CHELSEA PLAYERS SPEAK OUT!!

It's always nice to hear from all members of our squad rather than the main established players such as JT, Lamps, Cech and Didier. Don't get me wrong, it's important that these four have their say during pre season and the season, but at times it's nice to hear from the others.

Today I get to blog about comments made by Branislav Ivanovic, John Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou. Each of them speak about different things starting with Ivanovic who reveals what he thinks of our progress so far this pre season. He said:

“It is important in these kind of games to see things that are developing. It is very important to keep going with a good defensive line but at the same time we are looking for good play as well, and I think it is going to be fine for the start of the season. It is good that everyone is working hard.

(Source)
I have said it before on here about what pre season means so I don't want to go over it again, but the message is clear from everyone we have heard from. They are working hard with double sessions to get used to AVB's methods and to get as fit as possible before the start of the season. The initial worry about how the established players would take to the new manager seems to be a distant memory as each and every one of those players are playing for their Chelsea futures and it's good to see.

Next we move onto John Obi Mikel and he has spoken of the coming season and he believes this season will be the hardest the club have ever had to face. He said:

"It will be tough to win a trophy this year, I think this will be the toughest season Chelsea will have. Everywhere teams are spending money or getting better. But Chelsea are tough, too.
We know we need to improve but the most important thing is that we know we can improve. We should not be afraid."

(Source)

I have to say and this is just me being honest, I can't see anyone challenging us and United again this season. I can't see Arsenal improving on last season especially if the lose Fabregas after losing Clichy. Yes City have spent money but Carlo Tevez is a big big miss for them this season. Aguero has come into the Premier League but £200k per week for an unproven striker in England is a big gamble and it will take time for him to settle. City are still two or three players away from winning the league.

Liverpool have spent silly money again and I don't see them breaking into the top four again and will fight for fifth with Spurs once again.

Of course it's going to be difficult, but I really do believe in our squad. Just look at our run once the new boys came in during the window in January and we had our players back from injury. We are still strong, and with our new manager will be motivated and hungry too. I honestly believe we ARE the team to beat this season.

What has been encouraging for me is the fact that AVB spoke of the four trophies we are competing for this season each being important. Remember when we won the League Cup for the first time under Jose? It was hailed as the first important success for the squad and re-iterated the winning mentality he had given the players. I feel as though AVB will chase the League Cup again this season.

Following up on this , I finish up with Salomon Kalou. He believes that Chelsea are hungry for success this season and believes we are going to have a good season. He said:

“I like to have a challenge, it is part of the game and when you play in a big club like Chelsea, of course, we will get challenged, Everybody has to fight to play and I am ready to fight.

The new manager has been very good, it is just the beginning. We have been training very hard and I and my colleagues will give everything to ensure we have a great season.

It’s going to be really competitive and we are looking to win back the Premier League, the FA Cup and possibly win the Champions League for the first time. It won’t be easy, but we know we have the team and players to go back and win the trophy so we are confident about it.

This season will be a great season for Chelsea, because this will maybe be the last opportunity for us to win the Champions League or to win more prizes together.

The desire and hunger is still there. We have good professionals in the team, good experience and people are hungry to win because. It was not so good for everyone at Chelsea last season.”

(Source)

Maybe, what happened last season was the kick up the arse the club as a whole needed. Certainly AVB has brought in a fresh approach to everything and with an old legend in Roberto Di Matteo at his side. Kalou has the same message as the others, everyone is working hard to put things right and are fighting for their places in the side which is great because at times last season certain players were picked because of who they are and not based on their form.

AVB said the same the other day, if a player is playing well, he will play and that's great for everyone in the squad to hear ahead of the season. At Porto, it's been said that every single player in their 24/25 man squad was made to feel important and if AVB can pull that off at Chelsea then we will have a strong season without question.

It's also fantastic to hear about the hunger and desire of the players. At the end of the day you can train as much as you like, work as hard as you like but if you don't have the desire to do well or the hunger then whats the point?. Last season you could question if some of our players suffered with those problems.

I really believe after an amazing double winning season, and then the nightmares of last season it has brought the club together, stronger, focused and hungry once again because have no doubts watching United lift and celebrate winning their 19th title really hurt us.

Expect to be watching a very different Chelsea this season. If these comments from the players are anything to go by, they will be ready to put things right and back on track in a big way this season.

Make no mistake, Chelsea are the team to beat this season!

KTBFFH

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Chelsea's pressing game...

Our performance against Kitchie yesterday really impressed me I have to say. Not because we won 4-0 at a canter and shut out a disappointing Kitchie side, but because of this new pressing game we had.

Granted it's only pre season and it was only Kitchie, but the way we pressed high up the pitch and closed the opposition down in their own half was impressive and reminded me of the way Barcelona do it.

Of course it's early days like I said, but it's obvious that this is the way AVB wants us to play and adapt it to the Premier League.

Barcelona are the benchmark for they way they play football with the ball at their feet but also in the way they pressurise players with the ball in their own half to cause errors and to win the ball back.

The question remains whether or not Chelsea will be able to play this way in the Premier League week in, week out because, and I mean no disrespect to Barcelona or Spanish football in general, the demands of our game and speed of the game is greater here in England.

As far as pre season goes, yesterday was another step forward from the team and things are beginning to come together which was pleasing and for me, we seemed as though we are at a different level of fitness to Villa and Blackburn already.

It will be interesting to see in Saturday's final if AVB wants Chelsea to continue with our pressing game against Villa and to see how we do. If yesterday's performance was anything to go by, I personally would carry on with it as I don't believe that Premier League sides are used to being hassled the same.

Let's see what happens, but like I said, so far I really like it!

