Chelsea International Banter 3

21 Feb 2026 17:06:22
This muppet is so far out of his depth he reminds me of AVB. The grass was never going to be greener with this school teacher in charge. He will be gone in the summer as should the clowns who appointed him and pushed out Maresca because he dared to stand up against them.

21 Feb 2026 17:51:47.
Trouble is that Maresca hadn't done all that well in the league himself. Greenaway, though, I agree that getting in young, inexperienced coaches is a gamble - as is the seeming 'youth only' buying policy. EM was right to try and get us in a CB in the transfer window, but as others have pointed out, he almost certainly knew what to expect when accepting the job in terms of being a head coach, not a manager in the Fergie/Wenger/Mourinho sense. His tactics against top teams were also good, but in fact, like LR in the last two home games, he tended not to be so good - or that much better than LR - against lower EPL sides, I reckon.

OK, only six games in, his win ratio in the EPL is 66%, whereas overall EM's was c.59%, I think. On a par with Tuchel's, for what it's worth! I've liked the way LR has conducted himself in interviews and pitchside, and his results thus far in the EPL are no worse than EM in statistical terms. But I did raise concern on his appointment that LR may not have enough hairdryer-throwing, if necessary, 'personality' and gravitas in the dressing room if things start to go wrong, particularly with a largely young side. Still a long way to go in this season.

21 Feb 2026 18:16:14
Greenaway We were just as bad at home, if not worse, with Maresca in charge. We have been useless at defending set pieces all season, as was the red-card situation. I'm glad that you agree with us about wanting the clowns gone.

21 Feb 2026 18:16:56
Maresca had a top record against the top teams, JBS. I think we would have beaten Arsenal in the semi-final with him in charge, but who knows? That ship has sailed now.

21 Feb 2026 18:29:49
Yes, Greenaway, like Tuchel, if more dramatically by winning the Champions League, Maresca showed tactical acumen against PSG and in some other big games. Neither all that good in the EPL v supposedly weaker sides. EM may have got us past Arsenal in the Carabao Cup. We'll never know!

21 Feb 2026 19:37:55
Since Tuchel, the head coach appointments have been poor. Apart from Poch, all of them were out of their depth. I am trying to fathom this consistent failure to appoint a coach who can lift us to a higher level. Perhaps the hierarchy think that their ducking and diving in the transfer market for young, unproven players can bring success.

More likely, they are worried that an elite coach might shine a light on their incompetence. It is getting to the stage now where no top-class coach would consider taking the job, so more of the same.

21 Feb 2026 19:39:15
As always, I will wait before I judge him as a manager. I have this feeling he is going to be successful.

21 Feb 2026 20:00:18
'Muppet' 'school teacher' 'clowns.' Very interesting post from someone who's been a major advocate for the SD's not too long ago. Posting from the wrong account, maybe?

21 Feb 2026 20:36:27
Bill, I'm ok with their recruitment of players, but, as you know, I thought Maresca was doing a pretty good job, and I was very clear that the grass was not always greener by bombing him out and bringing in a new coach.

Whoever made that decision, and, as Jimbo says, those responsible for the poor head coach appointments all along, including Poch in my opinion, need to be hoofed. The way this is panning out, Gary O'Neil will be in charge next season!

22 Feb 2026 09:18:55
Greenaway, it has to be the SDs who are responsible. That is their job role.

22 Feb 2026 10:43:37
But which one, Bill? There are 4 people heading up the recruitment of players, and, by and large, I'm fairly happy with the players coming in and going out, but which one recruits the head coach? It won't be all 4 of them.

22 Feb 2026 10:56:40
It could just be a collective decision. It's early days in this manager's reign. We have dropped silly points, but let's give LR a chance.

22 Feb 2026 14:33:17
ED01, Do you have any idea who appoints the head coach at Chelsea? Is it one of the sporting directors? all of them? or even the owners?

{Ed001's Note - it is down to the sporting directors. Not sure which one has the final say, probably has to be cleared by the ceo in event of disagreement.}

23 Feb 2026 09:35:43
Thanks ED01.

{Ed001's Note - very welcome.}

21 Feb 2026 17:01:17
Another awful result againdt 19th poor again and discipline issues cost us another couple of points with our run we'll be lucky to make 6th atm but oh well we now have a horrid looking FOS sponsor from a dodgy ai company with links to clearlake all fun and games.

21 Feb 2026 19:49:17
Kazblue, are they "dodgy"? The little I've read seems to suggest a very successful technology company, with 7000 global employees. They seem to supply AI and other technology solutions across a whole spectrum of industries and hundreds of companies. I guess they could well be a technology vendor to Clearlake or a Clearlake affiliate.

