Higuain

[Chelsbear]

New league, different players etc. He hasn't been awful so chill.

The way there was a tug of war between us and City for him suggested he would offer a lot more than just side way safe passes.

I think it's fair to say he's failed to live up to the hype and price tag thus far. It is early days but he really needs to step up his game soon

 

[Malcolm9]

The way there was a tug of war between us and City for him suggested he would offer a lot more than just side way safe passes.

I think it's fair to say he's failed to live up to the hype and price tag thus far. It is early days but he really needs to step up his game soon

That's why we need better midfielders around him. Kante is still finding his feet in his new role and Barkley & Kovacic haven't been amazing.

 

[enigma]

I think it's a solid move, Sarri knows what he can get out of him. Personally I think we've missed a trick not signing Piatek.

People would only moan he's another risk. Every signing is a risk, but when we are in desperate need of a striker, beggars can't be choosers. Higuain is literally the best striker out there for us to get this window. 

 

[enigma]

We're in need of a striker and we've managed to get one who has an excellent goal-scoring record on a 6-month loan.  Makes sense to me. I was really worried that we were going to end up spending £40+ million on Wilson. 

I find it funny that we've already got members posting that this will be on Sarri's head if Higuain fails to deliver. Higuain scored 36 league goal in 35 matches for Sarri in their season together - that's phenomenal. If asked, of course Sarri would give Higuain a glowing reference.

Higuain isn't that same player, we know that. I personally think he's still got a bit left in the tank. Seems odd to put it on Sarri if he doesn't perform though. Sarri can't shake a magic wand and the player will score 20+ goals. Not Sarri's fault our clear cut chances haven't been converted this season. Not Sarri's fault the board brought in two dud strikers the previous season. Sarri has asked for Higuain, but expecting miracles is a bit illogical. If the club/roman are serious about supporting Sarri, then so far they are doing a job of that. However, we still have a way to go. 

 

[Chelsbear]

Higuain isn't that same player, we know that. I personally think he's still got a bit left in the tank. Seems odd to put it on Sarri if he doesn't perform though. Sarri can't shake a magic wand and the player will score 20+ goals. Not Sarri's fault our clear cut chances haven't been converted this season. Not Sarri's fault the board brought in two dud strikers the previous season. Sarri has asked for Higuain, but expecting miracles is a bit illogical. If the club/roman are serious about supporting Sarri, then so far they are doing a job of that. However, we still have a way to go. 

It's Sarri's man.

Our board have went against their policy to bring him in on the trust of our manager.

I think this is all on Sarri if he flops because we have brought in the players who he wanted in Kepa, Jorginho and now Higuaín. That's a small fortune and if it isn't working I'm not sure how Sarri couldn't be blamed?

 

[enigma]

The way there was a tug of war between us and City for him suggested he would offer a lot more than just side way safe passes.

I think it's fair to say he's failed to live up to the hype and price tag thus far. It is early days but he really needs to step up his game soon

Well he certainly would have done better in City's midfield. Pep's team have the system down, ours does not. However, without Sarri he wouldn't have come. 

 

[enigma]

It's Sarri's man.

Our board have went against their policy to bring him in on the trust of our manager.

I think this is all on Sarri if he flops because we have brought in the players who he wanted in Kepa, Jorginho and now Higuaín. That's a small fortune and if it isn't working I'm not sure how Sarri couldn't be blamed?

The coach cannot wave a magic wand though. It's up to the player themselves to put in the performances. If Higuain is much more motivated under Sarri, a previous coach he worked well with, then that only bodes well. I think there's a reason why many AC Milan fans don't want to see Higuain go. They clearly feel he's arguably their best player, and quite a few think they will miss out on top four once he leaves. Chelsea has been a bit of a graveyard for strikers though, so this is why people are skeptical. Only Costa has managed to score 20+ goals for Chelsea, apart from that Drogba was the last in 09/10 season. I just think they've always gone after the wrong striker. We could have had Aguero over Torres, but look what happened. 

 

[ForeverCarefree]

Well he certainly would have done better in City's midfield. Pep's team have the system down, ours does not. However, without Sarri he wouldn't have come. 

So whose fault is that? 

We were led to believe Jorginho WAS the system. He's the grand architect of Sarri-ball and we spent a lot of money on him despite his apparent limited skill set. 

Apparently world cup winner Kante doesn't have the technical attributes to play there. Premier League winner Danny Drinkwater is completely incapable of playing in a three man midfield. We've lost Cesc because of Sarri's preference for Jorginho... Sarri's certainly had it all his own way so far when it comes to the squad, despite his quotes about training the players he's got and the transfer market being a refuse for the weak. All smoke and mirrors that, he's having a huge say on this team and it's on him to start delivering better, more convincing performances as a result. 

 

[DannyVblue]

It's Sarri's man.

Our board have went against their policy to bring him in on the trust of our manager.

I think this is all on Sarri if he flops because we have brought in the players who he wanted in Kepa, Jorginho and now Higuaín. That's a small fortune and if it isn't working I'm not sure how Sarri couldn't be blamed?

