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- Thread starter Fernandez
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TheBlueBalla
Starting XI
The loss is worrying to me for two reasons. The first is its obvious that the squad isnt ready for the new season. No more goodwill tours and vacations stateside. The world cup played its part, but thats true with every team. But Man City is no joke, and we could be dropping points early. Even after we went 8 straight to start last year, we needed every point we had by the end. So thats upsetting
Secondly, I feel like by the time this team reaches crescendo, it will be fall, and that form will only last for so long, if they can get to it. The team needs to pace itself by playing well every week and rotating frequently. But if we cant gel, and we have injuries, thats going to be near impossible. If we have another mid-spring swoon next year, in Europe, we're dead.
Sorry to see Ballack off, glad to see Kalou dove right in, and depressed to see Riise kill us YET AGAIN. I rated the guy quite highly, and if Arsenal were going to sell us Ashley Cole, we should just ask how much they want for Riise. Id be willing to forsake his defense for never having him score against us again. Oh, and I was glad to see Mourinho play the humble card. But when he's been bested by Benitez twice, there's no running from the truth
Secondly, I feel like by the time this team reaches crescendo, it will be fall, and that form will only last for so long, if they can get to it. The team needs to pace itself by playing well every week and rotating frequently. But if we cant gel, and we have injuries, thats going to be near impossible. If we have another mid-spring swoon next year, in Europe, we're dead.
Sorry to see Ballack off, glad to see Kalou dove right in, and depressed to see Riise kill us YET AGAIN. I rated the guy quite highly, and if Arsenal were going to sell us Ashley Cole, we should just ask how much they want for Riise. Id be willing to forsake his defense for never having him score against us again. Oh, and I was glad to see Mourinho play the humble card. But when he's been bested by Benitez twice, there's no running from the truth
I wouldn't be too worried. I was hoping Shevchenko wouldn't be that good in England, but after seeing him today I will be sadly mistaken. He is the man that will fire in goals for you, the type of striker you have been screaming out for.
Kalou impressed me too, very eager and committed. Lampard was a tad lucky to stay on the pitch, and Essien (not 100% it was him) pushing Garcia in the face (who suprisingly didn't dive after) could have gone too. I'd be happy to never see Mikel play again, it's my life mission to destroy his carear
Kalou impressed me too, very eager and committed. Lampard was a tad lucky to stay on the pitch, and Essien (not 100% it was him) pushing Garcia in the face (who suprisingly didn't dive after) could have gone too. I'd be happy to never see Mikel play again, it's my life mission to destroy his carear
Moreira_Benfica
Senior Squad
how did ferrira and carvalho play?
Johnny_Big
Starting XI
Tom said:
Were you drunk when you wrote that?
I wouldn't be worried if I was a Chelsea fan...the season has just started. And with Sheva playing like that, even in underperformance, ouch, imagine in full power.
Haukur Gudnason
::President Scouser::
Extended Highlights
http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/drabosman/charity2006.htm
Post Match Player Interviews
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUBMHKjLTbw
http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/drabosman/charity2006.htm
Post Match Player Interviews
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUBMHKjLTbw
Haukur Gudnason
::President Scouser::
TheBlueBalla said:
Some good points there, especially about the goodwill tours and such. It's easy to blame it on a lack of conditioning, but Mourinho wasn't made aware of the little matter of this tie just last week, and noone forced them to make that trip to the US, with its accompanying jet-lag and recovery complications, in light of the condition of the players coming in on the back of a major tournament. We have WC players too whom have barely had 2 weeks of conditioning, and not to mention a competitive Qualifier which pretty much disrupted our own preseason programme.
Having trumpeted the hunger and the unity of this tightly knit competitive outfit from the crack of dawn, it was apparent to anyone watching that this was not just any 'preseason' stroll, maybe to the 1/3 of the Chelsea fans who didn't show up, but not for those on the pitch certainly; the petulant reactions of Lampard and some of the Chelsea players after losing a tackle or possession and their frustration was crystal clear. Champions hate to lose, in any match, whatmore back to back champions, period. I mean, just seeing Luis Garcia prancing around running patterns all over you should jolt any red blooded man to the 'kill mode' in a tic. Preparation wise, Jose failed on that count.
So what was his fallback? Cue Mindfuck attempt #1. He went on to suggest that Liverpool would be psychologically scarred should the Reds fail to beat an understrength Chelsea side. Or that it's just a meaningless tie/cup. (Mickey Mouse cup, anyone?
