Welcome back everyone,
To keep your footballing soul enriched (since we were talking about Liverpool's soul over the weekend), this week's midweek topic is:
Do you think the recent public comments Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho made about his misfiring striker Andriy
Shevchenko can be seen as a polite but firm ""reminder'' to his boss - Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich - not to buy any more players on his behalf?
And do you think Abramovich will be tempted to kick Mourinho out if he fails to win the English Premier League and Champions League this season?
In the meantime, we'd also like you to cast your memory back to Michael Essien's stunning equaliser for Chelsea against Arsenal over the weekend, and Matt Taylor's amazing opening goal for Portsmouth against Everton.
Essien's intended drive from about 25 metres saw him keep the ball low enough to rise with enough venom and power, to whistle past Arsenal 'keeper Jens Lehmann into the far corner of the net.
As for Taylor, there's no doubt he probably intended it too. As a loose ball fell to him around the halfway-line, he went for it on the volley as Everton 'keeper Tim Howard was off his goal-line. The ball sailed over him and dipped under the crossbar.
Post your views on Mourinho and Abramovich below my new mini-poll, and vote for which goal you feel is better.
At your service,
Ernest Luis
The Postman
The New Paper
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37 comments:
I have a question here and that is whether Sheva is bought by Roman on behalf of JM.If thats the case then no doubt JM is being very polite to his big Russia boss here,poles apart from his arrogant self.
He has shown once again what a master he is in such mind and media games by naming the 8 untouchables in his squad last week(supposingly 9 but excluding the injured Cech)based on their performances.That leaves only the problematic rightback and Sheva position to be valunerable.JM created a scenario that Sheva will not be alone in the case,giving the Ukraine superstar someone in the same boat to seek comfort with.So smart of him.
Its an open secret that Sheva shares a good friendship with Roman so maybe its true Sheva end up in London cos of Roman but JM mentioned before,Sheva could be the striker to bring Champions League crown to Stamford Bridge and Sheva's record speaks for itself.What JM has done could be just to spur his unfire striker up and get him rolling.
It remains to be seen whether JM could be given the big envelope if he fails to win any silverware this season.As we have just witnessed Alan Pardew who was given backing by new owner just weeks ago,given the sack.Owners could be very fickle-minded,don't they?JM could win everything at the end of season but still get sacked if he shoot his foul mouth at lets say Roman?So finger-crossed for JM.Anyway this guy don't give a heck even if the sky falls upon him,a sack?Oh come on,he's the Special One.
MATTY TAYLOR!
We've seen quite a few good goals scored this week, but not only is his undoubtedly the goal of the week, it also has to be a goal of the season contender. It personally reminded me of that Garcia's volley against Juventus, but from an even longer distance.
To digress a bit, I have to say Pardew's sacking kind of shocked me. I know this time of the season (just before the Jan transfer window), is perhaps the best time for any immediate remedy. And despite Pardew's achievements last season, West Ham’s dismal form this season didn’t appear to be changing anytime soon, so a change was perhaps needed. But I was shocked was because after all, their new owner not long ago, said Pardew's job was safe.
Already we have a stereotype of foreign owners, seeing them as people with little patience, always looking for a quick fix, and this case definitely doesn’t help change that.
Still, unless Jose performs really terribly, I doubt he'd find himself in a sacking position so soon. And Jose always struck me as the type who would rather walk out on the club, rather than letting himself get sacked. We talk about Roman’s authority at the club, but what about Jose’s influence, especially over the players? Somehow I feel Chelsea’s end could very well not be the day when Roman walks out, but instead, when Mourinho does so.
Depends whether you see Sheva being bought by Roman or not.
And do you think Abramovich will be tempted to kick Mourinho out if he fails to win the English Premier League and Champions League this season?
I doubt it will happen. JM is a proven success. Raneiri wasn't good enough, thats the difference.
Essien's was a cracker but Taylor's was unbelievable. Matthew's a definite shoo-in for goal of the season. In fact I think there will be few goals that can ever top that. It had so much pace yet it dipped so quickly. Incredible.
Let's give due credit to Mourinho. He might come across as arrogant to those who don't know him but he has been magnificent in his managerial career. He really is the Special One spearheading the Chelski revolution. He is indeed one of the best in the business.
Shevchenko was deemed to be the missing puzzle to provide the ammunition to power Chelsea to the elusive Champion League title but has been an expensive dud so far. But critics fail to see that Shevchenko's arrival has opened up considerable spaces for Drogba to exploit. Had Drogba been more clinical in his finishing, Chelsea would have been comfortable winners on Sunday.
