The Benitez Thread

[zolayes 14,489]

What objectives did we have when we began the season with the smallest squad in the league, lacking bodies in midfield and with a terrible striker guaranteed to start every game? With the way the squad was mismanaged over the summer it's clear the board didn't want to compete this season. If they did they are insane and/or braindead.

Top 4 is the minimum and I think we're going to struggle to even achieve that.

You have stated the situation perfectly :blue scalf:

[Rmpr 8,977]

Our first 6-8 weeks of the season was strong because we have some very talented players and they were fresh. But it was ALWAYS going to come crashing down because you can't play every 3 days with the same players. It's impossible. Look at the joke that was the Carling Cup game against Man Utd. Mata played a 120 minutes while Ferguson could rest almost his entire first team. That game showed why Man Utd will challenge for everything while we'll struggle for 4th. Our squad is WEAK.

BIG OVERREACTION!

Are we weaker than Arsenal, Spurs, Everton, Liverpool, West Brom and NewCastle?

The objective always was to finish top4, win 1-2 cups and make a decent run in the champions league. Now, it is to finish top4, win CWC, COC and Europa League.

[Madmax 9,219]

Our first 6-8 weeks of the season was strong because we have some very talented players and they were fresh. But it was ALWAYS going to come crashing down because you can't play every 3 days with the same players. It's impossible. Look at the joke that was the Carling Cup game against Man Utd. Mata played a 120 minutes while Ferguson could rest almost his entire first team. That game showed why Man Utd will challenge for everything while we'll struggle for 4th. Our squad is WEAK.

I wouldn't say our squad is weak but it's evident there's nothing in reserve. No depth to speak of in key areas of the pitch (centre mid, centre forward), compounded by the reluctance to play one or two of those who could make a tangible difference (Sturridge, Marin) and the injuries/suspensions for Terry and Lampard. Whoever decided it would be prudent to head into a 60+ game season with zero cover in midfield (getting rid of Essien + Meireles, a 34 yo Lampard and Mikel with his ACoN commitments) needs to have their head checked.

Also, the fact that we failed so staggeringly to pick up the pieces post Man U reveals a distinct lack of leadership qualities among the squad. Take Cole and Ivan out of that side and there's hardly anyone with more than 3 years worth Premiership experience.

[Strike 7,540]

I wouldn't say our squad is weak but it's evident there's nothing in reserve. No depth to speak of in key areas of the pitch (centre mid, centre forward), compounded by the reluctance to play one or two of those who could make a tangible difference (Sturridge, Marin) and the injuries/suspensions for Terry and Lampard. Whoever decided it would be prudent to head into a 60+ game season with zero cover in midfield (getting rid of Essien + Meireles, a 34 yo Lampard and Mikel with his ACoN commitments) needs to have their head checked.

Also, the fact that we failed so staggeringly to pick up the pieces post Man U reveals a distinct lack of leadership qualities among the squad. Take Cole and Ivan out of that side and there's hardly anyone with more than 3 years worth Premiership experience.

the depth in midfield is shot to it's knees now with Romeu's injury. I hope we can get a cover in January or a bargain deal for someone who can distribute the ball well rather than just tackle and keep possession. the midfield is already without Mikel and will lose him for the African Cup of Nations. Worst case scenario in our search for midfield cover - get McEachran back in the squad

as for the team, lampard and terry returning now and we should see us go on a run in the next few games. all easy on paper - except Everton away. hopefully we are safely nestled in 3rd position come January

[zolayes 14,489]

BIG OVERREACTION!

Are we weaker than Arsenal, Spurs, Everton, Liverpool, West Brom and NewCastle?

The objective always was to finish top4, win 1-2 cups and make a decent run in the champions league. Now, it is to finish top4, win CWC, COC and Europa League.

what shocked me was how fragile our mentality was ...without JT and Lampard they seemed unable to overcome a set back

[Strike 7,540]

BIG OVERREACTION!

Are we weaker than Arsenal, Spurs, Everton, Liverpool, West Brom and NewCastle?

The objective always was to finish top4, win 1-2 cups and make a decent run in the champions league. Now, it is to finish top4, win CWC, COC and Europa League.

not weaker. but we do lack depth in several areas. midfield and attack is quite evident but in the case of the attacking mids, we haven't used the options available to us. Marin has been fit for about a month now? yet to start a game

[Rmpr 8,977]

what shocked me was how fragile our mentality was ...without JT and Lampard they seemed unable to overcome a set back

That schocked me either! However, if you look at our offensive lineup (Torres, Mata, Oscar, Hazard, Ramires and Mikel), no one has more than 28 years old and only Mikel actually lived the good old years. They dont have any experience...

Tha said, we are still way better than most of the contenders for 3rd and 4th place. I am only worried with Everton and Spurs.

