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J.'s Posts and Other Poster's Replies To J.'s Posts
J.'s rumours posts with other poster's replies to J.'s rumours posts
17 Jan 2026 06:58:46
Who’s going to be this perfect CB for Chelsea this January?
Apparently, the club are looking for a player who’s comfortable playing out from the back, is first team / EPL ready and can develop with, ultimately playing alongside, Colwill. They will obviously stick to their age criteria as well, don’t see them signing a 28 year old fully fledged / experienced international.
Romano has stated we have three players on our list, one of which is named as Jacquet, who plays for Rennes and is being chased by half of Europe. I’m not seeing a current EPL defender who meets the criteria.
Who else should we be looking at?
In other news, some reports that it’s between us and Man City for Barcelona midfielder Dro Fernandez, who is leaving on a €6m release clause. Flick Maya’s described loosing the player as the biggest disappointment of his career.
1.) 17 Jan 2026 08:53:42
J, I enjoyed your report and fingers crossed you are correct on the recruitment front.
2.) 17 Jan 2026 08:54:51
PSG now favoured to sign Dro.
3.) 17 Jan 2026 08:57:56
Jacquet is wanted by all the top clubs in europe and in particular Liverpool, Aresnal and Real Madrid so will be very difficult to sign him I imagine?
4.) 17 Jan 2026 10:23:49
69 million for a centre back whos played 19 senior games in ligue1 is absoloute insanity.
5.) 17 Jan 2026 10:50:09
Jacquet is only 20 so certainly fits the agre profile - or is he already a bit too old? lol - and his highlights package looks good strong and quick (but said package unlikely to show any errors of course) . Another great prospect. But could take time to adapt to EPL?
Anselmino looked v promising indeed to me when I watched him at the Bridge in our preseason friendly v Bayer Leverkausen and do not know whay we didn't hold on to him - I suppose we altready had BB and perhaps thought Hato could play there though seems more comfortable at LB- yet we loaned him out to Borussia Dortmund where he is excelling.
What I think Matresca wanted was an already EPL proven LCB to replace/stand in for the injured LC. Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth may be available in this respect but is 'elderly' at 28!
But given we are unlikely to win my=uch this season pergaps Jacquet would be another good purchase/investment for the future. Fits more in line with CFC as a trading club that might be able to compete for ECK or EPL - if we can retain our best players - ina few seasons time?
6.) 17 Jan 2026 11:54:00
So, I ask again has any poster seen these two young CH’s we are being linked with actually play?
I personally have no idea of how good they currently are.
Obviously some feel they are overpriced, so I assume they have seen them play.
7.) 17 Jan 2026 12:50:27
Tom
I'm sure you will probably be aware but I doubt anybody has seen them play.
8.) 17 Jan 2026 14:25:01
That’s my point Bill. So, if that is the case how do qualify as a waist of money?
9.) 17 Jan 2026 14:50:37
I've not seen them play only Jacquet's highlights reel in which he looked impressive as most do but did reveal his size strength and pace. But we are all guessing on how he would turn out to be when in a blue shirt at the Bridge. As most will have been with likes of Gittens and Hato.
Bringing players in from outside the EPL typically more if a gamble than getting them in from another EPL club or may need more time to adjust. Can only hope Jacquet is the bees knees of CBs if we sign him.
10.) 17 Jan 2026 15:57:04
Jacquet has (apparently) told Rennes he wants to join Chelsea this window. Haven’t seen him, but, given the wide depth of interest in him, he must have some promise. If he signs, for me, we’d need him to be an immediate upgrade on Chalobah, Tosin or Badiashile - tough ask.
01 Jan 2026 15:29:39
Athletic (Ornstein) reporting that Maresca had meetings with City personnel as far back as October. For me, that brings a few of his subsequent actions / comments into focus and it’s doesn’t place Maresca in a favourable light. The other thing that’s being pulled into focus is the fact that Rosenior is the front runner to take over, which is a move I completely disagree with for both him and the club.
For me, I’d like to see the club go for Iraola. Lots of reports that a new coach will be in place within days, probably before the City game, so we won’t have to wait long to see who it is.
1.) 01 Jan 2026 16:51:54
Rosenior more likely than most to be yes man the SDs and Eghbali would like?
2.) 01 Jan 2026 17:17:07
J, I’m not trying to defend EM or any other Chelsea employee and that includes the owners.
