Let’s start off this feature by acknowledging the fact that at this moment in time, Chelsea are in the worst form since Roman Abramovich took over.
It’s clear to everyone. 40,000 in the ground and everybody around the world can see crystal clear where things need changing. The only person that can’t, or won’t, is the only person who is in charge to change it. Jose Mourinho.
From the 3-0 hammering away at Manchester City, it was clear that Branislav Ivanovic needed to be dropped and that was the second game into our season. Since the defeat at the Etihad, it seems as though Mourinho is quite happy ruining the end of the Serbian’s career. If he cared that much, he’d simply acknowledge that Ivanovic needs to be dropped and I think the player knows that himself. However, I think I see why Mourinho isn’t picking Baba Rahman. As much as the boss wants to use the ‘he’s not ready’excuse all he wants, the Chelsea fans aren’t stupid enough to say ‘okay Mourinho if you say so.’
In fact, I think it’s the Portuguese’s ego that’s getting in the way. If reports are to be believed that it wasn’t Mourinho who brought Baba in because he was spending so much time focusing on Stones, he simply, to be annoying, won’t pick him.
Take this for example. Jose Mourinho admitted himself that it wasn’t him that signed Papy Djilobodji on Transfer Deadline Day. So, despite the fact that we are crying out for something fresh in the defence, the Senegalese can’t even get into the matchday squad – let alone in the starting XI.
In my opinion, no matter what anyone says, the blame is there on Mourinho’s doorstep. He has the power to change where needs changing.
Cesc Fabregas is a luxury player at Chelsea. When the team is playing superb, he’ll make us play even better. When we are struggling, he’s nowhere to be seen. However, Cesc knows that there’s no-one within our squad that can come in and replace what the Spaniard does. Fact.
Next problem. John Terry. Following our rare defeat in Europe against Porto last Tuesday, CAPTAIN John Terry was out ‘warming down’ five minutes after the final whistle. Common sense will tell you that after only five minutes, Mourinho will be given his debrief and the captain would, and should, be there? No. JT was out on the pitch by himself. Is that showing signs of Mou losing his captain? Sounds like it to me.
However, despite my argument, JT has backed Mourinho.
Right, I’ve had enough of criticising things that are in the past, now it’s all about how we amend our problems to solve them.
Let’s start with short-term. The XI. I think most Chelsea fans will agree when I say we should be switching Cesar Azpilicueta to right-back and putting Baba Rahman in his preferred left-back position. Next, Fabregas hits the bench for a game (or 5) and we stick young Ruben Loftus-Cheek in there next to Matic. That’ll solidify us at the back and give our defence some protection. Loftus-Cheek is young, fresh and eager to impress.
Now, here’s the tricky part. Long-term changes. I am very grateful that Chelsea came out to state that Mourinho has their full support. We’ve been crying out for that kind of stability on the field since Abramovich bought the club because he’s simply had no problem with sacking and paying off managers who are failing to live up to the expectations. Just think of the list: Hiddink, Di Matteo, Benitez, Villas-Boas, Ancelotti, the list just goes on and on. It’s not what we need anymore, we have the best manager in the league and if anyone can sort out what needs sorting, it’s Jose.
It’s understandable that some Chelsea fans are throwing their toys out of their pram because of the current form in which we are currently in. It’s fair that most haven’t seen the Blues when they never won. What I don’t appreciate seeing or hearing is booing the players and making rash comments like wanting Mourinho out. We don’t want that manager merry-go-round.
So, as a club, we stick together through the hard times. Of course, people have opinions etc and that’s fine to express them, but rash comments are pointless in a time where all we need to do is get behind our beloved team.
