carefreeluke

Pleasure to have watched this man for my club over the years. All the best at Monaco.

He's been average at best for 2-3 years now mate. And even before that, he struggled with consistency for Madrid. The best he's been was at Spurs.

It was quite documented that in previous seasons under Klopp and stretching back to Rodgers you struggled to break down teams at home. Could you lot tell me more about this? I know it was when teams were sitting really deep etc but why did you think it happened? What's different now? @Dr. Gonzo @LFCMike @LFCMadLad @Harry @UNORTHODOX

There’s also been a big criticism of Sarri’s lack of plan B. What were Mourinho’s and Conte’s plan Bs though? The attacking play under both always had the same patterns really. Their saving graces were though the fact that they used to surrender possession in certain games and in certain periods during games. Wait for the counters, lead the opposition into a false sense of security and prey on their mistakes even against teams with a lot less quality. This was their way of mixing it up and in a way, their plan B. Sarri isn’t going to do that. In possession, though the football under both Conte and Mourinho was highly choreographed. So far this season at times you can question Sarri’s player rotation and selection. Looking at us at the moment, since Spurs at Wembley, Sarri has tightened up the team massively on a tactical level which has been overlooked by many. Both Mourinho and Conte had negative results in big games that sparked changes on a tactical level and in other aspects. I actually see Sarri as more defensive now, Kante’s relationship with Jorginho has improved massively defensively and the team’s positioning and shape have improved in the defensive department as well. Stats aren’t everything but we now have the 2nd best defensive record in the league. More importantly, though, you can see how we have improved defensively just by watching it. We’ve tightened up a bit but we are now struggling in an attacking sense, the scales in a way have been tipped too much to one side. It’s interesting to see how Sarri talked yesterday after the game in saying how we struggle in the final third. Before it was all about the ‘defensive phase’, he’s still looking for the right balance. In the attacking third, we are very dry at the moment, to say the least. There’s a lack of intensity, lack of movement and predictable patterns. On the ball, we’re too slow as well and hence are never going to break a team down playing this way. I also think we’ve become a bit safer in certain areas. I don’t think we commit as many players forward as before, players seem more concerned about their positioning and there’s a lot of players that can’t or won’t take risks on the ball, either because of confidence or the fact that they simply aren’t that type of player. The lack of quality we have in certain areas doesn’t help matters but Sarri must take some of the blame and this is the area in which he needs to improve in as the season goes on. The trick is finding the balance between defence and attack and also a lot of this can depend on who we’re playing as well. This is what I’d like to see him get the time to develop and this is what I’ll be judging him on. As I walking out of Stamford Bridge last night there was a foul mood in the air but Sarri needs time. I’m not saying he’s going to succeed if he’s given that but what’s the point otherwise? Short terminism is what this club is about and some would even point to the way in which the club conducts itself and then point to the club’s success and say it’s a model more than worth following. This nature of short terminism infests itself in all areas though and as time has passed, it’s helped influence Chelsea fans’ reactions as well. Chelsea are in danger of not getting top four but what if Sarri didn’t? What is the measuring stick people are using? What are the fans using? The board? For some it maybe trophies and results. Some the top four. For some simply the fact that we’re on the right track. Success can also be subjective. Sometimes there’s more to things than what meets the eye and sometimes success masks, hides, and keeps at bay other things.

I think you have to judge the players' execution of the manager's tactics. In general, from the start to about 60% of the way through the Conte and Mourinho title-winning seasons, the players performed instructions to a very high level. I’m not saying this hasn’t happened with Sarri and I know it’s up to the manager to get the best out of the players but let's not forget that both these managers had Costa firing on all cylinders at least for half a season’s worth. Under Conte until about January that season Costa was playing on an unreal level, best player in the league up until that point. Sarri doesn’t have a striker like that to rely on for at least a significant period. I agree of late (let’s say the last three weeks of so) we’ve been void of any creativity whatsoever but before that we were creating a lot, only to be punished on different occasions by a lack of a killing edge. What difference might a striker performing on Costa’s level had made to our current position in the table? My guess would be we would have seen a significant difference.

I agree with some of what you say mate but there's a lot I differ on. Great post though and always good to get different opinions.

One of those cases where a band's lesser-known song is their best...

Let them sink or swim!