We have no idea when the SD’s first spoke to him about various issues. I was only told about these various incident/arguments that been happening after the Atalanta game. I have no idea if the concerns on either side were justified or reasonable.
I guess a lot depends on who we choose to believe. If a fan dislikes the manager, it will be his fault. If a fan dislikes the SD’s or owners then it’s going to be their fault. My guess is they probably all have to take a percentage of the responsibility/blame.
3.) 01 Jan 2026 18:06:49
Yes JBS, I think that’s definitely a factor. He has done a decent job at Strasbourg, working under similar stipulations, with the youngest squad in Europe. Of course, if he comes in, I hope we’re wowed by him and his tactics. I don’t think it’ll go down well at all though, I think lots will see it as a lack of ambition and a bad start will be met with the fans showing their feelings - loudly and clearly. In fact, anything but hitting the ground running would cause a pretty toxic atmosphere at the bridge, which, in my opinion, puts Rosenior in a pretty unfavourable situation, if he gets the job.
Tom, for me, some reliable journo’s have spelt out what’s happened and why Maresca is no longer our coach. But, it’s done now, we just have to look forward to the next trip around the merry go round.
4.) 01 Jan 2026 18:42:01
J
Hitting the ground running g will be difficult as we have 9 games in 27 days therefore training ground routines will be at a minimal.
5.) 01 Jan 2026 18:51:24
J, spot on mate. As far as I’m concerned, thanks for everything Enzo and we move on.
6.) 01 Jan 2026 20:14:02
Very difficult indeed Bill, why would you put an inexperienced coach through that? They might go into it with patience and recognition for the difficulty of the task, but many won’t.
7.) 01 Jan 2026 20:55:39
I have to agree with you J.
8.) 02 Jan 2026 13:05:07
Im honestly in disbelief that they are even considering Liam Rossenior. Has 0 credentials, got sacked from Hull, worked under Rooney at Derby where they had a miserable time and let be honest isn't exactly doing brilliant at Strasbourg. Not being funny but why would any of our players by into any of his philopsophys.
I agree with sacking Maresca but only if your going to bring a new coach who you can see making a genuine improvement to the squad. I don't like the model of having sporting directors where coaches have 0 say on incomings and outgoings, it does not give them a fair chance at building successful side. You look at all the best teams over the years, the manager has always been top dog.
9.) 02 Jan 2026 14:13:57
Whitey, I guess top dog a Chelsea is training, tactics, picking the team and press conferences.
Other duties are elsewhere and I’m personally ok ish with the new structure but I can imagine the lines of responsibility often become blurred.
10.) 02 Jan 2026 17:05:59
Don't mind the structure except would rather have one shareholder in charge of the club Todd Bohely
Would rather only have one sporting director don't care which one a bit like Ant and Dec I can't tell them apart.
11.) 06 Jan 2026 13:02:04
I will be blunt about the rosenoir as the new manager. I think no English manager has ever won the epl title and rosenoir particularly hasn't stood out to get the position except being a yes man to egbali who's not goingto push the club to the top. Not really excited about the appointment and likely going to be like potter's. So I guess it's one to hold on to till when they are ready to appoint a real manager that they will back with the needful that they refused enzo.
12.) 06 Jan 2026 14:35:21
I hope we all have reasons to be cheerful with our new managers appointment.
27 Oct 2025 12:46:55
Hmmm - Juve sack Tudor and have been pretty strongly linked with holding an interest in hiring Maresca. Surely not in the middle of the season?
1.) 27 Oct 2025 13:24:46
J.,
We are a business therefore if they stump up the money required, it will be bye bye Maresca.
2.) 27 Oct 2025 15:40:31
Looks like Spalletti is their first choice with Mancini the second.
3.) 27 Oct 2025 17:13:28
I can’t see EM wanting to go to Juve.
4.) 27 Oct 2025 18:20:08
Looks like he won't have to make that choice Tom.
5.) 27 Oct 2025 20:54:03
Bill, the club may trade players who are no longer wanted but certainly won't trade top players/ coaches who are valued and wanted/ needed to drive the project.
6.) 28 Oct 2025 09:02:50
EbW
A business is as business and if they get goid money for an asset, then they will sell simple as that I'm afraid.
The new owners are nothing like Roman.
