Tonight I have been listening to an episode of Talkport, Kick Off, with Mark Saggers, Danny Murphy & Steve Sidwell. The main discussion was about Man United and why Jose is going through a managerial crisis. It touched on so many aspects of Chelsea football club that if you haven't listened to it I would say it is well worth listening to when it is available on podcast. Some of the highlights included: 

- how Sidwells family was invited to Jose's house when he was about to sign for the club, the book that Jose gave him and the discussion they had. 

- Sidwells views on Jose the manager, how the whole dressing room cried and responded (Drogba was on the floor) when Jose left first time around, how it was different the second time around

 - the modern day player, the relationship they have with a manager, the importance of a good number two and the importance of having former players around the club. 

- the core players in Jose's first spell and the effect they had on the dressing room.

- promotion of youth players and the fact that Jose doesn't have a record of promoting them

Now I know a lot of this is about Jose's time at Chelsea as that was under discussion, but the programme gave a wonderful insight from a player that was at the club and in the dressing room at this time; and hearing it firsthand rather than reading it was more insightful and enlightening than I expected it would be. 

Thought it might be an idea to start a thread centred around former employees of the club and what their take is on what goes on behind closed doors, Sidwells views were well worth hearing. 

Edited November 28, 20169 yr by nutmegsw6

I don't know much about what goes on behind the scenes, but one thing that always strikes me is how fondly ex players speak of the club. They must be well looked after. Michael Ballack for example, spent the best portion of his career in Germany but seems to speak of Chelsea in the highest regard.

Yeah I listened to that. Really interesting. 

Sidwell was saying that Jose'S greatest strength was how he got the fringe players to really buy into the team mentality and all pushing for the same goal. Building that incredible bond. 

He said that Jose doesn't seem to be doing that as much these days and perhaps it's to his detriment.