08 Aug 2017 04:35:23
I was wondering if I could ask one of the Eds a question to help me understand Chelsea's approach to transfers. I hope one of you can help.
When Mr Abramovich first came to Chelsea he took our transfer dealings to an unheralded level. This approach then changed with the implementation of FFP. What I would like to know is with FFP evidently being less of a concern to many clubs now, what with the spiralling transfer fees and wages that are being both asked for and paid, why has Chelsea's approach stayed so wedded to financial prudence? We have agreed far more advantageous commercial agreements and broadcast rights have also grown significantly. Is it anything to do with the ability of the owner to fund such dealings now what with some clubs being commercial beasts (United) and others state backed (PSG and City in various guises)?
I am conscious that Ed002 often repeats that the club will not be held to ransom and will also not buy for the sake of it but how does that reconcile itself when it is evident that the club does need to buy and so clubs will look to charge the highest fee possible? If it came to it would the club be more likely to pay the quoted amount or go into a season short of the desired resource but having maintained their negotiating stance?
If any of this is naive or hugely wide of the mark, I apologise. I am just trying to make some sense of the incoming and outgoings over the past few windows. I understand that many players have moved on for a greater chance of regular first team football but I find it strange that we have allowed so many to leave before securing replacements.
Any thoughts or insights that can be shared would be gratefully received.
{Ed002's Note - (a) FFP is not of less a concern to anyone. (b) There is no funding issue. (c) The cloub won't be held to ransom but I am not aware of any transfer where this has meant a player has not signed for Chelsea. There might be one, but I cannot think of anyone right now.}
08 Aug 2017 10:17:11
Thank you very much for taking the time to reply Ed002.
I stand corrected regarding FFP. That was my assumption based on why some clubs are spending but I appreciate that it's incorrect.
May I ask you if in your opinion Antonio Conte will leave Chelsea because of his dissatisfaction with the club's performance in this and the previous two transfer windows? That is unless there is a real change in circumstances between now and the window closing.
{Ed002's Note - Where do you think the performance has been unsatisfactory?}
08 Aug 2017 10:46:23
Apologies, that is an assumption I have made. Maybe wrongly, I believed that Mr Conte had asked for certain players to be recruited last summer and in January and they didn't arrive at Chelsea. Currently his own words in press conferences suggest he is frustrated and unhappy regarding recruitment.
{Ed002's Note - Which players are these?}
08 Aug 2017 10:58:56
Currently Sandro and Danilo from this window. Or is that wide of the mark?
{Ed002's Note - I am not going to give you any detail about Sandro but Juventus don't want to sell him, so that is hardly the fault of anyone at Chelsea. Danilo was not the player Conte wanted at right back, Antonio Rudiger was as he can cover at centre back as well. Chelsea signed him. Conte wanted Bakayoko over Kessie - Chelsea signed him as well. Conte wants Drinkwater, hence the efforts.}
08 Aug 2017 11:12:50
Thank you. I stand corrected and appreciate you putting me straight.
Is Mr Conte's current frustration to do with something other than simple transfer strategy then? He is cutting a rather dejected figure currently.
Again, I appreciate your time and insight, thank you.
{Ed002's Note - It is simply timing - it is very difficult to do things instantaneously. van Dijk is a good example. Conte wants him, it will be difficult at best.}
08 Aug 2017 11:24:15
Thank you Ed002.
Hopefully Marina can pull some rabbits out the hat and make Mr Conte a happy man again. I think he is a fabulous coach so would hate to see him leave. The lack of a an extension to his contract was the first thing that gave me cause for concern.
08 Aug 2017 22:03:40
Cheers ed!