The New Chelsea Regime

Goalkeeping - Macho, Cudicini have proven themselves quality keepers in the EPL. However, injury will keep the former Sunderland keeper out for the initial part of the season.
Ambrosio, on the other hand, is as foreign to me as, hmmm, Indra Shadan is to Bill Gates but judging from the reviews, he should be moderately good. IMHO, this is a good enuff list of goalies.

Defence - Ranieri's plan of grooming the Terry-Gallas defense partnership into one of the best has been dealt a blow with Gallas voicing out his uncertainties. With the acquisition of Glen Johnson and apparent interest in Wayne Bridge, it looks like Chelsea is more interetsed in getting fullbacks after their Nesta-bid was turned down. Johnson has impressed me quite a lot during the latter part of last season whereby he was more involved in the Hammers' unsuccessful battle against relegation but I think Bridge is certainly overrated. Babayaro and even Le Saux will have my vote anytime.

Midfield - No matter what, Lampard has to be in the squad next season. He was the midfield man for Chelsea last season. Geremi will most likely take the place of Petit as he can play both in the right or centre of the pitch. Gronkjear's speed and flair terrorised many last time round although his inconsistensy can leave one pulling hair at times. Zenden is injury-proned but on his day, he's one of the best around. Stanic has popped up with some crucial goals from set-pieces last season but he's past his prime. If Duff does arrive, probably Zenden will go as I dun forsee a player of his calibre playing second fiddle.

Attack - Hasselbaink can go for all I care. Forsell and Cole should both be given more chances. Gudjohnsen was a pale shadow of his glory self 2 seasons back. Arsenal will never sell Henry to their London rivals and I certainly hope Vieri doesn't come here. He's old already and he gets injured way too often.

Players rumoured to be on Chelsea's shopping list:
Vieri, Henry, Nesta, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Duff(this looks like a done deal).

The one department we look weak in now ought to be our strikeforce. An out-and-out striker is needed to replace Hasselbaink and similarly, somebody's gonna fill in the big gap left by Zola. Still, I think my beloved Chelsea won't win any major trophies this season. New guys need time to blend in and there might be unrest in the changing room now with so many questions left unanswered. However, the most important thing to do is to keep Ranieri as he's THE MAN.

My prediction is Chelsea will finish #3...

Agree.

A club of Chelsea's statute has always been dealing with inconsistencies to mount any serious title-challenge, perhaps of backscene problems with goes on in the Directors' Office or Dressing Room, or Ranieri's communcation problem with the team? heehee.

A new sugar-daddy has arrived, if the quality players do come, gel with the team in time, Chelsea will be a force to reckon with on any day.

Yes, the department that needs strengthening is cocidentally the most important one- the one that bangs in the goals. A true blue (no pun intended) and proven striker or two of world-class capability is indeed missed in the Chelsea ranks.

Nonetheless, watch out for Chelsea next season!

Well said...
Glad to see a fella bro who thinks the same way...

P.S. Just outta curiosity, are you the same factor-x in sb?

indeed i am.

=)

nice to meet ya jaded bro!!!

can share picks, kopi-session or chiong together next time, heehee.

I agree.... goalkeeping and defence section are already more than adequate.... a couple of addition in midfield and attack will complete the squad... Kluivert will be good......

Yup!

How bout a consistent midfield workhorse with the ability to split open defences with precise, decisive passes at will?

=Þ