We asked Chelsea fans on /r/chelseafc some questions to see their thoughts on Monday's game. Huge thanks to those who responded for taking the time to answer them.
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What have you made of your season so far?
EnglishMD: Disaster of a season in more ways than one. Transition is one thing but to alienate and annoy so many fans, under-perform like we have and suffer from problems due to issues that Stevie Wonder could have spotted back in August, it's all a bit too much
AndytheAlbatross: Disappointed we haven't come out with as much silverware as i thought, though i was aware this would be a transitional season. A little disappointed in the huge gap between Man Utd and us.
Squake: I'm a bit disapointed in the sacking of RDM and the fact that we didn't make it past the group stages of the CL, but I'm satisfied with the rest.
Nevascurred: Disappointing season. We could have won the Super cup and the Club world cup. I was skeptical that we could win the premier league with so many new players but I had hoped we could have secured a nice lead in the second or third spot. Also disappointing that we didn't get out of the group stages at the Champions League. I had hoped we could have gone a lot further this year.
Rynoh: The season has been what I expected, a true year of transition. The club has done its best to alienate the old guard and make it clear that they need to move on when their contracts are up. The goal all along seems to have been to finish top 4, set the field for a new coach to come in with little of the old guard left in the dressing room.
What were your expectations of the team before this season started?
EnglishMD: Related to the above, not great. I didn't think we'd embarrass ourselves like we did in Monaco and Japan but I assumed we'd be struggling for top 4 if we didn't sign proper reinforcements
AndytheAlbatross: Improve in the league to 3rd, win the FA cup, at least come out of group stages in CL, win the club world cup, somewhat expected torres to really have a great season.
Squake: I was expecting us to be pretty consistent all season and finish in the top 4, and was expecting CL quarterfinals.
Rynoh: I expected we'd win 1 or 2 of the easier competitions we were in and thought we'd make it out of the group stages of the Champions League. I guess it isn't a surprise that we didn't since the team is stuck playing a formation due to it suiting Mata when most of the team would be better in a 4-3-3 especially our midfield.
Who has been your best player this season?
EnglishMD: Juan Mata, his consistent 9/10 performances have steadied the ship and got us out of a lot of trouble. Hazard has the odd perfect game in him but Mata really has been sensational
AndytheAlbatross: Mata for sure, has scored important goals, has loads of assists and controls the game.
Squake: Juan Mata and Frank Lampard.. they both are very consistent and make big plays when needed.
Who has been your most improved player this season?
EnglishMD: I'd have to say Mata. While he looked so promising last season, he has really stepped up to be our main man now
AndytheAlbatross: Probably between luiz and lukaku (even on loan). Moses has had a big improvement over when he was at wigan.
i4foot: Difficult one to answer with the changes we have made with the squad and the overall season we have had this year. I would have to say Luiz. Looks less dodgy. Coming of age. Looks to be a leader on and off the pitch. Can also do a job in Midfield.
Bridgers: Mikel? This season I have realised what he actually does for the team when he's on the pitch, when in previous years I hadn't noticed. Maybe that's down to my higher interest in formations/tactics this year.
UndercoverFiretruck: I'd say it is between Luiz and Azpilicueta. Azpilicueta was brought in as the backup for the RB position, but has now rightly taken that position from Iva. Luiz is still far from the finished product, but he is vastly improving his defensive game, adapting to the midfield when needed, and most importantly, developing into a leader.
Who have been your best and worst signings this season?
EnglishMD: Hazard has a bright future ahead of him, it was a coup for the club to sign him in light of the competition. Honourable mention to Azpilicueta, looks a good player for £6m or so. Worst would probably be Marko Marin but he's the only signing I wouldn't call 'good', a surprisingly error-free set of transfers this Summer, just not enough of them
AndytheAlbatross: Best: Hazard, Azpilicueta has also been a great signing. Worst: Marin, has sort of an insurance policy anyways, hasn't had much first team time but when he has he hasn't been great.
Nevascurred: Hazard is a great signing and I think he will be even better next year. Marin has been unlucky, getting injured and maybe not getting the game time that he deserves. But I think he has not shown his true potential.