) I don't know about you, but that's a SOP CYA (cover yer arse) if ever there was one. Lose and he'll play the fitness card, win and he'll put it down to our sheer incompetence and credit his skills for winning yet another piece of silverware and how 'Chelsea must win everything up for grabs and what a nice psychological boost to kickoff the season' mantra. Only for Rafa to respond accordingly with his lineup. 1 21year old centrehalf in Agger whom've missed ALL of preseason. No Alonso. No Gerrard. No Hyypia. No Bellamy. And 1 Chelsea castoff in Bolo. Hardly full strength in comparison to the Ballack and Sheva and Essien and 2nd Best Player in the World Lamps, and England captain Terry et al. Hardly 50%, but of course any team with unlimited funds shouldn't really be crying about having a lack of quality on the bench. And Sheva's finish was top drawer, by the way.
I'd think the biggest obstacle to Chelsea remains themselves. Right now though, Jose has some way to go in determining his best XI and system. No better euphemism that sums it better than the 'square pegs in round holes' that comes to mind. But when they start to really fly, as I'm sure they will, it's merely a question of whether it is just 25 minutes too late. Meanwhile, you'll just have to hope that you don't misplace your 'Get out of Jail card' in Shevchenko.
you write such utter bollocks mate, but at least you are consistant. This game has no bearing whatsoever on the season ahead and to pick holes in Chelsea after watching this just smacks of wishfull thinking. We will win the 3rd Premiership title and Liverpool will be NOWHERE near us when it happens. Keep the shield because thats all you'll get this season scousers. 
I don;t thjink Chelsea have any reason to worry with the squad they have. Sure conditioning is an issue right now but there is a reason why these are world class players. They might take time to get going but I can't see them going through a serious dry patch to start the season. I guess everyone views this game differently...I wouldn't mind losing if it gives the players the necessary wake up call for when the games really do matter......
pede54 said:you write such utter bollocks mate, but at least you are consistant. This game has no bearing whatsoever on the season ahead and to pick holes in Chelsea after watching this just smacks of wishfull thinking. We will win the 3rd Premiership title and Liverpool will be NOWHERE near us when it happens. Keep the shield because thats all you'll get this season scousers.
Prove your point then. Why does most of the stuff he writes is utter bollocks? Because you've said so? Oh please.
TheBlueBalla
Starting XI
Ewan, with respect buddy, I think you read WAY too much into what Mourinho says and does. We all realize he's just a sh*t talker now, and when he makes some shot in the press its greeted with more a collective groan than anything by Chelsea fans. Obviously, he must not believe everything he says either, or he would never be able to give you any credit as he did yesterday. But with his reaction to the tie, of course the guy has a contingency for how he is going to put a spin on things. That is why he is in the Wenger/Ferguson mold. Highly public, very vocal, uses the press as a weapon. Benitez may not have been that type of manager when he first arrived, but clearly things have forced him to go that way. Also, I dont blame him for the preseason schedule, as though he may have had a hand in things, Kenyon, in all his brilliance and wisdom, is responsible for such things.
As far as your commentary on our team, I think its fair only to a point. The team was never looking settled or solidified in the US, against Celtic or against Feyenoord. This is why Mourinho is getting paid the big money: to make this squad work, egos, talents and all. Im not too worried about it, becuase he has a great mind for football and how to work a system, and with 11 players who have spent the whole summer playing football, I was expecting a bit of a let down to start off with. As was, apparrently, Mourinho.
But I dont think the square pegs, round holes thing is a fair assessment. Round holes would imply were going to be approaching the league with the same system that we've used already but it has been made abundantly clear through our manager himself and press rumors about our owner that a more attractive, open brand of play is wanted this year. This was another reason I felt losing duff and gudjohnsen was a mistake, because of their inventiveness and versatility, but with players like Cole, Robben, Ballack, Kalou, Essien, etc, we have the flexibility to play a different system if need be. People were critical of the Ballack signing as being redundant, but that was a video game based oversimiplification. Ballack and Lampard are two very different midfielders. Lampard is a decent two way player, but is obviously much more effective when he is allowed to roam without the ball, and make runs to the edge of the box. Ballack is that two way player, and more importantly, a midfield pivot who can distribute. I see him being as significant for us as Alonso is for you, because Makelele cannot and Essien as yet has not filled the same role. A couple of summers ago, the only midfielder I wanted Chelsea to sign was Xavi, for the very same reason.
