As we bask in our glorious win on Saturday night, I think we should not let that win over-shadow a fundamental flaw which has manifested into our squad over the last 2 years.
That flaw is our aging squad, and style of play. Now before the game, a friend asked me on my predictions, and I told him, that I didn't care how we won, deflected goal, own goal, anything as long as we won the game, I couldn't care less how we did it. Well we won the game, which is all that matters, but I just can’t help when watching it, how we badly need some newer younger players, and a change in our style of play.
Now winning champions league, I think that the same thing which happened a couple of years ago when we won the double, will happen again. I think this win, will give the old guard an excuse to ask for contract extensions as they have now won the biggest prize for them all. Could we possibly win the premier league, and champions league again with this current squad? We were not good enough to finish 4th this year, so what will be the chances next year, with an even older team.
I think we need to celebrate this win for what it was. We waited a long time for this, and its well-deserved, but for next season, I would like to see some whole sale changes to our squad, and a change in our style of play. I just hope that the powers that be, will also want change, and won't give in to the old guard like last time.
Also, if RDM does get the job, what chances are there that he will drop the old guard, if they aren't performing? Maybe we should just get a new manager and start from scratch again.
So what happens now?
posted on 21/5/12
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posted on 21/5/12
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posted on 21/5/12
One thing for sure is that we desperately need some new players this summer.
Despite winning the Champions League this squad is nowhere near as good as previous squads that we´ve had in the Abramovich era and if we want to mount a serious title charge next season we will need fresh blood in the squad.
What I want to see is us bring in some quality wingers. We just aren´t good enough in the wide areas and we will need better wide players next season.
I also want to see the size of the squad increased. Our squad is too small and we need more options and more versatile players in the squad.
The other thing I want to see addressed is our backup goalies. Turnbull is currently our backup to Cech and I shudder to think what would have happened if we had to play Turnbull against Barca or Bayern.
The two main players I would love to see brought into Chelsea this summer are Hulk and Hazard.
Hulk on the right wing with Hazard on the left would allow us to rip opposition teams to shreds next season.
posted on 21/5/12
@ gavin
Cheers for that mate, and we're gonna have to replace drogba , as i cant see him doing anything more for the club. Will go down as a legend though.
posted on 21/5/12
@ superb
I been wanting us to get new wingers since utd beat us in the champions league home and away, a couple of seasons ago. Would have loved for us to go all out and get neymar as i think he will be the next big thing in world football, once he leaves brazil. Hazard is another who would do good for us. In fact anyone who can play wide and has got some pace, will do us, as our wingers (if u call them that) are the worst in the league. We also need to revamp in midfield to try and quicken our speed of play. Oh and a new right back, and centre forward too. I hope roman gets he cheque book out this summer, as i dont wanna have to go through fighting for 4th with Spurs, Newcastle, and Arsenal again.
posted on 21/5/12
This is a good article. The temptation for you might be to let Saturday paper over the cracks for another season and award the Dad's Army faction in your squad contract extensions. However, the truth of the matter is as stated - you were battered in the CL semi-final (both legs) and outplayed in the final, and your leauge position was the worst you've managed since Abramovic took over. There's unlikely to be much of an improvement next season if you stick with (predominantly) the same group of players for another last hurrah.
posted on 21/5/12
Thanks VDV. Thats my thinking on the situation too. So many times have i came on these boards and hear chelsea fans unhappy with the way we play. I just hope that saturday nights win does not provide a smoke screen for the players, to ask for new contracts. I dont think i could take another season of us playing crap football, with no pace or imagination.
posted on 21/5/12
This is a good article. The temptation for you might be to let Saturday paper over the cracks for another season and award the Dad's Army faction in your squad contract extensions.
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No way can we let that happen. Big changes in player personnel need to happen this summer.
The vast majority of Chelsea fans are more than aware of that.
posted on 21/5/12
I dunno mate. I just get the feeling that this win will make us counter productive during the off season, when it comes to transfers. The 'they did it before so can do it again' mentality of our club shound not be under estimated.
posted on 21/5/12
The 'they did it before so can do it again' mentality of our club shound not be under estimated.
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Everyone can see that we´ve come to the end of a natural cycle with some of the players in our squad like Malouda, Essien, Ferreira, Bosingwa and dare I say it Drogba
This was their last major contribution for Chelsea.
If we think that we can win the CL again with this group of players we´re dreaming.