T Butcher fan
Champions League
- 3 December 2001
Not for about 5 years, Zeb. They're a bit pants! (I spose the standard has gone up a bit since then, though!)
Chelsea FC thread (Champions!)
- Thread starter Professor Nutmeg
- Start date
- Status
T Butcher fan
Champions League
- 3 December 2001
Good article for you Zeb. Not sure I agree entirely with the guy, but he has some good points.
In Reserve
I can't help feeling that the plethora of signings made by Chelsea, since the Roman Abramovich era begun, has had a profound effect on the futures of the youngsters in the reserve team. Whereas once there would have appeared light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, a feeling of gloom and perhaps a little despondency may well be prevalent in their minds.
Only a few weeks ago, the likes of Robert Huth, Joe Keenan and Alexis Nicholas, Filipe Oliveira and Sebastian Kniessl savoured first team action in the Premiership Asia Cup. Now the arrivals of Adrian Mutu, Hernan Crespo, Claude Makelele, Juan Sebastian Veron and Geremi have confined these rising stars to the relatively empty theatre of reserve team football.
Youngsters rising through the ranks and graduating into the first team is the benchmark by which a youth policy is often gauged. In times when football's finances appear to be stretched Chelsea, thanks to Roman's millions, are in a position to buck the trend and import already proven talent so will we ever see someone of the ilk of John Terry emerging through the ranks again?
The introduction of so many proven performers, albeit incurring vast expenditure, has seen the emergence of a new style of career enhancement. Changes to the rules now mean that players can be loaned out to other Premiership clubs for a considerable period. It is an option that Chelsea have already utilised with Cartlon Cole and Mikael Forssell going to Charlton and Birmingham respectively.
In Carlton's case, we hope that the loan move enables him to play first team football on a regular basis and returns to Chelsea all the better for the experience. However, in Mikael's case it could well be the final hurrah. Shunted between Crystal Palace, Borussia Munchoengladbach and Birmingham, the general feeling, from within the cfcuk camp, is that the young Finnish international may well have missed the Chelsea boat.
When you consider that Mutu and Crespo have signed long contracts, which hopefully they'll honour, Mikael will be approaching his mid twenties before opportunity might, just might, knock at his door. Can you see him being prepared to wait or be content to be out on loan season after season? So when you consider this trend what exactly lies in store for the youngsters previously mentioned at the top of this article?
Anyone who has seen Robert Huth perform during his limited number of first team appearances cannot have failed to have been impressed by his abilities. The young German is physically maturing at a fast rate and there is a distinct resemblance, in his style of play, to John Terry. Ranieri seems to recognise that Robert could be a valuable squad member this season. Indeed, this very point is complimented by the fact that Ranieri chose to refuse to allow Robert to go out on loan to Reading this season.
His remarkable dead ball ability has already singled him out as a personality when he makes an appearance. The scintillating free kick against Zilina, claimed despite potential opposition from Hasselbaink and company, reproduced something Robert has been doing regularly in the reserves. Indeed, Huth epitomises the attitude an up and coming professional should show by often requesting permission to play in the reserves rather than train with the first team squad. If any one of the current crop of youngsters were to emulate John then Robert would have to be the favourite.
Joe Keenan, on the other hand, has admitted that this year he's just grateful to be playing regularly at any level. An horrific leg injury ensured this promising midfielder lost a crucial year of his developing years as well as a year of his career. Obviously a lot has happened at Chelsea during his absence but Joe is very well thought of by the coaching staff at Stamford Bridge.
Against Sp*rs reserves recently, the stylish midfielder helped to turn the tide in Chelsea's favour. His stirring performance eclipsed that of Darren Anderton (once again on the injury comeback trail) and helped Chelsea to a decisive win. At times Joe displayed skills that lifted him to a level greater than those he was sharing the field with. Unfortunately, Joe is unlikely to break into the first team in the foreseeable future with Lampard, Veron, Geremi, Cole, Makelele, Duff and Gronkjaer barring the way.
