Just a little something to wet your appetites ahead of the biggest game of the season (ignore the date at the end of the video).
KTBFFH
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KTBFFH
Carlo Ancelotti on United.
Carlo Ancelotti gave his press conference today as featured on the official club website ahead of the Manchester United game. He spoke of the game itself and what it means, the gap United have over us and the situation with our strikers. He said:
'It's a very important game for them, for us, a very important game for the future of Manchester United, for the future of Chelsea and we are excited to play this game. I think we arrive to play this game in a very good moment. We have confidence to do our best, confidence to win.
Obviously it will not be easy because Manchester United until now is the best team in the Premier League and we hope to play our game and to win. For us it is important to win not just for the result but to improve our confidence after the victory against Copenhagen where we played very well, so it will be a good step tomorrow.
I think it is very difficult for us to close this gap. In this moment we have to think game by game and stay in focus there. It will be very difficult to come back now.
Manchester United can decide its destiny, and our aim is different in this moment. Our aim is to win against Man United. When the numbers don't say that we are out, we have to believe, but obviously and objectively we have to be honest and now it's very difficult for us to close the gap. There are other games in the Premier League and we want to arrive in the first four, this is our aim.
They played with continuity, they lost just one game this season against Wolves in the Premier League and this means they play every time in focus, concentrated, and this is the reason they are top of the table.
Anelka can show his quality when he has space. In a home game it is more difficult to find space, It depends on the behaviour of the team during the game. Against Manchester United I don't think we will have a lot of space but if we are able to move well at the right time we can find space to attack them on the counter-attack, so Anelka can show his quality also in home games.
Torres will be involved in the game, I don't know how many minutes, Obviously for a striker to score is very important but above all in the last game we played really well.
He had four opportunities to score in front of the goalkeeper and moved very well for the team. I was really happy about his performance, obviously he was not so happy and would prefer to score, and I think he will score.
Drogba and Torres can play together without a problem. We are trying in the training sessions to put them together, they have to improve their combination but they don't have a problem to play.
Ashley Cole will play, Obviously we are not happy with what happened but I have spoken with him and he was really disappointed about this, said sorry, he made a mistake. I think he is in focus to play a good game.
KTBFFH
Torres on United
Fernando Torres is featured on the official club website speaking of the United game tomorrow and trying to form an understanding with Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba. He said:
'I think Chelsea knows better than me how to play Man United, they were more successful than us in the last couple of years, but it is always the same.
When you play against top sides they have top players and Man United are the same, they have brilliant centre-backs and always the motivation is high when you play against them.
You want to play well against these players to show you can do it, and Vidic and Ferdinand were always a big challenge for me, so I hoped they could both play. Some people prefer big players not to be playing but I prefer to play against these kinds of players.
They have lost only one game, the main thing is that it is Man United on the top even if they are not at their best, they are still challenging for everything this season. This is the quality they have and it's been the same at Chelsea. I was at Liverpool and when I had to play against Chelsea or Manchester United and they were not in their best moment you knew it would still be very hard to win.
This will be an interesting game because it can make us come back to fight for the title, it is one of the most important games of the season right now, and if we win this one we are closer to them and we have will still have one more game against them.
The strikers we have depend on the play of the rest of the team, With two lines of four the other day the team played really well and the balance was really good, compact and they did well, sometimes playing balls behind the centre-backs or sometimes between the lines, and Nico likes to play like this.
It is my job to understand the game of Nico or the game of Didier Drogba, and to be involved in the routine of the team and know the quality of the players so that's what I am trying to do now.'
KTBFFH
Ferdinand "'Wow, they've really gone for it!"
Rio Ferdinand has spoken of his surprise at Chelsea's spending in January but has revealed that he doesn't believe they will settle at Chelsea until next season. In the interview in the Guardian he said:
Chelsea team vs Manchester United.
I thought I would post an example of the Chelsea side I would like us to start with tomorrow night just to hear your opinions. There is plenty of opinion amongst you all about the game but I thought I would put something to you all to see how many of you agree.
LUIZ "I have everything needed to succeed here".
David Luiz is featured in an interview ahead of tomorrow night's game and has spoken of how quickly he feels he has settled at the club. He said:
Chelsea v Manchester United - Have your say ahead of the game.
Tomorrow night is the biggest game of the season. Everyone will be watching as Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea side take on our nemesis Manchester United. United sit at the top of the Premier League fifteen points clear of Chelsea and will be looking to extend their lead. Chelsea have the chance for three points and to go above Spurs into fourth place, two points behind City with a game in hand.
United have only won one game at Stamford Bridge in the last twelve. They sit top of the league and have been on an amazing run and have established themselves as the most consistent side so far in the Premier League. BUT, they haven't played Chelsea.
Chelsea, boosted by the signings of Fernando Torres and David Luiz, will look to tomorrow night's game to make a real statement of intent between now and the end of the season. United are well aware, Chelsea will have a major say in the title race. Some say it will be a case of United coming here to ensure they do not lose the game and will be more than happy to take a draw but do we honestly believe they will come here and play like that?. If United lose the game, they have a ready made excuse of playing two games since Chelsea played Copenhagen.
The emphasis will remain on Chelsea to win the game tomorrow and I personally believe we can get the job done. Questions remain over our formation, Didier Drogba, who starts the game and how we play but I am of the opinion United are not as strong as they used to be. Granted the same could be said of Chelsea, but think about it, on paper Chelsea are strong and like I have said before with the addition of Torres and Luiz, it has really stepped up competition for places at the Bridge which after our woeful season, was needed.
So I am asking you the fans, what are you early thoughts on the game tomorrow? How do you see both sides lining up, formations and who could be the key to winning this one?.
Would love to hear from as many of you as possible. At the end of the day, you lot reading this all have a voice, I have this blog to air my views so why not add to it and give your point of view.
I predict Chelsea to win by a single goal and Torres to score the winner!.
KTBFFH.
JT ahead of United on Tuesday.
The second part of John Terry's interview on the Official Chelsea Website focuses on Tuesday night against Manchester United. He said:
We are very confident at home and the way they play might help us. I'm not sure how they are going to come at us but other teams that have come to the Bridge have sat back and we've found it hard to break them down.
It's just a case of winning the game. I don't care how that comes about. We just have to be up for it. It is a must-win game for us and the fans are going to be up for it. If we can win, who knows, it could put a little bit of pressure on them and the teams around us.
We've a game in hand over Tottenham as well and with them losing against Blackpool we could get three points and overtake them.'
United's run at the Bridge is woeful. They have only one 1 game in 12 attempts and I have the belief that they will not beat us on Tuesday I really honestly believe that. It's down to Chelsea as Terry says to break them down. I think Ferdinand is a big big miss for them and with the fact that they are unable to call on Evans to replace him will work in our favour.
It's just who Carlo decides to go with up front for Chelsea that will have an even bigger say in this one. I have asked you the fans the question so make sure you have a look and give your own opinions.
One thing is for sure, we have to win the game no matter what. I really believe now is the time for Chelsea to step up and get the job done. United are there for the taking of that there is no question. MR TORRES anyone!?
KTBFFH.
Follow me on Twitter to keep up to date with all my Chelsea blog posts @chelseadaft
Terry "It's definitely got people on their toes and fighting again"
John Terry is featured on the Official Chelsea Website speaking ahead of the impact that David Luiz and Fernando Torres have had on the squad.
