Poodles have lost their bite

[ForeverCarefree]

Was having a sort out at home today and I found this old newspaper clipping I kept from years back. I kept it because the illustration made me laugh not because of the content.

It was printed in the Express, not sure on the year, just after we'd played Lazio in Europe.

Anyway the gist of the article was that we looked a bit toothless in the absence of Dennis Wise who although wasn't the greatest player bought something to the team that can't be measured with stats etc.

Passion, belief, a love if the team etc. is just as important to a team as ability.

Anyway, thought it was worth sharing because the point is as true now as it was 15 years plus ago.

We've lost that passion, belief and bite and no amount of foreign poodles can substitute for a dog of war.

[Valerie]

Well, Diego Costa switched nationality once already, why not a second time...

[axman2526]

Was having a sort out at home today and I found this old newspaper clipping I kept from years back. I kept it because the illustration made me laugh not because of the content.

It was printed in the Express, not sure on the year, just after we'd played Lazio in Europe.

Anyway the gist of the article was that we looked a bit toothless in the absence of Dennis Wise who although wasn't the greatest player bought something to the team that can't be measured with stats etc.

Passion, belief, a love if the team etc. is just as important to a team as ability.

Anyway, thought it was worth sharing because the point is as true now as it was 15 years plus ago.

We've lost that passion, belief and bite and no amount of foreign poodles can substitute for a dog of war.

Wisey was a damn site better than most give him credit for, man was class and loved Chelsea.

[ForeverCarefree]

Wisey was a damn site better than most give him credit for, man was class and loved Chelsea.

He's ability was decent but his leadership, passion and aggression were so much more valuable to the team.

It gave us direction and identity, something I feel like we're heavily lacking right now.

We could do with a Dennis Wise right now.

[axman2526]

We certainly could and his passing was pretty darn good, he did love a tackle too.

[Droogba]

I think many players are now more restricted due to increased footage and the media, their wings have been clipped. Anyone who bucks that trend is demonised, 'criminal'ised. The game has been sanitised to a degree.

[ForeverCarefree]

I think many players are now more restricted due to increased footage and the media, their wings have been clipped. Anyone who bucks that trend is demonised, 'criminal'ised. The game has been sanitised to a degree.

The likes of Ballack, Drogba, Makelele, Carvalho were passionate players but were aggressive personalities too.

We're missing those types of players in my opinion. The likes of Fabregas and Willian go missing when you need them most, I feel like there is a mental fragility to the side and there aren't enough strong personas to carry the burden and fight our way out of this.

[Droogba]

The likes of Ballack, Drogba, Makelele, Carvalho were passionate players but were aggressive personalities too.

We're missing those types of players in my opinion. The likes of Fabregas and Willian go missing when you need them most, I feel like there is a mental fragility to the side and there aren't enough strong personas to carry the burden and fight our way out of this.

It's an interesting, and no doubt tense, contrast with our manager. Some say he's arrogant, I think he's a maverick and he has alluded to the mentality of his players; difficult for all. The dynamic, of course, changed postvLamps, post Drogba. Edited October 4, 2015 by Droogba

[mileoffside]

Wisey has got a terrific new hairstyle these days, it looks like a dodgy syrup

[ForeverCarefree]

It's an interesting, and no doubt tense, contrast with our manager. Some say he's arrogant, I think he's a maverick and he has alluded to the mentality of his players; difficult for all. The dynamic, of course, changed postvLamps, post Drogba.

Even in his first season back he questioned the mentality of the squad saying we lacked balls.

Two years later the same criticism can be levelled at us.

Individuals don't appear to have taken on strength and confidence from the title win, they haven't grown as players.

I look at the squad as a whole and I feel there is a general lack of leadership, I personally feel Terry and Costa are the only ones who have it in them.

Don't be surprised to see us target an experienced centre back and midfielder in the near future.

Look at United signing Schweinsteiger, you can't underestimate what a player like that brings to a side.

[Droogba]

Agree, and look how appallingly JT and Costa are treated by the media; disgusting in any event and especially so they being such fantastic sportsmen.

[GhostOfDembaPast]

One of fav Wise memories.

(Him and Costa would have got along)

Edited October 4, 2015 by GhostOfDembaPast

[Droogba]

I can't see it, is it the thigh pinch?

[Davey Baby]

This has to be my favourite Chelsea headline ..

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/andre-villas-boas-can-stay-in-charge-of-chelsea-for-15-years-says-buck-6450865.html

[Davey Baby]

In fairness to Buck, when he said years he actually meant minutes.

[GhostOfDembaPast]

Sorry, original link fixed. It was the Milan Goal. One touch control, one touch finish. Bham!

Edited October 4, 2015 by GhostOfDembaPast

[Haz139]

https://youtu.be/TMx6is6OW_c

This

that was a first touch even Berbatov would be proud of. Cracking take and finish

[the special one]

The likes of Ballack, Drogba, Makelele, Carvalho were passionate players but were aggressive personalities too.

We're missing those types of players in my opinion. The likes of Fabregas and Willian go missing when you need them most, I feel like there is a mental fragility to the side and there aren't enough strong personas to carry the burden and fight our way out of this.

Couldn't agree more with this, for all their individual talent fundamentally I can't help but feel the current crop just don't have the 'killer instinct' that Jose is looks for in his players...

I'd go as far to say the vast majority of the squad needs to be dismantled and rebuilt not only to challenge once again for the league, but also to compete with the best in the CL... Verratti/Bale for Fabregas/Hazard would be a good start.

[ForeverCarefree]

Couldn't agree more with this, for all their individual talent fundamentally I can't help but feel the current crop just don't have the 'killer instinct' that Jose is looks for in his players...

I'd go as far to say the vast majority of the squad needs to be dismantled and rebuilt not only to challenge once again for the league, but also to compete with the best in the CL... Verratti/Bale for Fabregas/Hazard would be a good start.

 

I really like Verratti, he's a player I would to see at Chelsea, he's a little bar steward but he keeps going, full of energy but he's got a big personality on the pitch. 

 

As much as David Luiz was a divisive figure with regards to his playing ability one thing you cannot accuse him of is hiding on the pitch, he stood up to try and take control and responsibility of matches and I think we are lacking players of that ilk right now. 

[Droogba]

/\ I don't want to agree with you, but I do.

[ForeverCarefree]

/\ I don't want to agree with you, but I do.

 

Don't be reluctant to agree with me Droogs, come on, show me the love. 

[Droogba]

Don't be reluctant to agree with me Droogs, come on, show me the love.

Lovin' you is easy, but the nasty little annoyance that is very ratty is another matter. Sideshow Bob has some residual love having played for us.

Peace, love , harmony.

[ForeverCarefree]

Basically I want more of this.

 

 

And less of this. 

 

[Bobbywoodhogan]

Yep spot on FC

Edited October 6, 2015 by Bobbywoodhogan

[Zola]

Good thread! Football goes in cycles doesn't it!

That illustration is great.