After Chelsea reinforces their squad with much-needed transfers, they must turn their attention to the current lineup to see who deserves to remain a Blue.
In my short time as Chelsea’s technical director I have already spent a lot of money. An unbelievable sum to be honest. The books are still in order from the sale of players and at this point we need to sell more.
The most important thing when it comes to building at team is always going to be team spirit. It’s a foundation of calcio, and of both Antonio Conte’s philosophy and my own.
That is why the focus now is signing the players who want to stay to new contracts that reward their loyalty and faith in our project. Remember: we’re not trying simply to reel in Premier League trophies but make a genuine push to be recognized on the AC Milan level of Champions League victories as well.
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Our mission should be enough to convince you to stay. Playing for Antonio Conte in the best city in the world while being made a young millionaire is just a great bonus. I find no need to convince men who are supposed to be true competitors of our ambition. That should already be obvious.
I like Diego Costa as a player but I dislike him as a person. For all that he offers on the field he takes away far more off it with his attitude. He consistently shows up to pre-season grossly overweight – not 5-8 pounds, but 20-30. That is ridiculous and reeks of unprofessionalism. Add the fact that despite the fortune he is paid and the love and adoration of Chelsea supporters, e makes no secret of his desire to leave.
Was it tactically poor for Antonio Conte to text him about his plans for next season? Absolutely, I can not defend that very much. But I do also think it is important that the players understand Conte is the boss.
Chelsea were never going to get much for Costa. He weakened the club’s negotiating position as much as the text message by saying they are the only club he would ever play for. Chelsea paid £35 million for Costa a couple of years ago. His fee is lower now. £30 is fair, and that’s what I would ask Atletico Madrid for.
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Chelsea and Atletico have had a good working relationship for several years. It is in our best interest to keep that up. A certain Antoine Griezmann may be looking at greener, shall we say more English, pastures in future.
The next piece of business is Nemanja Matic. He apparently does not want to play at Chelsea anymore and wants to reunite with Jose Mourinho. In this case, I would do business with Manchester United.
If Nemanja Matic is not good enough for Chelsea why would we fear him someplace else? Either he is good enough to play and improve Chelsea or he is poor enough that it does not matter if he plays for Manchester United. Besides, Ed Woodward likes to sign exorbitant checks because it makes him feel nice.
The fee, though, is £50 million because of domestic competition. Eric Dier will be more expensive, and he is their only other option. Radja Nainggolan is a smoker and turning 30 before Matic. Fabinho is not leaving Monaco this season. United are left with Matic. Ed Woodward would negotiate for a little bit but, truth be told, he wants to sign a world record fee everyday.
Next piece of business: Nathaniel Chalobah. I still believe in my heart of hearts that this young man is the future. He’s a wonderful player and a Chelsea lad. He belongs here, but wanted out. We said goodbye, but not permanently.
The buy back clause is in place. Chalobah will play someplace for a bit, then smarten up after enjoying the playing time he desires.
Finally, Cesar Azpilicueta, that beautiful little steam engine of a man. Barcelona wants him, which means they have smartened up considerably in recent years. Good for them. They can not have him, though.
He is 27 with a remarkable work ethic that bodes well for his long term health. His professionalism is good enough to pay him to be an example to the youth players. I’d offer him a new contract of five years.
His current contract of £70,000 per week ends in 2019. His new terms will keep him untill 2022 at £89,000 per week with a 5% raise every season. Then a club option for a 6th year at £120,000 per week as a reward year.
Chelsea need to stop rewarding long-term commitment with one year deals. Why would a player sacrifice their body for a team that could cut them at any moment? That is simply not fair. From now on, nobody at Chelsea FC will be on a one year contract unless they say before the season they intend to retire.
Next: Chelsea backed themselves into a corner with Nathaniel Chalobah, paid the price
Commitment is the new word at Chelsea FC from the top to the bottom. No stone unturned and nobody forgotten.