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Posted (edited)

Just watching José and JT's presser showed a different side to our season so far. For the first time, it felt like there's been a connection between the fans and the team/staff. I know we have mentioned a lot of turning points this season, after the Tel Aviv/Arsenal game and in particular after the Villa/Kiev game but this time, something seems different for me.

 

JT's comments about Savage for some reason has given me a lot of optimism, maybe because there's not a lot to be happy about within our side at the minute but I believe that our defeat to Liverpool was the final straw for some of our players including JT who acknowledges the team haven't been even close to good enough.

 

Our season starts here, a win over Kiev and Stoke without José on the touchline.

Edited by JMaher94


Posted

Seems like JT may have brought a stay of execution for Jose with that speech.......just hope that Roman buys it....but the proof is in the pudding...let's start seeing some grit and determination starting tomorrow!



Posted

I would like to believe that, but i thought the same a few times already this season. Talk is cheap, only when things improve on the field will i start to think we have turned a corner.

Spot on scott.

Posted

I love it. JM and Terry come out fighting. Lampard calls it as it is in another program. We've taken enough sh1 t with some of the media stuff that is bordering on the hysterical. Get the F off our backs and go back to selling adverts off someone else's problems.

Look at all the aristocrats of football, Bayern for example where Hoeness gets jail and Beckenbauer is implicated in a slush fund. Look at Barcelona and serious tax allegations including stuff about Messi and Neymar. Are these issues dredged up for weeks on end and is there the equivalent of a run on the clubs involved? I don't see it. Rant over.

Posted

It seems obvious that Jose was given more or less complete control over transfers when he first arrived back, and equally obvious that it has now been taken away. I don't know who's pulling the strings now, but I'm beginning not to care, and I suspect Jose and the players don't either. Take the money and run. Well, why wouldn't you? Yes that's a negative spin, but it's time we saw things as they are and not how they ought to be. 



Posted

you're a mug if you believe 90% of what the 'media' has to say in print, even in a so called freedom of speech country like the UK

Posted

we've been saying this for a few weeks now and nothing has changed. whether our form will change soon is a different matter, but lets hope it does for the sake of everybody involved. 



Posted

we've been saying this for a few weeks now and nothing has changed. whether our form will change soon is a different matter, but lets hope it does for the sake of everybody involved. 

 

Our captain hasn't said anything, now I think he's made a point and that shows more of what we want.

Posted

Love the optimism, we needed that right now. I'm not sure about the press conference showed us something we haven't seen below. I mean JT was never going to admit some players aren't putting effort it or dislike the manager. Jose said he won't change because of the bad results, so  Ivanovic is coming back tomorrow night? We need to be brave, right now we play with so much fear and doubt.

Posted

Love the optimism, we needed that right now. I'm not sure about the press conference showed us something we haven't seen below. I mean JT was never going to admit some players aren't putting effort it or dislike the manager. Jose said he won't change because of the bad results, so  Ivanovic is coming back tomorrow night? We need to be brave, right now we play with so much fear and doubt.

 

Maybe i'm clutching, but I really enjoyed today's press conference!

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Chelsea Megastore Away Shirt

Chelsea Megastore Away Shirt

Posted (edited)

Things are never black and white. While I don't believe anything I read in the press (unless its biased towards us, LOL), the performances and results speak for themselves. Not all is right with us at the moment, and it is more than just a loss of confidence.

 

Let me say this now so as to hopefully avert any misunderstanding, I love Jose; always have and always will. He is the man for the job, and I want him here for a decade. I was shattered when he was sacked after his first spell, so I certainly don't want him sacked now. He is Chelsea, and I love him and all his faults.

 

Now, what could possibly be the problem? I think Jose hinted at it when in pre-season he said something along the lines of "the players need to reward the club for the confidence we have placed in them", i.e. that we didn't go out and make big signings to "replace" anyone. He also said, if I remember correctly, that there is always the risk of complacency in these situations, but the club collectively made the decision (maybe keeping in mind the expected expenses of the new stadium on the horizon) that we didn't need to make any big signings. It's difficult to argue with that, although hindsite is always perfect and we now know a few signings, especially the ones we were rumoured to want to make, i.e. Stones and Pogba, would have helped out immensely. It is quite uncanny how those two in particular would have strengthened our soft spots this season. I bet Jose wanted these signings, but the club thought the better of it (I mean, really pulling out ALL the stops).

