I can be happy with one important thing is that we did not give up after Leicester's lead, I will always say that we're team on a building period and everything we want to see will come with the time.

We have hope and faith in the game, I'd say in professional we are still not good enough. We have a serious problem in our goalkeeper position, in our defense as well.

Our best player in the season is Kovacic, he has to play every game in my opinion, he adds a lot to our game. Finally Kante played in his natural position and was fantastic in the first half, went anonymous in the second half.

Abraham was disappointing today, Pedro is nowhere near his best, CHO wasn't good enough as well. 

Lampard's last substitution was unacceptable, putting Barkley instead of Tammy wrong decision, it had to be Michy, I just looked at his face when the camera showed him and I could see that he totally lost his confidence.

If Lampard wants to help Michy, he should start him in the next game because Tammy's form is going down in the last games.

 

3 hours ago, dkw said:

And you know this for certain because?...Its amazing how much you know about the workings at Napoli and Chelsea.

Personal opinion based on everything i've learned from the transfer-market over the years.

Very, very rarely is someone with six months left on his contract unattainble and i absolutely believe it would have been done if we contacted Napoli earlier. May have had to pay more then we prefered but getting him in could end up being the difference between fourth and not making it. And in that case he'd be worth a ton of money.

27 minutes ago, Sindre said:

Personal opinion based on everything i've learned from the transfer-market over the years.

Very, very rarely is someone with six months left on his contract unattainble and i absolutely believe it would have been done if we contacted Napoli earlier. May have had to pay more then we prefered but getting him in could end up being the difference between fourth and not making it. And in that case he'd be worth a ton of money.

I think you need to go back to your study, because that's not even remotely true. If a player gets down to 6 months then there's massively more chance he will leave on a free, waiting for his contract to expire so he can maximise his financial potential and opportunities.

Edited February 1, 20206 yr by dkw

4 minutes ago, dkw said:

I think you need to go back to your study, because that's not even remotely true. If a player gets down to 6 months then there's massively more chance he will leave on a free, waiting for his contract to expire so he can maximise his financial potential and opportunities.

In this case the issue was the we couldn't reach an agreement with Napoli.

2 hours ago, Davey Baby said:

There are weaknesses in our squad but the real weakness right now is the manager.......... 

Some people don't want to hear it, because they love Frank, as I do, but right now we're on a run of 15 points from 13 games, and more than anything, the reason for that is the coaching.

 

I am extremely glad to see someone has the balls to call it like it is. 

Has anyone stopped for a moment and imagine how good this team can be, or how much better this team can play, under a manager like Roger?

I truly believe this team has more than enough talents to be able play much better than they have been showing. 

39 minutes ago, haviet1 said:

 

I am extremely glad to see someone has the balls to call it like it is. 

Has anyone stopped for a moment and imagine how good this team can be, or how much better this team can play, under a manager like Roger?

I truly believe this team has more than enough talents to be able play much better than they have been showing. 

The mans took a youth team with 2 dead windows and got them top 4 and last 16 of the CL, and the managers the issue? I just can’t agree, some of the football he has then playing is brilliant coaching. 
 

Pep and klopp did a lot less with a lot more in their first season, blaming frank is utter nonsense 

Edited February 1, 20206 yr by SFL82

35 minutes ago, haviet1 said:

 

I am extremely glad to see someone has the balls to call it like it is. 

Has anyone stopped for a moment and imagine how good this team can be, or how much better this team can play, under a manager like Roger?

I truly believe this team has more than enough talents to be able play much better than they have been showing. 

Since when is Rogers better than Lampard? 

41 minutes ago, haviet1 said:

 

 

Has anyone stopped for a moment and imagine how good this team can be, or how much better this team can play, under a manager like Roger?

 

What was Rodgers doing in his 2nd season of his managerial career ?

Answer: In the Championship at Reading, lasted 6 months, left Reading one place above relegation.

1 hour ago, haviet1 said:

 

I am extremely glad to see someone has the balls to call it like it is. 

Has anyone stopped for a moment and imagine how good this team can be, or how much better this team can play, under a manager like Roger?

I truly believe this team has more than enough talents to be able play much better than they have been showing. 

3 hours ago, Nibs said:

I agree with some of your points Davey but this?!!!

Surely only Kepa's Mum, Dad or Agent could use Lamps as the reason he is so pony! 

 

Maybe Nibs, I could be being harsh on Frank there, but I think it's a valid point. For me, the manager is responsible for performances, that's his job. Kepa was much better last season, maybe not great, but a lot better. Why? That's what fascinates me. Why? Does the manager have any role in that, however small? I think so.

 

Look at Simeone. He had Courtois, who looked unbelievable, far better than he ever was for us. After Courtois they got Oblak, who they signed from Benfica, for under £15m, and all of a sudden he looks like the best keeper in the world. Surely the manager plays a part in that? The manager has to get inside the player's head. 

