Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid: The End of The …
Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid: The End of The Journey. | Chelsea FC 360
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Home 360 Analysis Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid: The End of The Journey.12
By fahrurozi253 May 25, 2013
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Many football supporters around the world think that Jose Mourinho is the best manager these days. Especially to those who ve been supporting the Clubs that Jose managed. He s been successful as he collected 7 League title in 4 different countries and also won 2 Champions League in his 13 years of his successful managerial career.
As it turns out, things work differently this year.
After being trashed out by Borussia Dortmund in Champions League and only finished 2nd in La Liga, Mourinho and Real Madrid parted their journey before the season is over. So it s quite interesting to assess how The Only One, with his fantastic achievement in his CV, failed miserably at Bernabeu in his 3rd season.
He s the Mercurial One
This is not blaming game, in which I mean there s no accusation on who s wrong and who s right. This is more to managerial style of Jose Mourinho.
He doesn t want any player thinks himself bigger than the other players, the club, and Jose Mourinho himself. So they have to bow down to the rules Jose implemented and there s no special treatment. This is why Jose was successful during his tenure at Porto, Chelsea, and Inter because he was the star of the victory.
He was the king. Yet Abramovich didn t really agree with it.
Jose is the mercurial one. He has to do this in order to become the boss of everything so all the players will do his instructions.
Sounds mad? but that s what made him as successful as he is. However, in Madrid there s a player who s bigger than him: Iker Casillas.
He s bigger than everyone at Real (or Spain) at this moment. He s the captain of World Cup winning team which is adored by, probably, most of people in Spain. He s untouchable.
And Jose didn t like this of course.
We didn t seem to realize this situation until Jose benched Casillas for Diego Lopez which burning speculation about internal conflict at Bernabeu. He also spoke to media that Diego Lopez is better than Iker Casillas. Worst, he stated that the first thing he should have done when he was appointed by Florentino Perez was: get rid Casillas, buy Lopez.
That s mad. Spanish people were very angry with this comment. But Jose is being Jose.
Many people forget that he did the same to previous icon of Madrid: Raul Gonzalez. He let the Prince of Madrid, who was as admired as Casillas now, go to Schalke.
Motivational Limit
When he first arrived at Porto, Chelsea, and Inter, those clubs full of stars but they haven t win the title under their previous managers respectively. So there s habitual words said by Jose.
Like, you are the best (goalkeeper/defender/midfielder/striker) in the world to certain players just to motivate them. Also word like you ve won nothing, but you can win everything if you want to something like that. And it worked time to time.
In Real Madrid, things aren t just the same.
Jose can t say those aforementioned words to Real Madrid players as they are bunch of Champions already, especially Iker Casillas and his Spanish compatriots who ve won World Cup. I firmly believe if anyone says to Iker: you re the best goalkeeper in the world it s nothing sort of motivational words but Iker would only take that with pinch of salt. To some players who ve won nothing like Oezil, Khedira, Diego Lopez, Varane, et.
al., this might be working. But for the stars, it is not.
Lack of Appreciation
I ve been told by my friends who ve been studying in Spain that, everyone who works at Real Madrid, from the management, the players, to even the cleaning services, think they work for the best football club in the world. That s probably true though.
No matter how great a manager beat the unbeatable arch rival, Barcelona s Guardiola which was dubbed as the best football club in history, it s regarded as something usual for Madrid. Albeit Jose successfully won the league after impressive season record by reaching the highest points in Madrid history, still it s not a spectacular thing in Real Madrid s eye. It s their tradition.
Real standard is really high. In Real, winning a trophy is something that many coaches can do so Mourinho didn t really get the credit he deserves.
Egos of Galacticos
As I previously pointed, this Real Madrid team consists of various stars. Historically, Real Madrid is known for always buying stars and breaking the bank.
Not just this season as it s Real s tradition. If Casillas already won a World Cup and Cristiano won Ballon D Or once, how about the others who ve won nothing, like Oezil and Khedira? Doesn t matter.
They re all stars too. Once a player have joined Real Madrid, he s a star. There s no such thing as mediocre in Bernabeu (at least they think so).
If I said that buying stars is Real s tradition, the bad impact followed by buying stars is their tradition too.
Even some decline and underperformed players still think themselves as stars. Act like stars. In fact, some of them are actually nothing but bunch of garbage (i.e.
Pepe et. al.). Their arrogance is there, and it s massive.
Their egos have been Real first problem and it makes any coach feels difficult to handle them.
Jose Mourinho is well-known as a manager who has the biggest ego in football. He s an outspoken person who, sometimes, saying things too frank that it leads him into many troubles. But that doesn t stop him being outspoken because that morality is what drives him to success.
And when he came to Bernabeu, I believe that one day this clash of egos will happen. And that s it. We see this happening.
The battle between stars is happening now. As a result, the team is underperforming in all competitions.
That s what I think on Jose Mourinho early departure from Bernabeu. I love Jose Mourinho and I don t like Real Madrid but those opinions are the objective truth.
Real Madrid, with their extraordinary history, (think they) are bigger than Jose Mourinho. It s the fact that Jose Mourinho afraid to admit. But doesn t matter as this leads to his imminent return to Stamford Bridge, hopefully.
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Home 360 Analysis Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid: The End of The Journey.78
By fahrurozi259 May 25, 2013
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Many football supporters around the world think that Jose Mourinho is the best manager these days.
Especially to those who ve been supporting the Clubs that Jose managed. He s been successful as he collected 7 League title in 4 different countries and also won 2 Champions League in his 13 years of his successful managerial career.
As it turns out, things work differently this year. After being trashed out by Borussia Dortmund in Champions League and only finished 2nd in La Liga, Mourinho and Real Madrid parted their journey before the season is over.
So it s quite interesting to assess how The Only One, with his fantastic achievement in his CV, failed miserably at Bernabeu in his 3rd season.
He s the Mercurial One
This is not blaming game, in which I mean there s no accusation on who s wrong and who s right. This is more to managerial style of Jose Mourinho. He doesn t want any player thinks himself bigger than the other players, the club, and Jose Mourinho himself.
So they have to bow down to the rules Jose implemented and there s no special treatment. This is why Jose was successful during his tenure at Porto, Chelsea, and Inter because he was the star of the victory. He was the king.
Yet Abramovich didn t really agree with it.
Jose is the mercurial one. He has to do this in order to become the boss of everything so all the players will do his instructions. Sounds mad?
but that s what made him as successful as he is. However, in Madrid there s a player who s bigger than him: Iker Casillas. He s bigger than everyone at Real (or Spain) at this moment.
He s the captain of World Cup winning team which is adored by, probably, most of people in Spain. He s untouchable. And Jose didn t like this of course.
We didn t seem to realize this situation until Jose benched Casillas for Diego Lopez which burning speculation about internal conflict at Bernabeu.
He also spoke to media that Diego Lopez is better than Iker Casillas. Worst, he stated that the first thing he should have done when he was appointed by Florentino Perez was: get rid Casillas, buy Lopez. That s mad.
Spanish people were very angry with this comment. But Jose is being Jose. Many people forget that he did the same to previous icon of Madrid: Raul Gonzalez.
He let the Prince of Madrid, who was as admired as Casillas now, go to Schalke.
Motivational Limit
When he first arrived at Porto, Chelsea, and Inter, those clubs full of stars but they haven t win the title under their previous managers respectively. So there s habitual words said by Jose. Like, you are the best (goalkeeper/defender/midfielder/striker) in the world to certain players just to motivate them.
Also word like you ve won nothing, but you can win everything if you want to something like that. And it worked time to time.
In Real Madrid, things aren t just the same. Jose can t say those aforementioned words to Real Madrid players as they are bunch of Champions already, especially Iker Casillas and his Spanish compatriots who ve won World Cup.
I firmly believe if anyone says to Iker: you re the best goalkeeper in the world it s nothing sort of motivational words but Iker would only take that with pinch of salt. To some players who ve won nothing like Oezil, Khedira, Diego Lopez, Varane, et. al., this might be working.
But for the stars, it is not.
Lack of Appreciation
I ve been told by my friends who ve been studying in Spain that, everyone who works at Real Madrid, from the management, the players, to even the cleaning services, think they work for the best football club in the world. That s probably true though. No matter how great a manager beat the unbeatable arch rival, Barcelona s Guardiola which was dubbed as the best football club in history, it s regarded as something usual for Madrid.
Albeit Jose successfully won the league after impressive season record by reaching the highest points in Madrid history, still it s not a spectacular thing in Real Madrid s eye. It s their tradition. Real standard is really high.
In Real, winning a trophy is something that many coaches can do so Mourinho didn t really get the credit he deserves.
Egos of Galacticos
As I previously pointed, this Real Madrid team consists of various stars. Historically, Real Madrid is known for always buying stars and breaking the bank. Not just this season as it s Real s tradition.
If Casillas already won a World Cup and Cristiano won Ballon D Or once, how about the others who ve won nothing, like Oezil and Khedira? Doesn t matter. They re all stars too.
Once a player have joined Real Madrid, he s a star. There s no such thing as mediocre in Bernabeu (at least they think so).
If I said that buying stars is Real s tradition, the bad impact followed by buying stars is their tradition too. Even some decline and underperformed players still think themselves as stars.
Act like stars. In fact, some of them are actually nothing but bunch of garbage (i.e. Pepe et.
al.). Their arrogance is there, and it s massive. Their egos have been Real first problem and it makes any coach feels difficult to handle them.
Jose Mourinho is well-known as a manager who has the biggest ego in football.
He s an outspoken person who, sometimes, saying things too frank that it leads him into many troubles. But that doesn t stop him being outspoken because that morality is what drives him to success. And when he came to Bernabeu, I believe that one day this clash of egos will happen.
And that s it. We see this happening. The battle between stars is happening now.
As a result, the team is underperforming in all competitions.
That s what I think on Jose Mourinho early departure from Bernabeu. I love Jose Mourinho and I don t like Real Madrid but those opinions are the objective truth. Real Madrid, with their extraordinary history, (think they) are bigger than Jose Mourinho.
