Welcome Mauricio Pochettino

[Jype 6,398]

13 hours ago, DDA said:

Do you think clubs will pay top dollar for our players if they realise we are in a financial crisis? Absolutely no chance... they will be circling like vultures when that day comes. Wouldn't be surprised if we saw Gallagher, Reece James, Colwill, Humphreys, and others all sold in the summer.

I'm pretty sure Maatsen, Chalobah and Broja will already fetch minimum £70-80M between them 'financial crisis' or not. Also quite sure the Hall sale to Newcastle will only officially go through in the summer so that's another £28M. 

The exact same 'financial crisis' sensationalism was happening this time a year ago as well. People were foaming at the mouth from the prospect of having their clubs poach the likes of Mount, Colwill etc. on the cheap because of this 'financial crisis' but in the end not a single player got sold the club didn't actually want to sell and the buyers for Mount, Havertz etc. were made to pay through the nose too. 

[Strike 7,493]

 

Mid-table mentality to be looking at set-pieces 

 

[Thor 2,719]

4 hours ago, Blue Armour said:

But how can you definitively say we are better?

4 seasons ago we were a top 4 side. Under Lampard of all managers.

You need a magic ball to say that all the young talent that we have is going to magically hit new heights next season.

If the new management is serious about FFP, like you say, then the next window will be quite slow, in order to balance the books. The lack of European football for two consecutive seasons is going to leave a dent, for sure.

 

I see a side devoid of tactical understanding - not talent. Talent is there. Yes, we are better. Take a look at the 2021 CL winning side.

We have Silva, Chilly, James from the CL team at the back. Missing Rudiger and Azpi. I think our backline isn't anywhere near as good. 

We have Caceido and Enzo in the middle of the park. Neither are as good as Kante (who is?) but both are better and more dynamic than Jorgi. 

Havertz, Werner and Mount were our front 3... You can tell me what you want, but I'd take Palmer, Nkunku/Jackson and Sterling over those 3 as far as talents. 

 

Aside from our defence - our team from the middle of the park up, is more talented. These guys are either dumb as bricks tactically, aren't being taught well, or there is a culture issue. 

[Reddish-Blue 2,510]

3 hours ago, Thor said:

I see a side devoid of tactical understanding - not talent. Talent is there. Yes, we are better. Take a look at the 2021 CL winning side.

We have Silva, Chilly, James from the CL team at the back. Missing Rudiger and Azpi. I think our backline isn't anywhere near as good. 

We have Caceido and Enzo in the middle of the park. Neither are as good as Kante (who is?) but both are better and more dynamic than Jorgi. 

Havertz, Werner and Mount were our front 3... You can tell me what you want, but I'd take Palmer, Nkunku/Jackson and Sterling over those 3 as far as talents. 

 

Aside from our defence - our team from the middle of the park up, is more talented. These guys are either dumb as bricks tactically, aren't being taught well, or there is a culture issue. 

Why did you leave out Christensen and Kovacic?   Both played roles in that UCL side. 

As for the current front three having more talent, does that really matter?    Being able to produce on the big occasion is what matters and that's exactly what Havertz, Mount, Werner were able to do in that UCL run. 

I think the problem is that Poch isn't the coach to get the best out of this lot, doesn't seem to be able to change his tactics to the situation at all. 

[Reddish-Blue 2,510]

18 hours ago, DDA said:

Do you think clubs will pay top dollar for our players if they realise we are in a financial crisis? Absolutely no chance... they will be circling like vultures when that day comes. Wouldn't be surprised if we saw Gallagher, Reece James, Colwill, Humphreys, and others all sold in the summer.

Even if they did come for Reece, Colwill and others, they'd have to pay good money as most of our players are under long contracts. 

From memory it was only Gallagher/Maatsen who had the deals running out in 12-18 months.....would be very surprised if Gallagher is still here next season. 

[lucio 5,418]

13 hours ago, DDA said:

I still stand by what I said before in regards to Potchs ridiculous squad selection after the pre season.

Angelo 

Santos 

Casadei 

Should have stayed from the beginning and given serious chances. 

Instead he chose Sterling and Ugochukwu.

Brain dead.

This and maatsen should have been starting at left back from day one 

[Costa19 858]

6 hours ago, Strike said:

 

Mid-table mentality to be looking at set-pieces 

 

Boehly loading up Football Manager 24 like:

Region: South America 

Position: Midfielders + Attackers 

Age: 15-17 y/o 

Attribute: Set pieces > 17 

Wages: < £500 / week 

 

 

[Thor 2,719]

1 hour ago, Reddish-Blue said:

Why did you leave out Christensen and Kovacic?   Both played roles in that UCL side. 

As for the current front three having more talent, does that really matter?    Being able to produce on the big occasion is what matters and that's exactly what Havertz, Mount, Werner were able to do in that UCL run. 

