The new season is obviously taking shape and all fans are excited, whether your team has performed well in preseason or not. Everyone is optimistic, in any case preseason is meant to give the manager an opportunity to access his players, try different formations and at the same time identify areas of weakness.
The same is an opportunity for new players to show the manager and fans what they can do and so far, the new signings have shown us a glimpse of what to expect. Chelsea has made three signings, Mark Schwarzer, Schurrle and Van Ginkel. We have also had KDB, Lukaku, Essien and a host of young players coming back from loan.
As we wait for the new season, we all have expectations and having watched Chelsea for over 15years now I sincerely hope this time, Mou will address some challenges the team has been facing over the last couple of seasons.
1. First team
It was difficult to know Chelsea’s first team, especially during Raphael Benitez time. We all know he is a master of team rotation policy, but that whereas it may have an advantage to your team, its effect s are sometimes detrimental. It is true, the opposing team may not know which players to expect and that, tactically is a plus but then again, it may not give you the desired results as your team also needs to play together consistently, so that can understand each other well. During Jose Mourinho’s first reign, we all knew the central pairing was JT, Carvalho and sometimes Gallas or Huth depending on injuries or suspensions. But even then, anytime JT would partner Huth, at the back of our minds we would know Huth was not our first team player, but had stepped in for either an injured Gallas or a suspended Carvalho.
I am not saying Huth or Gallas weren’t good, no. I am only saying that defense was consistent and perhaps that’s why we kept a record number of clean sheets or conceded fewer goals.
This time and based on performances I would like to see a first team, especially in defense.
2. Formation
One big advantage of having young players is that they can play in a number of positions. Jose Mourinho prefers the 4-3-3 formation. However, if a team is unable to unlock the opponent’s defense, then I would want to see a change in formation. I wish to see the manager change his squad, perhaps from 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2.
I want us to avoid the “AVB syndrome” where one sticks to a formation regardless of whether the tea m is leading, drawing, playing away from home or has one player suspended.
The same “AVB syndrome” affected Carlo Ancelloti in his second season. Having won a double in our first season, Ancelloti didn’t make any major signings except Ramires. Our goals during this season came mostly from our left side, where both Malouda and Ashley Cole were excellent. The following season, its like the other nineteen teams in EPL figured this out. We stuck to the same formation and in the end; we experienced another trophy less season.
Change of formation is not as same as change of personality. You can’t achieve so much if you sub Hazard and bring in Moses. Or sub Cesar (his second name is a nightmare folks) and bring in Ivanovic. That, to a large extend is a mere change of personality. But when we are trailing a team and then you sub Cole and bring in Lukaku, as risky as this may seem It will get the opposition worried and perhaps will track back.
3. Squad Depth
Last season, we had close to 30players on loan and at some point it was reported that Chelsea were suffering from squad depth. Now, this was unfortunate considering we were playing in over seven competitions. We needed a huge squad. At some point, we had Benayoun warming the Chelsea bench, while at the same time we had KDB playing so well for Bremen. Up until January, we only had one recognized striker in Torres while Lukaku was outscoring him at Westbrom. We decided to sell Sturridge to Liverpool at a time when our squad was lean and needed additions.
We were humiliated at Newcastle simply because of the physical imposition of Cissoko, aman who we all know Essien would have easily dealt with, and yet he was busy dealing with Messi and co.
I would wish to see Mou ensure we have a bigger squad, capable to not only compete well but also reduce the effects of suspensions and injuries.
4. Young players
If there’s anything preseason has made us aware, is the fact that we have an exciting young squad and in the near future, with the financial fair play rules taking effect, the team is well covered. Its no secret that some young players haven’t developed at the rate initially thought they would. Josh McEachran, Gael Kakuta and Todd Kane are among players who should be given an opportunity, preferably away on loan to prove themselves. As this is done, Traore, Piazon, Chalobah, KDB, Lukaku , Omeruo are obviously ready for first team action and should be loaned, with the worst case scenario being loaning them to premier league clubs.
We have carling cup matches, FA Cup qualifying matches that these young players can take an advantage of. We have had some terrible experiences, where our young players end up making headlines elsewhere. The ten million Liverpool spent on Borini should have come to Chelsea, the 7 million City spend on Scot Sinclair should have been paid to Chelsea, if only we werea alittle patient and gave them an opportunity. Jack Cork last season was the Southampton’s key man in midfield, a time when we had to bring DL4 to midfield since we didn’t have numbers. And don’t even get me started on Nemanja Matic’s buyout clause at Benfica
Its important to loan out players for them to develop, but its important to try and fast track the same where possible, but either allowing them to play in lesser competitions or sending them to the right clubs.
5. Power Struggle
It has been well documented just how players have so much power at Chelsea. Some even more than the manager! It’s said that André Shevchenko, a close friend of Abramovich had a hand in Jose Mourinho’s sacking. I would like to see Mou take charge from the word go, especially in the sensitive issues of squad management and team selection.
I would wish to have Mou this time given a free role on who should start where and no interference from the senior players, the club owner or even the fans.
That free role is very necessary for our success.
6. Patience
What happens if (God forbid) Chelsea do not win a trophy this coming season? What happens if Chelsea loses the first 5games? Will the club, the board, the fans and the players be patient with Mourinho’s? Well, I have never had doubt in my mind that Mourinho is the best coach for Chelsea and in my opinion, the best coach in the world. We have a young squad which we all must be patient with. Well, its his second time in charge but I can confirm to you, in the eyes of many, he is our new manager. We all must give him time. The squad has changed, Rooney has hair now, the competition is tougher and the noisy neighbors are now busy in the transfer market. A lot has surely changed!!
I wish to have these issues addressed or taken care of. Should this happen, ladies and gentlemen prepare yourselves for a treble!! Until then, KTBFFH!!
