2 minutes ago, Nibs said:

Said it earlier in the thread and it was yet again apparent tonight. We have some talented individuals but that doesn't make a great team.

It's hard to put your finger on exactly what has gone wrong but right now we always look likely to concede yet very rarely trouble the opposition keeper. Maddison touched on it in his interview about the importance of putting in the effort and how you don't need to spend millions on supposed stars on big wages (who have it too easy). 

Just not good enough. Frank will know that more than anyone and know that he's under increasing pressure. I want to see the players hurting a bit more after a defeat - only one I really noticed tonight was Mount. The rest no doubt just shrug their shoulders and pick up their £100k a week and go back to their big f**k-off mansion in Surrey and sleep a lot better than us supporters.

Judgemental prick. I don't get out of bed for less than £175k a week and my £3m mansion in Monaco. 

Just now, Slojo said:

The manager has to take responsibility Nibs, you're giving him far too much leeway. It's the managers job to get them playing together as a team, there's no instance where when the manager gets sacked players don't let them down. 

I am giving Lamps leeway 'cos I think he still deserves a bit of time. He has to try some other options and hope things gel more than they are currently. But I admit the clock is ticking for him and he needs to halt this poor form a bit sharpish.

The annoying thing is the players who get some minutes, look good but then get whole games or get to start games and then do nothing or play badly. CHO, Pulicic, Kovacic' Jorginho, Abraham, Ziyech, Havertz, James...........................all of them you think "they deserve to start" but NONE of them are taking their chances to hold down a place in the starting 11. 

Just now, Nibs said:

I am giving Lamps leeway 'cos I think he still deserves a bit of time. He has to try some other options and hope things gel more than they are currently. But I admit the clock is ticking for him and he needs to halt this poor form a bit sharpish.

The annoying thing is the players who get some minutes, look good but then get whole games or get to start games and then do nothing or play badly. CHO, Pulicic, Kovacic' Jorginho, Abraham, Ziyech, Havertz, James...........................all of them you think "they deserve to start" but NONE of them are taking their chances to hold down a place in the starting 11. 

The only two reliable players in that team right now are Thiago Silva and Giroud, for me those two are the only players that perform when needed, most on here will put Mount there though, I recognise that. But even still, that's 3 players, everyone else is playing to about 1/4 of their ability, lazy lazy performances, lack of ideas. 

Pulisic gets the ball on the byline and passes backwards, nobody is available for him on the overlap. Havertz, as bad as he was, kept getting ignored constantly when he made runs through the middle, plenty of people noticed that and pointed it out. 

I can't see how this gets turned around I'm afraid, it's set in stone. If it had been any other manager with experience and a good CV, I would back them and put my faith that they can change it things and get out of the slump. But I can't see any proof in Lampards managerial ability that he has what it takes to turn this around, for me, it looks like we are getting worse game by game. Before we know it, we're behind Arsenal, Atletico game coming up... We need to make a decision ASAP. 

2 hours ago, Slojo said:

The only two reliable players in that team right now are Thiago Silva and Giroud, for me those two are the only players that perform when needed, most on here will put Mount there though, I recognise that. But even still, that's 3 players, everyone else is playing to about 1/4 of their ability, lazy lazy performances, lack of ideas. 

Pulisic gets the ball on the byline and passes backwards, nobody is available for him on the overlap. Havertz, as bad as he was, kept getting ignored constantly when he made runs through the middle, plenty of people noticed that and pointed it out. 

I can't see how this gets turned around I'm afraid, it's set in stone. If it had been any other manager with experience and a good CV, I would back them and put my faith that they can change it things and get out of the slump. But I can't see any proof in Lampards managerial ability that he has what it takes to turn this around, for me, it looks like we are getting worse game by game. Before we know it, we're behind Arsenal, Atletico game coming up... We need to make a decision ASAP. 

You've left out Mr. Reliable himself - Azpi. I would honestly prefer if Lamps goes back to experience at the back and midfield - Azpi, Silva, Zouma, ChillyB, Kante, Jorginho, Kova. Play mount in a forward position, one of the strikers, and let the under-performers duke it out for the last spot up-front. It won't be pretty but at least we could get some consistency going. 

First of all, I'd like to say that I'd love for Frank to turn things around and for him to stay for years to come.

However.

Even Frank has admitted this season that if you don't get the results as a manager, then it's likely that you'll lose your job.

Quite 'frankly', I think this time has come.

The most frustrating thing that I have seen from our side is the bloody-mindedness of sticking to a 4-3-3 through thick and thin, without any consideration of the abilities of our players (mainly the newcomers).

Werner for instance, played his best games for Leipzig on a front 2 or as a number 10. 

Havertz performed best for Leverkusen as an attacking midfielder and, for a successful period, as the lone striker.

Pulisic has been played too wide and too deep. His best games have been played as the CAM, a position that gets him a starting position for his neat dribbles further up the field (and more likely to win dangerous free kicks or pens). 

