OneMoSalah

Hassenhuttl is known for his combination football though. With better quality at his disposal he'd ofcourse play much more attractive football. Is he? From what I remember of Leipzig with him they were basically the same as Southampton bar a wee bit more quality with Werner and Forsberg. Still hit the channels, still looked over the top and played on transitions. Not saying it wouldn’t work but when youve got talented players like Pulisic, Havertz (ok hes been pisspoor for a whole), Ziyech among others, then look at Southampton trying to break teams down when they go up against teams that defend... it isn’t exactly that good. Yes the quality of players maybe doesn’t help but again there isn’t much invention in the same way you see in other teams in the PL: Leeds are actually an excellent example of this. Thats why we need to find a coach who can get these boys into positions where they can break down teams using their qualities and not relying purely on the opposition leaving huge spaces for counters or due to losing it due to being pressed/sloppy on the ball. Might work for Southampton and has them flying but City, Liverpool, even United and Spurs at times have more to their make ups than that and ultimately we want to be competing with them/better than them.

It would be interesting but still think he would be lower down the list. Or if he was our first choice I would be a bit concerned because I think Allegri, Tuchel, among other names should be the sort of level we go for first. He is a 442 man as he is at Southampton and at Leipzig. Its clearly his preferred system and has clearly helped him turn it around with Southampton. They have a lot of balls, the way Southampton play hunting the ball down and with a high line is admirable but you look at the midfielders and we have and the attackers we have, guys like Havertz, Ziyech, Pulisic. These guys don’t want to be chasing balls over the top and in the channels. They want to come inside play one and two touch combinations with each other, moving off the ball into spaces in and around the box. Southamptons actual play in the middle of the pitch isn’t that impressive. They are good for recovering second balls and getting stuck in but offensively they are heavily reliant on the balls in the channels and over the top. They are a good side for set pieces mind you and while thats something we have tightened up and improved upon ourselves, they have some good worked routines. The work rate would be night and day though but again I dont know how he would cope taking that style to Chelsea, bigger names, more demands, more pressure to win, I know Southampton are higher than us at present but theres not the same expectation.

Southampton doing well this season but wouldn’t like to see us go for Hassenhuttl. Not as a first or second choice anyway. I will be honest the high energy pressing style is admirable but the insistence on hitting the channels/balls over the top every chance they get is a bit predictable and here its not already as if teams don’t sit off us and play deep so it’s not going to work as easy as it does for a Southampton. We have guys like Ziyech, Pulisic, Havertz who you would like to see playing one and two touch combinations with each other moving into spaces as opposed to chasing balls over the top/in the channels. Plus he has played 442 at Leipzig and now Southampton, its undoubtedly his system and it doesnt particularly suit our squad either. Plus the players he moved on from Southampton because they didnt fit his style. Which isn’t mentioned. Would he do the same here? Hope they keep this result up though. He strikes me as a manager who's doing well there, not as good as Pochettino but more like Koeman when he replaced Poch.

Everyones talking playing styles as if thats the most important. Someone who’s well respected as a coach who will improve and set high standards that the player will have to meet every week is a priority. Can keep the more progressive football if its going to be good one week, then 3/4 weeks where we don’t show up. We seen from Sarri and now Lampard where thats taken us. Maybe Tuchel would be different maybe not but there needs to be something because this is a young group and they need something/someone to put them en route to being a proper team. Not just a team that plays good football like Arsenal under Wenger after 2008 or whatever but were never truly competitive and struggled when games got shitty/tough.

