The State of Chelsea F.C.

Now I have been a Chelsea fan for a few years (just past the beginning of Mourinho era) and what initially drew me to Chelsea was the die hard defending and great long range shooting legendary mids. Drogba grew on me but it had never really been about the strikers. The last couple years have been an awkward time of transition for the club. The revolving door of managers, young players stalling in reserves or going on loan, random new transfers not fitting to any strategy. This will be the most exciting season in a couple years and couple be a start of the RDM era. There is a lot riding on this season.

First off is now that Roberto Di Matteo is not in the pressure cooker of saving the club, it will be interesting to see his policy on things like rotating new players and if (with his great man management skills) he can make what old guard players are left feel wanted even if they may need less play time. What is making this easier is that a lot of the fring old guard are dropping out so it really becomes play Cole a lot and rotate Bertrand, play Terry a lot with Luiz and Cahill learning from him, rotate Lampard but put him in big matches at least.

I am excited for Mata to finally not have to be almost solely responsible for the pace on offense (granted Ramires has been wonderful too). Hazard-Torres-Mata have the ability to work a lot like Gomez-Schweinesteiger-Ozil. A lot of pace and creativity in midfield to a striker who makes good runs and is eager to work with the ball.

This will be the biggest year in Torres' recent career. He will have a tirade of opportunities now with the assist kings he has in behind him. If he survives this season (no serious injury or transfer) Torres must hit 15-17 goals this season. There will be no excuse. Unless he turns those to assists and allows Mata or Hazard to have at it. It will be interesting to see this.

I will be happy to at least for a while not be considered a fan of the club that "killed football" but to play the attractive football that Roman has been craving.

These are the main reasons I can't wait for next season.

KTBFFH,
Daniel