The only 'wingers' we have are Ziyech and Hudson-odoi, with Chilwell and James doing good jobs as wing backs when needed. 

A 4-3-3 simply doesn't work with all of these players imo, so why are they so fixated on it?

My suggestion:

3-4-1-2, changing to a 4-4-1-1 in defence.

Havertz and Werner up top.

Pulisic as CAM.

Chilwell and Ziyech the wide players.

Mount and Kovacic in the middle.

Silva, Zouma, Azpi at the back - but Chilly filling in when the opposition have the ball.

Desperately need a DM, and it doesnt need to be an £80m Rice at this point either. 

Surely the scouting department must be able to get a physical midfielder that can bring some steel in midfield for a decent price. Hojberg and Doucoure both added that for under £20m. 

Even if we go for someone like Soumare who is a little raw.

Where is the next ndidi, gueye, kante?  

Kovacic and Jorginho are not right in this team, with the attacking players being pretty lightweight, we cant afford to be lightweight in the midfield positions aswell regardless of whoever takes over, or if Lampard gets a reprieve.

 

 

28 minutes ago, big blue said:

Desperately need a DM, and it doesnt need to be an £80m Rice at this point either. 

Surely the scouting department must be able to get a physical midfielder that can bring some steel in midfield for a decent price. Hojberg and Doucoure both added that for under £20m. 

Even if we go for someone like Soumare who is a little raw.

Where is the next ndidi, gueye, kante?  

Kovacic and Jorginho are not right in this team, with the attacking players being pretty lightweight, we cant afford to be lightweight in the midfield positions aswell regardless of whoever takes over, or if Lampard gets a reprieve.

 

 

I would preferably like Rice plus another. If our full backs are to play so high and most of the forward players a bit 'lightweight' we need a bit of steel in there with good engines and the ability to be good communicators. We have suddenly turned into everything we could see wrong with  Arsenal with far too many fair weather players. 

7 hours ago, venom2011 said:

You've left out Mr. Reliable himself - Azpi. I would honestly prefer if Lamps goes back to experience at the back and midfield - Azpi, Silva, Zouma, ChillyB, Kante, Jorginho, Kova. Play mount in a forward position, one of the strikers, and let the under-performers duke it out for the last spot up-front. It won't be pretty but at least we could get some consistency going. 

Sorry but that's a Horrible side and the experienced players really haven't played any better than the younger ones.

I know James was really poor against Leicester but Azpi has struggled every time he plays FB for some time. Nothing to suggest he would have done any better against Barnes last night who did have a good game.

And the midfield of Jorginho, Kovacic & Kante is comfortably the most turgid, dullest midfield I have seen. Playing those three together is akin to sticking needles in ones eyes.

7 hours ago, venom2011 said:

You've left out Mr. Reliable himself - Azpi. I would honestly prefer if Lamps goes back to experience at the back and midfield - Azpi, Silva, Zouma, ChillyB, Kante, Jorginho, Kova. Play mount in a forward position, one of the strikers, and let the under-performers duke it out for the last spot up-front. It won't be pretty but at least we could get some consistency going. 

Azpilicueta is 1/2 the player he was last season, he's not reliable anymore because he physically can't be. Maybe if he was pushed to CB again in back 3 he could be, but as a fullback I don't think so. 

1 hour ago, big blue said:

Desperately need a DM, and it doesnt need to be an £80m Rice at this point either. 

Surely the scouting department must be able to get a physical midfielder that can bring some steel in midfield for a decent price. Hojberg and Doucoure both added that for under £20m. 

Even if we go for someone like Soumare who is a little raw.

Where is the next ndidi, gueye, kante?  

Kovacic and Jorginho are not right in this team, with the attacking players being pretty lightweight, we cant afford to be lightweight in the midfield positions aswell regardless of whoever takes over, or if Lampard gets a reprieve.

 

 

We do need a new Matic type of player. Ever since we sold him against Conte's wishes we haven't had a DM that can hold on to the ball and that knows how to pass it.

Sarri got the result with Jorginho but nobody liked him, that system was too rigid and it was bound to fail sooner or later, I recall Hazard not being happy with Sarri and then Sarri went to Juventus where other big players were also not happy with his methods.

I also think that we need another winger. Someone like Jonathan Bamba.

32 minutes ago, charierre said:

I would preferably like Rice plus another. If our full backs are to play so high and most of the forward players a bit 'lightweight' we need a bit of steel in there with good engines and the ability to be good communicators. We have suddenly turned into everything we could see wrong with  Arsenal with far too many fair weather players. 

Its crazy if you actually compare the make up of midfield options to every team above us. Most teams have defensive midfielders, and physical players that can go box to box. 

Even city who are known to be an attacking side have players like Rodri, and Fernandinho, and pep has used defenders in midfield there aswell, so you could also see ake as an option for them.