21 Feb 2026 21:01:29
I think the last manager we appointed who was my first choice was probably Conte. As his second season in charge progressed, I wasn't a fan of his either. Jose twice and Carlo forever will always be my favourites.

21 Feb 2026 21:03:18
Wrong thread but ho hum!

21 Feb 2026 16:56:51
All too predictable once again. Thank god its 5pm rather than 3am like it is for Melbourne CFC and other international fans.

21 Feb 2026 16:56:45
Another example of having people in charge not knowing what there doing from owners to the pretend in fill PE teacher.
Throwing it away but not good enough anyway it's now it's a joke.

21 Feb 2026 19:42:39
The "PE" teacher you refer to has played football and managed teams that you could only dream about. He has certainly earned my respect by what he has achieved in a very competitive business. I certainly hope he is successful.

21 Feb 2026 20:14:25
You know nothing about me. And I am sure he's very happy he's earned your respect.

21 Feb 2026 20:46:27
Nib, what I do know is that you must have a very good pub team, and I hope your keeper isn't a "clown". Of course, the manager of your pub team may well have played at the top level of football, passed his coaching badges, and managed professional football teams. I try and show respect to everyone. Not just football managers.

21 Feb 2026 21:29:35
Tom, perhaps you should show more respect for fellow posters. As for LR in the context of coaches: he was sacked by Hull and managed a team who are 7th in the French league, which I would count as fifth in terms of strength in Europe. Hardly a pedigree for a club who claim they want to challenge for the top trophies.

21 Feb 2026 21:48:54
If I didn't show respect to my fellow posters, I would hope that the Eds would bar me from this site. I will take no lectures on that score. Our manager is qualified to be a manager/coach and was a top player.

He wouldn't have been my first choice as our manager, but I will personally give him a chance to show he has the qualities to be a successful Chelsea manager.

21 Feb 2026 21:53:55
Actually on reflection I have shown a lack of respect. I apologise.

21 Feb 2026 22:34:38
Tom, fair play to you. I have also posted things that, on reflection, I should have stated in a less emotional manner. As for the Eds, I think they have to give a certain amount of leeway for posts, otherwise the site would become too vanilla.

21 Feb 2026 22:46:15
Let's see how many others apologise for a lack of respect. I assume they will all be called out? We are the words we use, and we should take the view that a player or manager's family might read a post. So I should take more care!

22 Feb 2026 00:16:27
Tom, I understand your point. However, I have no regrets about my criticisms of the SDs and Ben Roberts. Posters might not agree with my opinions, but I stand by them. Taking LR as an example, as I have said from the start, he does not have the pedigree or experience to be appointed as head coach at our club. He has taken on the job and will be judged by the supporters and the media; that goes with the territory.

He believes he is good enough and gets big bucks, so he will have to deliver. I was slightly concerned about his post-match comments criticising the players; some probably deserved it, but this is from a coach who hasn't played the same back four since his appointment.

22 Feb 2026 01:04:19
Jimbo, I have made plenty of criticisms about players, managers, SDs and owners. I have zero issues with valid criticism or personal opinions, but it can't be a one-way passion street. I will accept valid criticism of me as a poster, and I freely admit that I have biased opinions, an agenda, being a hypocrite, being pompous, and that virtually every single one of my opinions is guesswork. I also desperately try not to say "I told you so." If a poster wants to call a player a pub player, clown, or worse, then they shouldn't be surprised if other posters feel the need to respond.

The same obviously applies to the manager, SDs and owners. If people want to moan about a lack of respect, how about showing some respect to others. I have not praised today's performance. How could anyone? But I would like to think my criticism could be read by any player or the manager as at least reasonable. I have said many times the ability of players at the top level is, in my opinion, off the scale and something most fans could only dream of having; that ability alone deserves some sort of respect. Sorry for the rant but it gets on my t/ts.

14 Feb 2026 13:46:18
Is Guiu injured/ill?

15 Feb 2026 09:35:27
Sorry Bill, no idea what's going on with lad. The sad thing is, I like him as a player.

16 Feb 2026 09:59:46
So do I Tom and think that he has had a raw deal after being recalled from loan with Sunderland. But hope he and the club have a plan for his development/game time experience.

13 Feb 2026 20:35:41
Solid first half.

Sarr has looked very good, although untested defensively. That ball for Estevao was absolutely gorgeous and really should've been put away.

Garnacho and Delap have a chance to build confidence and perform, not easy on a snowy night away at Hull, but also not close to being achieved by either of them. Both young, both have time, both show very little when given chances.