Between Shevchenko and Mourinho, I would expect the latter to have a longer stay at the club. It's rare for clubs to have brilliant managers at helm, therefore Chelsea will do everything they can to ensure the long term stay of Mourinho, at least until they have emulate the tremble achieved by Man U or Porto (Mourinho's ex-team).
Oh Jose, you've done it again. The man is a master media manipulator. Imagine Sheva opening the morning papers and seeing such disregard for his talents that the only way he can prove himself is to fire up and produce the goods on the field.
However, it's not entirely Sheva's fault. He is used to the slower, technical style at Milan and Chelsea's wingless system and narrow midfield does not suit him. Therefore, he needs some time before he gets used to Chelsea’s style of play.
Nevertheless, we all know Roman wanted Sheva. In the past, JM has preached the importance of teamwork, not star players. His infamous Porto side didn't contain any stars; the team was the star itself.
Chelsea has done well for the past few seasons. Now, due to Roman's intervention, Chelsea is “floundering” below the summit. JM cannot be happy, having to accommodate these star players while sacrificing his playing philosophy.
Jose won’t quake in his boots if Roman does want to sack him. He has proven himself to be a fantastic manager and there won’t be any lack of offers from big clubs for the “the Special One” if that ever happens.
Goal of the week? Essien's screamer.
Taylor's goal was fantastic and even though he meant it, there was an element of hit and hope especially from that way out
I pick Essien's goal simply for its importance and sheer drama. Chelsea needed that to preserve their proud home record and keep up with United. From a technical point of view,it was hit so hard and sweetly that the ball could have gone on forever had it not hit the net. It looked even better in slow motion! Sheer brilliance man!
It is a firm reminder. Roman Abramovich provides the cash and Jose Mourinho does all the masterminding. I don't really like this 4-4-2 formation played by Chelsea. I prefer the 4-3-3 of 2 seasons ago with two wingers supplying ammunition for Drogba or that Icelander who now plays for Barcelona. The good thing I see about Shevchenko being in the side is it gives Didier Drogba more room and time to score goals.
Jose Mourinho was given five years to get at least one Champions League trophy. He seems to have three shots left. Two seasons ago, Liverpool got lucky in the semi-finals. As lucky as Arsenal on Sunday. Chelsea have beaten Barcelona this season so record against the Spanish champions recently is W 2 D 2 L 2. Chelsea can go toe to toe with the best, winning Champions League is a huge possibility. Jose won't be sacked unless he does not win the big one or not in the running for the Premiership.
I pick Matt Taylor's goal. Believe it or not, I scored one like that 10 years ago.
There is only one "The Man" in the Chelsea organization. And his initials are not RA. Despite all this hoopla about JM versus Roman thing, it is still Mourinho who runs the show for the Blues. Hate to admit it, despite the fact that the Russian's money is thereason for those expensive signings. There is very little proof that RA meddles within team affairs. Common, have you seen him giving interviews on how the things are done, how the game is supposed to be played.
Roman knows his oil as Jose knows his football. This is the barrier that Roman put into his team. Despite his money when the pitch strikes one, his just an ordinary fan.
I think Roman might have been hurt by criticisms in the media about how Chelsea plays its football. Efficient and ruthless? Yes. Stylish and entertaining? A resounding No.
Hence, by bringing in the big stars such as Sheva and Ballack, Roman hoped Chelsea might be a more attractive attacking side ala Arsenal or United. Of course, JM begs to differ. The way Chelsea play and the players JM uses suggests we should expect more of the same in future. Results first, entertaining second.
There is no doubt who holds court in the locker room. Mourinho has stamped his influence and style on the Chelsea team. He commands the respect and trust of his players. Sure, Roman holds the purse strings but it is Mourinho who has made Chelsea the force they are now.
Chelsea’s success came with his arrival. Before he came, Chelsea was just another over-ambitious, underperforming club filled with star players. It was he who made them into a championship star team.
Hence, Jose doesn’t seem bothered of being sacked because he is confident of his own abilities and he has the results to prove it. He knows as long as Chelsea keeps winning, his position is secured.
I don't think Roman can do much to influence Chelsea efficient playing style on the field by just bringing in the Shevas and Ballacks.They must have some discussion between JM and the management before purchasing these players in order to blend them into JM's plan.If not war awaits for the players,JM & Roman.