I think the problem is that Poch isn't the coach to get the best out of this lot, doesn't seem to be able to change his tactics to the situation at all. 

I unlike some thought Chris and Kovacic were good enough to be rotational players. Can be filled by numerous players of similar quality IMO. My point is not around that at all. 

 

It actually stems exactly to what your last sentence talks around. It is a Poch and team culture issue. Tactics and culture. 

Havertz, Mount and Werner all overperformed, and I'm grateful for it - but that is what I am getting at. We aren't in a bad position at all in terms of talent and players. Defensively I think we are - but are midfield and front 3 is good - but being coached terribly. 

Being an inspired team, going on a great cup run is something that can lift a team and make them play beyond their capabilities. Tuchel was a great short term solution in that regard.

Much like how we were first in the season, then dropped off and finished 10th or whatever the fuck it was. We didn't suddenly become shit. There is a stink that is still hanging around, and a coach that clearly hasn't gotten through and inspired the players the way we thought he might. Caceido and Enzo are world class. Every stat pointed towards that. Their performance pointed toward that. And now I see them being stranded on islands against - playing 1 vs 5 in the middle of the park with no outlets or runners. Every midfielder in existence would look terrible. 

Have we made some subpar buys? Yes. But our core of talent is better now than it was with that 2021 CL team and 4 years before. A spark and continuity is all this team would need. A coach who will inspire. 

[Blue Armour 4,448]

8 hours ago, Thor said:

I see a side devoid of tactical understanding - not talent. Talent is there. Yes, we are better. Take a look at the 2021 CL winning side.

We have Silva, Chilly, James from the CL team at the back. Missing Rudiger and Azpi. I think our backline isn't anywhere near as good. 

We have Caceido and Enzo in the middle of the park. Neither are as good as Kante (who is?) but both are better and more dynamic than Jorgi. 

Havertz, Werner and Mount were our front 3... You can tell me what you want, but I'd take Palmer, Nkunku/Jackson and Sterling over those 3 as far as talents. 

 

Aside from our defence - our team from the middle of the park up, is more talented. These guys are either dumb as bricks tactically, aren't being taught well, or there is a culture issue. 

I agree with those points, especially with what you mentioned about our defence and midfield.

IMO the midfield two of Enzo and Caicedo could have benefited immensely, playing along side an experienced midfielder like Kante for at least 1 or 2 seasons. We were too quick to ship our experienced CMs (Kante, Kovacic, & Jorginho) regardless of their fitness & form issues (Kante has had very little issue since moving in fact), just for the sake of profit.

I agree that in defense, we were screwed partially by the old board, that let go off Rudiger (which in turn worsened Tuchel's reign), but in the first season we recruited poorly. Fofana with a poor injury track record, and Koulibaly who, despite some underwhelming stats, was made a first choice CB on high pay. The mistake was not bringing in a quality experienced CB in the last summer window, despite knowing that Silva isn't likely to stick around.

 

[Reddish-Blue 2,510]

7 hours ago, Blue Armour said:

I agree with those points, especially with what you mentioned about our defence and midfield.

IMO the midfield two of Enzo and Caicedo could have benefited immensely, playing along side an experienced midfielder like Kante for at least 1 or 2 seasons. We were too quick to ship our experienced CMs (Kante, Kovacic, & Jorginho) regardless of their fitness & form issues (Kante has had very little issue since moving in fact), just for the sake of profit.

I agree that in defense, we were screwed partially by the old board, that let go off Rudiger (which in turn worsened Tuchel's reign), but in the first season we recruited poorly. Fofana with a poor injury track record, and Koulibaly who, despite some underwhelming stats, was made a first choice CB on high pay. The mistake was not bringing in a quality experienced CB in the last summer window, despite knowing that Silva isn't likely to stick around.

 

I thought Disasi was supposed to be the experienced signing as he's 25, not 22 and under like the rest of the CB's we have. 

Miss the days when we would make smart signings like Cahill, Ivanovic, Alex rather than splashing the cash on talented youngsters like Fofana. 

[Vesper 30,224]

8 Chelsea academy stars who could break through in 2024

https://www.givemesport.com/soccer-football-Chelsea-academy-stars-who-could-break-through/#ranking-factors

Quick Links

• Ranking factors

• Alex Matos

• Jimmy-Jay Morgan

• Bashir Humphreys

• Angelo

• Ronnie Stutter

• Andrey Santos

• Cesare Casadei

• Leo Castledine

Chelsea's academy has a plethora of talented young players eager to make the step up to Mauricio Pochettino's first team. The wealth of talent at the Argentine's disposal makes it pretty tricky to break into his set-up, but Alfie Gilchrist has shown it is possible. The 20-year-old defender has made seven senior appearances for the west Londoners and is clearly highly thought of by Pochettino.

