Goalkeepers: Courtois, Begovi?, Blackman
Defenders: Terry, Cahill, Zouma, Ivanovi?, Azpilicueta, Luis, (Stones)
Midfielders: Mikel, Ramires, Fàbregas, Mati?,  RLC

Advanced Midfielders: Oscar, Hazard, Willian, Cuadrado, Traoré, *Moses*
Forwards: Costa, Rémy, Falcao

 

Possible first XI:

 

Courtois

Ivanovi?, Terry, Cahill,  Azpilicueta

Fàbregas, Mati?

Willian, Oscar/Cuadrado, Hazard

Costa

 

Now I've heard quite a few fans express their disappointment at the lack of signings, but looking at that squad and lineup - is their any team in the league to be considered favourites over this lot? There is no better goalkeeping duo than Courtois and Begovic in Europe. There is no better group of defenders in the league and arguably in Europe. There is no better group of attacking midfielders in the league (although Arsenal probably aren't far off). And lastly, there is not a team in the league who wouldn't want our strikers. We aren't seeing the likes of Koke and Bale moving in this window, so is it really wise to strengthen right now? Mourinho waited for Costa - the right signing at the right time. If you sign Torres today, you miss out on Aguero tomorrow. If you sign Mata today, you miss out on Sanchez tomorrow. We've seen these examples over and over in recent years. Jose argued that he wouldn't find better players in the current market than Costa, Fabregas, Matic and Hazard and this is also true for our rivals. With the addition of Stones/DefenderX, Jose finds the squad to be balanced and any further signings would only be in response to outgoing transfers. 

 

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/592260/Jose-Mourinho-ambition-secure-defender-deal-Chelsea

 

It is impossible for fans to really know the big picture, but both Oscar and Cuadrado have something to prove and there will be a shootout of sorts. It is quite possible that one or both of Koke and Bale become available next season and I'm sure we'd all like to see the club's name in the hat. So...we're all set to go as favourites (deservedly) once again and are well placed to make big moves at the right times, further down the line; while being mindful of youth integration. Chin up.

Goalkeepers: Courtois, Begovi?, Blackman

Defenders: Terry, Cahill, Zouma, Ivanovi?, Azpilicueta, Luis, (Stones)

Midfielders: Mikel, Ramires, Fàbregas, Mati?,  RLC

Advanced Midfielders: Oscar, Hazard, Willian, Cuadrado, Traoré, *Moses*

Forwards: Costa, Rémy, Falcao

 

Possible first XI:

 

Courtois

Ivanovi?, Terry, Cahill,  Azpilicueta

Fàbregas, Mati?

Willian, Oscar/Cuadrado, Hazard

Costa

 

Now I've heard quite a few fans express their disappointment at the lack of signings, but looking at that squad and lineup - is their any team in the league to be considered favourites over this lot? There is no better goalkeeping duo than Courtois and Begovic in Europe. There is no better group of defenders in the league and arguably in Europe. There is no better group of attacking midfielders in the league (although Arsenal probably aren't far off). And lastly, there is not a team in the league who wouldn't want our strikers. We aren't seeing the likes of Koke and Bale moving in this window, so is it really wise to strengthen right now? Mourinho waited for Costa - the right signing at the right time. If you sign Torres today, you miss out on Aguero tomorrow. If you sign Mata today, you miss out on Sanchez tomorrow. We've seen these examples over and over in recent years. Jose argued that he wouldn't find better players in the current market than Costa, Fabregas, Matic and Hazard and this is also true for our rivals. With the addition of Stones/DefenderX, Jose finds the squad to be balanced and any further signings would only be in response to outgoing transfers. 

 

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/592260/Jose-Mourinho-ambition-secure-defender-deal-Chelsea

 

It is impossible for fans to really know the big picture, but both Oscar and Cuadrado have something to prove and there will be a shootout of sorts. It is quite possible that one or both of Koke and Bale become available next season and I'm sure we'd all like to see the club's name in the hat. So...we're all set to go as favourites (deservedly) once again and are well placed to make big moves at the right times, further down the line; while being mindful of youth integration. Chin up.

 

I'm not sure I share your optimism about the prowess of our attacking midfield. Hazard is the only one whose quality is unquestionable. Willian is a hard worker, but he contributes little when it comes to goals. Oscar is inconsistent, looks like a world beater one game, then he is anonymous for the next three. He got his long awaited rest, so hopefully he'll show his true talent this season. Cuadrado has been shocking, he might get better but something tells me he'll never be quite good enough. Moses and Salah don't belong in the top club.

I'm not sure I share your optimism about the prowess of our attacking midfield. Hazard is the only one whose quality is unquestionable. Willian is a hard worker, but he contributes little when it comes to goals. Oscar is inconsistent, looks like a world beater one game, then he is anonymous for the next three. He got his long awaited rest, so hopefully he'll show his true talent this season. Cuadrado has been shocking, he might get better but something tells me he'll never be quite good enough. Moses and Salah don't belong in the top club.

