Chelsea Banter 2

02 Aug 2026 18:14:06
Officially welcome Barco to our happy family. Let your performances do the talking.

02 Aug 2026 21:32:47
Second that, Tom, and it looks like our new LB is next in the door.

02 Aug 2026 21:39:44
Bill, fingers crossed, mate.

I would like a few more leaving, but then I would moan they are not the players I want to leave. Typical fickle fan, Bill.

03 Aug 2026 06:55:20
Tom

As I have said previously, we all have our own opinions, it doesn't mean they are alright or wrong, just our opinions.

03 Aug 2026 09:38:13
I think all fans have a bit of fickleness in them Tom and you have a steadier head than most!

There is still a long way to go in this transfer window and pre-season friendlies are not reliable ways to judge much if anything at this stage - though the way the youngster Satpaev played and took his goal in first one did impress in the one I watched.

Perhaps my major concern at this stage is that several of those who have left were up there with more consistent performers in a disappointing last season: Cucurella, TC (seemingly signing for Como if hasn't as I write this) and Santos.

They were among our best tacklers as well as weighing in with some goals. I just don't know how good one on one Lacroix is as a defender and Palestra v young and may take time to adapt to additional physicality and pace of the EPL. Essugo not as good as Santos yet in what I've seen of him and Lavia fitness problems and inability to date to play a whole game let alone two in a row hardly needs mentioning again. If Enzo F leaving as well, which seems more likely than not, we lose another good (if ot alwasy fair?!) tackler as well as creator and scorer of goals. Had hoped we might have tried for Bruno G from Newcastle if EF was leaving but BG seemingly off to an already v strong Arsenal squad.

At the moment, seems to me that Caicedo will have to work more miracles than ever in midfield unless still to gain another high quality partner with defensive midfield abilities. MR and CP not that. Henderson surely a bit long in the tooth - and surely a bit slower than in his prime? - though may help.

Then there is the matter of CFC GK first choice which we have all been worried about for ages. Alonso supposed to be making a decision here after pre-season but has hardly had an opportunity to my knowledge of judging Sanchez or Pendere beyond what he could look at on screen in terms of past play.

Finally, will Wellbeck be a sufficient back up or co-striker with Pedro or do we need another option as well? Isthe still very young Satpaev that option? Will Jackson be sold, Delap loaned?

03 Aug 2026 12:18:46
JBS, you raise some interesting questions, and I can only, like most fans, guess at the answers.

I can't see us buying Costa, and think Alonso will start with Sanchez at the start of the season. I think Delap will be sold to Everton or Forest. I'm not sure what is going to happen with Jackson.

I have this feeling Alonso will keep him in the squad. I assume Chalaboa, Disasi, Badiashile, plus maybe Tosin and Gusto, will be sold/loaned.

I am a very fickle fan with biased opinions, and if I'm honest, probably an agenda. The chances of the club making me completely happy are virtually zero.

03 Aug 2026 15:43:33
I think we can also include Guiu, either loaned or sold, and Mudryk loaned.

01 Aug 2026 12:46:19
So, pre season and will try not to overreact. That was generally a bang average performance.

I am not a fan of Tosin but he was shocking as was Josh. Also Palmer anonymous.

Things can (hopefully) only get better.

01 Aug 2026 14:03:24
I didn't see any of it. Tom was just following some online written commentary. Did seem Pedro was a threat, and that we squandered quite a few very good chances to get a second goal, but depressingly, managed to lose to a ten-man Spurs team who were also missing quite a few players.

Palmer being anonymous was too frequent a factor last season, when he was clearly battling with injury but didn't get the recommended surgery.

His only really top performances came in his debut season under Poch, and in the CWC under Maresca.

Do you think Alonso set us up right? Of course he does, and will need to judge who to keep or sell.

How were Estevao and Gittens (if Gittens was playing)?

Did anyone stand out in a positive way for you?

01 Aug 2026 14:04:23
I watched the first 70 odd minutes and switched off when the subs came on and went outside. I thought Palestra looked very raw and a little sluggish. Will take a little bit of time to get up to speed with English football. Gittens looked better than last season but not a huge accomplishment in itself. Wesley is atrocious and I really hope we're putting him in the window.

I actually thought Cole was one of our better players and played some beautiful balls.

It is pre season and I can't imagine his personality lends itself to getting too amped up for it.