It s the fact that Jose Mourinho afraid to admit.
But doesn t matter as this leads to his imminent return to Stamford Bridge, hopefully.
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Fabio Coentrao linked with Chelsea move
Fabio Coentrao linked with Chelsea move | Chelsea FC 360
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Home Transfer News Fabio Coentrao linked with Chelsea move12
The latest name to be added to our everlasting list of potential summer signings is 25 year old Real Madrid and Portuguese International, F bio Alexandre da Silva Coentr o, or as you may know him, Fabio Coentrao.
Report
Having expressed his disappointment regarding his current situation, he is being linked with a transfer away from the club.
Chelsea are now the latest club to be linked with Coentrao, and with Mourinho close to making his return to Stamford Bridge, he may be interested in following his Real Madrid boss to London.
In an interview with Ojogo, Coentrao said: From the first day I do not think I was wanted here.
Today it seems that everyone wants me to leave the club. I do not know what I have done wrong.
We must find a solution that is good for both the club and myself, so that no one will lose out.
Coentrao even went on to admit he hasn t closed a door on re-uniting with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.
If I leave Real Madrid, I do not close the door to anyone, he said.
Verdict
Personally, I see Coentrao as a fantastic signing for Chelsea.
Since Wayne Bridge s departure from Chelsea to Manchester City, we have looked defensively vulnerable on the left side when Ashley Cole hasn t been able to take part in games, either through injury or suspension.
Signing Coentrao would mean we d be fully covered in that position, as well as providing competition for Ashley Cole, in what would be his last season playing for Chelsea, unless of course, the club decide to extend his contract for another year.
Coentrao s main problem at Real Madrid is that he s in constant competition with Marcelo, one of the two best left-backs in the world, for a starting spot. Ashley Cole is, in my opinion, one of the 5 best left-backs in the world, however, signing Coentrao means should injury or form be an issue with Cole, we would have a direct replacement for him.
Coentrao, 25, would no doubt love to compete with an outgoing Ashley Cole, but it s his versatility that makes him one of the best left sided players in the world.
He is also able to play at right-back if need be, and also enjoys playing as a left-winger. His pace and dribbling skills make him a player that would add a lot of quality to our squad, and he would definitely fit into English football.
Luke Shaw
A lot has been said about Luke Shaw potentially joining Chelsea, the club he supported as a kid, and he d definitely make a great left-back signing.
I feel, however, at this moment in time, we cannot depend on 18 year old Shaw to cover for an experienced Ashley Cole, as we have seen what pressure does to players like Ryan Bertrand, having been seen out of position on numerous occasions. I see a bright future for Bertrand, but he will need more experience and time to develop and achieve higher levels of ability.
One option we should look at is buying Luke Shaw now, while his market value is still low, and loaning him back to Southampton, who have a recent history of making great wide players.
This way, when Ashley Cole does leave, we would have a back-up option if Bertrand or Patrick van Aanholt aren t able to achieve the levels of ability required at Chelsea.
Conclusion
Overall, given that his relationship with Portuguese Jose Mourinho is strong, and should Mourinho opt to sign a cover for Ashley Cole (which I think he should), Coentrao would prove to be the perfect signing for Chelsea.
His experience in top flight football, and European top flight football, would mean we d be strongly covered at left-back.
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The latest name to be added to our everlasting list of potential summer signings is 25 year old Real Madrid and Portuguese International, F bio Alexandre da Silva Coentr o, or as you may know him, Fabio Coentrao.
Report
Having expressed his disappointment regarding his current situation, he is being linked with a transfer away from the club.
Chelsea are now the latest club to be linked with Coentrao, and with Mourinho close to making his return to Stamford Bridge, he may be interested in following his Real Madrid boss to London.
In an interview with Ojogo, Coentrao said: From the first day I do not think I was wanted here.
Today it seems that everyone wants me to leave the club. I do not know what I have done wrong.
We must find a solution that is good for both the club and myself, so that no one will lose out.
Coentrao even went on to admit he hasn t closed a door on re-uniting with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.
If I leave Real Madrid, I do not close the door to anyone, he said.
Verdict
Personally, I see Coentrao as a fantastic signing for Chelsea.
Since Wayne Bridge s departure from Chelsea to Manchester City, we have looked defensively vulnerable on the left side when Ashley Cole hasn t been able to take part in games, either through injury or suspension.
Signing Coentrao would mean we d be fully covered in that position, as well as providing competition for Ashley Cole, in what would be his last season playing for Chelsea, unless of course, the club decide to extend his contract for another year.
Coentrao s main problem at Real Madrid is that he s in constant competition with Marcelo, one of the two best left-backs in the world, for a starting spot. Ashley Cole is, in my opinion, one of the 5 best left-backs in the world, however, signing Coentrao means should injury or form be an issue with Cole, we would have a direct replacement for him.
Coentrao, 25, would no doubt love to compete with an outgoing Ashley Cole, but it s his versatility that makes him one of the best left sided players in the world.
He is also able to play at right-back if need be, and also enjoys playing as a left-winger. His pace and dribbling skills make him a player that would add a lot of quality to our squad, and he would definitely fit into English football.
Luke Shaw
A lot has been said about Luke Shaw potentially joining Chelsea, the club he supported as a kid, and he d definitely make a great left-back signing.
I feel, however, at this moment in time, we cannot depend on 18 year old Shaw to cover for an experienced Ashley Cole, as we have seen what pressure does to players like Ryan Bertrand, having been seen out of position on numerous occasions. I see a bright future for Bertrand, but he will need more experience and time to develop and achieve higher levels of ability.
One option we should look at is buying Luke Shaw now, while his market value is still low, and loaning him back to Southampton, who have a recent history of making great wide players.
This way, when Ashley Cole does leave, we would have a back-up option if Bertrand or Patrick van Aanholt aren t able to achieve the levels of ability required at Chelsea.
Conclusion
Overall, given that his relationship with Portuguese Jose Mourinho is strong, and should Mourinho opt to sign a cover for Ashley Cole (which I think he should), Coentrao would prove to be the perfect signing for Chelsea.
His experience in top flight football, and European top flight football, would mean we d be strongly covered at left-back.
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DAILY STAR : Mourinho agrees 4 year deal with …
DAILY STAR : Mourinho agrees 4 year deal with Chelsea | Chelsea FC 360
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Home Jose Mourinho DAILY STAR : Mourinho agrees 4 year deal with Chelsea12
The Daily Star4 is reporting that Jose Mourinho will fly to London on June 2 and sign a four-year contract at Chelsea worth 250,000 a week.
Mourinho will jet in the day after his final game in charge of Real Madrid to seal his mega deal.
That is a commitment of around 50m from owner Roman Abramovich for the second coming of The Special One.
Mourinho is so keen to get started in his new job he will not waste any time after Real s final game against Osasuna at the Bernabeu.
He will be accompanied on the trip by his fitness coach Rui Faria and goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro.
But there is no prospect of Chelsea signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Madrid as the superstar s relationship with Mourinho has broken down.
Although Mourinho is coming to London on Sunday week he bought a home in the capital last year there are no plans yet to formally announce him as the new boss at Stamford Bridge.
His salary this time is around three times what he was paid when he first arrived at the club in 2004.
Real Madrid and Mourinho, 50, confirmed they will part company at the end of the season.
And because the split has been mutually agreed, Chelsea will not have to pay any compensation to the Spanish giants.
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DAILY STAR : Mourinho agrees 4 year deal with Chelsea | Chelsea FC 360
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Home Jose Mourinho DAILY STAR : Mourinho agrees 4 year deal with Chelsea89
The Daily Star11 is reporting that Jose Mourinho will fly to London on June 2 and sign a four-year contract at Chelsea worth 250,000 a week.
Mourinho will jet in the day after his final game in charge of Real Madrid to seal his mega deal.
That is a commitment of around 50m from owner Roman Abramovich for the second coming of The Special One.
Mourinho is so keen to get started in his new job he will not waste any time after Real s final game against Osasuna at the Bernabeu.
He will be accompanied on the trip by his fitness coach Rui Faria and goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro.
But there is no prospect of Chelsea signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Madrid as the superstar s relationship with Mourinho has broken down.
Although Mourinho is coming to London on Sunday week he bought a home in the capital last year there are no plans yet to formally announce him as the new boss at Stamford Bridge.
His salary this time is around three times what he was paid when he first arrived at the club in 2004.
Real Madrid and Mourinho, 50, confirmed they will part company at the end of the season.
And because the split has been mutually agreed, Chelsea will not have to pay any compensation to the Spanish giants.
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360 Player Report Edinson Cavani
360 Player Report Edinson Cavani | Chelsea FC 360
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Home 360 Analysis 360 Player Report Edinson Cavani12
Rooney, Lewandowski or Falcao: Just to name a few strikers that Chelsea has been linked with recently. Not a new player appeared more than a week ago in connection with Chelsea again in the English media. It s the longhaired Uruguayan scoring-machine, Edinson Cavani.
The Napoli fans idolize him in a way like they did to one of the greatest footballing legend, Diego Maradona. Rooney s intention to leave United got most of the attention of the media, but apparently according to Metro or Express , Chelsea is trying to closing in on a deal for the 42.5m-rated striker for Napoli. He is beside Falcao probably the most expensive striker-option.
(Note: I started this article a week ago, but Cavani to Chelsea isn t very likely anymore as City is in pole position to sign him.
This article should hopefully still give you an idea of how El Matador plays.)
Biography
Born in Salto (14th of February 1987, age 26), Cavani started his career at the youth of Danubio FC. He played his first senior game for Danubio in 2005 and he stayed there for another two years before joining Palermo for ‘ 4.5m. He was often used as a left-forward together with Miccoli at Palermo, scoring 34 goals in 109 games.
After being part of a successful season for Palermo in 2009/2010, Cavani signed with Napoli for a total fee of ‘ 17m. He continued to impress in Italy and he made a name for himself in Europe by strong performances in the Champions League, reaching together with Napoli a place in the last 16 last year.
Cavani played 47 games and scored 13 goals for Uruguay. He was part of the World Cup 2010 (4th place) and the Olympic squad 2012.
