The Chelsea Thread

[Alcaraz]

Malouda being linked with Fluminese as well. Even though we probably wont get a decent transfer fee out of him after the terrible season he has had...He is in the way of some very promising youngsters in De Bruyne, Marin, Kakuta and Piazon so it will be good for him to go.

Also Meirless being linked with Napoli in a 8m move. Would not mind this deal at all tbh. While Meirless is a excellent player to have in the squad due to his versatility, he is getting on and I would not mind him moving on. Personally I thnk Oriol Romeu is more than ready to play a larger role next season behind Mikel. And this means we probably get to keep Essien

Also some quotes by De Bruyne recently to Sentanta Sports....

I won't feel down if I am loaned to a weaker team just to play. Chelsea have made a few transfers since I signed. Before these new arrivals it was agreed that I would join on 4th July and go on tour to the United States. I will then have the chance to prove myself and analyse my situation.

Kevin De Bruyne

As I mentioned earlier, he will be going on tour where his performances will be assessed. If the club think he is good enough to play a rotational role then he will probably be kept. If not then a loan to a PLM side. Good to see De Bruyne being realistic about his hopes, he knows how much a loan deal can boost his reputation after seeing Courtois excellent spell at At Madrid

Doubt the club want a repeat of the Lukaku saga (who incidentally will also be assessed during the tour). Hopefully they take extra care to make sure De Bruyne gets enough games at Chelsea if they decide to keep him. We will be playing many games next season but still...

Looking forward to US tour. Looking forward to seeing Marin, Hazard, Torres, De Bruyne, Lukaku etc. play together. Anyone knows why Marin has not been officialy unveiled yet?

 

[Alcaraz]

Guillem Balague ‏@GuillemBalague
[FONT='Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif]Drogba has got a clause that allows him to leave Shangai Shenhua for free if Barcelona came calling. He will meet the Spanish club tomorrow[/FONT]

I'd genuinely love it if he went to Barca. As long as we don't play them in the CL that is..

No such clause present and he is definitely joining Shanghai Shenhua in July according to his PR Company

 

[TheRealMourinho]

Guillem Balague ‏@GuillemBalague
[FONT='Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif]Drogba has got a clause that allows him to leave Shangai Shenhua for free if Barcelona came calling. He will meet the Spanish club tomorrow[/FONT]

I'd genuinely love it if he went to Barca. As long as we don't play them in the CL that is..

Would much rather him go to Shangai Shenhua then Barca. He will be a much bigger hit in China and the combination of Anelka and Drogs would be amazing for the Chinese League and Chinese football in general. Having not seen too much of the Chinese league i would still think that he will still be banging them in for fun.

Plus imagine the increase in shirt sales when Drogba jerseys come out. Massive Boost for the Chinese FA.

 

[BlueHeart26]

Ivanovic urges Modric move | Chelsea News, Fixtures, Results, Transfers | Sky Sports


Well played Brana.

 

[Alcaraz]

David Luiz going to the Olympics as one of the three overage players. Confirmed on the Chelsea website

 

[CJACKO11]

David Luiz going to the Olympics as one of the three overage players. Confirmed on the Chelsea website

Just hope he comes back fully fit, there is a good chance we will be without JT don't forget.

 

[CJACKO11]

Ivanovic urges Modric move | Chelsea News, Fixtures, Results, Transfers | Sky Sports


Well played Brana.

Go on secret agent Brana lol.

 

[Alcaraz]

Just hope he comes back fully fit, there is a good chance we will be without JT don't forget.

