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J.'s Posts and Other Poster's Replies To J.'s Posts
J.'s rumours posts with other poster's replies to J.'s rumours posts
25 Jan 2026 19:02:06
Hmmm, Anselmino recall probably points towards any deal for Jacquet being for the summer. Be interested to see how Anselmino does, had a few injuries whilst at Dortmund, but highly regarded from the performances he has put in.
1.) 25 Jan 2026 20:59:54
Interesting J! I wonder what Acheampong has got to do to get minutes? I don't understand it – has looked good every time he's played.
2.) 25 Jan 2026 22:30:21
He needs to be better than Chalobah and Fofana every time he plays. I think he’s definitely the future of that right sided CB, and Will be starting much more regularly next season.
3.) 26 Jan 2026 07:28:47
I’m only guessing but this is my take, Anselmino comes back from Dortmund and Josh goes out on loan. So, it gives us a much better opportunity to see how Anselmino copes in cup competitions plus the premiership and Josh gets more consistent mins. I think we buy Jacquet now and let him stay at Rennes (as reported) for the remainder of the season.
In the summer we sell at least two of our current CH’s.
4.) 26 Jan 2026 09:43:34
Not a bad assumption Tom but I don't think we'll get Jacquet as i think there will be many takers for his signature in the summer, perhaps an over coat, maybe.
5.) 26 Jan 2026 09:56:37
Would be very happy if Josh gets loaned to Palace and we get to see him play consistently for the rest of the season. Not sure how others are getting games in front of him this season anyway tbh. Badi almost cost us another goal and Fofana just isn’t it if we intend to challenge.
6.) 26 Jan 2026 14:00:37
ED01, there appears to be a lot of big clubs clamouring over the signature of the Rennes centre back Jacquet who is young with a price tag of over £50 million, is he as good as it being made out? and who is likely to sign him?
{Ed001's Note - I have never seen the lad play, I know one friend thinks he is brilliant, but he also thought Naby Keita would be great for Liverpool, so not sure what to think!! I thought he was set for Chelsea.}
7.) 27 Jan 2026 13:22:25
I'm glad that Anselmino is back with us, it is quite obvious that Dortmond were hoing to turn his head just the way they did with Matteson.
8.) 27 Jan 2026 15:15:11
Someone on Sky said bringing back Anselmimo was a strategy to get Rennes to reduce their fee for Jacquet. Well with us apparently out of the picture, all those clubs clamouring for his signature have a clearer field. Strange though, I don’t see any club rushing in to pay £50 million +.
9.) 27 Jan 2026 17:41:12
Why should they Jimbo, he is a youngster with potential.
10.) 27 Jan 2026 18:43:20
We will pay over £50m with add ons for the lad. The player has apparently stated his preference and we want him.
If he is as good as some say then he sounds like a good buy. I’m not fussed about his age.
11.) 27 Jan 2026 19:53:57
Tom
I have no idea how good he is but let's be honest the prem league is completely different to the French league.
12.) 27 Jan 2026 22:00:54
Bill, “let’s be honest” the answer is obviously yes, the two leagues are different. Every countries is different.
If we go down that rabbit hole we would only buy players with premiership experience.
I have not seen the player, I have asked if any other poster has seen the lad play and now Ed has been asked. Apparently Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Liverpool are all interested in signing the player. If that is the case, I would assume he is showing to professional judges that he is a good player.
13.) 28 Jan 2026 10:44:46
No it doesn't tom… it shows ges a young player with potential and a handful of games in the french league…. long way to go before he can be considered a ‘good player’.
14.) 28 Jan 2026 13:53:20
Kazblue, I haven’t got a clue if he is a good player and I repeat I have asked other posters if they know anything about the lad or seen him play on top of that Ed was also asked.
If it’s true that multiple clubs are interested in signing him it show he is a good player and assume he is a player that all interested clubs believe he will improve.
I personally don’t care about his age as I do not see it as a barrier to abilities.
15.) 28 Jan 2026 16:58:06
Shouldn’t be paying £50 million plus for a defender unless he’s a starter.
16.) 28 Jan 2026 19:55:44
Surely the first question should be, is he a good player? He is worth what our Calu and other clubs are prepared to pay and what Rennes are prepared to sell for.
Please, just someone tell me how good he is? That might be a starting point to working out if he is supposedly good value. Whatever that means!
17.) 30 Jan 2026 21:59:07
Mamadou Sarr is now wanted by Liam Rosenoir so expect him to return this window with maybe Aarón Anselmino go in the other direction although some reports suggesting he is refusing to agree to that! Will all pan out over the next few days.
18.) 30 Jan 2026 22:21:46
RPD, I’m not sure why but this merry go round of CH’s seems unnecessarily complicated to me but as you say, I’m sure it will all pan out over the next few days!