With Premiership clubs still able to loan players out, post transfer window, to Nationwide clubs, Joe could find himself getting first team football. However, the danger lies in the quality of football he could find himself participating in. His diminutive size could hamper his chances of progression in a division where the physical nature of the game eclipses the skill levels. Joe's plight emphasises the problems currently faced by the Chelsea managerial team when it comes to bringing through players from the youth and reserve levels.
Sebastian Kneissl has been with Chelsea for a couple of years now. Kneissl, another German, but this time a striker, has been slowly but surely carving out a reputation for himself. Recently his skills were showcased on Chelsea TV via the screening of two live games. In the first, against Arsenal, he scored a brace and one of those contained some spectacular individual skill that dumfounded the Arsenal defence. In the second game, he netted a brace against Sp*rs before being substituted near the end of the game.
As Kneissl matures, his body will no doubt fill out and I can't help feeling that he will resemble a legend of German football, Gerd Muller. I couldn't help noticing against Spurs how Kneissl shield the ball in a very similar manner to the German striker who ended England's Mexico World Cup hopes. So what does the future hold for young Sebastian? Strikers are a unique breed unlike midfield players, they tend to adapt better to different surroundings. Leon Knight is a classic example of a player who is small in stature but able to still pose a threat amongst the hustle and bustle of lower league football.
Already rumours have been surfacing that Kneissl is being watched, indeed by the time this hits the press he could well have gone on loan. At the recent Sp*rs game, a watching Steve Coppel was very coy when asked about who he was watching. What chance Kneissl being paired with Knight in a "Special K" Brighton and Hove Albion attack? With regard to his long-term future, Kneissl could well be the surprise package amongst the youngsters at Stamford Bridge. A spell away from reserve team football could see him mature and return as a potent force. In my opinion, Kneissl is definitely one to keep an eye out for.
Filipe Oliveira, on the other hand, seems to be at a defining stage of his career. Before the 2002-2003 season he experienced a taste of first team action and didn't look too far off the pace. Indeed, in one game I can recall him scoring a scorching goal and receiving accolades from the man himself, Gianfranco Zola. However, I can't be the only pundit who expected him to progress a little further last season. Rare appearances on the substitutes bench offered only a fleeting glimpse of what this young Portuguese player has to offer. Sceptics may feel that his physical development hasn't progressed as it may have done, his fans will no doubt counteract that by pointing out that Pat Nevin was never going trouble the Charles Atlas brigade either.
Filipe remains something of an enigma, he has the natural ability to become something special but time won't stand still for him. He would undoubtedly benefit from a spell on loan to both enhance his natural ability and to progress a career that is in danger of stalling. The trouble being his slight stature may well put off prospective employers fearsome of him receiving some harsh treatment from the hatchet men lurking in the lower leagues.
Alexis Nicholas is the last of the youngsters I've chosen to focus on and he hasn't been left to last for any specific reason. Alexis is captaining the reserve team this season and the Cypriot U21 international remains something of an unknown quantity for the majority of Chelsea supporters. The midfielder is a steady performer and didn't look out of place when appearing in the Asia Cup. His game is different to that of his midfield counterpart, Joe Keenan, but he's just as effective.
Whilst lacking the natural, subtle skills of Joe, Alexis' game is based on work rate and moving the ball intelligently, creating chances for others and generally holding play together. With so many players ahead of him in the pecking order, it's difficult to see him making the breakthrough and therefore can expect to be loaned out to a Nationwide club. Of the five players I've focussed on, it's Alexis who I feel could do the best job whilst on loan. His solid play would lend itself to the Nationwide game and the experience would benefit him no end.
Studying five separate cases, it can be clearly seen that life is going to be hard for the youth players under the umbrella of the Abramovich era. I wouldn't be straying too far from the truth when I suggest that only Robert Huth is likely to make appearances for the first team this season. The others will have to be content with a year away from the spotlight, a year battling to make an impression and a year hoping that an opportunity will somehow open up for them.
Clearly if these five are going to struggle to make an impact, it will be doubly hard for any of the others to come to the forefront. Players like Sam Tillen, who has done wonderful to come back from two serious career threatening injuries, must be anxiously looking ahead to when their existing contracts end.
