Transition

[SW_Blue 71]

The point about AVB not having the right support due to him being almost the same age as some of our veterans and being a scout earlier is spot on. I'm sure we have a very strong cartel within our team - e.g. I'm amazed by Drogs bossiness and whining at times , the moment yesterday when he pushed away Luiz from the wall before a free kick, the mouthing off to Mikel after the red card in the QPR game, the argument with Lamps on the last day of the 9/10 season when he wanted to be the top scorer. And he always gets away with it. Perhaps with some others this arrogance is more restrained, but nevertheless there. Something Sir Bacon face won't tolerate for a second at Manure, or Danglish or Guadiola. If we let go of our prima donnas (IMO this excludes JT, he's still worth a lot in a non-highline defense) and give AVB time he will develop the same authority and respect.

Another issue is the Roman factor. His involvement with our club is very different from how its for other owners and clubs. It is more intense, and that is a double edged weapon. Of course he is interested in our success but perhaps at times he's too involved, maybe bordering on the interfering. We don't know if any manager at our club, including AVB, can act absolutely independently. His track record of firing people is unsettling for any new manager, to put mildly.

I don't like this transition but have braced myself for more failure to come, before things improve. Agreed AVB has made his fair share of tactical errors, maybe too many, but firing him will make matters worse. It will only make our club untouchable to managers, who'd probably want to come in, screw up and move out with their big settlement. I'm sure Roman knows better.

[Madmax 9,219]

Breaking up player power is the biggest challenge Andre faces. Unless and until the French speaking group and other 'strong characters' are told to fit in or fuck off, we'll never rise above petty temper tantrums.

[Fulham Broadway 17,331]

We get to this season and we have added a new manager and about £100m of talent from that which started last season. Where have we got? Well we have a manager that refuses to change his style and has publicly said so. We've got the same old players that let Carlo down still lumbering about and a young 'innovative' manager refusing to give youth the chance to shine. Ashley Cole, rubbish pushed forward but Bertrand not given a chance. A central defence that changes week on week. A forward line that also changes from week to week even though the young talent of Sturridge is the one that should remain in the team.

I dont think AVB should be pushed out yet like all the rest, a £15m payout hardly fits in with their new 'long term' public ethos that they've been spouting about, however If senior management consistently fail to make correct appointments, then it’s only right they face the consequences themselves.

[dodojojo 510]

Breaking up player power is the biggest challenge Andre faces.

That and to overhaul the squad on the cheap with FFP in place. From skimming, it would seem pretty difficult.

[Peace. 4,352]

We ain't in a transition, United are :

- A 21 years-old promising goal keeper.

- Playing in their defense two future very good defenders (of 22 years-old and 19 years).

- Are introducing Cleverley (22 years-old) in the first team.

- Playing Welbeck (20) and Hernandez (23).

And that on the other hand, you also have players like Rooney (26), Nani (25) and Young (26) who are in their prime.

Just compare with us, and you'll see that we ain't in transition.

[Tortilla9 390]

Does Fergie do it (play the youngsters) because he know's he's the only untouchable at United? Do the CFC managers not do it because they're afraid of getting the boot if the youngsters fail? Whatever it is it's not as if the old guys are setting the world on fire.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

We ain't in a transition, United are :

- A 21 years-old promising goal keeper.

- Playing in their defense two future very good defenders (of 22 years-old and 19 years).

- Are introducing Cleverley (22 years-old) in the first team.

- Playing Welbeck (20) and Hernandez (23).

And that on the other hand, you also have players like Rooney (26), Nani (25) and Young (26) who are in their prime.

Just compare with us, and you'll see that we ain't in transition.

Even Liverpool are.

That's, ironically, the reason Torres left. Bet he regrets that one every day..

[Madmax 9,219]

Does Fergie do it (play the youngsters) because he know's he's the only untouchable at United? Do the CFC managers not do it because they're afraid of getting the boot if the youngsters fail? Whatever it is it's not as if the old guys are setting the world on fire.

Of course job security comes into it, you're not likely to take chances on unproven talent when it's your head on the chopping block.