The youngster (32) looked really assured when he came on at the start of the second half and seemed an upgrade on Lavia, who thankfully made it through 45 minutes unscathed. There's a big difference between Caicedo and Enzo in the middle compared to Lavia and Essugo and I am not worried about the result at all.

01 Aug 2026 14:31:51
JBS, Gittens did well enough, and, in my opinion, Palestra looked ok. Pedro always looked dangerous, as did Estevao.

I know it's early in pre season, but, in my opinion, it was generally a poor team performance.

01 Aug 2026 14:45:29
I have been involved in football for years, as a manager and former player, and have always regarded pre-season friendlies as a way of:

1 Improving match fitness.
2 Looking at trialists.
3 Implementing tactics.
4 Avoiding injuries.

1 was achieved.
2 was achieved, with 1 or 2 impressing.
3, a few signs.
4 achieved.

01 Aug 2026 15:13:20
Thanks all for further info and comments.

01 Aug 2026 15:33:24
I didn't see the game. Always disappointing to lose to Spurs. Thanks for the reports. I'm not worried - yet.

01 Aug 2026 16:06:53
We have a new manager with different tactics and new players, plus more to join the squad. Also, there will be outgoings, with maybe one or two more coming in.

On another day, we could, and maybe should, have won by 4.

01 Aug 2026 22:54:35
Long time viewer but new poster. Tom, you have highlighted Josh as being shocking? A young kid starting out on his football journey. Please try to be patient with these young players. We lost Rio, Salah, KDB, Olise, and so many others. Your sort of digs don't help.

What if the young lad read your comment? His confidence might be low. I like Bill's comments far more than yours, and also Jimbo's and JBS. Tom, you appear to be in control of the page and spoil it for others who then do not post.

02 Aug 2026 01:17:40
Tom has given more to this site than almost anyone, keeping things active while many other club pages have slowly died. He has certainly given far more than someone who I've never seen post before.

He has spoken huge praise for Josh for a couple of years now, and if he called the performance 'shocking', you can be certain it's an honest assessment from a lifelong blue.



If Josh reads this page and gets discouraged by a post from someone he doesn't know, I'd be extremely worried about his mental fortitude. This season is a big season for a youth product that is yet to grasp the chances he has had.

In future, Dingo, try adding someone to this page before berating those that have been doing so for years.

02 Aug 2026 06:26:04
Melbourne, we have a long-term viewer who would have read comments from certain posters that are personal about players, managers, SDs and owners, but has chosen to post about a poster saying, in his opinion, a player's performance was "shocking."

I believe I have always been an advocate of giving players, managers, SDs and owners time to prove their worth.

I have often been criticised for not making, in my view, rash judgements about any individual.
As always, I will give my view on players and managers on a game-by-game basis, followed by an end of season summary.

Melbourne, thanks for your comments.

I also look forward to our new (first-time) poster making future contributions.

02 Aug 2026 10:50:47
I have noticed there are a few new names and I sincerely hope everyone sticks around. I also hope those that have left come back and participate. The more posters on here, the more interesting the site can be.



Tom, I like your posts. Even though, at times, we don't agree, that is the joy of the site. We can have differing views, but the end game is we all support our wonderful club.

02 Aug 2026 11:23:39
Bill, I only agree with myself. 😀

{Ed001's Note - and then only sometimes.}

02 Aug 2026 11:53:32
The whole idea of the site is to exchange views, and there will always be differences of opinion. Just as long as people keep it respectful, then that's great.

A couple of days ago I posted that I think Mudryk is an awful player with zero football IQ. Other people think he's super talented, and I need to give my head a wobble!
🤷🏼‍♂️

02 Aug 2026 12:38:53
swcfc

I'm one who thinks that we need to give a rejuvenated Mudryk a chance, and who knows what Alonso can get out of him.

That being said, I would not want to see your head wobble.

02 Aug 2026 13:35:09
If I remember correctly, we had a poster suggest that a Chelsea player was a "drunk silverback gorilla."
I will always try my best to avoid personal abuse about fellow posters, players, managers, SD's and owners. We should remember. We should remember that we had the CFC president posting a response on this site about a week ago.


I have zero problem with constructive criticism, and I suspect, if a player was to read the posts on this site, they would see that a significant amount of posters try to be considered with their opinions.

02 Aug 2026 13:58:41
Ed001, you're right: sometimes I can't remember what my opinions are.

02 Aug 2026 14:03:26
Tom, this is a banter site; a little bit of humour is okay as long as it is reasonable.
Not sure what you're on about: CFC president? Should we be on our best behaviour?

