Chelsea 2018/19 - 3rd and European Champions. Sarri, not sorry

[Don _ Conte]

What did he say about Hudson-Odoi? Had a promising preseason but didn't feature since.

Callum Hudson-Odoi, what do you think of him?

“Callum has done extremely well in pre-season, one of the players who impressed the most with Ethan Ampadu. They're two players with bright futures. They are both in contention tomorrow, in the squad, and we will see.

"We have a lot of players. We didn't do a big pre-season, so these games can serve as a pre-season to give time for players like Christensen, about Cahill, an opportunity to get games. Callum and Ethan are the future of this club and we are going to take care of them."

How excited are you by his talent. Will he be in the first team regularly in the future?

“Don't forget that, when we played the Community Shield, he was in ahead of players like Victor Moses. If he hasn't got the consideration of the value, we wouldn't have done that. He is the future. But he's in a very competitive team. He has to be patient, wait for his opportunities and, when they come, take them in the best way."

 

[Klopper76]

One for the Chelsea fans here, what sort of team are you expecting from Sarri tomorrow?

I think I saw that your EL side last week was fairly strong. Expecting similar in the League Cup?

 

[Don _ Conte]

One for the Chelsea fans here, what sort of team are you expecting from Sarri tomorrow?

I think I saw that your EL side last week was fairly strong. Expecting similar in the League Cup?

Caballero
Zappa Christensen Cahill Emerson/Alonso
Fabregas
Barkley Kante
Hudson Odoi Morata Hazard

If I had to guess then I would say the above, but tbh it is a complete guess really at this point

 

[ZolaWasMagic]

Caballero
Zappa Christensen Cahill Emerson/Alonso
Fabregas
Barkley Kante
Hudson Odoi Morata Hazard

If I had to guess then I would say the above, but tbh it is a complete guess really at this point

It'll be more or less this. But i still reckon Willian over CHO. CHO is talented and Carabao cup is a good place to give him minutes, but the desperation for him to play is way over the top. Same with RLC, i dont think hes near as good as made out

 

[Spiersey]

It'll be more or less this. But i still reckon Willian over CHO. CHO is talented and Carabao cup is a good place to give him minutes, but the desperation for him to play is way over the top. Same with RLC, i dont think hes near as good as made out

He is as good as made out imo. Watched him loads for the youth side and Youth Intys, hes as good of winger as I've seen at that age level. Was v poor towards the end of the Youth League campaign last season though, but apparently he was carrying an injury. Looked very good in pre season as well, perfect change to play him tomorrow. Play kids League cup and last couple group games on EL.

 

[SCP]

One thing they should do if Sarri stays for next season is to let Cesc go and bring back Mount, he is a top talent for England.

 

[TheMagicFoolBus]

One thing they should do if Sarri stays for next season is to let Cesc go and bring back Mount, he is a top talent for England.

Mount has been brilliant and IMO has the technical quality to play in a Sarri midfield. The only issue is that he is not the sort to sit deep and dictate play - he needs to have license to go forward and attack. I do think Cesc is past it, but I don't view Mount as a like-for-like replacement.

 

[SCP]

Mount has been brilliant and IMO has the technical quality to play in a Sarri midfield. The only issue is that he is not the sort to sit deep and dictate play - he needs to have license to go forward and attack. I do think Cesc is past it, but I don't view Mount as a like-for-like replacement.

I know Mount is different than Cesc, don't see no reason why he can't play on a midfield 3 alongside Jorginho and Kanté, would be a waste to put him playing as a offensive winger or something like that just because he isn't a typical 8. All of a sudden England can solve their midfield creativity crisis with Maddison and Mount imo.

 

[TheMagicFoolBus]

I know Mount is different than Cesc, don't see no reason why he can't play on a midfield 3 alongside Jorginho and Kanté, would be a waste to put him playing as a offensive winger or something like that just because he isn't a typical 8. All of a sudden England can solve their midfield creativity crisis with Maddison and Mount imo.

Oh I agree, but the issue is that there is no one outside of Jorginho to fill that role of deep lying playmaker. As you say I think Mount would be in competition with Kovacic; the problem is that Cesc is actually now an important backup so swapping Mount in for Cesc doesn't make much sense.

 

[SCP]

Oh I agree, but the issue is that there is no one outside of Jorginho to fill that role of deep lying playmaker. As you say I think Mount would be in competition with Kovacic; the problem is that Cesc is actually now an important backup so swapping Mount in for Cesc doesn't make much sense.

Yes I was thinking Mount more for the current role of Kovacic, don't know who can replace Jorginho, but is Cesc now mainly doing the Jorginho role when he plays? If it is still would call him even if Cesc leaves, now who can do the Jorginho role is a problem for Sarri, there is always Kanté even if they are totally different.

 

[TheMagicFoolBus]

Yes I was thinking Mount more for the current role of Kovacic, don't know who can replace Jorginho, but is Cesc now mainly doing the Jorginho role when he plays? If it is still would call him even if Cesc leaves, now who can do the Jorginho role is a problem for Sarri, there is always Kanté even if they are totally different.