Speaking first of Luiz and Torres he said:
The whole squad needed a little bit of competition and we definitely have that with David Luiz and Fernando coming in, It's definitely got people on their toes and fighting for their place again.
When Nico comes in and plays as well as he did against Copenhagen, it causes a problem for the manager for the next game. Who does he drop? Or does he play all three of them? It's a very good problem to have though.
When we see them staying behind after training, Fernando and David Luiz, we are all out there doing extra training with them because we don't want to miss anything.
It's great to have them in because they are two young lads who want to win trophies and want to learn and improve themselves. Because they stay out and do extra work, the defenders stay out and practice their passing and the strikers their shooting. It's very good.
I have said it numerous times but the two signings were fantastic for Chelsea and came at the right time for us. People will continue to knock Torres because of the fee we paid for him. Luiz has impressed everyone with what he brings to the table and with Alex and Yossi Benayoun returning to the squad shortly, we have fantastic options to choose from.
It's great to hear that both are working hard to fit into the squad and the club and the other players have responded in the way they have. This can only be of benefit to us for the remainder of the season.
KTBFFH
Follow me on Twitter to keep upto date with all my Chelsea blog posts @chelseadaft
Rooney on "terrible record" against Chelsea.
Wayne Rooney has spoken ahead of our game on Tuesday night and of United's and his own terrible record at Stamford Bridge and of Chelsea.
He said:
We’ve got a terrible record at Stamford Bridge – in fact, I’ve never won there in my entire career, It’s not been a good place for me, with United and Everton – I even broke my metatarsal there in 2006 and nearly missed the World Cup.You get these strange records in football and there’s no way to explain them.(Source: Mirror)
I certainly don’t know why we’ve found it so hard at Chelsea because our away record is very good overall, But we can’t let it play on our minds. If anything, it will make us even more determined to go there and win. It’s a massive game and Chelsea need to win it more than we do. Hopefully, the pressure will tell on them.
I’m a bit surprised to see Chelsea so far behind us, but I would never write them off. But we’re happy with the position we’re in – it’s been a season where we’ve stuck together as a team and had to grind out results when we haven’t played well. Sometimes you get just as much satisfaction winning that way as you do when you play great football.
We want the title back because it was hard losing it to Chelsea. We can make it really hard for them by beating them, but they will be thinking the same thing about us because those two games will have a big say on where the title goes.”
Let's hope his and United's poor run continues on Tuesday. I think this could be a time that United finally slip up and suffer their first dip in form and it would be at such an important time.
United and Rooney talk about being out in front and they have deserved to be there as they have remained the most consistent side in the league. The fact remains, they haven't played us yet!.
KTBFFH.
Follow me on Twitter to keep upto date with all my Chelsea blog posts @chelseadaft
Sturridge strikes again!
Danny Sturridge has continues his impressive scoring run at Bolton with the equaliser against Newcastle yesterday. Check out the video below:
szólj hozzá: ---
Let's hope it continues!.
KTBFFH
Follow me on Twitter to keep upto date with all my Chelsea blog posts @chelseadaft
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szólj hozzá: ---
Let's hope it continues!.
KTBFFH
Follow me on Twitter to keep upto date with all my Chelsea blog posts @chelseadaft
Abramovich looking at Sneijder / Kaka to replace Lampard?
As we get nearer and nearer to the end of the season we will continue to hear all sorts of rumours about our ageing squad being "dismantled". A story has appeared this morning stating that Roman Abramovich is looking at potential replacements for Frank Lampard.
The signings of David Luiz and Fernando Torres have been reported as being direct long term replacements for John Terry and Didier Drogba and it is now reported that Roman wants Wesley Sneijder or Kaka to come to the club as Lampard's direct replacement.
This is not the first time both have been linked with Chelsea and I have to reiterate that these are only reports, but I am just wondering if there would be any real substance to these reports at this stage and in the summer.
Both players are world class, Sneijder was instrumental under Mourinho as Inter's play maker and has indicated his intention to stay in Milan. Kaka can't find his way into the starting eleven at Madrid at the moment after coming back from his long term injury.
I just wonder if Roman came calling, if they would even entertain the idea of moving to London?
What do you think and if we did have the option of signing one of them, who would you want?
KTBFFH
Follow me on Twitter to keep upto date with all my Chelsea blog posts @chelseadaft
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The signings of David Luiz and Fernando Torres have been reported as being direct long term replacements for John Terry and Didier Drogba and it is now reported that Roman wants Wesley Sneijder or Kaka to come to the club as Lampard's direct replacement.
This is not the first time both have been linked with Chelsea and I have to reiterate that these are only reports, but I am just wondering if there would be any real substance to these reports at this stage and in the summer.
Both players are world class, Sneijder was instrumental under Mourinho as Inter's play maker and has indicated his intention to stay in Milan. Kaka can't find his way into the starting eleven at Madrid at the moment after coming back from his long term injury.
I just wonder if Roman came calling, if they would even entertain the idea of moving to London?
What do you think and if we did have the option of signing one of them, who would you want?
KTBFFH
Follow me on Twitter to keep upto date with all my Chelsea blog posts @chelseadaft
The Drogba debate. First team or bench?.
Didier Drogba will go down in Chelsea's history as part of the cornerstone of the side that won Chelsea's first title in 50 years, repeated the season after and once more last season. His goals and performances all over Europe in the Chelsea shirt have turned him into one of the most feared strikers in the game. I am just wondering if Torres was signed to play alongside him or to replace him.
Listen, we have to point out Drogba's illness. I haven't had Malaria so could never imagine what it is like or how it affects you. Didier's illness happened to coincide with our dip in form as he struggled to gain 100% fitness. Drogba has even gone on record to state that he had struggled to deal with the effects it had on his game.
I guess for Didier Drogba he has always been our number one. Let's be honest, he knew he was and I guess the "invincible" days under Mourinho have remained as part and parcel at the club. Drogba saw the arrival of Hernan Crespo after his loan spell at Inter for two seasons and Crespo couldn't force his way ahead of Drogba and was sold.
Then Sheva arrived at the club for a record £30m fee, Didier Drogba stepped up his game and had his best ever season scoring over 30 goals. Sheva could never really find his feet and maybe just maybe, couldn't live up to playing alongside our main man. Sheva left the club.
When Sheva left we brought Danny Sturridge in as the club looked to bring the average age of the squad down. Imagine Drogba's reaction, he knew he would never take his place and wouldn't be a threat to his position. Again, to his credit though, Drogba stepped up once again and played an important part as we had our best ever season winning the double.
This season, we started on fire. Drogba was scoring goals alongside Malouda and Anelka doing the same and then we hit the wall. The goals dried up, performances wavered and frustrations became apparent. That's when Malaria hit and hit hard. Once recovered to somewhere near match fitness the performances in some games simply haven't been good enough or not consistent enough.
Drogba was dropped against Spurs and the decision made headlines. It proved to be a masterstroke from Ancelotti as when he came on, Drogba looked hungry and put in the kind of performance we have been used to seeing over the years. The problem was, it never became a regular occurrence.
Now Drogba faces a challenge again as a third world class striker has been brought into the club to provide competition for places and for Drogba's place. Again, Drogba needs to rise to the challenge and prove himself once again.
There is a saying in football and it really does ring true, especially when it comes to Didier Drogba, "You are only as good as your last game!" I think he knows like we all do, it just hasn't been good enough.
