Glass Half Full

[Guest Brian M]

With all this talk of Henry to Barca, Tevez to Manure, Torres to L'fool etc, one can be forgiven for thinking that our competitors are going to get the better of us next season. But, looking at this as a glass half full, rather than a glass half empty situation, I believe we can still look forward to a great season because:

A) we kept JM as a our manager. This alone is worth the signing of Torres and Tevez put together. Because he's the guy to take us to the next level, without any question.

we've strengthened considerably in the centre of defence. The very area that caused us so many problems last season. We've got / are getting rid of the cart-horse that is Bola'snooze, and we've brought in two quality central defenders who were IN DEMAND. Not just two people to sit on the bench. But two players who could've gone to any number of great clubs; but who chose to come to Chelsea. So even if we get struck down by an injury crisis like last season...we've now got the cover to cope.

Okay, we haven't done anything about the right back issue. But we've got enough talent in the team to paper over the cracks there, should they appear.

C) We've bought / are buying, a new, gifted left sided 'creative' player who seems to have a real eye for goal. So that if Robben - our most creative player along with Joe Cole - is out injured (which is, err...a remote possibility...) then we now have someone to take his place. Someone who was voted the Players' Player of the Year in France last season. So who is not only talented, but well liked by his fellow professionals.

We'll also probably get rid of SWP, who - while a nice guy - is demonstrably not good enough for Chelsea. Though if we keep him as a 'squad' player, I'm certainly okay with that.

D) Shev and Ballack can ONLY GET BETTER. Okay, it takes a while to adapt to the EPL. Look at Drogba in his first season, and look at Drogba last season. And if Shev and Ballack get anywhere near back to their best...then they'll be like two new world class 'buys' so far as the team is concerned.

E) We've now got extra cover up front. And The Metrosexual from Peru looks pretty handy in front of goal! Plus, Kalou is just getting better and better, and I really have high hopes for him. Because, once his decision making and ability to read the game improves, he's going to be a real handful. So, with Joe Cole and Robben both fit, and Malouda and Kalou pushing them hard for first team spots...I really think our problems in front of goal will be a thing of the past.

Okay, we haven't bought a 'creative' right winger. But I think that's going to be okay, as Kalou can play there quite comfortably. And, if we have Malouda and Robben on either wing (switching sides at will) like we did with Duffer and Robben a few years back, then that'll do me just fine!

F) We've got the best defensive midfield and the best keeper and best defence in the EPL. Possibly in Europe. And at the very least, we're going to be VERY hard to break down. Especially with the 'Chelsea Spirit' that fights each and every game until the final whistle.

G) JM has hinted that he'll be looking to play a more expansive / attacking game and return to a 433 next season. The very formation that won us back to back EPL titles. And this can only be a good thing! And who knows, we might yet see some 'sexy football' at Stamford Bridge...

[Scott]

D) Shev and Ballack can ONLY GET BETTER. Okay, it takes a while to adapt to the EPL. Look at Drogba in his first season, and look at Drogba last season. And if Shev and Ballack get anywhere near back to their best...then they'll be like two new world class 'buys' so far as the team is concerned.

That's the key

[callista]

D) Shev and Ballack can ONLY GET BETTER. Okay, it takes a while to adapt to the EPL. Look at Drogba in his first season, and look at Drogba last season. And if Shev and Ballack get anywhere near back to their best...then they'll be like two new world class 'buys' so far as the team is concerned.

That's the key

This is the key for me too. Sheva and Ballack, two players who cost a mint, earn huge salaries and who last year did almost nothing to justify their keep (only Ballack started to show more form towards the end of the year then gets injured).

Plus side - if they improve in ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM it is as bonus. We actually played very well without them on the pitch last season so doing it again will not be a problem - if highly annoying.

At least the fans won't be getting their hopes up.

Negative side - Jose may feel he has to include them in the team in some way and mucks up our formation just to keep the board happy rather than have them sitting on the bench. Me? I'd bench them.

And I have to agree about Kalou, I think if he can just find his composure in front of goal more he can become a real star - he just needs some development time. We definitely should not get rid of him, I think he is going to come good, although I know some fans don't appear to rate him much.