02 Aug 2026 14:41:56
Jimbo, judging reasonable isn't always easy. I personally always try my best to give my opinions as if I was talking to a family member, but maybe some families have gorillas or donkeys.

Jimbo, you obviously missed the CFC president replying to the thread about SB Bridge development and poor club communication. If I remember correctly, Bill asked a follow up question, and he didn't respond.

02 Aug 2026 15:47:44
You are correct, Tom.

02 Aug 2026 15:59:39
You get used to him dingo

02 Aug 2026 16:54:31
One thing is for sure Didier Drogba wouldn't make such comments. 😇

31 Jul 2026 17:38:35
The FA charges now concluded: £10 million fine and, as an additional punishment, Mudryk has had his ban reduced to “time served”.
Seriously, I don’t know what we are going to do with Mudryk. He was awful. I can’t see a place for him in the squad.

31 Jul 2026 18:19:10
I think a loan would serve everyone involved very well.
The Happy Hammers require a wide player or maybe our sister club.

31 Jul 2026 18:21:02
Jimbo

It could be that he feels he has been given a second chance and we might see a very good player come back to us at some point.

31 Jul 2026 18:26:26
I think it might well be Strasbourg, Tom.

31 Jul 2026 18:32:42
Bill, very fair of you, but as I said, he was awful; he hasn't played or trained for a couple of years. Pumping iron isn't going to turn him into a decent player.

31 Jul 2026 19:59:27
A change of scenery might help.

31 Jul 2026 20:42:14
Mudryk, in my opinion, is a player with no football brain. He is proof that pace on its own isn't enough.
Maybe a loan, or he could be used as a kind of impact substitute.

31 Jul 2026 21:06:27
The annoying thing is that if the way they are testing now was the same when he got caught up in this mess, he would have passed the test.

31 Jul 2026 21:31:26
Yes, the testing levels are different now. Still doesn't alter the fact that he's an awful player. 😂

31 Jul 2026 21:31:57
Bill, a professional footballer shouldn't need "supplements". Any supplements should be extra time on the training ground. I doubt he got them from Holland and Barrett. He has let the club down and, frankly, I want to see the back of him.

31 Jul 2026 21:45:16
I still haven't got a clue if Mudryk knowingly took a supplement, but the fact is, traces were found when a sample was requested.

I also have no idea if certain supplements are needed or allowed, not only in football but in any sport.

If they are needed, I assume it's only allowed under supervision.

31 Jul 2026 22:27:39
I hope MM is able to come back from this disastrous episode in his life and career, and perhaps a loan to Strasbourg the best first step for him. By all accounts he struggled to adapt to being away from his family, several of whom were fighting the Russian invasion of his country... so perhaps a sense of some guilt there too. In that first debut cameo, he looked a pretty promising footballer - he had a fair bit of skill, not just pace - versus Liverpool at Anfield. But after that he only managed 5 goals in c 30 EPL matches, I think, in his debut season, plus a couple of assists.

After the first season he obviously struggled to get EPL games, though he managed 3 goals in 4 Conference League games, for what that's worth. But I may have been mad, or too sympathetic towards the lad and/or the fact he may have felt the pressure of needing to succeed not just for himself but for his benighted, Putin-invaded compatriots, and I still hoped he could succeed. He did score 5 times more EPL goals than Delap and Gittens combined (total between them of 44 games).

31 Jul 2026 22:30:50
If he took the test now, the amount that was in his body would be traced, so, for me, he hasn’t let the club down; he’s been professional about it all. For me, he wasn’t rubbish; he was raw, and his speed is frightening.

With control and training, I think he will be good. Neto was the same: fast, ran in a straight line, and most of you liked him. I think Misha will be better.

31 Jul 2026 22:42:44
I tend to agree with you, Nib. The trace of the drug he took is now officially considered to be legal and ineffective in terms of enhancing performance.

Compare that with the tennis champ Sinner, who merely got a 3 month suspension for use of far more potent anabolic steroid use.



But it's now a big ask for the lad to have to start his career over again, having had just a debut season and three months or so of a second season with CFC. Good luck to him.

31 Jul 2026 22:51:38
I 100% agree with JBS and Nib1907. MM is a real talent, but needs guidance. I was at Anfield for his debut and he was unplayable. For anyone who doubts that lad's talent, give your head a wobble.