Willian is the real sticking point I suppose. I'm on the opposite side - I feel he balances our side very well and we don't need more goals. Although of course I want him to improve. What we need is players to improve the way we play and who can better carry out Jose's philosophy. We have enough goals collectively. I also rate Cuadrado because, as I always do with new players from foreign leagues, I judge them on their skill set as opposed to their production when they're just introduced to the league. Moses and Salah are fine squad fillers for a top side. But they may not be a fit for Jose.

As I said, I believe the only side that can touch us right now in that department is Arsenal. Maybe United and City can get closer with some additional signings.

Willian played as a "10" is almost unplayable. thats where he played at Shaktar, when he terrorized Chelsea. I am hopeful he plays there this season.
 

I have absolutelyno hope for Cuadrado, 0 hope. I may be wrong, but i believe if he stays, he will be outperformed by Moses and Traore. Best to sell to Juve now when chelsea can actually  make the money back.

 

 

I expect Luis to leave. Chelsea will need a left footed wing back.

Squad depth was our problem last year,not the first 11. The club are making the right moves and addressing the problem with sensible options.

Pleased so far. Needs more work but getting there

Squad depth was our problem last year,not the first 11. The club are making the right moves and addressing the problem with sensible options.

Pleased so far. Needs more work but getting there

.

The league has drastically moved on since last year.

As it stands we still have a very good chance of winning the league, but it requires Falcao, Willian and Cuadrado improve majorly from last season- a leap of faith no one sees good reason to take.

Squad depth was our problem last year ... not convinced it's been addressed, so far ...

The two Columbians may well both be passengers... neither fill me with confidence, tbh ...

Rambo blows hot and cold ...

Mikel, upgrade long overdue ...

It will be much closer this time around ...

Stones would be the first truly positive addition, if we get him?

.

The league has drastically moved on since last year.

How so? I don't see any of our rivals strengthening much as yet. Sterling strengthens an aging City, whose older players you'd expect to regress somewhat to balance it out. And Schneiderlin adds a bit more steel to Utd's core but nothing overwhelming. How much Cech will improve Arsenal is debatable.

Our squad is fine in talent (it's short in CM cover though). I'm not convinced Jose got the most out of it last year. My biggest fear is that we do the same as last year, but this time another side is far better and the pressure of being within a point or two of them in March cracks us, while we again get dumped out of the CL with a team with a better game plan and more legs. These are things that can only be resolved with better rotation in winter and a far better strategy for attacking as a unit. We defend as one, but attack as individuals. 

Adding Moses and Traore to our attacking mids is an improvement in my opinion. They may well surprise a few people this season.

I believe we will see an improved willian, oscar, cuadrado, rami, hazard, Costa, falcao next season. I think people are concerned for no reason tbh. However, of course I would like us to invest in a couple more players but so far our squad is strong enough to go again, especially with the additions of RLC and traore. Someone like witsel and stones would be two brilliant signings though.

How so? I don't see any of our rivals strengthening much as yet. Sterling strengthens an aging City, whose older players you'd expect to regress somewhat to balance it out. And Schneiderlin adds a bit more steel to Utd's core but nothing overwhelming. How much Cech will improve Arsenal is debatable.

Wasn't specifically talking about our rivals but the league as a whole will be tougher. Teams 1-7 all appear to have improved.

I think Nichollz sums up everyone's mood pretty well. Despite that, you are right in a way. We can reasonably expect Fabregas, Costa and Hazard to at least match their contribution from last season; if even one of Falcao, Cuadrado or Oscar steps up big time we'd probably win the league at a canter!

I get that first team we look a good prospect and we do have abit of depth but history (that wonderful word again) teaches you that you can't stand still you have to improve your team as a whole. Comparing this to last season we don't seem any worse or better off (Falcao could of course be the key to proving that theory wrong). Now given we only lost 3 league matches last season (one of which came after we'd won the title) but we crashed out of the FA Cup to Bradford and the Champions Legaue too early. We definitely need a bit more if we want to challenge on four fronts next season.

Also lets not forget our rivals were sh*t last season and I don't see that happening again. Before anyone starts I'm not saying we wouldn't have won the league had they been better but we certainly wouldn't have won it as easily.

United, Arsenal and City have all at least improved their squads and on City I don't think some of their players will be as poor this season (you can never discount hunger when a team has lost the title). So I think those of us who are a little worried have valid reason to be as things stand.

Edited July 20, 201510 yr by Bobbywoodhogan

Obviously the summer is not over but more than anything it´s a shame.

 

Maybe like one of the other posters says we´re waiting for one of the big names to become available.

 

It just feels like a lack of ambition and contentment with a squad that actually isn´t that great.