He has also won the Copa America in 2011.
Position/Style of play
Cavani is a born striker who can play on both wings. The numerous cut inside style by the other frontmen (Lavezzi (now PSG), Pandev and often also Hamsik) from Napoli sometimes forced Cavani out on the wings. However, Cavani s movement, finishing quality and strengths to hold the ball are typical for a striker.
He has also shared place as a left forward, but he s by miles strongest as a centre forward because of his positioning and instincts.
His immense popularity in Naples isn t only justified by his fighting spirit, workrate or passion; he also scores multiple goals against big opponents (e.g. a hattrick versus Inter, Lazio or Roma this season, Ac Milan last season) or goals in important games (e.g. City or Chelsea in the last Champions League campaign).
Strengths
Clinical Finisher
Cavani is an excellent finisher with both of his feet, but his greatest asset is his head.
He s magnificent in the air due to his strength and powerful jump (I don t need to mention his goal against Chelsea last season, he even scored with his chest there).
Movement
I noted before that Cavani is born striker/centre forward. He s got the instinct to be at the right place at the right time, his movement and positioning giving him an advantage to create good chances for himself. He has also got a very good pace to break away from the defence and be very dangerous at counters.
Stamina
Tireless Worker.
No better way to explain him. It s fair enough to say that Cavani is the most hardworking striking when it comes to defending. It doesn t harm him to track back.
He ll chase down a player even to his own box, and he doesn t stop doing it the whole game.
Weaknesses
Passing
He isn t as involved as for example Messi or Lewandowski are in the game of the own team. This results from a rather imprecise passing and for a worldclass player decent technique and dribbling.
Inconsistency
Cavani is a hard-running and diligent worker, but he occasionally disappears in a game. He can score goals out of nothing from his passivity, but he mostly isn t present in the attack if he has a bad day .
Someday, he can score a hattrick and on others, he can t produce any danger in front of goal. He looks a bit exhausted at times and this might be explained by Mazzarri s (former Napoli coach) lack of rotation. You can see similar sort of inconsistency at RVP sometimes.
Striker Dilemma
The striker discussion, a never-ending story.
Lukaku had an outstanding spell at WBA and he scored a hattrick versus Manchester United in Fergie s last game. Torres scored a goal in the Europa League final and against Everton lately. If a new striker is signed (whether it s Cavani, Falcao, Lewandowski or else who), one has to go for sure.
I don t except Ba to leave as he just joined us in winter. Both Torres leaving Chelsea and/or Lukaku to be loaned out for another year is likely, so a new striker to be signed this summer is very possible.
Conclusion
A real finisher with great contribution to the game: Cavani is certainly a good option to solve our striker-dilemma. His age (26) isn t a problem in my eye as he definitely can perform on a high level for 5-6 years, while Falcao isn t younger either.
The only thing I really dislike about a transfer from Cavani is obvious: his monstrous price. The money giants City and Real Madrid are interested to sign Cavani too, so I don t except anything below 45m. El Matador cost too much in my view and that s the (only) reason why I wouldn t take him (while I m really thinking that Lukaku is ready to play for Chelsea).
Is Cavani worth so much money?
Which striker would you sign? What is your opinion on Cavani? Leave me your thoughts in the comment!
Jonny (@jonny9fan)
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360 Player Report Edinson Cavani | Chelsea FC 360
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Home 360 Analysis 360 Player Report Edinson Cavani56
Rooney, Lewandowski or Falcao: Just to name a few strikers that Chelsea has been linked with recently. Not a new player appeared more than a week ago in connection with Chelsea again in the English media. It s the longhaired Uruguayan scoring-machine, Edinson Cavani.
The Napoli fans idolize him in a way like they did to one of the greatest footballing legend, Diego Maradona. Rooney s intention to leave United got most of the attention of the media, but apparently according to Metro or Express , Chelsea is trying to closing in on a deal for the 42.5m-rated striker for Napoli. He is beside Falcao probably the most expensive striker-option.
(Note: I started this article a week ago, but Cavani to Chelsea isn t very likely anymore as City is in pole position to sign him.
This article should hopefully still give you an idea of how El Matador plays.)
Biography
Born in Salto (14th of February 1987, age 26), Cavani started his career at the youth of Danubio FC. He played his first senior game for Danubio in 2005 and he stayed there for another two years before joining Palermo for ‘ 4.5m. He was often used as a left-forward together with Miccoli at Palermo, scoring 34 goals in 109 games.
After being part of a successful season for Palermo in 2009/2010, Cavani signed with Napoli for a total fee of ‘ 17m. He continued to impress in Italy and he made a name for himself in Europe by strong performances in the Champions League, reaching together with Napoli a place in the last 16 last year.
Cavani played 47 games and scored 13 goals for Uruguay. He was part of the World Cup 2010 (4th place) and the Olympic squad 2012.
He has also won the Copa America in 2011.
Position/Style of play
Cavani is a born striker who can play on both wings. The numerous cut inside style by the other frontmen (Lavezzi (now PSG), Pandev and often also Hamsik) from Napoli sometimes forced Cavani out on the wings. However, Cavani s movement, finishing quality and strengths to hold the ball are typical for a striker.
He has also shared place as a left forward, but he s by miles strongest as a centre forward because of his positioning and instincts.
His immense popularity in Naples isn t only justified by his fighting spirit, workrate or passion; he also scores multiple goals against big opponents (e.g. a hattrick versus Inter, Lazio or Roma this season, Ac Milan last season) or goals in important games (e.g. City or Chelsea in the last Champions League campaign).
Strengths
Clinical Finisher
Cavani is an excellent finisher with both of his feet, but his greatest asset is his head.
He s magnificent in the air due to his strength and powerful jump (I don t need to mention his goal against Chelsea last season, he even scored with his chest there).
Movement
I noted before that Cavani is born striker/centre forward. He s got the instinct to be at the right place at the right time, his movement and positioning giving him an advantage to create good chances for himself. He has also got a very good pace to break away from the defence and be very dangerous at counters.
Stamina
Tireless Worker.
No better way to explain him. It s fair enough to say that Cavani is the most hardworking striking when it comes to defending. It doesn t harm him to track back.
He ll chase down a player even to his own box, and he doesn t stop doing it the whole game.
Weaknesses
Passing
He isn t as involved as for example Messi or Lewandowski are in the game of the own team. This results from a rather imprecise passing and for a worldclass player decent technique and dribbling.
Inconsistency
Cavani is a hard-running and diligent worker, but he occasionally disappears in a game. He can score goals out of nothing from his passivity, but he mostly isn t present in the attack if he has a bad day .
Someday, he can score a hattrick and on others, he can t produce any danger in front of goal. He looks a bit exhausted at times and this might be explained by Mazzarri s (former Napoli coach) lack of rotation. You can see similar sort of inconsistency at RVP sometimes.
Striker Dilemma
The striker discussion, a never-ending story.
Lukaku had an outstanding spell at WBA and he scored a hattrick versus Manchester United in Fergie s last game. Torres scored a goal in the Europa League final and against Everton lately. If a new striker is signed (whether it s Cavani, Falcao, Lewandowski or else who), one has to go for sure.
I don t except Ba to leave as he just joined us in winter. Both Torres leaving Chelsea and/or Lukaku to be loaned out for another year is likely, so a new striker to be signed this summer is very possible.
Conclusion
A real finisher with great contribution to the game: Cavani is certainly a good option to solve our striker-dilemma. His age (26) isn t a problem in my eye as he definitely can perform on a high level for 5-6 years, while Falcao isn t younger either.
The only thing I really dislike about a transfer from Cavani is obvious: his monstrous price. The money giants City and Real Madrid are interested to sign Cavani too, so I don t except anything below 45m. El Matador cost too much in my view and that s the (only) reason why I wouldn t take him (while I m really thinking that Lukaku is ready to play for Chelsea).
Is Cavani worth so much money?
Which striker would you sign? What is your opinion on Cavani? Leave me your thoughts in the comment!
Jonny (@jonny9fan)
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In the Papers: Chelsea Talk and More
In the Papers: Chelsea Talk and More | Chelsea FC 360
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Home Uncategorized In the Papers: Chelsea Talk and More12
All the Chelsea transfer stories from papers and websites
Bayer Leverkusen striker Andre Schurrle is confident of making a move to Chelsea this summer. The Germany striker, 22, claims Leverkusen s 1-0 win at Hamburg was his final game for the club.
I found this on the Sky Sports website. I really not sure about this as it is dragging out more and more and getting rather boring.
I don t mind signing him we just have players of his quality already or close to that quality (Piazon,KDB, maybe Marin)
Real Madrid may sack Jose Mourinho with two games still to play in the Spanish season as relations with the club s directors hit a new low following the defeat by Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.
I found this in El Mundo(Spainish Paper). With Carlo Ancelotti leaving PSG I am now unsure as to who will manage Chelsea as Carlo has got the Real job by the looks of it but it leaves Mourinho with a decision. Go where he is loved by fans and managers or go to a new league and get another title?
I hope he goes with his heart and not his wallet.
Jose Mourinho is leaving Real Madrid and his switch to Chelsea will not cost Roman Abramovich a penny.
This is everywhere. So is Mourinho coming home or is he going somewhere. I think Roman will try even harder to bring Jose in as he can now get him without having to buy out his contract.
Jose Mourinho is out to hijack Arsenal s 25million move for Stevan Jotevic.
I found this in the Daily Star.
Im not sure, yes this guy is amazing but I don t know whether he is a Striker, Winger or a Number 10 player. He is skillful, elegant and fast, he reminds me a lot of Torres in his Liverpool days and he can make things happen with one touch of the ball.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are said to be monitoring Chelsea s David Luiz, 26, who may not be wanted by Jose Mourinho if he returns to Stamford Bridge.
I found this in the Daily Mail. Hope he doesn t leave he is a quality player and is an integral part of the team and maybe possible a future Captain of Chelsea.
Incoming Manchester United boss David Moyes is keen to beat Chelsea to the signature of Southampton s 17-year-old full-back Luke Shaw.
