Dear Andre Villas Boas,
I hope this email finds you well. First, I take these opportunuty to wish our boys all the best in the match agaisnt Bolton that is coming in less than an hour from now. Dispite all the dissapointments, I must tell you we are still very optimistic and looking forward to this match with alot of expectations. To us, missing out on the Champions League spot is something we cant even imagine, and any efforts toward us achieving this objective is more than appreciated by us, the fans.
I want t bring to your attention my dissapointments in the manner in which you handled our Napoli match. I was earger and was hoping for a Valencia kind of approach, where Chelsea were generally superior to Valencia as we confirmed our qualification to the knock out stages.
We have had claims that Chelsea has "dead wood" who are not committed then why the hell on earth do you leave Romeu on the bench.(Did he feature at all) Is he dead wood too? According to you, you would rather play your good for nothing Meirelles, and leave Oriol Romeu on the bench, a player who has done his job superbly. A player who all fans think can develop and grow into a midfield maestro, fitting perfectly into the Makelele role, a player who a section of the fans think has the skills of Makelele and the body of Alex and is perfect for premiership. Why AVB, why?
AVB, you take us to Napoli, a team which plays 3-5-2. A team which relies on three deadly players. Hamsik, Lavezzi and Cavanni. I thought, as a one time opposition scout, we had our work cut out for us. As an opposition scout, i expected you to have issued instructions to our players, to focus on getting Napoli out of the game. With such an attacking talent Napoli had, why did you play without a holding midfielder? Why did you stick with the 4-3-3 formation even when we were outnumbered in midfield?
Am glad you finally heeded to our advise and played Mata centrally. But we all know Mata is more of an attacking threat and hence when he plays centrally especially in the 4-3-3 formation, you must have a strong holding midfielder. I believe you had those those options. Essien, Romeu and Mikel. So, why did you allow Napoli to control our midfield?
Your intention was to play Bosingwa left back. Perhaps because Ashley Cole had not fully recovered. On what basis was your judgement sir? And, having watched Betrand play against Birmingham and not having put a foot wrong in the entire match, wasnt it not enough to have him start the match in place of Bosingwa?
AVB,need i remind you that Walter Materazzi, the Napoli coach in the build up to tuesday’s match and having been banned from the touchline said his assistant was more of a technical genius. I agree. He won tactically. Look at Cavani for instance, he scored one and assisted the other two and from a deeper position. Cavani was playing more from a second striker position as opposed to center forward position, due to his pace and power. When a striker plays deep and bursts forward every moment is always a problem for the opposing defenders. Some will chose to follow him, others would ignore and leave him to the midfielders to track him down. Chelsea defenders chose to ignore and leave him to the midfielders (who weren’t there) and since 4-3-3 has only three in the middle, there was no one to track Cavani. And anytime the defenders would track Cavani, Lavezzi will automatically find himself in space and bam….!
If you didnt see that with the first goal, you should have seen with the second and perhaps would have avoided the third.
And would you sir care to explain to me what your game plan was? Was it to attack, defend or what exactly did you tell the boys to do? And if it didn't work, did you make any tactical substitutions or was yours the normal change of personality.
I am asking, i need answers. Thereafter, I will blame the old players.
Yours truly,
Frank Oloo
www.toksoccer.blogspot.com
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Chelsea Vs Napoli Preview: If I were Andre Villas Boas:
Napoli play the 3-5-2 formation with Marek Hamsik behind Lavezzi and Cavani. To me, Marek Hamsik is the most dangerous player with six goals this season, seven assists and has had thirty four shots. He is the sort of player, who will give a killer pass or go for goal himself if given room.
If I was Andre Villas Boas, I would play 4-5-1 with Didier Drogba upfront, with two in midfield, two wide men and one midfielder behind a striker. The 4-5-1 formation was successfully employed by Arsene Wenger the last time he won a league tittle since it remains 4-5-1 while defending and automatically turns to 4-3-3 when you have the ball. And with Sturridge’s pace and Drogba’s ability to hold the ball on his day, within no time Napoli’s 3 man defense will find itself short in numbers.
Andre Villas Boas in my opinion has two options, to attack and come out with something or defend and hope for a draw then finish off the game at Stamford Bridge. However, given the current home form Chelsea would rather attack and make most of the opportunities they get than wait for the home game which could be uncertain.
One thing Chelsea must avoid is the high defensive line. This could prove costly. I watched the last match Napoli played over the weekend, away to Fiorentina and could help but realize that Lavezzi is a very fast forward who doesn’t track back even during corner kicks, waiting for counter attacks. Napoli’s third goal was a master class, traditional counter attacking football that Chelsea fans are popular with during the Duff-Robben era. Chelsea can therefore not afford to let David Luiz (who in my opinion is somehow re-discovering his form) stroll forward at will, the repercussions could be disastrous.
