As I've said before, the only thing with JT nowadays is that he's gotten so slow that we can't ever play a high line against any team which negatively affects our attack.

 

Aside from that, SIGN HIM UP!

What were the club meant to learn from those decisions?

From my point of view, the club has learnt Traore can play a bit and he can score, keep him on the books.  Another year with Drogba in the team and they wouldn't know and we'd be crying out for the young guy to get game time, as if we aren't already.

They've also seen Tibo is human, is susceptible to some bad form and definitely still needs some high quality coaching to fulfill his potential.  If Cech was still here we'd have articles about one player or the other not enjoying their time.

It's been the senior players and leaders that have let us down this year, a few more would have only hindered the problem.

 

Maybe the importance of having strong leaders (characters if you will) in the dressing room.  I don't think its a coincidence that the worst season in decades, despite all the available talent, came after losing most of the leaders core to our decade of success without any viable replacements(regarding natural leadership).

 

I can't agree with the thought that having Drogba and/or Cech would of made this season worse.

Maybe the importance of having strong leaders (characters if you will) in the dressing room.  I don't think its a coincidence that the worst season in decades, despite all the available talent, came after losing most of the leaders core to our decade of success without any viable replacements(regarding natural leadership).

 

I can't agree with the thought that having Drogba and/or Cech would of made this season worse.

I doubt we'll ever be blessed with the wealth of leaders the club has had in the last 10 years for a long time.  I doubt any club will either.

If having John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, Jon Obi Mikel, Cesc Fabregas and Pedro in your squad is not enough leadership then Id be a little worried.  I don't think having Cech or Drogba in our squad would have got us to 4th or passed Paris.. so i think it's been far more positive than negative.  

Edited May 11, 201610 yr by Van Butsen

It's time for Terry to leave. He's now a pale shadow of the player he was a decade ago and keeping him at the club another season would do neither him nor Chelsea any favours.

It's time for Terry to leave. He's now a pale shadow of the player he was a decade ago and keeping him at the club another season would do neither him nor Chelsea any favours.

Disagree.

It would do us a big favour. He would be invaluable to the dressing room and to the management team even if not playing. Remember we lack leaders in this squad.

Terry was never fast, he was never about pace. His reading of the game is second to none. I think we are seeing him exposed more because those beside him and protecting (the midfield) are not anywhere near as good as past players in those positions.

Just last season was arguably one of Terry's best ever seasons at 34.

Edited May 11, 201610 yr by Chelsbear

I would like to know how these journos know this stuff lol. It's like they hacking phones of players or summin.

As José would say, clubs have rats in them who love to spill the beans to journalists. That's how they end up revealing team selections/ tactics. See Casillas at Real:

 

The Portuguese, however, has long believed the keeper to be in a privileged position at Madrid and has seriously questioned the 31-year-old's commitment in training and during matches. He is also well aware, and uncomfortable, that the player's partner - sports journalist Sara Carbonero - is privy to inside information on the goings-on behind the big white walls at the Bernabeu. In January, Carbonero revealed what many had suspected when she told Mexican station Televisa of divisions behind the scenes between Mourinho and the players. And it takes little imagination to identify her source.

And another story:

https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2012/jan/23/mourinho-real-madrid-sid-lowe

 

Players with no loyalty like to stir things up by leaking inside info to the media.

As José would say, clubs have rats in them who love to spill the beans to journalists. That's how they end up revealing team selections/ tactics. See Casillas at Real:

And another story:

https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2012/jan/23/mourinho-real-madrid-sid-lowe

Players with no loyalty like to stir things up by leaking inside info to the media.

When I hear leaks, I've learned to not jump to conclusions about the identity of the rat. In my personal experience, sometimes the rats are those you least expect.

If the rumors of him getting a 12 million a year in China payday is true - I think it is best for both parties to go their separate ways.

Disagree.

It would do us a big favour. He would be invaluable to the dressing room and to the management team even if not playing. Remember we lack leaders in this squad.

Terry was never fast, he was never about pace. His reading of the game is second to none. I think we are seeing him exposed more because those beside him and protecting (the midfield) are not anywhere near as good as past players in those positions.

Just last season was arguably one of Terry's best ever seasons at 34.

His leadership didn't stop us playing terrible this season where our defence has been the worst aspect of our game.

We need to move on and find players who have the talent and hunger to play at this level, fighting for each other. We don't need JT for that.

His leadership didn't stop us playing terrible this season where our defence has been the worst aspect of our game.

We need to move on and find players who have the talent and hunger to play at this level, fighting for each other. We don't need JT for that.

So as it stands who is playing CB then.

Zouma is injured and might not be the same player again.

Cahill is Cahill with the brain fart moments while Ivan is a back up at best in that role.

JT like every other player has had a poor season, should we get rid of them too?

It was just last season he was by far the best centre back in English football and now suddenly after the ENTIRE squad has had a poor season he is to be booted out just like that?

Maybe I just have more respect for the man/player.

So as it stands who is playing CB then.

Zouma is injured and might not be the same player again.

Cahill is Cahill with the brain fart moments while Ivan is a back up at best in that role.

JT like every other player has had a poor season, should we get rid of them too?

It was just last season he was by far the best centre back in English football and now suddenly after the ENTIRE squad has had a poor season he is to be booted out just like that?

Maybe I just have more respect for the man/player.

I have faith that Zouma will become even better. He's still young and the many players have become even better after similar injuries.