By appointing JM as manager,Roman should already know beforehand what kind of team he will get to see on the pitch,a team which will win at all cost,needless to say at the expense of entertainment as well.JM's philosophy is understandable,a choice of winning ugly or playing beautifully but end up as loser.As a manager of course he wished he could find the secret recipe in winning beautifully but thats easier said than done.So winning comes first regardless of what style the team plays.
Kudos to JM for fixing up such a mean Blue machine which rarely goes out of order and producing consistent results week in week out.But no thanks to Roman if he buy any stars on behalf for JM,because whoever Roman paid for will just become a spare part to this machine assembled by The Special mechanic who already has his must-have components and thats himself and the 9 untouchables in the team.
Cheers
Jose Mourinho is indirectly saying Adriy Shevchenko does not belongs to his playing style but still plays him because he is Roman's Abramovich's friend.
But, Mourinho have a motive in this. It will lead to two outcomes which will benefit Chelsea and Mourinho.
One, Shevchenko will be feeling depressed and will be heading out of Chelsea as soon as possible. This leaves Mourinho with the task of doing what he does best. Team selection and tatics. He will not be pressured to play Shevchenko because he is not in Chelsea.
Two, Shevchenko will want to prove Mourinho he is wrong by performing as hard as he can. Right now, Sheva is as hardworking as any Chelsea player. But the problem is the luck. He just doesn't have the luck needed for a striker. He doesn't have the kind of play he wants. Remember, Sheva must fit into the team, not the other way round. Therefore if he can change his game to suit the Premiership, I am sure he will be a big success.
But right now, we have to wait for Shevchenko's response in the next few weeks by looking at his performances and at the January transfer window.
Michael Essien vs Matthew Taylor. Essien will surely win the award for the importance of the goal. But Taylor will get my nod for the better goal. To lob a goalkeeper from such a long way out is not easy. Besides, Taylor also kept his scoring form from last week. If he continues to score goals like this, I wouldn't be surprised to see Portsmouth gaining a Champions League spot come May. Who knows, maybe even Drogba and Van Persie have to give in in terms of Goal of the Season.
Lastly about the Chelsea vs Arsenal match. I must say Chelsea have the upper hand in the match for the most of the time. But what Chelsea need to do is to to finish off their chances. Frank Lampard must be thinking about the World Cup to see him miss from such a close range in the dying seconds from the match. Otherwise, I just cannot see Chelsea hitting the post three times in a match. Essien should also get his second goal of the match and his miss just sums up Chelsea's bad fortune, including Fabregas' clearance off the line. Manchester United must capitalise this now, before Chelsea get their gears going.
Chelsea Fan
Form is temporary, class is permanent. We are talking about a world class player in Sheva. This is the guy that banged in 127 goals in 208 appearances for Milan, was the 2004 Ballon D’or winner and is one of the Champions League's all-time greatest goal scorers.
Any manager in the world would kill for a player of his pedigree, Mourinho included. Hence, when Roman wanted Sheva in Chelsea, I do not think Jose was complaining. One does not become a bad player overnight.
Sheva’s drop in form is not entirely his fault. Sheva is still adjusting to life in London and adapting to his new team and the EPL. Drogba is playing out of his skin at the moment and hence, the inevitable comparisons. Drogba too face similar problems in his first season so Sheva should be given time to find his feet.
The problem is football is such a fickle industry now that he does not have that luxury especially in a big club like Chelsea. Nevertheless, Sheva can be a vital component in the Chelsea machine. But Jose should start thinking of ways to harness his talent. Only then will we see the best of “Shevagoal”.
Stylish and entertaining? It depends how you define the two terms. Personally I feel that the team has done that. It's easy to blame Chelsea for that style with the amount of money invested in the team. One word. Jealously. Prove me wrong by not responding to this. Look at Arsenal, Man U or even Barca? No team is capable of winning in style and with entertainment all the team. When on its day, Chelsea is more than capable of turning on the style and play entertaining soccer too! It's no point playing entertaining soccer all the time and be 18pts behind league leaders.
JM preaches flexibility and no one is bigger than the team. As such, you can see that most of players left in the present squad are all capable of playing in 2 or more positions saved for the goalkeeper of course. A strong defense is the foundation of all his team. Winning at all cost is his motto; if in the process, the win is entertaining, then it's a bonus.
Even with a 8pt lead, Ferguson is not resting his laurels. Clearly, he knows the JM is the Special One and anything can happen in the next few weeks. Injuries, suspensions and luck can change everything. Nonetheless, let's give credit for rising up to the challenge this time round! EPL is getting more and more exciting!