Rynoh: Hazard without a doubt. Azpi, Oscar, and Moses were all successful signings as well. Worst is obviously Marin, that and bringing Yosi back from loan....
Is there a player you'd love to see Chelsea sign in the summer?
AndytheAlbatross: If Mourinho comes i'd like to see Coentrão come with him. We also need another striker and/or mid.
Squake: I'd love to see Lewandowski at Chelsea.. great striker, I think would fit perfctly with us.
Nevascurred: We need a quality striker. Torres has not performed as well as he has been expected to. I think Cavani or Falcao would be great at Chelsea.
Rynoh: Fellaini and Benat. I think Fellaini gives us a physical presence we are drastically missing and can give huge tactical flexibility with his ability to play multiple positions. Everyone claims we need a deep lieing playmaker, this would be good, or you know we could push the defensive line higher and quit leaving so much space in between the lines.
UndercoverFiretruck: Either (or both?) of the Bender twins to strengthen the midfield. Lewandowski as long as we don't overpay for him, and the cherry on top would be a defender like Howedes.
jitendragarg: I don't think we need strikers, as Lukaku is doing great. But, we should be signing someone like wilshere to add to our midfield, if we are to continue with current formation. Also needed is a central defender like Hummels to replace terry.
How do you feel about the situation with Florent Malouda this season?
EnglishMD: Nobody knows the exact details. What is most likely is that the club told him he had no future here, offers were made but at a salary he didn't want and he's exercised his right to stay and collect a paycheque. I might not like it on a personnel level but it sends a message that the club is willing to play hardball
AndytheAlbatross: I kinda wish he'd have just left but there has also been times when we could have used him in our squad (like during AFCON) when we didn't use him for some reason. So overall... shrug
Nevascurred: Sad situation. The club wanted to get rid of him, he wouldn't leave for less pay. Neither the club or the player won. I think we could have used him this season but maybe we don't know the full story.
i4foot: A tough one. I personally don’t know enough about the situation. He seems like a mercenary. Wanted to leave, but wasn’t offered enough money from Santos. We gave him warnings, but he didn’t seem to care. He will probably just see out his contract whilst training with the reserves on ridiculous money.
Rynoh: FloMo got the shaft and I feel like in some ways it was to send a message to Torres. As bad as our forward play is we could of used him at some times this season, but I understand why the club did what they did.
UndercoverFiretruck: It's unfortunate that a player so vital to our 09/10 season success is now training with the reserves. I think both parties are to blame for, since Florent knew about his position within the squad and management took a nasty approach in dealing with him. I hope he finds a team next season.
Your thoughts on the Lampard contract situation too?
AndytheAlbatross: Sign him up, he is a club legend and his performance has been good this season.
Nevascurred: It's a shame that he will (most likely) not finish his career at Chelsea. Emotion aside I think he would be useful next season.
Rynoh: I'm in the minority here but I think they are making the correct business decision. He is currently our 3rd best midfielder behind Ramires and Mikel and we will be bringing in another midfielder this off season. He makes to much money for us to keep as an accessory.
Bridgers: My heart tells me I want him to stay, but I'd also like us to move on because we'll have to move on sooner or later.
UndercoverFiretruck: On the one hand I believe that a legend like him should have a place on the team as a thank you for all he has done. On the other hand, he does seem to cause headaches for whoever happens to be choosing the starting XI that particular week. If he accepts a diminished role in the team, then I think it's imperative we keep him for the experience he can bring to our relatively young team.
In the past few years, Chelsea's academy has consistently done well in the Youth Cups and NextGen Cup, is it a source of frustration for you guys that the academy players in the past haven't been given the chance they deserve in the first team?
AndytheAlbatross: In some cases I am disappointed with the lack of first team time for our younger players, but at the same time many of them haven't impressed that much. Our current crop does look more promising, however.
Squake: A bit, we always sign young players from other clubs also and don't give them playing time, and their talents goes to waste (See Kakuta)
i4foot: Yes. It could be argued some of the players in the past weren’t good enough. Which I agree with. However, the current batch of youngsters are good enough imo, and when we get a stable manager (if ever) who isn’t afraid of using the young'uns, and then they can make quite the impact at Chelsea and their respective Nations.
