Normal Service Resumes

Oh, what a summer it has been.

Weekends will be quiet no more as English football resumes today with the Community Shield. And so, once more after months of inactivity, this blog comes back to resume full service to coincide with the beginning of English Premier League season 2012 / 2014. 

It has been a brilliant close season, if you're a Chelsea fan. Couldn't have asked for more with the return of the prodigal son aka Jose Mourinho aka Special One. One would hope that Roman has realised the folly of his ways and comes full circle with the re-appointment of the man who created the Chelsea team of today. With much trepidation, one would hope that the managerial musical chair has truly stopped and that Jose would be given the comfort of job security to truly re-start the Chelsea dynasty. 

There could be no more a better time to start a dynasty than now. Let's examine the competition.

The best manager in the world (and arguably of all time) Sir Alex Ferguson has finally called it quits after 20 odd years of dominance. Manchester United have failed to strengthen and looks to be reliant on peaked Robin Van Persie, the man who literally and single-handedly won the title for them last season. The Devils would be hoping that players like Nani, Ashley Young, Valencia and Kagawa can shake off the horrible / patchy form of last season to help service the predatory RVP. The Devils are also hoping wonderkid Zaha would live up to the usual English press hype of being the next wonderkid. Finally, the Devils are hoping that new manager David Moyes (who has not won a proper silverware at the top flight before) can translate his shoestring budget management of Everton to taking charge of arguably the most popular franchise in the world. 

As you can see, United are going through a phase of great transition. They may click, they may not. My personal opinion is that they need at least 1 season of Moyes being in charge before any judgment can be passed. This season would be a time for him to stamp his mark, mould the team in his image and try to win over the fans and players that he is top managerial level. I suspect silverware is not really his main priority (at least for this season), but he would be careful not to fall out of the top 4 or face the ire of global mocking. Prediction: United 3rd place, possibly Carling or FA Cup finalist.

Manchester City, too, are another team with a new manager in the form of Manuel Pellegrini. He is an astute tactician, no nonsense fella who knows his stuff, but has no experience in the English game and still an untested quantity outside of Spanish football. He is a different proposition from the flamboyant Mancini, and plays a more solid but direct attacking game compared to his predecessor's erratic tinkering and defensive style. However, City have recruited well in the summer. Strike force has been bolstered by the hardworking and deadly Jovetic together with a top marksman in the form of Negredo to combine with Aguero and Dzeko (who seems to have found favour with his new manager). Supplying the frontline will be new boy Jesus Navas, arguably one of the last few quality, traditional sideline-hugging wingers of our time, David Silva (who will be hoping to put a woeful last season behind him and return to his vintage 2011/2012 season form) and the unpredictable yet brilliant (when the mood strikes) Samir Nasri. City have also bolstered the centre of the park with the acquisition of Fernandinho, a quality centre midfielder who would certainly be able to allow Yaya Toure freedom to bomb forward and do some bombing up on his own. 

City seems very strong and a true title contender. Very solid if they can click (which is highly probable given that they are not dismantling or rebuilding but instead just bolstering their weak spots). Prediction: City probably 2nd place if not title winners.  

Other worthy challengers could be Arsenal and Spurs. The Gunners could be a worthy challenger if they can land Suarez. They have a creative and flair squad with Cazorla, Wilshere, Rosicky, Arteta, Walcott and Ramsey playing their own brand of English tiki-taka but lack penetration with Giroud, Podolski and Gervinho lacking the killer instinct. Suarez would be the last piece of the jigsaw. They seem a bit threadbare in the heart of defence too, so if they can land someone in the mould of Ashley Williams, they would have much needed depth in that department. Prediction: Arsenal 2nd or 3rd place.

As for Spurs, it appears that AVB's geekery is finally taking shape. With the right personnel to execute his philosophy of fast tempo, pressing, high defence and mobile but direct attacks, AVB's Spurs seem solid. The landing of Soldado without much fanfare or attention may be a masterstroke signing. The directness and fox-in-the-box predatory finishing of the Spaniard is what Spurs has been lacking the past few years. However, much of Spurs' hopes depends on whether Madrid lands Bale. Without Bale, they would still be top 4 challengers. But if they can pull of a miracle by convincing Bale to stay, Spurs may even push for the title. Prediction: 3rd or 4th.  