Shevchenko is merely a 'cog' in the Chelsea machine. It's easily to understand why he has come under so much fire recently. This was the man who averages a goal in every 2 games before he arrived in England. This was the £30m man that was expected to score 20 goals a season at least. Instead of completing the puzzle, he is starting to become a liability.
The truth is which is easier to replace? A player or the manager? Brilliant mangers like JM are rare. JM is truly a victim of his success. For all his meticulous pre-match preparation and organizational skills, it's pretty amazing to observers that his team has failed to clicked as a team. Has JM, the Tigerwood' of football lost his Midas touch? I don't think so.
This is truly the biggest obstacle faced by JM. Sort it out and win the 5th,he can take his place in history. There will come a time when JM will not win anything in a football season, but this season is not that season.
I remember how surprised I was to find out that Chelsea wanted to buy Sheva at the end of last season. Sure, Sheva is a world-class player, capable of goals, but he just didn't strike me as Mourinho's, or Chelsea's TYPE of player. I'm not sure how to define Chelsea's TYPE exactly, but I just thought Drogba was that. Someone tough, strong, able to hold up the ball on his own up front. No, not like Sheva definitely. I find Sheva's style more similar to Owen, and previously, Mourinho already didn't want to buy Owen, because he didn't fit into his style.
Moreover, Chelsea has always played with 1 striker last season, if they wanted to accommodate Sheva too, it would mean changing their tactics. And again, Mourinho doesn't strike me as the sort of person who'd revolve his tactics around one or two new players.
Thus it wouldn't surprise me if Sheva was at Chelsea more because of Roman, rather than because of Mourinho. But Eric does have a point about the signing of Sheva possibly to help Chelsea's cause in the CL.
Jose playing Sheva because of his connections to Abramovich is just pure speculation.
If his "You play because you showed me your the best out there" philosophy rungs true then it will show how an hypocrite person he is if he plays Sheva just to please Roman.
For me...Essien's. Just because of the importance of that goal. Without it ManYoo could've ran away with the title already!
For me...Essien's. Just because of the importance of that goal. Without it ManYoo could've ran away with the title already!
For me...Essien's. Just because of the importance of that goal. Without it ManYoo could've ran away with the title already!
For me...Essien's. Just because of the importance of that goal. Without it ManYoo could've ran away with the title already!
For me...Essien's. Just because of the importance of that goal. Without it ManYoo could've ran away with the title already!
This is the striker that promises so much but has deliver so little so far. A complete expensive dud. It's pretty amazing why Mourinho keeps persisting with Shevchenko in the starting line-up by compromising the team's width and pace. No wonder now there is a speculation that Shevchenko was bought against JM's wish.
There is no denying fact that Sheva is a class act. He lacks support at the moment. This is the striker that thrives on crosses and through balls which is sadly lacking at the moment. Something must be done to stop the rot before it's too late to claw back the points.
At the end of the day, I believe the 20 goal promise will come good.
Anyway, signings not sacking is more likely to happen.
I do remember Jose chiding Joe Cole for being too fanciful even though his team was winning resoundingly. I guess entertaining the fans is not an option with Jose.
True, Chelsea deserved to be where they are with their effective brand of football. Chelsea has been successful with all the titles they've won. It's not a bad thing. Certain fans do not care as long as their team wins. And winning is everything in football nowadays, it is after all a results-based industry.
But I do personally feel you can be champions and play entertaining football that's pleasing to the eyes. Barcelona has done it for the past few seasons, so has Ajax, Arsenal 2 seasons ago and the Man United teams of the 90s. Of course, if your team is struggling and lying at the bottom end, entertaining fans is definitely out of the question. But the big clubs have the finances and the resources to do so.
However, it's basically down to the managers. Some managers believe in entertaining supporters who pay good money to watch their teams while others feel by winning, it is entertainment in itself, irregardless of how ugly the team performs. To each their own.
Abramovich is a businessman. His job is to support Chelsea with his millions. The Russian would love to buy players like Shevchenko or Owen because of their fame. And Mourinho is telling him that these star players do not fit at Chelsea.
For example, Shevchenko is a target man. He needs a supply of crosses to score goals. In Chelsea, that is rare now. Chelsea's starting midfield consists of 4 centre midfielders, making Shevchenko's life difficult.
I don't think Mourinho would be sacked if he fails to win the EPL and Champion's League this season. Mourinho is still a world class manager. His ability to bring out the best of players makes him so. It would be very difficult for Chelsea without The Special One.