Santos has been brilliant again and although Caicedo looks exhausted, he should really benefit from having Andrey next to him. Neto also doing a good really job of creating space and the goal was a stunner.

Hopefully Estevao can get more involved second half as he went missing for a while there and wasn't very crisp when he had the ball. Snowy day at hull for an 18 year old Brazilian was never going to be his cup of tea though haha.

13 Feb 2026 22:11:25
Agree with your first half analysis Melbourne Sarr looked very assured and Santos standing out. Neto took his goal v well. Second half we looked increasingly comfortable as Neto got to his hat trick - deservedly MoM - and Estavao chipped in off one of Delap's two assists.

LD unsurprisingly looked more confident and effective against this opposition . Good boost for him after sone pretty poor outings lately.

14 Feb 2026 08:34:35
I think the commentator mentioned that Delap had only started nine games prior to last night, that is probably due to injury but I'm personally in no rush to judge the lad.

He made a big contribution last night with three assists and his movement and first touch were good. Long may it continue.

14 Feb 2026 11:21:07
Yes three assists for LD not two. I forgot his first one!

V tricky for manager of a side fighting for an ECL qualifying spot to balance between giving game time so younger/new players can improve even if they are still not as good as first choicers (ie Pedro and Cucurella) but ensuring we get best results possible. Playing in four competitions, well now three, helps that cause as does rotation/subs caused by injury. But CFC managers in last few xseasons have had tghat much greater a problem by extent of player turnover and focus on (almost only) youth-only approach to buying.

Hato also did well last night and has improved as season has progressed.

Seems to me that confidence crucial and that this might be easier to have/retain when playing away v Hull than in an EPL game before home crowd at the Bridge.

So can only hope that Delap can take his performance in Hull into next hoe game he has game time in at the Bridge. Some game time v Burnley perhaps?

10 Feb 2026 21:32:38
2-0 then sucidal defend and unforgivably we drop 2.pointsnthough Cole Palmer should have scored the winnerbin dying moments.

Caicedo well below bestband gives away the penalty. Then Acheompong panic and Sanchez indecision gives Leeds their equaliser. Probably nothers to bla.

10 Feb 2026 22:51:05
I honestly don’t think Sanchez can be blamed for there second. The responsibility is down to Josh and it was handball.

09 Feb 2026 22:26:27
Unfortunately my health dictates I will be missing yet another game at my beloved bridge tomorrow night.

DCL is a player that always causes us problems and I sure our CH’s will know they have been in a game.

I would like to think we go into this game with confidence and we certain have some premiership momentum and they both count for a lot.

The game at there place was very strange. We started with a very passive approach and it only got better in snatches. We need to win our next two premiership games before we start what looks like a difficult run of fixtures.

Anyway, COME ON MY MIGHTY BLUES.

10 Feb 2026 09:21:03
Sorry to hear that your health divctating you can't make tonight's game Tom and trust that you will be back at the Bridge soon of course.

We certainly need to win the next two games and can only hope that we can play well in both halfs. Leeds have generally been poor away from home lying 18th in table in terms of away performance with only 7 of their 29 points gained on the road. Only Burnley and Wolves of course doing worse. So that should be encouraging for us. But we must turn up with focus and intensity and get the job done.

10 Feb 2026 09:23:56
Mind you CFC stand 2nd in Away table log and only 11th in home one havin g got about an equal number of points home and away. Might say something about nervousness of some of our plahers at the Bridge and/or insufficient fan noise of support.

10 Feb 2026 13:09:44
I hope your health improves soon, Tom.

Just back from a few days of solo care duty, wasn't able to watch the Wolves game – seems we played well in the first, not so well in the second, and Gusto not great again? Hopefully this game won't be a banana skin – most hated team since that O'Leary side of the early 00s. Rosenior still doing well, and long may it continue (esp. with United's form of late) .

10 Feb 2026 21:40:38
How great would that Palmer winner have been if he'd kept it under the crossbar? Fantastic build-up.

For me, a more entertaining watch under Rosenior than Maresca – finding our attacking groove. (Obviously that wasn't the case against Arsenal – but let's be fair, they're the best defensive unit in the league, and perhaps Europe, at the moment. ) Players seem to have more freedom to express themselves, not so much positional rigidity and being allowed to problem-solve on the pitch. Palmer's miss quite incredible, but he was better tonight than he has been recently, and that's great to see.

Joao Pedro immense again. The turning point seemed to be taking off Estevao – another great show from him. I still don't really understand what Delap does. hoping for more. Neto's cross almost sneaking into the far corner – would have been almost a carbon copy of Bowen's against us a few games ago.