Hard to say definitively but at least today Cesc played the Jorginho role (much less effectively mind, he is nowhere near as mobile and does not work nearly as hard off the ball). During preseason when both were in the team Cesc took up the more advanced role, and I'd argue it's no coincidence that the midfield has been much improved since he's been out of the team.

Don't think Kante could ever play the Jorginho role as I can't ever see him becoming a comparable passer. Ampadu could potentially, but even then he's nowhere near positionally disciplined enough and he'd have to re-learn a lot of midfield play.

 

[SCP]

Hard to say definitively but at least today Cesc played the Jorginho role (much less effectively mind, he is nowhere near as mobile and does not work nearly as hard off the ball). During preseason when both were in the team Cesc took up the more advanced role, and I'd argue it's no coincidence that the midfield has been much improved since he's been out of the team.

Don't think Kante could ever play the Jorginho role as I can't ever see him becoming a comparable passer. Ampadu could potentially, but even then he's nowhere near positionally disciplined enough and he'd have to re-learn a lot of midfield play.

Anyway this only to say after this season Mount is more than prepared to be at least a squad player for Chelsea, Sarri like the others has the pressure to get results, but honestly I think he has more talent than RLC or Barkley imo.

 

[UsualSuspect]

Oh I agree, but the issue is that there is no one outside of Jorginho to fill that role of deep lying playmaker.

Kovacic. I think if Jorginho had a significant injury then he would be the guy Sarri goes to as Barkley and Kante are higher in the pecking order than Cesc. Kovacic is also surprisingly good defensively. I haven't seen too much of him at Madrid but he is quite complete as midfielder.

 

[TheMagicFoolBus]

Kovacic. I think if Jorginho had a significant injury then he would be the guy Sarri goes to as Barkley and Kante are higher in the pecking order than Cesc. Kovacic is also surprisingly good defensively. I haven't seen too much of him at Madrid but he is quite complete as midfielder.

The problem is this negates Kovacic's best attribute, which is his ability to carry the ball and also press high.

 

[Mb194dc]

Quite a strange game last night, and night of football generally. We got a bit lucky again, thought we would win once Sturridge missed that open goal, Christensen showing why he isn't first choice. He was good apart from that, he's young and he needs to learn, cut the silly mistakes out.

Good to see Cesc playing and spraying the ball around. Morata, Barkley, Kovacic all need a goal still. Hopefully we'll get a home draw in the next round and we'll finally see Ampadu and CHO play. Bring on Saturday, again not really sure what to expect, maybe a score draw.

 

[Robbie Boy]

Fair play to Sarri he’s doing an excellent job there and has implemented his style of play very quickly after that shite that Conte served up last season.

 

[Klopper76]

Quite a strange game last night, and night of football generally. We got a bit lucky again, thought we would win once Sturridge missed that open goal, Christensen showing why he isn't first choice. He was good apart from that, he's young and he needs to learn, cut the silly mistakes out.

Good to see Cesc playing and spraying the ball around. Morata, Barkley, Kovacic all need a goal still. Hopefully we'll get a home draw in the next round and we'll finally see Ampadu and CHO play. Bring on Saturday, again not really sure what to expect, maybe a score draw.

Yeah I think our finishing let you off the hook a bit. Some really bizarre mistakes allowed Sturridge and Mane to get in on goal. You controlled the first 20-25 minutes fairly well and looked comfortable once you were ahead.

Saturday will be a completely different game and probably more reserved. Hazard and Jorginho will be key for you I expect.

 

[SilentWitness]

I think he's been pretty smart with the way he's been playing certain players and dropping/not starting more established stars at times or easing them in so to speak. He's given some of the people you'd have expected to be fringe players a lot of confidence going into the rest of the season and they'll be relishing the challenge. Helps a bit having Hazard on fire too.

 

[TheMagicFoolBus]

Yeah I think our finishing let you off the hook a bit. Some really bizarre mistakes allowed Sturridge and Mane to get in on goal. You controlled the first 20-25 minutes fairly well and looked comfortable once you were ahead.

Saturday will be a completely different game and probably more reserved. Hazard and Jorginho will be key for you I expect.

Agree with this - thought Liverpool weren't fully sure how to press optimally during the first ~30 minutes or so, but came to grips for the next 45 or so by taking advantage of Fabregas' tiring by pressing him aggressively. Liverpool also figured out how to structure & press when Chelsea were trying to play out of the back, which led to difficulty for our backups in the defense as well.

Klopp's comments after were accurate I thought - he said the team has a much better sense of how to set up and play against Sarri's system now, so it'll be interesting to see if it carries over or if the return of Chelsea's more technical defenders / midfielders will offset this. Jorginho will be key - he's much much more press resistant than Fabregas, so I expect the ball going to Kante will be the pressing trigger.

 

[Theafonis]

I think he's been pretty smart with the way he's been playing certain players and dropping/not starting more established stars at times or easing them in so to speak. He's given some of the people you'd have expected to be fringe players a lot of confidence going into the rest of the season and they'll be relishing the challenge. Helps a bit having Hazard on fire too.