 

We also started the pre-season rather late. Jose said he wanted to give the players extra time off, keeping in mind the gruelling season just finished. Again, difficult to argue with that. Yet, when you see the likes of Costa and Hazard strolling back onto the pitch for the friendlies positively fat, you know there is going to be a problem. Clearly, there were many players who started the competitive season lacking fitness. It doesn't take a genius to work out that they are going to struggle in the early season.

 

Next, Eva Carneiro. I've said this before, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, that some of the players, particularly Eden who could be viewed as being almost directly responsible for the situation, could be affected by this. She was purportedly very popular among the players, and I'm sure this incident couldn't have been pleasant. It's the kind of thing that could send rather negative vibes throughout the dressing room. Mutiny? I think not. But players could certainly be forgiven for being a bit miffed. And Hazard, in particular, who from then on can only be described as having a "difficult" relationship with Jose (both have admitted in interviews about talks about his form and performances and tracking back and helping his team mates out, etc), looks like something is weighing on his mind. I simply find it hard to believe that last year's player of the season can so dramatically lose this much form. Either he's carrying a physical injury we don't know of, or he is having some other problems. Conjecture, yes, but I think not without substance. In principle, if he truly has suffered a falling out with Jose that is leading to these performances, or non-performances, whatever the reason, then he should be sold. It would be a huge disappointment, but then he has been a huge let down for us this season.

 

Brana. I won't say he's played any worse than Eden, but he has to be directly responsible for many of the goals we've conceded this season when he's played. He is a player I don't believe would have any problems with Jose on a personal level, and I do believe he is one of the leaders in the dressing room, but it is clear that he is completely off-form. He's not defending properly, shows some lack of discipline in getting back, and his attacking up the flank, while not lacking industry, is completely lacking in any sort of quality. If we are suffering somewhat of a crisis of confidence, he has got to be one of the most affected.

 

Costa. In addition to the early season fitness problems I have already mentioned, I think his character is such that when things don't go right, he makes things worse and compounds matters. I know Jose likes him very much and appreciates his qualities, and I know the referees do pick on him, but you can't say he doesn't give them reason to. I'm thinking Jose is going to be the type of manager who would be loathe to put a muzzle on Costa, but he's got to see that in the big picture of things, our temperemental striker is acting as a huge distraction for us. The lack of support he's getting from Hazard, in particular, but really from anyone at all is not helping, as he's now reduced to chasing long balls against two big EPL centerbacks, and then just lashing out or leaving a leg out, or a knee in the back, etc... due to pure frustration.

 

Matic. He was such a huge presence for us last season when things were going well, that it is a bit surprising how many big gaps we're seeing this season in our midfield. However, I don't believe it is all his fault. Yes, he's not been as dominant, but I think sometimes he's over-compensating for his team mates; trying to make things happen. The most regular, yet worrying, scene for me this season is a slow, stagnant build-up play, ending with someone losing possession and us being hit on the counter with Matic and Ivanovic up field, our CB's getting worried and going in with rash tackles that miss their target and an opposing striker having a clear shot at goal. I don't know how many times I've seen this picture. Two things stick out to me. First, a lack of movement and resultant passing options up front, meaning our midfielder in possession has to try to remain in possession without being able to release the ball, and therefore being at greater risk of being dispossessed. How many times have we seen the likes of Oscar, Mikel, Matic and Fabregas clattered to the floor, thinking they've been fouled, but the opposing team maraud up the other end? Too often is the answer. The second thing is that, for whatever reason, our players just seem to be slower to the ball and just slower overall. The best example of this is against Liverpool. I was often saying to myself, "how on earth are there more red shirts in their defensive half while we're attacking, and yet more red shirts in our defensive half when they counter us"?! It was simply crazy. The only answer is that they were fitter, and were more willing to run and make space and get back to defend.