19.) 31 Jan 2026 12:43:21
It looks like Anselmino is still unhappy about being recalled and said he is not going to Strasbourg.
I have yo say I don't blame him, the only good thing coming out of this is that Dortmond don't have any more chance to turn his head, I think they are a horrible club in that respect.
20.) 31 Jan 2026 14:36:56
Bill could you blame him for having his head turned- in fact this recall will have made sure of it now…. He was getting opportunities when fit at dortmund - should have just let him stay.
21.) 31 Jan 2026 15:38:28
I have no idea if the lad is happy or unhappy about being recalled. I have no clue if his “head has been turned. ”
At the moment I can’t see the point of recalling him and Sarr but I can wait and see what happens. I’m guessing that Josh is going out on loan.
I assume we are all just guessing unless someone can point to an actual player comment because I can’t find one.
22.) 31 Jan 2026 15:43:50
Kazblue,
I would like him to kick a ball for our club before his head gets turned by another club, who knows he could turn out to be a top class CB.
17 Jan 2026 06:58:46
Who’s going to be this perfect CB for Chelsea this January?
Apparently, the club are looking for a player who’s comfortable playing out from the back, is first team / EPL ready and can develop with, ultimately playing alongside, Colwill. They will obviously stick to their age criteria as well, don’t see them signing a 28 year old fully fledged / experienced international.
Romano has stated we have three players on our list, one of which is named as Jacquet, who plays for Rennes and is being chased by half of Europe. I’m not seeing a current EPL defender who meets the criteria.
Who else should we be looking at?
In other news, some reports that it’s between us and Man City for Barcelona midfielder Dro Fernandez, who is leaving on a €6m release clause. Flick Maya’s described loosing the player as the biggest disappointment of his career.
1.) 17 Jan 2026 08:53:42
J, I enjoyed your report and fingers crossed you are correct on the recruitment front.
2.) 17 Jan 2026 08:54:51
PSG now favoured to sign Dro.
3.) 17 Jan 2026 08:57:56
Jacquet is wanted by all the top clubs in europe and in particular Liverpool, Aresnal and Real Madrid so will be very difficult to sign him I imagine?
4.) 17 Jan 2026 10:23:49
69 million for a centre back whos played 19 senior games in ligue1 is absoloute insanity.
5.) 17 Jan 2026 10:50:09
Jacquet is only 20 so certainly fits the agre profile - or is he already a bit too old? lol - and his highlights package looks good strong and quick (but said package unlikely to show any errors of course) . Another great prospect. But could take time to adapt to EPL?
Anselmino looked v promising indeed to me when I watched him at the Bridge in our preseason friendly v Bayer Leverkausen and do not know whay we didn't hold on to him - I suppose we altready had BB and perhaps thought Hato could play there though seems more comfortable at LB- yet we loaned him out to Borussia Dortmund where he is excelling.
What I think Matresca wanted was an already EPL proven LCB to replace/stand in for the injured LC. Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth may be available in this respect but is 'elderly' at 28!
But given we are unlikely to win my=uch this season pergaps Jacquet would be another good purchase/investment for the future. Fits more in line with CFC as a trading club that might be able to compete for ECK or EPL - if we can retain our best players - ina few seasons time?
6.) 17 Jan 2026 11:54:00
So, I ask again has any poster seen these two young CH’s we are being linked with actually play?
I personally have no idea of how good they currently are.
Obviously some feel they are overpriced, so I assume they have seen them play.
7.) 17 Jan 2026 12:50:27
Tom
I'm sure you will probably be aware but I doubt anybody has seen them play.
8.) 17 Jan 2026 14:25:01
That’s my point Bill. So, if that is the case how do qualify as a waist of money?
9.) 17 Jan 2026 14:50:37
I've not seen them play only Jacquet's highlights reel in which he looked impressive as most do but did reveal his size strength and pace. But we are all guessing on how he would turn out to be when in a blue shirt at the Bridge. As most will have been with likes of Gittens and Hato.
Bringing players in from outside the EPL typically more if a gamble than getting them in from another EPL club or may need more time to adjust. Can only hope Jacquet is the bees knees of CBs if we sign him.
10.) 17 Jan 2026 15:57:04
Jacquet has (apparently) told Rennes he wants to join Chelsea this window. Haven’t seen him, but, given the wide depth of interest in him, he must have some promise. If he signs, for me, we’d need him to be an immediate upgrade on Chalobah, Tosin or Badiashile - tough ask.
11.) 17 Jan 2026 18:23:43
J I agree with you and would just add that hevis predominantly left footed and is probably more physical as a player than BB.
12.) 17 Jan 2026 22:11:17
Highly rated player. £55 million-ish for a player with 30 Ligue 1 games under his professional belt. City are signing Guehi for £20 million. I'm nonplussed.