Your right. Even if he does not come back fully fit, we still have Hutchinson

 

[Ramires]

What patnership at center back would you guys like this season

 

[Alcaraz]

What patnership at center back would you guys like this season

Was going to bring this up myself. With the number of games we are going to have next season there will definitely be a lot of rotation between Terry, Cahill and Luiz with Hutchinson and perhaps Ake getting the odd look in here or there

Personally feel it times we slowly phase Terry out and develop the Cahill-Luiz Partnership. Both Cahill and Luiz are relatively young for a Centre-Back, being 26 and 24 respectively, so they each can give us maybe 6-8 years of service. \

Next season Terry will probably play and Luiz/Cahill will rotate depending on the opposition. Each of them offering us something different. Luiz with his pace and ball control. Cahill basically being a decent all-rounder with good pace and a good reading of the game as well as good heading abilities and strength

 

[Alcaraz]

Ivanovic urges Modric move | Chelsea News, Fixtures, Results, Transfers | Sky Sports


Well played Brana.

While their was nothing wrong with what he said about Modric. His last few sentences were slightly classeless and disrespectful to Spurs. Had a few parallels with how Barcelona were tapping up Cesc last summer. His comments not going to help our already low chance of getting Modric.

 

[ChrisBird]

Was going to bring this up myself. With the number of games we are going to have next season there will definitely be a lot of rotation between Terry, Cahill and Luiz with Hutchinson and perhaps Ake getting the odd look in here or there

Personally feel it times we slowly phase Terry out and develop the Cahill-Luiz Partnership. Both Cahill and Luiz are relatively young for a Centre-Back, being 26 and 24 respectively, so they each can give us maybe 6-8 years of service. \

Next season Terry will probably play and Luiz/Cahill will rotate depending on the opposition. Each of them offering us something different. Luiz with his pace and ball control. Cahill basically being a decent all-rounder with good pace and a good reading of the game as well as good heading abilities and strength

Luiz is better at all of those things mentioned that Cahill is good at. Well, maybe apart from heading, and strength's difficult to tell, but I'd say Luiz is probably stronger.

The centre back pairing should be Luiz - Terry. Cahill playing odd games to keep it fresh same with Bane and Hutch covering incase of injuries. Aké/Nat playing if absolutely necessary, possibly one of them in a cup game with a more experienced CB next to them.

This next season will be a big test for Cahill. I know he's proved a lot of doubters wrong so far, but next season will be a lot tougher for him, very different circumstances. I'm not saying he won't be up to it – as I didn't in January – but it will be more difficult. I do hope he does carry on playing well though, otherwise I fear we may go hunting for another CB. With JT getting on and if Cahill doesn't play well, Bane will most likely play the majority of his games at RB and we'd be left with David Luiz. The younger CBs (who are very, very good prospects) are still a couple of years off. You may say Hutch is at the right age, but I don't think we should put any pressure on him; he has a while to go yet. We know he had the ability and potential, but after being out of the game for that length of time, there's no guarantee he will be able to reach the potential that he's always had. Body doesn't look ready yet, either, but I'm sure the fitness coaches and the physios are working on that with him.



Now, I don't think we should continue going for Hulk – unless the price drops. ATM, I think I'd rather a 4-3-2-1 formation, which would probably only need us to sign 2 more players, and then maybe another striker if the club feel that's necessary. I'd sign Debuchy – I know when I suggested this before somebody pointed out his age not fitting our recent policy – but, at 26/27, I feel he's got another 5 years, and in that time he can rotate with Bane, but at the same time Kane can breakthrough or even Hutch. And if it's Hutch that does breakthrough, that surely won't be that long off – maybe the next 2 years – at which point Bane will be 30, so it could be the right time for him to leave then, and Hutch would be the perfectly replacement, because – like Bane - he can play both CB and RB very comfortably. The other player that I would sign would be a CM, possibly Cabaye depending on how much Toon would want. Other obvious candidates are Modrić, Moutinho, Sahin (who I would like a lot, though I don't see us as a likely destination atm), and also Sergi Roberto who we've been linked with, but I feel with SR it would be more of a battle between him and Josh, whereas the others (minus Sahin) are at an age where they can have a good few years, but then Josh can take their spot. Also with all of those players, I feel Josh could stay at Chelsea and get games, through rotation. And with going 4-3-2-1, there would be 3 positions he could cover.