KTBFFH

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THE LAMPARD DEBATE (VIDEO)

Frank Lampard is featured in the press this morning talking of calling time on his career when he runs out of steam and these are most of the headlines you are reading this morning. I have to say looking at Frank Lampard yesterday, he looks as though he will be fitter than ever and raring to go this season so any thoughts of him quitting the game are a few years off yet.

Yesterday he was deployed in a deeper midfield role through the middle next to Yuri Zhirkov to allow Yossi Benayoun the chance to get further forward to support our front three and it worked. There is no coincidence that Benayoun was named man of the match as played really well.

It was Lampard however that has become the focus of speculation this morning as the press are wondering if this "new deeper role" for Lampard could be the part he plays in the Chelsea team this season.

When asked about where he played yesterday he said:

"I have played there for England fairly regularly but I do like to get forward and this won’t be a role that will stop me getting into the box. As long as I’m never told not to stray beyond the half way line, I’ll be happy. I’ve never been that kind of player anyway. Some people can play there but I don’t think so.

Pre-season is always been about getting yourself fresh and I really feel I’m getting there. If I didn’t feel I was getting there I wouldn’t want to hang around too long.

I love getting into box, getting up and down the pitch. I know I can do it now and, hopefully, I can do it for a few more years. I know that day will come although I will probably be sold before then."

(Source)

AVB also spoke of Frank's position yesterday and believes it could be a position that Frank could become very comfortable in so he has the option of using him lying deeper or pushing further forward. He said:

“It’s nothing new for Frank to play in that role, Maybe it prevents him from arriving in the box too early but, on the other hand, it allows him to arrive in the box at the precise time. It’s good that he feels well and gives us that flexibility.

Frank is one of the best players in the world and is more than happy and has the flexibility to play in the No 10, No 8 or a holding position. He’s comfortable with that. He has the ability to do it.”

(Source)

I think it's safe to say that given the choice Frank Lampard would prefer playing further forward you get the impression he is gutted about missing out injured last season when we wee struggling. It's not like he has anything to prove at all to the fans but you really feel that even with 13 goals last term, he wants to get back on the goal trail again this season.

Maybe the Michael Essien injury has forced AVB's hand and IS considering Frank in this deeper lying 4-2-3-1 formation. If that is the case then as Frank said, he will still make his runs into the box and nothing will stop him.

So I am just wondering and asking you the Chelsea fans that know Frank Lampard qualities if you would prefer to see him getting forward, playing further forward, or playing slightly deeper to allow the likes of Benayoun to get forward?

We have to remember it is only pre season and is a time for AVB to try all sorts of things out so we shouldn't get too carried away.

If you want my opinion, I would play Lampard where he is most effective and that's further forward, getting involved and supporting the front men making late runs into the box. After all, he has been doing it for years now at Chelsea and as AVB says, is one of the best players in the world and doing it.

So make sure you give your views and while you think about it, take a look at this video I found on YT that demonstrates why Lampard should keep playing where he is!



KTBFFH

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Kitchee 0-4 Chelsea (Video Highlights)

szólj hozzá: Kitchee 0-4 Chelsea

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TORRES - JUDGE HIM WHEN THE SEASON STARTS. NOT NOW!

I have to say I think AVB was right the other day when he claimed that the media have an "Obsession" with Fernando Torres. Day after day we are reading something about him and his performances. Granted, the transfer fee we paid for him hasn't done him any favours as the media will always put him under scrutiny but, I still cannot believe the coverage he is getting just in pre-season!

Torres spoke to the media for the first time on our pre season tour and answered questions of his record so far at Chelsea and his form on tour and he said:

"I am 27. I don’t forget how to score goals. I will score. We are all trying to be in the best form for the new season. There are big expectations for the new season that Chelsea always have. I have been here six months and I can see the winning mentality they have.

It is going to be a long season and now is a time to get ready. My form is OK, like my team-mates. We have a new manager and it's time to get ready."

(Source)

I mean seriously, can you believe that Torres HAS TO state that he doesn't forget how to score goals, it's ridiculous!.

People need to judge Torres during the course of the season or at least after the season has started and not on pre season. I posted it the other day about pre season and what it means for AVB and the players and that is getting used to AVB' ideas and getting fit.

We should not expect Chelsea to play every single pre season game with all guns blazing, hammering teams in every game as if they haven't been away. In addition to that, you have to take into consideration the players are having double sessions each day in the humidity out there in Asia and it takes it's toll.

Of course, now we are four games into pre season, we should be looking for an improvement from everyone, game upon game and we are beginning to see that, including Fernando Torres.

I really believe that Fernando Torres will be on fire this season in a Chelsea shirt and will score plenty of goals including important ones this season. I have said before, form is temporary but class is permanent and that's the case with Torres.

We have to remember, he wasn't fit last season at Liverpool or at Chelsea and admitted it himself. He has stated that this summer was his first break from football in five seasons and now with a full pre season underway, we should see a fitter, happier and hungry Fernando Torres in a Chelsea shirt this season.

I read yesterday that people have compared him to Andrei Shevchenko which is unfair in my opinion as they are two different players. Like I said at the start of this blog post, I can't believe the negative press he is getting just during pre season so far.

AVB made a comment during his press conference as our new manager about fine tuning the team as a whole and it couldn't be more relevant now. Just look at how similar the situation with Falcao at Porto was. He said:

"We faced this question last year at Porto with a striker of the quality of Falcao. He was a striker who didn't find the back of the net in pre-season and was frustrated. We didn't tune the team to provide to him. We tuned the team as a whole. Once we did that, he scored 30 goals in a season, 60 in two seasons. It's about fine-tuning the team, not the player."

You see what I mean, I still think that Chelsea are in need of fine tuning as a whole and that will come as the season starts and then only then should we need to judge Fernando Torres. If you do not provide Torres with the service he needs then he won't score goals as we have seen. Under AVB it's all about the group as a whole and not individuals and this is why I believe he WILL get the service this season.

