To continue the flood of posts, I'll address our latest rumoured departee... But first, a brief introduction. To anyone who comments regularly on ESPNsoccernet, you've probably seen a million of my posts, and many know of my diehard Chelsea supporting habits. So basically, when BBLBDB suggested a Chelsea blog and asked if I wanted to help, I jumped at the chance. Thank you Gators, SuperBlueLion and BornBlue.
Basically, Ricardo Carvalho has been with us since the 2004/05 season, and has been loved by many Chelsea fans, and underrated by many Chelsea haters. One of the centre backs who was so crucial in maintaining such a fine defensive record in the EPL to help us win our first league title in 50 years, Carvalho was to grow into a much loved player, and one of the gears in the Chelsea war machine, so to speak.
Costing us nearly 20 million pounds, he was seen as one of our first major "galactico" signings. At the end of the 04/05 season, he had made 39 appearances and scored 1 goal. We were proud to say he was one of our best, as he had finished in the team of the year for the Champion's League the year beforehand. 2005/06 was to be a bit more difficult for Ricardo though, as we defended our title... But not without consequences for him.
Unhappy with the amount of gametime he was receiving, he chose to speak out in public. This put him in the bad books with then coach, Jose Mourinho, who publicly criticised him... However, he bounced back, and ended up in fine scoring form. Several goals in Europe, including one against Anderlecht, saw him return to the good books with the coach. He continued his fine form for the rest of the year, despite picking up his first red card for Chelsea, and was very much part of securing the title once more, as he scored a stunner against Manchester United to ensure we won the league.
Over the next few years, Carvalho really continued his fine form, up until this year... He suffered several injuries, mostly to the hamstring and calf, as he was kept to only 18 appearances. When he did play in those games, he conceded 0.78 goals per game... A massive 0.26 more than Alex, 0.3 more than Terry and 0.18 more than Ivanovic. Unhappy with his lack of game time, which many believe was deserved due to lack of fitness and poor form, he decided to speak his mind. What he said was to shock many Chelsea fans.
Essentially, he was unhappy with how he had been treated by Chelsea FC and wanted to leave. Could this be a cop out so that he may return to his former coach? Or could this be an attempt at a final, massive pay day? Who knows. Though, what we do know, is that Ricardo Carvalho is a Chelsea legend, and we will always remember him. We hope that if he does leave, it is on good terms, as that's how we would like to explain Riccy to our children... A man so crucial in securing our first titles in 50 years.
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Allow me copy my comment from the ESPN soccernet, to clairfy why I think Carvalho is leaving.......
ReplyDeleteUnfortunetely his injury in 08/09 prevented him from getting starts, and as both Alex and surprising Ivanovic hit form (both of which has much less wages), there was no place for Ricardo (probably still the best tackler in football, reminds me of Maldini on that). With second place as centre-back split between Brazilian and the Serb, and england international as back-up (Mancienne), there is no point holding place for Ricardo and most important his salary. Besides you cant just come to Alex and Ivanovic----sorry lads, you scored vital goal against Pool, and you scored two (!!) agaisnt pool, but Ricardo plays regardless.......... It is not fair to the players, it is not fair to the club.
In other words, we need to get rid off one defender, in order to lower our weekly payouts, and give POSSIBLE space to reserve Mancienne. And in this circumstences Ricardo looks like the best option.
If ricardo is sold, should we look for replacements in the mold of RC, or do you think JT and Alex/Ivanovic would make a good partnership.
ReplyDeleteSuper's post is spot on. I would rather see Alex and Ivanovic used in a rotation system rather than being second and third picks to an injured and aging Carvalho. Now is the time that we need to start giving Mancienne a bit of first team playing time to keep him developing well.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I think Carvalho is a better defender than Terry, they compliment each other perfectly. Terry is an all hands on deck, throw yourself at the ball type of defender. While Carvalho is a more patient player who makes fewer tackles simply because of his perfect positioning (much the same way Maldini did). I'm ready to see him go because we have other quality defenders but I'm a little worried that Alex & Ivanovic are too much like Terry.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I think his time has come. He is still one of Jose's soldiers and the team needs to move on ... it's bad enough with Drogba (even Deco) longing for Jose and I think as many elements of that need to be eliminated. Look at how successful Hiddink was, and all he did was unify the dressing room.
Jeff I think you are a bit harsh on Drogs, yes he missed some sitter (who doesnt), but for his stunts (especially in CL semi final) I LOVE him, although hated before. As a fan and a human I would act the same way, and Drogs i think is a real fan of Chelsea, being so passionate about this game it makes a mokery for other teams in press conferences but puts great fear in them on the pitch.
ReplyDeleteDeco.....so over. (Btw he wasnt signed by JM) Sell him sell him sell him and use the money to increase Essiens pay. 8)
Essien is already getting paid roughly £73,000 a week and is signed until 2013. I'd focus more on getting as much money for Deco as possible and call it a wash.
ReplyDeleteI heart Drogba as well, but I can't condone some of what he said too the press after Jose left.
ReplyDeleteDeco, not signed by Jose but will always want to go back to him, the same was true when he was at Barca. Jose brought out the best in him.
As for Essien, pay him whatever he wants. In my mind he's the best midfielder in the world.