Interesting twist this might be if Chelsea board will decide not to pay Sheva's weekly wages (which are in range of 130 euros per week). Even for Chelsea this is a bit expensive, especially for a player that might have to watch most of the season from the bench.
Such wage demands seem not to be a problem for Qatari football club Al-Gharafa and they would welcome Sheva with open hands.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Chelsea, all is quiet on the transfer front?
While likes of Real Madrid making huge noise in the transfer market by splashing out huge amount of money on just two players, some Chelsea supporters view Chelsea's inactivity as a negative thing.
You see, we're not active enough and we've "failed" to bring in "established" name. For once we cannot be accused of ruining Football though...
Let's not get overly excited and when you think about it, Carlo Ancelotti will officially start working for CFC early July, yet we've been linked to ones of Pato, Ribery, David Villa, Maicon, number of Seria A soon to be geriatric players such as Pirlo and countless others.
When we examine what transpired so far is the situation that bad?
Yes, Deco is not happy and trying to go to Inter Milan. He is moaning and groaning about his "unhappiness" and about treatment of Scholari. Carvalho is strongly linked with the same move, both players would love to be reunited with Jose. We may or may not get player in return + cash, again only rumors so far but deal seems to be imminent.
Sturrige signing is all but done, tribunal will determine fee that we're to pay for the 19 year old. He surely will give us pace and another option in attack. His wage demands is another topic of discussion, but there is no denial that he's got loads of potential to shine.
Malouda has been resigned to a two year contracr, It most likely signals that we've failed to work out suitable deal for Ribery and that he will be going to Real Madrid, even though at the moment he is "not for sale". If this is the case, I'd expect Bosingwa to stay with us.
With Joe Cole back in action and possibility of adding Zhirkov, we might have winger situation sorted. It would be nice to see wingers as affective as Robben and Duff were under Jose.
"The Duck" Pato, said that he will speak to Ancelotti before deciding his future, thus speculation in regards to him staying at AC or coming to CFC is a bit premature.
Tevez saga, should be finished in 10 days, or so his agent says. Apparently we're in the running but realistically he'll probably join Man City, which would be pretty big win for Sparky.
Personally I'd prefer Chelsea fill in few positions that we lack enough cover for. Young keeper to be Petr's understudy would be great. We also should concentrate on younger players that could be developed and stay away from blockbuster deals even though, some fans might demand it. We have strong enough squad to compete for all of the trophies next season.
You see, we're not active enough and we've "failed" to bring in "established" name. For once we cannot be accused of ruining Football though...
Let's not get overly excited and when you think about it, Carlo Ancelotti will officially start working for CFC early July, yet we've been linked to ones of Pato, Ribery, David Villa, Maicon, number of Seria A soon to be geriatric players such as Pirlo and countless others.
When we examine what transpired so far is the situation that bad?
Yes, Deco is not happy and trying to go to Inter Milan. He is moaning and groaning about his "unhappiness" and about treatment of Scholari. Carvalho is strongly linked with the same move, both players would love to be reunited with Jose. We may or may not get player in return + cash, again only rumors so far but deal seems to be imminent.
Sturrige signing is all but done, tribunal will determine fee that we're to pay for the 19 year old. He surely will give us pace and another option in attack. His wage demands is another topic of discussion, but there is no denial that he's got loads of potential to shine.
Malouda has been resigned to a two year contracr, It most likely signals that we've failed to work out suitable deal for Ribery and that he will be going to Real Madrid, even though at the moment he is "not for sale". If this is the case, I'd expect Bosingwa to stay with us.
With Joe Cole back in action and possibility of adding Zhirkov, we might have winger situation sorted. It would be nice to see wingers as affective as Robben and Duff were under Jose.
"The Duck" Pato, said that he will speak to Ancelotti before deciding his future, thus speculation in regards to him staying at AC or coming to CFC is a bit premature.
Tevez saga, should be finished in 10 days, or so his agent says. Apparently we're in the running but realistically he'll probably join Man City, which would be pretty big win for Sparky.
Personally I'd prefer Chelsea fill in few positions that we lack enough cover for. Young keeper to be Petr's understudy would be great. We also should concentrate on younger players that could be developed and stay away from blockbuster deals even though, some fans might demand it. We have strong enough squad to compete for all of the trophies next season.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Could Sheva prove to be useful?