So ignore all this bullshit being written at the moment, let the players get on with the rest of pre season and see what happens in our first couple of games in the Premier League.

Mark my words, this time next year all this talk of "Torres the flop" will be a distant memory.

KTBFFH

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Mourinho still the benchmark?

Petr Cech has alot of attention today after his interview has been published in various media outlets today. The focus of attention is on his comment's on the situation with the manager at Chelsea. AVB is his seventh different manager at the club since he signed in the summer of 2004 and believes that the time Mourinho spent at the club remains the benchmark.

He said:

“Managers have their own philosophy and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, Of course Jose Mourinho set a standard and of course the others have to try and do better than him.

I think that’s the philosophy and I hope there will be a way for André to continue for many years. Seven managers have been appointed as Chelsea manager since I joined the club and, unfortunately, apart from Jose who was here for three-and-a-half years, nobody lasted long. You will see, if we have a great season then we will build the base for the manager to stay for many years.

Since Andre was here (before) working with Jose many things have changed, The club has changed. He has changed — from a person who was on the technical staff to being a manager — and I think that so far everything has been working well and I hope that will continue.”

(Source)

I agree that Mourinho's the benchmark purely for the time he spent as manager. He brought the title back to the Bridge after 50 years and did it again the following season which is a feat in itself. Carlo Ancelotti brought the double to the Bridge for the first time in our history and some people say it's better than what Jose achieved. I think the two are on a par personally.

I think we all agree that we have had too many knee jerk reactions from Roman at times but can see the logic in what he is doing. However at the same time, managers should be given the time to help the team evolve and rebuild.

Being honest, and I think a fair few of you will agree with me, the team is still Mourinho's side with only a couple of additions. The core of the side is still there and maybe this is the reason that these other managers haven't been given the time they would need to rebuild.

Think of the signings Scolari made at the club. There was only a couple of players brought into the fold but how many of them are left here? Jose Bosingwa is the only one left of Scolari's tenure. With Ancelotti it's different as it's more recent but again, the spine of our side is more or less the same as to when Jose was here.

The question will remain if AVB can be successful at Chelsea. I believe he will be and after the £13.3m investment from Roman to get him, surely he will be given the time he needs to evolve our squad.

Maybe then, people will finally see a new Chelsea and the shadow of Mourinho's side will become a distant memory.

KTBFFH

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WHO WANTS MODRIC WHEN WE'VE GOT McEACHRAN

It's my view that it really has become as simple as that now for AVB. There is all this talk of the homegrown ruling, of being able to live within your means and for most Chelsea fans, giving the youngsters a chance.

Luka Modric has done well at Tottenham so don't get me wrong. Do I think he would have more of an influence at Spurs than he would at Chelsea? - Yes I believe he would. Could he come here and struggle to adapt to our way? So do we want Chelsea to pay an extortionate amount of money for Modric believed now to also involve Danny Sturridge if the papers are to be believed? - No I don't.

McEachran has set tongues wagging at Chelsea ever since he made the breakthrough and became involved in the first team. His composure and natural ability with the ball at his feet is something you are born with, it's not something you can comprehend compared to try to coach and train this into a player. When you have someone as naturally gifted as McEachran then it's a "no-brainer" he has to play.

When AVB was appointed I wondered what would happen to young Josh. Could we see McEachran forced to take a back seat as new faces come into the club ahead of him?. Would we see McEachran loaned out to gain vital first team experience away from Chelsea? and could we see the natural talent that is Josh McEachran become stifled here and eventually have no choice but to move elsewhere?

Thankfully it seems the answer is a very firm "NO" to all those questions. McEachran signed a new five year deal ahead of our pre season tour which was fantastic news for all of us.

AVB is featured in the press only yesterday describing McEachran as:

"Josh offers this flexibility, he's an amazing British talent for the future and can go on a run and get plenty of experience in the Premier League. Josh has to show he is competitive and perform with the others. We need the collective to perform.

Choices will be made according to form and injuries - there will be plenty of opportunities for everybody. It's all in his brain. He anticipates problems, his speed of thought. He has this kind of capacity, to anticipate things."

It's on tour that McEachran seems to really be coming of age and his performance on Sunday in Thailand really showed all of us, exactly what he could be capable of given a regular chance at Chelsea.

I have taken this clip from YouTube to show you all. This is an edited video featuring all the touches McEachran had during the game. (Please turn the volume down if you aren't bothered by the song choices!).

The Video demonstrates the fact that I believe Chelsea should bin their pursuit of Modric after having two previous bids rejected.



It's the ease of his play that impresses me. As AVB says, he anticipates things early and because of doing that, always gives himself an option when he has the ball at his feet. I think in this video it showed the fact that he found a blue shirt time and time again and only gave the ball away once.

Alot of us Chelsea fans are looking for someone who can create in our midfield or produce something to open up the door for the likes of Drogba and Torres up front and Josh proved he can do that with his great assist for the Ivanovic goal in addition to other touches and passes that caused their defence problems.

He has the ability to switch the play as he demonstrates with two raking passes across the pitch to Anelka and the long ball over the top to Danny Sturridge.

Frank Lampard spoke of McEachran after the game and said:

"Josh did very well for the third goal. He has great ability and he is going to get better and better.'

We all know the quality he has now so imagine what he would be like as he does get better and better so why not in our first team on a much more regular basis this season?.

Like I say, I believe Chelsea should ditch Modric and give Josh McEachran the opportunities his talent deserves on a regular basis this season. Based on AVB's comments about players playing if they are in good form, McEachran has a great chance!

What do you think?

KTBFFH

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IT'S TORRES' FAULT THAT CARLO GOT SACKED!