Defensively, a couple of ridiculous moments to let Leeds back in when we were cruising. Caicedo with a silly rush of blood – if there's one valid criticism of him it's that he's rash at times. I've been a big backer of Josh playing more, but he had a hard night. Should have just cleared the ball – an absolute shocker, that goal. He'll learn from that.

Hopefully onwards and upwards – Man U just had a goal chalked off at West Ham, so losing 1-0 as things stand.

10 Feb 2026 22:12:40
And. if we'd bought Sesko as Tom wanted, instead of Delap, he couldn't have scored that United equaliser. Ah well.

10 Feb 2026 22:52:38
EdW. good point but as he didn’t join the CWC champions, he is now useless.

08 Feb 2026 00:28:09
Nothing really to say about the game. Some interesting tactical twists.

I hope the Santos injury isn't too bad.

Obviously Palmer will rightly be named MOM by most fans but I thought Neto had a good game along with Pedro and Santos.

08 Feb 2026 19:07:06
We can only assume we won and played well as its like a ghost town in here lol.

So first half i thought we was amazing. You can see slightly where we are different under LR to merasca. The one touch stuff through the middle (when the time is right may I add) is great to see it quickens up the game. And the runs forward from there are good to see.

Jaoa Pedro, is holding up the ball well but also running behind. As per his second pen (don't belive that should be a pen either. I think it was outside the book but stupid none the less)

I don't think pedro neto had a great game. Lots of running around and nice touches but no end product. I think he could lose his place to estevao soon.

Second half I think we started to tire. The goal I think should of been clear by gusto but he tries a heel flick. (He is doing my head in with some of these flicks. He's not the greatest with the ball at his feet so just keep it simple. )

Going off this game. Which i probably rate a 7/10 purely because of the drop off in the second half. My team going forward would be

Sanchez
Cucu
Trevor
Fofana
Reece
Moi
Santos
Enzo
Palmer
Estevao
Pedro.

08 Feb 2026 21:57:37
Finchy, I’m beginning to see some tactics that I like and that are quite simple.

Wide players actually staying out wide and full backs undercutting is not a new tactic but it worked time and time again in this game. Also pressing overloads particularly out wide, again simple but worked well.

Early but good signs!

08 Feb 2026 23:18:53
Finchy 86, you are so right mate, this place is like a ghost town when we win and play well, the moaners and trolls just back away and hide. We all know who they are. We could name them but they name themselves really. Up the Chelsea.

09 Feb 2026 01:16:49
Greenaway not too fussed if they come and moan or not. But we played well first half but started to fade in the second. Wolves are bottom for a reason. My point is the first half we was very good. And starting to see changes under Liam.

Still don't like the big rotations. Can see why after reading that us and psg injury record are up there with the worst and we have 1 thing in common.

But then I believe that them stats are skewed as. Gittens, essugo was used in the example. Now neither played the amount of enzo did or at all for that matter.

09 Feb 2026 09:42:21
I usually comment after every game win or lose but I wasn't able to watch the Wolves game - or record it cos not televised as a 3 pm kickoff - and am wary of commenting just on highlights. Though from some of the comments in the past would guess that a few posters comment either with complete praise or complete condemnation even when they haven't see a game but just the result! Lol!

Anyway I am obviously delighted we got the three points and even more delighted that Cole got his hattrick. Obviously had expected a win against what may be the worst side in EPL history though we haven't always covered ourselves in glory against teams we would seem to be huge favourites to beat. And Wolves had improved defensively in some recent games against 'big' sides.

Otherwise the highlights (Match of the Day! ) package didn't reveal a great deal to me except that Marc Cucurella's part in third goal looked typical of MC's fine form in recent times and that Joao Pedro looked to have another good game in winning the two penalties. Also that we obviously dropped off considerably in second half starting with looking asleep defensively at the corner they scored from.

09 Feb 2026 10:14:51
tbf . we were playing wolves. they have 8 points after 25 games for a reason- good result, solid performance not much else to read into- hope santos is ok, he's made a difference under rosenior, leeds on tuesday should be fun- hopefully we take our revenge.

09 Feb 2026 13:26:19
Yes much hope Santos ok.

03 Feb 2026 22:05:07
Strange game from both teams/managers. I guess the onus was on us to win the game and I’m not sure we played or believed we could, if that makes sense.

Obviously we lost the game with our very pot performance at the bridge.

Some solid performances. I know I’m biased but I was pleased with the Hato performance.

Anyway, onwards and upwards. I hope.