28 Dec 2025 03:57:52
Eighteen league games into the season, we won two of our first six and only one of our last six - two thirds of our season so far have been patches of, at best, mid table form. If not for the spotty form of those teams considered our positional rivals, top four / five would already be as unlikely a scenario as top three currently looks. In the search for a silver lining, I suppose the fact that we’re in the race for top four / five is something to cling onto.
Maresca’s hiring of new representation, is a clear indication that he’s eyeing a move away This must be clear to the club and it must be clear to the players too, right? In my opinion, the quicker he goes, the better. It is happening, it’s just a matter of now or the end of the season. There’s been too much talk of Maresca going to City, or even Juventus at times this season, and who we would consider as his replacement - there really is no smoke without fire.
But, when it happens, our sporting directors need to to go too. Take their squad building capabilities out of the equation, there are no clear and obvious options to replace Maresca, can our SD’s really be entrusted with, what should be, a systematic and wide search for another new head coach? I don’t think they can, and I really don’t want to be saying the same thing, this time next year, if not earlier, about Liam Rosenior.
28 Dec 2025 07:19:33
J, as always I enjoyed your post.
I have no idea about how EM sees his future and what effect his new agent will have on his future. When he was asked about the chances of him leaving in a recent press conference, he referred to his contract and said he wanted to stay. I personally think that decision will be the owners not his and will probably happen at the end of season review. If EM is replaced I would want the guy from Stuttgart.
I haven’t got a clue what the SD’s job description actually is, other than buy lots of players, who look like future stars. My cynical nature on this subject took over some time ago and I have long held the view we buy to sell. If that makes sense.
28 Dec 2025 07:45:13
It does make sense and, like it or not, it’s certainly part of the plan.
I bet Maresca mentioned his contract Tom, I’d also bet it wasn’t by accident. He’s more than likely hoping the club sack him and pay up as much of that contract as possible. The club, on the other hand, are probably holding out till some end of season clause kicks in and they don’t have to pay so much out when they sack him.
I honestly don’t know who would be best, heart says Fabregas, but the head questions his experience. Stuttgart coach has previously shown little interest in leaving. I find the links to Filipe Luis very strange, as he struggled to settle here as a player. I like Iraola, Bournemouth have had some poor results, but that would be expected after the last summer they had, selling almost their entire back five.
We were linked with Enrique, Flick and Nagelsmann last time round this merry go round, that quality of coach doesn’t appear to be available now.
{Ed001's Note - Fabregas wants older, experienced players.}
28 Dec 2025 08:06:56
Interesting insight as ever Ed001 and i don't blame Fabregas. I expect he would also want a proven number 9 and proven LB and CB addions plus a better Sanchez rival than Jorgensen perhaps.
{Ed001's Note - I meant older as in older, that is why Wise is gone as he wanted to bring through youth and have a sustainable long term approach. Fabregas wants to spend, spend, spend for the here and now and not worry about the club's future. I can't see his approach marrying with the Chelsea set up at all. He wants players at their peak or older only.}
28 Dec 2025 08:11:58
Smart from him Ed.
{Ed001's Note - no, it is an unsustainable approach, wanting over the hill players on big contracts. It is short termism.}
28 Dec 2025 08:30:43
The obvious conclusion from fans and pundits will probably be the Strasbourg boss but I will keep calling for the Stuttgart manager if EM is replaced. I was told that the Ipswich manager was close to getting the gig last time and is still highly regarded at the club.
J, I can’t see why EM would feel he is going to get paid out for his contract if he gets another job as is being suggested.
28 Dec 2025 08:38:21
Ahh, I thought you meant experienced to assist in his lack of experience, from a coaching standpoint.
Dare I ask, is there a coach out there who would align with the Chelsea set up?
{Ed001's Note - there are a lot that should, on the face of it, as most are forced to use youth throughout the leagues, due to finances. The problem is that they tend to drop that the moment they get access to more money, as Maresca is now. That is why you need a strong DoF/SD to control the transfers, as their job is about a long term view, whereas coaches look short term.}
28 Dec 2025 09:21:31
J, I entirely agree with your post. Leaving aside my opinion of Maresca it sees unlikely that he will be our coach next season. I can’t see any elite manager wanting to come to us with our present set-up. So I would be concerned about who would be on the SDs list.
That said, if Maresca stays it will be more of the same. I really don’t understand why Rosenior gets mentioned; he is hardly kicking up a storm in Ligue 1 and is effectively just babysitting some of our young players out on loan.
28 Dec 2025 10:04:52
How about giving Gladys the tea lady a ho she would be better than all mentioned also she could do a better job than the SD's and dare I see it, she might even get us a FOS.
28 Dec 2025 11:01:59
Ed, I completely agree with your point about managers and SDs different aims/targets.
28 Dec 2025 11:22:16
Bill, I’m all for giving Gladys a chance; she can’t do much worse.