Early today an article stating ex-Chelsea legend Marcel Desailly caught my attention as he claimed that the reason Carlo Ancelotti was sacked was purely because he couldn't get the best out of Fernando Torres and nothing else.

Now straight away I thought to myself "Are you for real!?" I know some of you maybe will agree with him but I simply cannot see it.

What Desailly actually said was:

“Yes [I was surprised at the club’s decision], because he was doing well in the league and this year he faced a very difficult Manchester United, who had huge statistics at home. Probably the only reason why he was let go was because Roman Abramovich felt that he didn’t fit in Torres. He didn’t know how to put him in the set-up offensively.

(Source)

I think he is defiantly onto something when he says that Ancelotti didn't know how to play him in the side, but to say it's THE reason is ridiculous.

I have gone on record here before stating the reason I believe he was fired at Chelsea and that was because of our Champions League campaigns in each of the last two seasons, in addition to not having a "Plan B" when we struggled to break sides down in games.

Think about how far we had gotten in each of the previous season's in the Champions League before Carlo came here. In his first season we got knocked out by Inter in the last 16 and last season in quarter finals. Compared to previous seasons of getting to the semi finals and a final you have to say that Carlo took us further away from winning the competition, which you have to say seemed to be his focus when he first took over.

If you are a good manager you have to be a good man manager and if you are good at that, you can get the best out of everyone. I don't believe that Fernando Torres signing for Chelsea was the reason he was sacked, it was his inability to change things in games and his European record at Chelsea.

KTBFFH

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Thailand All Stars 0-4 Chelsea (Video)

You may have already seen it, but here is a video of the goals from yesterday. Chelsea looked a stage further into their fitness with certain players playing 60 minutes with a view to just playing 30 in Kitchee. The other players who came on are expected to feature for at least an hour in the next game.

I thought we played quite well, but like I have said before, it's only pre season but the fact we scored 4 was a bonus!.



KTBFFH

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DROGBA: "Everybody knows what I feel about Chelsea!"

This morning we have woken up with the news that Didier Drogba is ready to put pen to paper on a years extension to his contract at Chelsea taking him to the summer of 2013.

After a summer of speculation surrounding his future linking him with moves away from the club it seems as though AVB and the Chelsea hierarchy feel that Drogba still has a very important part to play this season.

Drogba said:

"We've started talking and it's very interesting. Everybody knows what I feel about Chelsea and what I want. I will definitely be here next season. I said a few years ago that I will be here until the end of my contract, and I am here. Now I need to keep playing well here and giving my best, like I always try to do. This will be my eighth season at this club and it means a lot for any striker to stay that long at Chelsea.

I'm 33, I'm the oldest player and, even if that feels strange, I'm not worried. If I deserve to play then I will play. If I'm not good then I won't. It's good for the team to have some competition. It will push the team forward and get the best out of us. For me, it's not a problem to play with Fernando or without him. The most important thing is winning games together as a team. Our goal is to win the trophies we didn't win last season. We need to do that for the club.

(Source)

The whole Drogba situation has caused a whole difference of opinion between us Chelsea fans. I will be honest, we all look at his age and think back to the likes of Ballack who left because we are under the impression that the club more or less has an a ceiling on the age of a player in the squad.

Drogba is very different however and is still fit as a fiddle and can still mix it with the best of them. As for doing it for another two years we will have to wait and see, but it seems as though AVB realises that he needs to build on the current squad we have and Drogba is a huge part of it.

Ideally, in order for Drogba to play alongside Fernando Torres, I would play Drogba off of Torres with Torres through the middle as we all know how effective Drogba can be.

I have to say to people that are wondering why we are looking to keep hold of Drogba until he is 35, if he was put up for sale now just think of the clubs that would be in for him and wanting to sign him. I am not talking about small clubs offering him a chance to wind his career down but some of the biggest clubs in the world so his value to Chelsea and what he has to offer us is still important.

Like the rest of you and the media, we all know that Carlo failed to get Drogba and Torres to click together, we are waiting to see if AVB can manage it this year and if he can it will be an amazing combination.

So what do you think about Drogba's contract extension? Do you agree with it?

KTBFFH

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AVB confirms deal almost done (Video)

AVB has announced on tour that Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Barcelona's defensive midfielder Oriol Romeu. This news has been confirmed on the official website this morning. The article states:

"I don't want to speak too much about him because he is not our player, It is a part of the squad in which we are struggling with numbers because of Michael Essien's injury and Oriol is a player with a bright future. He still has to evolve as a player.

The Barcelona B team had a magnificent year in the Spanish second division, they finished third. Oriol had an injury during the season but he came back late on and was in time to play for the first team. So he is one of the most promising young players in that position and hopefully we can agree personal terms and hopefully he will pass a medical."

I have to be honest I don't know alot about him so there is no point in me blogging about a player I simply am unsure about (I will leave that to other people) so I decided to post a video from YouTube demonstrating the player instead.

It's obvious we needed someone in to cover for Essien but at the same time looking to the future. If AVB want's him, that's good enough for me.



KTBFFH

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TWO CHELSEA SIGNINGS!!

Chelsea's Chief Executive Ron Gourlay, speaking at a question and answer session last night with Chelsea's Thailand Supporters Club, revealed that although it has been a slow process up till now, Chelsea will make two signings in the next eight to ten days.

He said:

"Andre has come in just a few weeks ago and needed some time to look at the pool of players we have, and we strengthened in January with bringing Fernando Torres and David Luiz into the squad.

When a new coach comes in he has to look at players he has and think about tactics and systems, because different players play differently under different coaches and in the next 10 days Andre has the chance to analyse the squad and then we take it from there, but from our activity in the market place in the past, if the coach feels there is a player available that can strengthen our team then we almost definitely go into the market place, and we will have at least two signings in the next eight to 10 days.'