I found this in the Daily Mail.
I hope Moyes goes for Baines and then sell s Evra, we want Shaw and think he is the long term replacement to Cole.
Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard, 34, has hinted he would like to extend his Stamford Bridge stay until 2016.
I found this in the London Evening Standard. I certainly think he can play until he s 37 I hope he stays and retires here, he has been a wonderful servant to the club and a real football icon for Chelsea fans around the world.
Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon claims forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 28, could be heading to Chelsea.
I found this on the talksport website. I don t think this would be a good pruchase yes he is one of the best players in the world but his ego is what would annoy me and I do believe he still has that place in his heart for United like Drogba has for Chelsea, they wouldn t play for another team in the EPL if their life depended on it.
West Ham say they are confident of being able to sign 20-year-old forward Romelu Lukaku from London rivals Chelsea.
I found this in the Metro.
I don t think he should move to West Ham on loan he either needs a team with European football to play for or stay here at Chelsea, I do believe and move to West Ham would be a step-back from his time at West Brom.
Napoli are believed to want Chelsea s interim manager Rafael Benitez and striker Fernando Torres.
I found this in the Daily Mirror. I don t mind Rafa going he has done his job for us at Chelsea. I don t want Torres to go thought I feel like he still has something to prove the world while at Chelsea before moving on.
Chelsea have lodged an inquiry with Galatasaray about 20m-rated Turkey striker Burak Yilmaz, 27.
I found this in the Guardian.
I m not sure about this move, yes he is a quality player and has a good goal scoring record.
8 goals in 9 games in the Champion League which is very good. I wouldn t mind him. Drogba said he is a very good player so he must be half decent if Drogba say s he s good.
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Home Uncategorized In the Papers: Chelsea Talk and More56
All the Chelsea transfer stories from papers and websites
Bayer Leverkusen striker Andre Schurrle is confident of making a move to Chelsea this summer.
The Germany striker, 22, claims Leverkusen s 1-0 win at Hamburg was his final game for the club.
I found this on the Sky Sports website. I really not sure about this as it is dragging out more and more and getting rather boring. I don t mind signing him we just have players of his quality already or close to that quality (Piazon,KDB, maybe Marin)
Real Madrid may sack Jose Mourinho with two games still to play in the Spanish season as relations with the club s directors hit a new low following the defeat by Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.
I found this in El Mundo(Spainish Paper).
With Carlo Ancelotti leaving PSG I am now unsure as to who will manage Chelsea as Carlo has got the Real job by the looks of it but it leaves Mourinho with a decision. Go where he is loved by fans and managers or go to a new league and get another title? I hope he goes with his heart and not his wallet.
Jose Mourinho is leaving Real Madrid and his switch to Chelsea will not cost Roman Abramovich a penny.
This is everywhere.
So is Mourinho coming home or is he going somewhere. I think Roman will try even harder to bring Jose in as he can now get him without having to buy out his contract.
Jose Mourinho is out to hijack Arsenal s 25million move for Stevan Jotevic.
I found this in the Daily Star. Im not sure, yes this guy is amazing but I don t know whether he is a Striker, Winger or a Number 10 player.
He is skillful, elegant and fast, he reminds me a lot of Torres in his Liverpool days and he can make things happen with one touch of the ball.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are said to be monitoring Chelsea s David Luiz, 26, who may not be wanted by Jose Mourinho if he returns to Stamford Bridge.
I found this in the Daily Mail. Hope he doesn t leave he is a quality player and is an integral part of the team and maybe possible a future Captain of Chelsea.
Incoming Manchester United boss David Moyes is keen to beat Chelsea to the signature of Southampton s 17-year-old full-back Luke Shaw.
I found this in the Daily Mail. I hope Moyes goes for Baines and then sell s Evra, we want Shaw and think he is the long term replacement to Cole.
Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard, 34, has hinted he would like to extend his Stamford Bridge stay until 2016.
I found this in the London Evening Standard.
I certainly think he can play until he s 37 I hope he stays and retires here, he has been a wonderful servant to the club and a real football icon for Chelsea fans around the world.
Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon claims forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 28, could be heading to Chelsea.
I found this on the talksport website. I don t think this would be a good pruchase yes he is one of the best players in the world but his ego is what would annoy me and I do believe he still has that place in his heart for United like Drogba has for Chelsea, they wouldn t play for another team in the EPL if their life depended on it.
West Ham say they are confident of being able to sign 20-year-old forward Romelu Lukaku from London rivals Chelsea.
I found this in the Metro. I don t think he should move to West Ham on loan he either needs a team with European football to play for or stay here at Chelsea, I do believe and move to West Ham would be a step-back from his time at West Brom.
Napoli are believed to want Chelsea s interim manager Rafael Benitez and striker Fernando Torres.
I found this in the Daily Mirror.
I don t mind Rafa going he has done his job for us at Chelsea. I don t want Torres to go thought I feel like he still has something to prove the world while at Chelsea before moving on.
Chelsea have lodged an inquiry with Galatasaray about 20m-rated Turkey striker Burak Yilmaz, 27.
I found this in the Guardian. I m not sure about this move, yes he is a quality player and has a good goal scoring record.
8 goals in 9 games in the Champion League which is very good.
I wouldn t mind him.
Drogba said he is a very good player so he must be half decent if Drogba say s he s good.
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Azonto Epistle 15: Jose Mourinho's Arrival is …
Azonto Epistle 15: Jose Mourinho s Arrival is Great For English Football but He Only Strikes Fear In His Opponents | Chelsea FC 360
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Home Azonto Epistles Azonto Epistle 15: Jose Mourinho s Arrival is Great For English Football but He Only Strikes Fear In His Opponents12
By sethaadusei3 May 22, 2013
Since Jose Mourinho parted company with Chelsea in 2007 and promised to come back, Chelsea fans have watched the clock keenly, counting down his second coming. Within this long period ( to Chelsea fans), a lot of water has passed under the bridge and so many changes have taken place in world football except that Arsenal continues to be trophyless. Manchester has been the biggest beneficiaries of the exit of Jose, whiles the Blue half of the City, who not long ago were languishing in the Championship league have been able to establish themselves as an EPL force winning the title once thanks to the changes in their financial fortunes.
The Red half of the City, in the absence of The Special One have managed to add 3 EPL titles to their cabinet. Nevertheless, with the core of Jose s group we haven t been pushovers and managed to add one League title, three FA Cups, a Europa and the biggest of them the Champions League not forgetting that of United. Since his shocking departure and his promise to come back, years have turned to months, months to weeks and now The Second Coming of the Special One is just a matter of days to happen and be confirmed.
The excitement is all over in the air among Chelsea fans waiting for the hour to arrive. The neutrals and the objective who know how great it is for the EPL, the competitiveness, the thrills and excitement it will bring back have lauded the imminent come back. To be honest since the departure of Jose from EPL and his arrival in the La Liga, attention has shifted a bit to that League which once, people watched when there was an El Classico.
However, to some, who, out of fear of what Chelsea is capable of achieving or becoming under a Special manager like Jose have all of a sudden started running negative commentaries about him to the extent of doubting Jose s capability. It is as crystal clear that to doubt the competence of Jose will be like doubting ice cream is cold.
When Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement, many media houses ran a poll for the United fans to choose the manager they will want to take over and in all these polls Jose was the runaway leader. Today, when it turned out that Jose is heading to Chelsea some of these fans who many find themselves in the media have began talking about the combustible nature of Jose and how he can bring instability to a club.
Some have even said his Madrid stay was a failure someone whose wining percentage stands at 72% with 3 trophies in the wake of Barcelona s hegemony. When a Manager leaves and it is the rival fans who celebrate most, then something certainly does not add up. If Barcelona fans have become the ones who are rejoicing most because of the exit of Jose, then Madrid are certainly at a loss.
And no wonder opposition fans have started showing their fear with the news of the Second Coming of the King. It is also a ploy to shift attention from the appointment of David Moyes who clearly is no match for The Special One. Whether they like it or not, Jose is coming back to Chelsea and he is coming to establish a dominance in the EPL.
It is unfortunate Sir Alex has retired and even with all his experience, he couldn t defeat Jose s Chelsea in any Premier League both home and away. The Red dynasty has ended and in comes the Blue Dynasty from SW6 led by the familiar face, Jose Mourinho Mario Dos Santos Felix The Special One . Welcome home.
THANK YOU ROMAN:
A good leader is someone who listens to the voice of the people and see the merits in it.
Roman Abramovic has once again proven to be the best owner in football. People made a huge meal out of the sacking/mutual termination of Jose Mourinho and his contract that Abramovic never goes back to his words and that his relationship with Mourinho has broken beyond repairs. There again, they have been proven wrong.
I think Roman deserves better praise by all including Eglish Football. Roman has shown the world how to manage a club as an owner. He listens to the fans and he always takes the best decision in the interest of the club and its forward movement.
No wonder every sacking of a manager is followed by a glory. Grant, Hiddink, Carlo, RDM & Just recently Benitez have justified his actions amid dissenting views.
JOB DONE RAFA, WE FORGIVE YOU, GO AND SIN NO MORE
The back-to-back European titles have risen the stock of the club which was nearly dented by our poor performance in the Champions League although not as poor and abysmal as the then EPL champions City who came last in their group and managed to amass the least ever points by an EPL club in the champions League even after Spurs have been a part before. It was clear from the beginning that this year was a transition period and the journey would be a roller coaster although our impressive start of the season gave us a huge expectation which was just a matter of time to be tested.
The sacking of RDM was not something some fans could take lightly although there was a genuine reason to that which is not the subject of my article and will always be there for debate. However the appointment of Rafa Benitez came as a much bitter pill to take owing to his slating of the club and fans whiles he was the manger of Liverpool ( The Historians). Amid heated opposition by the fans which affected our performance at home whiles we won crucial matches at home, the tide had to be turned in order to save our season from crashing.