Just now, big blue said:

Its crazy if you actually compare the make up of midfield options to every team above us. Most teams have defensive midfielders, and physical players that can go box to box. 

Even city who are known to be an attacking side have players like Rodri, and Fernandinho, and pep has used defenders in midfield there aswell, so you could also see ake as an option for them.

I was hoping Ampadu might be that player but has anyone seen or heard how he has been doing at Sheff United? I suspect not great looking at their form and the fact I have seen no good reviews or articles about him. In danger of becoming another forgotten man.

6 minutes ago, big blue said:

Its crazy if you actually compare the make up of midfield options to every team above us. Most teams have defensive midfielders, and physical players that can go box to box. 

Even city who are known to be an attacking side have players like Rodri, and Fernandinho, and pep has used defenders in midfield there aswell, so you could also see ake as an option for them.

Rodri is anything but a physical player big blue. That's his major weakness in the game. 

1 hour ago, Slojo said:

Rodri is anything but a physical player big blue. That's his major weakness in the game. 

He is 6ft plus, and can get around and he is good in the air. I havent heard many complaints about him struggling physically in the media, or from city fans. Even looking at his stats now, he ranks pretty high across all duels. 

City have been solid defensively all season as well, and he plays every week. 

Just now, big blue said:

He is 6ft plus, and can get around and he is good in the air. I havent heard many complaints about him struggling physically in the media, or from city fans. Even looking at his stats now, he ranks pretty high across all duels. 

City have been solid defensively all season as well, and he plays every week. 

I've heard many City fans complain about his physicality. I saw a table last season where he had the least amount of ground covered out of any midfielders in the league, something ridiculous like that. And it doesn't shock me, I've seen him get skinned for pace many times. 

1 hour ago, Nibs said:

I was hoping Ampadu might be that player but has anyone seen or heard how he has been doing at Sheff United? I suspect not great looking at their form and the fact I have seen no good reviews or articles about him. In danger of becoming another forgotten man.

I like Ampadu, although i always saw him more as a centre back. He hasnt been doing too great at Sheffield United by all accounts, although he got motm in their inly win this season. Strange loan though, they play such a different system to ours.

1 minute ago, Slojo said:

I've heard many City fans complain about his physicality. I saw a table last season where he had the least amount of ground covered out of any midfielders in the league, something ridiculous like that. And it doesn't shock me, I've seen him get skinned for pace many times. 

Im not really taking about pace though, Im taking about having a physical presence, with some strength, and ability to compete. Rodri clearly has that. 

Yeah I would love Declan Rice. We are desperate for steel in midfield and Rice would be perfect.

Come on Roman, you know you want to.

Its surprising that Ben and Pulisic have little to no Chemistry on the left, the number of times they unsuccessfully attempt a 1-2 is unreal. With Azpi on the right he doesnt have the legs anymore to get up and down and James was poor last night and against Arsenal but I guess that is more related to his match fitness.

Teams are congesting the center of the pitch against us and pushing us wide & since December our wide players have been disappointing, we are not stretching teams which allows them to keep their shape which is causing big problems for Frank which he doesnt seem to have an answer for. Personally I would like to see him play Ziyech in the No.10 role in order to bring some threat from a Central area and possibly spot runs in behind from the likes of CHO and Pulisic.

17 hours ago, big blue said:

I like Ampadu, although i always saw him more as a centre back. He hasnt been doing too great at Sheffield United by all accounts, although he got motm in their inly win this season. Strange loan though, they play such a different system to ours.

He has though; he is pretty much their best player.

On 19/01/2021 at 16:26, Slojo said:

Before we know it, we're behind Arsenal, Atletico game coming up... We need to make a decision ASAP. 

Lampard or no Lampard no way we get passed Atletico. The great Klopp and his Championship team last year could not get past them and now they have Chewy up front.

Doubt we even score, regardless of manager 

7 hours ago, ducavis said:

He has though; he is pretty much their best player.

I dont know many sheffield United fans, but they dont rate him at all on twitter. I dont think you could find one fan that would say he had been their best player.

https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/club-news/sheffield-united-fans-praise-latest-performance-from-chelsea-loanee-ethan-ampadu/amp/

 

 

Why do everyone think Rice is the solution to our problems, I have never see our fans so obsessed about 1 player maybe Sandro jeez. 

22 hours ago, Brutos said:

Why do everyone think Rice is the solution to our problems,

Must admit the same thought occurred to me ... we shall see I guess ... first hurdle would be to actually sign him ?

23 hours ago, big blue said:

I dont know many sheffield United fans, but they dont rate him at all on twitter. I dont think you could find one fan that would say he had been their best player.

https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/club-news/sheffield-united-fans-praise-latest-performance-from-chelsea-loanee-ethan-ampadu/amp/

 

Twitter ... LOL ...

This is how Whoscored have assessed the Blades squad so far this season, and he's the best of a fairly bad bunch ...  :

 

That rating would have him around 10th in our squad