01 Aug 2026 08:38:23
Incredibly naturally gifted player. Speed for days, and the ability to strike the ball perfectly with both feet. Decision making was naive, but capable of brilliance at times.

Always felt he lacked conviction. Lacked the mental belief. Also, factor in that he came to Chelsea at the start of the Russia + Ukraine war, and found it difficult to settle.

Clearly shy by nature, most of his battles were mental.



Is there a player in there? 1000%. Could Alonso unlock something that previous (mainly awful managers) couldn't? Perhaps.

Would love him to succeed. Whether at Chelsea or on loan.

Always had a soft spot for him. Not sure what happens with him, but everyone loves a comeback story in sport and a second chance in life.

01 Aug 2026 08:53:40
As I posted earlier, I think a loan, maybe with a break clause, would be best for all concerned.

We tend to forget that players are just people who also have concerns. We have no idea what mental anxiety the lad must be going through as his country is being bombed continuously. It's the same for all the players who have families in these conflict countries.

01 Aug 2026 09:20:49
The other thing to take into consideration is that this happened on international duty, and who knows what Putin's mobile does.

01 Aug 2026 14:49:30
Xabi Alonso on Mudryk:

"I remember watching him at Shakhtar, the impact he had, how good he was in one-v-one situations. He could create a lot of situations on his own. He is a special player. To be honest, we were not expecting to have this great news at this moment, but we were happy."

01 Aug 2026 21:34:32
Good posts, Smokie.

30 Jul 2026 18:52:24
Watched first half the other day

Liam Delap is like watching a drunk silverback gorilla running around playing football with a rugby ball.

30 Jul 2026 20:17:34
In the second half he looked like Pele. First touch was magnificent, as he brought his teammates into the game, time and time again. 😇💙

30 Jul 2026 14:40:32
An absolute honour to sign for a club like @ChelseaFC. So ready for the challenge ahead. Thank you Jesus always. See you all at the Bridge soon. 💙

« What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? »
Romans 8:31

Truly a brilliant addition to the family.

30 Jul 2026 07:39:15
{Ed's Note - Letstalkabout6baby has posted a new article entitled, Why Kounde Feels Like a Liverpool Fit

30 Jul 2026 01:21:15
Ed001 always love hearing your insights and had a question. It feels like these days the prem just doesn't have the goal scorers it used to especially from minefield. Who do you rate as the best goalsccorers in the league obviously you have you Haaaland but even a lot of the forwards for clubs feel more playmakers up front than goal scorers.

{Ed001's Note - interesting question, Palmer would be one, when on form anyway, as would Rogers. Semenyo is another, he always has a goal in him. Merino is another that can be counted on to pop up with a goal. Isak tends to be fairly lethal, if he can stay fit and Gakpo is another who can be relied upon to score regularly but I think he probably takes too many shots to be classed as one of the best goalscorers.

Bruno Fernandes stands out it must be said. The other that really stands out as a goalscorer is Chris Wood, though he is ageing and gets too many injuries. Other than that, there are not really many goalscorers. There are players who will pop up and add the odd goal, but not that you can rely on them to be clinical. Too many players like Igor Thiago, who wastes far too many chances. You are right, there are a lot less players that stand out for goals now than there used to be. Quality has dipped throughout football in so many aspects of the game, players are so robotic these days - overcoached.}

30 Jul 2026 08:23:51
Appreciate the reply! Funnily enough, I was just discussing Igor Thiago with a friend, and I insisted he won't be able to make anywhere near the return he got last season, which led us to predict the top 5 scorers this season, and, outside of Haaland, we couldn't come to much of a consensus. Who would you have in there?

{Ed001's Note - yeah I agree with you on Igor Thiago, he dithers too much on the ball when in a shooting position. He should have racked up a lot more goals last season but kept losing the ball before he did anything with it because he was just doing nothing.

It is a case of Haaland and 4 others, if Isak stays fit, he will be in there, but that is almost as huge an if as saying if Lavia stayed fit! Gyokeres you would expect to be in the top 5 as well. One of Joao Pedro, Palmer or Rogers should get in there, maybe even two, you would expect. For the 5th I will say Kroupi.}

30 Jul 2026 09:00:30
Pedro will definitely be in there, as might Rogers and perhaps Palmer.

29 Jul 2026 17:02:38
Ed001, I can't believe what that absolute ( choose you're own insulting description) Infantino is trying to get away with by selling the World Cup; he already ruined the last one. The line in the sand must be drawn now. UEFA must break away from FIFA and quickly. The people's game my .