(Source)
So I just wonder who the other signing will be. I posted earlier that we expect to wrap up a deal for Barcelona's Oriol Romeu, a defensive midfielder, so I am wondering just who is it that we are about to sign.

I became very frustrated with some sections of Chelsea supporters and posted a couple of times yesterday including AVB's comments that I believe revealed a sense of frustration on his part at allowing him time to do what he has said he will do all along and that's taking time to see what he already has at the club.

You can now bet your life that because of Gourlay's comments, the media will go into overdrive about exactly who it will be. All I know is that it's a sign that the club is working hard as AVB has already expressed his thoughts on what we are lacking and so we hope that whoever it is, they can add to our already strong squad for the coming season.

Modric anyone?

KTBFFH

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WAKEY WAKEY MR LAMPARD!

Salomon Kalou decided to entertain himself and the players as a ChelseaTV Cameraman on the flight from Malaysia to Thailand.



KTBFFH

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AVB HAS EVERY RIGHT TO FEEL FRUSTRATED!

I really do get the feeling that AVB is showing real signs of frustration with the media and some sections of the Chelsea fans at the moment. It may just be me, but his comments about the Fernando Torres questions yesterday, and now these comments I am about to post indicate to me that he is almost asking Chelsea fans to allow him and the players time.

I wrote a post earlier stating "enough is enough" in addition to highlighting the Torres comments because I personally feel really frustrated and confused with some Chelsea fans and this negative attitude they have towards us at the moment.

In the last part of comments made by AVB that I want to include this morning, he is explaining what he is trying to do at the club and what they have achieved so far and like I say, is almost like he is saying to the fans who are so negative at the moment, "hold on, be patient".

He said:

'We cannot forget the heat and the conditions, but it is clear that result in the end seems short because we had some good opportunities. At the end we had a couple of good moments regarding what we are doing in training. Things are happening for us in terms of our objectives in transition and without the ball.

Of course we could have scored more because we made a lot of opportunities which is a good sign for us, but the most important thing is that we continue to grow as a team leading up to the Stoke game.

We are trying to build a new way of playing and things don't happen in three weeks. That is our target and that is our challenge and hopefully they will happen in the future.

4-3-3 for us is a modern system and we are trying to link what we have with this system. It has been a lot of information for the players and the players are magnificent at absorbing so many new ideas in such a short period of time."

(Source)

The key for all of us to remember, and I do keep going on about it, they have only been together for three weeks and having to learn a new managers methods and techniques, digest all that at the same time as getting fit by playing games, trying to implement what is being asked of them does take time.

Let's just hope AVB can relax, refocus on what he is trying to do rather than deal with all this negativity that I am reading from Chelsea fans at the moment and from the media.

KTBFFH

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"I DONT WANT TO TURN TORRES INTO AN OBSESSION"

AVB spoke after Chelsea had beaten their Malaysian counterparts last night and after being asked questions about getting the best out of Fernando Torres, the possibility of Torres and Drogba playing together and a lack of movement in the transfer market, he showed for the first time a frustration of the "obsessions" some people have at the moment with Chelsea.

He said of Torres:

"I don't want to turn Torres into an obsession like you people are trying to do. I am not going to waste time over this. I disagree that he is lacking in confidence.

Every time a player doesn't score, I am asked questions about him. I agree that Torres is a £50m striker but my focus is purely on the performance of the team, not the individual.

It doesn't matter who scores. These are pre-season games and they don't have the importance that some people think. Every Chelsea player is competing to be successful and the best players in training will go into the team.

The point of these games is to get a feel for your team and achieve your objectives in terms of fitness and training.

To gain the confidence to find the back of the net, Torres needs training, tolerance and patience. It doesn't look like he is getting this at the moment but we are ready to give our forwards this patience because the most important thing for us is to win collectively.

I will just let things happen naturally. In Chelsea every player finds extreme competitiveness to be successful and the best players performing in training will go into the games and hopefully help the team to be successful.

Then AVB commented on the Drogba / Torres future combination that people are calling for once again, even though we are in pre season!. He said:

"Again, the question of Fernando and Drogba not scoring together is an obsession for people at the moment. They will eventually perform for the team well enough for us to be successful. I wouldn't worry too much about it. It's a decision of the technical staff."

(Source)

I really can't understand people jumping on the Torres bandwagon again already as we have only been back in training for just under three weeks.

I agree with AVB so I am going to stop there. I also refuse to turn this into a Torres obsession as I believe he will fly in a Chelsea shirt this season.

KTBFFH

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ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!

Chelsea made a winning start yesterday in Malaysia and looking at Twitter I cannot understand for the life of me the mentality of some Chelsea fans at the moment. People moaning and complaining about the performance, about the way we are playing, what we are lacking and all I can say is just listen to yourselves at the moment.

I cannot understand all this negativity about us at the moment amongst some of you lot and it's about time, you belt up, support the players and AVB and sit back and watch how we learn to grow together under our new manager.

Even the Guardian's match report here is again about "stuttering Chelsea" and about Torres again.. Some people really do need a reality check for god sake!

Let me paint it for you all in black and white so it's easy for you negative people to understand.

We have only been training for just over 2 weeks. This is only our third game. We only arrived in Kuala Lumpar on Monday and have had to try and get used to first of all the altitude, then the heat there.

Pre season is primarily about getting fit first and foremost and these games one at a time will go along way towards that. Players are only playing 45 minutes at the moment and being chopped and changed around so try and understand it's part and parcel of the process of getting fit at the moment. The Rangers game a week before the season starts will be a different story.

As for the game, I personally thought you could see the progress from Portsmouth at the weekend. Our movement was better, our passing looked sharper with plenty of one touch quick passes being made. We moved it forward better and created plenty more chances than we did in the last game so what's wrong with that??

