Matic's return to Chelsea was glorious. In fact, in a way he became almost perfect player during his second spell at Chelsea. Physically imposing, seldom tiring, able to work within the rigidly of a system built to grind out titles, and give not an inch to the opposition - not quite Michael Essien, but not a bad tribute act.
Under Conte, last season the plan to make him ideal foil for N'Golo Kante worked initially, up to a point. Kante is the master of the transitional game: wrestling back possession from the other side, and then turning that into his own side's advantage. As the season went on, Conte stressed more and more how he wanted to see Kante's passing game improve - and so it happened. But all of that left Matic looking rather a spare part in the midfield. His rigid economy was less valuable in the system, which required a greater fluidity.
This is where Bakayoko fits in, who competes better in both roles , recovery and redistribution of the ball. It's not about whether or not Bakayoko is a better player, it's just that Bakayoko suits Conte's system better.
Matic meanwhile remains An archetype of Jose's model. And that's why Matic has been linked with Man Utd this summer.
Whilst Conte would rather keep Matic as an understudy, but, it is ultimately that sort of player that Jose is eager to sign and give regular football in the future. And with a reported fee of around £40m, Chelsea won't resist that sort of offer for a player who was destined to be a bench warmer.
I am sorry to see him leave, oh well you win some and you lose some.
Thank you Matic for everything, wish him all the best in future
Matic Is Better Suited To Jose's Style !!!
posted on 26/6/17
comment by Zlatan The King Ibrahimovic (U10026)
posted 1 minute ago
Nah I was talking about the comment I quoted. I can't be arised listening to your bullshiiiiit spin to defend Mourinho anyway.
If Mourinho finishes 6th and wins the Europa again I bet you any money he will be sacked. Third or second and he's likely to still be in a job.
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My Jose spin is no worse than your bizarre hatred of the guy
Anyway, let's agree to disagree. The Ashes are coming soon and I can't wait for another 5-0
posted on 26/6/17
Fans want to see improvement in the league position, a progress that will take to the level where Man Utd should be challenging for the title. That;s the whole point of hiring Jose in the first place
posted on 26/6/17
It really is. I wouldn't say disliking Mourinho is bizarre. He's a spoilt, man child who serves up shiiiiitty defensive football.
Doesn't mean I can't acknowledge his brilliance as a manager. Sadly we aren't seeing this. Which is why it's fair to question whether he's still got it.
If we don't see significant improvements next season it's going to lend more to the idea that he hasn't. Hopefully the club has the balls to fack him off.
And try something crazy like bringing in an attacking manager.
posted on 26/6/17
comment by Conte'nt (U20893)
posted 5 minutes ago
Fans want to see improvement in the league position, a progress that will take to the level where Man Utd should be challenging for the title. That;s the whole point of hiring Jose in the first place
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And I'm sure we will finish higher than 6th
A lot of wrongs from last season can be fixed this time round and while nothing is definite, the smart money is on an improvement. Despite what darren says, we are improving our squad by bringing in a Matic. Lindelof is a good buy and there are some other good names to come as well.
posted on 26/6/17
You don't need household names to win the league. Jose is not known for buying players based on their reputations. He would buy players that will fit into his style of play.
posted on 26/6/17
comment by The Post Nearly Man. Still partial to an Owsley's Old Original (U1270)
I know this is old ground, but compared to Van Gaal the football last year was like watching Real Madrid 1955, some people have short memories.
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bloody hell post, there's having a long memory, and there's remembering football from 60 years ago!
posted on 26/6/17
They have to have the quality to fit the style of play as well. Matic doesn't.
This is why it's a poor signing. Especially as we'll be stuck with an ageing player on big wages after Mourinho leaves in a year or two.
posted on 26/6/17
comment by Don Draper's dandruff (U20155)
posted 15 minutes ago
comment by The Post Nearly Man. Still partial to an Owsley's Old Original (U1270)
I know this is old ground, but compared to Van Gaal the football last year was like watching Real Madrid 1955, some people have short memories.
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bloody hell post, there's having a long memory, and there's remembering football from 60 years ago!
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I don't actually remember them, Don.
Mind you, I don't remember much these days.
posted on 26/6/17
comment by The Post Nearly Man. Still partial to an
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I don't actually remember them, Don.
Mind you, I don't remember much these days.
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given much of what we have seen over the past few years, i find a fading memory to be quite helpful
posted on 26/6/17
comment by Don Draper's dandruff (U20155)
posted 34 seconds ago
comment by The Post Nearly Man. Still partial to an
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I don't actually remember them, Don.
Mind you, I don't remember much these days.
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given much of what we have seen over the past few years, i find a fading memory to be quite helpful
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Ah, but if someone had asked in 1992 if I'd take four years of dross between 2013 and 2017 in return for twenty years of domination and sometimes breathtaking football I wouldn't have had to think too hard about it.
We're a bit spoiled by Fergie's achievements sometimes.