Which leaves one last prediction to be done: the fate of our boys in Blue.

Call me optimistic because I am a huge fan of JM, but I think this is our season for the taking. Anything less than winning the title would be an underachievement given the relative calm summer we have had compared to the other rivals. We have bolstered the depth with the return from loans of Kevin De Bruyne, Michael Essien and my personal favourite Romelu Lukaku, the acquisitions of high potential Van Ginkel and Andre Schurlle, and the safe hands of experienced Mark Schwarzzer. 

Add all that to the maturing of the Hazard, Mata and Oscar combo, with Luiz, Terry, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole and Azpili providing a solid defence with shield in the form of Ramires, Lamps and Mikel, we finally look like genuine title favourites.

As for Rooney? Well, he will be nice to have, but I don't think this particular squad needs him. Mour needs to turn Lukaku into the new Drogba that he is destined to be, and ensure that our creative players feed this monster constantly, and we would be the team to beat.

I am rarely that optimistic about chances, especially before the season begins, but here's my prediction: Chelsea to win the title and perhaps 1 or 2 cups (UEFA would be nice).   

With great powers (and squad) comes great responsibility. Mourinho has no reason or excuses if he falters. 

Let the season begin. 

And What A Season It Has Been

Finally, after what seems like an eternity, the long and winding road reaches its destination.

Goodbye season 2012 / 2013. What a season it has been.

Whilst it was always going to be an anti-climatic one due to the magnificent season before (which only comes once in a light blue moon no doubt), the recently concluded season did contain its moments. 

Amongst many, the ones that stood out for me was the unearthing of an unlikely goal-poacher called Michu, the former Gunner who scored when he wants for his new employers the Devils (and bagged the Golden Boot yet again, that cheeky Robin), Fellaini showing more than just shielding abilities to bulge nets as well, the great escape by Villa of Wigan-proportions from relegation at the expense of, err Wigan, the rise and rise and further rise of Gareth Bale, the swashbuckling Saints, the resolute and plucky Hammers, the hapless freefall of the expensive flops of QPR and of course, THAT bite from Suarez. 

All that and I haven't even begun talkin' bout Chelsea yet. Ahh, good stuff. 

As for us, thankfully the season didn't end in a complete disaster. 3rd place finish and crowned champions of Europa League. Some would even call it a good season. However, after winning the Champions League last season, strengthening with Hazard, Oscar, Moses, Azipili and later on Demba Ba, and having both United and City not playing at their blistering best, one may be forgiven for thinking that this ought to have been the season for us to have a serious go at it. 

But alas, the tinkering, not of Rafa, but Roman, saw us going through yet another season in transition. Once again, we didn't go through an entire season with just 1 manager. 

Now the rebuilding begins. Rafa is as sure as gone. Jose Mourinho, if the Spanish press are to be believed, is as sure as already back. New boy Moyes steps into the shoes worn by Fergie for 26 years. Out goes Mancini and in steps Pellegrini to shape City into a title contenders once more. Spurs, still smarting from their closest of shaves away from the promised land of Champions League, will surely come back stronger with a bale-storm of a vengeance, as will Liverpool and their brand of tiki-taka brought by Rodgers. As for Arsenal, well ... they'll always be there. Always short of becoming the real thing.

So what beckons for us this summer?

Well, simple really. On the assumption that someone from upper management of the club reads blogs, here's what we simply MUST do over summer:

(1) BRING BACK LUKAKU

I said it before last season began and what did I get? A big fat opportunity to shout I TOLD YOU SO. As predicted, Lukaku grew into the beast he was always destined to be and fired his loan-club West Brom into relative respectability. With increased speed, bigger frame, better ball control and another season of English football to acclimatize the man-mountain, it is time to bring him back to be Drogba version 2. 

Forget about getting a world-class striker. Contrary to popular belief, we do not need another striker. Lukaku, Ba and Torres are enough to propel us through another season. Torres has grown into an Europe striker, so perhaps keep him there. And the odd big game or two. Let Lukaku and Ba duke it out for Premier League and FA Cup minutes as our battering ram. 