The other day I've read that Sheva intends to see through his contract with Chelsea FC until it's end. As you might know, former Ballon d'Or winner, has failed to live up to his 30 Million pound price tag.
His first year with Chelsea was plagued with injuries and he ended up sitting most of the season on the bench. Yet he amassed pretty respectable 9 goals. Year after that he has been loaned out back to the AC Milan after yet another Chelsea managerial change.
I do wonder if he could still make impact next season with Anchelotti in charge. Sheva reminds me a bit of Crespo, similar age, similar death touch around the net. Both have superb positioning. Some will say that Sheva has no pace for EPL or that he is not very physical. They may or may not be right. If deployed correctly and with proper support, Sheva's quality would outshine his "flaws".
This would be his second stint with Chelsea, expectations are not as high, media eye most likely will be focused on someone else, who knows it could be ones of Pato or David Villa (if things go our way). No one can question Sheva's vast experience and quality. It would be his own expectation and desire to prove that he's got what it takes. Question remains, will he be given another chance?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Chelseas Fixtures for 09/10 Season have been announced
List of potential fixtures in all competitions:
Sat Jul 18 Seattle Sounders A - pre-season
Tue Jul 21 Inter (in Los Angeles) - pre-season
Fri 24 Jul AC Milan (in Baltimore) - pre-season
Sun 26 Jul Club America (in Dallas) - pre-season
Sat Aug 1 Reading A - pre-season
Sun Aug 9 Man United (Community Shield at Wembley)
+----+
Wed Aug 12 International fixtures
Sat Aug 15 Hull City H
Tue Aug 18 Sunderland A
Sat Aug 22 Fulham A
Sat Aug 29 Burnley H
Sat 5 - Wed 9 Sep - International fixtures
Sat Sep 12 Stoke City A
Tue 15/Wed 16 Sep - Champions League group stage matchday 1
Sat Sep 19 Tottenham Hotspur H
Wed Sep 23 Carling Cup Round 3
Sat Sep 26 Wigan Athletic A
Tues 29 Sep/Wed 30 Sep - Champions League group stage matchday 2
Sat Oct 3 Liverpool H
Sat 10 Oct - Wed 14 Oct - International fixtures
Sat Oct 17 Aston Villa A
Tue 20/Wed 21 Oct - Champions League group stage matchday 3
Sat Oct 24 Blackburn Rovers H
Wed Oct 28 Carling Cup Round 4
Sat Oct 31 Bolton Wanderers A
Tue 3 Nov/Wed 4 Nov - Champions League group stage matchday 4
Sat Nov 7 Manchester United H
Sat 11 - Wed 14 Nov - International fixtures
Sat Nov 21 Wolverhampton Wanderers H
Tue 24 Nov/Wed 25 Nov - Champions League group stage matchday 5
Sat Nov 28 Arsenal A
Wed Dec 2 Carling Cup Quarter-Final
Sat Dec 5 Manchester City A
Tue 8/Wed 9 Dec - Champions League group stage matchday 6
Sat Dec 12 Everton H
Wed Dec 16 Portsmouth H
Sat Dec 19 West Ham United A
Sat Dec 26 Birmingham City A
Mon Dec 28 Fulham H
Sat Jan 2 FA Cup Round 3
Wed Jan 6 Carling Cup Semi-Final (1)
Sat Jan 9 Hull City A
Sun 10 - Sun 31 Jan - Africa Cup of Nations
Sat Jan 16 Sunderland H
Wed Jan 20 Carling Cup Semi-Final (2)
Sat Jan 23 FA Cup Round 4
Wed Jan 27 Birmingham City H
Sat Jan 30 Burnley A
Sat Feb 6 Arsenal H
Wed Feb 10 Everton A
Sat Feb 13 FA Cup Round 5
Tue 16/Wed 17 Feb - Champions League first knockout round - first leg (half the fixtures)
Sat Feb 20 Wolverhampton Wanderers A
Tue 23/Wed 24 Feb - Champions League first knockout round - first leg (half the fixtures)
Sat Feb 27 Manchester City H
Sun Feb 28 Carling Cup Final
Sat Mar 6 Portsmouth A orFA Cup Round 6
Tue 9/Wed 10 Mar - Champions League first knockout round - second leg (half the fixtures)
Sat Mar 13 West Ham United H
Tue 16/Wed 17 Mar - Champions League first knockout round - second leg (half the fixtures)
Sat Mar 20 Blackburn Rovers A
Sat Mar 27 Aston Villa H
Tue 30/Wed 31 Mar - Champions League quarter-final - first leg
Sat Apr 3 Manchester United A
Tue 6/Wed 7 Apr - Champions League quarter-final - second leg
Sat Apr 10 Bolton Wanderers H or FA Cup Semi-Final