 

JT. I don't know what's happened. I can't believe that our best defender last season, and likely one of the EPL's best, if not the best CB last season, has looked slow and tentative. He's never been blessed with pace, of course, and I think it is more a case of people around him leaving him exposed more regularly than last season. However, whatever the case may be, this is one exception to the rule. I truly believe that we need him in there every game, especially now we're out of the Carling Cup. We need his leadership and organisational ability. I was going to mention Begovic below, but I will do it here. I believe the new keeper has done an admirable job, but it is almost an impossible job. He's been thrown in at the deep end, when the team is in a bit of disarray, and without a good understanding with his backline I think the organisational aspects of his game are going to be brought into question. This is why I believe JT is an important part of the team. I know Jose likes and trusts Zouma, and I'm not saying he hasn't done well. I just think that we need JT in there more often than not.

 

Jose. Our manager certainly isn't without his faults. It's difficult to know what he does by design, and what happens when the situation gets the better of him, but I believe he is "picking too many fights", and ones he can't win. I hate the bloody FA, I really do, and while I find it amusing, I know it does nothing to aid our cause when Jose questions their motives at every turn. I'd really prefer us to stop this. Yes, I agree we really are not being given the rub of the green at all, but we need to look past this and expect it. Rather than rolling around in the dirt feeling sorry for ourselves, we need to take the initiative and play like we won't get the decisions. Try harder to stay on our feet, rather than allowing little contact to send us to ground crying for a penalty that we might well deserve. We need to show more physical strength and more strength of character. And I believe this starts with the manager. Roman will be loathe to sack him; I truly believe that. But that doesn't mean his hand couldn't be forced. Any other season, or any other manager, and he would've been gone already. So while a sacking may not be imminent, Jose must know he is under pressure to get results now, and I hope he plans to change things rather than let them run their course and hope for better. I don't believe in luck, and I don't believe a turn in luck is what will get us back up the table. It is going to have to be something more. There was a time when after one defeat or a couple of draws where we've conceded a number of goals, Jose would get the squad really, really compact to stop us from conceding, such that we'd either win 1-0 or draw 0-0, or whatever. He used to be the master of that. I wouldn't mind seeing us reverting to a solid defensive unit, first and foremost, and then work on our attacking. As a matter of fact, I believe we need to do this quickly. The number of goals we've conceded is just crazy. Then something needs to be done about Hazard. Unshackle him and get him involved. He's an absolute shadow of his former self.

 

Do I think we'll turn this around? Well, I don't see why we couldn't. BUT, we haven't really shown that we will either. If we can protect our soft underbelly and make ourselves difficult to beat, then I believe that will be a good start. We need good vibes, which have been few and far between. There is just too much negative distraction around the place. It is actually quite suffocating at times, even to a fan at this distance away from things. I can't begin to imagine how it is for the players and manager. I do think, though, that if Jose survives this, he will be a better man/manager for it. I just hope that behind that defiant facade he shows in public, that he truly is learning and changing in private, and keeping his players onside. We've become the drama of the season for the press, so I don't see any reason to expect this to change. They are going to run, and run, and run with this. So it will be on our own shoulders to lift the team every week, and show our support for our manager.

 

CHELSEA, CHELSEA!

 

Cheers,

 

Butch

Edited by Butch
Posted

Things are never black and white. While I don't believe anything I read in the press (unless its biased towards us, LOL), the performances and results speak for themselves. Not all is right with us at the moment, and it is more than just a loss of confidence.

 

Let me say this now so as to hopefully avert any misunderstanding, I love Jose; always have and always will. He is the man for the job, and I want him here for a decade. I was shattered when he was sacked after his first spell, so I certainly don't want him sacked now. He is Chelsea, and I love him and all his faults.

 

Now, what could possibly be the problem? I think Jose hinted at it when in pre-season he said something along the lines of "the players need to reward the club for the confidence we have placed in them", i.e. that we didn't go out and make big signings to "replace" anyone. He also said, if I remember correctly, that there is always the risk of complacency in these situations, but the club collectively made the decision (maybe keeping in mind the expected expenses of the new stadium on the horizon) that we didn't need to make any big signings. It's difficult to argue with that, although hindsite is always perfect and we now know a few signings, especially the ones we were rumoured to want to make, i.e. Stones and Pogba, would have helped out immensely. It is quite uncanny how those two in particular would have strengthened our soft spots this season. I bet Jose wanted these signings, but the club thought the better of it (I mean, really pulling out ALL the stops).

