What would it take to turn the season around?

[Stingray 9,441]

Sacking Mou doesn't solve all the problem but it removes a toxic element.

So to answer your question OP what you want cannot happen without doing the one that you want to eliminate.

However, let's ignore that and assume that Jose can transform into an egoless blank slate.

1. Silverware top 4 etc should not be the focus going forward. Doesn't mean you take those things lightly but they should not be valued over developing progression for the long term. Yes missing out on the CL will be a big blow but we already know that.

2. Determine the play style and Identity of Chelsea football. What style and formation does Chelsea want to play. 4-3-3 with Dutch total footballing style of the seventies? Or something else.

3. Youth integration via meritocracy - To develop depth and talent you need to get them games and not run to the transfer window every time there is a hole. We still don't know how good some of the youth talent is because they never get a good run of games. If a first team player stinks up the joint don't be afraid to play a youth team player. The team is already stinking up the joint why not play a young talent to see if they have a future and if they play well keep playing them.

Those are good to start but there are a lot more specifically tied into transfer strategies

And I mean that. Great post tbh.

[Rmpr 8,977]

CHANGE THE FUCKING FORMATION!!!

[Pacquiao 1,834]

Terry, Matic and Hazard waking up!

I feel if these 3 can get back to playing at a world class level again, then everyone around them will improve! those 3 are key for us!

[BloodIsBlue 291]

There is nothing anyone can do per se. All our best (paid) players are losing it. I am behind Mou here. Last season hazard dropping form alone would drag the team down. Now we have Ivanovic, Terry, Hazard and fabregas playing the worst football of their careers. Matic and Costa are also in terrible form. There is no tactical fix for this.

[Atlas Lion 1,223]

First thing, scrape the 4-2-3-1.

[BlueLyon 9,359]

On a positive note;

I wouldnt be surprised if we went to win CL by the look of how things stand.

There is absolutely no pressure on us because we would never be favourites to win games. We are out of every other competition (bar Fa cup) so we can focus 100% on CL games and IF Mou and players are actualy happy together and not in big rift, then its only matter of time before we bounce back somehow. Never underestimate Mou in big games either. Finaly, winning CL should be enough motivation for these players on its own, and they shown last season they can win titles.

Would be nuts if something like this happend, but it would be typical Chelsea.

[Alan Partridge 1,124]

4-3-3 would be better

It couldn't hurt to try, at least we could play some attacking football

[zinctek 469]

change the defense.

[Sideshow Luiz 2,310]

4-3-3 would be better

It couldn't hurt to try, at least we could play some attacking football

I agree. I'd like 433 as well. At this point though, I'd just like something different. The current set up isn't working, so please, can we try something else?

[Changingman_2000 876]

There isn't a team in the League, that, at present, I would back us to take points from, including Bournemouth. They may be the smallest team by some distance, but they are full of fight and passion. I honestly wouldn't back us against anyone right now.

[Spike 12,049]

I'm not one to post formations often but something needs to change. Personally I believe two players need to be a license to do whatever they want, freedom of defending and structure. Hazard and Fabregas would be my two. Perhaps the freedom will ease the burden of pressure and allow them to approach the game in the manner they want to.

Perhaps something like this? It isn't that different from the 4-2-3-1 formation really...

Hazard - A Not Shit Striker - Wilian

Fibreglass

Mikel - Matic

[El P. 1,354]

Ok, football-wise.

1. Start playing 2 natural fullbacks. That will bring much needed width, especially in our squad with no natural wingers. So, Azpi and Baba, or Azpi and someone new.

2. Bring quality box-to-box midfielder in january. Fernandinho-like player. Maybe Witsel, or I don't know.

With that 2 we would solve 80% of squad problems. Bring one great centre back and then it's 95%.

[MrBlueGuy 1,552]

Sacking the manager.

[iseah100 5,612]

10 new players. Keep Azpi.

[obiwan92 217]

10 new players. Keep Azpi.

I think you're being unfair to our goalkeepers.