7.) 28 Oct 2025 09:49:59
Edw, I think all the players and maybe the manager have a price the club would consider selling at.
8.) 28 Oct 2025 10:01:30
Totally agree Tom.
03 Jun 2025 11:51:09
Fresh links to Mike Maignan, who admittedly is becoming the goalkeeping version of Hulk, today.
It'd definitely make sense, upgrading what we have, adding leadership and experience to the lineup. Plus he's perfect age to be a bridge between now and Penders potentially developing in our number one.
1.) 03 Jun 2025 12:23:07
I was a fan of his but Costa is a far superior keeper and he would be my choice all day long.
2.) 03 Jun 2025 15:42:23
Mike Maignan is one of the top 10 keepers in Europe and would be a great signing but is it just conjecture?
3.) 03 Jun 2025 20:34:29
Interesting – I remember when we were linked with him in 2020 and went for Mendy instead due to the price Lille set on him. There was a stats comparison between the keepers we were linked with on WAGNH at the time, and he didn't come out of that looking great, but I think he's improved a lot since then. Wasn't he missing for AC Milan for a fair chunk of the season last year though? Adding another injury-prone player seems mad, especially when Petrovich was the Ligue 1 keeper of the year.
4.) 03 Jun 2025 21:05:36
It appears Petrovic has a release clause in his contract following his loan and has activated it which totally rules him out of the equation! I would just go with Sanchez who has improved as the season has gone on and put him up against young Penders and Jorgi.
5.) 03 Jun 2025 23:55:16
Can we sign Emi Martinez instead?
6.) 04 Jun 2025 08:35:50
RPD
not sure how a player can activate a release clause.
7.) 04 Jun 2025 09:09:49
Like you Bill I also have no idea how these things work but it is widely reported that part of his loan to Strasbourg involved an option for him to leave the club at the end of the deal and he has activated that option.
8.) 04 Jun 2025 17:36:36
I had thought Kelleher might have been a target. Certainly been impressed by him. But gather he is off to Brentford.
Haven't watched either Maignan or Costs so don't know who is better.
But are either better than Petrovich?
9.) 04 Jun 2025 19:21:19
JBS, I personally think that Kelleher is bang average.
If we can’t get Costa then let’s not bother would be my preferred outcome.
10.) 04 Jun 2025 19:35:08
More to the point JBS are any of them better than Sanchez (based on form since being dropped in February)? At 6 feet 7 he is very strong in the air and his shot stopping is exellent, 10 clean sheets in 32 games with a very different back 4 in front of him most of the season. It is maybe not a coincidence that when Maresca changed his tactics towards the end of the season and started to go longer when needed as opposed to the pathetic tip tappy back passes Sanchez looked way more assured and cut out the costly errors that come with over playing from the back. We also settled on a steady back 4 with the group looking far more compact and again led to improved keeper performaces. I'm not totally convinced but a lot more Chelsea fans on the other forums are starting to say the same thing, should we just stick with Sanchez? It also appears the club will not pay what Milan want so Mike Maignan will not happen (shame, because he would provide very decent competition for Sanchez) and I do believe Petrovich has asked to leave. Kelleher is no better than what we currently have and who else is available? Trafford from Burnley would be my choice if Maignan doesn't arrive but I think he is Newcastle bound? We await with interest.
11.) 04 Jun 2025 21:59:57
RPD, this may sound as if I have got a downer on all keepers but if Trafford is on our radar I would be astonished. He may well improve over time but as things stand today he seems to me to be way overrated.
12.) 05 Jun 2025 16:30:49
RPD. have you had a bump on the head. a couple of decent games surely can't convince you sanchez is even close to being good enough. the man was 3rd choice for brighton and doesn't get into the majority of sides in the league. he's nervous and looks likely to gift a goal to the opposition in almost every game i've seen him play.
13.) 06 Jun 2025 05:43:20
I would rather stick with Sanchez/ Jorgenson than some of the keepers we have been linked to in including Martinez at Villa.
The keepers at Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle and Forest are good but I can’t think of many others that are to far above average.
As I’ve said before I was big fan of MM but the standout keeper, who might be available is Costa and I would go for him.
14.) 07 Jun 2025 14:33:03
Tom, I agree about Costa but I think that boat has sailed . He had a release clause of €60 million last summer and we stuck with Sanchez. Now Man City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are after him.