13.) 17 Jan 2026 23:03:34
EdW, I’m not sure how interested we would have been in Guehi given his reported wages.
14.) 18 Jan 2026 05:16:29
If I’m not wrong, in the summer Guehi was asked if he would be interested in returning to us and shut it down instantly.
15.) 18 Jan 2026 06:04:44
Guehi contract was up, if he had three or so years left he’d be valued significantly higher. Tom’s correct about wages too. Right player for us, but wasn’t going to happen.
16.) 18 Jan 2026 08:59:50
I'm in agreement, his wages demands are far too high for us and I'm totally happy with that.
Who do we get on, who knows and to be honest I will only be interested when we signed somebody that puts on a shirt for us and actually plays rather than being loaned out.
The young fellow at Dortmund who is on loan from us is supposedly playing well getting rave reviews from their coach, why not give him a go.
In the summer, a clear out of our CB's should be a priority.
17.) 18 Jan 2026 18:04:24
Jacquet is rated highly. but my argument would be so are anselmino, sarr and josh and the forgotten colwill whos still only 22
surely a better idea might be a bit more experience to balance it out?
18.) 18 Jan 2026 20:25:50
I would like to think they have looked at all different solutions. I haven’t seen th lad play and so far no other poster has said they have seen him play.
He could be the cat’s whiskers. If we sign him I wi wait and see before I start judging or making comparisons to other players.
19.) 18 Jan 2026 23:04:15
he might become the cats whiskers- issue is we already have 3 that 'might' become good- how about looking at someone whos played a bit before.
20.) 19 Jan 2026 12:08:31
Maybe because they consider this guy to be better than what we currently have.
21.) 19 Jan 2026 14:29:01
The problem is how do we know that tom… sarr and anselmino have done well by all sccounts and you can see there's a top class player potentiallt in josh …. Just feels like money that couldve been better spent.
22.) 19 Jan 2026 14:56:59
How on earth do you reach a conclusion that any transfer fee could’ve been better spent.
Not a single poster has said they have seen the lad play other than social media clips. Our manager has first hand knowledge of the player as well as our SD’s supposed positive reports.
I am assuming/guessing they feel he is an upgrade on what we currently have. I’m personally not in a position to judge or be critical of that decision.
23.) 21 Jan 2026 12:13:09
I like PochEmpire’s comment about how crazy it would be to spend £69m for a player who has played 19 games in L1. Enzo had played 17 games for Benfica, so presumably the fee for this lad should be higher!
01 Jan 2026 15:29:39
Athletic (Ornstein) reporting that Maresca had meetings with City personnel as far back as October. For me, that brings a few of his subsequent actions / comments into focus and it’s doesn’t place Maresca in a favourable light. The other thing that’s being pulled into focus is the fact that Rosenior is the front runner to take over, which is a move I completely disagree with for both him and the club.
For me, I’d like to see the club go for Iraola. Lots of reports that a new coach will be in place within days, probably before the City game, so we won’t have to wait long to see who it is.
1.) 01 Jan 2026 16:51:54
Rosenior more likely than most to be yes man the SDs and Eghbali would like?
2.) 01 Jan 2026 17:17:07
J, I’m not trying to defend EM or any other Chelsea employee and that includes the owners.
We have no idea when the SD’s first spoke to him about various issues. I was only told about these various incident/arguments that been happening after the Atalanta game. I have no idea if the concerns on either side were justified or reasonable.
I guess a lot depends on who we choose to believe. If a fan dislikes the manager, it will be his fault. If a fan dislikes the SD’s or owners then it’s going to be their fault. My guess is they probably all have to take a percentage of the responsibility/blame.
3.) 01 Jan 2026 18:06:49
Yes JBS, I think that’s definitely a factor. He has done a decent job at Strasbourg, working under similar stipulations, with the youngest squad in Europe. Of course, if he comes in, I hope we’re wowed by him and his tactics. I don’t think it’ll go down well at all though, I think lots will see it as a lack of ambition and a bad start will be met with the fans showing their feelings - loudly and clearly. In fact, anything but hitting the ground running would cause a pretty toxic atmosphere at the bridge, which, in my opinion, puts Rosenior in a pretty unfavourable situation, if he gets the job.
Tom, for me, some reliable journo’s have spelt out what’s happened and why Maresca is no longer our coach. But, it’s done now, we just have to look forward to the next trip around the merry go round.
4.) 01 Jan 2026 18:42:01
J
Hitting the ground running g will be difficult as we have 9 games in 27 days therefore training ground routines will be at a minimal.
5.) 01 Jan 2026 18:51:24
J, spot on mate. As far as I’m concerned, thanks for everything Enzo and we move on.
6.) 01 Jan 2026 20:14:02
Very difficult indeed Bill, why would you put an inexperienced coach through that? They might go into it with patience and recognition for the difficulty of the task, but many won’t.