Ivan is terrible and Cahill can be hit and miss. Thing is, I am not the scout but there must be defenders elsewhere and on loan that we should sign up.

JT did have an excellent season but every year at his age makes a big difference and this season he has been terrible due to age and lack of pace. We really do need to move on and cut out the sentiment.

If JT doesn't want to play for a fraction of what he's earning, then he needs to move on.

The same was said about lamps. I remembers loads of people saying he was finished etc and now people are saying it was too early. We need to move on and let a new era commence.

Keep JT and we might just have the same defensive woes as this season, something not even leadership can overcome.

Zouma is coming back off a bad injury, it's a possibility he could return not the same player. Keeping JT around is a no brainer simply for the advice and tutoring he can give to others. Many players have raised their game by learning from the best in the game. Some people think you can simply get rid of senior players (we did that last season and look at this season), it's not FIFA. I swear to many people play video games nowadays and think it's close to reality.

Zouma is coming back off a bad injury, it's a possibility he could return not the same player. Keeping JT around is a no brainer simply for the advice and tutoring he can give to others. Many players have raised their game by learning from the best in the game. Some people think you can simply get rid of senior players (we did that last season and look at this season), it's not FIFA. I swear to many people play video games nowadays and think it's close to reality.

I wouldn't say getting rid of Drogs and Cech is the reason why we are 9th. I didn't see no leaders in an injury stricken Bournemouth team that beat us at home.

Speaking of video games tell that to the people complaining at the board not spending 200m last summer.

I wouldn't say getting rid of Drogs and Cech is the reason why we are 9th. I didn't see no leaders in an injury stricken Bournemouth team that beat us at home.

Speaking of video games tell that to the people complaining at the board not spending 200m last summer.

Didn't say it was the only reason but it's definitely a factor. Drogba had a positive influence on the dressing room plus both he and Cech were leaders.

They have certainly been a miss but I really think we should have the quality to succeed without them. I just look at the football we play and sulk thinking what the hell are we doing in training?

Arsenal have Cech and despite this added leadership they are the same old Arsenal. Nothing has changed.

Don't see any natural leaders at Spurs either, just a tight knit young squad who are hungry to perform.

They have certainly been a miss but I really think we should have the quality to succeed without them. I just look at the football we play and sulk thinking what the hell are we doing in training?

Arsenal have Cech and despite this added leadership they are the same old Arsenal. Nothing has changed.

Don't see any natural leaders at Spurs either, just a tight knit young squad who are hungry to perform.

You're right we should but as I said football doesn't work like that.

I'm not saying Cech would turn Arsenal into title challengers either. I'm saying we lost two leaders in a locker room that didn't have many left.

I doubt we'll ever be blessed with the wealth of leaders the club has had in the last 10 years for a long time. I doubt any club will either.

If having John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, Jon Obi Mikel, Cesc Fabregas and Pedro in your squad is not enough leadership then Id be a little worried. I don't think having Cech or Drogba in our squad would have got us to 4th or passed Paris.. so i think it's been far more positive than negative.

Well the only person you listed as a leader, and to whom I would put on par with Lampard/Cech/Drogba, is Terry who likely already played his last match for CFC so kind of a lame duck leader. Fabregas is likely the most natural leader but I don't think he has the dedication to the club necessary to make him a great leader here. Hard to fake passion and hard to follow someone who isn't leading passionately when the times get tough.

I think your right regarding being worried and I think this season has validated our worry, for those of us who did.

And we might not agree regarding the leadership in the squad but I think you'd have to agree that if this team had the mental strength those past leaders provided, we'd probably not have so many victories turn into draws, nevermind dropping all 3 points so often.

Looks like we may know by Sunday

http://www.espnfc.com/chelsea/story/2870027/john-terry-to-be-told-chelsea-fate-before-final-game-of-season

Maybe they'll announce a contract extension at the POTY tomorrow night!

I'd like to see him get an extension for one more year but an additional few years as a coach. So he gets one more guaranteed playing year (as part of the squad) which then develops into a coaching role.

The Guardian reckon he's going.

Spot on Bobby.JT can show the new signings what it means to play for Chelsea.His knowledge of defending would make him an ideal coach.What a waste if he goes to bloody China,he is Mr Chelsea.

Well the only person you listed as a leader, and to whom I would put on par with Lampard/Cech/Drogba, is Terry who likely already played his last match for CFC so kind of a lame duck leader. Fabregas is likely the most natural leader but I don't think he has the dedication to the club necessary to make him a great leader here. Hard to fake passion and hard to follow someone who isn't leading passionately when the times get tough.

I think your right regarding being worried and I think this season has validated our worry, for those of us who did.

And we might not agree regarding the leadership in the squad but I think you'd have to agree that if this team had the mental strength those past leaders provided, we'd probably not have so many victories turn into draws, nevermind dropping all 3 points so often.

I guess will have to disagree on what we think's constitutes a leader or how they are made/born.

Why are those three leaders in your eyes? What do they have that the players I mentioned don't?  it can't be because they have won everything at this club because there'd simply be no leaders at a lot of clubs.

More leadership would not have got us 4th or passed Paris this year

Well the only person you listed as a leader, and to whom I would put on par with Lampard/Cech/Drogba, is Terry

 

 

 why not ivanovic? when you exclude ivanovic, it kinds of tarnishing your formula when determining a leader..

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/may/12/mls-top-clubs-steer-clear-john-terry

What a sh*t article.