15.) 09 Jun 2025 04:38:43
Jimbo, we have more than one keeper.
The fact that other clubs are after him doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be or that he wouldn’t prefer to be in London playing for Chelsea.
09 Jan 2022 11:51:43
Ed, any truth in the stories that PSG are interested in signing Lukaku this summer?
{Ed002's Note - I don't know what the stories are saying but knowing that PSG are likely to need two strikers in the summer and only have one already agreed then perhaps someone has suggested prior interest in Lukaku has returned. I know that representatives of the clubs have spoken about other matters but I am pretty sure that Lukaku has not been mentioned at this time.}
1.) 09 Jan 2022 13:39:54
Thanks Ed. They were very basic, PSG interested in taking advantage of unsettled Lukaku stories.
2.) 09 Jan 2022 16:57:18
I hope they come and get him if he doesn’t want to be here.
3.) 09 Jan 2022 17:07:30
Our history is one of NOT keeping players who want to leave.
I don’t think he wants to leave. All water under the bridge as a I’m concerned.
4.) 09 Jan 2022 18:36:25
Can I ask which striker has already agreed to go to PSG Ed002? Moise Kean?
{Ed002's Note - Wrong page - this is the Chelsea page.}
5.) 09 Jan 2022 19:44:17
Sorry Ed002, will ask on the European pages.
6.) 13 Jan 2022 00:37:43
Just answer the question Ed and stop being an arsehole with the replies some of Eds on these pages think they are god with some of the answers they give to questions always making a sarcastic reply do your job answer the questions and stop being so arrogant.
{Ed002's Note - I will leave it to the other Eds so you and the other ignorant wits will be happy.}
7.) 13 Jan 2022 23:42:28
Oh have I hit a nerve grow up and do the job correctly or leave simple as.
{Ed002's Note - You can stop whining you little bitch - you got what you wanted and ruined it for everyone else.}
8.) 14 Jan 2022 05:19:28
I would humbly suggest stiv65, that you go and frequent another site where posts such as your above 2 are acceptable. They are totally unacceptable to myself and, I dare to suggest, all of our regular long term readers and posters on this page.
Our Ed's are the best, they don't get paid and do this out of the goodness of their hearts.
All the Eds have said most abusive posts are deleted. I'm glad yours (and it is abusive) has been put up, so we can actually see the kind of crap ( sorry lowering myself to your level now) that they have to deal with.
C'mon fellow posters, post your support for the Ed's and hopefully get rid of "clowns" or cee you next tuesday's like this from our page.
Just go away little man!
J.'s banter posts with other poster's replies to J.'s banter posts
15 Jan 2026 20:47:30
I will simply say this on last nights performance, it was further evidence that we need to upgrade our GK and central defender options. Not add to the squad in these areas, we need an upgrade. EPL, ready to go, upgrades.
This will not happen.
1.) 15 Jan 2026 20:59:29
J, I only rate two EPL keepers and we ain’t going to get either of them. For me the best keeper in Europe is Costa and I can’t see that happening particularly in a mid-season window.
There are one or two CH’s I would like us to get, particularly the lad from Forest. I have a hunch we will sign CH in this window. ?.
12 Jan 2026 18:45:59
Never underestimate the ability of an FA Cup draw to pull out a story.
02 Jan 2026 08:43:10
I wouldn’t agree with it as an appointment, but, I’m trying a bit of positivity around the seemingly imminent appointment of Liam Rosenior.
He knows how the BlueCo system works, he’s lived it and is coming in with his eyes wide open.
Similarly, there are certain players in that Strasbourg squad who are destined for Chelsea first team, so there will be some continuity there.
He arguably has a better managerial CV than Maresca did when he arrived at the club. Better than Arteta, when he got the Arsenal job too.
He comes across very well in his media activity and, from the clips you can see, he communicates with his squad very well too.
He’s generally recognised as being tactically astute, all be it relatively inexperienced, with a young (youngest in Europe) Strasbourg side playing, what is generally recognised as, a positive brand of football.
1.) 02 Jan 2026 10:17:22
Agree with most of that, am finding it really hard to think of a good alternative appointment, at the moment .
Should of try to patch it up with Maresca until the end of this season
It Isn't going to happen nor should it but if you are going back to a young coach you may as well go back to Lampard
Or alternatively you could go for a total newcomer ex player like Thiago Silva not that he would leave Porto.