True it was release clause but wages also undoubtedly which is why I mentioned agents. I personally still don’t see why City would of wanted him considering what they have in wide areas as he wouldnt he starting ahead of Aguero although he is missing due to injuries but still, Liverpool not getting him looked more of a mistake than say City not going for him until they signed Jota. Yes the positions different but the guy has to adapt and ultimately I expected more from him, considering he has played left wing for Germany numerous times. I mean obviously works both ways but again, if the balls not in and around the box or put in behind for him what does he do? Does he take the ball and drive at players like Pulisic does if he’s out wide? Does he try hold the ball or link the play like Giroud when hes uptop? He doesn't as those aren’t his strengths obviously but you’ve got to adapt still and he can do more. I do feel a bit sorry for him being played out left as its not his role but I am very surprised at what he’s putting in out there in terms of one quality and two effort. The whole team you could argue is set up to fail with Lampard tactics but also, not that its a saving grace for Frank but individual performances can be much much better. Its not as black as white as the tactics are shite so 11 players playing poorly week in week out is only down to him. He wanted them and has to find a solution to get them in and playing well with the rest of the team but they’ve also got to be up for it and impose themselves in games and put effort in at times. Not seen anything from Havertz since that hattrick against whoever we played in the FA cup if I am honest and that was about 4 months ago. 21 games and 4 goals for £80m. Also re Timo, him missing those sitters/clear chances isn't done to Lampard’s tactics is it? Some of its lucks some of its been poor finishing. The problem Lampard has regardless of if its Timo, Kai, whoever is that too many players are struggling which indicates a wider issue and why I think we need a change (and going by forum a lot of others think he needs to go too). But this is by no means me making any excuses for these players who have really dropped off and struggled either way. They need to take some responsibility for their individual form at times, Kai and Timo may be new may not have had pre seasons bla bla bla but for two players who cost nearly £130m you expect much much more in terms of quality. Regardless of it was Frank Lampard, Sean Dyche, Jose Mourinho’s or Tony Pulis in charge. Even if Frank went out the door and was replaced, as we seen with Guus Hiddink that season he replaced Jose after we won the league in 2014/15, its not always an instant fix. So its interesting. I dont know who will come in but I think someone who demands respect as a manager is needed ie an Allegri. I also think someone whos a bit more discipline driven would boot a rocket up these players arses because Frank isnt doing it or if he is, they dont seem to be getting the message. Your right re Timos rutt but I would rather Giroud or Abraham who have been in amongst the goals in comparison to Timo in the last 12 matches, at least until we get results. Even more so because they offer more to the team as players right now. I am struggling to see why Timo should be included. If he was scoring goals it would be fine you could justify his inclusion for that but he’s not. I was glad to see he was in as CF today as I thought the players would be able to get him chances but they didnt and he didnt offer anything. The playing style is an issue yes but it’s obviously what FL is gonna keep persisting with so Giroud/Abraham more likely to score from crosses than Timo. Hopefully if there is a change everyone will get a boost and we will see better from these players but these dreamers thinking we are gonna get Nagelsmann or someone like that, need to wake up. Standards have only gotten lower since somehow getting Conte to come in and take over a team who had spent most of the season floating about 10th or 11th in 2015/16. Allegri would be a real shrewd move, safe hands, plenty experience but will he want to come here? Questionable.

Can we make 11 changes?

Results are ultimately more important than recruitment. You can recruit well but if you don’t get results it ultimately won’t matter. If he was sacked tomorrow and this group went on to be successful in a year or a few years down the line, nobody will remember Lampard’s spell in a better light after spending 200m or whatever and having us sitting 8/9th. Behind Everton. Aston Villa. Leicester. Tottenham. Teams we all finished above last season without 200m of players like Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva, Kai Havertz who are all improvements on what we had last season. The last 18 months of his time here there is no clear style, no identity and ultimately no real progress. Only positives results wise was the 2 purple streaks spanning the 20 games in 2 seasons.