Sat Apr 17 Tottenham Hotspur A
Tue 20/Wed 21 Apr - Champions League semi-final - first leg
Sat Apr 24 Stoke City H
Tue 27/Wed 28 Apr - Champions League semi-final - second leg
Sat May 1 Liverpool A
Sun May 9 Wigan Athletic H
Sat May 15 FA Cup Final
Sat 22 May - Champions League Final
Fri 11 Jun - Sun 11 Jul - World Cup Finals
Copyright © and Database Right 2009 The Football Association Premier League Ltd / The Football League Ltd. All rights reserved.
Compiled in association with Atos Origin. Fixtures are subject to change.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Transfer madness
Real Madrid is at it again, spending huge bucks on established stars in an attempt to cash in on shirt sales. Surely they have learned their lesson in the past that stars alone don't win championships and it is quite hard to keep them all happy. Each of them big stars must fit their ego into the dressing room, in a way it is a can of compressed air, make sure there are no leaks.
In any case, Kaka joined Real, smartly he didn't choose Man City and who could blame him? They could't crack even Europa league. Ronaldo (Fake Ronnie) is also on his way out of the Man United to team up with Kaka, good riddance. Was getting tired of seeing his whining antics.
There are number of rumors surrounding Chelsea. Apparently we have "lost the race" to sign Glen Johnson... hard to believe this story as we have number of defenders young and not so young that are not any worse than Glen. Speaking of which, Carvalho's future is also to be decided, he migth be heading to a reunion with Jose, along with Deco. Apparently he has lost joy for football at Chelsea after not being able to crack starting lineup under Guus. Both of players are becoming injury prone and had pretty horribles seasons. Italian "technical" league with slower pace and larger fields would be ideal to revitalize their careers.
Chelsea have bid and got a rejection from Byern, Frank Ribery is a target. United also trying to get him. We've also put a bid for David Villa... what an interesting signing he would be, it is unclear where he'd play though. Surely we'd have to sell a striker if we sign him. I'd be really surprised if we did though. Apparently he wants to play in Spain and getting an unhappy player might not be best option. Then again, Crespo wasn't super happy either but he had death touch around the net.
Pato is another target, who apparently "Wants to win everything with Milan". Sounds a like that statement has been practiced in front of the hotel bathroom mirror.
Shevchenko, our faded star is still on our books and is being shopped around in France..
Pizzaro saga will be interesting to watch also, he's been quite good on Germany and naturally would like to stay there, for the right price that is.
Drogba's contract is up in the air, apparently we want to get our hands on Swedish delight Ibrahimovich in some sort of exchange for Drogs? Interesting, if anything I'd go after Ballotelli, he's got size, skill and bright future.
In any case, Kaka joined Real, smartly he didn't choose Man City and who could blame him? They could't crack even Europa league. Ronaldo (Fake Ronnie) is also on his way out of the Man United to team up with Kaka, good riddance. Was getting tired of seeing his whining antics.
There are number of rumors surrounding Chelsea. Apparently we have "lost the race" to sign Glen Johnson... hard to believe this story as we have number of defenders young and not so young that are not any worse than Glen. Speaking of which, Carvalho's future is also to be decided, he migth be heading to a reunion with Jose, along with Deco. Apparently he has lost joy for football at Chelsea after not being able to crack starting lineup under Guus. Both of players are becoming injury prone and had pretty horribles seasons. Italian "technical" league with slower pace and larger fields would be ideal to revitalize their careers.