Often when a starting player is not performing, the reputation and ratings of the player in reserve go up. This is what's happening with Alonso and Emerson. Emerson has shown some good things when starting, things that Alonso simply doesn't offer. However, at the same time, I can't help but feel when seeing Emerson get the odd opportunity that he doesn't fully make the most of it. I would like to see a bit more passion and energy about him. The thing is he needs to start games that matter, rather than just being used as the player to allow Alonso to get some rest. Put him in with the other regular starters and let him sink or swim. The same goes for Zappacosta. At least, he'll give things a go in attack and he plays with some balls. Dave as much as I've loved him over the years looks very awkward on the ball particularly under pressure in the attacking third. Both Emerson and Zappacosta cost us around 40 million pounds. Give them a go. At the minute, they'll only end up leaving due to lack of game time. And next time Chelsea, don't spend so much money on reserves.

Merry Christmas you filthy animals.

We'd be fucked without him mate really. Plus, there's no way I'd trust the club to spend that money wisely. It was a bad miss but he was unlucky in the fact that if it was a couple of inches lower, he would have scored. It wasn't a question of technique, choice, body positioning or execution. Like we've witnessed all season from some of the other players. Some may say he should have put it to the side but I don't think you can be overly critical.

Our presence in the Europa League and ranking in the league table is a clear reflection of the level we are at. This isn't good enough but we need to give Sarri time. I already see fans turning on the manager but the fact of the matter is the three managers above us have had at least two years or more to develop their teams. It's very important the club decision-makers take a look at those around us, back the manager in a similar manner and see what happens. The Champions League win in 2012 fittingly marked the end of that great generation of players we had. The club in that summer after spent a lot of money on attacking players which were talked about as a change in identity for the club. Di Matteo struggled to make the transition and Benitez came in that season as a stop gap. We then had Mourinho, Mourinho type players were signed, players that didn't suit him left and the same then again happened with Conte. The club backs and definitely works with the managers to get the players they want, players that suit the playing style. Even if particular targets aren't bought, the club definitely works to get the next best alternatives. They work with the manager's philosophy. What the club needs to do now though is take a look around, look at the current climate in football and realize the manager deserves the time and backing to develop this team. This is a call I've made countless times for previous managers in the past but now more than ever it's something that needs to be done. The club is about winning and the short term but I just think the current environment in this league and other factors mean that they have to afford the current manager more time than usual. The club spent millions and millions on Conte type players last season. If Conte was still here, there's no doubt in my mind Drinkwater, for example, would still be getting games and not completely out of favor like he is now. What does the club do? Get rid of Conte the same season. On a substantial level, how does this make sense? And what is more, the club get in a completely different style of manager for the next season. Part of the reason fans at our club turn on managers is the climate of short-termism that Abramovich has ingrained into the club. Transition and development doesn't necessarily have to come at the cost of no trophies as well. Football fans tend to take a black and white view towards it. If I was in charge of the club I'd be insisting at least 1-3 of our youngsters were getting embedded properly into the team, the current manager would be given at least two years guaranteed and enough backing in the transfer windows as well. All of this I'd hope would see us be able to finish top four (or at least be in clear contention) and to also have a good runs in the cups. With the hope of at least winning something. This shows how far we've declined in a way. Playing good football, with youngsters in the team is perhaps a utopian time vision for my club but still. The fact that youngsters were playing alone would be enough to satisfy most Chelsea fans, as long as we didn't completely drop out on a competitive level. Anyway, let's hope the club's decision makers realize the benefits more time could bring.

I remember the summer we signed Hazard from Lille and he was linked with a lot of tops clubs in England and around Europe and that summer he released a video of some sort for fans. The video was something, like 'who will Hazard sign for'? And it had a list of clubs mentioned teasing everyone. All very embarrassing and shameful but it also lacked a lot of respect for Lille at the time even if maybe they were sure he was definitely on the way out. I always remember thinking at the time that this guy could be a character and cause a bit of trouble but he's been all good really, think he comes across as a very likeable and cool bloke in his interviews etc. Something I've never thought of but perhaps his flirtation with Real Madrid is a continuation of that summer we signed in from Lille.

@The Liquidator Yes, it would be interesting to see minutes per goals / assist stat for Willian with regards to that. Saying you're the third Brazilian to it though isn't really saying much, I can't think of many other attacking Brazilian players that A. have done consistently well in this league and B. that have stayed around long enough to achieve that sort of statistic. Juninho must be close but can't think of anyone else off the top of my head.

Been doing the rounds recently. Nice watch.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek should be starting the next 5-8 matches, he deserves a good run in the team like Barkley and Kovacic before him. Allow Ruben the time like the other two had to get use to the role as I feel his potential is a lot more than what I believe Barkley and Kovacic can offer.

What do we reckon is going to happen with free movement and living and working abroad?

Loves a chat during the international break. Anyway, surprised this didn't happen sooner to be honest with you. I can't of course claim to know Morata personally but judging by all the interviews and things I've read about him over the years, the mental side of his game is one of his biggest issues. Credit to him for seeking help.