So who is the most dangerous player Chelsea should take note of, in my opinion Marek Hamsik. Again, I would borrow from Jose Mourinho’s style. While playing AC Milan while at Inter Milan, Ronaldinho was the best player then in the runner up to that match. There were some people suggesting to Mourinho to employ a man marking tactic, but all he did was to ensure the ball didn’t reach Ronaldinho. I can imagine the instructions were, “Don’t man mark him, but just ensure the ball doesn’t get to him” and it worked. Chelsea could do the same against Napoli, ensure the ball doesn’t reach Hamsik and if it does, don’t give him room to dictate play. I think in my opinion, this match like any other will be won in midfield.
The 4-3-3 formation, with one holding midfielder is risky. Man City played the same style against Napoli and they paid a heavy price, with one holding midfielder. Its also important to note that in some matches, Napoli have played Hamsik and Lavezzi behind Cavani and am sure should the initial formation fail to impress, they could revert to the later. (Where Lavezzi and Hamsik play behind Cavani)
Cech,= Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole. = Essien, Romeu.=Ramires, Sturridge= Mata Didier
Ramires and Essien’s ability to burst forward could be the key, especially when Chelsea has the ball. This will also give Chelsea advantage since there will be potential match winners in Frank Lampard and Kalou on the bench.
That would be my approach to this tricky away match, but then again am not the coach.
If I was Andre Villas Boas, I would play 4-5-1 with Didier Drogba upfront, with two in midfield, two wide men and one midfielder behind a striker. The 4-5-1 formation was successfully employed by Arsene Wenger the last time he won a league tittle since it remains 4-5-1 while defending and automatically turns to 4-3-3 when you have the ball. And with Sturridge’s pace and Drogba’s ability to hold the ball on his day, within no time Napoli’s 3 man defense will find itself short in numbers.
Andre Villas Boas in my opinion has two options, to attack and come out with something or defend and hope for a draw then finish off the game at Stamford Bridge. However, given the current home form Chelsea would rather attack and make most of the opportunities they get than wait for the home game which could be uncertain.
One thing Chelsea must avoid is the high defensive line. This could prove costly. I watched the last match Napoli played over the weekend, away to Fiorentina and could help but realize that Lavezzi is a very fast forward who doesn’t track back even during corner kicks, waiting for counter attacks. Napoli’s third goal was a master class, traditional counter attacking football that Chelsea fans are popular with during the Duff-Robben era. Chelsea can therefore not afford to let David Luiz (who in my opinion is somehow re-discovering his form) stroll forward at will, the repercussions could be disastrous.
So who is the most dangerous player Chelsea should take note of, in my opinion Marek Hamsik. Again, I would borrow from Jose Mourinho’s style. While playing AC Milan while at Inter Milan, Ronaldinho was the best player then in the runner up to that match. There were some people suggesting to Mourinho to employ a man marking tactic, but all he did was to ensure the ball didn’t reach Ronaldinho. I can imagine the instructions were, “Don’t man mark him, but just ensure the ball doesn’t get to him” and it worked. Chelsea could do the same against Napoli, ensure the ball doesn’t reach Hamsik and if it does, don’t give him room to dictate play. I think in my opinion, this match like any other will be won in midfield.
The 4-3-3 formation, with one holding midfielder is risky. Man City played the same style against Napoli and they paid a heavy price, with one holding midfielder. Its also important to note that in some matches, Napoli have played Hamsik and Lavezzi behind Cavani and am sure should the initial formation fail to impress, they could revert to the later. (Where Lavezzi and Hamsik play behind Cavani)
Cech,= Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole. = Essien, Romeu.=Ramires, Sturridge= Mata Didier
Ramires and Essien’s ability to burst forward could be the key, especially when Chelsea has the ball. This will also give Chelsea advantage since there will be potential match winners in Frank Lampard and Kalou on the bench.
That would be my approach to this tricky away match, but then again am not the coach.
Andre Villas Boas on borrowed time and its entirely his fault!
Is there anything Andre Villas Boas has done to guarantee the fans that things might change? If it is players, why can’t he use the young guns who are dying to be involved? Sturridge is on form, saving Chelsea team every now and then, why can’t he be played as a Center forward? Why does Andre Villas Boas stick Mata to the left of the midfield even when it is evident he is a play maker? Is is rocket science to understand that formations change every now and then depending on the opposition, score and the players at hand.
I have supported Chelsea long enough to understand Chelsea’s abilities and ambitions and just like the Chelsea fans who walk down Fulham road every match day to sing for the "Pride Of London" we know what Chelsea team can do. It’s never been about the players. Nowhere in the world do we expect players to learn the coach, it’s the coach who ought to learn his players. If your system doesn’t fit a player, it can never be all the players and if it is, then as a coach you ought to come up with a system that suits your players. As a coach you make most of your player’s abilities. Here are examples, Kolo Toure was once a mid fielder at Arsenal, Didier Drogba was once a center back , Yaya Toure was a striker but their coaches realized they could make most of their abilities in different positions. Back at home, Osborne Monday is a midfielder, but he plays much better at right back in a 4-5-1 formation for Sofapaka. Thats the difference between a coach and a wanna be coach.
