I still find it hard to believe that a legend such as Frank Lampard was released from his Chelsea contract after thirteen years of devoted service, notching up 211 goals and becoming the Club's all-time leading goalscorer. Surely there should have been a more fitting end to this partnership. John Terry said in an interview recently that he felt 'lost', when he arrived for pre-season training, without Lamps and Ashley Cole. I feel his pain! I have tried my best to embrace the new players at the club and have watched every one of the ten pre-season friendlies (much to the annoyance of my younger daughter's Spanish boyfriend, who says friendly football matches are a waste of time - and yes he is still the boyfriend - two years on and they are going stronger than ever!).
Unlike some angry fans I do not blame Frank and certainly don't hold him responsible for what seems like a betrayal of Chelsea and its supporters. I blame the short-sighted policies of the Club hierarchy in discriminating against footballers over the age of 30. CFC give players over 30 a maximum one year contract, thus making their future at the club untenable. In my opinion, mature players bring experience to the pitch as well as leadership and calm to the changing room. The combination of such seasoned wisdom and worldliness with the energy and exuberance of younger players is undoubtedly a recipe for success. I could be accused of sentimentality but I think each player should be treated on merit - Frank has not let me down yet. On the other hand I could think of a striker who.....OK - low blow - I am not going there!
Anyway coming back to this season's team and the new additions:
Drogba: is back! (though he picked up an ankle injury last week) I can't say I was totally surprised the enigmatic Ivorian returned to the Bridge - especially as his family had remained in Cobham while he was in Shanghai and Turkey. I am also relieved he is back for a very stupid personal reason. A few years ago I changed my profile picture on Facebook to one of Lamps and Drogba. This Summer, with Drogba gone and Lamps leaving, I was thinking I should change my profile photo but then Drogba came back - so my photo lives on!! Maybe if I keep it there long enough Frank will also return to the club!
Diego Costa: my immediate response to the news of his transfer form La Liga topping Atletico Madrid was one of dismay, mainly due to his disappointing performance in the World Cup. Although his form could be put down to injury, Costa would not be the first promising centre forward to come to Chelsea and lose his mojo. My husband (who for someone who claims he doesn't like football has become way too opinionated about the sport) has been telling me how Costa is going to be the game changer for Chelsea this season. As much as I would like to say he is wrong, having watched the Spaniard in the last few pre-season games, I have to admit Costa looks impressive. He seems to have the lethal combination of flare, intelligence, effortless pace, strength and a little aggression. This is one of the few times I want my husband to be right!!
Cesc Fabregas: my irrational dislike for Arsenal dictated my distaste at the news of the ex-Gunner coming to Chelsea, from Barcelona, where he never seemed to fit in properly. Again having watched him pre-season I have to say he too looks impressive. He is as comfortable at the back of midfield playing alongside Matic, as he is further up the field supporting Diego Costa in front of goal. His vision and accurate passing have impressed me in particular.
Felipe Luis: the Brazilian Atletico Madrid left back was brought in as a replacement for Ashley Cole. Watching him pre-season I can see that he is talented and a grafter but find myself struggling to embrace him. This could be because I don't think Cole was replaceable or just because 'Dave' has been doing such a good job in that position that I find Felipe Luis surplus to requirement. I know you should always have more than one player for each position, but young Nathan Ake has been doing a more than competent job as left back when played in pre-season. I will be open minded about Luis but don't envy Mourinho having to juggle Ivanovic, Azpilicueta and Luis - three great full-backs for two places - I don't think any of the three deserve to be on the bench.
And as for Thibaut Cortouis - the Belgian goal keeper who is hailed as one of the best keepers in the world and is back at the Bridge after a lengthy loan spell at Atletico Madrid... but Petr Cech has done no wrong.... should he lose his place in the team? I can't even start on this debate... only time will tell....
Bring on the 2014/2015 season