Anyway, enough of the big blocks of text, the XI I would pick atm is:

Čech

Debuchy (Bane/Hutch) - Luiz (Bane) - Terry (Cahill) - Cole (Bertrand/PvA)

Mikel (Romeu/Josh)

Ramires - Cabaye (Lamps/Meireles/Josh)

Hazard - Mata (Studge/Marin/Kakuta/Piazon)

Torres (Studge/Lukaku/New striker?)
​

When KDB returns from his probable loan, he will be able play the CM positions or as one of the second strikers, although like Josh, I see him as a central midfielder in the future, so then maybe the end for Lamps and Meireles and have a midfield of Josh, Ramires, Cabaye, De Bruyne, Mikel, Romeu and possible another younger player as backup.

 

[Alcaraz]

Luiz is better at all of those things mentioned that Cahill is good at. Well, maybe apart from heading, and strength's difficult to tell, but I'd say Luiz is probably stronger.

I would not say Luiz is a better reader of the game. One of the main reasons AVB went for Cahill is because he suits a high defensive line because he can read the game very well as evidenced by the number of interceptions he made for Bolton.

Cahill is a good all-round defender for me. Terry/Luiz are exceptional in certain attributes but poor in others while Cahill is decent at just about everything

The centre back pairing should be Luiz - Terry. Cahill playing odd games to keep it fresh same with Bane and Hutch covering incase of injuries. Aké/Nat playing if absolutely necessary, possibly one of them in a cup game with a more experienced CB next to them.

Mostly agree with this although I feel Cahill and Luiz will be rotated a lot depending on the opposition as well as due to the high number of games we are playing next season. Can see Hutchinson starting Carling Cup games and getting the odd few apps in the PLM

Agree that Chalobah and Ake should just be limited to substitute appearances in the Carling Cup. Not sure if Chalobah's best position is CB anyways tbh... Think he will do better as a energetic shuttler in a double pivot

This next season will be a big test for Cahill. I know he's proved a lot of doubters wrong so far, but next season will be a lot tougher for him, very different circumstances. I'm not saying he won't be up to it – as I didn't in January – but it will be more difficult. I do hope he does carry on playing well though, otherwise I fear we may go hunting for another CB. With JT getting on and if Cahill doesn't play well, Bane will most likely play the majority of his games at RB and we'd be left with David Luiz. The younger CBs (who are very, very good prospects) are still a couple of years off.

You may say Hutch is at the right age, but I don't think we should put any pressure on him; he has a while to go yet. We know he had the ability and potential, but after being out of the game for that length of time, there's no guarantee he will be able to reach the potential that he's always had. Body doesn't look ready yet, either, but I'm sure the fitness coaches and the physios are working on that with him.

Think Cahill will continue his run of good performances hopefully. Even if he does not then I still do not think their is much point in shopping for a new CB. We have a dearth of talent in that area and it would be criminal to block the paths of the likes of Kalas and Bruma who are doing well on loan

Now, I don't think we should continue going for Hulk – unless the price drops. ATM, I think I'd rather a 4-3-2-1 formation, which would probably only need us to sign 2 more players, and then maybe another striker if the club feel that's necessary. I'd sign Debuchy –

I know when I suggested this before somebody pointed out his age not fitting our recent policy – but, at 26/27, I feel he's got another 5 years, and in that time he can rotate with Bane, but at the same time Kane can breakthrough or even Hutch. And if it's Hutch that does breakthrough, that surely won't be that long off – maybe the next 2 years – at which point Bane will be 30, so it could be the right time for him to leave then, and Hutch would be the perfectly replacement, because – like Bane - he can play both CB and RB very comfortably. The other player that I would sign would be a CM, possibly Cabaye depending on how much Toon would want.

Other obvious candidates are Modrić, Moutinho, Sahin (who I would like a lot, though I don't see us as a likely destination atm), and also Sergi Roberto who we've been linked with, but I feel with SR it would be more of a battle between him and Josh, whereas the others (minus Sahin) are at an age where they can have a good few years, but then Josh can take their spot.

Also with all of those players, I feel Josh could stay at Chelsea and get games, through rotation. And with going 4-3-2-1, there would be 3 positions he could cover.