The old adage about them making it if they are good enough may well have a hollow ring to it at the moment. After all, less than three months ago, Carlton Cole looked to be the inspirational figure those in the second string were seeking to follow. Now he's been loaned out to the Anoraks from south of the river. Although we offer contented smiles and bask in the sunshine of Roman's millions, they will undoubtedly have an adverse affect on producing the next John Terry.
In Reserve
I can't help feeling that the plethora of signings made by Chelsea, since the Roman Abramovich era begun, has had a profound effect on the futures of the youngsters in the reserve team. Whereas once there would have appeared light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, a feeling of gloom and perhaps a little despondency may well be prevalent in their minds.
Only a few weeks ago, the likes of Robert Huth, Joe Keenan and Alexis Nicholas, Filipe Oliveira and Sebastian Kniessl savoured first team action in the Premiership Asia Cup. Now the arrivals of Adrian Mutu, Hernan Crespo, Claude Makelele, Juan Sebastian Veron and Geremi have confined these rising stars to the relatively empty theatre of reserve team football.
Youngsters rising through the ranks and graduating into the first team is the benchmark by which a youth policy is often gauged. In times when football's finances appear to be stretched Chelsea, thanks to Roman's millions, are in a position to buck the trend and import already proven talent so will we ever see someone of the ilk of John Terry emerging through the ranks again?
The introduction of so many proven performers, albeit incurring vast expenditure, has seen the emergence of a new style of career enhancement. Changes to the rules now mean that players can be loaned out to other Premiership clubs for a considerable period. It is an option that Chelsea have already utilised with Cartlon Cole and Mikael Forssell going to Charlton and Birmingham respectively.
In Carlton's case, we hope that the loan move enables him to play first team football on a regular basis and returns to Chelsea all the better for the experience. However, in Mikael's case it could well be the final hurrah. Shunted between Crystal Palace, Borussia Munchoengladbach and Birmingham, the general feeling, from within the cfcuk camp, is that the young Finnish international may well have missed the Chelsea boat.
When you consider that Mutu and Crespo have signed long contracts, which hopefully they'll honour, Mikael will be approaching his mid twenties before opportunity might, just might, knock at his door. Can you see him being prepared to wait or be content to be out on loan season after season? So when you consider this trend what exactly lies in store for the youngsters previously mentioned at the top of this article?
Anyone who has seen Robert Huth perform during his limited number of first team appearances cannot have failed to have been impressed by his abilities. The young German is physically maturing at a fast rate and there is a distinct resemblance, in his style of play, to John Terry. Ranieri seems to recognise that Robert could be a valuable squad member this season. Indeed, this very point is complimented by the fact that Ranieri chose to refuse to allow Robert to go out on loan to Reading this season.
His remarkable dead ball ability has already singled him out as a personality when he makes an appearance. The scintillating free kick against Zilina, claimed despite potential opposition from Hasselbaink and company, reproduced something Robert has been doing regularly in the reserves. Indeed, Huth epitomises the attitude an up and coming professional should show by often requesting permission to play in the reserves rather than train with the first team squad. If any one of the current crop of youngsters were to emulate John then Robert would have to be the favourite.
Joe Keenan, on the other hand, has admitted that this year he's just grateful to be playing regularly at any level. An horrific leg injury ensured this promising midfielder lost a crucial year of his developing years as well as a year of his career. Obviously a lot has happened at Chelsea during his absence but Joe is very well thought of by the coaching staff at Stamford Bridge.
Against Sp*rs reserves recently, the stylish midfielder helped to turn the tide in Chelsea's favour. His stirring performance eclipsed that of Darren Anderton (once again on the injury comeback trail) and helped Chelsea to a decisive win. At times Joe displayed skills that lifted him to a level greater than those he was sharing the field with. Unfortunately, Joe is unlikely to break into the first team in the foreseeable future with Lampard, Veron, Geremi, Cole, Makelele, Duff and Gronkjaer barring the way.
With Premiership clubs still able to loan players out, post transfer window, to Nationwide clubs, Joe could find himself getting first team football. However, the danger lies in the quality of football he could find himself participating in. His diminutive size could hamper his chances of progression in a division where the physical nature of the game eclipses the skill levels. Joe's plight emphasises the problems currently faced by the Chelsea managerial team when it comes to bringing through players from the youth and reserve levels.