Seriously some of you people baffle me!. It's almost like you expect us to be up and at it straight away playing the kind of football we are expected to play back in April and May at the business end of the season.

Torres had a couple of chances and showed one moment of skill that is encouraging to give him confidence, again bearing in mind he only played 45 minutes.

The team created plenty of chances and if this was during the season, we would have taken them and battered the Malaysian side and I mean no disrespect when I say that.

There were a couple of blips and half chances for the opposition but nothing too much to worry about.

So listen people, the players are another 45 minutes closer to match fitness and this time at high altitude in blistering heat, but the time we reach the next game on Sunday we will be looking for us to step up another level so let's just wait and see what happens.

Some of you seriously need to wake up, have a think about where we are with our fitness, where the players are now, the new manager in charge and the motivation for AVB at the moment rather than write or moan about a lack of activity in the transfer market and worry about players that aren't anything to do with Chelsea at the moment.

Let's focus on who plays for us shall we !

KTBFFH

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COLE: "I want to end my playing career with Chelsea"

Great news for the club this afternoon from Ashley Cole stating that he wants to end his career at Chelsea. First of all he was asked about AVB, then about his future and about the club and said:

"We have a young manager who is somewhat on the same wavelength with the players. This is wonderful to the team.

When we train and if we are tired the manager will stop the training and move on to other things to add spice to our training sessions. This has been good and we have come on fine so far.

Chelsea is a fantastic club that can win titles at all levels. It was disappointing last season although we came close only to fall at crucial stages. We hope to win something in the new season. I want to end my playing career with Chelsea.

There are still many more years of football in me and I want to be part of Chelsea as this is the club that can pose a threat to all the big names in the game at all levels."

(Source)
Forget the things outside of football and let's just concentrate on football. Ashley Cole is arguably the best left back in the world and is a key part of our back four. The fact that he has reiterated his desire to remain at the club is massive for all concerned.

Let's hope Cole along with the rest of the lads work hard and play well this season and bring that title back to Stamford Bridge!.

KTBFFH

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JT "We had some great times before, but all that has gone now!"

Well it seems that JT has been the one person the media has really focused on in these early stages of our pre season tour to the far east. Yesterday he was quoted talking about Luka Modric and then afterwards about Fernando Torres but now the focus turns to Andre Villas-Boas.

JT was quick to admit that we under achieved last season and it's now up to every single player to prove their worth at Chelsea once again under AVB and so far, the impressions of him as manager has been good. He said:

"Appointing [Villas-Boas] was not a brave decision, but a very good decision, We have spoken about managers coming and going, but I'm certain he will be around for a long time. In Carlo's first season we thought we had that stability, but it just goes to show the thoughts and ideas of the club. It's up to us as a group of players to achieve and the manager to get us ready for that. He will certainly do his part, and hopefully we do that back to him. It's up to us to deliver as a group of players.

We had some great times before, but all that has gone now. We don't dwell on what we have achieved and settle for that. But, in his role before, the players respected him anyway. He was the guy that travelled the world looking at players, and we were very impressed with his knowledge even then. What he has achieved away from Chelsea has been incredible. He fully deserves this chance. Not enough chances are given to young managers, and how do we expect them to get the experience if not given the chance? Thankfully, our owner has given him an opportunity.

There are a lot of [young] people out there with an enormous amount of talent. André certainly proved that at Porto and fully deserves his chance at Chelsea. He can bring in fresh ideas and give everyone a chance. There were some players last season who a few people thought would be out the door, but they get a fresh start – until he decides not. He is not judging anyone from last season or the season before and will see us from this point on in every training session and in every game.

There's a real emphasis on training and he's laid out what he wants from the team and from individuals. He's getting his point across very well: he's got his own ideas, he's a very intelligent man and knows his football thoroughly. He knows players, his positional sense and his attention to detail in pre-game and in training are outstanding, and he's very much like Mourinho in taking it from one session to another.

But he's his own man. It's hard to compare him to anyone but I'm sure he will bring a lot to the club, I'm positive about that. He's just very assured of himself which just goes to show the confidence he has in himself."

(Source)

You really get the impression from JT and Frank Lampard yesterday that last season hurt them as players and as men as much as it hurt all of us.

It is important that we do not dwell on the past successes and look to move forward and with AVB we have already taken a step in the right direction in my book.

As he always does, it's another message via the media to the players that last season wasn't acceptable and they need to work hard to bring the title back to the Bridge. If AVB and his staff will put the work in, they need to ensure they are all doing the same, each and every single player.

JT was quick to point out that AVB has already laid out what he expects from the team and from each of them as individuals which is really, really important. Sometimes squad players can feel like they have been overlooked so with this clean slate he has spoken of now, forgetting what happened in previous seasons, every single one of them has a chance to fight to wear the shirt if that's what they want to do and that is another big big step.

So in two days we have heard from JT and Frank Lampard with a similar message to the rest of the players. Expect the likes of Didier Drogba, Torres and Cech come out and do the same.

One thing is for sure, and I have said it before, these days in the far east are huge now for our season. It's seems AVB is already working his magic motivating the players, it's now down to every single one of them to make the right choice and be a part of our exciting future this season.

KTBFFH

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JT on Torres: "He's fresh, he's happy. He's fully settled"

John Terry has also taken time out today, speaking again to Skysports news, to speak of Fernando Torres. We all know Torres has spoken of the fact that this past summer was his first time off at summer in five years. In addition to that we are also wondering how AVB will utilise Torres this season. JT believes that Nando' has a real part to play and is determined to prove himself this season. He said:

"He backs himself, He realises from the World Cup he had a slight injury and carried that towards the end of last season.

He feels fresh, he's happy. He's fully settled. I'm certainly looking for him to get double figures goals wise.

He was still good at times last year. He's a world class player and the price tag is big weight to carry on your shoulders.