I agree completely, though, that the thing Chelsea have most to fear are themselves. The pressure to get things done is now more immense than ever. When Jose first arrived, we were buying Kezmans, Drogbas and Ferreiras. Great players, but still young, and still looking to make their names. Now, we have two who want the same European glory weve been looking for. I dont think its going to come this season, but the pressure to make it work is going to be squarely on our team leaders and Jose. If we cant find that balance, were going to be wasting precious points, unless we revert back to what's worked in the past. To me, the key is allowing players like Cole or Robben a free role to be the inspirational piece in the offense, and use the midfielders to cover after them
As far as your commentary on our team, I think its fair only to a point. The team was never looking settled or solidified in the US, against Celtic or against Feyenoord. This is why Mourinho is getting paid the big money: to make this squad work, egos, talents and all. Im not too worried about it, becuase he has a great mind for football and how to work a system, and with 11 players who have spent the whole summer playing football, I was expecting a bit of a let down to start off with. As was, apparrently, Mourinho.
But I dont think the square pegs, round holes thing is a fair assessment. Round holes would imply were going to be approaching the league with the same system that we've used already but it has been made abundantly clear through our manager himself and press rumors about our owner that a more attractive, open brand of play is wanted this year. This was another reason I felt losing duff and gudjohnsen was a mistake, because of their inventiveness and versatility, but with players like Cole, Robben, Ballack, Kalou, Essien, etc, we have the flexibility to play a different system if need be. People were critical of the Ballack signing as being redundant, but that was a video game based oversimiplification. Ballack and Lampard are two very different midfielders. Lampard is a decent two way player, but is obviously much more effective when he is allowed to roam without the ball, and make runs to the edge of the box. Ballack is that two way player, and more importantly, a midfield pivot who can distribute. I see him being as significant for us as Alonso is for you, because Makelele cannot and Essien as yet has not filled the same role. A couple of summers ago, the only midfielder I wanted Chelsea to sign was Xavi, for the very same reason.
I agree completely, though, that the thing Chelsea have most to fear are themselves. The pressure to get things done is now more immense than ever. When Jose first arrived, we were buying Kezmans, Drogbas and Ferreiras. Great players, but still young, and still looking to make their names. Now, we have two who want the same European glory weve been looking for. I dont think its going to come this season, but the pressure to make it work is going to be squarely on our team leaders and Jose. If we cant find that balance, were going to be wasting precious points, unless we revert back to what's worked in the past. To me, the key is allowing players like Cole or Robben a free role to be the inspirational piece in the offense, and use the midfielders to cover after them
SlowSilver
Fan Favourite
Omar, do you have to make your posts all so long? 
I hope the Chelsea players come into the season with that attitude, because it is destined for failure. Last season there was about 8 points (not 100%) difference between the two teams, and Liverpool had the nightmare start.pede54 said:you write such utter bollocks mate, but at least you are consistant. This game has no bearing whatsoever on the season ahead and to pick holes in Chelsea after watching this just smacks of wishfull thinking. We will win the 3rd Premiership title and Liverpool will be NOWHERE near us when it happens. Keep the shield because thats all you'll get this season scousers.
Pennant and Bellamy will add more to the 'Pool squad this year. Pennant's crossing alone will create many more goals for the strikers who failed to score enough last year. Bellamy too is a fantastic signing as his pace and vision will cause any teams problems. These two players can turn some of those losses into draws and draws into wins.
Don't write off Liverpool, IMO they will be a major force this year. Rafa has done an amazing job
Also, being a Man Utd fan, I hope we can get a nice blend this season and the departure of RVN won't hurt us that much. Saying that, injuries will dictate our season. If Saha gets injured again, who's gonna score the 20plus goals to win the league? (Sorry for going a bit far from topic)
well you can forget the 8 points difference from last season. Its meaningless Sean. Once we had the title won, we eased up a lot and dropped points against Brum and Newcastle. The points were not won by Liverpool, they were lost by us. End of.
Hey, and because some of you have trouble stringing 6 words together, does not mean you have to give Omar a hard time because he has something to say. President Scumbag writes posts that are just as long if not longer but I dont hear anyone slagging him off over it. Try kissing ass a little less.
Grunger.....Yeah because I say so. Got it. Also Omar outlined quite clearly why some of the said post was complete bollocks.
Hey, and because some of you have trouble stringing 6 words together, does not mean you have to give Omar a hard time because he has something to say. President Scumbag writes posts that are just as long if not longer but I dont hear anyone slagging him off over it. Try kissing ass a little less.
Grunger.....Yeah because I say so. Got it. Also Omar outlined quite clearly why some of the said post was complete bollocks.