Meanwhile over at the Etihad....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUzTqAGFRkc

raumdeuter:


Germany have won the Euros more than any other team and dont have any need to prove themselves, Can we say the same about Chelsea and the Super cup?

Was it this set of players that won all those euros abi witches curse this generation make them no win euros. The last time germany won the euros my Dad had not met my Mum.

FBS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUzTqAGFRkc

FBS dem don block am na..! Abeg wetin u want us to view before?

Yay or Nay?

Antonio Conte spoke about himself as a tailor who likes to stick clothes based on the fabrics he has, implying that his formation and team structure will be decided by personnel than philosophy.

– He has been true to his word. Forget 4-4-2, 4-2-4, 3-5-2 or 4-3-3, he has identified the exact problem why Chelsea were 10th last season.

– With the personnel chelsea have, playing an offensive high line is out of the question.

– First reason – our centre-backs. JT is unarguably our best defensive, a scary fact. I have nothing against the legend (the player, not the individual) and I think he must retire here. However, his shortcomings on the pitch, primarily of the fact that he cannot play in a high line (not for lack of pace, which is an idiotic argument, see the case of Carlos Puyol). This doesn’t have to do with the fact that he is technically very good (the best in our defence) and has an unparallelled game intelligence.

– All previous Chelsea managers sought out to get the best out of John Terry hiding his weaknesses at various points. When he was an out-and-out English defender (his technical prowess developed very late, around when he was 29 actually), they paired him with technically and tactically intelligent defenders (Carvalho). Then, when he became that defender, they paired him with an older version of JT – Alex, Cahill etc. (Luiz being the exception).

– This combination of JT and Cahill (or Alex) means, Chelsea’s back line will always be suspect in a high line (ask AVB for instance). Long story short, we have to set ourselves in a low block, with the backline closer to the goalie.

– Which outlines the second issue – the space between the defense and midfield. Jose Mourinho sought out to find a solution to the issue of playing a pro-active offensive game (laugh all you want) with a deep defense. So, he set out to buy/keep players who could play in the system. The midfield was not as close to the defense, but not as far away to cause trouble. As a result the front four had to run their arse off (hence Willian is still in the team) to make up for lost space/ball.

– This seemed to work till December 2014. But, nature took its toll and the steam was off, meaning everyone barring the back five were tired by Winter 2015. Jose retorted to type and played an absolutely mean defensive strategy to win the title. It wasnt a mystery that we sucked in Europe also because technically, we could not match the big teams due to our weaknesses.

– Last summer, our hilariously failed transfer purchases – Pogba (yes) and John Stones were to be added to a pacy and young Zouma ready for first team mantle. Jose wanted to refresh the Chelsea defense by pairing Stones and Zouma (or JT), add Pogba to muscle in midfield. It didnt happen. And the already tired players were given a longer break (in hindsight a bad move), and they came undercooked after pre-season. Of course, Jose’s management last season was poor, and was another in a complex list of factors that made the season disastrous.

– Back to Conte, he seems to have identified this flaw and has already set up Chelsea to play in a low block. Instead of having a low defense-midfield and high offensive block, all the three lines are closer (the forward line is as close to midfield). The team is now zonal, meaning less individual physical work rate need. As a group, the team is asked to press and harass opponents and score counter-attacking goals.

– The signing of N’Golo Kante is the first step in solving the puzzle, we now have steel in midfield to cover up space. So Conte has the tactical advantage of either playing a two-man midfield (like first half of Milan’s game) or a three-man midfield to press more and score (the second half) by altering the formation and personnel.

All in all, we have a tailor who has identified the holes in the fabric and has begun to stich the required cloth. Dont expect us to win anything, but top four should be a good finish. We can overhaul the defense and seriously challenge in seasons to come (Christensen, Koulibaly should help).

Nihilist:


I still never know sef

I have question marks around right back, centre-back and up front

Na 433 still sure pass for me with Kante, Oscar and Fabregas

That 442 no get space for Fab at all and I need him in my team

Truth is, I am yet to see a single preseason game so, I can't actually access this team properly.

We clearly have issues hanging everywhere around that backline from the players on ground. Good thing to hear aina has been doing well so far. Let's see if we can get a cb for Terrys position and maybe a lb too.

I think we will be ok upfront. If Costa is staying or we are getting lukaku.

My concern is actually in the midfield area. I have noticed most guys keep excluding matic. Dunno if its because of the uncertainty surrounding is future with us.

I am hoping he stays though so players like Mikel and Oscar will be further out of the first team.

433 : matic, kante and fab....or kante,chalobah and fab...or kante,Fab and Rlc.

442: I am sure fab will get a spot ahead of certain players here too.