 

Mourinho managed to escape unscathed from a very poor elimination from Europe this year where we were soundly beaten.  He hardly faced any criticism instead deflecting on to his players.

 

Should thay go out again before the semi finals it will be on him.  The team were running on fumes in the spring and we need quality players that are going to push the current starters and are going to ensure that standards don´t drop.

 

But Mourinho has no excuses should we have to rely on Mikel, Ramires, Moses due to injuries and suspensions and then we come up short.

 

This was a year we could of made a statement.  Spent the cash and sent a message to the rest of the premier league teams that nobody was going to touch us for the next five years.

Im fairly content with the first 11, my main problem is that we have too many positions were we habe absolutely zero depth behind our starters and the once we have arent good enough to dislodge our starters. If god forbid Hazard is out, a forward line of Willian-Oscar-Cuadrado looks really uninspiring. I can see us using the same 11-13 players for most of the season and running on fumes in January-February

Attacking midfielders is the weakest for me which is kind of funny considering the amount of money we have spent on it over the last 5 years. Doesn't help when he sold Mata and KDB who are both a lot better than what we have bar Hazard.

 

I want us to go for another attacking midfielder especially one who is good at dribbling in tight spaces. I just want someone to take the pressure of Hazard otherwise its going to be all down to him again to take players on and unlock defences.

Obviously the summer is not over but more than anything it´s a shame.

Maybe like one of the other posters says we´re waiting for one of the big names to become available.

It just feels like a lack of ambition and contentment with a squad that actually isn´t that great.

Mourinho managed to escape unscathed from a very poor elimination from Europe this year where we were soundly beaten. He hardly faced any criticism instead deflecting on to his players.

Should thay go out again before the semi finals it will be on him. The team were running on fumes in the spring and we need quality players that are going to push the current starters and are going to ensure that standards don´t drop.

But Mourinho has no excuses should we have to rely on Mikel, Ramires, Moses due to injuries and suspensions and then we come up short.

This was a year we could of made a statement. Spent the cash and sent a message to the rest of the premier league teams that nobody was going to touch us for the next five years.

I wouldn't go as far to say that this summer is a "shame" but it does feel like a missed opportunity to take the club, squad-wise, to the next echelon occupied by Real/Barcelona/Bayern. The flipside to this is of course that there just aren't a hell of a lot of players available or any seemingly obvious fits.

I think we're seeing it's harder to build up an existing successful side than it s

is to refresh an old one. There are no glaring weaknesses like we had last year and therefore it's harder to identify and capture targets quickly. Meanwhile any potential agent leverages our squad depth relative to our rivals and tells his client he could fill the same role at any other club for twice the wage.

Interesting comments from Jose ahead of the pre-season tour in the US.  He talked about how he is developing a philosophy for a "team" style of play, and that individuals are being trained in how they contribute to that overall team philosophy. 

I don't get all this pessimism, the window has only just opened !!
Last year was an exception where we had all our summer business done at the very beginning, jeez there's still over a month left of the window.
We can assume that Luis will be replaced, so that's one, and i doubt he'll be the only one to leave us. 

Any outgoings will be replaced by at least the same quality (normally younger and better) by the club if the last few years are anything to go by. Obviously there will be the odd player that doesn't live up to expectations, but the clubs transfer policy recently has been excellent overall.
Come on peeps, give the club a chance ??

Obviously the summer is not over but more than anything it´s a shame.

 

Maybe like one of the other posters says we´re waiting for one of the big names to become available.

 

It just feels like a lack of ambition and contentment with a squad that actually isn´t that great.

 

Mourinho managed to escape unscathed from a very poor elimination from Europe this year where we were soundly beaten.  He hardly faced any criticism instead deflecting on to his players.

 

Should thay go out again before the semi finals it will be on him.  The team were running on fumes in the spring and we need quality players that are going to push the current starters and are going to ensure that standards don´t drop.

 

But Mourinho has no excuses should we have to rely on Mikel, Ramires, Moses due to injuries and suspensions and then we come up short.

 

This was a year we could of made a statement.  Spent the cash and sent a message to the rest of the premier league teams that nobody was going to touch us for the next five years.

"Soundly beaten" in Europe my arse!

 

We lost on away goals FFS.  

http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2015/7/23/9019797/mourinho-moses-bertrand-traore-loftus-cheek-chelsea-future

Moses, rlc and traore are staying

I'm just seriously worried about Hazard becoming injured as we don't have anyone even close to be able to replace him

 

One of the reasons I wanted Griezmann or Pedro so much...Not only would they improve our first 11, they would also offer us a decent replacement 

Think I am probably the only person in the world that rates Moses, of course he's no Hazard but he is very direct and is a different option.

I think JM plan is to go after CL but I do t think team we have today won't even go to the semifinals.

We need to sign world class RW footballer. I think again Oscar will go downhill after Christmass as it already happened twice.

Edited July 23, 201510 yr by Michael440