And when opposition was calmed a bit after his famous rant after the Middlesbrough match, things began picking up. The Bridge which became an uncomfortable ground for the boys became the backbone to our success where score lines in the Europa and FA Cup were overturned. Our success in the Europa, making us the reigning champions of Europe as well as Europa champions concurrently for 10 solid days not 10 seconds is great for our club and more so putting us in the company of only three other European clubs Ajax, Bayern and Juventus to have won all the European club titles.
Not only that, but also importantly, placing third in the League and avoiding any play-offs is something worth praising. So we will say, Thank you Rafa, we forgive you, Just that, we don t need you.
THE FUTURE IS ALWAYS BRIGHT:
This Chelsea side holds so much prospect and there is talent brewing in the team. When Scholes was asked after his last match which players he enjoy watching in the League, he said Hazard and Mata.
According to Rafa the three amigos are bonding well and have great future ahead and it is there for all of us to see. Not only our first team, the players on loan have proven to be bargain and are living up to their hype. Thibaut Courtois, Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Thorgan Hazard, Piazon and Nathaniel Chalobah are making serious progress which make the future of the club so certain.
One person who gets little mention for his great work he is doing for the club is our Technical Director Michael Emenalo. Since he took over, players signed under him which include almost all of these players and the Amigos have proven to be such a great deal for the club and I hope Jose seeing what Emenalo has done will be comfortable to work with him since he has proven to be such a competent person with an eye for good potentials.
So the count down is on, Jose is coming and we await his first press conference, hopefully not too long from now. KTBFFH!
By Seth Adusei (twitter @sethaadusei)
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Azonto Epistle 15: Jose Mourinho s Arrival is Great For English Football but He Only Strikes Fear In His Opponents | Chelsea FC 360
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Home Azonto Epistles Azonto Epistle 15: Jose Mourinho s Arrival is Great For English Football but He Only Strikes Fear In His Opponents56
By sethaadusei7 May 22, 2013
Since Jose Mourinho parted company with Chelsea in 2007 and promised to come back, Chelsea fans have watched the clock keenly, counting down his second coming.
Within this long period ( to Chelsea fans), a lot of water has passed under the bridge and so many changes have taken place in world football except that Arsenal continues to be trophyless. Manchester has been the biggest beneficiaries of the exit of Jose, whiles the Blue half of the City, who not long ago were languishing in the Championship league have been able to establish themselves as an EPL force winning the title once thanks to the changes in their financial fortunes. The Red half of the City, in the absence of The Special One have managed to add 3 EPL titles to their cabinet.
Nevertheless, with the core of Jose s group we haven t been pushovers and managed to add one League title, three FA Cups, a Europa and the biggest of them the Champions League not forgetting that of United. Since his shocking departure and his promise to come back, years have turned to months, months to weeks and now The Second Coming of the Special One is just a matter of days to happen and be confirmed. The excitement is all over in the air among Chelsea fans waiting for the hour to arrive.
The neutrals and the objective who know how great it is for the EPL, the competitiveness, the thrills and excitement it will bring back have lauded the imminent come back. To be honest since the departure of Jose from EPL and his arrival in the La Liga, attention has shifted a bit to that League which once, people watched when there was an El Classico. However, to some, who, out of fear of what Chelsea is capable of achieving or becoming under a Special manager like Jose have all of a sudden started running negative commentaries about him to the extent of doubting Jose s capability.
It is as crystal clear that to doubt the competence of Jose will be like doubting ice cream is cold.
When Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement, many media houses ran a poll for the United fans to choose the manager they will want to take over and in all these polls Jose was the runaway leader. Today, when it turned out that Jose is heading to Chelsea some of these fans who many find themselves in the media have began talking about the combustible nature of Jose and how he can bring instability to a club. Some have even said his Madrid stay was a failure someone whose wining percentage stands at 72% with 3 trophies in the wake of Barcelona s hegemony.
When a Manager leaves and it is the rival fans who celebrate most, then something certainly does not add up. If Barcelona fans have become the ones who are rejoicing most because of the exit of Jose, then Madrid are certainly at a loss. And no wonder opposition fans have started showing their fear with the news of the Second Coming of the King.
It is also a ploy to shift attention from the appointment of David Moyes who clearly is no match for The Special One. Whether they like it or not, Jose is coming back to Chelsea and he is coming to establish a dominance in the EPL. It is unfortunate Sir Alex has retired and even with all his experience, he couldn t defeat Jose s Chelsea in any Premier League both home and away.
The Red dynasty has ended and in comes the Blue Dynasty from SW6 led by the familiar face, Jose Mourinho Mario Dos Santos Felix The Special One . Welcome home.
THANK YOU ROMAN:
A good leader is someone who listens to the voice of the people and see the merits in it. Roman Abramovic has once again proven to be the best owner in football.
People made a huge meal out of the sacking/mutual termination of Jose Mourinho and his contract that Abramovic never goes back to his words and that his relationship with Mourinho has broken beyond repairs. There again, they have been proven wrong. I think Roman deserves better praise by all including Eglish Football.
Roman has shown the world how to manage a club as an owner. He listens to the fans and he always takes the best decision in the interest of the club and its forward movement. No wonder every sacking of a manager is followed by a glory.
Grant, Hiddink, Carlo, RDM & Just recently Benitez have justified his actions amid dissenting views.
JOB DONE RAFA, WE FORGIVE YOU, GO AND SIN NO MORE
The back-to-back European titles have risen the stock of the club which was nearly dented by our poor performance in the Champions League although not as poor and abysmal as the then EPL champions City who came last in their group and managed to amass the least ever points by an EPL club in the champions League even after Spurs have been a part before. It was clear from the beginning that this year was a transition period and the journey would be a roller coaster although our impressive start of the season gave us a huge expectation which was just a matter of time to be tested. The sacking of RDM was not something some fans could take lightly although there was a genuine reason to that which is not the subject of my article and will always be there for debate.
However the appointment of Rafa Benitez came as a much bitter pill to take owing to his slating of the club and fans whiles he was the manger of Liverpool ( The Historians). Amid heated opposition by the fans which affected our performance at home whiles we won crucial matches at home, the tide had to be turned in order to save our season from crashing. And when opposition was calmed a bit after his famous rant after the Middlesbrough match, things began picking up.
The Bridge which became an uncomfortable ground for the boys became the backbone to our success where score lines in the Europa and FA Cup were overturned. Our success in the Europa, making us the reigning champions of Europe as well as Europa champions concurrently for 10 solid days not 10 seconds is great for our club and more so putting us in the company of only three other European clubs Ajax, Bayern and Juventus to have won all the European club titles. Not only that, but also importantly, placing third in the League and avoiding any play-offs is something worth praising.
So we will say, Thank you Rafa, we forgive you, Just that, we don t need you.
THE FUTURE IS ALWAYS BRIGHT:
This Chelsea side holds so much prospect and there is talent brewing in the team. When Scholes was asked after his last match which players he enjoy watching in the League, he said Hazard and Mata. According to Rafa the three amigos are bonding well and have great future ahead and it is there for all of us to see.
Not only our first team, the players on loan have proven to be bargain and are living up to their hype. Thibaut Courtois, Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Thorgan Hazard, Piazon and Nathaniel Chalobah are making serious progress which make the future of the club so certain. One person who gets little mention for his great work he is doing for the club is our Technical Director Michael Emenalo.
Since he took over, players signed under him which include almost all of these players and the Amigos have proven to be such a great deal for the club and I hope Jose seeing what Emenalo has done will be comfortable to work with him since he has proven to be such a competent person with an eye for good potentials.
So the count down is on, Jose is coming and we await his first press conference, hopefully not too long from now.
KTBFFH!
By Seth Adusei (twitter @sethaadusei)
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Frank Lampard doesn't condemn Chelsea fans for … – Chelsea FC 360
Frank Lampard doesn t condemn Chelsea fans for Rafa treatment | Chelsea FC 360
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Home Frank Lampard Frank Lampard doesn t condemn Chelsea fans for Rafa treatment12
In an exclusive interview with The Sun4, Frank Lampard talked about the fans treatment of Rafa, his Chelsea career and the uncertainties that surrounded it this season as well as Chelsea s European triumphs as of late.
The interim boss was repeatedly booed and barracked after taking charge of the club in November.
But Lampard says he can understand why the ex-Liverpool manager s past comments, that were critical of the Blues, had riled supporters.
The Stamford Bridge legend explained: We know the situation of the manager.
He was the manager of a rival team and things were said so there s that element to it.
And I m not one to take away the right of a man to feel how he feels. They are human beings, the fans.
I hear people from the outside say Chelsea fans made it difficult I don t think they have.
This was a very particular occasion and Chelsea fans have the right to do what they want.
The fans also feared Lampard, 34, could be heading for the exit door following rumours that talks over a new contract had stalled in the New Year.
And the fans made their views on that unthinkable prospect known loud and clear at every game, at every opportunity.
Lampard added: Their support this season meant a huge amount, they have been absolutely massive for me.
I m very fortunate to have a great relationship with our fans and I have had that all along here. There s nothing better.
There are moments when you re sitting on the bench or you re not in the team or you are injured the lift from your own fans really does give you a leg-up.
And I will never forget how they have been in this period, supporting me.
It has been amazing. It means everything.
The England star then revealed just how close he d come to leaving.
He recalled: I was quite close in January to thinking it was the end for me at Chelsea. I d been injured, the manager had changed.
It was an uncertain period.
I d had a couple of conversations with the club and I did think I might be leaving then.
I didn t want to leave. I d let everyone know, I d made it clear without sounding desperate that I wanted to stay at the football club.
But after that, only your football can do the talking.
I just thought If I keep playing well and keep trying to contribute then hopefully something will happen. And we got there!
Lampard s ready smile now disguises the true emotion of that moment when he knew he would be staying after all.
He confessed the overriding feeling was one of relief and said: It was absolutely fantastic.
A real weight had been lifted off my shoulders. It s been a hard season though.
It was tough when Robbie (Di Matteo) got sacked. The team was in bad form and then we went and lost the Club World Championship.
At that stage you are thinking it s a bit of a waste.
We had won the Champions League the season before.
Now we had lost the European Super Cup when we didn t turn up and then we went to Japan and lost again.
