Chelsea Season Preview
With Jim Porter from Talkchelsea.net
Pre-season form?
In terms of fitness it went well, all players got the minutes and we have no injuries to speak of. In terms of actual form i felt we were a way off what we were looking for. We are yet to have found the way in our play to utilise the new creative talents in our team. I would have liked to have seen the ball move quicker than it did.
What to look forward to from your club this season
Obviously the new players we have signed are with a view to being a much more creative side, i would hope that what we can look forward to is quick exciting play with skills and goals.
What to worry about
The main worry is to see us fully integrate our new attacking talents. If we can do that right then we can expect a good season but if we do not manage to do that then we can possibly see us struggle to compete in the Premier League again. We need to adapt our style of play to get the best out of players like Oscar, Hazard and Marin.
Where are you going to finish?
Obviously we need a big improvement on last season. We have made some big changes to improve on what we have and i think our squad is much better for that and more equiped to compete at the very top of the Premier League. A top 3 finish would represent a good season for us and the points gap needs to be massively closed.
Best/most outrageous transfer rumour?
Take your pick, we have been linked with pretty much every player of a certain level you can think of this close season. But i think seeing us linked with Neymar again this summer is probably the most outrageous roumer.
Manager right man for the job?
Time will tell, he did fantastic with the team at the end of last season. It is a totally different challenge for him now, integrating new players and changing the way we play. I think he will do a good job but we can't expect immediate miracles. It will take some time to fully get his stamp on the team.
Player to look out for
Oscar looks a real talent, for me I am very excited to see him invloved with us. Hazard and Marin too look very exciting. But for me i think Juan Mata (above) with these players around him will be even better, and he was exceptional last season. So for me it would be Mata.
Dead wood you would get rid of?
The squad has already been given a major facelift. But there are clearly some players who have come to the end of their time for Chelsea. Malouda, Ferreira and Hilario for example. Ideally we would see them replaced with some young talent to build with, but they may still be around for the coming season.
Game of the season?
Facing Spurs is always a massive match for the fans, the rivalry is huge. But with Villas Boas there now i think it cranks up the rivalry even more, not to mention how dissapointed they will have been missing out on Champions League football thanks to us. Those 2 games will be a real battle i am sure, neither team will want to lose.
Best away day?
As far as the atmosphere goes, you can never beat a local derby to stoke up the fans, QPR, Spurs and now West Ham back too i am sure they will be intense affairs for the fans as always.
Favourite chant?
Always will be carefree for me
How good are your pies?
Not bad at all, you should try one.
Anything else?
A new dawn for Chelsea is starting this season. Brace yourselves because as always with Chelsea it will be a rollercoaster ride.
