Sunday, August 18, 2013

Classic Jose

Classic Jose


   Typical of Jose. Win 2-0 at home. Clean sheet. The ''standard'' win what us Chelsea fans have forgotten about. It may get frustrating throughout the season as we are more likely to see these type of results. I can only say I would be happy if we won 2-0 every game but 1 huge factor that was painful for me to watch was that Juan Mata was only on the bench and didn't even make it onto the pitch. I know this one game and against a newly promoted side and Jose may be saving him for the tougher tests of Aston Villa and Man United but I have my doubts.

   Jose Mourinho likes his players to have STRENGTH or SPEED. Mata has neither. If you look throughout the whole team, every single player contains at least one of these attributes. I'm personally scared for the little Spaniard. Is this going to be a regular occurrence? Will he play against Manchester United where he normally reaches the top of his game? I've got a nasty feeling he won't. I hope I'm wrong.  

   I have faith in Jose but isn't this a little too coincidental? Iker Casillas of last season. Juan Mata his next victim? He does have a lot of competition for his place and hardly featured in pre-season compared to the other players who also played Confederations Cup football. I'm optimistic Jose is saving the magician for something astronomical.

   On a different note, John Terry and Frank Lampard both featured 90 minutes. I'm not sure what I make of this. David Luiz is injured so I expected John Terry to play the 90 minutes but will Terry be a regular under Mourinho? I think it's time to make Terry a squad player rather than a guaranteed starter. Time's are changing and I rather Terry was fazed out and passed on his experience to the younger centre backs than for Chelsea to suddenly be without a leader. Lampard too, I feel, needs to teach his tricks to the younger generation. Don't get me wrong, I wish both stay at the club until they retire but as squad players, more than first eleven.  I believe they should still feature in big games but not in every single game anymore.

   So after beating Hull Tigers comfortably, Aston Villa are next and pose a much bigger threat. They completely tore Arsenal apart. The counter attack of Benteke, Agbonlahor and Weimann absolutely destroyed Arsenal and I have to be honest, I did not see it coming. Chelsea have to be careful and make sure the two wingers defend as well as attack. As previously, I will try to predict the lineup by simply stating who I think will start in Jose Mourinho's second game at Stamford Bridge after his return.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

The back four and the goalkeeper:
Cech, Cole, Cahill, Terry (assuming Luiz is injured) Azpilicueta (Ivanovic rested for Manchester United)

The two holding midfielders:
Essien and Van Ginkel (Ramires and Lampard rested for the trip to Old Trafford)

The three attacking midfielders:
Schurrle Mata Hazard (De Bryune, seemingly a starter, will be rested for the visit to Manchester United)

The striker:
Lukaku (possibly, as Mourinho may believe Torres is his no1 striker)

In addition, when I write rested, I imply that the player will be either on the bench OR not feature in the game.

Note: This is my personal view. I am unaware of who Mr Jose Mourinho will pick come the game on Wednesday 21st August at 7:45pm (UK time) at Stamford Bridge against Aston Villa. 

Friday, August 16, 2013

Chelsea's starting XI versus Hull Tigers?

Chelsea's starting XI versus Hull Tigers?


   As Mourinho edges ever closer to opening his second spell in charge of his ''beloved'' Chelsea, I try to crack who will be in the starting eleven against Hull.    

   We have all been wandering what Jose Mourinho's starting XI will be against Hull City. (or Hull Tigers should I say) I will now attempt to go through the starting eleven justifying my reasons why I believe each player will have the starting spot.

   Goalkeeper is granted to be Petr Cech. Unless an injury occurs between now and the Hull game, I can assure Petr Cech will start.Thinking about it, I am slightly worried as the whole world knows what happened with Iker Casillas and Diego Lopez. Both, previous goalkeeper's under Mourinho's management.Although, saying this, I still fully believe Petr Cech will be no1 with new signing Mark Schwarzer deputised as no2.

