Some of these players have decided to sabotage AVB in the same way they brought about the demise of managers who have gone before him. We know who they are. A systematic and subtle demolition job on AVB until they get their way. I think most of these senior players realise their well-paid time at Chelsea is up, and that their removal is only a matter of time. They know that AVB is fully aware of their limitations, hence the near-consistent underperformance on the field. They are also aware of the disfunctional way the club management works. Sack anybody and everybody, except those who are most culpable. The other half of the team ( the younger element ) are being dragged down by people who are only interested in maintaining their grotesque wages and comfortable lifestyles, regardless of the fact that they are time-expired and a wholesale hindrance to progress. Chelsea have to decide the way forward: either the status quo and failure, or a wholesale change of players. If AVB stays we have to resign ourselves to a year without Champions league and a massive summer clearout and hopefully miss out on channel five football as well,so able to concentrate on the league and getting back in the top four.Or we bring in someone now,possibly Benitez,who the players may have more respect for,and try to salvage fourth spot this season.Another huge problem with dropping out of Champs league is we wont be able to attract the type of players we need to replace the old guard......Tricky.
We'll still attract top players if the right man is brought in unfortunately, there's only Jose or Guardiola to fit the bill!
KKD--I think you've raised a very good point! There are certain players who have, because of their quality performances and service through the "Golden Years", now believe they are the untouchables! True Chelsea legends put the club above everthing, including their own selfishness! They need taking to one side by a wise old bird to remind them they are the servants of the club -not the masters! The management Buck, Gourlay et al would do well by the man that owns us--to take those responsible to one side and tell them they're out the door--without compensation--if they give any less than 100%.
I'm beginning to think AVB is the wrong man. Too soon for him maybe but maybe the wrong choice period. I don't think there were many Chelsea fans who DIDN'T think Scolari was the right man for the job when appointed but it wasn't long before it was clear he wasn't. The football being served up is dross and if he's trying to change things it's been clear for ages that these aren't the players to change. We have no options so why isn't he playing to their strengths until he gets the personnel to change it? Also, if Meireles is the type of player he wants then we're well & truly screwed!
TEL--certain players are on a "work to rule". AVB has a lot of the right qualities and speaks the language well! There is no doubt in my mind that if our squad to a man had got behind him we'd be challenging on all fronts for trophies! He could turn out to be our Fergie, given a chance! The old Golden Boys should realise their time is nearly up--and move aside for the future stars. That is to say--put the club above self interest!
bluemoon2 I'd be more apt to back AVB if he actually stood up and dropped the troublesome players.Indeed,maybe he needs to send them off to the fringes of Cobham like he did Nico and Alex.
I agree to a certain extent mate but when he comes out with crap like he picked the right team to play Napoli and that "we've been playing well lately" after the Swansea game it makes me wonder if he knows what's going on here. One thing's for certain, when RA gave him the office keys with a view to overhaul the squad, he didn't expect this demise and if AVB survives this week, one more bad result & I think he's gone. I just don't see how he can turn things around with what he's got and if Meireles was brought in to "strengthen" the squad then we definitely have problems.
Could't agree more! The problem is that the ringleaders, do have the ear of certain other players and we'd end up with a tiny squad! If AVB gets through to the end of the season then its clear out time!
It depends if the brass are smart enough to understand whats going on! It is known that AVB is between a rock and a hard place, but the board have to be bold enough to warn the players that any less than 100%--and they're out --whatever they think of the manager!
Problem there is that I don't think they'll give a crap if they're out or not, especially if they think they'll be gone at the end of the season anyway. I still don't understand why players like Kalou, Malouda & Bosingwa weren't shipped out at the end of last season. I don't go along with the crap that he had to analyse the squad. Apart from about 6 games under Guus, Malouda's been utter shyte for us. Kakuta has been disappointing but I'd rather see him given a chance than keep faith with Malouda or Kalou and I'd rather see Josh given a chance rather than wasting 12 mil on that useless twat Meireles. Whatever happens regardless of personalities, a miraculous turnaround is needed here because we have to get through this season without further damage and I cannot see how it can happen as things stand!
Interesting to read all these threads AFTER AVB has been trashed. Seems most people blame the usual suspects and the Chelsea management equally. I certainly do. Possibly the job of turning us around, AND delivering results at the same time was too big for AVB at this stage. We will never know if he could be a good manager for us now. Whoever is next in line needs to realise that it is virtually impossible to turn the team around unless there is a change in attitude from above. It's just too hard trying to rid the club of the golden oldies, play attractive football, stay in the CL and the top 4 of the PL, bring on the youngsters please all the fans, when upstairs turns a blind eye to the behaviour of the troublemakers, and leaves the manager exposed and isolated. What are they thinking ???
