Do Not Need A Star Signing

[amART]

Carlo Ancelotti is a man of his word. Back in April, when Chelsea were still greedily eyeing the Premier League and FA Cup trophies, the coach told the world that rather than going on the sort of transfer rampage that characterised the early part of the Roman Abramovich era, he would merely be tweaking his existing squad by inducting a handful of young players.

He believed in his existing players back then, pre-Double win, and he was proved right. Many worried that the Italian would struggle to impose himself in the transfer market at Stamford Bridge, having employed a relatively hands-off approach in his previous post at Milan and having been constricted by Silvio Berlusconi's belt-tightening. Yet few considered that he might not actually need to invest.

Chelsea, popular wisdom had decreed, were a ticking time bomb with the lynchpins at the heart of the squad - Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, John Terry - growing old together and demanding imminent replacement. The Premier League, popularised worldwide by its frenetic pace & energy, is a more age-obsessed arena than most, and ever since the early days of Jose Mourinho, the Blues have been defined by their ability to grind down and overpower opposition.

That Drogba and Lampard, both 32, drove Chelsea to silverware last season has forced a reassessment of previously undisputed truths. Here were two 30-somethings who weren't just hanging in there but augmenting their already sky-high standards. Both enjoyed career-high goalscoring seasons (29 and 22 Premier League goals respectively) to top it off.

In this context, Ancelotti's reluctance to make big changes is unsurprising. He put his faith in stability, in the tried and tested, while at San Siro, and has a better, leaner, more hungry set of players now than he did in his final years in Serie A.

The parallels between the coach's transfer market approach in Italy and England are hard to ignore. It is hard to believe that the powers that be at Stamford Bridge were not attracted by Ancelotti's ability to regalvanise and motivate existing, heavily-decorated players. As a club, Chelsea have talked about their aim to be self-sufficent for several years, but because their first two Premier League titles were inextricably linked to large-scale spending, many found it hard to take seriously.

The Blues' image as a ruthless money machine (and a plentiful source of transfer speculation for media) will not go away. A huge list of names were linked post-season - David Villa, Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Franck Ribery - but the club let it be known that they were not prepared to do business at 'above the market rate.' In other words, they wouldn't be competing with Manchester City and would only do business for big names at relative bargain prices.

Under the radar | Zhirkov was the biggest buy of a quiet summer 2009 transfer window

Ancelotti and the board know well that to improve such a stellar squad is a mightily expensive business. Yury Zhirkov, a relatively low-profile arrival, set them back £18 million last summer, and a similar figure will be spent on Brazilian midfielder Ramires in the days to come.

Ramires is a very 'Chelsea type' of player, certainly more so than the likes of Kaka or even Ribery. The 23-year-old hardly leaves a trail of stardust in his wake, but will be greatly appreciated at Stamford Bridge; an unflashy, dedicated performer who relentlessly eats up the turf in midfield. The other arrival, Yossi Benayoun - an experienced, industrious Premier League player - is similarly a typical signing.

With the Premier League's newly-introduced 25-member squad rule (of which eight must be 'home-grown,' or have been at the club for three whole seasons leading up to their 21st birthdays) a coach of Carletto's sobriety is a boon. He made it clear that he considers the five or so academy players that he will promote to the first-team squad this season as his new signings. Having seen one of them, Gael Kakuta, dominate with such elan at the recent European Under-19 Championships, it's difficult to argue.

Contextually, Chelsea are in a good position to play it low-key, as reigning champions and with funds tight at Manchester United, Liverpool and (as always) Arsenal too. The great dichotomy of the Blues' 21st century success has been their nouveau riche image set against their industry and collective strength. Ancelotti is too shrewd to remove the foundations on which that success has been built.

[Hutch]

does that thumbs down smiley mean you believe we should embark on a huge spending spree? that you're not happy with the policy outlined which as i see it means bringing in a couple of new players and hopefully, in time bringing through a few of the current crop of youth players?