Didier Drogba is and will be a Chelsea legend. He remains as I said at the start of this article, one of the most feared strikers in the game and I am talking about his all round game. His presence, his power, his aerial ability and his finishing has been second to none.
The problem is, With Anelka looking like standing up to the challenge Torres has provided, Drogba looks at the moment like he has slipped down the pecking order at the club.
I really hope that Didier Drogba finds it in himself to stand up to the challenge once again that has been put in front of him a final time and proves to himself, to Carlo, the players and to all of us supporters just why we love him.
So to you the Chelsea fans, bearing in mind the big games we have coming up, bearing in mind our quest for Champions League glory, bearing in mind the belief we still hold onto that we can still fight our way back into this title race, I am asking you all the question:
First team or bench?.
KTBFFH.
Follow me on Twitter to keep upto date with my blog @chelseadaft
Ashley Cole's Champions League dream.
Fresh from making his 80th career appearance in Europe, Ashley Cole has revealed his hunger and desire to win the Champions League and has confirmed it's the club's focus for the remainder of the season.
He said:
"I played from a young age in the Champions League so I just want to keep it going. I have missed out on the medal but it is always nice playing in the Champions League. It is something not many players from here have won so it means a lot to us. I have been in the final twice and defeated twice and it is not a good feeling. Hopefully this season will be different, it will be one to remember.
I am just desperate to win the Champions League and if I can do it in a Chelsea shirt that will be an amazing achievement for me. After starting the season so well, we then had this dip in form, it wasn't going for us, and of course it has left us where we are now, It is not a good position for us, we know we have to do better, we want to do better.
We are out of the FA Cup, the Carling Cup, we're never going to give up on the League but the Champions League is probably now the main focus for us to win because obviously not many people here have won that one."
Of course, I forgot he also lost the final with the Arse. I have to say and I know it's a bit late in the day for Chelsea but I believe we will have a good chance to progress to the final stages of the competition as no one will want to come and play us (apart from Jose). Of course maybe I am counting my chickens here, but we should get the job done against Copenhagen in the second leg in three weeks time to go through to the quarter finals.
However, after JT spoke yesterday, I just wonder if in a couple of weeks time, our focus also switches back to the Premier League in addition to Europe, if we can get a run of wins together?.
Despite a poor run of form this season which we all agree on, there is still so much to play for.
KTBFFH.
Follow me on Twitter to keep upto date with my blog @chelseadaft
MARADONA: "We must not forget Chelsea"
In an interview with the newspaper Marca, Argentine Legend Diego Maradona has only gone and tipped Chelsea to be a force to be reckoned with in the Champions League this season.
He said:
“Real Madrid and Barcelona might be intending to reach the final, But in the fight for the European title, we should not forget Chelsea. They have very good players and have spent a lot of money to be on top. Together, with Real Madrid, they have the most options for the team.”
I just hope he is right. We do have Alex to come back and Yossi Benayoun who is training again so in a couple of weeks time, after hopefully we don't let anything slip against Copenhagen in the second leg at the Bridge, we can look forward to the Quarter Finals with plenty of options for Carlo to choose from.
Carlo said the squad was good enough at the beginning of the season, of course before our injury problems hit us hard, but as Diego says, we have spent money on two world class additions to the squad and I see our chances, depending on the draw looking good. If we can win it, that's yet to be seen but you can bet your life the players are more determined than ever especially after our poor performances to date in the Premier League.
I just hope the players believe they can!.
KTBFFH.
Follow me on Twitter to keep upto date with my blog @chelseadaft
Zhirkov wants first team football. Will he get it?.
It comes as no surprise that Yuri Zhirkov has once again reiterated his stance about his position at Chelsea. Zhirkov was linked with a move away from Chelsea after being frustrated at a lack of first team opportunities at Stamford Bridge and once again since he has returned from injury, it seems he stance hasn't changed.
He said this week:
"My only target at the moment is to get back into the main Chelsea team. If I'm successful with that, all the other issues will resolve themselves. But if I fail to achieve that between now and the summer, I will start thinking of other possibilities."(Guardian)
Let's be honest here, if Zhirkov was fit then he would have been playing alot more this season after Malouda's dip in form and there is an argument that he should be starting ahead of him now that he is ready to play. I have to be honest, I did think that maybe Carlo would give him the start on the left hand side against Copenhagen the other night but instead, he came off the bench for a bit part in the game.
The problem for Zhirkov is since his time at Chelsea, he has had to try and compete with Ashley Cole at left back and Florent Malouda at left wing at a time when both of them were playing well and were two of our most consistent performers.
I think Cole has remained close to that level but as I have said Malouda's form has dipped with the rest of the players. It's now up to Zhirkov to force his way into Carlo's plans ahead of Malouda but I'm not so sure he will.
Granted Zhirkov is a good player and will work hard for the side but my argument is that I don't think we have really seen the best of him at the club. When Ashley Cole was injured he stepped in and did ok. I think his best game was Villa at home but for me that's been just a one off. He needs to make more of an impact when he is given a chance to start. Let's not forget his volley against Spartak Moscow earlier this season but instances like these are few and far between.
I honestly believe that we will continue to hear the same comments from Zhirkov between now and the end of the season. It wouldn't surprise me if Zhirkov moved away from the club in the summer.
KTBFFH.
Follow me on Twitter to keep upto date with my blog @chelseadaft
Coyle on Sturridge "For Chelsea it's a win-win situation!".
Bolton boss Owen Coyle is raving once again about Danny Sturridge. With three goals in three games Sturridge has proven to be a shrewd loan signing by Coyle after he pulled off another masterstroke last season with Jack Wilshere's loan.
Coyle has made no secret of his admiration for Sturridge and once again has taken the time to speak of our young striker once again. He said:
"He's not surprised me - that's why I brought him to the football club. I'm not sitting here trying to be smug, but it didn't surprise me as to how well Jack Wilshere did here when we had him on loan from Arsenal, because of the belief I had in him as a player.(Mirror)
I would say it's been all about giving these lads a platform to go and show their quality, and Daniel is now showing that. I've always had that belief in him, and that's why I did everything in my power to bring him to the club. It's great when it comes to fruition, and what Daniel has to do now is continue in that vein and focus on what is in front of him.
I believe if he continues as he has been doing then he will have a glittering career, but he's the one who has to deliver when he crosses the white line. I know the lad and he's focused and determined to try and do that.
If Carlo and Chelsea feel his future is there then that doesn't surprise me because as I've said before he is a terrific player. There's no shame in not being in the Chelsea starting line-up with Torres, Anelka, Drogba, Malouda and Kalou - these are fantastic, top-class players in world football, not just in league football.
But I believe Daniel getting a platform shows he can mix with that sort of quality, and again it will be up to Daniel to see how far he takes it. For Chelsea it was a win-win situation because they have a young player out on loan with the platform of playing in the Premier League, allowing him to improve.
And Chelsea will get back, as Arsenal did with Jack Wilshere, a player with experience, and all the better for it. Clearly the loan only runs to the end of the season, and then if there is anything in terms of dialogue for next season, that's a different subject."
I think we all knew that Sturridge has goals in him. At Bolton he is being given the chance to play and has rewarded the belief in him. I think all of us get a little frustrated when we see people like Sturridge being farmed out on loan but as Coyle says, once he comes back to Chelsea at the end of the season, we would have a player with much more Premier League experience on our hands.