I thought we were letting ourselves down and not capitalising on those opportunities.
But I never felt it was too dark a situation I believe in the lads here and I always believed there was another thing to go for.
And in the end we won the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League again for next season, which is huge.
Lampard can laugh about it now but it took all of his famed mental strength and his years of experience for him to come through.
For just as the Chelsea team were battling to get back on track, he had his own personal challenge to deal with and overcome. His 12 trophy-laden years in SW6 looked to be coming to a close and the interim one s rotation policy saw the midfielder in and out of the team.
And every game that went by meant there was one less game for him to overhaul 1960s hero Bobby Tambling s record of 202 goals for the club.
Could he make it before his Blues career came to a close?
We all know the answer now, and we all know Lampard is not going anywhere now, either.
But the pressure was on and in the midst of yet more turmoil at the top at the Bridge.
Lampard added: Last year we had a change of manager in mid-season too, so the experience of that makes it easier to deal with every time.
On top of that we have good professionals at the club and as a player you have to concentrate on your game.
It doesn t matter if a new manager comes in if the old manager likes you or didn t, if the new manager does or doesn t or whether the fans are upset with the manager.
That s all the sideshow to what you do as an individual.
You have to see the bigger picture and try to win things in the end. And we have.
Not only that, Lampard broke Tambling s record, a brace at Villa Park in the penultimate match taking him to 203 Chelsea goals the best-ever in the club s 108-year history.
Lampard said: This season has been incredible.
For me personally, I didn t know what I might be doing in the future.
For the team, the season was one of those were we going to make the Champions League, were we going to win anything?
And at a club like this that s a failure. But now we ve ended with an amazingly positive week.
We finished in the Champions League, we ve won the Europa League and I ve got the record. What a great way to finish it.
Only one way to describe it fantastic!
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Frank Lampard doesn t condemn Chelsea fans for Rafa treatment | Chelsea FC 360
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Home Frank Lampard Frank Lampard doesn t condemn Chelsea fans for Rafa treatment67
In an exclusive interview with The Sun9, Frank Lampard talked about the fans treatment of Rafa, his Chelsea career and the uncertainties that surrounded it this season as well as Chelsea s European triumphs as of late.
The interim boss was repeatedly booed and barracked after taking charge of the club in November.
But Lampard says he can understand why the ex-Liverpool manager s past comments, that were critical of the Blues, had riled supporters.
The Stamford Bridge legend explained: We know the situation of the manager.
He was the manager of a rival team and things were said so there s that element to it.
And I m not one to take away the right of a man to feel how he feels.
They are human beings, the fans.
I hear people from the outside say Chelsea fans made it difficult I don t think they have.
This was a very particular occasion and Chelsea fans have the right to do what they want.
The fans also feared Lampard, 34, could be heading for the exit door following rumours that talks over a new contract had stalled in the New Year.
And the fans made their views on that unthinkable prospect known loud and clear at every game, at every opportunity.
Lampard added: Their support this season meant a huge amount, they have been absolutely massive for me.
I m very fortunate to have a great relationship with our fans and I have had that all along here. There s nothing better.
There are moments when you re sitting on the bench or you re not in the team or you are injured the lift from your own fans really does give you a leg-up.
And I will never forget how they have been in this period, supporting me. It has been amazing.
It means everything.
The England star then revealed just how close he d come to leaving.
He recalled: I was quite close in January to thinking it was the end for me at Chelsea. I d been injured, the manager had changed. It was an uncertain period.
I d had a couple of conversations with the club and I did think I might be leaving then.
I didn t want to leave.
I d let everyone know, I d made it clear without sounding desperate that I wanted to stay at the football club.
But after that, only your football can do the talking.
I just thought If I keep playing well and keep trying to contribute then hopefully something will happen. And we got there!
Lampard s ready smile now disguises the true emotion of that moment when he knew he would be staying after all.
He confessed the overriding feeling was one of relief and said: It was absolutely fantastic. A real weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
It s been a hard season though.
It was tough when Robbie (Di Matteo) got sacked. The team was in bad form and then we went and lost the Club World Championship. At that stage you are thinking it s a bit of a waste.
We had won the Champions League the season before.
Now we had lost the European Super Cup when we didn t turn up and then we went to Japan and lost again.
I thought we were letting ourselves down and not capitalising on those opportunities.
But I never felt it was too dark a situation I believe in the lads here and I always believed there was another thing to go for.
And in the end we won the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League again for next season, which is huge.
Lampard can laugh about it now but it took all of his famed mental strength and his years of experience for him to come through.
For just as the Chelsea team were battling to get back on track, he had his own personal challenge to deal with and overcome.
His 12 trophy-laden years in SW6 looked to be coming to a close and the interim one s rotation policy saw the midfielder in and out of the team.
And every game that went by meant there was one less game for him to overhaul 1960s hero Bobby Tambling s record of 202 goals for the club.
Could he make it before his Blues career came to a close?
We all know the answer now, and we all know Lampard is not going anywhere now, either.
But the pressure was on and in the midst of yet more turmoil at the top at the Bridge.
Lampard added: Last year we had a change of manager in mid-season too, so the experience of that makes it easier to deal with every time.
On top of that we have good professionals at the club and as a player you have to concentrate on your game.
It doesn t matter if a new manager comes in if the old manager likes you or didn t, if the new manager does or doesn t or whether the fans are upset with the manager.
That s all the sideshow to what you do as an individual.
You have to see the bigger picture and try to win things in the end. And we have.
Not only that, Lampard broke Tambling s record, a brace at Villa Park in the penultimate match taking him to 203 Chelsea goals the best-ever in the club s 108-year history.
Lampard said: This season has been incredible. For me personally, I didn t know what I might be doing in the future.
For the team, the season was one of those were we going to make the Champions League, were we going to win anything?
And at a club like this that s a failure.
But now we ve ended with an amazingly positive week.
We finished in the Champions League, we ve won the Europa League and I ve got the record.
What a great way to finish it.
Only one way to describe it fantastic!
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Dissecting Rafa's reign: A month by month look | Chelsea FC 360
Dissecting Rafa s reign: A month by month look | Chelsea FC 360
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Home Rafael Benitez Dissecting Rafa s reign: A month by month look12
By joshua19053 May 20, 2013
It s fair to say Benitez didn t have the easiest of times during his Chelsea tenure, it s also fair to say some of that was down to himself. From the euphoria of last season in November of 2012, Chelsea football club as a whole took a crash landing. The hero of the previous year was gone sacked harshly after a poor month domestically and in Europe, then in came a man who the majority of the fan base already had a strong disliking for Rafael Benitez.
November
He was appointed on the 21st of november following the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo, he was given the title of interim first team manager.
His appointment was met by outrage by many Chelsea fans, mainly down to the things he said about Chelsea during his time at Liverpool. In his first press conference he refuse to apologize for any of his remark claiming he was defending his team and that he would now do the same for Chelsea. Football wise his first month was rather uninspiring two home 0-0 draws vs Manchester city and Fulham did nothing to enhance his reputation amongst the Chelsea faithful.
December
December was a very congested month fixture wise with the squad having fixtures in four different competitions, including a fruitless trip to japan.
December started off awfully for the new Chelsea boss as Chelsea slumped to a 3-1 away defeat to west ham, which gave fans even more reason the want the newly appointed boss out. He finally got his first win 6-1 at home vs FC Nordsjaelland in the UCL a competition we were pretty much already out of. He followed this up with a 3-1 victory away at Sunderland, straight after this match the team jetted out to japan where we took part in the Club world cup.
Chelsea easily dispatched their semi final opponents Monterrey 3-1, but this victory was overshadowed by a poor showing in the final losing 1-0 to Corinthians a game Chelsea should be winning. On the squads return they were straight back in action facing old rivals Leeds in a league cup game after a poor first half which left the club trailing 1-0 Chelsea steamrolled the opposition and romped to a 5-1 win. Then into the busy christmas period which Chelsea fared well in winning all three of their fixtures including a league best 8-0 home win vs Aston Villa a tough fought away win against at the time in form Norwich city.
The month came to a close with a very tricky away fixture vs Everton a game in which we struggled early but came back to earn a vital 3 points thanks to a Lampard brace. Think its fair to say november was a bit of a mixed bag.
January
While December could be described as a mixed bag January was littered with some truly shocking results. A 1-0 home defeat to bottom of the league QPR started of the month a game in which Benitez decided to field a very weakened side.
It looked like that game could have just been a blip after an impressive 5-1 away FA cup win vs Southampton but another horrific performance at home this time in the league cup semi final 1st leg against Swansea saw Chelsea lose 2-0 and all but throw away any hopes of winning the cup. Then the rather unpredictable nature of his time at Chelsea continued with one of the stand results of the season beating a usually defensively strong Stoke side 4-0 away from home, after another brilliant away performance we struggled yet again at home throwing away a two goal lead vs Southampton to Draw 2-2. Chelsea then registered their first home win in 4 against top 4 rivals Arsenal with a 2-1 win coming after a great 1st half performance and then a not so great 2nd half showing.
Then the 2nd leg of the league cup semi which was a rather dull affair until the whole Eden hazard ball boy gate the match finished 0-0. Chelsea ended the month the way they started it poorly, Chelsea were lucky to come away with a draw vs league one opposition (Brentford) in the FA cup, then Chelsea then again produced something that seemed to be becoming an unwanted trait throwing away leads this time away at Reading the match finished 2-2.
February
Another month that started off badly for Chelsea with a 3-2 defeat away at Newcastle another game in which Chelsea at one point had the lead. Chelsea then got back on the winning trail with a 4-1 home win vs Wigan and followed that up with a hard-fought away Europa league win 1-0 vs Sparta Prague.
Then came the FA cup replay vs Brentford a game which Chelsea won 4-0. Chelsea then had the home leg of their Europa league clash with Sparta which looked to be heading to extra time before Eden Hazard scored a quite brilliant goal to save Chelsea s blushes and squeeze them home on aggregate. Then an away trip to then league champions Manchester City a poor performance produced a 2-0 defeat and Benitez couldn t seem to get a run going.
