There’s a lot to be positive about this summer if you’re a Chelsea fan though, with Roman Abramovich’s takeover and, consequently, his spending spree obviously top of the list. The Stamford Bridge pitch is also being sorted out which should, fingers cross, put an end to our pitch problems once and for all. Which is only fair, considering we’d have £75 million worth of talent trying to strut their stuff in a mudbath! Now all that’s left is for the training ground to be sorted out.
Now to the important stuff- the team.
Carlo Cudicini is the finest goalkeeper in the Premiership and there was no need to sign three goalkeepers this summer as there is no competition for the goalkeeping jersey. We would have had to have signed Ginaluigi Buffon to give Cudicini some proper competition!
Our defence looks as strong as ever. There is no longer the speculation surrounding the futures of JT and William Gallas- both put pen to paper on new long term deals. Considering we’ve only lost Graeme Le Saux from the league’s second best defence last season (and replaced him with arguably a better defender), not to mention adding the exciting Glen Johnson to the squad, we should be pretty solid at the back as usual.
The midfield presents a bit of a headache, with so many quality players vying for four places. The addition of Geremi, Duff, Veron and Joe Cole is only a good thing. Fitting them all in will be a problem. Lampard is still here, fresh from his best ever season last year. So far in pre-season he’s looking like picking up where he left of last season- great news for Blues fans. And Manu Petit is by no means going to be cast on the scrap heap. As I mentioned earlier, Chelsea lack experienced heads at the moment and Petit has been there, done it all. And, might I add, he is still the only recognised holding midfielder in our squad.
Up front is where we are considered weak. But weak is a very harsh word. When people describe Chelsea’s attack like that, it is only in comparison with the Man United’s and Arsenal’s of this world. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, not including last season, is still recognised as a top striker. Eidur Gudjohnsen looks to have lost a lot of weight from last season and he will be keen to prove how good he really is. But will these two get the chance, considering we have splashed out £15.8 million on Adrian Mutu? And with Mikael Forssell and Carlton Cole ready and willing, Claudio Ranieri has a host of options up front.
But it might not be Claudio Ranieri picking the team if press speculation is to be believed. Roman Abramovich won’t sack him unless we are unsuccessful this season. But what does he deem a successful season? And the same question needs to be asked to the Chelsea faithful. Do you all really expect us to beat all comers this season??
These things take time and I just hope that everyone (Roman Abramovich, Ken Bates, the fans) has the patience to let Claudio Ranieri finish the job that he has started…