Wouldnt see him starting there. Not as technically proficient as the likes of Silva, Mahrez, Sterling, De Bruyne, Foden, Gundogan, Torres etc although not to say Pep couldnt of improved him. Would of imagined the City links are the same as the old links we had to every player under the sun because we spent a lot of money, we had big managers and clubs/agents would try drive up the price. Regardless of which position/system Werner played in for Leipzig, we knew he would have to adapt to fit into the team in one way or another be it off the left or upfront and we all thought he would have the quality to do it. I do think the coaching is an issue for the team but theres also got to be a huge emphasis on Timo himself. Same with Kai. There performances really haven’t been good enough for a while. Talking of tactics and flexibility, I seem to remember you being among many complaining about Lampard not trying 433 earlier on in the season to suit Havertz, Kante, Mount, among others. When we played 4231? Now go 442? Or 352? Or whatever? Again, may work, may not but again theres 11 players the system has to suit not just Timo. Right now, I do think the best thing for Timo is going to be a run out the team in all honesty, if he keeps up with this runs of no goals, be it from the left or up top, its going to be additional pressure. The whole method of creating chances by crossing be it from James, Azpiliceuta or Chilwell, doesn’t suit Timo.

His interview with Sky Sports was very weird and confusing. Just said something about Boro beating us when he was a player and still lifting a trophy at the end of the season. Saying they had quality and spirit in dressing room during his time. Is that him saying we don’t have that now? We have just spent 200m so if theres no quality there at least then fuck knows. Then says he wont look at/criticise certain players... I dont know what to make of it.

I really think we do need a change but its tough for selections. I would take Allegri in a heartbeat. As I would have before when Sarri left. Tuchel not bad option but has baggage and is more than likely to continue the trend of his career of few years all good, big falling out then change teams. He has done it at Mainz, Dortmund and now PSG. Sarri back 😂?

I think now seeing Pep say we are a strong team with the quality of our squad and also Klopp, Arteta and Jose have said it beforehand, other teams must be thinking thank fuck Chelsea dont have a much better coach or a more innovative coach. Players may be struggling but the manager is struggling more.

Only 2 passable performances (1 starter 1 sub). Pulisic and Gilmour. Rest poor again. Perhaps Mount also could be in there with a passable performance if I am honest. But again he can do better. Not sure what is up with Werner, he looks a shadow of the player he was at Leipzig. Being used correctly or not, he has to do so much more. He looks disinterested and needs taken out of the team if I am honest. Ziyech is obviously still getting upto speed after being out. Kovacic can do so much more and another game that has passed him by. Lampard again with questionable subs (although Havertz did set up the CHO goal)... the constant crossing to 5 ft 7 attacking players and then continuing to do so without bringing Giroud or Abraham on. Embarrassing. If he survives January and this form continues, we will be finishing between 9th and 14th. 100%. He just said prior to the game he would stick to his ways. Stubborn and out of his depth at the moment. £200m spent and no real progress made. The sentimental value because of what he achieved here as a player and the willingness for people wanting to see him succeed was always going to be an interesting bridge to cross if this inevitably happened but 18 months later since his appointment, no clear style of play, he looks very much subdued on the touchline every time we are behind and often reacts too late to make changes as well as making hugely questionable ones. Its got to be time that people upstairs are worrying. Aston Villa are above us with games in hand. So are Everton. West Ham are equal points. Southampton can jump over us. City just did and still have games in hand. Arsenal who had their worse ever start to a PL season (i think it was that) are 3 points behind us.

Hes not exactly going to give us much based on his contributions in recent months. Where as Giroud and Abraham have been scoring and are more applicable to the hopeful crossing of every attack. Although Havertz is tall.

Why has he not put on Tammy or Giroud but changed out Kovacic for Havertz and Ziyech for CHO (although return from injury bit more understandable). Has no clue what hes doing. Really. With the insistence on crossing youd think Giroud or Tammy on would be the first sub.

The insistence on crossing with nobody in the box is absolutely appalling. Folk need to break their neck to get in that box or we need to do something different.

Hes got to go. De Bruyne scored that first one it would be 4 and every time they come into our half they are in and at the box and he just sits there arms folded motionless on the sidelines. Thank fuck Aguero didnt start too or it would be more as he loves a goal against us. We are 8th now in the table at present. Arsenal 3 points behind us...

