Due to the size of Chelsea’s squad, they have international players all over the world now.
They’ve travelled all over the place, and some – like Ross Barkley – are having a rather nice time.
So with the second international break of the season almost done and with a tasty game against Manchester United on the horizon, I spoke to Tony Sheavyn to find out what Chelsea fans are thinking.
On the international break:
“I really dislike international breaks. To have a second break only two months into a season seems pointless to me. However supporters views don’t matter, which is what we learnt a long time ago.
“Whilst on the subject of moaning, a big thank to Premier League/Sky for making our Boxing Day game away at Watford a 7.30 kick off. A Boxing Day evening game is unheard of, but as I said before, supporters don’t matter.
“It was nice to see Ross Barkley back in an England shirt, even though he was playing alongside two other midfield players who you would hardly call gifted in Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier.
“I thought Barkley did fine, and is now beginning to find the belief and confidence he needs to really develop into the player that has had the potential for so long. I just hope that he continues to be used appropriately.
“On a different note, Jadon Sancho, who left Walworth Road, Kennington at 12 to go to Watford, then subsequently Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund, was given his debut.
“The same boy who was part of the Under-17 World Cup winning squad last season alongside Callum Hudson-Odoi, but is someone who made the decision to go abroad and get game time with a top club.
“I’m wondering what Hudson-Odoi is thinking, bearing in mind he has 18 months left on his contract. Will he run it down like Dominic Solanke did? I really hope not, but we need to sort it out. Otherwise, another young player with potential will disappear.”
On the upcoming game against Manchester United:
“This Saturday, Jose Mourinho is back at the Bridge for a game that will be very competitive. No matter what people say about The Special One, he won three titles with us, and probably in my mind managed the best side to have ever played in the Premier League in those first two years.
“He has though, over the past few years, seemed to have fallen out of love with the game a bit, and personally I think the money we got from him for Nemanja Matic was great business, and some of his recent buys have been very ordinary, especially at centre back.
“It will be very interesting to see if he looks to man-mark Eden Hazard as he has done in the past. I would expect him to do this. With “mark” being the operative word, I would already say that Hazard will be the most fouled player in the Premier League next weekend.
“For us, I don’t see too many changes, although playing at 12.30 on a Saturday after an international break isn’t ideal, but at least we are at home. I wonder if Jose will mention that?”