2.) 02 Jan 2026 11:07:27
Hope your positivity has some legs J. Point may be anyway though that having got rid of Maresca mid-season there may not be that many better options right now given many managers who may be better than Rosenior would see out the season with current club unless about to be pushed out anyway!
Given entirely transactional nature of way Blue Co run the club - outsourcing medical team, churning over tons of (more misses than hits in terms of quality? ) players for trading purposes rather than careful winning squad building (or so it seems), and charging a fortune for tickets for non-season ticket holders - I am feeling another notch more distanced from the club than I felt last year.
But seymns I had had the same thought as you about trying Thiago Silva as perhaps even a player-manager for the rest of season though he would need a backroom team to help him and I think most of EM's have let with him?
3.) 02 Jan 2026 13:40:37
Maresca had to go, he made his position completely untenable and he did it on purpose.
The smart thing now would be to bring in an experienced coach til the end of the season, as we had previously with Hiddink, and then complete a more thorough head coach search at the end of the season. If that’s Rosenior then, all good, he sees out his season with Strasbourg and starts a fresh with a new season at Chelsea.
I personally will be very patient with Rosenior, if he’s appointed, in full recognition of the s—t storm he’ll be walking into.
29 Dec 2025 19:46:09
For those saying fans shouldn’t be calling for the coach’s head, the guy wants to leave! He couldn’t care less if we want him to stay or not, he’s hired a new agent to orchestrate his exit to another club (*cough, cough - Man City) .
Forget performance on the pitch, although you’d be justified in questioning Maresca’s position given the results, performances and specifically his coaching performances, discussing who our new coach could be next season is planing for the inevitable.
1.) 29 Dec 2025 20:34:34
I have not got a clue if he wants to leave. In the summer the owners might decide they want him to leave.
If he is replaced I would only want the current manager of Stuttgart.
2.) 29 Dec 2025 22:14:46
What are you saying J? you been on the booze mate?
3.) 29 Dec 2025 22:36:49
I don't see what maresca has done to suggest he wants to leave. All he's done is the same things that poch done and that is cry out for some experience.
4.) 29 Dec 2025 22:40:49
Some people seem to be questioning why others are thinking of new coach’s. I’m saying Maresca has seemingly switched agents in a move to orchestrate an exit from the club. It’s pretty redundant to question whether he should go or not, based on performances or results. When he goes it’ll be because he wants to be elsewhere, as much as the club wanting rid. In my opinion, the writing is on the walls and it’s just a matter of when, not if.
This past year he’s been linked with both Juventus and City, in my opinion, he’ll be managing one of those sides at the start of next season.
5.) 30 Dec 2025 06:18:06
J, your and others assumption is thang changing agents means he wants to leave. I wouldn’t have a clue if that is a definite.
I personally think, if he leaves it will be dependent on performance and after the usual end of season review. So, in my opinion the results for the remainder of the season are not redundant.
It should also be remembered, when asked about his future, he said something about contracts and staying.
6.) 30 Dec 2025 09:34:29
We know he’s changed agents, we know the type of agent he’s changed to, we know that change has coincided with the comments he made about the worst 48hrs at the club and links to Man City via very reputable journalists. We also know that other reputable journalists have said the club are already looking at other coaches.
The assumption he wants to go is, in my humble opinion, a fair one. Of course he’ll mention the contract, that’s a contract he’ll want paying out.
7.) 30 Dec 2025 10:05:25
sorry Tom you're being very naive here. its well established within football. when you sign with jorge mendes, you do so to move.
8.) 30 Dec 2025 10:11:02
The club would be stupid not to be constantly looking at other coaches.
My mate tells me if we lose tonight he will be sacked. Some say that a change of agent means he is leaving. All opinions are valid and that includes I think he will be manager until the owners have completed their end of season review. That review will mainly focus on this season’s results.
28 Dec 2025 03:57:52
Eighteen league games into the season, we won two of our first six and only one of our last six - two thirds of our season so far have been patches of, at best, mid table form. If not for the spotty form of those teams considered our positional rivals, top four / five would already be as unlikely a scenario as top three currently looks. In the search for a silver lining, I suppose the fact that we’re in the race for top four / five is something to cling onto.