Sebastian Kneissl has been with Chelsea for a couple of years now. Kneissl, another German, but this time a striker, has been slowly but surely carving out a reputation for himself. Recently his skills were showcased on Chelsea TV via the screening of two live games. In the first, against Arsenal, he scored a brace and one of those contained some spectacular individual skill that dumfounded the Arsenal defence. In the second game, he netted a brace against Sp*rs before being substituted near the end of the game.
As Kneissl matures, his body will no doubt fill out and I can't help feeling that he will resemble a legend of German football, Gerd Muller. I couldn't help noticing against Spurs how Kneissl shield the ball in a very similar manner to the German striker who ended England's Mexico World Cup hopes. So what does the future hold for young Sebastian? Strikers are a unique breed unlike midfield players, they tend to adapt better to different surroundings. Leon Knight is a classic example of a player who is small in stature but able to still pose a threat amongst the hustle and bustle of lower league football.
Already rumours have been surfacing that Kneissl is being watched, indeed by the time this hits the press he could well have gone on loan. At the recent Sp*rs game, a watching Steve Coppel was very coy when asked about who he was watching. What chance Kneissl being paired with Knight in a "Special K" Brighton and Hove Albion attack? With regard to his long-term future, Kneissl could well be the surprise package amongst the youngsters at Stamford Bridge. A spell away from reserve team football could see him mature and return as a potent force. In my opinion, Kneissl is definitely one to keep an eye out for.
Filipe Oliveira, on the other hand, seems to be at a defining stage of his career. Before the 2002-2003 season he experienced a taste of first team action and didn't look too far off the pace. Indeed, in one game I can recall him scoring a scorching goal and receiving accolades from the man himself, Gianfranco Zola. However, I can't be the only pundit who expected him to progress a little further last season. Rare appearances on the substitutes bench offered only a fleeting glimpse of what this young Portuguese player has to offer. Sceptics may feel that his physical development hasn't progressed as it may have done, his fans will no doubt counteract that by pointing out that Pat Nevin was never going trouble the Charles Atlas brigade either.
Filipe remains something of an enigma, he has the natural ability to become something special but time won't stand still for him. He would undoubtedly benefit from a spell on loan to both enhance his natural ability and to progress a career that is in danger of stalling. The trouble being his slight stature may well put off prospective employers fearsome of him receiving some harsh treatment from the hatchet men lurking in the lower leagues.
Alexis Nicholas is the last of the youngsters I've chosen to focus on and he hasn't been left to last for any specific reason. Alexis is captaining the reserve team this season and the Cypriot U21 international remains something of an unknown quantity for the majority of Chelsea supporters. The midfielder is a steady performer and didn't look out of place when appearing in the Asia Cup. His game is different to that of his midfield counterpart, Joe Keenan, but he's just as effective.
Whilst lacking the natural, subtle skills of Joe, Alexis' game is based on work rate and moving the ball intelligently, creating chances for others and generally holding play together. With so many players ahead of him in the pecking order, it's difficult to see him making the breakthrough and therefore can expect to be loaned out to a Nationwide club. Of the five players I've focussed on, it's Alexis who I feel could do the best job whilst on loan. His solid play would lend itself to the Nationwide game and the experience would benefit him no end.
Studying five separate cases, it can be clearly seen that life is going to be hard for the youth players under the umbrella of the Abramovich era. I wouldn't be straying too far from the truth when I suggest that only Robert Huth is likely to make appearances for the first team this season. The others will have to be content with a year away from the spotlight, a year battling to make an impression and a year hoping that an opportunity will somehow open up for them.
Clearly if these five are going to struggle to make an impact, it will be doubly hard for any of the others to come to the forefront. Players like Sam Tillen, who has done wonderful to come back from two serious career threatening injuries, must be anxiously looking ahead to when their existing contracts end.