[amART]

we got old team, we need some young players like ozil, neymar, aguero...

[moi]

OOps I thought the title said we did not need a star SINGING! :unsure:

[BLUENUT]

Although Carlo was mamanger when we signed Yuri, he was always targeted by Hiddink.

I don't think Carlo has been given much backing in the transfer market to be fair, we just don't know what goes on behind the scenes, but if we intend on bringing the kids through, we must be content with not heaping to much pressure on them, which means we can forget the title for a couple of years.

Our midfield this season is inferior compared to last, and we're relying on the likes of Di Santo and Sturridge up front if Drogba/Anelka are injured.

[Hutch]

we got old team, we need some young players like ozil, neymar, aguero...

yes of course the squad needs freshing up. we've just released Ballack and Belletti, and Deco also looks to be on his way. what's not going to happen is the mass purchase of big names. who are we, Man City?

we have players coming through, we should hopefully be signing Ramirez within a few days, and as Carlo says, there maybe another one or two signings before the end of the transfer window. remember we also have Essien back and looking good. after so long out injured he'll be like a new signing, and then it shouldn't be too long before Bosingwa is ready to return.

[ethicalstrategy]

Carlo Ancelotti is a man of his word. Back in April, when Chelsea were still greedily eyeing the Premier League and FA Cup trophies, the coach told the world that rather than going on the sort of transfer rampage that characterised the early part of the Roman Abramovich era, he would merely be tweaking his existing squad by inducting a handful of young players.

He believed in his existing players back then, pre-Double win, and he was proved right. Many worried that the Italian would struggle to impose himself in the transfer market at Stamford Bridge, having employed a relatively hands-off approach in his previous post at Milan and having been constricted by Silvio Berlusconi's belt-tightening. Yet few considered that he might not actually need to invest.

Chelsea, popular wisdom had decreed, were a ticking time bomb with the lynchpins at the heart of the squad - Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, John Terry - growing old together and demanding imminent replacement. The Premier League, popularised worldwide by its frenetic pace & energy, is a more age-obsessed arena than most, and ever since the early days of Jose Mourinho, the Blues have been defined by their ability to grind down and overpower opposition.

That Drogba and Lampard, both 32, drove Chelsea to silverware last season has forced a reassessment of previously undisputed truths. Here were two 30-somethings who weren't just hanging in there but augmenting their already sky-high standards. Both enjoyed career-high goalscoring seasons (29 and 22 Premier League goals respectively) to top it off.

In this context, Ancelotti's reluctance to make big changes is unsurprising. He put his faith in stability, in the tried and tested, while at San Siro, and has a better, leaner, more hungry set of players now than he did in his final years in Serie A.

The parallels between the coach's transfer market approach in Italy and England are hard to ignore. It is hard to believe that the powers that be at Stamford Bridge were not attracted by Ancelotti's ability to regalvanise and motivate existing, heavily-decorated players. As a club, Chelsea have talked about their aim to be self-sufficent for several years, but because their first two Premier League titles were inextricably linked to large-scale spending, many found it hard to take seriously.

The Blues' image as a ruthless money machine (and a plentiful source of transfer speculation for media) will not go away. A huge list of names were linked post-season - David Villa, Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Franck Ribery - but the club let it be known that they were not prepared to do business at 'above the market rate.' In other words, they wouldn't be competing with Manchester City and would only do business for big names at relative bargain prices.

Under the radar | Zhirkov was the biggest buy of a quiet summer 2009 transfer window

Ancelotti and the board know well that to improve such a stellar squad is a mightily expensive business. Yury Zhirkov, a relatively low-profile arrival, set them back £18 million last summer, and a similar figure will be spent on Brazilian midfielder Ramires in the days to come.