He's got all the ability in the world. He's very quick and a great finisher.

We're delighted to have him and if he can bring goals along with what we already have then fantastic."

(Source)

I can't help but feel that Fernando Torres will fly in a Chelsea shirt this season. A summer off is massive considering you haven't had a break in five seasons. He is without doubt ONE OF the best strikers in the game and if AVB can get Chelsea playing in a fluid attacking style then I would have Torres down for scoring 20+ goals this season or even more.

KTBFFH

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JT on Modric:"Disrespectful towards Spurs"

John Terry has spoken to Skysports News about the whole Modric situation and has revealed that this whole situation is somewhat disrespectful to Spurs. He is saying based on the players actions and not Chelsea's involvement. He said

"He's a world class player who is very difficult to play against, I know there are problems. It's probably a little bit disrespectful towards Spurs. He has his own problems at the moment. We've got a good squad of players. If he comes he could certainly add to that."

(SOURCE)

Your thoughts but remember, this is football after all. Modric states he had an agreement with the club and that has been taken away..

Is it disrespectful these days for a player to speak out against his current club if this so-called agreement is in place and do you agree with JT?

I just hope this can all be sorted as soon as possible.

KTBFFH

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AVB intends to make signings after the tour afterall!

AVB has today confirmed that he will do "proper business" in the transfer market only when the club return from our pre season tour of the far east. He was asked again about the situation with Luka Modric and it sparked this new revelation from AVB. He said in answer to Modric first:

“I think I have answered that question enough. We do not have the same sense of urgency that you are trying to put on me. It is a big 15 days and then we will go to the market and do some proper business.

The market has plenty to offer. We have to decide on our needs but we will not be putting players to the test because they are top quality. By the time we go to the market we will know exactly what we need."

It's obvious that Modric is a target but while Spurs are refusing to budge, AVB is more than happy to focus on the tour which is what we all should be doing right now.

Once he comes back he WILL know exactly who fits into his plans and who doesn't. I can't personally believe the negativity I am reading from Chelsea fans about our current squad at the moment stating that we would be lucky to finish in the top four this season!!!!

What is wrong with you people! Are we really honestly that far behind the other sides because they have spent money? Or, like me, do you feel that our squad IS already good enough to challenge and that we just lacked that little something extra last season. I am telling you now we AREN'T that far off at all.

It would be good to make a few signings just to freshen things up of course and it seems with AVB's latest comments, it will happen.

As to the extent that some of you are talking about, I am not so sure.

KTBFFH

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We are going to be very strong next season with or without signings.

I know at the moment especially with Michael Essien now out injured for 6 months, rumours have once again intensified after AVB had said he was not planning on making drastic changes.

Now I still believe that Chelsea were not too far away from winning the league last season with the players we had once we got our form back, we just lacked that little something extra to take us beyond United.

So I am just wondering if it could be only one player in and one out come the end of the transfer window and what effect that could have on Chelsea?.

All I am reading at the moment is Chelsea fans reeling off a whole list of players that they feel the club should be signing or at least three or four names.

You are missing the point people, you have to listen to what AVB has said before and remember, the club will not make the same mistakes as they did last summer but letting 4 or 5 first team regulars leave the club and sell us short.

So this leads me to Salomon Kalou and Frank Lampard both speaking on separate occasions, Kalou here after the Portsmouth game and Frank Lampard yesterday in Malaysia.

Both had exactly the same message and there is already signs of belief within themselves that they ARE good enough to challenge this season with our without new players. It's seems that AVB's motivational techniques and methods is beginning to have an effect already.

After Portsmouth Kalou said:

"It is up to the manager to decide who to bring in but we know we have the quality in the team to win the league. There is quality in the squad and now we have to play together. We have to keep going and I believe in the players.

There is a new manager, new challenge and a new chance for everyone and the one who shows better desire and quality will play. We are really confident and we are looking to win back the Premier League.

(Source)

Now moving on to Chelsea's arrival in Malaysia. With an expected 40,000 people due to watch their training session tonight, Frank Lampard again reiterated the strength we already have in our squad and stated that what United have spent this summer makes no difference to us at all. He said:

"They have been very active and spent fortunes on good quality players but we know we have a very good squad, But the manager wants us to come here so he can evaluate what he's got. We are going to be very strong next season and, however much Manchester United spend, we still believe in ourselves.

On the training ground it has been a bit different to what we are used to, It's always been fast and intense and there's not been one session where people can relax or be sloppy.

I think the fact that André is young is irrelevant. There is a nice freshness, a new style and new training methods from last year. His quality is important, however. You saw that at Porto and we know his ideals are very similar to what we had at Chelsea before.

(Source)

Similar quotes aren't they. I have to say, and I noticed an article in last nights London Evening Standard, it all feels very similar to the preparation the players had under Mourinho in his first season at the club.

Some people think that pre season is just about getting your players fit and to work on your tactics and set pieces for the new season. However, and I have said this before, it's now almost as important to prepare your players mentally for the season ahead.

I cannot emphasise this enough, these 15 days are massive for Chelsea not just because of the games we are playing, but because of the fact that AVB can now build this group dynamic he has been speaking about. The players are away from their families, living out of each others pockets and it's such an important time.

Mark my words, you look at the players against Portsmouth after having two weeks at Cobham to start training but then going home, to watching them play Rangers before the season starts after all being away together and see the difference.

It's the fact that already the message is clear from the likes of Kalou and Lampard. We ARE a strong side and good enough to challenge this season with or without signings.

Will it be enough for AVB or will he look to Parker and Modric? Only time will tell.

For now, we have to sit back and see what happens in the next two weeks, the most important period of pre season and hope by the time they come back, we see a very different, a very together and very strong Chelsea ready to take on the new season.