Chelsea has a young, able player in every position. Why cant they be relied upon if it is the so called Player power that is threatening its campaign?
We have been true Chelsea fans even before Abramovich arrived with his money bags. We had ambitions then, and we do now. Our expectations have obviously changed. So as a coach, you either meet our expectations or we shall continue singing Jose Mourinho's name every match day. And of course, in return we expect a bunch of excuses from Avb. We probably didnt win because Ramires runs too much or Drogba hasnt done his hair yet.....Nkt!
I recall when Mou was at Chelsea, Frank Lampard was runner up Fifa world player of the year behind Ronaldinho. Mourinho then said, that actually Lampard was the best player in the world. This is a player who can shoot, dribble, give along pass, give a short pass and very dangerous on dead ball situation. Of course the whole world knew Lampard was good, but definitely not better than Ronaldinho.
Exist Chelsea and he goes to Inter. During his CL winning season, Mourinho told the Italian press to forget about Christiano Ronaldo and Messi. That the best player in the world was Wesley Sneider. That the guy always gave him what he asked for, played with passion and followed instructions to the core. A season before CL winning season, he claimed Ibrahimovic was the best player he ever saw. Infact, at one time while Sweden were playing in a world cup match, Mourinho convinced Moratti to ensure Ibrahimovic was brought back to Milan via his own private jet. Mourinho said,
The same Mourinho, swapped Ibrahimovic with Etoo the following year and went on the press to say that was "best business he has ever done in football history and that only a stupid coach wouldn’t go for such a deal. Am sure at the moment, if you ask Mou who the best player is, he will definitely say Christiano Ronaldo, closely followed by Ozil and Benzema.
My point is, as a coach you have to make your players believe in themselves. Convince them they are the best, make them believe no other player is better than them. That is always the first rule in management, which sadly lacks at my beloved Chelsea. The buck, will ultimately stop somewhere. And in the words of one football pundit, Avb better make his move before Abrahamovic makes his.
I have supported Chelsea long enough to understand Chelsea’s abilities and ambitions and just like the Chelsea fans who walk down Fulham road every match day to sing for the "Pride Of London" we know what Chelsea team can do. It’s never been about the players. Nowhere in the world do we expect players to learn the coach, it’s the coach who ought to learn his players. If your system doesn’t fit a player, it can never be all the players and if it is, then as a coach you ought to come up with a system that suits your players. As a coach you make most of your player’s abilities. Here are examples, Kolo Toure was once a mid fielder at Arsenal, Didier Drogba was once a center back , Yaya Toure was a striker but their coaches realized they could make most of their abilities in different positions. Back at home, Osborne Monday is a midfielder, but he plays much better at right back in a 4-5-1 formation for Sofapaka. Thats the difference between a coach and a wanna be coach.
Chelsea has a young, able player in every position. Why cant they be relied upon if it is the so called Player power that is threatening its campaign?
We have been true Chelsea fans even before Abramovich arrived with his money bags. We had ambitions then, and we do now. Our expectations have obviously changed. So as a coach, you either meet our expectations or we shall continue singing Jose Mourinho's name every match day. And of course, in return we expect a bunch of excuses from Avb. We probably didnt win because Ramires runs too much or Drogba hasnt done his hair yet.....Nkt!
I recall when Mou was at Chelsea, Frank Lampard was runner up Fifa world player of the year behind Ronaldinho. Mourinho then said, that actually Lampard was the best player in the world. This is a player who can shoot, dribble, give along pass, give a short pass and very dangerous on dead ball situation. Of course the whole world knew Lampard was good, but definitely not better than Ronaldinho.
Exist Chelsea and he goes to Inter. During his CL winning season, Mourinho told the Italian press to forget about Christiano Ronaldo and Messi. That the best player in the world was Wesley Sneider. That the guy always gave him what he asked for, played with passion and followed instructions to the core. A season before CL winning season, he claimed Ibrahimovic was the best player he ever saw. Infact, at one time while Sweden were playing in a world cup match, Mourinho convinced Moratti to ensure Ibrahimovic was brought back to Milan via his own private jet. Mourinho said,
The same Mourinho, swapped Ibrahimovic with Etoo the following year and went on the press to say that was "best business he has ever done in football history and that only a stupid coach wouldn’t go for such a deal. Am sure at the moment, if you ask Mou who the best player is, he will definitely say Christiano Ronaldo, closely followed by Ozil and Benzema.
My point is, as a coach you have to make your players believe in themselves. Convince them they are the best, make them believe no other player is better than them. That is always the first rule in management, which sadly lacks at my beloved Chelsea. The buck, will ultimately stop somewhere. And in the words of one football pundit, Avb better make his move before Abrahamovic makes his.
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