 

We also started the pre-season rather late. Jose said he wanted to give the players extra time off, keeping in mind the gruelling season just finished. Again, difficult to argue with that. Yet, when you see the likes of Costa and Hazard strolling back onto the pitch for the friendlies positively fat, you know there is going to be a problem. Clearly, there were many players who started the competitive season lacking fitness. It doesn't take a genius to work out that they are going to struggle in the early season.

 

Next, Eva Carneiro. I've said this before, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, that some of the players, particularly Eden who could be viewed as being almost directly responsible for the situation, could be affected by this. She was purportedly very popular among the players, and I'm sure this incident couldn't have been pleasant. It's the kind of thing that could send rather negative vibes throughout the dressing room. Mutiny? I think not. But players could certainly be forgiven for being a bit miffed. And Hazard, in particular, who from then on can only be described as having a "difficult" relationship with Jose (both have admitted in interviews about talks about his form and performances and tracking back and helping his team mates out, etc), looks like something is weighing on his mind. I simply find it hard to believe that last year's player of the season can so dramatically lose this much form. Either he's carrying a physical injury we don't know of, or he is having some other problems. Conjecture, yes, but I think not without substance. In principle, if he truly has suffered a falling out with Jose that is leading to these performances, or non-performances, whatever the reason, then he should be sold. It would be a huge disappointment, but then he has been a huge let down for us this season.

 

Brana. I won't say he's played any worse than Eden, but he has to be directly responsible for many of the goals we've conceded this season when he's played. He is a player I don't believe would have any problems with Jose on a personal level, and I do believe he is one of the leaders in the dressing room, but it is clear that he is completely off-form. He's not defending properly, shows some lack of discipline in getting back, and his attacking up the flank, while not lacking industry, is completely lacking in any sort of quality. If we are suffering somewhat of a crisis of confidence, he has got to be one of the most affected.

 

Costa. In addition to the early season fitness problems I have already mentioned, I think his character is such that when things don't go right, he makes things worse and compounds matters. I know Jose likes him very much and appreciates his qualities, and I know the referees do pick on him, but you can't say he doesn't give them reason to. I'm thinking Jose is going to be the type of manager who would be loathe to put a muzzle on Costa, but he's got to see that in the big picture of things, our temperemental striker is acting as a huge distraction for us. The lack of support he's getting from Hazard, in particular, but really from anyone at all is not helping, as he's now reduced to chasing long balls against two big EPL centerbacks, and then just lashing out or leaving a leg out, or a knee in the back, etc... due to pure frustration.

 

Matic. He was such a huge presence for us last season when things were going well, that it is a bit surprising how many big gaps we're seeing this season in our midfield. However, I don't believe it is all his fault. Yes, he's not been as dominant, but I think sometimes he's over-compensating for his team mates; trying to make things happen. The most regular, yet worrying, scene for me this season is a slow, stagnant build-up play, ending with someone losing possession and us being hit on the counter with Matic and Ivanovic up field, our CB's getting worried and going in with rash tackles that miss their target and an opposing striker having a clear shot at goal. I don't know how many times I've seen this picture. Two things stick out to me. First, a lack of movement and resultant passing options up front, meaning our midfielder in possession has to try to remain in possession without being able to release the ball, and therefore being at greater risk of being dispossessed. How many times have we seen the likes of Oscar, Mikel, Matic and Fabregas clattered to the floor, thinking they've been fouled, but the opposing team maraud up the other end? Too often is the answer. The second thing is that, for whatever reason, our players just seem to be slower to the ball and just slower overall. The best example of this is against Liverpool. I was often saying to myself, "how on earth are there more red shirts in their defensive half while we're attacking, and yet more red shirts in our defensive half when they counter us"?! It was simply crazy. The only answer is that they were fitter, and were more willing to run and make space and get back to defend.