Chelsea have bid and got a rejection from Byern, Frank Ribery is a target. United also trying to get him. We've also put a bid for David Villa... what an interesting signing he would be, it is unclear where he'd play though. Surely we'd have to sell a striker if we sign him. I'd be really surprised if we did though. Apparently he wants to play in Spain and getting an unhappy player might not be best option. Then again, Crespo wasn't super happy either but he had death touch around the net.
Pato is another target, who apparently "Wants to win everything with Milan". Sounds a like that statement has been practiced in front of the hotel bathroom mirror.
Shevchenko, our faded star is still on our books and is being shopped around in France..
Pizzaro saga will be interesting to watch also, he's been quite good on Germany and naturally would like to stay there, for the right price that is.
Drogba's contract is up in the air, apparently we want to get our hands on Swedish delight Ibrahimovich in some sort of exchange for Drogs? Interesting, if anything I'd go after Ballotelli, he's got size, skill and bright future.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Scolari gets a gig in... Uzbekistan?!
Reuters reports that former Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has been named coach of Bunyodkor, the Uzbek champions said on Tuesday.
The 60-year-old World Cup winning coach, who was sacked by the west London Premier League club in February, has agreed an 18-month contract with the Uzbek side.
Scolari succeeds fellow Brazilian Zico, who led Bunyodkor to the league and cup double and Asian Champions League semi-finals last year before quitting in December to join CSKA Moscow.
Interesting choice for next gig isn't it?
“Uzbek football now creates its own success story, especially Bunyodkor with its remarkable dynamism and prospects for the past four years,” said Scolari.
“I know that I am in the right place at the right time and in the right team.”Europa league to experiment with goal-line officials
Fifa has announced that matches in the Europa League – formerly the Uefa Cup – next season will be played with two extra assistant referees behind the goal-lines as part of an experiment instead of using any sort of technology. This move surely is a step into right direction and is a brainchild of Michel Platini. I do wonder how successfull this will be, especially when it is evident that referee numbers have been going down.
"The International FA board decided 'let's have experiments with two additional assistant referees' and we were looking where we can have such experiments. Now we have found a solution together with Michel Platini and Uefa," said the Fifa president, Sepp Blatter.
Surely Blatter is a man of his word, in 2006 he said:
"As long I am president, it will only be goal-line technology. Until I am no longer president, there will be no chance (for video replays)."
I am not arguing for replays, goal line technology should be enough (unless Ovrebo is a match ref), but it has been number of years and best they can come up with is 2 extra assistants?
I am counting the days until this dinosaur has moved on and allowed someone with progressive views to start process of bringing football in to 21st century.
"The International FA board decided 'let's have experiments with two additional assistant referees' and we were looking where we can have such experiments. Now we have found a solution together with Michel Platini and Uefa," said the Fifa president, Sepp Blatter.
Surely Blatter is a man of his word, in 2006 he said:
"As long I am president, it will only be goal-line technology. Until I am no longer president, there will be no chance (for video replays)."
I am not arguing for replays, goal line technology should be enough (unless Ovrebo is a match ref), but it has been number of years and best they can come up with is 2 extra assistants?
I am counting the days until this dinosaur has moved on and allowed someone with progressive views to start process of bringing football in to 21st century.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Two year wait is over
At times it felt much longer than 2 years without silverware for Chelsea FC. How painful was it to watch Manchester United celebrate yet another Premier League win? It took more than one manager but only Dutch Magician managed to finally deliver! Perfect farewell present for all of us. I am still walking around with a silly grin, it gets wider once I think of celebrations after
the game.
It was a cracking match, under sweltering +40C temperature, it was Everton who drew first blood in record breaking fashion. Move on Roberto Di Matteo, here comes Saha! It only took 25 seconds for Louis Saha to unleash unstoppable volley after weak clearance from Mikel. First record on this record breaking day, have fallen. Fastest goal in FA Cup final has been scored.
No matter what tv commentators we saying, Chelsea did not panic. Ball possession was key. Crisp passes, flank attacks. Malouda and Ashley Cole were starting to dominate Hibbert whom Moyes replaced during half time. One of the Malouda's crosses eventually found Didier Drogba who out muscled Lescott and unleashed textbook header into Evertons goal, 1-1. Drogba has a wonderful habbit of scoring in Finals. In fact he's first to score in new Wembley when Maurinho's Chelsea beat Manchester United two years ago.