Maresca’s hiring of new representation, is a clear indication that he’s eyeing a move away This must be clear to the club and it must be clear to the players too, right? In my opinion, the quicker he goes, the better. It is happening, it’s just a matter of now or the end of the season. There’s been too much talk of Maresca going to City, or even Juventus at times this season, and who we would consider as his replacement - there really is no smoke without fire.
But, when it happens, our sporting directors need to to go too. Take their squad building capabilities out of the equation, there are no clear and obvious options to replace Maresca, can our SD’s really be entrusted with, what should be, a systematic and wide search for another new head coach? I don’t think they can, and I really don’t want to be saying the same thing, this time next year, if not earlier, about Liam Rosenior.
1.) 28 Dec 2025 07:19:33
J, as always I enjoyed your post.
I have no idea about how EM sees his future and what effect his new agent will have on his future. When he was asked about the chances of him leaving in a recent press conference, he referred to his contract and said he wanted to stay. I personally think that decision will be the owners not his and will probably happen at the end of season review. If EM is replaced I would want the guy from Stuttgart.
I haven’t got a clue what the SD’s job description actually is, other than buy lots of players, who look like future stars. My cynical nature on this subject took over some time ago and I have long held the view we buy to sell. If that makes sense.
2.) 28 Dec 2025 07:45:13
It does make sense and, like it or not, it’s certainly part of the plan.
I bet Maresca mentioned his contract Tom, I’d also bet it wasn’t by accident. He’s more than likely hoping the club sack him and pay up as much of that contract as possible. The club, on the other hand, are probably holding out till some end of season clause kicks in and they don’t have to pay so much out when they sack him.
I honestly don’t know who would be best, heart says Fabregas, but the head questions his experience. Stuttgart coach has previously shown little interest in leaving. I find the links to Filipe Luis very strange, as he struggled to settle here as a player. I like Iraola, Bournemouth have had some poor results, but that would be expected after the last summer they had, selling almost their entire back five.
We were linked with Enrique, Flick and Nagelsmann last time round this merry go round, that quality of coach doesn’t appear to be available now.
{Ed001's Note - Fabregas wants older, experienced players.}
3.) 28 Dec 2025 08:06:56
Interesting insight as ever Ed001 and i don't blame Fabregas. I expect he would also want a proven number 9 and proven LB and CB addions plus a better Sanchez rival than Jorgensen perhaps.
{Ed001's Note - I meant older as in older, that is why Wise is gone as he wanted to bring through youth and have a sustainable long term approach. Fabregas wants to spend, spend, spend for the here and now and not worry about the club's future. I can't see his approach marrying with the Chelsea set up at all. He wants players at their peak or older only.}
4.) 28 Dec 2025 08:11:58
Smart from him Ed.
{Ed001's Note - no, it is an unsustainable approach, wanting over the hill players on big contracts. It is short termism.}
5.) 28 Dec 2025 08:30:43
The obvious conclusion from fans and pundits will probably be the Strasbourg boss but I will keep calling for the Stuttgart manager if EM is replaced. I was told that the Ipswich manager was close to getting the gig last time and is still highly regarded at the club.
J, I can’t see why EM would feel he is going to get paid out for his contract if he gets another job as is being suggested.
6.) 28 Dec 2025 08:38:21
Ahh, I thought you meant experienced to assist in his lack of experience, from a coaching standpoint.
Dare I ask, is there a coach out there who would align with the Chelsea set up?
{Ed001's Note - there are a lot that should, on the face of it, as most are forced to use youth throughout the leagues, due to finances. The problem is that they tend to drop that the moment they get access to more money, as Maresca is now. That is why you need a strong DoF/SD to control the transfers, as their job is about a long term view, whereas coaches look short term.}
7.) 28 Dec 2025 09:21:31
J, I entirely agree with your post. Leaving aside my opinion of Maresca it sees unlikely that he will be our coach next season. I can’t see any elite manager wanting to come to us with our present set-up. So I would be concerned about who would be on the SDs list.
That said, if Maresca stays it will be more of the same. I really don’t understand why Rosenior gets mentioned; he is hardly kicking up a storm in Ligue 1 and is effectively just babysitting some of our young players out on loan.
8.) 28 Dec 2025 10:04:52
How about giving Gladys the tea lady a ho she would be better than all mentioned also she could do a better job than the SD's and dare I see it, she might even get us a FOS.