For me, and I can never understand as to why, I get confused and frustrated when we have seen Sturridge come on in games and is brought on down the right wing. It's obvious he has blistering pace to burn and is a natural finisher, I just have never understood why he isn't played through the middle to freshen things up.
I really hope that Sturridge continues to play well for the remainder of the season at Bolton as it's always good to see your players playing well and enjoying their football. Carlo has said he has a future at Chelsea and will not be sold in the summer.
I really hope that's the case!.
KTBFFH
Follow me on Twitter to keep upto date with my blog @chelseadaft
Drogba, Anelka & Torres. Who plays against United?.
We have Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and Fernando Torres. Carlo Ancelotti has a range of formations available to use when he selects his Chelsea side game by game. The question I think we are all asking is:
How do we fit them all in?
So I was wondering with United coming up on Tuesday night, what you believe to be our best attacking options for the game. Do we play all three with Anelka in behind? Do we play just two of them as per the Copenhagen game? Or do we play one through the middle?
I think it's fair to say after his performance against Copenhagen that Anelka deserves the start but who plays with him?.
What do you think?
KTBFFH.
Terry on Manchester United and the Title.
John Terry has once again taken the time to speak out and has given a message to Manchester United, Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester City that Chelsea refuse to be counted out of the title race.
He said:
"If we want to put in a run and a charge for the Premier League, we must beat Manchester United, A draw's no good and, obviously, losing is no good at all.
We go into the game with no fear, just passion. Being able to put pressure on them would be great. There's a really small chance of us still winning the title, but it's a must-win game. Teams have clawed back deficits like this before. It's been done. United did it to Newcastle many years ago. It's possible and a little bit of pressure …
Even last year, at the end of the season, there was an awful lot of pressure on us going into the last few games with us knowing we needed to win. Luckily for us, Liverpool were out of it, really, when we went there and didn't put up much of a fight. But we'd gone to Old Trafford and won, and that experience did us the world of good. Recreating that could prove vital this year.
Who knows what game plan they're going to come down with? They're playing well, so they'll probably be confident of coming down and getting something, which will hopefully suit us. I don't think anyone should be fearful of United. At times we see they can be beaten and got at. They're certainly not invincible.
At times, the likes of Manchester City and Spurs are looking very good, but they're slipping up as well like we all are at the moment, The only side who aren't are Manchester United. But when teams like Tottenham and City do slip up, it's down to us to capitalise and make sure we win so we can hopefully pull away from them.
I know we lost some experienced players last summer in Michael Ballack, Deco and Juliano Belletti, but we still have an awful lot of experience in our squad, a lot of trust in one another and belief that we can still do it. We showed that in the run-in last year, and we can again."
Great stuff again from our captain. Some people knock him, but he comes out and says exactly what we want our players to be thinking and believing ahead of the biggest game of our season.
I personally think United are a good side, however, I do not think that are as good a side as they have been in recent seasons and it's up to us to take the game to them.
We all know that we have slipped up this season, United haven't yet and every side has some sort of blip in their season. I just wonder if we can beat United on Tuesday night, whether it will be the start of a blip that could see us right back in it?.
It's important to remain focused knowing that the only way this will happen is if we beat United. Only a win will do for Chelsea.
As for City and Spurs, I am not too bothered at the moment. Spurs lost the other night so if we win our game in hand we go back above them into fourth and just one point behind City with our return game against them coming up at the Bridge.
I cannot emphasise this enough, especially after the way we have played against the likes of Liverpool and Fulham. We need to beat United and after seeing their performance last night compared to ours, we should be confident.
KTBFFH.
David Trezeguet recommends Malouda to Hercules.
The rumour mill is rife this morning and will be from now until the end of the season when it comes to Chelsea. The basis of these rumours is the reports that Chelsea will be looking to rebuild their "ageing" squad come the summer. We have heard JT speak of the squad having plenty of experience in response to these comments but once again a player is being linked with a move away in the summer.
It appears that David Trezeguet has recommended Florent Malouda to his club Hercules in Spain as a potential transfer target and a bid of around £7m is being reported.
I have to say Malouda has come a long way since his performances of last season and the start of this one. He started where he left off but his form like most of the others has dipped in those months where we struggled and for me, the other night in Copenhagen, played at the level we have become accustomed to from him.
I wrote an article a few weeks back about Malouda, and the fact that it appeared as though he had issues and wasn't enjoying his football at all. The other night he played well and looked hungry for the game and it was good to see.
If we can keep Malouda happy, and he keeps enjoying his football then I don't see why we should entertain the thought of letting him go if these reports are to be believed in the summer. He is a class act and really blossomed in our Chelsea shirt and remained one of our most consistent players at the club. I even stated that part of the reason Joe Cole left Chelsea was because of the form of Malouda and I stand by that now.
What do you people think? I know there are possible younger targets the club could go for but we have to be realistic here. Anyone we look to buy now will have their fee doubled because of the money we spent in the summer. Also, players from abroad will take time fitting into the Premier League so do we want to take the risk of letting someone like Malouda go?.
I just hope that Malouda continues to look like he wants to be part of the team, working hard, playing well and enjoying his football.
As for selling him, I'm not so sure.
KTBFFH.
Bosingwa watched by Juventus again in Copenhagen.
Bosingwa after this season, only has a year left on his contract and was looking to sign a new deal. However, with the signing of David Luiz it looks as though Bosingwa could be one of the players that will leave the club as our squad seems destined for an overhaul if reports are to be believed.
It's not the first time Bosingwa has been linked with a move away and I have to be honest here, personally as great as he is going forward, defensively in my book Ivanovic is better in that position.
Much more on this to follow as the season comes to a close.
KTBFFH.
What are your thoughts on our 4-4-2 last night?
I am wondering how the rest of you feel about the 4-4-2 formation Carlo played last night. What did you think of Malouda wide left and Ramires wide right with Lampard in the middle?
What did you all think of Anelka and Torres playing together?. Did they work? Should Drogba be concerned?
What do you think of how we played in possession of the ball and also without the ball? Do you think we worked hard enough?
Is this formation the way forward or do you feel as though we should adopt a different one?
If you read my match report here I give my opinion so make sure you reply here and give your comment on last nights game and the formation.
Would love to hear from as many Chelsea fans as possible!.
KTBFFH
Follow me on Twitter @chelseadaft to keep upto date with all my blog posts!
Read more ...
What did you all think of Anelka and Torres playing together?. Did they work? Should Drogba be concerned?
What do you think of how we played in possession of the ball and also without the ball? Do you think we worked hard enough?
Is this formation the way forward or do you feel as though we should adopt a different one?
If you read my match report here I give my opinion so make sure you reply here and give your comment on last nights game and the formation.
Would love to hear from as many Chelsea fans as possible!.
KTBFFH
Follow me on Twitter @chelseadaft to keep upto date with all my blog posts!
FC Copenhagen 0-2 Chelsea - Chelsea's stroll in the Parken.
Let's be honest here about last night, we were sitting waiting to see what kind of performance Chelsea would put into the game. The world was watching expecting us to slip up, the media were hungry for more Chelsea drama and with Copenhagen not having played for 11 weeks, you could imagine what would of happened if we had!. Instead and to their credit, Chelsea played well, put in a much better all round performance and won this one with ease.