KTBFFH

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AVB: "I have two weeks in Asia to make decisions"

AVB has been speaking in an interview before heading off to Asia for Chelsea's pre season tour. He was quick to reiterate the fact that he is in the market for players before the season starts but will still be having a look at the players he has before making big decisions.

He said:

'I am still evaluating things at the moment, It is not that I have to change things radically and I will take it step by step.

I think it is pretty obvious that we will go into the market at one time or the other but not with radical changes to the team. The team will keep itself and most of the players.

People are expected to arrive at Chelsea and make radical changes but we are taking everything on board before taking the right decisions. I have two weeks in Asia to make decisions and I'll need those four games to continue to assess. When we get back we'll have a week running into the Rangers friendly, so, from then on, decisions will have to be taken.

The message is clear from AVB and has always been ever since he arrived here, he will not make radical changes. You would think maybe two or three players coming in with the same leaving before the end of the transfer window but no more.

I have been disappointed with some of the comments from people on here about our pre season game on Saturday. We have to remember that the players have only been training for two weeks and are nowhere near fit yet, added to that the fact that they are learning and adapting to AVB's methods and vision for how he wants us to play so it will take time.

Time is what people are asking to give our manager and it is time he needs to have a longer look at the players. The fact that they are travelling away now for a while and will be living out of each others pockets will be great for team spirit while they get match fit.

We have to remember, the window closes at the end of August, it gives AVB plenty of time to make the right decisions so let's not panic and sit back and see what happens.

I am right behind our manager and I urge all of you to be the same.

KTBFFH

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McEachran: The best player on the pitch after signing new deal.

Fresh from signing a new five year deal with the club (which is fantastic news by the way) Josh McEachran was by far the best player on the pitch yesterday in the 45 minutes he played in the second half.

In the short time that he has been involved in the first team, we have all seen just how good he is. His game is about finding space to receive the ball then to lift his head up and knock it about and yesterday he did exactly that with ease.

Even though it was pre season, and players will take time to regain their fitness and touch with the ball, McEachran seemed to slot straight back into his game as if he has never had a break.

The more we see of him, the more he amazes me. He doesn't ever seem in awe of the players he is playing with our against, he just focuses on his game.

He makes it look so easy and yesterday it was exactly the same. If AVB is using this pre season to have a good look at the players to see exactly where they can fit into his plans, then Josh surely has made a big big impression!.

KTBFFH

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Portsmouth 0-1 Chelsea (Video Highlights)

Here is extended highlights of our 1-0 win against Portsmouth yesterday. Bear in mind this was our first official pre-season game and players only played a maximum of 45 mins each.


Portsmouth v Chelsea by geuzehead

Wasn't exactly inspiring at all but like I said it was our first official game and Portsmouth made a good game of it.

What did you think of it?

KTBFFH

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CHELSEA FANS CHECK OUT MY RADIO INTERVIEW YESTERDAY HERE!

I was invited back onto the American Radio Show World Football Daily yesterday to discuss everything Chelsea from the lack of movement in the transfer market, the new manager, pre season, formation and who will feature in the managers plans.

Also about current rumours, Essien's injury, the future of Lampard, Drogba and Anelka, if AVB can get the best out of Torres, beating Barcelona in the Champions League and finally a top four prediction for this season.

So have a listen and let me know what you think about it. (It gets going after 35 seconds)



So what do you think? Do you agree with any points I made or disagree? Please feel free to post your comments below.

I would like to thank World Football Daily for inviting me back on the show as I really love doing it. You never know, this could be the start of something!

KTBFFH

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No panic or desperation to replace Essien!

New Technical Director, Michael Emenalo is featured this morning on Skysports speaking of the Michael Essien injury and has openly admitted that Chelsea may not look to replace him this season and stick with what we have in his position.

When asked about replacing Essien who is out for six months he said:

"The squad is littered with world-class players and the idea of replacing someone or not replacing someone sounds a little bit ludicrous.

We have enough in the tank to get the job done. He will be missed. Everyone knows he is an important part of Chelsea and a magnificent player in the side for the club and he still will be when he recovers but I don't think there is any panic or desperation to replace him.

We will do just what a club of our ilk should do and find the right solution."

It's a natural reaction after hearing the news of Essien's injury, that we would think about possible replacements out there who could come in to do a job to cover him.

These past couple of days Scott Parker is being linked with a return to the Bridge and the rumour has gathered momentum now West Ham have admitted they would allow him to leave on loan for a season.

Emenalo's comments above take us back to a year ago when the likes of Ballack, Deco and Joe Cole left the club. There was a big push from within to bring the youngsters through with just the one addition in Ramires and look what happened when we suffered with our huge injury problems last season.

We simply cannot afford to make the same mistakes this term. Young Josh McEachran will be even better this year and will be available to play in games but just how many games do you play him? Benayoun is making his claim to be part of AVB's plans too but I really believe without Essien in our midfield we lack the power and strength he gives us.

Obviously we already have Mikel and Ramires but look at them, they aren't exactly the strong ball winning midfielders that Essien is. David Luiz is another player who many Chelsea fans would like to see pushed further forward into our midfield but is that really a serious option?

I know he said no panic, but Chelsea need to act now. I really do believe we need that power in midfield and without Essien there or someone else with similar qualities, it could cause problems for us this season.

People will say "Look at Barcelona" as they do not have the power in their midfield and it's all about the technical qualities of their players. In answer to that all I will say is that this is the Premier League and you MUST have power and strength in your side to be able to succeed. Look at Arsenal for example, arguably the best footballing side in the country but where has it got them?.

Chelsea's game is about power and strength throughout the core of our side, last season we suffered without Essien and we will again this season.

AVB and the Chelsea board have to act sooner rather than later in my opinion!.

KTBFFH

Check out my blog posts on the Official Chelsea Website - http://bit.ly/mRUOqw
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