Any thoughts on Benitez DL? He's actually really impressed me in the last couple of months results wise, though I gather some are unhappy with team selection/substitutions? He can walk away from Chelsea with his head held high, mission accomplished and disproved many doubters - personally I was convinced you would miss out on fourth around January time.
Away from all the anger I'm able to look at objectively now.
He started off horrifically, but had only been in the job a few months to be honest. The one thing that has impressed me is the rotation of the squad which has kept our key players free from lengthy injury. The subs and tactics are disappointing, I feel he is too negative at times and willing to protect 1 goal leads (like today).
Overall I think he's done okay, not good but not bad either. But before we sing his praises remember:
Europa: Prague, Steau, Rubin, Basel, BENFICA
FA Cup: Southampton, Brentford, Boro, MAN UTD,
MAN CITY
Carling Cup: Leeds,
SWANSEA
Pretty much all sides you'd expect us to beat bar sides in Caps and even then one of those wins against a tired United side.
His tenure will be defined by next week. If we lose no matter what people say a 0 trophy return from 3 realistic opportunities doesn't look good, as does losing 2 semi finals and a final. If Benitez can win the Europa League next Wednesday, I don't think he's done himself any harm getting a job back in Spain where the competition is rated highly, even PSG is being touted.
Yes Purley very surprised as we are not playing that badly.
District,I thought that we were competing with the top sides already being in 5th place only three points behind you and one behind Arsenal.
Just a word of caution. It rarely works going back to a team,ask Robbie Keane and Kenny Dalglish.
Agree, you've definitely overachieved this season but will only get better. We've underachieved massively and no matter what they say Arsenal have too.
Now that Fergie has left that leaves the door wide open for anyone from the top 4/5 to challenge.
As for Mourinho, I hope fellow Blues don't become nieve and think it'll be the same as last time. It won't, but Mourinho has a track record of success wherever he's been (even at Madrid where viewed as a failure by some).
Azpilicueta, Hazard, Oscar, Mata, Luiz and Ramires are all exceptional players, with the right nurturing and coaching they can be up there with the world's best.
World Cup year next season and players always seem to reach their best form when it is.
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