   In defence is where it can get a little bit tricky. I will start with Right Back. Assuming Dave (Cesar Azpilicueta) will be rested, as he was an unused substitute by Vicente Del Bosque in Spain's 2-0 win over Ecuador which was hosted by the La Tiri side. (Ecuador national football team) Due to the fact, Cesar Azpilicueta had to travel to Ecuador, I believe he will be rested against Hull Tigers which would mean Branislav Ivanovic will slot in at Right Back. In the heart of defence, from what I've seen so far, David Luiz will partner John Terry and Gary Cahill will be a substitute. I only draw to this conclusion because Jose Mourinho has spoken time and time again of his admiration of David Luiz, who is an important figure at Chelsea, amid interest and a failed bid by Barcelona. The bid was of ₤25 million pounds to anyone's interest. Jose Mourinho also seems to admire John Terry a greater deal to what Rafiel Benitez ever had. This is why I have chosen these two in my starting eleven against Hull Tigers. At leftback, I think this is the most safe position due to the fact, Ryan Bertrand is still learning tricks of the trade, Patrick Van Aanholt has been sent out on loan to Vitesse Arnhem and Ashley Cole is the best defensive left back in the world. 

   Chelsea's two centre-defensive midfield positions is a positive problem. The depth in the squad excels in the defensive midfield position. In this current day, Chelsea can deploy a number of talented players in this position yet only have two places. Frank Lampard, recently moved into this position from an attacking midfielder, still regarded as a strong figure at club and international level, even at the age of 35. Ramires, the little engine, is a superb box-to-box midfielder and personally, I believe one of the CDM roles is his to lose. Van Ginkel, at a very tender age of 20, purchased from Vitesse Arnhem this summer, is leaping strides in his development. However, nailing down a position in Chelsea's XI is a very very mountainous task. Michael Essien, recently back from Real Madrid, and bringing ''daddy'' with him, is somewhat seen in a comforting position for the Ghanaian. Re-energized and revitalized, Essien is possibly in line to start however, I would not be surprised if Frank Lampard, Chelsea's all-time top scorer starts before Essien.

   The front three. (Wingers and the CF) Hazard will undoubtedly start. I will be shocked if he doesn't. Jose is a big fan of Hazard and he repaid Mr Mourinho in pre-season. Mata as the Centre Forward? It has to be, surely. The player who has won Chelsea's player of the year, twice in a row and got into the team of the season alongside team-mate Eden Hazard, is almost guaranteed a starting spot? I would argue that ''the special one'' didn't like the look of Mata in pre-season. The last attacking role. De Bryune? Schurrle? Moses? Oscar? Take your pick. I think Moses or De Bryune are front runners for the last attacking spot.

   The striker. Again, so much depth in the squad, three players fighting for one position. Will Mourinho go with Lukaku, young, power, strength, speed? Perhaps, with a bit more experience in the Premier League with Torres? Or completely opt to play Demba Ba? I have a feeling Torres will start.

   In conclusion, my starting eleven against Hully Tigers:
Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Lampard, Moses, Mata, Hazard, Torres.

Note: This is my personal view. I am unaware of who Mr Jose Mourinho will pick come the game on Sunday, 4pm (UK time) at Stamford Bridge against Hull Tigers.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Is it time to find the next Makelele?

Is it time to find the next Makelele?



   Claude Makelele - able to break up the best attack in the world and turn it to dust. Arguably, one of the best CDM's the world has ever seen. The best time of his career came at Chelsea, sitting in front of John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho. Signed for the Blues in 2003, aged 30, Makelele was supposedly the ''battery'' of the team as man who brought him in - Caludio Ranieri described. 

   While Makelele was still at the club, Chelsea brought in a man known as John Obi Mikel in an attempt to mold him into the new, younger Makelele. I can tell you now, it didn't work. Most Chelsea fans, include myself, have grown tired of Mikel. You are able to count the good games he has had for the club on your hands and he has been at the club for 7 years! Bulk me up and make me 6ft 2 and I think I could do the same job as Mikel if not a better one - I could pitch in with at least a goal or two! The best attributes he has is that he very rarely loses the ball, because he doesn't pass greater than 2 yards, he is a strong, powerful player but that is about it. Oh, and he is able to header and even then, I'm being generous. I'm getting very tiresome of Mikel. To add further frustration, he scores a terrific goal for Nigeria against Uruguay! Why are you not able to do it at Chelsea?! Yes, your position is a Defensive Midfielder and you're the one that sits back but at least have a shot or two a game. 