(2) SHIFT DAVID LUIZ TO MIDFIELD 

The few times when Sideshow Bob was asked to patrol the back four and start attacking forays from the deep, he never disappointed. Perhaps that is his natural position. If he was playing perhaps 30 years ago, he would have suited the libero role in a sweeper formation like a glove. This is the closest to that position that would maximise his abilities. Makes sense for us too since we do currently do not have an enforcer in the engine room. 

(3) GET CLASSY DISTRIBUTOR TO PARTNER LUIZ; LEAVE WAVES OF ATTACK "HAZMATCAR"

Thank goodness common sense prevailed and Frank Lampard has been given an extension to his contract. However, even he himself should know the waning of his attacking abilities. It is time for him to adapt or get dropped. Gone are his box-to-box midfielder days. He should now play the cool, calm, classy distributor who can partner the enforcer in midfield to spray passes to our attackers. Which brings me to my next point.

If the demands of Europe may prove too harsh on the worn out legs of Fat Frankie, then perhaps getting a cover in that mould would be priority. Xabi Alonso would be a great acquisition. In any given game, 2 out of 3 of Luiz, Lamps & Xavi would play (depending on opposition). 

Amongst the few points I was happy about this season is seeing the maturing and bedding of the machine called the Hazmatcar. Hazard, Mata and Oscar, in long. 3 creative, flair and unpredictable little wizards who has now learnt to blend with each other into a dangerous attacking wave. In any given game, 2 out of 3 of our attackers must be from Hazmatcar. Ramires, Moses & Mikel would play understudies.

(4) GARETH BALE

There would be no better attacker to play behind our lone striker than Gareth Bale. He is as good in creating as he is as good at finishing chances on his own. Imagine what a devastating force we would be if we had David Luiz-Lampard/Xabi Alonso as anchors, Mata & Hazard/Oscar on the flanks and Bale playing through the middle tucked behind Torres/Lukaku/Ba. 

Unbelievable. 

Roman, if you're going to break the bank, do it for Bale.

(5) COVER AT THE BACK

With Luiz pushed up in front, our back four looks likely to consist of Cole/Bertrand on the left, Cahill/Ivanovic/Terry in the centre, and Azpilicueta/Ivanovic/Ferreira on the right. This group is not strong enough, especially if we are going all out in both Europe and the league. For all his leadership and aura, Terry must realise that he is on the downward curve. He will (or should) only play approx 50-60% of all games next season, even if fully fit. Cahill-Ivanovic pairing seems the safest at the moment, but may not have the tactical nous to face the top clubs in Europe.

To remedy this, we probably need 1 versatile utility player (who can use both feet if possible) to act as cover for any of the back four and 1 solid centreback who has the temerity and calmness to lead from the back (with European background if possible).

Well, still quite a long way till season kicks off again, so until then, let's say goodbye to yet another great season of footie. 

 

Give Him A Contract!

One of the most popular Chelsea chants this season, in addition to those taking the piss out of Rafa, would be the "give him a contract" aimed at Roman in relation to Lampard's out-of-contract status this summer. 

For those not in the loop, our longest-serving and loyal deputy Captain Frank Lampard runs out of contract at the end of this season. Rumour has it that the upper echelons of the club are refusing to grant him a new contract. Excuses range from him getting too old, putting on a bit, losing his pace and being part of a passing generation of Chelsea stars. 

Yesterday night, Fat Frankie scored a brace to ensure Chelsea's qualification into next season's Champions League and at the same time, broke Chelsea's all-time goalscoring record previously held by Bobby Tambling (202 goals).

With 203 goals registered in his name in a Chelsea shirt, the feat is even more impressive considering the fact that Frank is a box-to-box midfielder and one who has never really been well known for possessing silky skills or great star quality. What Frankie possess, which had been extensively analysed in a previous post, is a great determination, machine-like consistency and uncanny ability to be at the right place at the right time. In short, he possess an excellent football mind coupled with great character and work ethic.

Maldini and Zanetti have shown that you can still play at the highest level well past the 35-year mark by keeping yourself fit and healthy. Giggs have shown that this can be done in the English Premier League. Compared to some of the games geriatrics, Lamps is still a spring chicken at 34. Perhaps he may not be able to put in a full shift every single weekend anymore, but he certainly can be the calm, experienced leader who can be called upon every once in a while to provide guidance, leadership and importantly, crucial goals, when the club needs them.