 

JT. I don't know what's happened. I can't believe that our best defender last season, and likely one of the EPL's best, if not the best CB last season, has looked slow and tentative. He's never been blessed with pace, of course, and I think it is more a case of people around him leaving him exposed more regularly than last season. However, whatever the case may be, this is one exception to the rule. I truly believe that we need him in there every game, especially now we're out of the Carling Cup. We need his leadership and organisational ability. I was going to mention Begovic below, but I will do it here. I believe the new keeper has done an admirable job, but it is almost an impossible job. He's been thrown in at the deep end, when the team is in a bit of disarray, and without a good understanding with his backline I think the organisational aspects of his game are going to be brought into question. This is why I believe JT is an important part of the team. I know Jose likes and trusts Zouma, and I'm not saying he hasn't done well. I just think that we need JT in there more often than not.

 

Jose. Our manager certainly isn't without his faults. It's difficult to know what he does by design, and what happens when the situation gets the better of him, but I believe he is "picking too many fights", and ones he can't win. I hate the bloody FA, I really do, and while I find it amusing, I know it does nothing to aid our cause when Jose questions their motives at every turn. I'd really prefer us to stop this. Yes, I agree we really are not being given the rub of the green at all, but we need to look past this and expect it. Rather than rolling around in the dirt feeling sorry for ourselves, we need to take the initiative and play like we won't get the decisions. Try harder to stay on our feet, rather than allowing little contact to send us to ground crying for a penalty that we might well deserve. We need to show more physical strength and more strength of character. And I believe this starts with the manager. Roman will be loathe to sack him; I truly believe that. But that doesn't mean his hand couldn't be forced. Any other season, or any other manager, and he would've been gone already. So while a sacking may not be imminent, Jose must know he is under pressure to get results now, and I hope he plans to change things rather than let them run their course and hope for better. I don't believe in luck, and I don't believe a turn in luck is what will get us back up the table. It is going to have to be something more. There was a time when after one defeat or a couple of draws where we've conceded a number of goals, Jose would get the squad really, really compact to stop us from conceding, such that we'd either win 1-0 or draw 0-0, or whatever. He used to be the master of that. I wouldn't mind seeing us reverting to a solid defensive unit, first and foremost, and then work on our attacking. As a matter of fact, I believe we need to do this quickly. The number of goals we've conceded is just crazy. Then something needs to be done about Hazard. Unshackle him and get him involved. He's an absolute shadow of his former self.

 

Do I think we'll turn this around? Well, I don't see why we couldn't. BUT, we haven't really shown that we will either. If we can protect our soft underbelly and make ourselves difficult to beat, then I believe that will be a good start. We need good vibes, which have been few and far between. There is just too much negative distraction around the place. It is actually quite suffocating at times, even to a fan at this distance away from things. I can't begin to imagine how it is for the players and manager. I do think, though, that if Jose survives this, he will be a better man/manager for it. I just hope that behind that defiant facade he shows in public, that he truly is learning and changing in private, and keeping his players onside. We've become the drama of the season for the press, so I don't see any reason to expect this to change. They are going to run, and run, and run with this. So it will be on our own shoulders to lift the team every week, and show our support for our manager.

 

CHELSEA, CHELSEA!

 

Cheers,

 

Butch

superb post!



Posted

but we were f**king atrocious against the dippers. i fail to see how a presser means we have turned the corner. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iBAAww3KwI

 

even lampard said the team looked "broken". our pressing which was so evident last season and indeed the season before, is gone. there is no hunger, no desire, there was no fire in any of the players' bellies on the weekend. that's why i think, as do many others, that it runs way deeper than just players being out of form. 

 

make no mistake this is a f**king mess. the players need to step up and fight starting tonight - im less worried about europe. i personally hate the champs league, for me the bread and butter prem is our priority and while a good performance tonight would help, i will be paying more attention to the result at the weekend against stoke. 

 

what stood out for me is that JT said yesterday that we have been playing well. we just simply did not play well against liverpool. we were so fucking bad. 

Posted

Well we won..

 

It was better but not great. However, it's the first time this season we've taken the lead, lost it and then regained it again.

 

Improvement.



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