DYC.

My guy is gone. Strangely enough I'm fine with this. I've been ready for this moment. Seven years is a long time. I did not expect him stay this long when he joined and I'm glad I got to watch him play in Blue for that long. He came with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Most crumble under that kind of pressure but he never let the pressure get to him. I was always highly impressed by that. His fitness always astounded me. Rarely missed a game and completing the full 90 min pretty much all the time. And the amount of fouls he would just absorb, including a ridiculous number of nasty fouls, yet he would just get up and play on. Never complained, never got angry and never sought to get some sort of (physical) revenge. That level of self control... I've never seen that in all my years watching football. Very inspiring to say the least. And he's such a likeable guy. Funny, chill, humble but a bit brash still, and very warm and inviting. Oh yeah, and happy. My kind of guy. I'm grateful for the memories. Not just a Chelsea legend but a legend of English football. Thoroughly enjoyed watching him play.

If the ban sticks, there's no point in sacking Sarri. Chels aren't even candidates for the title or CL. No manager can change that so keep Sarri (and Hazard) if that's the case. If the ban does not stick, I'd like a different manager. I don't trust Sarri's eye for talent. If Chels had a proper technical director who would have the most say in player purchase and sales, then I wouldn't mind another season of Sarri at all. For example, Jorginho can never be the key man right in the centre of the pitch in a PL side with (future) title aspirations. The whole Alonso thing, Kovacic, Higuain... Chels don't want to be Napoli. Napoli didn't win shit. You need to turn it up at Chels. Whatever happens to Sarri, this squad is not the business. A confusing defence, a soft midfield and a pathetic front line. Hazard only with a year left on his contract. Same with Odoi. Two average strikers over 30. Chels still can't sign a proper fullback...

Points will be dropped left and right. Question is who will drop the most points. I guess a decision will have to be made because I forgot about the EL for a sec. Either go for a top 4 finish or go for EL glory. This team can’t do both.

He’s always done after 60 min. Sad.

I just realised Chels have turned into Arsenal. Soft and unbalanced. Top 4 still possible though. Let’s see if they have what it takes. Proper technical director, please. Poorly assembled squad. But if that transfer ban sticks, it’s going to hit Chels hard.

They’re comfortably the better side in terms of quality.

Can't go into this game with the same game plan. Liverpool are fast and energetic all over the pitch, and they have a high-scoring forward line. The midfield battle will be very physical. Firminio will harass the holding midfield player (key position for Chels obviously). Chels will be less fatigued because of the rotation, but this is a game against a better side. Sarri must make changes. I'd go for this. Kepa Azpilicueta - Rudiger - Christensen - Emerson Kante - Luiz - Jorginho Odoi - Hazard - Cheek Caballero; Alonso; Kovacic, Barkley; Pedro, Willian, Giroud I just hope he finally shows us he can make changes in order to beat the odds. Do something.

I don't understand the Guardiola comparisons. Guardiola is an elite coach and a proven winner. Sarri is neither of those things. He’s more Pellegrini than Pep. I doubt Sarri will suddenly find great succes at Chelsea. I'm more interested in his successor and a new technical director. That will give me an idea of where Chels is heading. But I'm fine with him staying for another season if he's finally willing to give the young players regular playing time. Developing talent is crucial for Chels right now. The club obviously doesn't possess the purchasing power to bring in world-class players. Developing the likes of Reece James, Ampadu, Christensen, Cheek, Odoi (and others) and buying a couple of up and coming stars in key positions is the only way to compete in the long run. Chels can't compete with the Mancs' spending power anyway. And Liverpool assembled a team fitting a certain vision and have comfortably surpassed our team. This Chels squad is more a collection of random players. Need to finally stick to a plan and execute. But I do question whoever's in charge of transfers right now. And I’m not with Sarri taking charge of transfers either. Really need a proper technical director

Send Higuain back. Batshuayi can do this for ‘free’. Another striker way past his prime to add to the list. Good thing it was a loan.

Sarri should’ve made these changes a long time ago. That’s on him. This might save him. Team looks vibrant.

Eden better start scoring goals on the regular again. Need a hot streak in the final six games.

That's too wild for me, haha.

Yeah I actually see Cheek as an old-school 4-4-2 wide midfielder. His body shape alone when receiving the ball in the centre of the pitch is off. Which is why he's often forced to turn backwards. His positional awareness has also always been lacking for me. Not to mention his stamina issues. He's at his best when he is facing goal with the ball at his feet, initiating transitions from defence to attack Andd he needs that space you get on the flank. Sadly he lacks that burst of accelaration and speed to be an out-right winger. I actually rate Odoi as a prospect. You don't attract this kind of attention and interest if you aint got the goods.

Come on, I can see that. I didn't say defensive midfielder, I said holding midfielder. As in the midfielder who sits deep. Agree with the last part. Though Cheek has never been tried at LCM. This is only his second start in the PL

I'd even take 3-4-3 or 4-4-2.