Lamps may not be a guaranteed first-team starter next season, but the team can ill-afford not to have their all-time goalscorer not in the squad anymore. Therefore, to echo the millions of disillusioned and frustrated Blues out there, GIVE HIM A FUCKING CONTRACT PLEASE!!

End of An Era - An Open Farewell to the Greatest Manager of All Time

Dear Alex,

Ever since I first started watching the English Premier League, you've always been the gaffer at Old Trafford. For decades you've built teams, you've broken up teams and won shitloads of trophies and cups in the process. I've hated and admired you in equal measures. I've cursed your teams and tactics, but only because they were that bloody effective and good.

For years I've been waiting for your dynasty to crumble, for you to lose that magic touch and for your teams to f**kin' stop making those Hollywood-style comebacks that irritated the shit out of any non-United fan - I've been waiting till now and still those wishes of mine are nowhere near to coming through.

You brought an interesting concept of "time" to the English game - "squeaky bum time" and "Fergie time" being one of your more famous contributions. You've seen off many, many challengers to the managerial throne and your teams are a constant favourite for the title almost every season.

As you walked out of tunnel to the sea of red at the Theatre of Dreams, passed by the guard of honour and lapped up the bittersweet attention of millions and millions of teary-eyed fans all around the globe, I felt a sense of sadness that this would be your last ever home game as manager of Man United. It would certainly be a strange new feeling not seeing you in that familiar seat next season.

Thank you for all that you've done for the game, from the bottom of my heart. You truly have been and will be (for a long time more, I think) the greatest ever manager to have graced the beautiful game, across all leagues, all countries, all eras and all generations.

You will be deeply missed. And not just by United fans, I can assure you.

The only (slight) consolation for me is that I am not a United fan at this point in time.



   

The Last Sprint

And so we come to the final lap of the Barclay's Premier League, edition 2012/2013.

What started as a hopeful season of rebuilding (new young flair players like Hazard, Oscar, Marin and young, progressive manager in RDM) briefly turned into an over-performing promise of glory when we got off to an explosive start and played with the sort of swagger that oozed class. Heck, at one point near the beginning, even Torres was getting in amongst the goals and proving his perennial "class-is-permanent-he-just-needs-a-bit-more-time" fans (like yours truly) right.

But when the wheels come off, they do so spectacularly. A couple of bad results is all it took for the Chelsea bandwagon to fall off. Before you could finish saying Roman Abramovich, newly crowned Champions League winning manager and fan's favourite RDM was unceremoniously booted. We then sunk to lower depths with the appointment of "interim manager" Rafa "Fat Spanish Waiter" Benitez ("FSW"), whom the fans never really took to (no doubt for his links, affiliations and comments made about Chelsea as Liverpool manager). 

Ever since FSW took ever, the club has been in a limbo. Capable of putting together momentary moments of brilliance (the 8-0 humbling of Aston Villa and flashes of heroics in the Cup competitions), the team was also prone to erratic and unexplainable bad patches that was horrendous and shocking. 

And so, with 4 games left, we find ourselves neck-deep in a tussle with Arsenal and Spurs for the last 2 slots left for Champions League qualification (with United having wrapped up top spot and City most likely secured with 2nd place). From a fixture point of view, both the Gunners and Spurs look to have an easier run-in to the close of the season. This is compounded further by us still being in the running for the Europa League (after having secured a 2-1 win against Basel on Thursday) which inevitably stretches the endurance and stamina of the players further.

There's no rest for us now, and FSW has the monumental task of keeping our fight for top 4 alive whilst refreshing the squad just enough to mount a realistic attempt to snag the Europa League. 

If we manage to pull it off (top 4 and Europa League), it would at least represent a consolation of sorts for an otherwise under-performing and erratic season. If we don't achieve either objective, or worse, neither of them, then one would suspect many heads would roll.

Which leaves the fans with quite the conundrum. On one hand, a massive summer clear-out and starting afresh would be good. We wipe the slate clean and rebuild for next season (and the next and the next). On the other hand, there are many gems in the current mixed bag that may become collateral damage should we end up with nothing this season. The likes of Hazard, Mata, Luiz may be tempted to seek greener pastures if there is no Champions League football next season. And that is why it would also be good if we could snag top 4 and win the Europa League as well. 