7.) 01 Jan 2026 20:55:39
I have to agree with you J.
8.) 02 Jan 2026 13:05:07
Im honestly in disbelief that they are even considering Liam Rossenior. Has 0 credentials, got sacked from Hull, worked under Rooney at Derby where they had a miserable time and let be honest isn't exactly doing brilliant at Strasbourg. Not being funny but why would any of our players by into any of his philopsophys.
I agree with sacking Maresca but only if your going to bring a new coach who you can see making a genuine improvement to the squad. I don't like the model of having sporting directors where coaches have 0 say on incomings and outgoings, it does not give them a fair chance at building successful side. You look at all the best teams over the years, the manager has always been top dog.
9.) 02 Jan 2026 14:13:57
Whitey, I guess top dog a Chelsea is training, tactics, picking the team and press conferences.
Other duties are elsewhere and I’m personally ok ish with the new structure but I can imagine the lines of responsibility often become blurred.
10.) 02 Jan 2026 17:05:59
Don't mind the structure except would rather have one shareholder in charge of the club Todd Bohely
Would rather only have one sporting director don't care which one a bit like Ant and Dec I can't tell them apart.
11.) 06 Jan 2026 13:02:04
I will be blunt about the rosenoir as the new manager. I think no English manager has ever won the epl title and rosenoir particularly hasn't stood out to get the position except being a yes man to egbali who's not goingto push the club to the top. Not really excited about the appointment and likely going to be like potter's. So I guess it's one to hold on to till when they are ready to appoint a real manager that they will back with the needful that they refused enzo.
12.) 06 Jan 2026 14:35:21
I hope we all have reasons to be cheerful with our new managers appointment.
27 Oct 2025 12:46:55
Hmmm - Juve sack Tudor and have been pretty strongly linked with holding an interest in hiring Maresca. Surely not in the middle of the season?
1.) 27 Oct 2025 13:24:46
J.,
We are a business therefore if they stump up the money required, it will be bye bye Maresca.
2.) 27 Oct 2025 15:40:31
Looks like Spalletti is their first choice with Mancini the second.
3.) 27 Oct 2025 17:13:28
I can’t see EM wanting to go to Juve.
4.) 27 Oct 2025 18:20:08
Looks like he won't have to make that choice Tom.
5.) 27 Oct 2025 20:54:03
Bill, the club may trade players who are no longer wanted but certainly won't trade top players/ coaches who are valued and wanted/ needed to drive the project.
6.) 28 Oct 2025 09:02:50
EbW
A business is as business and if they get goid money for an asset, then they will sell simple as that I'm afraid.
The new owners are nothing like Roman.
7.) 28 Oct 2025 09:49:59
Edw, I think all the players and maybe the manager have a price the club would consider selling at.
8.) 28 Oct 2025 10:01:30
Totally agree Tom.
03 Jun 2025 11:51:09
Fresh links to Mike Maignan, who admittedly is becoming the goalkeeping version of Hulk, today.
It'd definitely make sense, upgrading what we have, adding leadership and experience to the lineup. Plus he's perfect age to be a bridge between now and Penders potentially developing in our number one.
1.) 03 Jun 2025 12:23:07
I was a fan of his but Costa is a far superior keeper and he would be my choice all day long.
2.) 03 Jun 2025 15:42:23
Mike Maignan is one of the top 10 keepers in Europe and would be a great signing but is it just conjecture?
3.) 03 Jun 2025 20:34:29
Interesting – I remember when we were linked with him in 2020 and went for Mendy instead due to the price Lille set on him. There was a stats comparison between the keepers we were linked with on WAGNH at the time, and he didn't come out of that looking great, but I think he's improved a lot since then. Wasn't he missing for AC Milan for a fair chunk of the season last year though? Adding another injury-prone player seems mad, especially when Petrovich was the Ligue 1 keeper of the year.
4.) 03 Jun 2025 21:05:36
It appears Petrovic has a release clause in his contract following his loan and has activated it which totally rules him out of the equation! I would just go with Sanchez who has improved as the season has gone on and put him up against young Penders and Jorgi.
5.) 03 Jun 2025 23:55:16
Can we sign Emi Martinez instead?
6.) 04 Jun 2025 08:35:50
RPD
not sure how a player can activate a release clause.
7.) 04 Jun 2025 09:09:49
Like you Bill I also have no idea how these things work but it is widely reported that part of his loan to Strasbourg involved an option for him to leave the club at the end of the deal and he has activated that option.
8.) 04 Jun 2025 17:36:36
I had thought Kelleher might have been a target. Certainly been impressed by him. But gather he is off to Brentford.
Haven't watched either Maignan or Costs so don't know who is better.
But are either better than Petrovich?
9.) 04 Jun 2025 19:21:19
JBS, I personally think that Kelleher is bang average.