 

If you're asking your keeper to play out from the back, and there isn't really a structure, they can lose a little bit of calmness, and it can affect their confidence and maybe mess with their head. When I think of the managers that ask their keepers to play out from the back, like Pep, Klopp and Poch, there is a real structure to the way their teams play, and a real method to it, and if it's working, that breeds confidence. It's noticeable that Kepa's kicking has been a lot more messy this season, and as soon as that happens maybe you start to feel a little less in control.

 

Heck, it's a theory. I'm not saying he's the best in the world, or I'll be bemoaning his loss in the summer, but when a player loses form as starkly as he has, even a goalkeeper, I think it's fair to ask questions of the manager, even if it's a very small question in this instance.

There are weaknesses in our squad but the real weakness right now is the manager. We are so open. We can't keep a clean sheet to save our lives. It's 1 in every 6 games I think, which is comical. Coaching. Jorginho is the holding midfielder, which only works if every single player in the team presses, and presses hard, and remains compact at all times. It has to be like clockwork, engrained into the team. Then there's movement, and options on the ball, so that when he receives it every player knows where to go. This just isn't happening. We play a far more open, a far less structured style under Frank, which is fine, but Jorginho is completely the wrong guy. He's not a holding midfielder to save his life. You need a real tactical mind to use Jorginho, otherwise his limitations come to the fore. Our defence had no protection. Zero. There was space behind Jorginho all day long, in front of our defence, and Leicester were finding it. They were by far the more cohesive side, especially after our initial spell. Second-half, from open play, there's only one side that looked like scoring, again and again. That has f**k all to do with the transfer window, and the sooner Frank realises the better.
 
Some people don't want to hear it, because they love Frank, as I do, but right now we're on a run of 15 points from 13 games, and more than anything, the reason for that is the coaching. I don't care about top four this season, it isn't a big deal for me, I'm happy Frank's here I'm happy he's playing the kids I'm sure he'll get the chance to shape the squad more in his image in the summer, but people pointing the finger at the board or the players should be really focusing on the manager.
 
Second-half Leicester were immeasurably superior to us, they were finding those pockets of space in front of our defence, they were creating chances and we weren't. Frank did nothing to change it. We went ahead from a corner as soon as the second-half started, after which they took control and deservedly went 2-1 up. We could see it coming but Frank did nothing. We scored from a corner again, at which point Frank made changes, but they had missed a few gilt-edged chances.
 
Some of you will think this is harsh, but the game lasts 90 minutes. Sure, we missed a few chances early doors, but the game goes on, Leicester get a foothold and but for two goals from set-pieces we're losing that game, very easily, and then a lot of you would be being harsher. Over the course of the game we were second best, and that has nothing to do with personnel, and everything to do with coaching.
 
Lastly, Kepa. He's been poor this season, undoubtedly, but nobody has ever mentioned the role Frank may have had in this. Kepa last season was pretty good. He had a very encouraging season, generally, although there is obviously a problem in claiming crosses. He was excellent with his feet, and Sarri wanted a keeper that could play, to fit his style, and that gave Kepa confidence, because there was a strategy, because Sarri's a very meticulous manager, every time Kepa had the ball at his feet the defenders and the midfielders knew exactly where to go, so that Kepa had options, and he didn't have to think. It was drilled into them in typical Italian style, until it's on auto-pilot. As a result, Kepa was calm, cool, composed, and oozed confidence. I'm not letting him off this season, as his primary job is to stop goals and he hasn't been doing that, but a lot of that calmness and serenity at the back has left us. We're shipping way more goals than last season, and Derby shipped a lot of goals last season. We're playing out from the back but not in a structured way, and we're not pressing from the front as a team, and I think that's impacted the whole team including the keeper. A lot of you will scoff at that and so be it, but that's my theory, It's not all to do with how we play, I'm saying it's played a part, however small, and it's got into his head, and maybe the manager can help him out more. He's a good keeper, from what I saw last season. We'll be getting rid in the summer, maybe for somebody who's more suited for us. Which brings me to this.......
 
What are we? As a team? Does anybody know? We're a bit of a muddle. We're half one thing and half another. That's okay, we're a work in progress, and I like managers that let their players play, but if you're going to let your players play, play your best players. Kovacic has to be in that midfield, ahead of both Jorginho and Kante. Kante's another one, does Frank really know how to use him properly? All these questions are far more important than who we might have signed as a back-up striker. What are we? Who are we? Is there a method? These are the questions I want answered as Frank's tenure at the club ensues. People talk about planning with the board. What about planning on the pitch? This is what I'd really like to see some more of, and I'm hopeful we will as Frank grows into the job. I think the kids could do with a bit more method. Right now it all looks a little bit higgledy-piggledy to me.