Ramires is a very 'Chelsea type' of player, certainly more so than the likes of Kaka or even Ribery. The 23-year-old hardly leaves a trail of stardust in his wake, but will be greatly appreciated at Stamford Bridge; an unflashy, dedicated performer who relentlessly eats up the turf in midfield. The other arrival, Yossi Benayoun - an experienced, industrious Premier League player - is similarly a typical signing.

With the Premier League's newly-introduced 25-member squad rule (of which eight must be 'home-grown,' or have been at the club for three whole seasons leading up to their 21st birthdays) a coach of Carletto's sobriety is a boon. He made it clear that he considers the five or so academy players that he will promote to the first-team squad this season as his new signings. Having seen one of them, Gael Kakuta, dominate with such elan at the recent European Under-19 Championships, it's difficult to argue.

Contextually, Chelsea are in a good position to play it low-key, as reigning champions and with funds tight at Manchester United, Liverpool and (as always) Arsenal too. The great dichotomy of the Blues' 21st century success has been their nouveau riche image set against their industry and collective strength. Ancelotti is too shrewd to remove the foundations on which that success has been built.

Just to clarify, is this your own work or are you reposting an article from elsewhere?

If so, can you make that clear, provide a link and, preferably, add some comment of your own.

I've also moved it to the General forum as it is more opinion than rumour.

Thanks

es

[BLUENUT]

Just to clarify, is this your own work or are you reposting an article from elsewhere?

If so, can you make that clear, provide a link and, preferably, add some comment of your own.

I've also moved it to the General forum as it is more opinion than rumour.

Thanks

es

He also started this thread: - 2 more signing's?!?!?

[Cam]

I agree with what's said...rational thinking rather than rash thinking is the path to sustainability and success.

[BLUENUT]

*edit*

Edited August 4, 2010 by BLUENUT

[yorkleyblue]

Although Carlo was mamanger when we signed Yuri, he was always targeted by Hiddink.

I don't think Carlo has been given much backing in the transfer market to be fair, we just don't know what goes on behind the scenes, but if we intend on bringing the kids through, we must be content with not heaping to much pressure on them, which means we can forget the title for a couple of years.

Our midfield this season is inferior compared to last, and we're relying on the likes of Di Santo and Sturridge up front if Drogba/Anelka are injured.

[Mikstaw]

we got old team, we need some young players like ozil, neymar, aguero...

We need player like Dzagoyev or Hamsik! Aguero would be great transfer too!

[BLUENUT]

Can't open Youtube at work mate - what was that?

[yorkleyblue]

Can't open Youtube at work mate - what was that?

That's my joke buggered then! :(

It was Python's "Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life"

And I missed out the silly fecking yellow things that said "I'm pulling yer pisser"

All in all, one huge failed wind-up!

I'll get me coat!

kev

[Planet Drogba]

Our midfield this season is inferior compared to last, and we're relying on the likes of Di Santo and Sturridge up front if Drogba/Anelka are injured.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't our starting midfield exactly the same as last year except with Ballack replaced with Essien? Or did you mean in terms of depth? If you did, we have Matic stepping up and we're probably getting Ramires. As for forwards, last I checked Kalou was back up to Anelka and Sturridge can play where Drogba and Anelka can. Just like last year. Sorry, especially if you combine this with the one or two signings Carlo said would come, I don't see the problem.

[BLUENUT]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't our starting midfield exactly the same as last year except with Ballack replaced with Essien? Or did you mean in terms of depth? If you did, we have Matic stepping up and we're probably getting Ramires. As for forwards, last I checked Kalou was back up to Anelka and Sturridge can play where Drogba and Anelka can. Just like last year. Sorry, especially if you combine this with the one or two signings Carlo said would come, I don't see the problem.

Losing Joe Cole, Deco, Belletti and Ballack and replacing them with Yossi is weakening our midfield in my book. OK they weren't all first teamer but when asked to do a job, they came in and did it! I don't know alot about rameries, and Matic is unproven, a great prospect, but unproven all the same.