   Time and time again, I have grown tired of Mikel and I believe it's time to move on for the Nigerian international. There have been a couple of names linked with Chelsea in that position, Khedira, Gustavo, Alonso but the one that fascinates me the most is  - Daniele De Rossi. I believe he is the perfect player for Chelsea FC. At the age of 30, De Rossi is regarded as one of the best Defensive Midfielders in the world, breaking attack after attack in games and also nips in to score goals. He has had a turbulent season at AS Roma where some of the crowd have turned on him, and to make matters worse, AS Roma have recently signed 'the Dutch Roy Keane.' Kevin Strootman, aged 23, is very similar to De Rossi however is 7 years younger and is already being compared to a no-nonsense defensive midfielder.

    Personally, De Rossi, should call it time upon his beloved career at AS Roma. Times are changing and he needs a new challenge. The one-club man has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester City before but it is believed, ASF Fiorentina have been keeping a close eye on things. Various reports value him anywhere between ₤10-₤15 million and I would pay every penny. At the age of 30, De Rossi has perhaps, 4-5 years left in him and this will give time for the young Nathaniel Chalobah and Nathan Ake to develop and learn from a guy who has been labeled ''the complete midfielder'' due to his tackling, passing, strength and shooting. He is also the perfect replacement for Frank Lampard, who I feel has this season and possibly, one more. Replacing Frank Lampard is not an easy job but De Rossi, who has a world cup under his belt is for me, a quick solution.  

Daniele De Rossi Tattoo
    Jose Mourinho is thought to be a big admire of the Italian. Jose has tried to sign him for Inter Milan and Real Madrid however, failed in doing so. Could this be third-time lucky? I hope so. 

Friday, August 2, 2013

Is there Blue at the end of the tunnel for Roo?


Is there Blue at the end of the tunnel for Roo?

  Regarded as very much of a stellar name in modern day football, Wayne Rooney has had some controversies with his employers over recent years. Threatened to leave in 2010, Wayne Rooney has 
repeated his antics. 

    In his final game at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed Wayne Rooney handed in a transfer  request, which was rejected by the club.

      Now, David Moyes has confirmed Wayne Rooney will play second fiddle to Robin Van Persie which has left Rooney ''angry and confused'' by the comments made by his new manager. Reports from various sources have again reiterated that Wayne Rooney sees his future elsewhere, away from Manchester United Football Club. Further reports indicate that Wayne Rooney believes his future lies in SW6. A bid has come from the London club which was in the region of ₤10 million and Juan Mata or David Luiz. However, a closer indication shows the Jose Mourinho has quashed these rumors and only cash was offered for the player - believed to be in the region of ₤25-₤27 million. The bid was rejected by Manchester United.

       Mourinho, who was recently reappointed as Chelsea manager, has already begun playing mind games with fellow new counterpart, David Moyes. The new Chelsea boss has stated that ''normally, a player to go to the national team, a player to be selected to play for his country, normally, the player must be a first choice player in the club. He must play regular for the club. That's the big motivation if they are thinking about the World Cup.'' David Moyes has again stated Wayne Rooney is not for sale although, a few reports confirm that Chelsea will make a bid in the excess of ₤40 million before the summer transfer window closes. 


     Personally, I would like Wayne Rooney at Chelsea. He bring something else to the club. A new dimension to the style of player. I am slightly concerned to where will he play - centre forward or striker and the bigger question, what will happen to the players around him such as Mata, Hazard, Oscar, De Bryune, Schurrle, Lukaku, Torres and Ba? Mourinho favours the 4-2-3-1 formation. This is regarded as on the most popular and counter attacking formations in the modern game. Where will Rooney play? Striker? That leads to young sensation Lukaku, glued to the bench as well as Fernando Torres and Demba Ba. As the centre forward? It will mean Juan Mata will have to be forced onto the wing, which he doesn't prefer and can go missing in games. That will also indicate that Hazard will be on the other wing thus meaning, Oscar, De Bryune and Andre Schurrle will be on the bench or in the reserves. In my preference, Wayne Rooney, if  he does make the switch to West London, has to play as the striker. Mata is far too influential to be drifted into the wing and he has shown this by winning Chelsea player of the year twice in two years, since his arrival from Valencia in 2011.

      In summary, I can see this transfer saga running to the latter stages of the transfer window. Wayne Rooney, seems very much a big part to the Blues' plans.

  
You can watch the Jose Mourinho interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdC0itnsF-g