I called this out in Lampards thread, it's obvious we have gone backwards since last season. People will point to hazard not being here which is valid but that doesn't explain the basics of getting us organise and hard to beat having a tactical framework to build from. It doesn't explain how we are conceding silly goals being open like the grand canyon. Sarri lefted a great blueprint to build on and it seems that's all gone now.

Currently we have no structure no identity (again pointed this out before) we look like a group of individuals not a team and that comes from the top down.

Sarri was blasted last season for not having a plan B, I don't think we have a Plan A now.

Under Sarri even though some didn't like it you could see what was being coached on the training group and identity and way of playing it didn't work sometimes but you could see US developing an identity.

At this point we have regressed on all fronts rather than pushing on from last season.

Am starting to think he may not learn as it's been obvious for sometime now.

Only reason we still in 4th is because the rest don't want it.

8 hours ago, forbzy said:

I noted a couple of things in the second highlighted our defensive issues:

1. Jonny Evans has a free header from corner because he outmuscles Christensen. Once again highlights Christensen's lack of physicality despite being a big guy 

2. Every time they attacked down our left side we looked vulnerable and wide ipen. Once again we really need a goid option at Left back. We were very luck that Harvey Barnes missed that chance bear the end.

I still prefer Tomori over Christensen. Tomori and Rudiger would be my first choice. Probably Alonsi at LB although that means dropping Dave I'm afraid.

With the circumstances this season Frank's over performing in my opinion. Personally I only have one criticism of his current selections, Christensen is the worst of our centre-halves by some margin and yet he is being picked. Both Tomori and Zouma are more physical, faster and have better distribution.

 

6 minutes ago, Brutos said:

I called this out in Lampards thread, it's obvious we have gone backwards since last season. People will point to hazard not being here which is valid but that doesn't explain the basics of getting us organise and hard to beat having a tactical framework to build from. It doesn't explain how we are conceding silly goals being open like the grand canyon. Sarri lefted a great blueprint to build on and it seems that's all gone now.

Currently we have no structure no identity (again pointed this out before) we look like a group of individuals not a team and that comes from the top down.

Sarri was blasted last season for not having a plan B, I don't think we have a Plan A now.

Under Sarri even though some didn't like it you could see what was being coached on the training group and identity and way of playing it didn't work sometimes but you could see US developing an identity.

At this point we have regressed on all fronts rather than pushing on from last season.

Am starting to think he may not learn as it's been obvious for sometime now.

Only reason we still in 4th is because the rest don't want it.

I've just remembered why I don't come on here so much.

Sarri left a great blueprint....... Jesus wept.

I've just remembered why I don't come on here so much.
Sarri left a great blueprint....... Jesus wept.

Think you're being harsh there Just. Sarri did. It was the 'none shall interfere with Jorginho' blueprint. Bizarrely Frank has adopted it.

It was one of Sarri's downfalls and I fear it will be Frank's as well.

1 minute ago, loz said:

Think you're being harsh there Just. Sarri did. It was the 'none shall interfere with Jorginho' blueprint. Bizarrely Frank has adopted it.

It was one of Sarri's downfalls and I fear it will be Frank's as well.

Last season Loz I was one of Jorginho's biggest critics. This season I definitely warmed to him more, love his attitude. But, like Kovacic, he has not maintained a high level of consistency in his performances across the entire season. They are good players on their day but can both drift in and out of a game. Neither are world class IMO.

I've just remembered why I don't come on here so much.
Sarri left a great blueprint....... Jesus wept.

He mostly certainly lefted a base to build on we finished third last season, build on that nothing fancy just get us back into 3rd.

First game against United looking back was actually now where we are in terms of how we play and it seems so long ago now

Last season Loz I was one of Jorginho's biggest critics. This season I definitely warmed to him more, love his attitude. But, like Kovacic, he has not maintained a high level of consistency in his performances across the entire season. They are good players on their day but can both drift in and out of a game. Neither are world class IMO.

Fully agree. He is better and he looks like he wants a captaincy role but does he offer enough to a team in the position we are? I don't think so. He is too often a luxury option who doesn't offer enough in the English league. He is far better suited to the French or Italian league.

Just now, Brutos said:

He mostly certainly lefted a base to build on we finished third last season, build on that nothing fancy just get us back into 3rd.

First game against United looking back was actually now where we are in terms of how we play and it seems so long ago now

Just get back into third with a transfer embargo and the loss of one of the top six players in the world. Yeah, a doddle.

Just get back into third with a transfer embargo and the loss of one of the top six players in the world. Yeah, a doddle.

In your second season of club management whilst bringing through players who only have championship experience.

Hanging is too good for Frank. Get out the tar and feathers.

9 hours ago, robdog said:

IMO it was the right side that was the most deficient. One of the reasons why was the fact that CHO didn't help James when Chillwell came forward. In fact both Leicester goals came from overloads on the right side. CHO needs to help a bit more or improve in his positioning.