It took 21 minutes to respond but respond we did. Everton rarely threatened with occasional cross here and there. Saha came closest again with a header, but his missed the goal. Rest of the game went on like this:
Chelsea attacks, Everton's stubborn defense. Ashley Cole, Malouda and Anelka had close chances but somehow managed not to score.
Thoughts of another draw were flooding my head. After all, we're yet to beat Everton this year. Memories of their shootout victory against Manchester United were not welcome and worrisome.
Then there was Frank Lampard. As per his usual, he was having another fine game. Eventual game winner was a testament to everything that Lampard is to Chelsea. And as Simon Mullock wrote, Franks strike keeps up Lampard family tradition. You see, it was Frank Lampard Sr. who famously danced around the corner flag after scoring his goal, coincidentally against Everton.
Franks effort on goal was brilliant. Not only he regained his footing after stumbling due to Phil Neville's challenge, he was able to strike ball with his left foot. Strike had enough power to get by the keeper Tim Howard. He was able to get his hand on the ball, but that was not enough.
It was game winning goal, Franks 100th in 5 years. No wonder some call Frank a machine!
There was another goal, that didn't count. Malouda's shot. What a wonderful effort, Howard was helpless. Alas ref nor linesman were not in position to make proper call. Once again it was proven to the whole world that video technology is needed.
Fortunately in the end it didn't matter. Evertonian hearts were broken once again and Moyes walked away from yet another Cup Final empty handed. Hopefully they will continue to win games and able to crack top four as soon as next year.
Post game celebrations were joy to watch for any Chelsea fan and it is sad to see Guus leave. He shall remain in our hearts forever.
the game.It was a cracking match, under sweltering +40C temperature, it was Everton who drew first blood in record breaking fashion. Move on Roberto Di Matteo, here comes Saha! It only took 25 seconds for Louis Saha to unleash unstoppable volley after weak clearance from Mikel. First record on this record breaking day, have fallen. Fastest goal in FA Cup final has been scored.
No matter what tv commentators we saying, Chelsea did not panic. Ball possession was key. Crisp passes, flank attacks. Malouda and Ashley Cole were starting to dominate Hibbert whom Moyes replaced during half time. One of the Malouda's crosses eventually found Didier Drogba who out muscled Lescott and unleashed textbook header into Evertons goal, 1-1. Drogba has a wonderful habbit of scoring in Finals. In fact he's first to score in new Wembley when Maurinho's Chelsea beat Manchester United two years ago.
It took 21 minutes to respond but respond we did. Everton rarely threatened with occasional cross here and there. Saha came closest again with a header, but his missed the goal. Rest of the game went on like this:Chelsea attacks, Everton's stubborn defense. Ashley Cole, Malouda and Anelka had close chances but somehow managed not to score.
Thoughts of another draw were flooding my head. After all, we're yet to beat Everton this year. Memories of their shootout victory against Manchester United were not welcome and worrisome.
Then there was Frank Lampard. As per his usual, he was having another fine game. Eventual game winner was a testament to everything that Lampard is to Chelsea. And as Simon Mullock wrote, Franks strike keeps up Lampard family tradition. You see, it was Frank Lampard Sr. who famously danced around the corner flag after scoring his goal, coincidentally against Everton.
Franks effort on goal was brilliant. Not only he regained his footing after stumbling due to Phil Neville's challenge, he was able to strike ball with his left foot. Strike had enough power to get by the keeper Tim Howard. He was able to get his hand on the ball, but that was not enough.
It was game winning goal, Franks 100th in 5 years. No wonder some call Frank a machine!
There was another goal, that didn't count. Malouda's shot. What a wonderful effort, Howard was helpless. Alas ref nor linesman were not in position to make proper call. Once again it was proven to the whole world that video technology is needed.
Fortunately in the end it didn't matter. Evertonian hearts were broken once again and Moyes walked away from yet another Cup Final empty handed. Hopefully they will continue to win games and able to crack top four as soon as next year.Post game celebrations were joy to watch for any Chelsea fan and it is sad to see Guus leave. He shall remain in our hearts forever.
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