First XI's do not win you league titles. Squads do. We just got incredibly lucky last year because Fabregas, Matic and Hazard remained relatively fit throughout the season. A major injury to either one of them this time around and you will see how much our performance will dip
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First XI's do not win you league titles. Squads do. We just got incredibly lucky last year because Fabregas, Matic and Hazard remained relatively fit throughout the season. A major injury to either one of them this time around and you will see how much our performance will dip
Also last season we were lucky that all the other big teams were slow off the blocks. We managed to build up a decent lead which we maintained by the skin of our teeth as the other teams finally caught some momentum in the second half of the season. Can't see history repeating itself
This summer we should really have brought in back-up for the midfield and 1-2 world class players to rejuvenate the squad. Schneiderlin, Griezzman, Pedro, Stones etc. all would be ideal as **** atm. Falcao and Begovic are decent signings but not the most important ones. Falcao in particular would have been an interesting project but he is now looking like our major summer signing (Back up GK and 3rd choice striker for Christs sake)
This summer we should really have brought in back-up for the midfield and 1-2 world class players to rejuvenate the squad. Schneiderlin, Griezzman, Pedro, Stones etc. all would be ideal as **** atm. Falcao and Begovic are decent signings but not the most important ones. Falcao in particular would have been an interesting project but he is now looking like our major summer signing (Back up GK and 3rd choice striker for Christs sake)
Scouseinthehouse
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Same could be said for your competitors.
City have a strong XI and poor depth. Made even worse by the best player outside of Hazard in the league, Augero, having his health issues. Utd have no recognised striker worth a **** outside of Rooney with Hernandez likely gone. And their defence and now 'keeper situation is still utter carnage. Arsenal are still lacking 2 or 3 key players for me. If Wenger thinks Cech will solve all good luck to him. And L'pool have arguably as strong attacking and midfield options as anyone (even more so when Sturridge is back); but are an absolute shambles at the back and in nets.
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Chelski Shogun
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Nonsense. Yes, squads help but at the end of the day it's down to your starting XI. RLC was a squad player last season, did he help us win the league? No. Also injuries aren't just down to 'luck', it plays a part but there are ways to help/ prevent injuries from occurring. I know how much our performances dip with Fabregas, Matic and/ or Hazard out of the team, but the same rule applies to any team. Arsenal aren't the same without Sanchez, Barcelona aren't the same without Messi, City aren't the same without Aguero etc.
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Yes but the situation last season worked for us. It could very well be that this season around, it's our key players who get injured while the key players for other teams remain fit. In such a scenario, we lose the league title. This summer would have been ideal for us to reduce our reliance on these players by adding proper depth while the rest of the teams scramble to build their first XI but we failed to do so
Also come on, RLC was on the fringes of the squad. A proper example would be Remy or Cech. When injuries struck Courtois and Costa, we were lucky to have capable replacements to step in without which we would have dropped points for sure. What happens if Hazard gets injured now? Yeah we are hoping for some Cuadrado magic
Yes but the situation last season worked for us. It could very well be that this season around, it's our key players who get injured while the key players for other teams remain fit. In such a scenario, we lose the league title. This summer would have been ideal for us to reduce our reliance on these players by adding proper depth while the rest of the teams scramble to build their first XI but we failed to do so
Also come on, RLC was on the fringes of the squad. A proper example would be Remy or Cech. When injuries struck Courtois and Costa, we were lucky to have capable replacements to step in without which we would have dropped points for sure. What happens if Hazard gets injured now? Yeah we are hoping for some Cuadrado magic
Problem is that United are at least active in the market and adding quality. Their midfield looks great. Their defense looks solid as well. Once they add that star player that LVG is talking about, their team will be a real threat. Arsenal are 2-3 players short but getting Cech in will solve a lot of their defensive worries. City also are active in the market and will definitely add quality before it closes
The problem is Chelsea are standing completely still and it's baffling
Scouseinthehouse
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Oh, I completely agree on Chelsea needing to strengthen Alcaraz. You don't, particularly when you're on top, you stand still.
I just don't see your competitors in any better overall position as I type. And I would still foresee incomings at the Bridge before the months out.
I just don't see your competitors in any better overall position as I type. And I would still foresee incomings at the Bridge before the months out.