If we can’t get Costa then let’s not bother would be my preferred outcome.
10.) 04 Jun 2025 19:35:08
More to the point JBS are any of them better than Sanchez (based on form since being dropped in February)? At 6 feet 7 he is very strong in the air and his shot stopping is exellent, 10 clean sheets in 32 games with a very different back 4 in front of him most of the season. It is maybe not a coincidence that when Maresca changed his tactics towards the end of the season and started to go longer when needed as opposed to the pathetic tip tappy back passes Sanchez looked way more assured and cut out the costly errors that come with over playing from the back. We also settled on a steady back 4 with the group looking far more compact and again led to improved keeper performaces. I'm not totally convinced but a lot more Chelsea fans on the other forums are starting to say the same thing, should we just stick with Sanchez? It also appears the club will not pay what Milan want so Mike Maignan will not happen (shame, because he would provide very decent competition for Sanchez) and I do believe Petrovich has asked to leave. Kelleher is no better than what we currently have and who else is available? Trafford from Burnley would be my choice if Maignan doesn't arrive but I think he is Newcastle bound? We await with interest.
11.) 04 Jun 2025 21:59:57
RPD, this may sound as if I have got a downer on all keepers but if Trafford is on our radar I would be astonished. He may well improve over time but as things stand today he seems to me to be way overrated.
12.) 05 Jun 2025 16:30:49
RPD. have you had a bump on the head. a couple of decent games surely can't convince you sanchez is even close to being good enough. the man was 3rd choice for brighton and doesn't get into the majority of sides in the league. he's nervous and looks likely to gift a goal to the opposition in almost every game i've seen him play.
13.) 06 Jun 2025 05:43:20
I would rather stick with Sanchez/ Jorgenson than some of the keepers we have been linked to in including Martinez at Villa.
The keepers at Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle and Forest are good but I can’t think of many others that are to far above average.
As I’ve said before I was big fan of MM but the standout keeper, who might be available is Costa and I would go for him.
14.) 07 Jun 2025 14:33:03
Tom, I agree about Costa but I think that boat has sailed . He had a release clause of €60 million last summer and we stuck with Sanchez. Now Man City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are after him.
15.) 09 Jun 2025 04:38:43
Jimbo, we have more than one keeper.
The fact that other clubs are after him doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be or that he wouldn’t prefer to be in London playing for Chelsea.
J.'s banter posts with other poster's replies to J.'s banter posts
14 Mar 2026 22:48:27
Still shaking my head at the goal we conceded today.
The distance between Fofana and Chalobah, and absolute cavernous space for them to play through, especially with an absent midfield. Then Fofana just allows Gordon to run past him, making no attempt to get back and influence the play. It was everything that's bad about our CB play, it's the reason our CB's get rotated so often, which, in turn, is the reason we have zero defensive consistency. Our attacking play was boring a predictable, our defensive play leaves a lot to be desired.
Additionally, look at that bench and our options, it's not great - void of depth in quality.
1.) 15 Mar 2026 12:33:59
Spot on, J. Constant rotation and/or injuries to CBs hasn't helped, but neither has lack of someone who can really command and control the backline and read the game like a Silva or Terry. Fofana has skill, but you would never accuse him of being a calm head.
12 Mar 2026 12:57:09
It's just that maturity and in game management that's still letting us down. I actually thought the team were set up ok and we caused PSG problems. Back to the Bridge at 2-2 would have been a brilliant result, poor mistake from the GK and it's 3-2, not ideal, but not the end of the world with the home leg to come.
We just lacked the in game management to see the game out at that point, leaving the tie seemingly beyond recovery because of a collapse.
1.) 12 Mar 2026 15:02:28
Agree with you, J.
2.) 12 Mar 2026 18:17:29
Have now seen the game, and obviously Jorgensen deserves criticism, as do all players when they make a mistake, but James made several errors and received virtually zero criticism.
The manager has repeatedly mentioned "moments" as being an issue for this team.
I prefer the term "mental weakness," or an inability to concentrate for 90-plus mins.
I could agree with some of my mates who genuinely believe our performance deserved better, but I think we got what we deserved.
Anyway, a good game to win at the Bridge.
3.) 12 Mar 2026 18:50:38
Because he's a near world class player, Tom, and always delivers strong performances. Yes, he made a couple errors, but as opposed to Jorgensen, who really has not set the world alight and has looked shaky nearly every time he's played, the criticism is very understandable, though I hope he gets support at the Bridge in the next game rather than booed.
4.) 12 Mar 2026 19:28:43
I have zero problems being critical of any player when it is deserved. I don't care if they are close to being "world class" or not.
We all see games and individual player performances differently. I also thought that Enzo was outstanding, and, unlike some of my mates, I thought Caicedo was solid but not his usual standard.