Rynoh: Not at all, if they are good enough they will make it into the squad, if not they will be sold generally for a profit. Football is a business and the kids are getting a lot of experience, coaching, and exposure from Chelsea.
UndercoverFiretruck: It is frustrating to see so much talent wasted, but I can understand why no manager has taken a chance with the youth. I wanted so bad for AVB to be the guy to finally start working with our reserves, but he probably handled it the worst (sigh!). I just hope the next manager has the support of both us the fans and Mr. Abramovich to do wonders with our youth pool.
Chelsea have around 20-odd players on loan at the moment, which of those players do you think can make an impact in your first team next summer?
EnglishMD: Lukaku, DeBruyne, Courtois could all have a big say in the future Chelsea. If Chalobah grows and learns his trade the way we all hope he will, he could become a big fixture for us too
AndytheAlbatross: Lukaku and De Bruyne. Courtois could probably play in the first team, but Cech is still performing.
Rynoh: Depends on the decisions the club makes. I feel we could sell Cech while he still has a high value and move on to Courtois right now and not see a drop off. Lukaku is already better then any striker on our roster and KDB is an improvement over Yosi and Marin. I could see Patrick Van Aanolt making some noise for left back soon as well.
Bridgers: Lukaku and De Bruyne I'm sure can challenge for places in the team. Whether they can hold one down will depend on their performances. Haven't followed McEachran, Chalobah or Piazon recently but I think they will be able to soon.
UndercoverFiretruck: The Belgians have all impressed in their respective clubs and I hope KDB and Lukaku (aka Drogba 2.0) settle in nicely with the first team. Kalas has also impressed, so I would love to see him add to our squad depth next season.
Who do you think is the best player in the league?
EnglishMD: RvP wins games and earns points, pure and simple. I was strongly in favour of bringing him in during the Summer and I had the feeling we could have if we'd moved quickly enough, once United stepped in with the increased likelihood of trophies, we were dead in the water
Squake: I'd say Bale, Suarez or Mata (bit biased)
Rynoh: Yaya Toure
Bridgers: Mata. He can score, he can assist, he has a great record and often plays well in big games (like vs Spurs).
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What have you made of your season so far?
EnglishMD: Disaster of a season in more ways than one. Transition is one thing but to alienate and annoy so many fans, under-perform like we have and suffer from problems due to issues that Stevie Wonder could have spotted back in August, it's all a bit too much
AndytheAlbatross: Disappointed we haven't come out with as much silverware as i thought, though i was aware this would be a transitional season. A little disappointed in the huge gap between Man Utd and us.
Squake: I'm a bit disapointed in the sacking of RDM and the fact that we didn't make it past the group stages of the CL, but I'm satisfied with the rest.
Nevascurred: Disappointing season. We could have won the Super cup and the Club world cup. I was skeptical that we could win the premier league with so many new players but I had hoped we could have secured a nice lead in the second or third spot. Also disappointing that we didn't get out of the group stages at the Champions League. I had hoped we could have gone a lot further this year.
Rynoh: The season has been what I expected, a true year of transition. The club has done its best to alienate the old guard and make it clear that they need to move on when their contracts are up. The goal all along seems to have been to finish top 4, set the field for a new coach to come in with little of the old guard left in the dressing room.
What were your expectations of the team before this season started?
EnglishMD: Related to the above, not great. I didn't think we'd embarrass ourselves like we did in Monaco and Japan but I assumed we'd be struggling for top 4 if we didn't sign proper reinforcements
AndytheAlbatross: Improve in the league to 3rd, win the FA cup, at least come out of group stages in CL, win the club world cup, somewhat expected torres to really have a great season.
Squake: I was expecting us to be pretty consistent all season and finish in the top 4, and was expecting CL quarterfinals.
Rynoh: I expected we'd win 1 or 2 of the easier competitions we were in and thought we'd make it out of the group stages of the Champions League. I guess it isn't a surprise that we didn't since the team is stuck playing a formation due to it suiting Mata when most of the team would be better in a 4-3-3 especially our midfield.
Who has been your best player this season?