The old adage about them making it if they are good enough may well have a hollow ring to it at the moment. After all, less than three months ago, Carlton Cole looked to be the inspirational figure those in the second string were seeking to follow. Now he's been loaned out to the Anoraks from south of the river. Although we offer contented smiles and bask in the sunshine of Roman's millions, they will undoubtedly have an adverse affect on producing the next John Terry.
Z
zebula77
Guest
Good article that. I agree about what he says about Huth. I'd very much like to see Huth get some first team experience in Chelsea. Since I haven't seen any of the othere players in action, I can only go by what I've read, so I don't know how accurate this journalist is. What do you guys think?
T Butcher fan
Champions League
- 3 December 2001
Personally, I think Huth is ready for the Premiership now. He's far better than half of established Premiership defenders. I think he'll make the break through next season.
The author rates Keenan quite highly, and the guy has only just come back from injury, so maybe I'm being harsh on him - he just struck me as a little too light weight.
Kneissl and Nicholas, I agree with him completely - and as for Oliveira even the author calls him an enigma!
Good article, but I honestly think if they are good enough, they'll make the first team. Look at Raul - he hasn't had any problems at his club!
The author rates Keenan quite highly, and the guy has only just come back from injury, so maybe I'm being harsh on him - he just struck me as a little too light weight.
Kneissl and Nicholas, I agree with him completely - and as for Oliveira even the author calls him an enigma!
Good article, but I honestly think if they are good enough, they'll make the first team. Look at Raul - he hasn't had any problems at his club!
M
Milo`
Guest
Great half-time score, lads.
*cough*
*cough*
- Thread starter
- #846
Professor Nutmeg
ML Fanatic
- 3 July 2002
Oi! Anymore of that and I'll take away your rattle.
FFS, i blame Ranieri 100% for this farce. What the f*ck is he playing at?? :shock: Right lads i'm going to play you in a totally different formation then we normally play, i won't start Duff, i 'll start Babayaro then sub him for Bridge, then use up all my subs at half time, so if anyone is injured (whoops, Gallas) we'll be f*cked. Idiot! F*cking Moron!! Does this man not know any tactics. Aaaaaaarrrgggghhhhh!!!!!!
FFS, i blame Ranieri 100% for this farce. What the f*ck is he playing at?? :shock: Right lads i'm going to play you in a totally different formation then we normally play, i won't start Duff, i 'll start Babayaro then sub him for Bridge, then use up all my subs at half time, so if anyone is injured (whoops, Gallas) we'll be f*cked. Idiot! F*cking Moron!! Does this man not know any tactics. Aaaaaaarrrgggghhhhh!!!!!!
M
Milo`
Guest
Professor Nutmeg said:Oi! Anymore of that and I'll take away your rattle.
FFS, i blame Ranieri 100% for this farce. What the f*ck is he playing at?? :shock: Right lads i'm going to play you in a totally different formation then we normally play, i won't start Duff, i 'll start Babayaro then sub him for Bridge, then use up all my subs at half time, so if anyone is injured (whoops, Gallas) we'll be f*cked. Idiot! F*cking Moron!! Does this man not know any tactics. Aaaaaaarrrgggghhhhh!!!!!!
rofl, you're so right.
Sorry to say this but i can see stars like Crespo and makalele getting bored before long...
- Thread starter
- #848
Professor Nutmeg
ML Fanatic
- 3 July 2002
Its in their interest to perform though, otherwise it'll hamper their careers.. their value will decrease etc. Anyway imo, Veron has had his chance. I'd bench him, let him know i want him to perform to his potential. Cue Joe Cole. I'd now give him a fair run in the side, in a similar free role to Veron. Duff has to start every sodding game. I cannot stress this enough. But firstly, i'd decide on my starting 11, and field them day in day out. If the others become restless, then so be it, fight for your place when you get a chance. I want a team that plays together regularly, that know eachother, that can perform. This is the only way Claudio!! No more of this rotation sh¡t to keep primadonnas happy. You wanted all these players. Frankly we could have settled for 3 or 4. I think we have some good youth players coming through who now won't get a look in. I swear i could do a better job, hell i could talk Italian to the players that don't speak English too and my French isn't bad. But seriously, i look at Ranieris team sheet before a match, and its often enough to make me go "Nooooooooo!!" Sometimes, it's beyond me. Why does this guy manage so erratically??
and my French isn't bad. But seriously, i look at Ranieris team sheet before a match, and its often enough to make me go "Nooooooooo!!" Sometimes, it's beyond me. Why does this guy manage so erratically??