We will buy a DM an ST and Lampard and JT will be back. We can only get better!

not weaker. but we do lack depth in several areas. midfield and attack is quite evident but in the case of the attacking mids, we haven't used the options available to us. Marin has been fit for about a month now? yet to start a game

100%, still good enough for top4.

No one in their sanity thought we really were title contenders, our big start gave us false hopes. We can realistic finish 3rd and win CWC and COC, maybe EL.

[zolayes 14,489]

That schocked me either! However, if you look at our offensive lineup (Torres, Mata, Oscar, Hazard, Ramires and Mikel), no one has more than 28 years old and only Mikel actually lived the good old years. They dont have any experience...

Tha said, we are still way better than most of the contenders for 3rd and 4th place. I am only worried with Everton and Spurs.

We will buy a DM an ST and Lampard and JT will be back. We can only get better!

100%, still good enough for top4.

No one in their sanity thought we really were title contenders, our big start gave us false hopes. We can realistic finish 3rd and win CWC and COC, maybe EL.

agree should still make top 4 but this year PL looked to be there for the taking. I do expect Manure to get better in defence when Vidic returns

[Laylabelle 9,546]

I duno how confident feel about top 4,doesnt help teams who been doing badly Spurs,Liverpool,Arsenal are suddenly in with a fair shot.Okay only January but nice to have a big gap rather then the one we have..see what happens...hopfully be something good

[xPetrCechx 13,582]

When We Will hear Again the " One Step Beyond " At The Bridge?...

[Magic Lamps 11,692]

Is it true Rafa does not fit into the clubs Dolce&Gabbana suits? No offence, but i think people allocated to sports should take more care of their physique. Especially as he is a former athlete I do not understand how Rafa has always been so fat?

[communicate 2,703]

100%, still good enough for top4.

No one in their sanity thought we really were title contenders, our big start gave us false hopes. We can realistic finish 3rd and win CWC and COC, maybe EL.

to be fair we actually have 2 player in every position

torres/danny

hazard/marin oscar/mata moses/danny

rami/lamp romeu/mikel

[Strike 7,540]

100%, still good enough for top4.

No one in their sanity thought we really were title contenders, our big start gave us false hopes. We can realistic finish 3rd and win CWC and COC, maybe EL.

yes and i hope we can minimise the financial set back. how much do you get for winning the EL?

[Rmpr 8,977]

yes and i hope we can minimise the financial set back. how much do you get for winning the EL?

I dont know, but it is less than qualifying for the knock-out stage of UCL.

[Madmax 9,219]

yes and i hope we can minimise the financial set back. how much do you get for winning the EL?

Atletico Madrid got 10.5m euro last year.

That's less than what you get for just participating in the CL group stages.

[Strike 7,540]

Atletico Madrid got 10.5m euro last year.

That's less than what you get for just participating in the CL group stages.

lol. One year we turn over a profit...can't wait to see what the finances look like next year. with FFP in play, better tread carefully while dealing in the market. Falcao? Impossible

[Laylabelle 9,546]

Good thing RDM only had a few year deal otherwise be even furthur set back...hopfully there wont be any crazy contracts given and then the Manager sacked soon after next season...

[Rupert 130]

If those who boo Rafa think they can destabilize him, think again. It won't affect him. He has a great family, a clear conscience, decades of experience, knowledge and achievement and a fierce determination to win for whichever team he is managing. He also has enormous respect in the footballing world. The video coaching application he recently launched is being used by managers throughout the world. He is not only highly intelligent and witty in Spanish he is also a very good man who gave 96,000 pounds the day left LFC for the Hillsborough 96 and he has contributed to dozens of other charities.

The booing won't affect the owner either - he will be most affected by the results. if Rafa brings home the bacon he can expect an offer of an extended contract. (He already has an 18 months contract at Chelsea and either he or Chelsea can terminate it after the end of the season. Rafa might be the one to dotti because he will have other offers. He was offered Real Madrid before it was offered to Mourinho and most people in Spain think Rafa will get the RM job when he wants it. He started as a player and a coach at Real Madrid).

The booing doesn't affect the likes of me because I will take an interest and support whatever club Rafa coaches in the future as I have since he was at Tenerife, through Valencia, LFC and Inter Milan. He makes football exciting. He has probably attracted a lot of new and intelligent football lovers to Chelsea - at least while he is still here.

[kellzfresh 7,229]

The booing doesn't affect the likes of me because I will take an interest and support whatever club Rafa coaches in the future as I have since he was at Tenerife, through Valencia, LFC and Inter Milan. .

This part sounds like you are more of a benitez fan than a chelsea fan

[CHOULO19 24,332]

LOL: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2247288/Chelsea-defender-Ashley-Cole-loses-Rafa-Benitezs-bowling-game-Japan.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

This was actually a nice touch by Rafa..