5.) 12 Mar 2026 20:39:27
I agree it is a game of moments. We lack game maturity and game management. Chasing the game at 4-2 down was naive.
James, in my eyes, makes many more mistakes in midfield, and he looked really tired at the end.
The keeper made a mistake, but also some decent saves; the sad fact is that he is not good enough.
The same is true of the centre halves.
But onwards and upwards. I am of the view, if we don't cash in our top players, we will become a serious force to be reckoned with if we get a top keeper.
6.) 13 Mar 2026 08:24:16
James was poor, but he is not a midfielder; in that position he is bang average.
We keep hearing excuses about a lack of maturity, but that is the road the hierarchy have chosen. Don't forget PSG are a young squad and they have already won the Champions League.
As for lack of mentality and game management, that is one of the skill sets that a top coach should have to build a winning mentality.
7.) 13 Mar 2026 09:46:06
Jimbo, I agree. I find it hard to use age as an excuse, and certainly the owners can't, as it's their choice.
The mentality thing isn't new, and was mentioned by every Chelsea manager since Conte.
There have been some good coaches between then and now, and none of them have improved the issue, and that also includes one hell of a lot of players, and not just this squad.
8.) 13 Mar 2026 10:28:14
One thing I'd also highlight is that the ability to take off Doue, who didn't have his best night but is undoubtedly a brilliant player, and bring on a player of Kvaratskhelia's talent whilst having Ballon d'Or winner Dembele on the pitch (and Barcola, for God's sake) for the last 20 minutes is insane. That is the kind of elite option we simply don't have from the bench.
But it's taken PSG's owners a long time to get the squad in the shape they're in now - there were many, many mistakes along the way, first by going for highly paid elite stars, then with the youth route (which they seem to be doing better than us). How good is Vitinha, by the way? Such a fantastic player to watch.
9.) 13 Mar 2026 11:42:16
EdW, the PSG squad building process you describe sounds very familiar.
02 Mar 2026 06:07:40
These are all players who I don't think we should be starting or playing significant mins for a team looking to finish top 4/5 in the EPL.
Sanchez
Jorgenson
Tosin
Badiashile
Chalobah
Sarr
Hato
Neto
Garnacho
Gittens
Delap
Guiu
I'm sure some will disagree with some of the players, lots think Neto has been on of our best players, which is a concern when you look at his end product across the season. For me it highlights the clear clack of depth pretty much everywhere, except RB and CM, and shows how poor the general squad building has been. We're over reliant on Caicedo, Enzo and Palmer being above the required level and carrying the rest through a season. The cracks in that have (see Palmer's injuries this season) or are (Caicedo's drop in form) starting to show.
1.) 02 Mar 2026 08:34:55
J, any list I put out would change from game to game.
I think Chalobah has been our most consistent defender this season, and deserves to be in the squad, but I wouldn't say he is top class. I think Hato will prove to be a smart buy, and I can see his progression this season.
I didn't want us to sign Delap, but to my eyes he has improved as the season has gone on. Gittens has disappointed me so far, but he is a good player. Sarr, to me, looks like a good player.
2.) 02 Mar 2026 10:18:09
If you ever reread your list in 5 years' time, there will be a couple in there that will be really good.
Hato and Sarr in particular look like top players of the future to me.
3.) 02 Mar 2026 10:27:34
So you would play young Teddy in goal for the rest of the season? Who plays at centre back if Josh or Fofana are injured? Who plays up front if Joao Pedro is injured? Surely, it is best to wait until the summer before moving that lot into your bomb squad?
4.) 02 Mar 2026 10:28:50
I also think Chalobah has generally been v good for us this season, and he was, for me, in the running for our MoM yesterday. So I would definitely want to keep him.
I also think that, despite his brain freeze yesterday, Neto has been generally impressive this season, though perhaps in comparison with other options on the left side wing attack. Gittens is well below the required standard - so far at least at CFC - and also not enough from Garnacho.
Jury still out on Hato and Sarr, perhaps, but I think both could be v good players in time. The same might be said for Delap, but he needs to improve a heck of a lot too. I haven't seen enough of Guiu to judge the lad!
We do need a GK upgrade. We must hope that we can improve, particularly the left wing side attack and striker support, and must hope that Ermegha can keep fit when he arrives, and/or we may need another option if Delap does not improve.
Must also hope that Lavia can keep fit for the majority of a season! Our midfield options are pretty darn good, if.
But a major part of the problem for whoever was/is head coach this season is that the SDs have been planning (with their buy young with great potential policy) for the future - perhaps 2030? - not for success in terms of a serious EPL challenge now. They did not, last summer window, provide sufficient quality cover at left CB, or indeed for Cucurella at LWB, given Hato's lack of EPL experience coming from a far weaker Dutch league - though there have been flashes of a v good player in him, and he may yet star for us as Tom believes he will, and may be right to do so. I can also see something of the same in Sarr, who has had to adapt having come back from a Strasbourg French league loan.