Carlo surprised us all with his formation but not so much his selection after revealing that Torres and Anelka would start the game so I still for the life of me do not understand why Drogba being named on the bench was making headlines.
It wasn't so much the team selected and a certain player being left on the bench, but the formation of a flat 4-4-2 that surprised me. With Ramires wide right and Malouda wide left it looked as though Carlo had reverted back to basics to get some solidity back. As the game progressed it became apparent that we were playing quite a narrow midfield four when we never had the ball and for the most part it worked.
ANNOUNCEMENT : Chelseadaft on Chelseafc.com !
I am more than proud to announce that I will also be blogging on the Official Chelsea Website's Blog pages.
Never in a million years did I ever expect anything like this to happen and it is the biggest day of my blogging career so far!.
So make sure you bookmark the Chelsea Blog section on Chelseafc.com and check out my first blog post on here by clicking this link!.
Amazing!. I'm still pinching myself to be honest!.
Come on Chelsea!!!
KTBFFH & Carefree everyone!.
FC Copenhagen v Chelsea - Torres the key?
Tonight as we all know by now, we take on FC Copenhagen at the Parken stadium in a game that on paper, looks like possibly the easiest draw we could have asked for at this stage of the competition. Right now we can only be thankful that it is Copenhagen we are facing and not someone like Real Madrid or Barcelona as we need a confidence boost.
However, the Danes are not to be taken lightly at all. Sitting 19 points clear at the top of their league, qualifying in their own right for the latter stages of the Champions League and in doing so, holding Barcelona to a draw in Denmark during the group stages, they are a force to be reckoned with tonight.
Let's hope JT's rallying call doesn't fall on deaf ears.
John Terry took to the stage with Carlo Ancelotti ahead of tonight's Champions League game and was forced to answer questions about our manager. Looking quite shocked and annoyed at the same time Terry responded with the type of rallying call to the players and the fans that could spark life into our season.
He said:
"All the players, and everyone involved in the club, have called for stability and we've got that with Carlo. He's a great guy, a great manager. The players are 100% behind the manager. He's got complete confidence in us, and we do with him. We know we've underachieved, but this team still has its hunger and its desire. We missed out on the Premier League for three years when United won it, but that's what I lose sleep over: watching other clubs lift trophies.(Source:Guardian)
It's been difficult in this run. Now we have to man up and, as a group of players, take responsibility. It needs to happen now. We've had bad times before and we've always come out the other end, so we aim to stay together as a team and start winning.
I have to say this has been the problem for the majority of us and I am glad he has actually said the words "to man up!" because he is right. The Chelsea players need to take long hard looks at themselves and their performances. They do not need to be told as each and everyone of them will know what's gone wrong individually and also as a team this season.
Michael Laudrup said it yesterday that Chelsea play as individuals and play too slow. I really hope that statements like that, like Carlo Ancelotti's defiance yesterday and this one from JT do not fall on deaf ears starting tonight!.
KTBFFH.
Carlo Ancelotti on Copenhagen.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke ahead of tonight's game. Under pressure once again Carlo remained defiant yesterday about his position at the club and spoke of Copenhagen. He said:
The Champions League is the most important competition, We are involved this season more than in other competition. We need to be focused and try and do everything to our best. We have to go game-by-game and we have to move on from this stage.
It will not be easy. Copenhagen are a very good team with good concentration. We have to play for 90 minutes and prepare for both games. Copenhagen played very well in the group stages. They showed very good organisation, played very good football and they have very good players.
It will be a game with balance. They have strength, power and timing and we are here to play our football and try to do everything to win. I saw Copenhagen play against Barcelona, they are a very good team and they work very hard on the pitch as a team.
They have a fantastic tempo, so we want to have the same, we want to work hard, play our football and show our quality. If you have courage, you can win.
Chelsea will not go out against Copenhagen, Playing this game gives us the right kind of pressure. We have 180 minutes coming up to win this tie. We have to maintain our levels, stay together and work hard together. Maybe this game will be a good moment to get a result and, obviously, keep our season alive. We are out of the FA Cup, and we haven't done well in the Premier League: to win the Champions League will not be easy, but it brings great motivation for all of us.
As for me, I am not here to consider my own position. It is the owner who has to consider my position. I just have to work and try my best. This is football. It is difficult to stay at the top, sometimes you have to manage bad moments.
A lot of times I was able to manage these moments. I want to remind you that in 2007 at Milan it was the same situation. So wait, it is not finished.
It could be the best season we ever have in memory. Maybe it could be the worst. I don't know, but wait, Chelsea has not died, it is still alive.'
It's no secret this is the one Roman wants, Carlo was brought here to win and the one the players want. John Terry said yesterday maybe going out of the FA Cup is a blessing in disguise and I believe it is.
Carlo Ancelotti's focus now is Europe and qualifying for fourth place in the Premier League as a minimum. Tonight will be the start. A chance for us to shake of the cobwebs and to get out there and begin to put things right.
I just hope the players deliver tonight.
KTBFFH.
Copenhagen's view - The Manager Stale Solbakken
Self confessed Liverpool fan, Stale Solbakken the Manager of FC Copenhagen has been speaking ahead of tonight's game. Having not played a competitive game since the turn of the year he believes his side are in good shape and have nothing to fear.
He said:
“Tomorrow is the night we have looked forward to for months, We have been preparing for this match since the start of January and although we haven't had a competitive match in 2011 we are in fine shape and hopefully close to the level we were in the group stage.
The players are buzzing with confidence and I feel we can match Chelsea in what I expect to be a close game. The crowd's belief in us will be a great help: 7,000 of our supporters had confidence that we could win when we played at Camp Nou and with a full stadium tomorrow we will benefit massively. I hope we will win, but a scoreless draw will not be a bad result for us.
We played quite evenly against Barcelona at home, Chelsea are more physical, stronger at set-pieces and have a different kind of team. It's not the same as meeting Barcelona when you know that if you lose the ball, you won't see it for the next three minutes.
We're in fine shape. We very rarely lose at Parken and we have to try to play our natural game. Maybe Chelsea's 120 minutes in the FA Cup on Saturday can even things out a bit. It will be in their legs. I'll be very surprised if it's one-way traffic.
Confidence is very high. Some of my players have only lost one or two games playing in this side. They think it's easy. Some of them are daft enough to think they're a better side than Chelsea. Maybe I should be talking them down a bit.
Maybe my players will be freer to express themselves than Chelsea. This is the last competition they can win, so maybe that will distract them a little bit I’ll be surprised if it’s not an even game.”
For the manager of a side that has only played one friendly since the new year he talks up a good game. Being a Liverpool fan I am sure like the rest of them he is "incensed" that Torres now wears our shirt. He be doing his utmost to make life difficult for him tonight.
However, the fact that Copenhagen are where they are now commands respect and anyone who hold Barcelona to a draw in their own back yard proves that there is something about them. They sit 19 points clear at the top of their league at the half way stage before the winter break for three months (imagine a break that long here, would be horrible wouldn't it!").
There is no question Copenhagen will see Chelsea as a major scalp over these two games. This is no easy game in both legs and we have to be aware and remember that.
KTBFFH.
Mourinho's timing is fantastic as ever!.