It's not against our board's policy to offer a 31 year old a 6-month loan.

 

[Master&Commander]

So whose fault is that? 

We were led to believe Jorginho WAS the system. He's the grand architect of Sarri-ball and we spent a lot of money on him despite his apparent limited skill set. 

Apparently world cup winner Kante doesn't have the technical attributes to play there. Premier League winner Danny Drinkwater is completely incapable of playing in a three man midfield. We've lost Cesc because of Sarri's preference for Jorginho... Sarri's certainly had it all his own way so far when it comes to the squad, despite his quotes about training the players he's got and the transfer market being a refuse for the weak. All smoke and mirrors that, he's having a huge say on this team and it's on him to start delivering better, more convincing performances as a result. ?

I have seen a long line in Cobham to buy these inappreciated champions. All the top club in Europe have dived on Drinkwater and Fabregas, right ?

Maybe i remember badly. Are we talking about a team that the last year was 5th with 30 points from City despite a great coach like Antonio Conte? 

I think there should be more support and less destructive criticism because was clear that the way wasn't easy.

 

[dkw]

We need a striker who will get in position and score goals, who will link with our forwards and actually make an effort. We need a striker who can ,hopefully , fit into Sarri`s style of play quickly. I think this is probably the best option available by some distance at this moment.

 

[ForeverCarefree]

I have seen a long line in Cobham to buy these inappreciated champions. All the top club in Europe have dived on Drinkwater and Fabregas, right ?

Maybe i remember badly. Are we talking about a team that the last year was 5th with 30 points from City despite a great coach like Antonio Conte? 

I think there should be more support and less destructive criticism because was clear that the way wasn't easy.

That'd be the Conte side that lost Matic, Costa, Terry and was given quantity rather than quality signings during the summer. Wanted upgrades on his fullbacks  but instead had to play half a season with European football with one recognised left back. Almost every player signed last season has or is being moved on this season. It speaks volumes about how poor that squad and those recruitment were. 

I've been consistent on my opinions about Sarri. I was skeptical of his appointment and haven't seen enough to convince me otherwise so far.... Hopefully he proves me wrong but this narrative that he is happy to work with the players he is given and doesn't care about transfers needs to die because it clearly isn't true. 

 

[enigma]

That'd be the Conte side that lost Matic, Costa, Terry and was given quantity rather than quality signings during the summer. Wanted upgrades on his fullbacks  but instead had to play half a season with European football with one recognised left back. Almost every player signed last season has or is being moved on this season. It speaks volumes about how poor that squad and those recruitment were. 

I've been consistent on my opinions about Sarri. I was skeptical of his appointment and haven't seen enough to convince me otherwise so far.... Hopefully he proves me wrong but this narrative that he is happy to work with the players he is given and doesn't care about transfers needs to die because it clearly isn't true. 

Conte was actually being backed though. The club went after Sandro and Koulibaly in the first season, but both clubs refused to sell those players so we got the second choice (Conte's second choice) in Alonso and also Luiz, as well as Rudiger. Conte also got Kante (the league winner the season before and arguably Leicester's best player behind Vardy) and Conte also had the fortune of a 20 goal a season striker in Costa too, who he managed to have a spat with and ruin the relationship with so much that Costa wouldn't return. I can understand the club's stance form that point and it wasn't positive. Conte had it pretty well in that first season if you ask me. 

 

[Osgood is Good]

Conte was actually being backed though. The club went after Sandro and Koulibaly in the first season, but both clubs refused to sell those players so we got the second choice (Conte's second choice) in Alonso and also Luiz, as well as Rudiger. Conte also got Kante (the league winner the season before and arguably Leicester's best player behind Vardy) and Conte also had the fortune of a 20 goal a season striker in Costa too, who he managed to have a spat with and ruin the relationship with so much that Costa wouldn't return. I can understand the club's stance form that point and it wasn't positive. Conte had it pretty well in that first season if you ask me. 

During that summer, didn't Conte refuse to sign a contract extension, but accepted a wage increase, and went missing/couldn't be contacted for a length of time (supposedly flirting with AC Milan). 

 

[strider6004]

I took a peak on the redcafe forum on this and the general consensus was he is not a great signing yet will probably make us a little stronger.

They think they can get to 3rd or 4th.

 

[mclovin83]

I see Chelsea are now caught up in a "SIGNING A PLAYER THE MANAGER WANTED" scandal on the forum.

Assuming the 6 month loan deal happens;

I think this is a great move, and under the circumstances, it's as good as we could have hoped for. Both from a business & football standpoint.

Really odd to see peoples first thoughts are (along the lines of) "This is on Sarri's head should it not work out" or "Sarri has no excuse now"

For a start I don't know why Sarri needing an "excuse" would even come into mind at the moment. He doesn't need an excuse. He isn't trying to get out of a PE lesson.