5.) 02 Mar 2026 10:54:38
J, I would be hoping for a squad and coach that can actually challenge for the title. A few months back, I posted a list of 7 players who I believe give us the foundation of a top class squad: nothing has changed. As for your list, I can't make a strong argument for any of them.
25 Feb 2026 15:19:23
I get why we have head coaches and not managers now, the days of someone like Ferguson or Wenger managing teams from top to bottom are over. But, those who do the managing these days, the football directors of this world, seem to take zero responsibility for the failures. It never seems to be their head on the block.
I've recently questioned depth at midfield, making it clear that we have nothing past the three starters, no one, at least, who can stay fit. Investment is needed.
I've also said, on more than one occasion, that past Colwill, our CB options could be torn up and started again. Fofana is the next best option, but fitness issues mean he can't start multiple games in a week and, understandably, that's impacted the consistency of his performances. Chalobah is a decent enough pro, but where are you finishing in the league if he starts 15-25 games a season? The rest are, at best, average EPL CB's. Investment is needed.
There's common themes at GK, LW and ST. Investment is needed!
How much grace do acquisitions like Palmer, Estavao and Joao Pedro buy the recruitment team? Apparently, more in the eyes of the board than the fans! Investment is needed in around two thirds of the positions on the pitch, and not just general squad building investment. The investment that's needed is key starting 11 players, of a quality that's going to push us up a level. They're years into their project, they've been through several head coaches and, from a league season perspective, how much progress has there been?
1.) 25 Feb 2026 16:12:44
J, I personally don't recognise the need for circa 11 players, but I can see the need for three playing areas that need upgrades. One of those areas we already have joining in the summer. We also have a new CH at the Club and another supposed top prospect on loan. I haven't seen enough of either to make a judgement about their abilities or leadership qualities.
The goalkeeper issue will be interesting to watch. I think Sanchez has improved, and I still have no solid view on Jorgensen. So, I think I would go for a top keeper. I have wanted Costa for ages, and I still live in hope.
2.) 25 Feb 2026 17:06:32
We don't need much, J, the squad is decent. A top centre back is my preference. The key component is getting the right head coach to get a tune out of them.
3.) 25 Feb 2026 19:12:26
Sanchez has improved, I don't disagree with that. But, much like my feelings on Chalobah, you don't win the league with him starting every week. Big question mark on spenders being ready next season. Sarr and Anselmino are both good prospects, but we need at least one top quality, win-now, CB - some would argue two. The three starting CMs are top class, we have little depth below them. Neither of our primary LW options has proven to be anywhere near the level needed; again, we need a top-class, win-now, player there.
I like Joao Pedro at 9, and Emegha could be good business (an upgrade on Delap and/or Guiu), so striker maybe isn't an issue. I'm ultimately happy with our options at full backs, RW, 10, and satisfied-ish with our striker options for next year. There are big gaps elsewhere, so I don't think the squad is in that great a position. I did want Maresca gone; I've made my feelings on that clear, but I didn't want Rosenior, and question marks over him remain. Question marks over another head coach appointment made by the same people.
4.) 25 Feb 2026 21:19:36
I think EF will go to Madrid. So, I think we will sign another CM, and I hope it's Anderson. My big prediction for next season is that Lavia will be the fans' choice as POS.
5.) 25 Feb 2026 21:27:09
Who knows if LR will survive, but one thing we do know is that Maresca did a runner. I believe we still need a top-class GK, CB, MF, and ST. Will we get them? Of course not. Our SDs, or owners, not sure which, continue to raid children's nurseries for the next "gem".
All I can say is roll on 2030. Maybe that's when the owners will sell, obtain a permanent FOS, or indeed realise they need to do something with the stadium.
6.) 25 Feb 2026 22:19:45
Bill, really? Come on, you know that wasn't true, but if it fits your ongoing agenda, then fair play to you.
7.) 26 Feb 2026 06:50:32
I only really follow one club, but it appears to me that a lot of clubs are looking more and more at young players as value for money options. I'm not sure a new owner would look to change our current owners' BP. Before our current owners, I couldn't see us building a new stadium, but I can see our current owners increasing the capacity of SB.
FOS sponsor has been done to death. We haven't got a clue what's gone on, but I'm pleased we have managed to find a sponsor for at least the remainder of this season. Just a small win is sometimes worth a smile.
8.) 26 Feb 2026 09:46:03
J, I agree with your posts. SDs are obviously here to stay. They remind me of senior civil servants. They are driven by personal ambition; they hop around in various positions without ever making a mark, and when they reach the pinnacle, they lose the ethos of whatever drove them to start their careers. In our case, we have two who appear to be untouchable whatever the failures.
