It’s almost three months since the magnificent conclusion to what was a very mediocre season and once again we start a new season with a mix of anticipation and some concern.
It is fair to say that but for the miracles of Camp Nou and the Allianz Arena, there would have been no Champions League football this season, meaning considerably lower revenues and almost certainly no Hazard or Oscar at Chelsea.
It just goes to show what a fine line there is between remaining at the highest level and slipping down among the also-rans as has happened to Liverpool. This should serve as a reminder to the players that no team and no group of players has a divine right to be at the top, unless they give 100% at all times.
While to date only three players have left the club, it is the departure of Didier Drogba and the arrival of Oscar, Hazard and Marin which emphasize that a revolution is taking place at Stamford Bridge. From being a team with a powerful and athletic midfield, suddenly the engine room of the team is filled with smaller, pacier and more creative players.
With Drogba now part of the club’s history and Lukaku on a season long loan at West Bromwich Albion, for the first time in a decade Chelsea no longer has the option of hitting the ball long to a target man. Rumour is rife that one of the potential signings will be a top class striker; but unless a player similar in style to Drogba is brought in before the transfer window closes, the team must play to the strength of players such as Torres and Sturridge, who like the ball to feet.
If preseason is any sort of indication as to Chelsea’s style of play, it appears that we are not witnessing a playing revolution, rather a very slow and at times tortuous evolution. Any major change in personnel requires a period of adaptation and Chelsea supporters must be patient during the early part of the season as the manager tweaks both playing styles and personnel, until he finds his optimum setup.
Roberto Di Matteo’s managerial skills were put to the test at the end of last season and in cup competitions he passed with flying colours; however the challenge he faces to mould the new Chelsea into an effective unit will be a far tougher assignment than anything he faced last season.
Winning the Champions League exceeded the expectations of virtually all Chelsea supporters but despite this, there are plenty who believe that the task of rebuilding Chelsea is beyond Di Matteo. Could it be that Roman Abramovich is building a Barcelona style Chelsea team in anticipation of bringing in Pep Guardiola next season?
Preseason is a time for the squad to regain fitness; but match sharpness and awareness of how teammates play only happens when the players play in competitive games. Throughout preseason there was rustiness to the performances and a general lack of urgency. Despite plenty of possession there was almost zero penetration in the final third and very few clear cut chances were created. Defensively Chelsea were sloppy and shambolic, conceding a fair number of goals against average opposition.
From the few glimpses of Eden Hazard it is clear that Chelsea have purchased a player with remarkable talent and with vision and ability to open up defences. When he plays wide left he appears to lack the defensive appetite to cover back and assist the defence, which is something crucial in the system that Chelsea play at present. Of course we don’t know yet whether he will be used on the left, behind the striker or in a floating role, especially once he is joined by Mata and Oscar.
The other significant midfield purchase was that of Oscar, who at only 20 appears to be the perfect all round midfielder. Watching him perform in the Brazil Olympic team it was clear that it is Oscar who orchestrates the midfield, always looking to take responsibility and the player with the vision to open up opposing defences.
While he will be inevitably remembered for the goal scoring opportunity he squandered deep in injury time during the Olympic final against Mexico, it is overall play throughout the competition that should be remembered.
The biggest challenge for the 66kg Brazilian will be to adapt to the robust and physical challenges he can expect in the Premier League. Fortunately he has the support of a number of fellow Brazilians at Stamford Bridge who will help his transition.
Chelsea’s defensive setup currently remains unchanged, although it appears that another right back will soon arrive to replace the departed Bosingwa. The trio of Terry, Cahill and David Luiz are likely to fill the central defensive roles, with Terry perhaps suspended for a lengthy period if the FA decide to punish him over the Anton Ferdinand affair. The emergence of Ryan Bertrand ensures that there is defensive cover for Ashley Cole, who cannot be expected to play quite as often, even though he is rightly regarded as one of the world’s best left backs.
One real area of concern is whether the backup goalkeepers are of a high enough standard to cover for Petr Cech, should he suffer a long term injury. While it is logical that Courtois carries on playing for Atletico Madrid, are Turbull or Hilario sufficiently good as cover?
The two English stalwarts of the Chelsea team still have a major part to play despite reaching the latter parts of their careers. A combination of injury and age has resulted in Lampard playing a more restrained, but nevertheless very effective role. Last season Lampard played only 26 league games, plus four as substitute, yet still finished equal top goal scorer in the league and overall top scorer for Chelsea in all competitions.
Terry also missed periods of last season through injury; but while he is still a supreme team leader and plays a major role behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge, his lack of pace is potentially more of an issue. Ironically in a season where Chelsea struggled to score goals, Terry’s six league goals were the most he has scored in any season.
Predictions for the new season
Premier League: There are too many variables to make anything other than a pure guess; but based on the quality of new players to compliment an already very good squad, Chelsea should finish the season no lower than 2nd or 3rd and with a chance of winning the league.
Champions League: Having finally won the cup with the big ears, priority switches back to the Premier League. No team has retained the Champions League title, so expect an exit at the quarter or semi-finals this season.
Carling Cup: Just as last season, this competition will be used to blood some of the younger squad players; so expect elimination at the quarter final stage.
FA Cup: It took us so long to win our first FA Cup; but have now won it four times in the last six years and six times in 15 years. Chelsea will win the FA Cup this season, making it a total of eight FA Cup triumphs, one more than Liverpool (who has the most history?) and level with Tottenham.
Other Competitions:
Community Shield: A pity that it’s not being played at our home ground of Wembley, but still think Chelsea can overcome Manchester City.
Super Cup: A narrow victory for the boys in Blue, with none other than Torres scoring against his old team.
World Club Championship: A nuisance for Chelsea to have to fly half way across the world in mid-December and very much a major event for Brazilian club Corinthians; however having gone all the way it will be Chelsea’s Brazilians who will leave Japan as winners.
Hopes for the new season
Emergence of young talent from the Academy: It is time to see one or two of the Chelsea Academy given playing time with the first team. Ones to watch: Nathan Chalobah, Billy Clifford, Lucas Piazon, Islam Feruz.
Less Controversy: It’s about time that the media focused on Chelsea and their football, rather than always digging for dirt. Ashley Cole is finally receiving the respect for what he does on the field, now it is time for the same to be applied to John Terry.
Sexier Football: It may take time; but would really like to see Chels evolve into a team that plays exciting, attacking football.
To Chelsea supporters wherever you are in the world remember to Keep the Blue Flag Flying High.
From Stamford Bridge to Tel Aviv 