I've just seen this in a newspaper called London 24 so no Idea of its reputation.Cant link it as page changes everyso often. Rafael Benitez says he didnât feel Chelsea captain John Terry had the match fitness to be thrown in to a game of the importance of yesterdayâs 2-1 win over Arsenal. Terry has not started a game since suffering an injury back in November and was an unused substitute at Stamford Bridge. Benitez said: âHe has to play, but you cannot play him in these kinds of games because, obviously, you have to play at home and you play high and itâs more difficult for him if he has not this match fitness.â Benitez admitted Terry would also have a fight on his hands to reclaim his place, adding: âEvery player here has to compete for his position and that is the good thing for the team and for me as a manager. I've highlighted the bit that worries me. Why after injury is he now having to 'fight' for his place. No time at all yet he played a full game recently with the younger lads. So if he "can't play these kind of games" what games can he play ?. Also if as he states the game was of such importance why the bloody 'ell was he playing our non scoring striker. Two thirds of the way through that game yesterday I was getting more and more pissed off with Benitez. After reading this I am even more baffled by his attitude. Get J out there for at least part of a game, he felt he was ready weeks ago.
It's funny. We have fans moaning about rotation and we have fans wanting changes. It shows what a wonderful game of differing opinions football is. Personally I don't think he should have played yesterday. I don't care about the League Cup so I'd play him then at least for the opening hour.
Putting it simply, we don't really know Terry's fitness level or how well he's doing in training etc. Rafa does and has to be trusted to do a job. The two boys who played are more than good enough and ultimately we got the result. Much happier than 24 hours ago. I hope JT can start midweek and help with the fightback!!
I would rather his first start after injury was not against a team like Arsenal, who have pace and some trickery. A more physical battle might be a better test. I think he might have been caught out a few times yesterday, so, for the first time ever, I find myself agreeing with Rafa.......Just going to the Dr's for some more medication, because something is clearly wrong with me.
I agree a start against Swansea is a more sensible route to get him settled back in, even if he doesn't complete the match and is subbed at some point!
Should be fine with a full game than at Brentford and then Rafa has the headache of deciding is favored 2. Please don't stick Ivan back at rb though,Azpi is doing really well and is really make the right side his own.
I'm with the FSW on this one. It would have been silly to throw JT in at home to a team like Arsenal. The team put out was good apart from Torres but Ba was never going to play 3 games in a week.
JT is is a shocking physical state, due to his own desire to play with an injury. Consequently he has become fragile. I say Save him till February when he'll be wound up and raring to go and properly fit.
I think due to the results recently I went into a bit of a panic re our defence, as we were 2-0 up last week and looking like the opposition were again going to climb back to get a draw. ( and I was bricking it a bit towards the end of the Arsenal game) and it made me think that we are missing the strength (and leadership ) of JT. Does anyone have any info on how he is then, to think he is in a 'shocking physical state'
AorD, I meant his accumulation of injuries over his career. His back and (left?) knee have never really healed and he has played 4-5 months on pain killers in the past due to his importance. He has had several concussions, a bone growth in his left foot, cheek bone break etc. I agree that Cech and Cole don't organise the back as well, but I do think Cahill gets better at this and seem to be leading by example more and more. I think if Cahill was given that defensive leadership with Ivanovic next to him would be our next best central defence. I'm all for JT hanging around a bit longer but we have to learn to cope without him.
I can't see JT as fragile lol but know what you mean, the older a footballer gets the more they fall apart. I agree about Cahill, and as you say one in and one out which is always what has to happen. Trouble is Ivanovic is 30 next year so may be another Chelsea 'old man' to be struggling with his contract.
Cahill is good and looks a leader but Ivan is a liability at centre back for me. He's a good full back and offers a goal threat but like Luiz, has a mistake in him. Luiz at least has some youth on his side and can learn and get better. Ivan is probably in his prime now.
Nice idea but given only really Bertrand has broken into the first team squad in over 10 years, I wont hold my breath for the kids to suddenly be used.