EnglishMD: Juan Mata, his consistent 9/10 performances have steadied the ship and got us out of a lot of trouble. Hazard has the odd perfect game in him but Mata really has been sensational
AndytheAlbatross: Mata for sure, has scored important goals, has loads of assists and controls the game.
Squake: Juan Mata and Frank Lampard.. they both are very consistent and make big plays when needed.
Who has been your most improved player this season?
EnglishMD: I'd have to say Mata. While he looked so promising last season, he has really stepped up to be our main man now
AndytheAlbatross: Probably between luiz and lukaku (even on loan). Moses has had a big improvement over when he was at wigan.
i4foot: Difficult one to answer with the changes we have made with the squad and the overall season we have had this year. I would have to say Luiz. Looks less dodgy. Coming of age. Looks to be a leader on and off the pitch. Can also do a job in Midfield.
Bridgers: Mikel? This season I have realised what he actually does for the team when he's on the pitch, when in previous years I hadn't noticed. Maybe that's down to my higher interest in formations/tactics this year.
UndercoverFiretruck: I'd say it is between Luiz and Azpilicueta. Azpilicueta was brought in as the backup for the RB position, but has now rightly taken that position from Iva. Luiz is still far from the finished product, but he is vastly improving his defensive game, adapting to the midfield when needed, and most importantly, developing into a leader.
Who have been your best and worst signings this season?
EnglishMD: Hazard has a bright future ahead of him, it was a coup for the club to sign him in light of the competition. Honourable mention to Azpilicueta, looks a good player for £6m or so. Worst would probably be Marko Marin but he's the only signing I wouldn't call 'good', a surprisingly error-free set of transfers this Summer, just not enough of them
AndytheAlbatross: Best: Hazard, Azpilicueta has also been a great signing. Worst: Marin, has sort of an insurance policy anyways, hasn't had much first team time but when he has he hasn't been great.
Nevascurred: Hazard is a great signing and I think he will be even better next year. Marin has been unlucky, getting injured and maybe not getting the game time that he deserves. But I think he has not shown his true potential.
Rynoh: Hazard without a doubt. Azpi, Oscar, and Moses were all successful signings as well. Worst is obviously Marin, that and bringing Yosi back from loan....
Is there a player you'd love to see Chelsea sign in the summer?
AndytheAlbatross: If Mourinho comes i'd like to see Coentrão come with him. We also need another striker and/or mid.
Squake: I'd love to see Lewandowski at Chelsea.. great striker, I think would fit perfctly with us.
Nevascurred: We need a quality striker. Torres has not performed as well as he has been expected to. I think Cavani or Falcao would be great at Chelsea.
Rynoh: Fellaini and Benat. I think Fellaini gives us a physical presence we are drastically missing and can give huge tactical flexibility with his ability to play multiple positions. Everyone claims we need a deep lieing playmaker, this would be good, or you know we could push the defensive line higher and quit leaving so much space in between the lines.
UndercoverFiretruck: Either (or both?) of the Bender twins to strengthen the midfield. Lewandowski as long as we don't overpay for him, and the cherry on top would be a defender like Howedes.
jitendragarg: I don't think we need strikers, as Lukaku is doing great. But, we should be signing someone like wilshere to add to our midfield, if we are to continue with current formation. Also needed is a central defender like Hummels to replace terry.
How do you feel about the situation with Florent Malouda this season?
EnglishMD: Nobody knows the exact details. What is most likely is that the club told him he had no future here, offers were made but at a salary he didn't want and he's exercised his right to stay and collect a paycheque. I might not like it on a personnel level but it sends a message that the club is willing to play hardball
AndytheAlbatross: I kinda wish he'd have just left but there has also been times when we could have used him in our squad (like during AFCON) when we didn't use him for some reason. So overall... shrug
Nevascurred: Sad situation. The club wanted to get rid of him, he wouldn't leave for less pay. Neither the club or the player won. I think we could have used him this season but maybe we don't know the full story.
i4foot: A tough one. I personally don’t know enough about the situation. He seems like a mercenary. Wanted to leave, but wasn’t offered enough money from Santos. We gave him warnings, but he didn’t seem to care. He will probably just see out his contract whilst training with the reserves on ridiculous money.