I think there are more beautiful goals than these two, esp in the italian league championship.
but both are beautiful
can not compare as they are scored from different corners
>I do remember Jose chiding Joe Cole for being too fanciful even though his team was winning resoundingly. I guess entertaining the fans is not an option with Jose.
Shows how much you know about Chelsea.
Jose had always said somewhere along the lines, Points more important, entertainment secondary.
He loves beautiful football, but not at the expense of points lost. Just look at Arsenal. Look at Chelsea. Also, who's to say Chelsea don't play beautiful football? Is defending well boring, is tracking back boring?
About Joe, Jose chided him for not doing his defensive duties. Now look at him, one of England's finest players.
Mourinho's pedigree cannot be undoubted in the short time he was in EPL replicating his success with Porto although he did not have the sucess in the Champion leagues as he did with Porto. Which manager has done that with 2 different leagues? Owners should mind their own business unless the manager just did not make things work like Chelsea's previous manager Claudio Raineri.
Taylor , without doubt..for his opportunism.
Heck,which manager wouldn't want results? Its all about the 3 points at the end of the day and no matter who Roman buys, be it Sheva or Ronaldinho or even Ahmad Latiff,if they cannot fit into the team,half the battle is lost now ain't it?
All teams want the best players so if Roman wants to plunder the best players in the world,so be it. They have the money and if players want to come,Mourinho would be a very happy man I'll say. Show me a club that wouldn't welcome a world class proven striker like Shevchenko.
Everybody wants to win matches,no club likes to lose. Jose is winning so kudos to him. Wenger's team plays the most eye-catching football in the EPL. He himself wants to win but he wants to win playing beautiful football so kudos to him then.
At the end of the day, what makes football so interesting is its unpredictability. Some of us do not mind pragmatism,others like to be entertained. What's the problem with that? There are so many football matches going on at the same time, just pick your poison.
We shall give Sheva the credits for taking the risk of leaving his comfort zone where he can remain King of Milan for the rest of his career but instead he took the plunge into the fast and furious scene of English football in search of a new phase in his career.
Although it may seem to be a miscalculated move at the moment but its evident that players need time to adapt in a new environment and a new club with different playing styles and tactics.Especially for a player plying trade in Italian football switching over to the English side.
For a player of Sheva's quality,ability is never a doubt.The question is when will he find his scoring boots in Chelsea or rather,will he ever adapt to English football and show his scoring prowess once again.It could well end up in the 2 extreme ends.
He don't have to look far for signs.His partner Drogba is one who took a season to get used to the rumble and tumble of EPL,look at him,scoring goals for fun now.Then take a look at the man whom he was signed to replace,Crespo.Similar to Sheva,prolific in Italy but never really settle in and now hes back in Inter pumping in the goals once again regularly.
I will say give Shev one season to learn the truth of whether is he made for Chelsea or hes just destine for his home in Milan.
If there is anything Mourinho hopes to achieve by naming his 9 untouchables, it would certainly have no connection with Abramovich buying players on his behalf.
It is not difficult to see that he is trying to use reverse psychology to perk Shevchenko back to his peak and also to emphasis the inadequacies of his right backs (which I feel it’s his main motive). Ferreira, Boulahrouz and Geremi have been less than effective and that position had been the weakest link in the team. At this crucial period, he needs to rev up all his players to perform their best. A smart tactician with a clever use of the media.
Being a businessman, Abramovich must be shrewd enough to know that a trophy-less season does not justify the sacking of a top-class manager such as Mourinho. As in a business cycle, there are also ups and downs in soccer games. Furthermore, Chelsea is not underperforming at the moment. Abramovich had brought him to Chelsea for a reason and will not let him go before the Champions League cup is secured.
Andriy Mykolayovych Shevchenko thinks he can come over to Chelsea and score past the English clubs like taking vodka shots? Eh-eh! The defenders in the English Premier League are going to cancel out every single move Shevchenko makes even if their life depends on it. Sheva came over with his supermodel wife wanting his kid to learn English, bla, bla, bla. This man used to pledge loyalty to AC Milan. Rich guy who speaks same language offered money and all promises were broken. 30 million pounds? I am going to see Chelsea Vs Newcastle live a little later and I want to see with my own two eyes whether 30 million pounds was all worth it. If this guy can score against the likes of Sampdoria and Udinese, he can't outwit Bramble, Ramage and the other two defenders I can't give a crap? I feel like I'm drunk. Did I just drink iced coffee or beer?
