manpe

4th We have a history of doing much better and achieving our targets after changing managers mid-season. The honeymood period has to be really, really strong in this case however, but I believe in the end we'll make it there after a couple of teams above us implode. Still a long way to go though and anything can happen.

?

Not a rumour, but couldn't find a better thread to post this in (oddly no Oscar thread popped up in search). Oscar: 'I would like to return to Chelsea to end my career' | Chelsea | The Guardian Where next? “I don’t think about leaving China,” says the 29-year-old. “There is a great project for me here. But, to end my career, I would like to return to Chelsea. I built a beautiful story there and went to the Premier League very young, at a time when fans did not trust Brazilian players that much. I helped change that. I’ll be a bit older when I try this move again but, as I am playing very well, with good stats, I feel there is still a place for me at Chelsea.” Guy is delusional if he thinks playing well and having good stats in China means he is good enough for Chelsea, not to mention retire here. Even Drogba, Lampard, Cech and JT weren't allowed to stay long enough to retire here. I'm interested if there is anybody on here who would consider taking him back?

Mount will have a task on his hand now. He was easily one of Frank's favourites, but what made him a favourite to Frank doesn't necessarily make him one for another manager, they may be looking for different qualities than what he can offer. But ultimately it's up to him now, no more favouritism, no more mentoring.. he has to prove himself all over again.

Haha this reminds me how you used to destroy Rüdiger on TC every chance you got, even before we signed him. You're more subtle now but good to see it hasn't changed. 😂 Proved me wrong... used to be a believer.

So reports are saying that he was one of the bad apples causing discontent in the squad, apparently clashing with Azpi multiple times, who was trying to ease tensions between players. Tuchel apparently wanted him at PSG, now Sky Germany is saying that Tuchel has him in his plans and he's going nowhere. I say get rid. He's a clown of a defender of almost David Luizian proportions minus the ball playing skills. He reeks of bad self-centered attitude to me, I wouldn't be surprised if those damning reports are true. Seems like a fun guy when happy, but at the same time you get the feeling that he can be a right c**t when he's not. If he had the skills to back it all up, sure why not, but he's too damn error prone to be demanding anything.

If the decision was made after Leicester to sack him as is widely reported, then why wait after the next game? Perhaps out of respect Roman wanted to give Frank a chance to leave on a positive with a win? On the other hand, the new manager won't have any time to prepare for the next game, which comes in 2 days and is critical for our chances of catching up with top 4. There were 4 days between Leicester and Luton, surely a deal could have been done during that time if they were serious. A game against a championship side in a cup tie would have been perfect for the new manager to assess the squad and have a few training sessions before games in EPL start coming thick and fast again.

Class act from Rodgers. Needless to say, gutted how it ended for Frank. I think he has the intelligence to become a top manager, but it was just too early for him. Hope he comes back one day with something to show for... feel like this is inevitable tbh, unless he completely flops as a manager. If he goes back to his level, which is probably Championship or lower- to mid-table EPL and works his way up, I can see him back in 5-10 years a la Mourinho. The fact that Roman put out a personal statement shows how highly he regards him. Excited to see what job he takes on next, whatever it is it'll be my temporary 2nd favourite club. ?

Sacking statement stats

Was pleased with the performance, result could and should have been better. But it was only Luton... Yeah I know you can beat only what's in front of you, but we already knew that we can do it against bottom half and lower league teams. We wiped the floor with Morecambe only to struggle to beat a 10-man Fulham after that. We simply MUST get some momentum going against Wolves and Burnley, otherwise we can kiss top 4 goodbye for good. Make this win count, Chels!

Down the youtube rabbit hole I was again and came across this brilliant video, almost pissed myself laughing. ? At first I was even confused who was attacking and who was defending. Have you seen anything worse?

Has to be Papy Djilobodji. Mourinho was crying out for a CB the whole window, then Emenalo came and brought him that sweet gift on deadline day. Threw in Hector too to brighten Jose up some more. Hilariously pointless signings.

Werner was never perfect for us out of the box, it was always clear he had a lot of adapting to do due to him not being the most physical player and having thrived in a system we never use. His technique hasn't been up to a standard a lone lightweight CF should have either, his first touch especially lets him down more often than not. No use of all that pace if you can't control the ball (or more importantly, finish). We have found success in strong, aggressive target man type strikers. Haaland is built like a tank at such a young age and has proved himself as a lone striker. Werner has always been a second striker, so there were always question marks over him.

Frank is out of ideas. He's playing every game the same expecting different results. We have no plan, no cohesion, no confidence. Frank himself looks destroyed, how can you give confidence when you lack it yourself?... We need something different, he has to go.

It's always nice to see 4 academy products starting. ? Surprised with the CB selection, thought Kurt would come in for one of them. Let's see how they hold up. Worried with that midfield, too suspect defensively. Havertz can't afford to do one of his over the hill Özil impressions in this one. Needs to start running around and getting involved more. Up top I have a good feeling about Tammy and CHO. They seem to have chemistry about them.

Leicester 2-0 Chelsea, Vardy, 45

Absolutely perfect striker for us, one of a few who would not flop here. That's why we won't get him.. or will get him once he's past it. Real Madrid or City would be my guesses for his next destination.

Oh, that's great! ? Does that mean you have a soft spot for Derby or Sunderland? His most famous moment:

Fulham 1-2 Chelsea, Ziyech, 38

Bored so am going FM mode with one of those line-up posts. ? Mendy - Picks himself. James - If there is ANY doubt in his fitness, let Azpi start. No point in risking rushing Reece back against relegation fodder. Zouma - Picks himself. Silva - Picks himself. Chilwell - Picks himself. Kovacic - Originally had Kante here, but he's suspended, so Mateo comes in. Mount - One of them nailed-on starters. Havertz - He's been improving lately, let him continue gaining momentum. Ziyech - Picks himself. This guy has an x-factor about him, f**king magician. Pulisic - Spices up our attack, provides pace and sharpness with his dribbles. Abraham - Fulham are gonna play deep with 3 CBs. Due to this I don't think this game fits Werner as a lone striker given our team's tendency to try to tackle congested areas with high crosses into the box. This one's for Tammy or Giroud - I'm going with Tammy starting and Giroud substituting if needed. Edit: Well that's awkward, forgot Kante was suspended. Edited the line-up accordingly.

It's a bit bewildering why Lampard has totally ditched 3 CB formations. It's worked well for us in games where we need more defensive solidity, with a few hiccups here and there, but in general this formation's been useful in certain types of games. The backline you proposed + Mount/Kovacic and Kante in midfield + Ziyech, Pulisic, Werner/Tammy in attack. Yes please! 🙂

Azpi's pace is gone. He was never the fastest, but it was better and he compensated it with superb positioning and anticipation, much like JT. Unfortunately pace is too important for full-backs, moreso than for CBs. In foot races he can't keep up with opposing wingers...hell, he even let Declan Rice storm past him like he was a lamppost. BUT as a backup, there are few or none better we could have.

Bayern's pulling power isn't as strong as it was a few years ago. Havertz was supposedly tapped up by them, but he preferred us. He liked the project and implied that winning with Bayern is a lesser accomplishment than winning in the EPL. Upamecano also played with Werner, Timo could perhaps have some influence on his decision. You never know... I never thought we'd be able to pull off the transfers we did either, but here they are. Players must be looking at what we're building and I bet Havertz isn't the only one to get excited by the prospect of being a part of it.

@Slojo what have you done here? Are you up to your old tricks? ?

Do you mean it works only for those who donated? Or are you implying that it's not supposed to work because it's not worth it?