Featured in an interview for SkySports' "Revista de la liga" when asked if he intends to see out the remainder of his contract at Madrid after reports of a rift at the club he said:
"I don't know. I love Chelsea. I was the happiest man [when there]. I was thinking to be there all my life and a few months later, I was out. So you never know.Source: Skysports)
In Inter Milan I found an incredible family. Then after two years I felt it was over.
When I sign a contract, I sign with the intention to respect the contract and be happy."
Great timing once again eh?. It does come as no surprise from Jose because we all know what he is like. I think we all miss him in this country because I have said it before and I will say it again, When he speaks, we all listen.
Last weekend Mourinho won another home game to make it 9 years unbeaten at home as Manager. A fantastic record and one to be admired along with everything else he has achieved as manager.
I am 100% behind Ancelotti and back him to turn everything round at our club. However, there is always that thought at the back of my mind wondering if ever the chance came about, if he would return to the Bridge. After hearing what he has just said, it's a real possibility....one day.
KTBFFH
JT - "The squad have a responsibility to look at their own form".
John Terry has spoken ahead of tomorrow night's game. His message to the fans, our opposition and to the other players is clear. He said:
'Fernando could definitely be the key, and being in the position we are at the moment, away from the Premier League a little bit and out of all other competitions, we can pretty much focus on the Champions League. We know it is going to be tough but with this being our main focus and with Fernando in the squad as well, this could be the key for us.
Being knocked out of those competitions may be a blessing in disguise. The Champions League is the one that has eluded this football club and me as a player, so hopefully we can go all the way to Wembley.
At times we have played very well. Anyone who watched the game against Everton could see we made a lot of good chances and should have killed the game off. We let them in right at the last minute and we have done that too many times this year. It is just about getting our confidence back to go a goal up and chase the next goal. We need to restore the confidence in the squad; we certainly have the players to do so.
Ancelotti puts the record straight on his future.
Rumours are rife at the moment as they have been for the past few months about Carlo Ancelotti and his future at the club. After a disappointing season and FA Cup elimination on Saturday the press have moved into overdrive once again and many state that Roman Abramovich could replace Ancelotti. After Claudio Ranieri resigned from his position, Carlo has been linked with a return to his native Italy.
When asked about his position, Carlo responded in no uncertain terms. He said:
"I have never quit, resigned or walked out and I'm not in the mood to quit now. I don't have to consider my position. It is the owner that has to consider my position, not myself. I just have to work and try to do my best. This is football, you have to be able to manage at this moment with confidence."(Source: Skysports)
For me anyway, it's good to hear after a confusing comment before the Everton game where he stated he only wanted to manage a side in the Champions League.
Carlo is a good man, a good manager and a proud man and the fact that even today, he remains defiant deserves credit. We had seemed to be getting back on track after three wins on the spin against Blackburn, Bolton and Sunderland but then it has fallen apart after defeats to Liverpool and Everton and a stalemate at Fulham.
The Champions League is the only chance we have left for silverware this season, it's the one we all want and I expect Chelsea to shake off this mini slump and to play well tomorrow night.
I know there are Chelsea supporters out there that think Carlo isn't the right person for the job, hasn't got a plan B etc etc. All I will say is that you cannot turn from a European Cup Winner and the Manager that led Chelsea to their most successful season of our history, to someone who hasn't got a clue in the space of a couple of months.
I just hope that the players have heard Carlo's comments above and his intentions to see this through and realise that they need to start performing again. Wouldn't it be nice if it started in Copenhagen tomorrow.
Chelsea fans, once more this season it's a time to move on, refocus and get behind the team and the manager.
Keep the faith!
KTBFFH.
Pick the team to play Copenhagen!. Torres and Zhirkov in?
Ok, let's look forward to tomorrow nights game in Copenhagen. As we know Luiz is unable to play but Fernando Torres is available. We also have to bear in mind that some of the players played for two hours on Saturday so this is important to think of before we look at putting down on paper the first eleven you would select to start the game tomorrow.
So, I am asking you the fans to select your formation and starting eleven for tomorrow nights game and give your reasons for your selections.
I am going for:
Cech, Ferriera, Ivanovic, Terry (C), Cole, Essien, Ramires, Lampard, Zhirkov, Torres and Anelka.
I think Drogba will be on the bench bearing in mind he took a heavy knock on Saturday and played for two hours. Essien to come in for Mikel for his stamina and strength alongside Ramires and Lampard playing ahead of these two.
Torres to start as he is fresh and Anelka wide right for the same reason and Zhirkov comes in for Malouda.
What do you think?
KTBFFH
Read more ...
So, I am asking you the fans to select your formation and starting eleven for tomorrow nights game and give your reasons for your selections.
I am going for:
Cech, Ferriera, Ivanovic, Terry (C), Cole, Essien, Ramires, Lampard, Zhirkov, Torres and Anelka.
I think Drogba will be on the bench bearing in mind he took a heavy knock on Saturday and played for two hours. Essien to come in for Mikel for his stamina and strength alongside Ramires and Lampard playing ahead of these two.
Torres to start as he is fresh and Anelka wide right for the same reason and Zhirkov comes in for Malouda.
What do you think?
KTBFFH
"Chelsea play too slow and too individually" - Laudrup.
"Chelsea are dangerous at crosses and set pieces where they have a lot of strength but otherwise they play too slow and too individually, If Chelsea continue this way then FC Copenhagen have a chance."(Source: The Guardian)
For me the tempo of the game we have been playing is a massive part of our problems. Chelsea are at their best moving the ball quickly, and getting the ball into our forwards as soon as possible.
For example, at the end of the last season and the beginning of this, Chelsea had Drogba, Anelka and Malouda up front interchanging positions and had fantastic movement that caused defences all sorts of problems. At the moment because we are playing too slow, the movement now seems non existent and their positions on the pitch have become stagnant.
Look at Fulham and Liverpool. As soon as both sides lost the ball, they were able to get players back behind the ball to face up to Chelsea. Chelsea never moved the ball quick enough to get in behind or attack them so were forced to play passes from side to side and very rarely had a killer ball. Luiz played one ball over the top to Torres and found himself in on goal (even though we all know what happened!).
Right now it needs to be back to basics for Chelsea. We need to get the pace back into our game to open these sides up. There is no point slowing the game down or being sucked into a slow game as this does us no favours.
As soon as we can get back to playing the way we should be, the better our performances will be and big wins would be just around the corner once more. However, some people need to wake up to themselves, have a look at their performances and put them right starting with tomorrow night!.
We've been playing too slow, too laboured and not like Chelsea for too long. Let's get some pace back into our game!
KTBFFH.
Who is playing good enough to start and wear the shirt?.
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| Image source: Chelseafc.com |
Right let's get this one straight to the point and no mucking around. Carlo Ancelotti spoke after Everton and said that he believes at the moment apart from Petr Cech in goal, Branislav Ivanovic and John Terry are the only players "Playing at their best" right now and I am putting this one to you the fans up for debate on here.
Everyone reading this will have an opinion and I would like to hear yours. I have to say that to a point I agree with Carlo that only a few players are playing at their best but not too sure that it's all the players he has mentioned.
I think it's fair to say that Ivanovic is solid and is playing well. Apart from silly needless tackles at times he is one of our most consistent performers. JT has played well, but there is an argument that his lack of pace is beginning to show. I know there are people out there that believe that Cech is doing ok but is still not the same player he once was.
So I am asking you the Chelsea fans reading this:
Who if anyone is playing good enough to start games and wear the shirt at the moment?