A fairly routine cup trip to Middlesbrough which Chelsea won 2-0 didn t seem like it would have any talking points until after the game Benitez snapped back at the Chelsea fans claiming that the interim title was a mistake and telling the Chelsea fans he wouldn t be here next season. Many at the time believed this would be the end of his reign in charge, it wasn t and somehow his rant worked in his favour.
March
The rant at the back-end of February worked in his favour fans still didn t like him but they didn t show their aggression as much and it seemed to have an effect on Chelsea s home league form, the turnaround started with a 1-0 home win vs West Brom. This was then followed by one of the last wobbly patches in his reign with a 1-0 away Europa league defeat vs Steaua then a trip to Old Trafford in which a terrible first half saw Chelsea 2-0 but two inspired substitutions at the break saw Chelsea earn a draw and take the game to a replay.
Chelsea then overturned an aggregate deficit to go through to the Europa league quarter final with a 3-1 home win vs Steaua. A good 2-0 home win vs West ham was followed by a disappointing 2-1 away defeat to Southampton a game in which key men were rested as Chelsea faced a fixture pile up of two games in 48 hours.
April
Giving players a rest worked as Chelsea beat Manchester united 1-0 to book a place in the FA cup Semi final. Chelsea were on Europa league duty again soon after as they attempted to progress in the competition they made a good start in that attempt with 3-1 home win vs Rubin Kazan and they followed that up with a hard-fought home league win vs Sunderland 2-1 the score.
A disappointing week then followed a 3-2 away defeat to Rubin Kazan which was still enough to progress through to the Europa league semi final was capped off with 2-1 defeat at Wembley at the hands of Manchester City. Chelsea returned to league action with a usually tricky trip to local rivals Fulham, the game finished with a much-needed 3-0 away win. Chelsea then faced an away trip at Liverpool a last min Luis Suarez goal denied Chelsea all 3 points in a 2-2 draw.
Chelsea then put one foot in the final of the Europa league with a 2-1 away win in switzerland. April ended with a comfortable 2-0 home win vs Swansea.
MAY
May would be Benitez s last month in charge of Chelsea and it would be a fruitful month at that. It started with Chelsea confirming their place in the Europa league final in Amsterdam with a 3-1 home win against Basel.
This was then followed up with a crucial away trip to Old Trafford, Chelsea beat Manchester United thanks to a late Juan Mata goal that secured a vital 3 points. Chelsea then had the chance to confirm a top 4 spot at home to Tottenham, it was a chance that went begging after a late Tottenham equaliser which meant Chelsea would have to fight another day. And fight is what they did in a tense away trip to Aston villa.
Chelsea found themselves a man and a goal down at half time with no sign of it getting any better, that was until villa s scorer Benteke also saw red and levelled the game up at 10 a side. Frank Lampard then stepped up with two crucial goals that not only cemented his place at the top of Chelsea all time scoring charts but also secured Champions league football next term. Then came Chelsea s 68th game of the season the Europa league final against Benfica with Chelsea bidding to be the first team to hold both of european club footballs top prizes at once.
The first half was all Benfica and somehow they managed not to score. Chelsea were better in the 2nd but not by much until Torres broke clear and put Chelsea ahead, Benfica equalised through a Cardozo penalty but Ivanovic headed home a Juan Mata corner in injury time to secure the Europa league, the thing that will probably be remembered above everything else during his reign at Chelsea. Chelsea secured 3rd spot on the final day with a 2-1 victory against Everton that would prove to be Benitez s last competitive game in charge at Chelsea.
In conclusion the Europa league win and finishing 3rd will be what people remember most about his reign at Chelsea.
But it wasn t all so victorious his first few months were tainted by angry fans and poor performances, this changed later on in his stay after he bit back at the Chelsea fans. I d give his stay at Chelsea a 6/10 could have done worse but ultimately should have done better.
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Home Rafael Benitez Dissecting Rafa s reign: A month by month look56
By joshua19057 May 20, 2013
It s fair to say Benitez didn t have the easiest of times during his Chelsea tenure, it s also fair to say some of that was down to himself. From the euphoria of last season in November of 2012, Chelsea football club as a whole took a crash landing.
The hero of the previous year was gone sacked harshly after a poor month domestically and in Europe, then in came a man who the majority of the fan base already had a strong disliking for Rafael Benitez.
November
He was appointed on the 21st of november following the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo, he was given the title of interim first team manager. His appointment was met by outrage by many Chelsea fans, mainly down to the things he said about Chelsea during his time at Liverpool. In his first press conference he refuse to apologize for any of his remark claiming he was defending his team and that he would now do the same for Chelsea.
Football wise his first month was rather uninspiring two home 0-0 draws vs Manchester city and Fulham did nothing to enhance his reputation amongst the Chelsea faithful.
December
December was a very congested month fixture wise with the squad having fixtures in four different competitions, including a fruitless trip to japan. December started off awfully for the new Chelsea boss as Chelsea slumped to a 3-1 away defeat to west ham, which gave fans even more reason the want the newly appointed boss out. He finally got his first win 6-1 at home vs FC Nordsjaelland in the UCL a competition we were pretty much already out of.
He followed this up with a 3-1 victory away at Sunderland, straight after this match the team jetted out to japan where we took part in the Club world cup. Chelsea easily dispatched their semi final opponents Monterrey 3-1, but this victory was overshadowed by a poor showing in the final losing 1-0 to Corinthians a game Chelsea should be winning. On the squads return they were straight back in action facing old rivals Leeds in a league cup game after a poor first half which left the club trailing 1-0 Chelsea steamrolled the opposition and romped to a 5-1 win.
Then into the busy christmas period which Chelsea fared well in winning all three of their fixtures including a league best 8-0 home win vs Aston Villa a tough fought away win against at the time in form Norwich city. The month came to a close with a very tricky away fixture vs Everton a game in which we struggled early but came back to earn a vital 3 points thanks to a Lampard brace. Think its fair to say november was a bit of a mixed bag.
January
While December could be described as a mixed bag January was littered with some truly shocking results.
A 1-0 home defeat to bottom of the league QPR started of the month a game in which Benitez decided to field a very weakened side. It looked like that game could have just been a blip after an impressive 5-1 away FA cup win vs Southampton but another horrific performance at home this time in the league cup semi final 1st leg against Swansea saw Chelsea lose 2-0 and all but throw away any hopes of winning the cup. Then the rather unpredictable nature of his time at Chelsea continued with one of the stand results of the season beating a usually defensively strong Stoke side 4-0 away from home, after another brilliant away performance we struggled yet again at home throwing away a two goal lead vs Southampton to Draw 2-2.
Chelsea then registered their first home win in 4 against top 4 rivals Arsenal with a 2-1 win coming after a great 1st half performance and then a not so great 2nd half showing. Then the 2nd leg of the league cup semi which was a rather dull affair until the whole Eden hazard ball boy gate the match finished 0-0. Chelsea ended the month the way they started it poorly, Chelsea were lucky to come away with a draw vs league one opposition (Brentford) in the FA cup, then Chelsea then again produced something that seemed to be becoming an unwanted trait throwing away leads this time away at Reading the match finished 2-2.
February
Another month that started off badly for Chelsea with a 3-2 defeat away at Newcastle another game in which Chelsea at one point had the lead.
Chelsea then got back on the winning trail with a 4-1 home win vs Wigan and followed that up with a hard-fought away Europa league win 1-0 vs Sparta Prague. Then came the FA cup replay vs Brentford a game which Chelsea won 4-0. Chelsea then had the home leg of their Europa league clash with Sparta which looked to be heading to extra time before Eden Hazard scored a quite brilliant goal to save Chelsea s blushes and squeeze them home on aggregate.
Then an away trip to then league champions Manchester City a poor performance produced a 2-0 defeat and Benitez couldn t seem to get a run going. A fairly routine cup trip to Middlesbrough which Chelsea won 2-0 didn t seem like it would have any talking points until after the game Benitez snapped back at the Chelsea fans claiming that the interim title was a mistake and telling the Chelsea fans he wouldn t be here next season. Many at the time believed this would be the end of his reign in charge, it wasn t and somehow his rant worked in his favour.
March
The rant at the back-end of February worked in his favour fans still didn t like him but they didn t show their aggression as much and it seemed to have an effect on Chelsea s home league form, the turnaround started with a 1-0 home win vs West Brom.
This was then followed by one of the last wobbly patches in his reign with a 1-0 away Europa league defeat vs Steaua then a trip to Old Trafford in which a terrible first half saw Chelsea 2-0 but two inspired substitutions at the break saw Chelsea earn a draw and take the game to a replay. Chelsea then overturned an aggregate deficit to go through to the Europa league quarter final with a 3-1 home win vs Steaua. A good 2-0 home win vs West ham was followed by a disappointing 2-1 away defeat to Southampton a game in which key men were rested as Chelsea faced a fixture pile up of two games in 48 hours.
April
Giving players a rest worked as Chelsea beat Manchester united 1-0 to book a place in the FA cup Semi final.
Chelsea were on Europa league duty again soon after as they attempted to progress in the competition they made a good start in that attempt with 3-1 home win vs Rubin Kazan and they followed that up with a hard-fought home league win vs Sunderland 2-1 the score. A disappointing week then followed a 3-2 away defeat to Rubin Kazan which was still enough to progress through to the Europa league semi final was capped off with 2-1 defeat at Wembley at the hands of Manchester City. Chelsea returned to league action with a usually tricky trip to local rivals Fulham, the game finished with a much-needed 3-0 away win.
Chelsea then faced an away trip at Liverpool a last min Luis Suarez goal denied Chelsea all 3 points in a 2-2 draw. Chelsea then put one foot in the final of the Europa league with a 2-1 away win in switzerland. April ended with a comfortable 2-0 home win vs Swansea.
MAY
May would be Benitez s last month in charge of Chelsea and it would be a fruitful month at that.
