my No1 choice (Hoeness) will be going to Liverpool.

I guess it goes to show how impossible it is to make all football clubs supporters happy because the Liverpool supporters I know all wanted Alonso and had never heard of Hoeness.

Anyway, if managers are successful then fans love them and everything else is soon conveniently forgotten.

17 May 2026 09:42:11
Tom, tbh, I had never heard of Hoeness until you mentioned him, and none of my Chelsea mates knew who he was.

17 May 2026 09:47:50
I started mentioning him two seasons ago. So, my mates are fed up with me saying he was my No1 choice.

17 May 2026 07:20:41
So I didn't get to watch the final yesterday. It's been another poor season but this morning I find myself feeling more optimistic.
With Alonso becoming "manager".
It had me think back to 2018 when we lifted the FA Cup against Man United. Another close 1-0 game.
The only bits I remember was my son being young. Although his 4th visit to Wembley.
We go in the stadium, I brought 2 pints (instead of having to wait again). And the little brat wanted to go to his seat 🤣. Obviously no beer pitch side.
So I gave one away and downed the other. To go sit in our seats and he wouldn't move from that spot. 1.5 hours before kickoff 🤦‍♂️. Sun beaming down all day on my big bald head.
The next bit I remember was him crying and screaming at Conte to bring on Willian as, we was up against it.

It was the first time I have really seen him emotional in a game.

The final whistle goes, Wembley erupts, I turn to my son and he is being thrown into the air by a random stranger. Massive smile on his face with tears streaming down his face.
So my point is it wasn't really the football that made me happy. It was the day with my boy with that memory imprinted on my brain.

Just thinking of this, this morning and a far more credible manager being chosen. Gives me hope for being optimistic.
I hope a lot of you are and let's get behind Chelsea for the rest of this season, next season and forever.

It's not always about the ownership, team, players. I genuinely think that even if we lost that final to Man U. The day we had. His emotions would of still imprinted on my memories.

17 May 2026 09:05:11
Finchy, nice post.

17 May 2026 15:21:24
Finchy, very nice memories.

My first FA Cup final, I knocked myself sparko with excitement after we equalised.

17 May 2026 16:13:16
How on earth did you do that.

17 May 2026 16:37:52
We equalised. My dad was outside, and I ran out, jumping in the air to tell him, and jumped up into the door frame. Everything after that is a blank.
I just remember waking up in my dad's arms with a massive lump on the top of my head.

17 May 2026 07:16:06
Morning blues,

Disappointed about the result, we gave it a go and just came up short, I also thought we should of had a pen on Hato.

Great news about Alonso, I'm very happy, I wanted either him or Iraola, I'm also happy that he is apparently a Manager rather than a head coach, looks like the owners are learning from there mistakes and aren't afraid to change.


I'm looking forward to next season already.

Let's just hope this post doesn't make me look stupid in 6 months time!

17 May 2026 09:47:09
I have been critical of the owners, but credit to them for the appointment of Alonso, and for getting it done quickly. This gives Alonso plenty of time to sort out practical things (living arrangements etc), and for him to plan how to turn the team into winners.


None of us know how this will pan out, but for the first time in a while I am hopeful about next season.