KTBFFH
Strange comment from Ancelotti.
I have to say, although I have tried to look past the comments Carlo made on Friday, I do find it hard to and at the same time find them to be confusing and frustrating. I am just wondering if any of you felt the same.
In his press conference Carlo said:
"We know the Premier League is now very tough for us but we want to play in the Champions League next year, it is the most important thing for everyone, I don't want to train a team that is not in the Champions League as for me it is the best competition in the world. But I am an optimist and I believe my team has the quality [to finish in the top four]."(Source: Guardian)
Why on earth come out and say something like that. Why state on record as you are looking for your side to gain confidence and to get some momentum between now and the end of the season, "I don't want to train a team that is not in the Champions League"?.
Surely that sort of thing is ill-timed to say the least, but at the same time doesn't exactly show that he is committed to the Chelsea cause. I know he says that he believes the team has the quality to qualify but do you not find what he has said at the time to be strange?. Maybe it's just me!
KTBFFH.
Chelsea 1-1 Everton (Everton win 4-3 on Pens).
I have to say I am gutted about this one like the rest of you. To see us lose on Penalties again is hard to take but as Carlo said after the game. "We have to move on". The problem for me is the fact that it should never have got that far anyway. Tim Howard kept Everton in the game as it was another 90 minutes passed without a Chelsea goal and let's be honest here, how long can we carry on playing like this.
COLE on the FA Cup: "It's special to me".
Ashley Cole has spoken ahead of todays replay with Everton and has revealed that the FA Cup remains just as special to him now as it was when he picked up the first of his six winners medals. He said:
I’ve won the FA Cup six times now and it’s still amazing to think about. I remember playing in my first FA Cup Final in 2001. It was at Cardiff and the feeling of being out with the fans was incredible.(Source: Mirror)
Growing up, I remember watching the FA Cup on TV, seeing Gazza knock Arsenal out with that free-kick. As a boy you dreamed just to play in the FA Cup so for me now to have won six is something I will never forget.
I know people talk about the Champions League, but me being an English guy seeing what the FA Cup means to everyone in this country and around the world, for me it’s a great achievement and something I will never forget. It’s special to me.
It will only be when Ashley Cole finishes his career that what he has achieved in football and especially in the FA Cup will be applauded. To win it once would be amazing for any player if you asked them. Ok, I am sure they would say the League and Champions League but the FA Cup would be right up there because of the reason Cole has mentioned.
To win it six times is fantastic and hopefully Cole and Chelsea will be going all out to make it seven medals starting with a win against Everton today.
KTBFFH.
DROGBA's back!.
Of course as expected after Chelsea paid £50m for Fernando Torres, most of the focus has been on him and the start he has made at Chelsea. At Fulham the other night a certain Didier Drogba was left on the bench for the game and came on for the last twenty minutes. As you can imagine, the press have had a field day claiming that he will be out the door in the summer and has fallen out with Carlo blah blah blah.
For me, especially after Carlo has stated time and time again this week that Didier is going nowhere, Carlo used the Fulham game to give Didier a rest and keep him fresh for today knowing that Torres couldn't play.
So for all the doubters that think that Drogba is fighting to save his Chelsea future and believe he will play today with a point to prove, then maybe you need a huge dose of reality.
Didier Drogba is Chelsea and in my view is the best there is as the most complete all round centre forward in world football. Maybe you lot just need to watch this video below to refresh your memories!
Everton beware! DROGBA is back!.
KTBFFH
Carlo Ancelotti and David Moyes on todays game.
Carlo Ancelotti and David Moyes both spoke in their press conferences ahead of today's important Cup replay. If you haven't read my match preview then make sure you click this link to take you there.
Carlo said:
'The good news is that Yury Zhirkov is available to play, he comes back in the squad. He will not start but I hope he will have an opportunity after.(Source: Chelseafc.com)
Drogba will start, but I have to choose the striker to use with Drogba. I saw the same Didier, in focus on the training working hard with good motivation and I think he will play a fantastic game.
The FA Cup is another competition, it is a different story, We did very well last year, we won and want to repeat it this year. Everton is a very difficult game, every time we play against them we have difficulties but we want to win and do our best to move on and play against Reading next week.
It is not necessary to rest players. Maybe I can change, to rotate something, but not because we want to prepare for the game against Copenhagen. That is a different story, we want to use all our power, strength and ability to win against Everton. It could be good for the atmosphere to win that game and prepare well for the start of the Champions League.
It is another extra motivation for this reason and we want to do our best tomorrow, From tomorrow we are able to move on and have a possibility not to win but our aim is to play in the semi-final at Wembley.
I like this competition. I like it because it is exciting to have a replay if there is a draw and to play on Saturdays. It's an important competition to play on Saturday so to put it during the week it is possible that it could lose importance.
David Moyes also spoke about the game yesterday and is hoping that the FA Cup isn't of much interest to Chelsea this season. He said:
Chelsea are wanting to get to the final stages and I'm hoping they've got that on their minds. I hope they're thinking about that more than our game.(Source: ESPN)
They think the Champions League is the one thing they'd like to try and win. It is hard for those clubs to keep it up on all fronts, so let's hope the FA Cup is the one they decide they're not that keen on.
I don't think Louis Saha has a chance, We've said at the time it will be 10-14 days and we're sticking by that, I think that will be the case. Jack Rodwell's done great, he's made great strides to be fit but I think it will come too quickly for him but he's done well and hopefully he'll be available next week.
KTBFFH.
Grab a Curry at the Masala Zone Fulham Broadway.
Chelsea fans! Why not go and try the brand new Indian Restaurant in Fulham Broadway The MASALA ZONE after the game today.
Why not grab a Curry, Rice and a beer for just £12!!
The Masala Zone has been awarded the following accreditations:
Best Restaurateur of the Year - Tatler Award
Amaya: Best Restaurant & Best New Restaurant - London Restaurant Awards
Chutney Mary: Best Indian Restaurant - London Restaurant Award
Veeraswamy: Britain's Oldest Indian Restaurant - Established 1926
Masala Zone: "10/10 for food, service & value for money" The Guardian
So if you need food after the game then why not head to The Masala Zone (opposite Barclays Bank) and please mention you have seen this advert on my website "Chelseadaft" for me when you go in.
The Masala Zone - Real Indian Food!
KTBFFH!
Chelsea v Everton - Time to show us what your made of!.
There is little doubt that the game tomorrow is massive. Let's hold our hands up and be honest here, Chelsea were woeful at Goodison in the first game and lucky that Kalou was able to come on and nick a goal to bring us back to the Bridge for another chance. Chelsea never looked like scoring and Everton were the better side.
Tomorrow's game has taken on a whole new meaning since the first game as our Premier League title hopes have faded away. The main focus of our season now would be the Champions League but this competition is one that Chelsea will want to win and expect Carlo and the players to be right up for this one.
We have come under criticism from the media, press and even our own fans after the last two games against Liverpool and Fulham and tomorrow is a chance, away from the Premier League, to restore some confidence and for the players to express themselves the way we know how.
I have to say, Everton is no easy game. I have to admit that I am surprised at their league position and the situation they find themselves in. I have little doubt that David Moyes will be able to get them out of it and up the table sooner rather than later. So likewise for Everton, tomorrow's game is a change of focus and they will look to come here and get a result.