Whichever the way the wind blows, one thing's for certain is that winds of change would be blowing in strongly come next season. But that's still more than a month away. For now, every game is a Cup final as we cheer on the boys in Blue to muster that last ounce of strength or 2nd wind for the final lap of the season.

Stay glued to your seats then.  

Prodigal Son

"But it was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for this, your brother, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found."

— Luke 15:32

And so we wait with bated breath for his return, his homecoming and his reclamation of a throne that has been vacant ever since he abdicated it on 20th September 2007.

Jose Mourinho may have left Chelsea for the greener pastures of Inter and Real for almost 6 years already, but his presence has never really left Stamford Bridge. The imprints he left in the hearts of Chelsea fans can still be felt and his shadow still looms upon the dressing room of the club.

Never has one man defined an era at Chelsea more than The Special One and it is certainly no surprise that his recent flutter of eyelashes in the direction of Roman Abramovich has gotten all Chelsea fans giddy with anticipation. This, of course, is compounded by the fact that the fat Spanish waiter has yet to endear himself to club supporters and results on the pitch have been patchy at best.

From beginning this season with such swashbuckling displays, Chelsea has shown erratic form and look like a team lost in transition with moments of brilliance that come ever so infrequently. From European Champions, FA Cup holders and front-runners for the title, we have now settled into only fighting for the 2nd tier Europa League, still in with a fight to defend the FA Cup and being caught up in a 3-horse race with Arsenal and Spurs for 3rd place. 

To call a spade a spade, this has been an underwhelming season filled with underachievement. If we were rebuilding the team, concentrating on long-term development and trimming the fat of star players, then such achievements may have been understandable. However, summer acquisitions from last year suggested the owner had no intentions of pulling the handbrakes on wanting instant success. 

Since then results have not gone our way, players have failed to deceive and the managerial turnstile was once again spinning as club legend Roberto Di Matteo was shown the door as early as November last year. Cue to our yearly managerial upheaval as Rafa Benitez was appointed as temp manager. 

And thus we find ourselves  where we are today: a disjointed, under-performing team with an interim manager who is not about to win any popularity contest. 

Jose Mourinho's return, if it happens, would be the best thing to befall the club in recent times. Not only is the current squad's DNA still one which he forged from his previous spell there, but now more than ever, the club needs a strong figure of authority whom the players can rally behind and give their all for. Mourinho's man-management skills need no further elaboration. 

Putting HR-qualities aside, Mourinho is an astute tactician as well. A Machiavellian who prioritizes results over style, he is perhaps the right man for the current job who can alchemize the talents of Hazard, Mata and Oscar together with the raw steel and industry that can be offered by the likes Ramires, Ivanovic, Azipili, Mikel and Cahill and complemented by the directness and force of the likes of Lamps, Ba and Victor Moses.

Further, if the club is serious in being front-runners for the title, Mourinho certainly has enough pedigree and pizzaz to take on the likes of Fergie and Mancini. 

Add that to the fact that Stamford Bridge was once his kingdom, he knows the history, the people and the culture of the club inside out, he doesn't need time for the fans to take to him (something he would need at a brand new club) and he has (several) properties in London, there is no better place for him than to come back home.

In a nutshell, Chelsea could do no better than to get back at all cost the man they once called the Special One. Forget all the other big names in football. All Roman needs to do is keep his ego in check, take out the chequebook and give the fans this big name signing they have been waiting for since 2007.

Rise of the Planet of the Bale

If I was asked to name the biggest regret I have this season, as a follower of the EPL, it would be forgetting to put on record or publicly my belief that the wonderkid from Cardiff would emerge as the brightest star in the English game this season. 

Friends and acquaintances of mine who have had the (dis)pleasure of discussing footie-related matters with me can attest to my admiration of this Welsh wizard's power, pace and technical abilities ever since last season. 

This would have made a fantastic "I TOLD YOU SO" post, but alas, due to my failure to put down that prediction and put money where my mouth is, I am now just but one of the millions of writers in this world lavishing superlative after praise for Gareth Bale in light of his recent purple patch that has seen him score 3 braces in 4 consecutive weeks.

