There's also something to be said about loading your team up with super talented, possession-based players that takes the pressure off of your defense being perfect. That said, we need a dude to clear some frigging balls already.
The thing here is, COVID-19 is a massive strain on almost everyone and for whatever reason it isn't for us. From the reporting here, he's either staying at Bayer or he's coming to us because no one can seemingly afford it.
OMG yes. Kepa's clearance early yesterday was awful, the ball by Ross though was even worse. Kepa had to run 30 yards because both AC and Zouma stood stationary.
Also need to add to the Kai news. Real, as things stand, can't afford him this year either unless they sell a few and who in the hell is going to take Gareth Bale and his wages in this market?
I hate to judge a player off of one game (recent German cup) especially against Bayern, but Kai seemed very stationary in his movements. We're a team built with the mentality of everyone returning to defend; will he offer that? How will he be deployed?
No offense taken, I guess? [emoji2369] Sarri wasn’t even out the door yet when the ban came into the picture. Without the ban you’re positive we would have brought in Frank? Nobody else was at the time. You could certainly argue that Frank might not have been viewed as the right fit without the ban (many people did). Even if he was hired, would he have built his staff the same without the ban in place? Would he have had the leverage as a new (and inexperienced, Club legend or no) manager to push the youth movement to the degree he has? Would that have even been his plan? Seems like you’re making a lot of assumptions in hindsight. Happy to agree to disagree. I’m just happy everything has turned out as it has: my favorite player has become manager of my favorite team and has hardly put a foot wrong despite extraordinary circumstances. It’s good stuff.
Backing Jimbo here.. We were railroaded into making a play for Frank and promoting youth players. What exactly was our other option?
Yes, it does seem like that. But does Roman ever get railroaded? Always options for Roman it seems, he is never been afraid to use money to influence a situation in that he could have brought in a BIG name manager. We would have had to still had to use the youth and the loan contingent though. Roman and the club have always been developing the youth and it just takes time and then a whole bunch of talented youngsters come along at once. So far it has worked out nicely and now we are looking forward to new players next season to play alongside the youths. How many will go out on loan? Which of them will go out on loan or be sold? I hope we keep Tomori around, as I like him, fastest defender we have and maybe even the fastest player at the club.
I just mean that we hear pretty regularly from announcers how the ban means that's the only reason that Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Reece James etc are in the team. Rival fans say the same thing. Sarri was rumored to be out early last year like they started bringing it up in February if I remember correctly. I don't think that was some bullshit rumor, there was obviously some truth to it because basically nothing comes out of the club's hierarchy that isn't supposed to be leaked. Of course this is all conjecture on my part. The rumors of Frank returning to the club started pretty early as well. Once the ban hit, I don't think there was any way it wasn't going to be Frank because Sarri was likely going to bail at his first chance (and I don't blame him, the fans didn't take to him and managing Juve is the Italian managers dream). Frank was probably the only person who would be willing to take this job. You can't tell me that Chelsea didn't want him as Roman is obviously sentimental to former players (Cech). To my other point, Frank brought Jody and Joe with him to Derby, almost all managers bring their trusted assistants with them. Frank was always going to bring those guys, who just so happen to be the greatest two youth coaches we've ever had. Of course there was going to be an "increased" youth presence this year. As I mentioned in my post, there is no doubt, that with no ban, we would have brought some players in, but I have a hard time thinking we would have ultimately gotten some of our top targets. My thought process here is, part of the major appeal at Chelsea right now is that there is this youth revolution and I think that's a really attractive prospect for other young players. I know that's long winded, but that's about the best I can explain my thought process here. tl/dr
He can get in from my understanding, he just can't stay long term and he's been trying to get citizenship for a long time.
I think he can only get a visitors visa right now. But seeing as he’s filthy rich, owns an EPL team and spent billions there I would say he’s getting railroaded (cause he’s Russian and it’s politics) and his money won’t buy him out of it. Which was really my point. He’s doesn’t always get his way.
According to Marca, Kai really wants Madrid not Chelsea... lol their so transparent. Their literally the nothing but Madrid propaganda. https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2020/07/08/5f04e3b8ca4741a2398b45df.html
Yes all the top players would rather play for Real Madrid. But cash is tight. I am sure that Real Madrid could secure all the players they want through swap deals? James Rodriguez for Mbappe makes the most sense right? That would be a sweet deal for PSG. lol Juventus are offering us Adrien Rabiot or Aaron Ramsey for Jorghino. True story.
I agree and I also disagree with most of this and that in a nutshell is the problem with our back four. Y'know it would be easier if we could just blame all this on Kepa but that would be really harsh. Not sure Declan Rice is a good defender, as he has not played in defence for two years as you say. So it is hard to say. Not sure that Declan Rice is even the player for us, although he is best mates with Mason Mount and Mason is Lampard's darling according to many folks around here. imho Our best defender in terms of ball playing ability and speed is of course Fikayo Tomori [22]. Always need speed at the back these days. Ampadu is good but is he good enough? Ampadu is still only 19, so I see more loans in his future. Christensen [24] can be good and great and then he can also be awful. Is he tough? Is AC a player you would describe as tough? Zouma [25] is tough. BUT then Zouma is Zouma and then again he isn't. WE were so happy to get Rudiger [27] back from injury and now we want to throw him under the bus. Reece James [20] was a guaranteed starter for a bit, and then he wasn't and now we have moved Dave to LB again. We were happy when Conte played 3 CB's as we saw this as a way of keeping Dave [31 in August] in the starting line up. We like Dave, he is our long serving Captain. But there are better RB's out there. And as for left backs, Emerson seems like he is leaving, Alonso only wants to go forward and he can be very good at that, but he is supposed to be a defender too. Inconsistent is the best way to describe this bunch. We are messy at the back. First thing we need is a defensive coach. We need a new LB. We might also need a new RB. We probably need a new CB. Players will have to leave or go on loan. Who we replace depends on who is available and who we can get.
Some really great quotes from Giroud today, about himself and about Tammy. He seems genuinely happy that Tammy broke his drought. Absolutely top professional, hope we can keep him around
Saw a comment on WAGNH asking whether its more accurate to describe him as a model professional or a professional model, and honestly, I'm torn
Per Matt Law, Abraham has triggered another year on his deal due to an appearances clause in the contract he signed in 2017. The club is still preparing to offer him an extension/pay increase.
Pip Pep Pep pondering Please purchase https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/foot...hester-city-pondering-transfer-swoop-22330448
You want Pep to sign Alaba? Or you want us to sign Alaba? He has one year left on the deal and Munich may want to cash in, but this is likely just a way to up his bargaining power. Kind of happens all the time. The more interesting thing is around Pep. Any player coming to City is likely coming for money. But they have to consider that (1) City may be banned from Europe for a year, and (2) Peps deal runs out next summer. Will he extend? Hard to say. Talks will likely happen this summer before next season. Where would he go next? Italy seems likely after Sarri shits the bed at Juve. Or PSG. Those would be my two guesses.
He’d be a good get but I doubt the board go for it. He’s 28. It would also help give Bayern the money to go get Kai. We don’t want that. We need to wrap up Kai fast.