Needs to drop Willian/Morata going forward and start someone else. As much as I like CHO, we need another goal scoring wide forward.

 

[DRM]

Needs to drop Willian/Morata going forward and start someone else. As much as I like CHO, we need another goal scoring wide forward.

Who is CHO?

 

[IrishRedDevil]

Who is CHO?

Callum Hudson-Odoi. Pacy, exciting 17 year old English winger.

 

[UsualSuspect]

The problem is this negates Kovacic's best attribute, which is his ability to carry the ball and also press high.

Sure it does. The same as it is when playing Kante further forward. But with Sarri the system > the individual.

 

[TheMagicFoolBus]

Sure it does. The same as it is when playing Kante further forward. But with Sarri the system > the individual.

Fair point! Here's hoping Kovacic will still be at the club next year personally!

 

[sglowrider]

Roman Abramovich: New contender emerges as Russian considers cashing in on Chelsea
The Blues have shelved plans to reconstruct Stamford Bridge after Abramovich's UK visa problems
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/roman-abramovich-new-contender-emerges-13322423

a new name has now surfaced, Paul Allen, the American business magnate, who owns the Portland Trail Blazers and Seattle Seahawks.
The 65-year-old is reported by Euro United as having met with Pini Zahavi in September in New York concerning the possibility of buying out Abramovich.

Allen was the co-founder of Microsoft with Bill Gates, and has a strong interest in sport with his NBA and NFL franchises, as well as part ownership in MLS franchise Seattle Sounders.
His familiarity with running sports teams could present himself as an attractive successor to Abramovich in the eyes of Blues fans should a sale develop.

 

[el3mel]

Roman will sell sooner or later.

Hopefully they don't get another Billionaire who is ready to splash the cash.

 

[Don _ Conte]

Roman will sell sooner or later.

Hopefully they don't get another Billionaire who is ready to splash the cash.

Realistically if Roman is choosing to sell it will be between £2-3 Billion, whoever is buying us for that amount will continue to still pump money into us, I would be very surprised if not.

Plus our spending coupled with how well we sell has decreased the amount we are actually spending per window recently

 

[Zoo]

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

 

[SilentWitness]

Needs to drop Willian/Morata going forward and start someone else. As much as I like CHO, we need another goal scoring wide forward.

Do you think Musonda is good enough? I saw him play for your U-23s at MK Dons last season and he was the best player on the pitch. Not saying much but you could tell it was piss easy for him.

 

[Mb194dc]

Interesting BBC article. I think it'll be harder to win things playing the new style but it will also be a lot more entertaining. Don't want to pay money and sit through games like at home v City last year. Actually looking forward to every match now, knowing we're going to push high up the pitch and take them game to the opposition.

 

[SambaBoy]

Do you think Musonda is good enough? I saw him play for your U-23s at MK Dons last season and he was the best player on the pitch. Not saying much but you could tell it was piss easy for him.

His loans have been underwhelming especially the last one at Celtic. He was expected to go there and tear it up but wasn't even a regular. Can't see him every making an impression for Chelsea now, I expect him to be sold.

 

[VorZakone]

I'm surprised about Musonda though. I think he's a fantastic talent, but he really seems to need a kick up his arse.

 

[duffer]

FAO all Man United fans, we have nice football, the nicest player in the world (Kante), the best player in the history of everything (Eden) and we're you're only hope of stopping Liverpool or Man City from winning the league.

Get your shirts here...
http://www.chelseamegastore.com/

Learn the songs here...
https://theshed.chelseafc.com/shed_songs.shtml
(No jokes about us having 1 song)

Don't mention the shady stuff.

 

[HNK55]

Matic performing for United like he was for us before he left. Was very overrated by United fans I think. Guy doesn't offer much at all. Our current midfield is full of pace, technical ability and drive. Great to see how we have improved it over the last couple of years!

 

[Kentonio]

I'm surprised about Musonda though. I think he's a fantastic talent, but he really seems to need a kick up his arse.

It’s very sad, he’s outrageously talented but looking like one of those who don’t have the dedication to turn it into a top level career. We had such high hopes for him.

 

[ZolaWasMagic]

Roman will sell sooner or later.

Hopefully they don't get another Billionaire who is ready to splash the cash.

It will. We as a club would only sell to someone who huge wealth and able to invest massively. I think itll be Jim Ratcliffe or a man city type takeover should it happen (hope it doesnt)

 

[Prometheus]

It’s very sad, he’s outrageously talented but looking like one of those who don’t have the dedication to turn it into a top level career. We had such high hopes for him.

He wasn't given chances at Celtic, even on the back of good performances.

 

[Adisa]

Sarri has them passing the ball so well. Look at that goal. The way they move it across the lines is miles ahead of us.

 

[Mailo]

Sarri has them passing the ball so well. Look at that goal. The way they move it across the lines is miles ahead of us.

Embarrassing for us. Absolutely embarrassing.

 

[Adisa]

Embarrassing for us. Absolutely embarrassing.

They genuinely looked like a worse footballing side than us for much of last season.
It just shows you how much coaching has an effect.