I have never rate Shevchenko as a good striker.His form has deproved over the years.He is a fluke.Yes,he might have a good record in Italy but he cannot adapt to life in England where football is played at the highest level.Players like this cannot be considered as good players.Mourinho or Abramovich, whoever bought him, made a mistake.
However, Mourinho is his own man. He believes he is bigger than Roman.Roman with money and power in his pocket will still have to hesitate removing Mourinho from his post considering what's he had done.Its not as easy as Eggert removing Pardew.
If Roman is smart, he will not let Mourinho leave.Mourinho is a top manager.To me, he is the best in the world.At the age of just 42,he had already won almost every single trophy a club can win.Even though he always tries to be funny occasionally, he always knows exactly what he is doing.He was the man that gelled Chelsea's star studded side to perfection.
Pardew had been sacked, here comes another Alan but Curbishley.What had he acheived? Keeping Charlton in the EPL? FANTASTIC ACHEIVEMENT? Good luck Wham, i will not be surprised if Alan Shearer is appointed the new manager of Wham at year end
West Ham's downfall is mainly due to the two Argies. One look like Captain Caveman and the other one...well I just don't like him.
Carlos Teves running around in circles in the final third of the pitch giving away possession like giving away confettis and it's not yet Christmas. I hope Nemanja Vidic breaks Teves' legs until he's out for months. He will then be gift-wrapped and sent back to South America by Fed-Ex. Oh, hope theres enough room in that box for Javier Mascherano too.
It's halftime at Stamford Bridge. I must be drunk because I saw Shevchenko and he's of different colour, had a cheap haircut and wore #21.
Drogba has to come on for Kalou.
Dudes, give Sheva a break man. He has played so many years with success in the Serie A but we can see that he's trying hard now to adapt to a fast and strong EPL that is very differnet from the technical italian league.
I believe that Roman will not Sack Mourih obecause he simply cant find an better managers out there. If mourinho is sacked, who's gonna take over? Alan Pardew? Souness? or Sir Bobby? IF theres any1 out there that can take over Mourinho, there's onli Lippi, but will Lippi adapt to the EPL jus like Sheva.
Another thing is even tho Sheva is not playing, he has a big role in the team. Without him, Drogba cant score for nuts. He lifted the spotlight awae from drogba, defenders more wary of him den of Drogba, thus allowing drogba more space. He made manay assists for Drogba too. To sae he is not a Mourinho type of player is too early, because we know mourinho like hardworking players, and Sheva has been doing that now
Give Sheva a chance. He may need a season to adapt jus like Drogba did.
Mourinho is a control freak. He has never fancied having star players in his team. However, when Abramovich offered his idol, Shevchenko, to him, Mourinho reluctantly accepted to help Chelsea win the elusive Champion League trophy. His recent comments on Shevchenko only re-emphasize that he is still the “boss” and that his Russian boss should not meddle with football matters.
Shevchenko, however, has not scored enough goals to justify the £30 millions price tag, but his play does provide more space for Drogba to shine this season.
Mourinho has to modify his system to accommodate Shevchenko at the expense of his more attacking 4-3-3 configuration, so he’s probably not too happy at the moment.
Will the Special One be sacked if he does not win the Champion League or the EPL this season? Chelsea is still in contention for the League Cup, the FA Cup, the Champion League and also sitting pretty at 2nd spot in the EPL. Mourinho definitely intends to get his third consecutive EPL trophy. There is also no other “Special Ones” to take over the Portuguese’s job. Hence, the answer is NO.
P/S: Essien’s equalizer is more important and critical, but Taylor’s goal is far superior.
Let' give the £30m 30 year old misfiring striker a break. From his last few games, we can see fear creeping into his playing style. He is not his usual confident mood and often hesitant with his shots. This was the same guy who used to terrorize defenses for fun. Funny how times have changed. It hard to imagine before his transfer to Chelsea that he will end up as a desolate figure on the pitch today.
We can continue to argue that the current Chelsea tactics don't suit him. But this is a top quality striker that we are talking about. Top players adapt and reinvent their playing style for the benefit of the team. For £30m, we deserve better quality performances from him and not just flashes of his brilliance. Shevchenko is all about goals and nothing less.
He better shaped up and not be a liability to the team. £30m is spare change and easily replaceable. There is no room for sentiments in results-oriented Mourinho's team. Expect a quality forward to be signed as replacement or provide the spark to ignite the predatory goal instinct of Sheva.
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