TOP 4: Do you really think we will miss out?
Frank Lampard is featured today on the BBC Website speaking of the possibility of Chelsea missing out on the Champions League. He said:
"We must finish in the top four and can never take our eye off the ball, it would be a disaster if we didn't qualify."
I really cannot believe the doom and gloom about Chelsea at the moment and I seriously cannot believe that people are worried that we will miss out on the top four come the end of the season and miss out on the Champions League.
It's amazing just how things have changed. Back in May last year we were celebrating the most successful season of our history. Now, we are wondering if we are going to qualify for the Champions League!.
Everything has already been said about what happened to our season, the reasons for it and the possible blame and everyone has their own opinions.
I am appealing to all of you Chelsea fans to be realistic here for a second based on where we are now, the depth of the squad we have with the options that Carlo has to select from and finally with our games remaining.
I for one still believe we can get on a run of winning games and as we do confidence would build from game to game in the League, FA Cup and Champions League and any concerns we have now will be put to bed.
For me, and I have said it already, it will be a case of where in the top four we will finish and not if we will.
Keep the faith!
KTBFFH.
Chelsea v Everton - Any Early thoughts?
It's just a couple of days away now and I am wondering how you all feel or are beginning to feel about our cup replay at the Bridge against Everton. We have to remember that Fernando Torres is cup-tied for the game but David Luiz can play.
So I am wondering how Carlo will approach the game?. I wonder if he will go with the same side that played against Sunderland away the other week?. Kalou up front with Drogba and Anelka in behind with one possible change, Ivanovic staying at right back in place of Bosingwa and Luiz next to JT?.
Or will Carlo revert back to our tried and trusted 4-3-3 and stick Drogba through the middle with Malouda and Anelka either side?.
Questions will be and are being asked ahead of the game. It's a must win game for us as we look to defend our crown.
Have your say now. How do you see Chelsea lining up on Saturday?
KTBFFH
WENGER: Chelsea not out of title race.
Now even I am finding it hard to remain upbeat about our title chances. I have remained positive and believe if we could win every game and get on a run which we all know we are capable of, then we could find ourselves right back in the title race. Then we drew at Fulham and that all changed.
Arsene Wenger spoke of Chelsea's chances and even I am finding it hard to agree!. He said:
"I would say no they are not out of it, because Chelsea plays Man United twice. If they want to challenge for the title, I still believe they have the quality to do it. They are in a position where they need to beat Manchester United twice or at least make one draw and beat them once - minimum.
They are not completely out. They look to me that they are on their way back, but they cannot drop many more points now."
Like I posted earlier on here, Frank Lampard has admitted that our focus is now the Champions League. He mentions that a good Champions League run can help with your league form and I agree. Chelsea do have the quality and strength in depth now. We have players coming back from injury so the options for Carlo will get better as the season rumbles on.
I think we have to be realistic here and aim to cement third place and focus on Champions League and FA Cup glory this season. If we could win them both and finish 3rd I would take that right now!.
To still be in with a shout of the Premier League title?, even the most die hard Chelsea fans will agree with me now when I say, "We're out of it now!"
KTBFFH.
Lampard reveals focus has changed this season.
As we all know sitting 12 points behind United our title dreams are more or less over. When asked after the Fulham result the other night, if he would give up dreams of the title for Champions League success, Lampard said:
“It’s a horrible question – but I would say I would. I hate putting one above the other but having won three Premier League titles the Champions League is the one to win. It depends on the squad but I think if you’re going well in the Champions League it can help your league form.(Source:Mirror)
It's the one Roman wants, the players want and the one we all want after coming so close so many times. There is no doubt with the January investments made in Torres and Luiz, with Zhirkov and Alex due to return and Benayoun working towards fitness, Chelsea should be strong now.
Let's be honest, although we should never take any game for granted and you do have to get on that pitch and earn the right to win games, Copenhagen over two legs should be won with ease.
With both Arsenal and Spurs doing well in their first games, United and Chelsea to play next week, we could have all four sides in the quarter finals so once again it comes down to the luck of the draw.
You can imagine UEFA are already planning something with those balls to ensure that all four do not reach the semi-finals!.
KTBFFH.
LE SAUX: "It was a bit desperate!".
Greame Le Saux, speaking at a recent event spoke of Chelsea's performance at Fulham the other night and had some interesting things to say. I have to say I think most of us will agree. He said:
"Clearly it's a team that isn't as solid as it was, it's not been as consistent as it has been. They've had opportunities to win games and not taken them. That's really uncharacteristic of Chelsea.(Source: GOAL)
I watched them play against Fulham the other day and there wasn't an obvious pattern to how they were playing. It was a bit desperate. There were players pushing forward when maybe they shouldn't have been. There was this determination to win but it wasn't controlled.
They created a lot of chances but they didn't make many good chances."
I think he's right. We did seem a bit desperate at times as the game went on and especially towards the final stages. We all saw how many attempts at goal we had during the game but very little were real genuine attempts that caused Schwarzer in goal any real problems.
Once we sort out our shape to move forward then let's hope we can get back to creating realistic chance after chance in our usual controlled fashion.
What do you think? Is Le Saux right?
KTBFFH.
FRANCIS: "Torres is playing like an amateur".
Trevor Francis has been speaking on talkSport about our new signing and has had some harsh words to say about Chelsea's number nine. In addition to his "thoughts" on Torres his comments have got me thinking and I will ask the same questions of you afterwards. Here's what he had to say:
“If you want consistency, you won’t find it from Torres, He plays one in every 10. I don’t doubt his ability but his decision making when in possession of the ball is dreadful.(Source: Mirror)
At times, he does things when you think he’s a top player. Then he does things when he looks like an amateur. If you look at the transfer fee, I think £50m is a huge gamble.
We used the excuse in the World Cup that he was not fully fit. And we’ve continued to use that this season. No-one doubts his ability but when you go to bed on Friday night as a manager you need to know what you’re going to get from your best players the following day, and I look at Torres and I wouldn’t have a clue what you’re going to get from him.
Time will prove if he will be a success but it’s caused confusion, and I’d put Drogba and Anelka in front of Torres. I’d be concerned if I was a Chelsea supporter.”
My instant reaction to his comments was "look at his goalscoring record in the Premier League". I have to say Francis' comments are harsh to say the least and for me this guy can stick his comments where the sun doesn't shine!.
I for one am not concerned about Torres at all as a Chelsea player. The fee paid by Roman was for his goals and what he can do in front of goal and I personally believe he will have more chances to score in the Chelsea side that he has had playing for Liverpool. It's just how we get our forward line sorted out that is the priority at the moment. (Check out my post yesterday and add your opinions).
Francis also stated that he would have Anelka and Drogba ahead of him which maybe is a fair comment. But, why not play Drogba and Torres together if you had the chance to?.
I am sure Torres will come good and will fire us to glory. I really honestly believe he will and for Francis to say at times he looks like an amateur is ridiculous. You just need to watch his movement without the ball, his instincts and knowing the quality he has and WILL bring to Chelsea, Francis sorry mate, you are way off!.
I can't wait for Fernando Torres to prove you and all the doubters wrong, but what do you think?.
Do you agree with Francis about Torres?
KTBFFH.
I am Chelseadaft a lifelong Chelsea Fan. Have been an avid fan for over 30 years now. Back in March 2009 I decided to Blog about the Chels!. 