Totally agree. Both goals came from that side. CHO was great for the first 30 minutes while we were dominating. But then Rodgers switched it up and from that point he was largely non-existent including in the defensive phase. 

Reece I thought struggled after the 30 min mark as well. Didn't help that he didn't have a strong centre back behind him. I thought Dave and Rudiger were far more composed on the left. The system exposed them the same amount but their one on one defending meant they dealt with things better. 

A few thoughts reflecting back on the game:

1. Leicester are in fact a better drilled version of ourselves. A really solid 4-1-4-1 with the defensive midfielder giving freedom to the two centre mids and fullbacks to get forward and create. A vision of what we could look like once we finally do away with the Jorginho experiment, place NGolo in his best spot. 

They've sold and recruited so well. Vardy is the only one left from their title winning starting lineup. Yet at the same time they've managed to unearth gems like Tielemans, Pereira, Maddison and Cagyar Söyüncü (they found him playing for Frieberg in Germany) Credit to them.

2. Chilwell looks rocks and diamonds. There were 2 or 3 Leicester players I'd sign before him. He looked alright when they were dominating the ball but Reece and CHO gave him hell in the first 20 mins and he didn't cope at all. The terrible cross followed by the goal summed him up nicely in one minute.

3. Mason Mount is our most important player and he desperately needs help. I'm not sure how far he ran yesterday but they would have been massive numbers. He is so crucial to Frank's style. He led the high press for 90 minutes and was so effective at stopping Leicester build up from the back through Choudhury. There was one point in the second half where Leicester passed it back and forward for about two or three minutes between Söyüncü and Evans and Mount just kept covering Choudury and the passing lanes so that they couldn't get out. Problem is it is nye on impossible to do that by yourself for 90 minutes every week and still be effective with the ball. He needs help and that can't be RLC because he just won't do the work. Key signing in the summer needs to be some midfield support for him.

.

Edited February 2, 20206 yr by Spiller86

59 minutes ago, loz said:

In your second season of club management whilst bringing through players who only have championship experience.

Hanging is too good for Frank. Get out the tar and feathers.

But fella over there did it in football manager 2018, its really easy. Just sell them players he doesn't like, and buy them ones he does... Et voila.... League title. 

4 hours ago, haviet1 said:

 

I am extremely glad to see someone has the balls to call it like it is. 

Has anyone stopped for a moment and imagine how good this team can be, or how much better this team can play, under a manager like Roger?

I truly believe this team has more than enough talents to be able play much better than they have been showing. 

You complete f**king idiot. 

Really good game to watch that was. Made a nice change as many of our recent ones have been the boredom of sides sitting back and countering us or hitting us on set plays.

Fair result for me. If we are more clinical in the first half, especially tammy, we take a 3 goal lead easily. Second half they had the really good chances to win it 

Good result. Is our previous results against dross like West Ham, Bournemouth and Arsenal that makes this game seem like we needed more.

On a side note I love Frank as much as the next Chelsea fan but his treatment of Giroud is appalling for me as Giroud has been nothing but a committed pro since coming here.

Certainly deserves better than to be sidelined for Batman and Barkley.

31 minutes ago, axman2526 said:

Really good game to watch that was. Made a nice change as many of our recent ones have been the boredom of sides sitting back and countering us or hitting us on set plays.

Fair result for me. If we are more clinical in the first half, especially tammy, we take a 3 goal lead easily. Second half they had the really good chances to win it 

Good result. Is our previous results against dross like West Ham, Bournemouth and Arsenal that makes this game seem like we needed more.

On a side note I love Frank as much as the next Chelsea fan but his treatment of Giroud is appalling for me as Giroud has been nothing but a committed pro since coming here.

Certainly deserves better than to be sidelined for Batman and Barkley.

Clearly left him out as he had a very distracted week. I think he'll feature more regularly from here on out.

Not a bad result, still keeping our spot in the top 4 for a week or two. However, the lack of quality in the team is quite alarming, and the zero business we have done last month will bite us for the remainder of the season. Misplaced pass, failed first touch, and lack of understanding between players were very worrying. As usual, we should have scored in the first half, somehow f* the chances hilariously. As soon as they decided to lift, our defence was paper thin, players had no idea whether to engage or go back, people aren't marking, and in the end we got away with it. Gk made a meal of the second goal, although the way Kepa has been playing, he'd probably let other chances go in, so can't be too harsh. I still failed to see the use of Christensen, he's just not up to it physically, just going to get pushed over week in week out. There are a few positives like Rudiger, or James going forward, and Pedro was pretty good until his legs ran out. However, if we are serious about the top 4, game last week, this game, and  the game against United next up is the kind we must win, because these teams actually allow us to play.