[dodojojo 510]

Even Liverpool are.

That's, ironically, the reason Torres left. Bet he regrets that one every day..

Presumably he was reassured by RA that Chelsea would spend to rebuild. Apparently he wasn't given the same assurance by LFC's new owners.

How it all works is a whole other matter. But yes, of course, after losing to LFC yet again, he has egg on his face. On the other hand he is playing CL football...

[bluephoenix 1,131]

Of course job security comes into it, you're not likely to take chances on unproven talent when it's your head on the chopping block.

but how will they get better when they don't playing time on the big league ? (thats just for argument's sake- ignore it )

I agree with you, when we are in the back seat no manager will think of bringing a young player into the field. Either AVB should put full faith in them and start with few of the young players or our first team should score plethora of goals for the youngsters to make an appearance in the big stage. None of which is happening right now.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Presumably he was reassured by RA that Chelsea would spend to rebuild. Apparently he wasn't given the same assurance by LFC's new owners.

How it all works is a whole other matter. But yes, of course, after losing to LFC yet again, he has egg on his face. On the other hand he is playing CL football...

Let's call this half of the season.. AVB's evaluation instead of transition

[Tortilla9 390]

It's Chelsea's version of insanity - keep doing the same thing yet expect different results.

[ZanSnake 1,211]

With the early reports of him running a strict regime, it seemed like he was set to be the kind of person who could break the firm-hold of ego within our squad - plus with his own vision for the way he wanted him to be managing the team with the style he likes to play. But there is a problem with the way it is implemented. It is safe to assume the high line offers nothing more then more problems then solutions - it makes our once perfected defence look like shambles, and a clean sheet a non-exist word which we seemed to defy. Yes, we are going into a transition peroid, but we are still a team that wants to fight for competitions and NEEDS to be certain to be in the Champions League.

I am 100% behind AVB, and the idea he has for our team, but that shouldn't be played ahead if it means risking the oppertunity to attain the goal of CL football the following season. If the high-line doesn't suit our current crop of players, and the fast tempo doesn't seem to be able to be implemented because some players like to hold the ball, and what-not - then some decisions mean that he needs to have a second plan, and slowly implement the changes in style over time.

This isn't a transition with just the squad, i hope, but with the style we have come to know at Stamford Bridge and a different atmosphere of authority - but the expectation still remains, even though, maybe a little shorter then the following season. The likes of Drogba, Anelka, Malouda, etc. should be players that are grasping for straws, not 100% first team starters whereas players like Sturridge, Oriol, McEarhan, and Bertrand should be given oppertunites to shine through this peroid as we are builiding a brand new side, We bring in players WITH the young players we have, and build a much larger prospect - with someone who is able to fix them into something, rather then a facelesss image that is one in a while having another face plastered in it to help gain short-term success.

Would rather have a chicken with the eggs and the head, then one without.

[skcollob 7]

Even if Chelsea are in a period of 'transition' the older players have/can still play a part.

Only recently, Lampard for example scored a superb headed winner against Blackburn & has been a solid performer.

Yes,their best days are behind them but maybe the crux of the reason behind recent displays is AVB's man management skills?.

Maybe he struggles to bond with the current players,to comunicate without patronising,to show senior players of the same age that he knows what he's doing? to adapt to his ideas.

Even in the world of sport, personality clashes can be a big factor in team success,(or lack of it).

[ZanSnake 1,211]

Even if Chelsea are in a period of 'transition' the older players have/can still play a part.

Only recently, Lampard for example scored a superb headed winner against Blackburn & has been a solid performer.

Yes,their best days are behind them but maybe the crux of the reason behind recent displays is AVB's man management skills?.

Maybe he struggles to bond with the current players,to comunicate without patronising,to show senior players of the same age that he knows what he's doing? to adapt to his ideas.

Even in the world of sport, personality clashes can be a big factor in team success,(or lack of it).

They can play a part, but should we rely upon them all the time?

Cole has played way too much! Bertrand is experienced and talented enough to play against teams like Wigan!