Fans and even casual observers of the game used to only remember him as that player who looked like an extra from the set of Planet of the Apes who forgot to remove his make-up and costume. But in just a matter of a few seasons, look who's monkeying his way into footballing folklore now, folks. 

If you hear monkey chants at a Spurs game, it may not always be Adebayor they're targetting.

Whether men came from apes or not, Gareth Bale has certainly evolved (pardon the pun) from his humble beginnings at Saints as an industrious left-back who loved the occasional overlap to a bona fide electrifying left winger whose many drifts and cuts in-filed has left many defences in cold sweat (ask Maicon) and keepers fearing when the next thunderbolt from his left foot would come (ask Jaaskelainen). 

Say what you want about AVB's new-and-improved Spurs compact formation or Dembele's combative-yet-creative spark in the middle of the park, but it certainly cannot be denied that whatever the vehicle that is taking Tottenham up the table, it is powered by Bale-fuel. 

The ides of March have barely begun and speculation over a summer transfer to either Real or Barca has already been rife. City, United, PSG and Chelsea are also rumoured to be in the chase to land this hotshot. Realistically, Madrid looks his most likely destination, but which true-Blue out there is not secretly yearning to see him tear up and down the Bridge wreaking havoc across defences every other week? 

Since Chelsea's chances for any semblance of success this season has all but evaporated, thinking ahead and planning for the future has become a Chelsea fan's only fruitful activity left. At this point in time, here's my take on how we can steady the ship and (hopefully) launch a bid for the EPL and Champs Lge next season:

1. Recall Drogba 2.0, sorry I meant Lukaku, from West Brom. I've said it before and I'll say it again: had Lukaku been blooded in regularly this season, we wouldn't have had to go out to buy Demba Ba as a stop-gap for Torres (this lad's problem is so complicated that it requires a full post on its own so let's not go there) and we'd have easily scored 10-12 more goals than we have all season at this stage. I rate him VERY highly and I'm glad his goals for Steve Clarke have now made many other Chelsea fans wake up from their oblivious state to a gem right under our noses.  

2. Continue developing the likes of Azpilicueta, Bertrand, Nathan Ake, Oscar, Lucas Piazon, Marin and Moses. These players need 1-2 more seasons before they will hit top form. Out of the lot, Oscar and Azpili have shown that they have the mettle and stomache to take on the English game despite their Latin and Spanish backgrounds. 

3. Sign him up, please. Yes, I'm talking about Frank Lampard. He's scored loads this season. He's pulled Chelsea out of draws and losing positions single-handedly many times too. He has experience. He is still fit. What else does he need to do to show Roman that he's worth it still at this age? To echo the fans in the terraces: SIGN HIM UP!

4. Get a class defensive midfielder. No offense to Mikel or Ramires or Romeu, all 3 who are wonderful in their own ways but sadly nowhere near a Makelele. One of our biggest setbacks this season is that we lack a leader in the middle of the park who could screen, read the game, calm things down and shield the back 4. There were rumours of Andrea Pirlo being earmarked for this role but let's face it, he's probably slightly over the hill now. Chelsea's top priority this summer should be someone in this mould but sprightlier. Vidal or Marchisio of Juventus? If we're talking budget, then we can look no further than Marouane Fellaini, who has impressed tremendously this season. 

5. Marquee signings: Gareth Bale and/or Falcao. Yes, they cost a lot of money and yes, sometimes they do turn out to be flops. But if you get a marquee signing right, it can be just the right tonic to inspire and invigorate an entire team to play on a higher level altogether. Look at what Van Persie has done to United this season. Falcao is simply the most deadly striker in Europe today. Bale is simply the winger who has perfectly combined power and pace best this season. He is the alternative to Cristiano Ronaldo. Get them both to dovetail with Mata & Hazard, and you'd have an attack that would tear any team in Europe a new posterior  each time they take to the field. Money will be a big object and I am never a fan of splurge signings, but since Roman is intent on his spending spree, then at least splurge on the right players. Bale and/or Falcao. 

Well, let's enjoy the last 2 months till the conclusion of the season.