Anyways, make Conte make him signings and decision to sell or keep certain players fast please.

i just dont want Oscar to leave

diggz:


Truth is, I am yet to see a single preseason game so, I can't actually access this team properly.

We clearly have issues hanging everywhere around that backline from the players on ground. Good thing to hear aina has been doing well so far. Let's see if we can get a cb for Terrys position and maybe a lb too.

I think we will be ok upfront. If Costa is staying or we are getting lukaku.

My concern is actually in the midfield area. I have noticed most guys keep excluding matic. Dunno if its because of the uncertainty surrounding is future with us.

I am hoping he stays though so players like Mikel and Oscar will be further out of the first team.

433 : matic, kante and fab....or kante,chalobah and fab...or kante,Fab and Rlc.

442: I am sure fab will get a spot ahead of certain players here too.

Anyways, make Conte make him signings and decision to sell or keep certain players fast please.

Aina doesn't look mature he still needs to develop! would have preferred Kenedy as a LB! too bad he might just be going on loan.. Can't stand seeing another season of Ivanovic at RB! Fabregas not been impressive so far. Conte would rather go for Kante/Oscar or Kante/Chalobah in midfield! Due to their work rate advantage, and defending/tackling abilities! and our system dosent even favour a number 10. truth is: we won't get to see Cesc much this season except maybe against Smaller teams where he'd be given that freedom to split defenses while Kante/Matic holds cover!

nateevs:
The hunger from Moses ehn? Dude really wants this.

Arguably the best preseason player for the past 3 years.

Bimffo:
Forget that throw o.

Ola Aina still has a long way to go.

Niang was just perambulating him anyhow, but I believe he will come good and improve..

Conte is just trying a lot of things with this squad and everyone is fighting for something, Moses Especially. (Even Oscar is fighting for something.)

Anyone don observe sey Conte no send No. 10 position for field. He doesn't give a shïïït about the person in the "Hole."

If You cannot help the players occupying the Centre Midfield position, then forget it mehn. Even Traore tracks back to help out in defending, which is very cool. Conte's supporting striker must have a very good work rate.. (He is actually experimenting what he did in the Euros with Eder on Traore) Extra man in the Midfield.

Not a Perfect team at all but Lets see what Conte has for Us. But I would love he can do something to that defence. That's the only position we have 30+ players. Three 30+ players. Not good at all.

You just nailed it!

Nihilist:
Yay or Nay?

Certainly a yay. One must be a good student of the game to arrive at this conclusions. Conte is someone i am beginning to have a very huge admiration for, the man knows his onion.

Have you noticed how much he uses the phrase - ''idea of football''? Just check this out:

"'In the past I started my season with other teams with one IDEA OF FOOTBALL, and then I changed it because I saw the system for these players wasn't good" - Conte while talking about formation on his unveiling

"We prefer to wait and go for our targets, rather than go with emotion and take the players who don't adapt to our IDEA OF FOOTBALL" - Conte talking about targets on his unveiling

"They are great workers and this is very important because we need to have a bit of time to go into a new IDEA OF FOOTBALL, and a new method of work with different tactical, physical and mental aspects" - Conte on how the players are responding to training.

"I am getting to know a lot of new players and I'm bringing them a new IDEA OF FOOTBALL. We need a bit of time but I saw a lot of positive things this week" - Conte on his new surrounding and possible challenges.

"This is important because I need to have the complete group to work, and to transfer my IDEAS to all the players." - Conte on players starting to return for pre-season

"He has also started to play our IDEA OF FOOTBALL when we have the ball, and also without the ball" - Conte on Zouma

"He stays with us, he is working very hard, he is very happy to work with his teammates and with me in the new IDEA OF FOOTBALL" - Conte on Cuadrado

If there is any such thing as pragmatic idealist, then there's where he resides.

Anyone Been Impressed with Matic? would you prefer selling him off to Juve and Getting Blaise Matuidi [29] Instead? I know it sounds like Fantasy though, and there is a slim chance this can be pulled off! But Matic is yet to rediscover his 2014/2015 form! Not gotten anyway close to that through out this preseason!

Nihilist:


– All previous Chelsea managers sought out to get the best out of John Terry hiding his weaknesses at various points. When he was an out-and-out English defender (his technical prowess developed very late, around when he was 29 actually), they paired him with technically and tactically intelligent defenders (Carvalho). Then, when he became that defender, they paired him with an older version of JT – Alex, Cahill etc. (Luiz being the exception).

The person who wrote this piece is clueless with his statement that JT only developed technique at 29.

I have been going to Stamford Bridge since 2000 and JT always had the best technique since back then.