H
HersitO
Guest
you guys are so squizofrenic (dont know if its writen that way) first you love the team now you wanna bench every player, just give them tiem you are still second in the league with one gam to play so dont be so hard on the players for just a few games, wait and you ll see that veron is class and crespo too.
- Thread starter
- #850
Professor Nutmeg
ML Fanatic
- 3 July 2002
I don't think i'm being schizophrenic. I've always had my gripes with Ranieri and his tactics/choices. I have nothing against any of the players. I just think he's made it more difficult for himself now, adding so many players to his squad.
G
Gnairn3
Guest
Ha Chelsea .I bet Ranieris job is in doubt already.Ridiculus
- Thread starter
- #852
Professor Nutmeg
ML Fanatic
- 3 July 2002
I hope that's not a gloat, as your team is in no position to do so.
G
Gnairn3
Guest
Robert Robson will turn it around.Any way we beat you last season.
- Thread starter
- #854
Professor Nutmeg
ML Fanatic
- 3 July 2002
Gnairn3 said:
That's right, and now you're playing Champions League football. Anyway, last season is now history, look at the present. I see you getting out of jail though, so to speak, the bottom spots are for the Wolves and Boltons.
G
Gnairn3
Guest
Yea i think we can make Europe.We do have good players like you.
H
HersitO
Guest
I just finished watching the game (here in argentina the games are not live) i think chelsea played a good game overall but just had bad luck besiktas first gaol was just luck and the second you just have to say that the goalkeeper is the responsable of that (although desailly has some fault) but a leeper cant loose a ball like that, USE YOUR HANDS!!!!!! Besiktas did nothing in the game and was 2-0, if crespo had score that shoot at 5 mins the result of the game qould have changed surely. You can blaim Ranieri for the changes (why did he benched crespo and mutu you should give confidence to your forwards not destroy them) but most of all I blaim the bad luck that the whole team had.
T Butcher fan
Champions League
- 3 December 2001
Couldn't sleep last night, I was that angry. Ranieri just came one step closer to the sack last night. I don't blame a single player - it was obvious by the looks on their faces that they were confused.
Why play 3 centre backs against 1 striker? Why play 3 against none? Utter stupidity.
Besiktas were pretty pants, by the way. I fancy us to give them a good tonking in Istanbul.
Big shout out to Milo for his gloating, probably saved us from being the only British team beaten last night! Go on the mancs!
Why play 3 centre backs against 1 striker? Why play 3 against none? Utter stupidity.
Besiktas were pretty pants, by the way. I fancy us to give them a good tonking in Istanbul.
Big shout out to Milo for his gloating, probably saved us from being the only British team beaten last night! Go on the mancs!
Z
zebula77
Guest
Bleh! How disappointing. But then again, maybe this'll serve as a wake-up call. Seriously, we needed a loss. I mean, some people had illusions of winning this and that this season, but we won't. This was a much needed reality check, in my opinion.
And like my good friend, the Professor, I say play the likes of Cole and Duff in every game for a while - they've got talent, ability AND heart.
And like my good friend, the Professor, I say play the likes of Cole and Duff in every game for a while - they've got talent, ability AND heart.
Vannizzlefashizzal
TWENTYTIMES!!!!
- 31 October 2002
Thank feck you's got beat last nite (at home too) takes the sting away coming into work, Im sharing the grief with a couple of exiled chelsea fans 
- Thread starter
- #860
Professor Nutmeg
ML Fanatic
- 3 July 2002
I feel it Terry. I don' t know if you read by rants above, but the man Ranieri bemuses me every time. He managed like an 8 year old playing a management sim game. I was completely astounded. What was he thinking? I too fancy us in Turkey.........with the right starting 11 and formation that is. :roll:
T Butcher fan
Champions League
- 3 December 2001
Vannizzlefashizzal said:Thank feck you's got beat last nite (at home too) takes the sting away coming into work, Im sharing the grief with a couple of exiled chelsea fans
Heh Heh! Exactly my thoughts Vann! Life would've been unbearable if you'd won.