With the Blues again faltering in the Premier League, having languished in mid-table for much of the 2023/24 campaign, it may present an opportunity for young players to make an impact in the senior team as they bid to improve on a disappointing last 18 months or so. The Blues have adopted a new transfer policy since Todd Boehly's takeover which has seen a number of promising young players recruited and given the chance to impress, and it appears academy players are included in that strategy, too, with the likes of Conor Gallagher now starring and becoming a key fixture of the midfield.

So, who will be the next academy player to graduate from Cobham? GIVEMESPORT takes a look at eight young Chelsea stars who could break through in 2024.

[OneMoSalah 8,886]

1 hour ago, Vesper said:

8 Chelsea academy stars who could break through in 2024

https://www.givemesport.com/soccer-football-Chelsea-academy-stars-who-could-break-through/#ranking-factors

Quick Links

• Ranking factors

• Alex Matos

• Jimmy-Jay Morgan

• Bashir Humphreys

• Angelo

• Ronnie Stutter

• Andrey Santos

• Cesare Casadei

• Leo Castledine

Chelsea's academy has a plethora of talented young players eager to make the step up to Mauricio Pochettino's first team. The wealth of talent at the Argentine's disposal makes it pretty tricky to break into his set-up, but Alfie Gilchrist has shown it is possible. The 20-year-old defender has made seven senior appearances for the west Londoners and is clearly highly thought of by Pochettino.

With the Blues again faltering in the Premier League, having languished in mid-table for much of the 2023/24 campaign, it may present an opportunity for young players to make an impact in the senior team as they bid to improve on a disappointing last 18 months or so. The Blues have adopted a new transfer policy since Todd Boehly's takeover which has seen a number of promising young players recruited and given the chance to impress, and it appears academy players are included in that strategy, too, with the likes of Conor Gallagher now starring and becoming a key fixture of the midfield.

So, who will be the next academy player to graduate from Cobham? GIVEMESPORT takes a look at eight young Chelsea stars who could break through in 2024.

Should be titled “8 Chelsea starlets who could be sold in 2024”

[lucio 5,418]

27 minutes ago, OneMoSalah said:

Should be titled “8 Chelsea starlets who could be sold in 2024”

You’d really sell Angelo , Santos and casedei?

[Blue Armour 4,448]

7 hours ago, Reddish-Blue said:

I thought Disasi was supposed to be the experienced signing as he's 25, not 22 and under like the rest of the CB's we have. 

Miss the days when we would make smart signings like Cahill, Ivanovic, Alex rather than splashing the cash on talented youngsters like Fofana. 

Disasi is experienced, but he is lacking in quality. Unless he undergoes an Alex or Rudiger type evolution, I don't know what more we can expect.

Signings like Alex, Ivanovic & Azpi were super shrewd. 

We probably should have pushed for Skriniar in that window of last season 

[Blue Armour 4,448]

46 minutes ago, lucio said:

You’d really sell Angelo , Santos and casedei?

No, he probably means that the current regime see any Cobham product as pure profit.

Raise their value and ship them out. Regardless of whether you could improve the  Chelsea first 11.

[lucio 5,418]

52 minutes ago, Blue Armour said:

No, he probably means that the current regime see any Cobham product as pure profit.

Raise their value and ship them out. Regardless of whether you could improve the  Chelsea first 11.

Misread could as should , apologies 

[Reddish-Blue 2,510]

3 hours ago, OneMoSalah said:

Should be titled “8 Chelsea starlets who could be sold in 2024”

The article itself doesn't make sense....Angelo, Casadei and Santos didn't come through the academy, they were all bought for good sums of money....as for the rest of the list, Humphreys is the only one that could actually break into the side next season. 

[Reddish-Blue 2,510]

2 hours ago, Blue Armour said:

No, he probably means that the current regime see any Cobham product as pure profit.

Raise their value and ship them out. Regardless of whether you could improve the  Chelsea first 11.

If we are buying youngsters for 15+ million, where is the profit going to come from?   Clubs aren't going to line up to buy our reserve players for 30+ million unless they are showing serious potential.   That only works for academy products as the transfer fee is pure profit. 

[milka 3,393]

We are not Brighton to develop players for 2-3 years not to mention that  with this billion , on paper we should have been in a fight for the title with right managment , not  with this clueless yankies  .

Even with Abramovich, with whom titles were a daily occurrence and there was no place for youngsters, even then there were players who was kids  and better(Abraham, Mount,Tomori,James)  than those who are bought now . Mid owners, mid managment , mid coach, mid players mid everywhere in the club .

They will roar if win Carabao Cup or anything with the club in next 10 years  while Abramovich fired managers after double season or CL win that was the level at the time .

Edited February 4, 2024 by milka

[Fernando 6,585]

To be fair in think the first season of Arteta was very bad. There was some games that had good moments but it was bad in general that first season. Then second season improve. 

I envision the same happening with Poch and the team. 

Edited February 4, 2024 by Fernando