More to the point, this is more a case of damage limitation by the club, to sort out a serious, serious flaw in the squad. A gamble was taken on Morata. I said at the start of the season I didn't think it was the right gamble, but never the less I understand why the club felt they had to try. But it failed miserably. Offloading Morata and replacing with a striker who might actually score goals isn't exactly a move of generosity by the club, more complete necessity.

 

[Nibs]

Conte was actually being backed though. The club went after Sandro and Koulibaly in the first season, but both clubs refused to sell those players so we got the second choice (Conte's second choice) in Alonso and also Luiz, as well as Rudiger. Conte also got Kante (the league winner the season before and arguably Leicester's best player behind Vardy) and Conte also had the fortune of a 20 goal a season striker in Costa too, who he managed to have a spat with and ruin the relationship with so much that Costa wouldn't return. I can understand the club's stance form that point and it wasn't positive. Conte had it pretty well in that first season if you ask me. 

He had it well in the first season but then he got rightly pissed when he wasn't backed in the second season to build on things despite the fact we had CL football to deal with.

And the relationship with good old Diego, that was ruined but that was because we had a player acting like a complete prick and practically downing tools after he decided he wanted to move to China. Conte had to stand firm and rightly so. Said player has hardly pulled up any trees since and looks like he is again surplus to current clubs requirements.

 

[ForeverCarefree]

Conte was actually being backed though. The club went after Sandro and Koulibaly in the first season, but both clubs refused to sell those players so we got the second choice (Conte's second choice) in Alonso and also Luiz, as well as Rudiger. Conte also got Kante (the league winner the season before and arguably Leicester's best player behind Vardy) and Conte also had the fortune of a 20 goal a season striker in Costa too, who he managed to have a spat with and ruin the relationship with so much that Costa wouldn't return. I can understand the club's stance form that point and it wasn't positive. Conte had it pretty well in that first season if you ask me. 

So Conte wanted Sandro and Koulibaly but didn't get them? Whereas Sarri gets Jorginho, Kepa, Higuain, Kovacic... All his picks to play his system. 

I've made the point elsewhere, Kante was a big coup but after his season with Leicester he was still a somewhat unknown quantity. At that point in time he was a one-season wonder and we paid a relatively modest sum for him making a somewhat low risk gamble and fortunately he was able to replicate his form and became the start he is today.

Conte didn't have a good squad for his first season, Ivanovic and Terry's legs had gone but they were viewed as first choice going into the season. If you ask me he turned water into wine by converting Moses, a rather underwhelming winger, into a productive fullback... None of use saw that one coming. Throw on top Alonso, the former Bolton and Sunderland leftback who'd be plying his trade at a mid table Fiorentina turning into the best left sided defender in the league. If he'd have got his first choice in Sandro and we got those performances you'd have been happy... but from Marcos Alonso? That was good coaching. 

He also got David Luiz playing some of the best football of his career by putting him the centre of a back three, maximizing his strengths but protecting his weaknesses.... Not forgetting he achieved this off the back of a very short pre-season having changed formation and tactics after the season had already begun. Completely disagree that Conte had it good transfer wise during either of his seasons personally. 

As for Costa, he had been angling to leave us from the first season he joined Chelsea. That he stayed for three seasons was surprising. He had his head turned by a big money offer from China and it was all downhill from there. Yes Conte didn't cover himself in glory with how he handled but I don't think he or anyone else was going to convince him to stay for a forth season. 

 

[RMCM]

So whose fault is that? 

We were led to believe Jorginho WAS the system. He's the grand architect of Sarri-ball and we spent a lot of money on him despite his apparent limited skill set. 

Apparently world cup winner Kante doesn't have the technical attributes to play there. Premier League winner Danny Drinkwater is completely incapable of playing in a three man midfield. We've lost Cesc because of Sarri's preference for Jorginho... Sarri's certainly had it all his own way so far when it comes to the squad, despite his quotes about training the players he's got and the transfer market being a refuse for the weak. All smoke and mirrors that, he's having a huge say on this team and it's on him to start delivering better, more convincing performances as a result. 

If our attack was firing Jorginho would look a lot better. He's played a tonne of key passes that should have led to goals or at least shots on target only to be ballsed up by one of our attackers, there's a decent video here. Yes he plays a lot of short sideways balls, but it's his job to keep the ball moving and get the other team out of position, that's the regista role he's playing, and I think he does it very well. Of course he can improve, but i feel like he's the latest in a long line of scapegoats at Chelsea
 

 

[mclovin83]

That'd be the Conte side that lost Matic, Costa, Terry and was given quantity rather than quality signings during the summer. Wanted upgrades on his fullbacks  but instead had to play half a season with European football with one recognised left back. Almost every player signed last season has or is being moved on this season. It speaks volumes about how poor that squad and those recruitment were. 

I've been consistent on my opinions about Sarri. I was skeptical of his appointment and haven't seen enough to convince me otherwise so far.... Hopefully he proves me wrong but this narrative that he is happy to work with the players he is given and doesn't care about transfers needs to die because it clearly isn't true. 

What narrative is that?

I am aware of some old comments he made, but don't know what the word for word quote was. Is it something that has been repeated recently?