Weird how the British teams always have a good night, followed by a bad night!
Prof, we are never going to gel if Ranieri insists on mucking about. The guy has no experience of the champions league - the only games he has seen have been involving Arsenal.....maybe that's why we're so bad!
Oh well, upwards and onwards - Zeb's right, this'll take some of the pressure off us. Claudio is unlikely to be the manger next year, that's for sure.
Vannizzlefashizzal
TWENTYTIMES!!!!
- 31 October 2002
So what went wrong last nite, Ive seen the goals but looking at this mornings free paper it says that Mutu and Crespo we're subbed at half time, two strikers off when ya 2-0??
Well Ranieri said he was interested to see how the team reacted when they lost their first game. so he's got what he wants.
and its Boro next.....
Well Ranieri said he was interested to see how the team reacted when they lost their first game. so he's got what he wants.
and its Boro next.....
T Butcher fan
Champions League
- 3 December 2001
Vannizzlefashizzal said:
What went right!? We played 3-5-2 for the first time in history, coupled with some awful defending (which has happened all season). We had no supply to the strikers, so Clownio took them off! None of the players knew where they were playing, and didn't know where their mates were either.
Utter disaster, and unforgiveable in my book. Besiktas are pretty average at best and I am fooking furious at the minute.
Fuck Boro - at the moment I hope we get beat so we can get rid of that prick. I can't believe what he did last night - I have never seen anything so stupid. If he promises to stop dicking about, he can stay - but I cannot sit back and watch him muck about with a perfectly good side any longer.
Fucking livid.
- Thread starter
- #864
Professor Nutmeg
ML Fanatic
- 3 July 2002
My feelings exactly Terry. However, I think Ranieri is going to do this perform a bit here, screw up there act, for as long as he lasts, and so it'll be up to the board (and press) to decide whether he should go before that. We have so much potential, to dick around with it and not realise it, is a crime.
Z
zebula77
Guest
In all fairness we have played 3-5-2 before. Not in the Champion's League mind, but I remember seeing us play that formation a while back (in Ranieri's first season for us, if my memory serves me well).
I remember not liking that formation very much, heh.
I remember not liking that formation very much, heh.
- Thread starter
- #866
Professor Nutmeg
ML Fanatic
- 3 July 2002
True, we have. I remember him changing from a 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2 during a game.
L
loz
Guest
How can you lambasted him after one defeat?
He worked fucking miracles for you last season and if he hadnt got u into the CL on a non-existent budget Roman Abrmovich would never have taken over you jumped-up fools. . . I know we'd give anything to have a class manager like Ranieri.
He worked fucking miracles for you last season and if he hadnt got u into the CL on a non-existent budget Roman Abrmovich would never have taken over you jumped-up fools. . . I know we'd give anything to have a class manager like Ranieri.
T Butcher fan
Champions League
- 3 December 2001
loz said:
Loz, you don't know shit. The reason Ranieri had no money last year is because he wasted £40 million the year before on players like Zenden and the Joka. Doesn't sound quite so 'twee' when you consider that.
- Thread starter
- #869
Professor Nutmeg
ML Fanatic
- 3 July 2002
Well this is exactly why, he's screwing around imo. There is no excuse for what he did. I always worry now, as to what formation and line up he's going to choose. It hasn't been as bad in the last couple of seasons due to less choice, but now.....His tactic is to have no tactic. It's no good heavily rotating players as he does. It disorientates them and the team as a whole. He has to find an 11 he thinks is his starting line up and gel them. Others will come in and they'll have to adapt. Look at the classic Man Utd line up from a season or two ago, Fergie rarely changed it if he could. Frankly I think he's scared. But don't get me wrong here, i don't hate him, and he's done us proud recently. I just wish he'd pull his finger out. Let's not forget he got Bilbao relegated and he got the sack......
L
loz
Guest
so £20 mill over two seasons then, what about Lampard, would you consider that a waste of money, i'm guessing ya gonna go 'no'?
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