{Ed001's Note - it really is time to end FIFA's control of the game.}

29 Jul 2026 18:32:48
FIFA = the most corrupt organisation in the history of sport.

29 Jul 2026 19:38:50
JBS, not just sport. FIFA are worse than the Mafia, at least they were transparent about being an organised crime organisation.

30 Jul 2026 08:30:44
Attempting to open the World Cup to an investment consortium led by a Kushner? It's so incredibly brazen. About time heads started to roll.

30 Jul 2026 13:25:28
The corruption and greed that are instilled in FIFA are incurable. It should be dismantled, and all at the top should go. After that, a loose organisation of the football federations, just to organise World Cups and nothing else.

29 Jul 2026 08:51:58
Why have they signed Welbeck? He was rubbish 10 years ago.

29 Jul 2026 10:33:07
Because "they" drink beer. 😀😂

29 Jul 2026 11:06:05
Better than weed.

29 Jul 2026 12:19:21
Drink beer,

I'm sure over the last 10 years, Welbeck has improved and has scored many times.

I didn't really want him, but I hope he proves me wrong and supplies lots of goals and assists as a deputy to Pedro.

29 Jul 2026 14:12:10
At least signing him stops him scoring against us!

28 Jul 2026 23:19:29
Don’t know how many were able to catch the first pre season game. I missed the first half but managed to see the second. Obviously it’s only preseason so not much can be taken from it. However, two things we knew from last year were painfully obvious.

Delap isn’t good enough. He actually seemed completely disinterested for 60 minutes and when Joao came on for him and put in a little bit of effort, chances came.



Sanchez cannot be anywhere near this team if we plan to play out from the back. His decision making under pressure and his distribution are woeful. I think we have a good chance to make a run in the league, but have no chance to compete at the top with him in goal.

29 Jul 2026 07:20:14
Melbourne, I think Sanchez will "start" as our No1 keeper. Of course, I may well be wrong. I would love us to sign Costa, but I haven't seen us linked to any keeper during this window. So, if I am correct, I guess we ain’t winning the league this season.

29 Jul 2026 08:34:06
Melbourne, you won't be surprised that I agree with you about Sanchez. He is totally unsuitable for Alonso's style of play. Alonso is decisive and knows how he wants his teams to play.

I find it hard to believe that he would settle for a weakness in such a pivotal position. I don't expect Sanchez to be No 1 next season. It will be Penders or someone else.

29 Jul 2026 08:38:32
I also agree that we will have no chance with Sanchez in goal, he will be targeted and will always let us down in big games.

Goalkeeper is such an important position nowadays. You only have to look at Arsenal & Man City.

They had Ramsdale & Trafford, both good keepers, but both teams still upgraded with Raya & Donnaruma.

I posted before, but we should meet the release clause for Diogo Costa.

29 Jul 2026 12:35:20
Agreed, swcfc and Jimbo.

As Sanchez is a liability with his feet, and a liability for Alonso's style of play, he cannot be No 1, not even No 2.

Why we are not going for Costa, God only knows. Maybe I was right, and we are going for Peter Shilton.

29 Jul 2026 14:51:29
Maybe trust our new manager to make the correct call?

29 Jul 2026 15:17:57
EbW

As Sanchez is not very good on possession, I don't see how he suits Alonso's way of playing. Therefore, I just can't see why it would be his choice to keep him.

29 Jul 2026 15:25:51
My gut feeling is we will buy another keeper in this window.

29 Jul 2026 15:41:35
I repeat.
Maybe trust our new manager to make the correct call?

{Ed001's Note - so why come on here and give an opinion at all? If all you are going to do is say this? It is extremely tedious and makes the whole point of a discussion forum moot. Give it a rest and let people discuss their opinions, if you disagree you could try explaining why.}

29 Jul 2026 17:00:34
I don't know what it is with Delap - at times last year it's almost like he was trying too hard, hence the stupid fouls, and then now he seems like he's almost accepted his future is away from the club.

As for Sanchez...

agreed, not good enough with his feet, and really surprised we haven't replaced him - I know the club like Penders, but I would've cleared Sanchez and Jorgensen out and signed a relatively experienced keeper to replace.

29 Jul 2026 21:01:17
There were rumours of us going back for Maignan again after missing out last year. I wasn't too impressed by him in the WC, but a bad/good World Cup ain't something to base an opinion on.