Rynoh: FloMo got the shaft and I feel like in some ways it was to send a message to Torres. As bad as our forward play is we could of used him at some times this season, but I understand why the club did what they did.
UndercoverFiretruck: It's unfortunate that a player so vital to our 09/10 season success is now training with the reserves. I think both parties are to blame for, since Florent knew about his position within the squad and management took a nasty approach in dealing with him. I hope he finds a team next season.
Your thoughts on the Lampard contract situation too?
AndytheAlbatross: Sign him up, he is a club legend and his performance has been good this season.
Nevascurred: It's a shame that he will (most likely) not finish his career at Chelsea. Emotion aside I think he would be useful next season.
Rynoh: I'm in the minority here but I think they are making the correct business decision. He is currently our 3rd best midfielder behind Ramires and Mikel and we will be bringing in another midfielder this off season. He makes to much money for us to keep as an accessory.
Bridgers: My heart tells me I want him to stay, but I'd also like us to move on because we'll have to move on sooner or later.
UndercoverFiretruck: On the one hand I believe that a legend like him should have a place on the team as a thank you for all he has done. On the other hand, he does seem to cause headaches for whoever happens to be choosing the starting XI that particular week. If he accepts a diminished role in the team, then I think it's imperative we keep him for the experience he can bring to our relatively young team.
In the past few years, Chelsea's academy has consistently done well in the Youth Cups and NextGen Cup, is it a source of frustration for you guys that the academy players in the past haven't been given the chance they deserve in the first team?
AndytheAlbatross: In some cases I am disappointed with the lack of first team time for our younger players, but at the same time many of them haven't impressed that much. Our current crop does look more promising, however.
Squake: A bit, we always sign young players from other clubs also and don't give them playing time, and their talents goes to waste (See Kakuta)
i4foot: Yes. It could be argued some of the players in the past weren’t good enough. Which I agree with. However, the current batch of youngsters are good enough imo, and when we get a stable manager (if ever) who isn’t afraid of using the young'uns, and then they can make quite the impact at Chelsea and their respective Nations.
Rynoh: Not at all, if they are good enough they will make it into the squad, if not they will be sold generally for a profit. Football is a business and the kids are getting a lot of experience, coaching, and exposure from Chelsea.
UndercoverFiretruck: It is frustrating to see so much talent wasted, but I can understand why no manager has taken a chance with the youth. I wanted so bad for AVB to be the guy to finally start working with our reserves, but he probably handled it the worst (sigh!). I just hope the next manager has the support of both us the fans and Mr. Abramovich to do wonders with our youth pool.
Chelsea have around 20-odd players on loan at the moment, which of those players do you think can make an impact in your first team next summer?
EnglishMD: Lukaku, DeBruyne, Courtois could all have a big say in the future Chelsea. If Chalobah grows and learns his trade the way we all hope he will, he could become a big fixture for us too
AndytheAlbatross: Lukaku and De Bruyne. Courtois could probably play in the first team, but Cech is still performing.
Rynoh: Depends on the decisions the club makes. I feel we could sell Cech while he still has a high value and move on to Courtois right now and not see a drop off. Lukaku is already better then any striker on our roster and KDB is an improvement over Yosi and Marin. I could see Patrick Van Aanolt making some noise for left back soon as well.
Bridgers: Lukaku and De Bruyne I'm sure can challenge for places in the team. Whether they can hold one down will depend on their performances. Haven't followed McEachran, Chalobah or Piazon recently but I think they will be able to soon.
UndercoverFiretruck: The Belgians have all impressed in their respective clubs and I hope KDB and Lukaku (aka Drogba 2.0) settle in nicely with the first team. Kalas has also impressed, so I would love to see him add to our squad depth next season.
Who do you think is the best player in the league?
EnglishMD: RvP wins games and earns points, pure and simple. I was strongly in favour of bringing him in during the Summer and I had the feeling we could have if we'd moved quickly enough, once United stepped in with the increased likelihood of trophies, we were dead in the water
Squake: I'd say Bale, Suarez or Mata (bit biased)
Rynoh: Yaya Toure
Bridgers: Mata. He can score, he can assist, he has a great record and often plays well in big games (like vs Spurs).