A ninja that can bring down a long ball on his chest under pressure and ping a pinpoint left footed ball to another player.

JT has the best technique of any Chelsea defender in the last 20 years. There is a reason why JT was chosen to be on the left side of the centre backs and not Desailly, and that's because he is more comfortable on the ball.

Carvalho does not have technique comparable with JTs. He had the pace to cover and good technique himself, but not compared to JT.

Brestar chestar5,are you two related

Brestar:
Anyone Been Impressed with Matic? would you prefer selling him off to Juve and Getting Blaise Matuidi [29] Instead? I know it sounds like Fantasy though, and there is a slim chance this can be pulled off! But Matic is yet to rediscover his 2014/2015 form! Not gotten anyway close to that through out this preseason!

True that but Matuidi wouldn't feature in my list of probable replacements.

diggz:


FBS dem don block am na..! Abeg wetin u want us to view before?

So you think it's my fault it was blocked? Abi Google don finish for your side ni?

Try this. HD quality and in English.

http://www.fullmatchesandshows.com/2016/08/04/ac-milan-vs-chelsea-highlights-full-match/

Dongorgon5:
Brestar chestar5,are you two related

Nope.

Griffon:


True that but Matuidi wouldn't feature in my list of probable replacements.

Doubt you'd find much better players on a "cheap"

How did Oscar get to this low point sef.

pamcode:
How did Oscar get to this low point sef.

Oscar has always been able to shoot.

The Juventus game was just Christmas for him in that he had two headline grabbing shots.

He hasn't sunk. He was crap then and is crap now. Nothing has changed.

His shooting and crossing ability remains intact. Everything else that defines a midfielder, he doesn't have and has never had.

Dongorgon5:
Brestar chestar5,are you two related

Yes, by football club

Ibime:


Oscar has always been able to shoot.

The Juventus game was just Christmas for him in that he had two headline grabbing shots.

He hasn't sunk. He was crap then and is crap now. Nothing has changed.

His shooting and crossing ability remains intact. Everything else that defines a midfielder, he doesn't have and has never had.

On his day, Oscar is a Kaka-esque kind of player! I don't think he's crap as you think! his problem has just been inconsistency.

Nihilist:


Well, Oscar only scores against small teams like Swansea, MK Dons and AC Milan...

AC Milan small team?

pamcode:
Was it this set of players that won all those euros abi witches curse this generation make them no win euros. The last time germany won the euros my Dad had not met my Mum.

WHy should they concern themselves with winning the Euros when they are world cup winners? The last time Germany won the Euros was 20yrs ago.

I siddon in front of TV dey watch as Germany dey screw England with the queen grabbing a front row seat

Ask Ibime how he was able to sleep after watching this pose in Wembley

kinggenesis:
AC Milan small team?

Whooosh.....

FBS:

So you think it's my fault it was blocked? Abi Google don finish for your side ni?

Try this. HD quality and in English.

http://www.fullmatchesandshows.com/2016/08/04/ac-milan-vs-chelsea-highlights-full-match/

Bad mouth man!

Brestar:


Doubt you'd find much better players on a "cheap"

Matuidi's current market value is 30m euros and he's running into his 30s. I would rather spend that muller on a young fella with a resell value and who is equally capable of doing a yeoman job in that CM area.

diggz:


Bad mouth man!

Instead of saying thanks, you dey yarn dust. Lol.
Na you get bad mouth.

Under the tutelage of Conte, fellas like Bazoer and Goretzka can become midfield beast. The potentials are just there, all that is required is fine tuning.

I would have these two ninjas over an out of form Matic anyday anytime.

Just watch what Bazoer is made of and he isn't even worth up to 30milla. Kid is a beast in the making!

Nateevs I doubt you've seen this lad play.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPlgDzFQFK4

Griffon:


Matuidi's current market value is 30m euros and he's running into his 30s. I would rather spend that muller on a young fella with a resell value and who is equally capable of doing a yeoman job in that CM area.

Names of potential target within that range that 'd hit the ground running almost immediately?

Brestar:


Names of potential target within that range that 'd hit the ground running almost immediately?

A three-man midfield of Kante-Fabregas-Bazoer would be a joy to watch.

raumdeuter:


Date: August 30 2013

Venue: Eden Arena Prague

Occasion: UEFA SUper cup

Teams : Bayern Munich vs Chelsea

And the winner is Abeg help me complete am

They talked about France reaching the European final with EPL players and asked you about Germany, you quickly rubbished it by saying Germany won the world cup which is by far bigger than the Euros

Now they asked you about chelsea beating bayern Munich at the Allianz arena in a UCL final match and here you are bringing the super cup which is by far lesser than the UCL


Dayo you no get shame?