Do you think we really need strengthening or not so much? Apart from good quality cover for Mikel and Salah, where else would you strengthen? Do you think we're that far behind the top 3 teams in europe (Barca, Real and Bayern) in terms of player quality and strength in depth? Also, do you think we have enough quality to compete for every cup this year? 

Edited December 16, 201411 yr by enigma

I saw this on The Guardian's Champions League web chat yesterday:

 

"In our parochial EPL frame of reference Chelsea have looked like world beaters. But suddenly when you see their name next to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich it looks a bit different. They’re still a long way behind that caliber, right?"

 

To which their chief sports writer Barney Ronay responded:

 

"Personally don't think Chelsea have looked world beaters exactly. Hull-beaters. Everton-beaters. they're a good team though, just behind Madrid a bit on sheer weight of star names. Imagine Mikel as Madrid's backup in central midfield, or the 36 year old Drogba getting a game in attack. But the first XI plus Mourinho can beat anyone at home. Will be fascinating to see how he'd approach a superior set of players with this passing, attacking Chelsea team. Might be a total change of tack. And we will surely see Drogba and a bit of long ball against PSG after last season. They didn't - and indeed may still not - like Demba Ba up em."

 

I thought it was an interesting assessment of our 2nd string players. 

I don't think Real Madrid's squad depth is that staggering to be frank, a brilliant first XI but not the deepest bench in terms of numbers at least. Ancelotti has been able to do wonders with the players at his disposal - which are all quality to be fair - which has been the difference. A decent backup for Kroos would be a start, there's Illarramendi but I'm not sure if they consider him up to it.

I don't think Real Madrid's squad depth is that staggering to be frank, a brilliant first XI but not the deepest bench in terms of numbers at least. Ancelotti has been able to do wonders with the players at his disposal - which are all quality to be fair - which has been the difference. A decent backup for Kroos would be a start, there's Illarramendi but I'm not sure if they consider him up to it.

 

u wot m8