Strike

Watched the entire first half. 4-2-3-1 with Mount in the hole and Pulisic and Pedro out wide. I think Tammy gave a great account of himself. With Tammy, Pulisic and Mount there is actually pressing in the final third. Mount was neat. Brought down few balls sent over the top from defense also. This looks like direct play, move the ball forward quickly and incisively. Just not sure if long balls from defense will work in the PL. Pulisic had a couple of good openings. He scuffed a shot after a neat move involving Azpi on the right Full backs are pressing right up, which is good to see. He was sending in only low crosses. Midfield of Kova-Jorgi was bypassed too often. Particularly could not get to grips with that Barca kid. Thankfully we have Kante, RLC there Defense is suspect too. Interestingly, Tomori and Zouma came on in the second half although I didn't watch either play

Happy to hear he is in the club's plans. Azpi should be phased out and Reece should be given the RB slot as the season goes on.

Where is Tammy?

GOALKEEPERS: Arrizabalaga, Caballero, Cumming DEFENDERS: Alonso, Azpilicueta, Christensen, David Luiz, Emerson, Tomori, Zappacosta, Zouma MIDFIELDERS: Barkley, Bakayoko, Drinkwater, Jorginho, Kanté, Kovačić, Mount FORWARDS: Abraham, Batshuayi, Giroud, Kenedy, Palmer, Pedro (+Pulisic) 25-member squad flying to Japan for pre-season tour. Reece, Ampadu, Willian, RLC and CHO are yet to join up so I imagine they will replace Zappa, Baka, Palmer, Drinkwater and Kennedy/Alonso?

I feel it should be Lampard, Jody, Chris Jones and maybe Makelele as part of the set-up. I don't particularly like reading reports of Ballack and few others also joining up. Too many heads

Reading that he cannot be registered fresh so will have to be bought this week?

Yep. This is it. Should be in by Monday

Mount is getting the chance this means

Interesting bits in this story by Matt Law. Claude Makelele's name is mentioned as someone who could take charge of the loan army, which will free up Eddie Newton or Paulo Ferreira to move to a coaching role with Lampard, Jody and Chris Jones. Cech also mentioned in director role. The backroom seems to be coming together quite nicely and these are the type of people who will be bolder in giving chances to guys like Tammy, Mount and Reece.

If true, a sensible assurance and a huge deal for Chelsea to do this. Good time for Frank to take the job when priorities have been reset.

The alternative right now is playing Alonso, Willian, Pedro, Giroud

No surprise that Aston Villa has broken the club transfer record for a Brazilian striker. Tammy is staying https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48629167?ns_source=facebook&ns_linkname=sport&ns_mchannel=social&ns_campaign=bbc_sport

Agree. Both are out till November and should be fully fit only next year.

Hey Spike Also, with the transfer ban, there is no other option

https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/chelsea-fc-transfer-rumours-news/2019/6/13/18677300/chelsea-linked-with-legendary-coach-ralf-rangnick-who-just-accepted-a-different-job

Kepa Reece Rudiger AC Emerson Kante Jorgi RLC Pulisic Tammy CHO When everyone is fit. Azpi can cover Reece till he returns Kova, Bark should be enough till RLC is back CHO is the worry. Would love to see the coach promote Kennedy or someone else in case Pedro, Willian regress massively next season.

Ironically, I think this may be the time fans, board are the most patient. Given that there are no transfers.

Unless the club's lawyers have been informed that any attempt to freeze the ban this summer and load up on players could result in a longer ban. FIFA has made it clear that they are viewing this case different to Atleti, Real, Barca cases. I think fans have to begin accepting that there will be no transfers for a year. Bring in a manager who will utilise the prospects in our squad - Reece, RLC, CHO, Tammy, Mount - that's actually a good number of decent young players if only we weren't screwed with injuries. I think there is enough in the squad to get another top 4 finish. Will need a manager who will use fresh players and does not stick to Azpi, Pedro, Willian, Barkley, Alonso for another year.

Steve Holland should get the nod for me. Knows the academy, knows the club. Solid season or two under Steve with CHO, Reece, RLC, Tammy maybe even others like Mount promoted, and deliver Champions League football. Then the club can bring in Frank or any top manager who may become available

Does anyone reliable know what's going on?

First permanent Chelsea manager to win a European trophy.

Yes. I believe so since he is already registered at the club. 35m euros is the price I've read in papers. Or 35m off the Hazard deal. Either way....

Given our situation, no choice but to retain him for next season. There is no RLC for the first few months. Hopefully, he will build on a solid if unspectacular campaign.

Hopefully it goes like 2008 for him

Missing Rudiger, Kante, RLC - 3 of the most athletic players in the defensive half. Worried about the defense for the final now.