Yeah game over now. 2-0. Too easy. Arms folded on the sidelines?

Mendy hand on it again... bit harsh to say but if it were a certain other GK, same point. Silva got done a belter too there, was some bit of play by Gundogan.

outside the box just. Still a foul though.

A lot of shit for Christensen for the goal which I do think is warranted as he should have gotten up for but does nobody think Mendy could have done a lot better for El Ghazi’s goal? Through his legs? Surely? I know El Ghazi is hardly that far out and he’s hardly got a lot of power on it either so I would of thought the GK would of done better? No?

Some cracking goals by Leeds tonight v WBA. Would Bielsa come here and manage us if it came to it 😉?

I didnt mention signing him. I specifically said I doubt we would sign him. Just his ruthless mentality is something this squad misses. Maybe he will get that China move now... money wont be the same though. Then theres Cavani at United who has 5 PL goal involvements in 9 PL matches. I think Costa is done more or less at top top clubs but its not always a cert although I do think he wont get another club like us or Atletico. Thiago Silva is another case here looks very well and playing at a very consistent standard for his age.

I agree in a way but if there is one thing this squad lacks it is a more abrasive, nastier win at all costs attitude that Costa displayed in games for us here under Jose. Also the way he got in Seamus Coleman’s after he scored an OG in that 6-3 game to taunt him, I loved that. Just as Mourinho would also wind people up prior to a game. Also before we got him from Atletico he was one of the only CFs who would go toe to toe with Ramos in every game, who is a nasty cunt, with the same win at all costs mentality. We talk about good character and troublemakers but was he really not a good character or a troublemaker? Ok on the pitch he would go at times but you could argue we have too many boys and not enough men, so to speak. Not expecting to see Mason, Tammy, Timo, Kai or that getting up in someones face about something or giving other boys in the team a kick up the arse. Or as if Frank is going to do anything more than sit with his arms folded. Think hes only ever overstepped (well maybe not overstepped but regretted it was heard on tv as he put it) once and was when he told Klopp or his staff to fuck off. We lack this sort of win at all costs mentality. If Diego could keep it to the point where it gives him that edge and that extra bit of performance, as we seen in that period he was here, he would be an incredible player. Obviously his age now he’s slowing down a lot so doubt we’d go for him but the troublemaker and good character thing, I don’t think he was any of that away from the pitch or in the dressing room. Ok he wanted to leave the previous season and didn’t return the following summer but Conte also pushed him to that with that daft text message. Worked out okay in the end of the fee we got etc but not as if Morata, Higuain, Giroud or Abraham fully improved or have done than him.

Tbf I still think Sarri with these attacking players such as Havertz, Werner, Ziyech, even guys like Mount would have us doing a lot lot better than Frank does just now. It never felt like we were a million miles away we just lacked something extra in attack and midfield in terms of being creative. I think the likes of Havertz and Ziyech would of been so much better suited than Hazard and Willian tbf. Even then, at least you seen the teams identity with Sarri and there was a clear style of play. Just lacked some players to make it work. Hazard was a world class player but never in the same mould as Insigne or Callejon. Willian the same. Pedro was more similar to Callejon which is why he scored all those goals. Probably similar to why Juventus struggled in attack also because Ronaldo and Dybala are more individualistic players than team players. I know Juventus sacked him but Juventus are still far from a much improved or better side. They had/still have ageing players and changing that squad to play in Sarri’s system and his sort of high energy high pressing football was always going to be difficult. Hence why even with Pirlo now your still seeing Juventus do well one game then struggle the next because he is trying to also change them in a way to suit his philosophy. They’ve dropped points at teams you would expect them to win at. Atalanta, Fiorentina, Lazio, Roma, Verona, Benevento....

Yet many thought Atletico was a very good draw. Said it at the time they will have seen our game plan and tactics of fullbacks crossing and been happy as thats their bread and butter, going narrow and defending crosses. Yet many thought na we will be fine.