It started with Chelsea confirming their place in the Europa league final in Amsterdam with a 3-1 home win against Basel. This was then followed up with a crucial away trip to Old Trafford, Chelsea beat Manchester United thanks to a late Juan Mata goal that secured a vital 3 points. Chelsea then had the chance to confirm a top 4 spot at home to Tottenham, it was a chance that went begging after a late Tottenham equaliser which meant Chelsea would have to fight another day.
And fight is what they did in a tense away trip to Aston villa. Chelsea found themselves a man and a goal down at half time with no sign of it getting any better, that was until villa s scorer Benteke also saw red and levelled the game up at 10 a side. Frank Lampard then stepped up with two crucial goals that not only cemented his place at the top of Chelsea all time scoring charts but also secured Champions league football next term.
Then came Chelsea s 68th game of the season the Europa league final against Benfica with Chelsea bidding to be the first team to hold both of european club footballs top prizes at once. The first half was all Benfica and somehow they managed not to score. Chelsea were better in the 2nd but not by much until Torres broke clear and put Chelsea ahead, Benfica equalised through a Cardozo penalty but Ivanovic headed home a Juan Mata corner in injury time to secure the Europa league, the thing that will probably be remembered above everything else during his reign at Chelsea.
Chelsea secured 3rd spot on the final day with a 2-1 victory against Everton that would prove to be Benitez s last competitive game in charge at Chelsea.
In conclusion the Europa league win and finishing 3rd will be what people remember most about his reign at Chelsea.
But it wasn t all so victorious his first few months were tainted by angry fans and poor performances, this changed later on in his stay after he bit back at the Chelsea fans.
I d give his stay at Chelsea a 6/10 could have done worse but ultimately should have done better.
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We, The Fans. | Chelsea FC 360
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Home Uncategorized We, The Fans.12
What a roller-coaster year it s been for us. We ve faced the lowest lows and relatively high highs, and we still come through absolutely Carefree . Such is the nature of support at Chelsea, something we ve enjoyed thoroughly since the arrival of Roman Abramovich.
We ve been in contention for all 4 trophies every year, and granted that we have the revolving door for managers at Stamford Bridge, it seems to have worked. We have added to our collection of trophies with our most recent success, the Europa League. The Anti-Chelsea brigade can boast about how it s a competition not worth much, but the fact remains that we ve only finished 2nd to Manchester United in determining successful seasons.
After all the smiles and frowns, I only think it s right we dedicate a pat on the back to ourselves.
Yes, we ve had it easy with Abramovich controlling club affairs, undoubtedly.
But the support for our team has never been in doubt. Whether you re from London, England, Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Australia, you owe yourself a lot of credit for having to endure the bad times, and still having the courage to cheer on Chelsea in the very next game.
Going by Twitter, I have now been active as a fan/personal account (@Drogboss) for just under a year. Before creating the account, I had my own personal account, where I would follow top journalists and the fan accounts with huge amounts of followers.
I learned that following these accounts lead me to very limited amount of opinions, and I never got to engage with the people that actually mattered Us. Fans. People that had actual opinions about the game and about Chelsea, not accounts that gave opinions which were universally agreed with.
After creating @ShedEndBlue, I then realised I could build a substantially larger follower and following base, where I could give my own personal views, and also learn about other football fans views. And this worked extremely well.
I found myself conversing with people of every opinion, and I honestly have to say, it opened my mind about a lot of things, such as Is Torres off-form or just not a good footballer anymore? , Does Robbie stay or go? and the most discussed topic, Rafael Benitez .
After the endless amount of difference in opinions and You re clueless , it was still apparent to me that however near or far we may be from the Bridge, the passion in people when it comes to supporting their team is greater than ever.
We ALL want what s best for the club, and nothing less. We re fortunate enough to have a wealthy owner that allows us to dream, and we ll all have different opinions, it d be stupid not to.
So for showing more passion than ever, we should credit each other, and realise that people all around the world want exactly what you want A successful Chelsea. It is the club that binds us all together, and we defend the club whenever needed.
As for Stamford Bridge, it s clear to everyone that our home support has not been what it has been in the past.
There have been a lot of changes, mainly for income purposes, but we ve still managed to strike up a mean atmosphere at times, despite having that manager change, mid-way through the season. Of course, having a man, not all approved of, managing Chelsea was never going to create a monstrous atmosphere, but we have still managed to get behind the team, and produce some amazing results and more than that, inject energy into our football.
So if you were one of those people that generated a buzz at Stamford Bridge, we all credit you for doing so, and making every fan outside the Bridge proud to be a fan of the club.
The away support this year has been phenomenal. It always has been, but due to the home support being lesser than normal, the away fans have shone, and really done us all proud.
Southampton, Leeds and United were the most memorable games where the away support were nothing short of amazing. We have been praised several times by the oppositional fans for our support at their homes, and again, despite all the Anti-Rafa banners, chants etc, the away fans still managed to make their voices heard, and gave us all a reason to boast about Chelsea.
I could praise the away support forever, but this is my way of thanking those fans that travelled hundreds of miles to support the club we all love.
I d just like to add that there have been many cases of people classing other fans support for the club as poor, but being a Chelsea fan in London, I have nothing but good feelings towards our International fans, the people that represent us around the world. The time difference in certain countries ranges up to 8 hours forward or backwards, and they still manage to stay awake, just to watch those 2 hours of football, the same 2 hours we enjoy at convenient times.
So with that in mind, I d love to see a bit more appreciation towards them, as it is those fans that help make us a global brand, something that in turn allows us to boast proudly when supporting Chelsea.
With Jose Mourinho ever so close to re-signing rather than resigning at Chelsea, I do expect a lot of the divided support to unite again, and I do think we are in for much happier times than that we have endured since November 2012.
In conclusion, I d just like to thank everyone for making it such an eventful season, and it s times like these when we realise how awful football would be without pub-talk, arguments at school or college, and discussions at work. We have a lot to look forward to in the summer, and it promises to be one that generates a lot of talking points, and I can t wait to get stuck in!
Have faith, never lose hope.
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Home Uncategorized We, The Fans.56
What a roller-coaster year it s been for us. We ve faced the lowest lows and relatively high highs, and we still come through absolutely Carefree .
Such is the nature of support at Chelsea, something we ve enjoyed thoroughly since the arrival of Roman Abramovich. We ve been in contention for all 4 trophies every year, and granted that we have the revolving door for managers at Stamford Bridge, it seems to have worked. We have added to our collection of trophies with our most recent success, the Europa League.
The Anti-Chelsea brigade can boast about how it s a competition not worth much, but the fact remains that we ve only finished 2nd to Manchester United in determining successful seasons.
After all the smiles and frowns, I only think it s right we dedicate a pat on the back to ourselves.
Yes, we ve had it easy with Abramovich controlling club affairs, undoubtedly. But the support for our team has never been in doubt. Whether you re from London, England, Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Australia, you owe yourself a lot of credit for having to endure the bad times, and still having the courage to cheer on Chelsea in the very next game.
Going by Twitter, I have now been active as a fan/personal account (@Drogboss) for just under a year.
Before creating the account, I had my own personal account, where I would follow top journalists and the fan accounts with huge amounts of followers. I learned that following these accounts lead me to very limited amount of opinions, and I never got to engage with the people that actually mattered Us. Fans.
People that had actual opinions about the game and about Chelsea, not accounts that gave opinions which were universally agreed with. After creating @ShedEndBlue, I then realised I could build a substantially larger follower and following base, where I could give my own personal views, and also learn about other football fans views. And this worked extremely well.
I found myself conversing with people of every opinion, and I honestly have to say, it opened my mind about a lot of things, such as Is Torres off-form or just not a good footballer anymore? , Does Robbie stay or go?
and the most discussed topic, Rafael Benitez .
After the endless amount of difference in opinions and You re clueless , it was still apparent to me that however near or far we may be from the Bridge, the passion in people when it comes to supporting their team is greater than ever. We ALL want what s best for the club, and nothing less. We re fortunate enough to have a wealthy owner that allows us to dream, and we ll all have different opinions, it d be stupid not to.
So for showing more passion than ever, we should credit each other, and realise that people all around the world want exactly what you want A successful Chelsea.
It is the club that binds us all together, and we defend the club whenever needed.
As for Stamford Bridge, it s clear to everyone that our home support has not been what it has been in the past. There have been a lot of changes, mainly for income purposes, but we ve still managed to strike up a mean atmosphere at times, despite having that manager change, mid-way through the season. Of course, having a man, not all approved of, managing Chelsea was never going to create a monstrous atmosphere, but we have still managed to get behind the team, and produce some amazing results and more than that, inject energy into our football.
So if you were one of those people that generated a buzz at Stamford Bridge, we all credit you for doing so, and making every fan outside the Bridge proud to be a fan of the club.
The away support this year has been phenomenal.
It always has been, but due to the home support being lesser than normal, the away fans have shone, and really done us all proud. Southampton, Leeds and United were the most memorable games where the away support were nothing short of amazing. We have been praised several times by the oppositional fans for our support at their homes, and again, despite all the Anti-Rafa banners, chants etc, the away fans still managed to make their voices heard, and gave us all a reason to boast about Chelsea.
I could praise the away support forever, but this is my way of thanking those fans that travelled hundreds of miles to support the club we all love.
I d just like to add that there have been many cases of people classing other fans support for the club as poor, but being a Chelsea fan in London, I have nothing but good feelings towards our International fans, the people that represent us around the world.
The time difference in certain countries ranges up to 8 hours forward or backwards, and they still manage to stay awake, just to watch those 2 hours of football, the same 2 hours we enjoy at convenient times.
So with that in mind, I d love to see a bit more appreciation towards them, as it is those fans that help make us a global brand, something that in turn allows us to boast proudly when supporting Chelsea.
With Jose Mourinho ever so close to re-signing rather than resigning at Chelsea, I do expect a lot of the divided support to unite again, and I do think we are in for much happier times than that we have endured since November 2012.
In conclusion, I d just like to thank everyone for making it such an eventful season, and it s times like these when we realise how awful football would be without pub-talk, arguments at school or college, and discussions at work.
We have a lot to look forward to in the summer, and it promises to be one that generates a lot of talking points, and I can t wait to get stuck in!
Have faith, never lose hope.
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