Clockwork

That was on Mendy he is ass on the ball.

I think this is a good move, or at the very least get more out of him. Midfield is tough due to tactical intelligence needed to play that position, and you can see he is thinking too much. Playing LWB is much more straight forward. I wonder who is next up in midfield, Ziyech?

I would play Ziyech at LWB ahead of Alonso.

Those players should help, but we continue to have huge issues against teams that high press. Reminds me of the City game, how we couldn’t pass out of the back. One of the issue is Mendy, he can’t help bypass the press and can’t distribute unless options are 5 yards away.

He stinks against any team that presses high and under pressure. Absolutely no composure. He also doesn’t have the physical capability to press at the level of Chilly. With him it hurts our chances to retain the CL and win the PL. Alonso is the type of player that will have 1 Or 2 decent matches, but will get much worse game after game. if Saul wants to play he better accept that role, because Jorginho, Kante, Kovacic, and RLC are miles better.

I am completely out on Alonso, give Saul an opportunity. At least he has the physical ability to play the position the way we want to play. He started the first two games at Atletico in that position.

Alonso doesn’t bring anywhere the energy or pressing Chily brings, it adversely effects our entire play. It is just not the 1vs1. It is a big problem.

It is U-21 man, it is nothing compare to PL intensity. we have seen Alonso take advantage of these trainings while Chilwill was unavailable, same for Chilly while Alonso went on international break. It presents an opportunity, like with Werner and Lukaku likely fit for the game after international break.

So you must think the players that are not going on international break do nothing and Tuchel doesn’t utilize any training?

CHO made the right call, his position at Chelsea is not very secure. With Timo, Pulisic, and Lukaku coming back from injury he may find himself back to lesser role.

Rom is a poison to our team, the issue is not individual performances. I could live with that like Werner, Zyich, Havertz, Pulisic, Mount, etc when they have bad games. But they still do their individual assignments and general play to make sure their performances does not spill over to the team. Rom is a huge detriment to the team. I hope Tuchel gives him the Chilwell treatment, even though Chilly did nothing to lose his spot. I hope to see Tuchel make Lukaku earn his starting spot. btw he is on pace to score around 11 goals, he has 3 goals with 1/4 season in the book.

The thing is though you guys set a really low bar for Ruben in the summer. You guys thought it was a waste of time for him to be given a pre season and a look from Tuchel. I thought it was insane how aggressive that position was on Ruben. He has surpassed that bar, he has been a quality squad player and provided valuable minutes and starts to our season. He has provided depth and a solution to our midfield behind Jorginho, Kante, and Kovacic. I still find it unlikely for him to nail himself as a starter, if that is new bar you have for him then that is another thing.

He is replaceable, and he is making a big mistake from a footballing standpoint if signs somewhere else. If he wants to make a decision based on financial than he is better going. As long as we have Mendy in goal, our superb midfield, and Tuchel defense we will be fine. And if we don’t have Tuchel, then there is no point of wanting Rudigar at Chelsea anyway.

Yeah I don’t think he will be sold, I do wonder if Tuchel will continue to treat him as a preferred starter. I think Kovacic has been better, and our best midfielder so far. And Ruben has made most of his limited opportunities this season. I guess we will see how Tuchel keeps everyone happy. But he might never be put in that position as the way things are going, Kante was dealing with injuries before now Kovacic is out for a couple of weeks.

Although how much does Kante have left though? He turns 31 this season, and he has been nowhere near his best when available. Like I said previously some difficult choices coming up for all parties. And there is Gallagher who is having a superb loan.

He went through full training with everyone else today. He is fit.

I am trying to give Saul a chance, but he is so average at best. The four CMs ahead of him are way above him.

Lukaku said he was set to stay at Milan, but Tuchel convinced him and biggest reason he changed his mind. The board would have no interest in signing Lukaku if Tuchel didn’t want him. He doesn’t fit their profile from a financial and long term standpoint. you have to remember the board were here before Tuchel, and will be here much after Tuchel. They want to sign young players and with potential resale value. who knows how long Tuchel will be here, and he knows that. He is not thinking long term, he is thinking what gives him the best opportunity right now.

Kovacic is our best midfielder this season, any disagreement?

That is disrespecting RLC and Chalobah talent to put them in the same sentence as those. Gilmour and Gallagher are much of a underdog. Though decisions coming up for the club and players. Jorginho, Kante, and Kovacic are among the best CMs in the world. And before the Norwich game Tuchel said he found it tough not starting RLC, and think he is absolutely deserving based on how he has played. Minutes will be tough to come by.

We have had some elite penalty takers for a while now. Lampard for all those years, then Hazard, and now Jorginho.

Didn’t get a chance to watch, how did Saul do?

I think Sarri did, his best position is a 3 man midfield while being the most advanced of the 3 midfielder. He was natural fit for Sarri system. While there is no such role under Conte and Tuchel, so they will play him elsewhere. I am honestly surprised how crisp and sharp his passing has been. It’s quite vital if you are the deepest midfielder. It’s good that he has provided quality minutes for us, long season with a congested fixtures ahead.

Adams Traore in January anyone?