Our forward line is similar to last year, but any injuries to Anelka or Drogba (injured atm) and we relying heavily on Kalou who is hit and miss at the best of times, and a couple of unproven strikers. Many said we need to reinforce this area last season.

Never mind Yorkley......anyway....what have the Roman's ever done for us? :D

[Zola's Love Child]

Never mind Yorkley......anyway....what has Roman ever done for us? :D

Good point...he's a cheap old sod!

Joking aside, I think the Ramires signing will be just about it for any substantial signing. I think we'll be good to go for this year then. The stupid money being touted for the flavour of the months is just not worth it, and tend to be the mark of a team desperate for a short term fix (i.e. Man City, Real last season, us when Roman first came along).).

You don't win trophies with individuals, and I think the 'team' aspect of Chelsea's starting eleven could soon show up City's push this year, and we know they've the talent to do it, as they did last year, with some help from reserves pushing through. I don't understand how the loses have resulted in the 'we must sign someone attitude'.

[Bez]

[geezer]

That's my joke buggered then! :(

It was Python's "Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life"

And I missed out the silly fecking yellow things that said "I'm pulling yer pisser"

All in all, one huge failed wind-up!

I'll get me coat!

kev

And while you're collecting your coat clean your bus shelter, it's a disgrace. I was ashamed when I was taking the Japanese tourists past your place of residence "And here is the abode of the famous Lord YorkleyBlue of Forest Dean and over there is his flock of sheep being pursued by someone with sheep shearing thingys whilst holding a bottle of Jif lemon" All was going well until they started trying to take pictures of your abode - well the empty cans, discarded fag packets and used condoms - I didn't know where to look. I've lost the Japanese trade now!

[Butch]

OOps I thought the title said we did not need a star SINGING! :unsure:

Too late, Yossi's already gone through his "You'll Never Walk Alone" repertoire!

Cheers,

Butch

[PloKoon13]

I would imagine that Ramires is the most high-profile and expensive signing we'll be making this transfer window.

[yorkleyblue]

And while you're collecting your coat clean your bus shelter, it's a disgrace. I was ashamed when I was taking the Japanese tourists past your place of residence "And here is the abode of the famous Lord YorkleyBlue of Forest Dean and over there is his flock of sheep being pursued by someone with sheep shearing thingys whilst holding a bottle of Jif lemon" All was going well until they started trying to take pictures of your abode - well the empty cans, discarded fag packets and used condoms - I didn't know where to look. I've lost the Japanese trade now!

That was fecking tidy FFS, we had only just had the Archbishop of Canterbury down for the weekend.

And, anyway, you lost the Japanese trade as soon as you made the Colonel Bogey March your ringtone.

AND, the condoms had only been used a couple of times, almost as good as new.

[dkw]

That was fecking tidy FFS, we had only just had the Archbishop of Canterbury down for the weekend.

And, anyway, you lost the Japanese trade as soon as you made the Colonel Bogey March your ringtone.

AND, the condoms had only been used a couple of times, almost as good as new.

I hope you at least rinsed them out....

[yorkleyblue]

when you say "rinsed", what exactly do you mean?

[big blue]

if we only signed ramires and beneyoun our squad would be weaker, but as long as the stars stay fit I think we should still win the league. The reason I think we need to sign someone is because our current crop of players arent good enough to conquer europe.

I personally think the problem lies in our attack. Our front 3 in the prem are a force to be reckoned with but in europe, its not all dangerous. inter were all over us last year, and barca the year before (even if we should have had numerous pens).

I think opposition teams dont fear the likes of anelka, malouda, kalou. Only drogba would get into the best forward lines in europe. Malouda is proving he can be an elite player, but if there is an area to improve our team surely the right side of our attacking 3. These players cost alot of money. but if roman really wanted the champions league he'd have santioned it already.

So with no further signings il be expecting a similar season to last, close battle for the league, maybe a domestic cup, but fall short in the champions league. As long as that league battle ends with terry lifting the premiership in may il once again be a happy blue.