Should we knacker our elder backbone in order to find points when we have these supposedly potential 'world-class' youth rotting on the bench, or reserves?

[Tomo 21,751]

We ain't in a transition, United are :

- A 21 years-old promising goal keeper.

- Playing in their defense two future very good defenders (of 22 years-old and 19 years).

- Are introducing Cleverley (22 years-old) in the first team.

- Playing Welbeck (20) and Hernandez (23).

And that on the other hand, you also have players like Rooney (26), Nani (25) and Young (26) who are in their prime.

Just compare with us, and you'll see that we ain't in transition.

Sturridge (22), Mata (23), Rami and Luiz (24)????

Notice Fergie 'Andres; Cleverly and 'Hernan' Welbeck out on loan before he gave them the chance, atleast McEachran is in and around matchday squad's where the fuck was Cleverly at 18 or even 21?

Hernandez is a awfull footballer, all he does is stand around and wait the ball to hit him in the face, has he ever skinned a player? we bash Kalou for "only scoring tap ins" and that's exactly what Hernandez does.

[Tortilla9 390]

Even if Chelsea are in a period of 'transition' the older players have/can still play a part.

Only recently, Lampard for example scored a superb headed winner against Blackburn & has been a solid performer.

Yes,their best days are behind them but maybe the crux of the reason behind recent displays is AVB's man management skills?.

Maybe he struggles to bond with the current players,to comunicate without patronising,to show senior players of the same age that he knows what he's doing? to adapt to his ideas.

Even in the world of sport, personality clashes can be a big factor in team success,(or lack of it).

On the other hand did Lampard cover himself in glory in the big games against United, Arsenal, or Liverpool? Every player this season has had some stinkers and nobody is immune from some criticism and good hard look in the mirror.

One thing I sometimes question about AVB is his scouting/tactics. Supposedly he was Jose's scout mastermind of the opposition. Why does it sometimes feel he is surprised by the opposition or the opposition seems to out-scout us?

I sincerely hope these bad moments are wake up calls to players and AVB. God forbid Chelsea don't make it out of the CL qualifier. One Russian is definitely not going to be happy.

[francozola 2,040]

Hernandez is a awfull footballer, all he does is stand around and wait the ball to hit him in the face, has he ever skinned a player? we bash Kalou for "only scoring tap ins" and that's exactly what Hernandez does.

Think that's a little harsh lol he does make good runs. Knows where defenders are and where to run to get space

[dodojojo 510]

Sturridge (22), Mata (23), Rami and Luiz (24)????

Notice Fergie 'Andres; Cleverly and 'Hernan' Welbeck out on loan before he gave them the chance, atleast McEachran is in and around matchday squad's where the fuck was Cleverly at 18 or even 21?

Hernandez is a awfull footballer, all he does is stand around and wait the ball to hit him in the face, has he ever skinned a player? we bash Kalou for "only scoring tap ins" and that's exactly what Hernandez does.

Hernandez is Inzaghi. They may not resemble footballers but they sure know how to score. Not the type I enjoy watching but happy to have them on my team if they're world class. It's the average poachers who are unbearable to watch. Oh you mean you have no skills, do nothing for the team and you hardly ever score?

[TacticalBlues 2,817]

Sturridge (22), Mata (23), Rami and Luiz (24)????

Notice Fergie 'Andres; Cleverly and 'Hernan' Welbeck out on loan before he gave them the chance, atleast McEachran is in and around matchday squad's where the fuck was Cleverly at 18 or even 21?

Hernandez is a awfull footballer, all he does is stand around and wait the ball to hit him in the face, has he ever skinned a player? we bash Kalou for "only scoring tap ins" and that's exactly what Hernandez does.

I agree tbh, I always feel that. Yes he scores goals but like you I feel that theyre always on a plate, he may run round like a maniac to get their and get the good run ins but he can never reach the class of let's say Torres, Rooney, Drogba, Aguero etc. I'd be happy after he scores the goal but before that he'd really annoy me. United fans are great at exagerating their players "class" or "quality". I'll never forget how they did it too Macheda.