Posted August 4, 201014 yr http://www.championat.ru/football/news-562803.html here is google translate: Zenit intends to acquire defender Chelsea Yuri Zhirkov. As it became known Chempionat.ru, St. Petersburg club is willing to pay for the football team of Russia € 25 millionRecall that a year ago Zhirkov joined Chelsea from CSKA Moscow for compensation of € 18 million Russians in the first season of English Premier League has turned controversial - he failed to win a firm place in the starting line-up of blue.
August 4, 201014 yr ahahahaha edit: Chelsea's Yury Zhirkov Slams Door On Zenit St Petersburg Move Edited August 4, 201014 yr by amART
August 4, 201014 yr I hope his confidence at getting a consistent first-team place isn't because Ashley Cole is considering going to Real.
August 5, 201014 yr But if Yuri plays further forward, then who does he replace? Frank in the middle 3??? Doubt it. Malouda as a part of the fron 3? Doubt that also. If Cole stays I could easily see Yuri feeling surplus to requirements and us relying on Bertrand, PVA, Paulo as back up
August 5, 201014 yr Yuri should be used further forward. Wasted at LB IMO. Same thing that happens when Essien plays CDM.
August 5, 201014 yr Some still think that Zhirkov transfer was good .. I've been disappointed so far, because I know he's got tons of talent, but because we've got other players in the squad that are performing well and he's been injured, he's been reduced to a bit part player.
August 5, 201014 yr I've been disappointed so far, because I know he's got tons of talent, but because we've got other players in the squad that are performing well and he's been injured, he's been reduced to a bit part player. Well its quite obvious for me.. Zhirkov will never be a regular starter unless Ashley or Malouda pick up an injury. Zhirkov isnt a CM, so he cant replace the likes of Lampard or Essien. Zhirkov´s best position (left midfield) just doesnt exist in our system. No matter if he plays as a winger or as a LB, it will be more or less out of position. And you cant really expect a player with Zhirkov´s quality to rot on the the bench forever either. If some club comes up with a good offer I wouldnt be too unhappy if we sell.. And that is not because I dont rate Zhirkov but just because he deserves to be a starter week in week out and he wont get that at Chelsea. Edited August 5, 201014 yr by german-blue
August 5, 201014 yr And that is not because I dont rate Zhirkov but just because he deserves to be a starter week in week out and he wont get that at Chelsea. If he doesn't play more this season, then I expect him to move on. Not that I'd want him to, because I was excited when he first came to Chelsea, but like you said, he deserves to start every week. Not at Chelsea at the moment, mind you. Not when Cole and Malouda are playing so well.
August 5, 201014 yr He is important player. We have two great players on the left back, and sometimes Zhirkov can play on the left wing.
August 5, 201014 yr I have not lost faith in Yuri. The knee injury hampered him last season. We have not seen him at his best. He was not named the Russian Ronaldinho because of his defensive qualities. He is an attacking left midfielder. He has excellent pace and tremendous crossing ability. In no way, should he be sold to Zenit St. Petersburg.
August 5, 201014 yr Well its quite obvious for me.. Zhirkov will never be a regular starter unless Ashley or Malouda pick up an injury. Zhirkov isnt a CM, so he cant replace the likes of Lampard or Essien. Zhirkov´s best position (left midfield) just doesnt exist in our system. No matter if he plays as a winger or as a LB, it will be more or less out of position. And you cant really expect a player with Zhirkov´s quality to rot on the the bench forever either. If some club comes up with a good offer I wouldnt be too unhappy if we sell.. And that is not because I dont rate Zhirkov but just because he deserves to be a starter week in week out and he wont get that at Chelsea. You may be right. I'm a big fan of Zhirkov and was happy when he'd joined. However, his signing was obviously agreed before Carlo's arrival and I doubt he fits Ancelotti's plans. There are rumors about us being interested in Benfica's David Luiz who can play both LB and CB positions and if Van Aanholt continues to improve we may have enough cover for Ashley. If Zenit's bid is real, it may not be such a bad idea to sell Yury while there's still interest. Another season of picking splinters off his ass on the bench is not going to increase his transfer value.
August 5, 201014 yr I'd be interested to see us try a lineup where both Malouda and Zhirkov are on the wings, playing off a lone striker. Although both left-sided players, one would have to be on the right. This would allow them to make cuts with their stronger foot and could lead to some good shooting chances if they're not closed down fast enough. Pains me that we have this sitting on our bench:
August 5, 201014 yr I pretty much share the same opinion as ace. Great player, and shows heart when he plays (when he was cut and continued playing while blood was all over him seemed like a heroic moment), but our system as already well established players in the positions he's good at, or Carlo doesn't use the system that will take full advantage of his skill. Although, if he can improve his defensive lapses, I think he could really give Cole a run for his money if we use the diamond this year.
August 5, 201014 yr I like Zhirkov but can understand why Chelsea might be interested in flipping him for a decent profit. He doesn't have a vital role on the squad. I wouldn't sell but it's not my money.
August 5, 201014 yr I like Yuri, but with malouda having a few years left in him I don't see yuri making a big impact for us. Like others have said he's not a real defender and his offensive skills are wasted at LB. But we'll see what happens.
August 6, 201014 yr A 7/8 million profit on Yuri? I would take that, again, not that he isn't a top player, but he just doesn't fit in here at the moment, and he isn't getting that many games. That money for a back up player at the moment I'd take. Otherwise the depreciation on he lad will be similar to leaving a Jag out in the rain year on end - a waste.
August 6, 201014 yr I would loathe to see Zhirkov go . He was injured last season but did a great job towards the end of the season . He is acclimatising to the english game and will soon prove his way into the starting line up .
August 6, 201014 yr I can't remember which game it was (It was certainly a home one towards the end of the season - Blackburn maybe?) but Yuri got injured and had to play with a big bandage round his head. It looked bloody painful but he put in an immense shift tearing up and down the left hand side, and with the bandage and his funny haircut he almost looked like he was from a bygone decade. It was the first time I felt the crowd really warm to him and perhaps start to think that we'd got ourselves a good deal here. I would like to see him stay, but he really does need to be given the chance to play further up the field. If he's just being kept around as cover for Ash, first and foremost, then that makes little sense to be honest.
August 6, 201014 yr Yuri needs chances to play where he's best, and he'll prove why he's a valuable player, not just for his versatility.
August 6, 201014 yr Yuri needs chances to play where he's best, and he'll prove why he's a valuable player, not just for his versatility. So you wanna drop Malouda ?