We will probably go towards a 4-2-3-1 next season changing to a 4-3-3 if necessary. Cant see the 4-2-3-1 being our primary formation next season. Agree with you on Hulk. If Porto continue to play hardball might as well leave it there. Plently of other options in the market- Cheaper viable alternatives like Moses and Jovetic

Plus I disgaree with you on Debuchy. He will be decently cheap for his level of talent but we really need some young blood in that position. I do not think Todd Kane will make it at this level tbh. Someone like Azpilicueta who does not mind playing a back-up role to Ivanovic would be perfect. I rate Azpiliceuta highly. He will give us that attacking thrust from the position we lack after Bosingwa left

As for the CM position. I will take Modric any day. Modric playing with Lampard providing cover. Josh getting some games on loan. When Lamps decides to move on in 1-2 seasons then get Josh back and having him playing cover to Modric learning from the best regista in the PLM after Scholes.

I would easily pay 40m for Modric. Only 26 and regista's have long careers so he can give us 10 years of service maybe? Not to mention how much he will improve our team

 

[Alcaraz]

I love English football. I have friends who play for Chelsea,Liverpool, and Manchester United. At the moment I have a real taste for playing in the UK, being in London with one month to go before the Olympics.

My priority is to finish my contract in Milan.

I have a lot to thank them for and my focus is to continue doing what I do, to bring joy to the fans in Milan and continue my contract until 2014. And then afterwards, who knows?

I talk to David Luiz and I didn't really believe Chelsea would win it. But they have a tight group and they succeeded in doing what the greats want to do and win.

Alexandre Pato

Been linked with us forever. Although I think he had a poor season so his value may be the lowest it has ever been. Anyone wanting to take a chance on him?

​

 

[Quasit]

I love English football. I have friends who play for Chelsea,Liverpool, and Manchester United. At the moment I have a real taste for playing in the UK, being in London with one month to go before the Olympics.

My priority is to finish my contract in Milan.

I have a lot to thank them for and my focus is to continue doing what I do, to bring joy to the fans in Milan and continue my contract until 2014. And then afterwards, who knows?

I talk to David Luiz and I didn't really believe Chelsea would win it. But they have a tight group and they succeeded in doing what the greats want to do and win.

Alexandre Pato

Been linked with us forever. Although I think he had a poor season so his value may be the lowest it has ever been. Anyone wanting to take a chance on him?

​

Value is still 35m cos PSG are prepared to pay that if Milan decide to let him go. Probably not prepared cos he is still considered the future of Milan.

 

[CJACKO11]

What patnership at center back would you guys like this season

For the most part Cahill and Luiz.

 

[fuelledbypassion]

You guys do know John Terry is only 31?

 

[CJACKO11]

You guys do know John Terry is only 31?

Yes of course, im surprised someone is sticking up for his age for once haha. I still pick him as my first choice centre back but as the seasons go on i'd like to see more of the Cahill-Luiz partnership and less of JT to phase him out slowly.

 

[fuelledbypassion]

Yes of course, im surprised someone is sticking up for his age for once haha. I still pick him as my first choice centre back but as the seasons go on i'd like to see more of the Cahill-Luiz partnership and less of JT to phase him out slowly.

He's lost a bit of pace and was never really blessed in that area anyway, but he just needs to adapt his game slightly (as Rio has started doing) and he will be at the heart of that defence for a few more years. I don't think a leader like JT can be phased out unless he is injured regularly. It's up to the player to call time on his career when he knows that he's not good enough

 

[CJACKO11]

He's lost a bit of pace and was never really blessed in that area anyway, but he just needs to adapt his game slightly (as Rio has started doing) and he will be at the heart of that defence for a few more years. I don't think a leader like JT can be phased out unless he is injured regularly. It's up to the player to call time on his career when he knows that he's not good enough

I think it depends how Di Matteo wants to play his defensive line. If in the future he wishes them to play high then dropping JT more than you usually would is the only option.