As for FOS sponsors; yes, it has been done to death but that is because it is an ongoing problem. I will be very disappointed if we don't have a new long term deal in place by the start of next season. I also think Enzo will go to Madrid and wouldn't be surprised if Palmer is off as well.
9.) 26 Feb 2026 13:19:08
Tim Maresca knew what he was doing when he attacked the club. There was only going to be one outcome. It happened with Nuno at Forest and I'm sure it will be the same with Glasner shortly. If you are going to say something, you do it in-house.
10.) 26 Feb 2026 21:45:36
Who is "Tim Maresca"?
11.) 27 Feb 2026 10:20:40
Or next manager, Tom? Lol!
17 Feb 2026 15:21:34
For the longest time I've been calling for improvements at centre back, but, looking at how we set up under Rosenior, I actually think another option in midfield is, at least, just as important. For me, Caicedo, Andrey Santos and Fernandez is the best starting midfield in the league. But, the depth beneath them is either permanently injured or non-existent.
You see the midfield three tire, or require tactical changes, as we saw against Leeds, and the options just aren't there. For me, Adam Wharton would be an excellent signing, whether he'd come for a rotational role, I don't know.
1.) 17 Feb 2026 15:43:50
You are 100% correct J when you say that midfield 3 of Caicedo, Santos and Enzo Fernandez is the best in the Premier League. Essugo and Lavia (if fit) just add even more quality as well and don't forget Reece James can also play there too. Add in Wharton or another of our targets and that part of pitch is sorted for years to come.
2.) 17 Feb 2026 16:23:06
Further to the above, and in line with reports, Barco would be a very good addition to the squad. Could fill in at midfield, LB, number 10 or LW - he's very versatile. Could ultimately see him being the long term successor to Cucurella. According to reports, Rosenior is a massive fan from the time they spent together at Strasbourg.
3.) 18 Feb 2026 08:04:19
A player that contributes in more than one position should always be of value to a club.
Milner springs to mind as an example.
4.) 18 Feb 2026 12:42:42
MIlner also an admirably hard working and thoroughly professional player who imho never quite received the plaudits he deserved. Almost especially in his later playing days when he brought that calm - been there done that - ever professional calmness and effectiveness in appearances off the bench.
If Barco coud provide that quality versatility for us - and I haven't seen enough of him myself to be able to say - he could be a wonderful addition.
And I agree that with both Lavia and Essugo injured our other fine trio of midfielders have had to do more work than we woud have wanted or is good for them in longer run.
25 Jan 2026 22:30:21
He needs to be better than Chalobah and Fofana every time he plays. I think he’s definitely the future of that right sided CB, and Will be starting much more regularly next season.
23 Jan 2026 06:44:08
Newspaper tosh! He certainly wasn’t homesick when he signed that multi, multi year contract. He’s had a frustrating season, with injuries and the impact they’ve had on form, and has struggled to hide that frustration. Newspapers have used that to create this rhetoric.
18 Jan 2026 06:04:44
Guehi contract was up, if he had three or so years left he’d be valued significantly higher. Tom’s correct about wages too. Right player for us, but wasn’t going to happen.
17 Jan 2026 15:57:04
Jacquet has (apparently) told Rennes he wants to join Chelsea this window. Haven’t seen him, but, given the wide depth of interest in him, he must have some promise. If he signs, for me, we’d need him to be an immediate upgrade on Chalobah, Tosin or Badiashile - tough ask.
17 Jan 2026 08:54:51
PSG now favoured to sign Dro.
15 Mar 2026 18:48:21
One thing I would say is, in the WCC final, we were at our best with Gusto on the pitch, effectively playing as a right winger, from his right back position. But it's obviously a completely different scenario.
Chasing a 3 goal deficit against this PSG team will likely result in breakaway goals, something we're vulnerable against at the best of times.
Maybe starting with a back three would make some sense.
15 Mar 2026 18:41:10
The PSG game's gone. I'd throw the towel in and worry about the next EPL match.
15 Mar 2026 18:40:07
Not too many brain surgeons at 21 years of age.
15 Mar 2026 16:51:57
Mentally fatigued. First season in the EPL, it is nothing like what he has played before. The pressure at a club like Chelsea, compared to Strasbourg, is nothing like he has dealt with before. Fernandez and Caicedo do not work as a pair; Fernandez's lack of mobility and recovery pace gets found out and leaves Caicedo isolated.
Lavia looks way off the pace, in the form he has shown so far. He was starting a lot of games.
Don't get me wrong, I'd rather see James at rb, but I believe the lack of depth is the main factor for him starting in midfield.
15 Mar 2026 15:31:36
Says more to me about the lack of depth in midfield. Andre Santos was starting to look fatigued, Lavia not match fit. Who else we got?