407 replies to this topic

[Tommy Docherty]

Samdwich, on 10 May 2012 - 03:14 PM, said:

I think he managed it well at Milan, and was doing better than any other manager we've had here recently - josh actually got games under him, as did Bertrand and Sturridge

With respect, I don't think you can credit Ancelotti with bringing through either Ryan Bertrand or Daniel Sturridge, both of whom have played more games this season, but then they are both a year older. Josh McEachran is out on loan, cannae get a game for Swansea, and so judgement has to be reserved, I feel.

Fabio Borini remains a spectacular example of the one that got away, don't you agree?

[alan'82]

Just wanted to add my congratulations to the lads for a superb effort.

That truly was a cup run full of highs & lows but without a doubt, the team that showed the greatest amount of skill, heart & desire throughout the comp, were to rightfull winners.

Well done to all.

[Samdwich]

Tommy Docherty, on 10 May 2012 - 03:37 PM, said:

With respect, I don't think you can credit Ancelotti with bringing through either Ryan Bertrand or Daniel Sturridge, both of whom have played more games this season, but then they are both a year older. Josh McEachran is out on loan, cannae get a game for Swansea, and so judgement has to be reserved, I feel.

Fabio Borini remains a spectacular example of the one that got away, don't you agree?

Yeah I agree on Borini, though we don't know all the circumstances so there may have been a valid reason for him being frozen out. Or maybe Carlo just made a mistake.

I wasn't suggesting that Ancelotti brought Bertrand or Sturridge through, but he was the first manager to give them game time wasn't he? And he gave McEachran game time, that's a better record than any of his predecessors or AVB. I have faith in his ability because he managed Milan for 8 years, constantly refreshing the team and bringing in young players whilst competing at the highest level. He also knows exactly how to deal with good young players - Pirlo started out as an attacking midfielder but Carlo saw his talents and turned him into a deep-lying playmaker who is on par with Xavi.

I think one of the keys to bringing youth through is continuity and had he stayed for a third season, more youngsters would have gotten game time than they have done.

This is a moot point as he's been sacked and it's no use crying over spilt milk etc, but I think sacking him was the single worst decision Roman has made with regards to managers - my excitement at AVB's appointment softened the blow but then we got rid of AVB too and I wish we had Ancelotti back. And he was a true gent on top of everything, far more classy than SAF, Kenny or Wenger

[Ozztheboss]

Tommy Docherty, on 10 May 2012 - 03:37 PM, said:

Fabio Borini remains a spectacular example of the one that got away, don't you agree?

Borini was homesick and didn't want to sign a new contract. The Chelsea board then didn't want him to take playing time from Sturridge etc, so they decided to freeze Borini out. I don't think Ancelotti had anything to do with that decision to be honest, but maybe baby.

[Tommy Docherty]

Ozztheboss, on 11 May 2012 - 12:52 PM, said:

Borini was homesick and didn't want to sign a new contract. The Chelsea board then didn't want him to take playing time from Sturridge etc, so they decided to freeze Borini out. I don't think Ancelotti had anything to do with that decision to be honest, but maybe baby.

If Fabio Borini was homesick it's the first I've heard of it. His sole reason for refusing to sign a new contract was the lack of first team opportunity, and for this Carlo Ancelotti has to be held responsible.

Your assertion of "not wanting to take playing time from Sturridge etc" is pure fabrication. Borini was frozen out because of his refusal to sign a new contract, and by all accounts it was Ancelotti doing the freezing, nothing to do with the board. Put it down to an error of judgement by all means, but let's not attempt to shift responsibility for Borini's departure onto the board. Despite what certain elements of the popular press would have you believe, the board of Chelsea FC do not pick the team.

[pipoldchap]

Went to the game with my son. Although we didn't play well we enjoyed the occasion. Being in Cumbria we dont get many chances to see the blues. Its the first youth game I have seen since the early 60's - chopper Harris etc.

Piazon is real class - he receives the ball so well - just glides onto it. Most of the good stuff came from him, he created 3 or 4 good chances but sadly not put away. It must have been tough for him - freezing cold, pouring rain and a very physical team who were really up for it. He did not always enjoy the attention he was getting but stuck at it.

Not convinced by many of the other lads - Kane looks good and Chalobah also. Baker pretty good. Kiwomya is a real flier but not much else (yet). Feruz did not get much service but seems lively, pacy and puts himself about. Just depends on attitude I think - how they develop over the next few seasons. In the days of Chopper Harris they were competing for a place with lads from Wandsworth, Epsom, East London, Woking but now they compete with lads from France, Brazil etc.
Told my son to keep the programme and have a look in a few years time to see who made the grade.

[dkw]

Where in Cumbria are you matey? I`m in Workington.

[pipoldchap]

in Penrith - brought up in south london - brixton, battersea then moved around a bit. came here in 1996. usually watch the games in the royal in penrith - a few chelsea fans from the 80's period go there. Have a couple of mates coming up next week from London to do some walking in Lake District - one west ham fan and one true blue - so dont think we'll be doing much walking on 19th.