Chelski Shogun
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Give us some credit for f**k sake! We led from the beginning to the end of the season, that's not 'luck'. We must be doing something right if the majority of 'experts' believe we'll retain the title.
I completely agree that we should've brought in at least one world-class player (Griezmann). But we're still going to add to our squad. A new LB is a must and I'm confident we'll sign Stones. Also Schneiderlin was never going to happen, it was either Arsenal or United for him.
Chelski Shogun
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Precisely, who's to say it won't work again? Obviously that scenario would mean we'd probably lose the title, but that applies to Arsenal, City and United. You make it sound as though our squad is terrible and in desperate need of signings, it doesn't. Similar to Arsenal we only need two or three new signings and then we're done. Also it's not as though we aren't in the market to still sign players. Admittedly it's taking longer than expected, but they'll come in.
Yes, he was a poor example but in my books he's in the squad so he counts as a squad player. Perhaps Ramires would've been a better example? I honestly don't know what he did last season to truly help us win the league. Every team suffers when their best player is injured, but who's to say Cuadrado can't do a job for us? It's not like he's been given a fair chance.
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Lets see mate. It's just frustration clouding my senses maybe atm. I really felt this was the summer where we could build upon a title winning squad and really elevate ourselves to genuine European heavyweights on par or at least close to Bayern/Barecelona
Oh don't get me wrong mate, we did well but we also had a lot of things going for us last season (title rivals starting slowly, key players remaining injury free etc.). It will be foolhardy to expect the same yet again. LB is only coming in because we have to replace Luis. Not sure if Stones will come although he is one for the future and good depth nonetheless. Problematic areas remain problematic though
No AM to take the creative and attacking burden off Hazard. No CM to back up Fabregas or Matic.
Not writing them off mate esp with the best manager in the world at the helm. But they were v v lucky with injuries last season and lightning has a tendency not to stike twice on the same spot.
This ^^
We had our fair share of good luck last season. We should have strengthened this summer to ensure we don't need to rely on it again to get through. We haven't. Hence, my annoyance
Chelski Shogun
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I agree. But IMO we don't need a new AM and CM to retain the title, if we want to win the CL this season then yes we'll need them. However I'm not expecting us to win the CL this season, so they're not necessary IMO. Also if Griezmann doesn't want to move at the moment then I'd sooner see us wait until after the Euros to get him.
Thats the thing though, we really should have used the summer to elevate us to CL contenders. Instead we are sitting still and letting our domestic rivals catch up. Perhaps the reason why we haven't splurged this summer is because our main targets (eg. Koke, Griezman) only want to move after the euros. I would be ecstatic if that were true and immediately take all my posts back but idk
And just as I was moaning about lack of activity, I read this ...
Chelsea offered €65 million for midfield target - We Ain't Got No History
Which made my day right until I saw the part where Atletico convinced him to stay. **** me. He would have been a superb signing
Chelsea offered €65 million for midfield target - We Ain't Got No History
Which made my day right until I saw the part where Atletico convinced him to stay. **** me. He would have been a superb signing
Nick Chelsea
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Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Jose Mourinho has signed a new four-year contract...
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Jose Mourinho has signed a new four-year contract...
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Jose Mourinho has signed a new four-year contract...
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Jose Mourinho has signed a new four-year contract...
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Jose Mourinho has signed a new four-year contract...
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Jose Mourinho has signed a new four-year contract...
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Jose Mourinho has signed a new four-year contract...
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Jose Mourinho has signed a new four-year contract...
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Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Jose Mourinho has signed a new four-year contract...
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Jose Mourinho has signed a new four-year contract...
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Jose Mourinho has signed a new four-year contract...
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Jose Mourinho has signed a new four-year contract...
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Jose Mourinho has signed a new four-year contract...
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Jose Mourinho has signed a new four-year contract...
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Jose Mourinho has signed a new four-year contract...
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Mourniho works his players like rental mules (I am a Yank). It worked last season but I doubt it will be successful again. There is no depth. If Fabregas, or Hazard, or Oscar go down injured in addition to Costa, I do not see Chelsea staying on top. Mourinho has to decide either it is going to be league defense, or going deep in the CL. Is Chelsea not flush with cash?