9.) 28 Dec 2025 11:01:59
Ed, I completely agree with your point about managers and SDs different aims/targets.
10.) 28 Dec 2025 11:22:16
Bill, I’m all for giving Gladys a chance; she can’t do much worse.
17 Jan 2026 15:57:04
Jacquet has (apparently) told Rennes he wants to join Chelsea this window. Haven’t seen him, but, given the wide depth of interest in him, he must have some promise. If he signs, for me, we’d need him to be an immediate upgrade on Chalobah, Tosin or Badiashile - tough ask.
17 Jan 2026 08:54:51
PSG now favoured to sign Dro.
01 Jan 2026 20:14:02
Very difficult indeed Bill, why would you put an inexperienced coach through that? They might go into it with patience and recognition for the difficulty of the task, but many won’t.
01 Jan 2026 18:06:49
Yes JBS, I think that’s definitely a factor. He has done a decent job at Strasbourg, working under similar stipulations, with the youngest squad in Europe. Of course, if he comes in, I hope we’re wowed by him and his tactics. I don’t think it’ll go down well at all though, I think lots will see it as a lack of ambition and a bad start will be met with the fans showing their feelings - loudly and clearly. In fact, anything but hitting the ground running would cause a pretty toxic atmosphere at the bridge, which, in my opinion, puts Rosenior in a pretty unfavourable situation, if he gets the job.
Tom, for me, some reliable journo’s have spelt out what’s happened and why Maresca is no longer our coach. But, it’s done now, we just have to look forward to the next trip around the merry go round.
01 Jan 2026 07:40:24
If I had to pick between the two options, I’d pick the SD’s. As mentioned in an earlier post, I don’t think their squad building has been as bad as some believe, yes there’s been misses and key positions need to be added, but I think the squad that’s been built could / should be used better.
Everything else aside, I think it’s pretty disgraceful and unprofessional that Maresca dodged the press conference, feels like he’s trying to force the clubs hand into sacking him.
17 Jan 2026 16:02:35
I think we’ll finish on 62 to 64 points.
03 Jan 2026 13:03:19
Sell - Badiashille, Disasi and Sterling.
Sign - Guehi and Wharton
Starting 11 -
Sanchez
James
Fofana and Guehi (Colwill for Fofana when fit)
Cucurella
Caicedo, Wharton and Fernandez
Palmer and Estavao
Joao Pedro.
02 Jan 2026 13:40:37
Maresca had to go, he made his position completely untenable and he did it on purpose.
The smart thing now would be to bring in an experienced coach til the end of the season, as we had previously with Hiddink, and then complete a more thorough head coach search at the end of the season. If that’s Rosenior then, all good, he sees out his season with Strasbourg and starts a fresh with a new season at Chelsea.
I personally will be very patient with Rosenior, if he’s appointed, in full recognition of the s—t storm he’ll be walking into.
31 Dec 2025 20:59:50
Very good player, would be a top three winger in our current squad, can also be an impact I’ve wing-back, if the need arises. Another example of our squad recruitment being pretty good, although key additions are still required. I do not think the squad is being used well, weaknesses are being highlighted and strengths barely utilised. We saw the potential in the system we used against PSG in the CWC final, but this feels like a false dawn, we haven’t seen fullbacks pushing on and wingers inverting (like Gusto and Palmer respectively did to great effect in that game) since.
I genuinely feel we’re really close to competing, and we should be doing much better than we are with the players available.
31 Dec 2025 15:03:04
Yeah, it’s not a midfield partnership that works. Enzo has to play either as a ten or in a three man midfield, he can’t play in a two as his lack of mobility puts too much pressure on the second midfielder. Lavia would be ideal, but just can’t be relied upon as a regular squad member.
Likewise, I don’t think any of our centre backs suit playing as a two in a back four, they all need the added security of a back three. Within which, I don’t think any could play the central centre back role.
Striker remains a problem. Delap made sense at the price, but he’s unexpectedly been poor, all be it in an injury and suspension impacted season. Joao Pedro is decent, but not a 15-20 goal striker, more of a link up striker.
At least, according to reports, we’re looking at new CB’s and CM’s for the summer. In my opinion, Guehi and Wharton would be perfect signings. We’ve also got Emegha coming in, who’s an upgrade on current striking options.