Re: The Official Oh F*** Chelsea Destroyed Footie Thread feat. FSW
RAFA BENITEZ has told Roman Abramovich his Chelsea squad is not strong enough to compete on eight fronts.
The interim Blues boss made it clear to the owner he needs urgent reinforcements during the remaining few days of the transfer window or risk meltdown.
But he is not sure how much notice Abramovich is taking as weary Chelsea limp into tomorrow’s big FA Cup test at Brentford.
Since Benitez took over from Robeto Di Matteo on November 21, his team have played 18 games in just two months — including a week in Japan for the Club World Cup.
He is desperate to give some of his wilting stars a rest for the big test of character at Griffin Park, but admits he does not have too many options to ring the changes.
Benitez said: “We cannot rest too many players because our squad is not that big in certain positions.
“I had a good conversation about this with the owner the other day. I gave my opinion, he listened to me. But I have to concentrate on the team.
“I have to play Frank Lampard and Ramires all the time because we have problems with injuries and suspensions and we have two players at the African Nations Cup.
“We have had nine games a month since I came here and the players are a little tired.
“You can really see the difference when players are allowed to have a rest
“When they have three or four days to recover they are fine. When they only have two they are not so good.
“The squad we have was successful in the past and as a result we have had more competitions this season.
“This season we have had to play extra games in Japan and Monaco. We have players at the African Nations Cup and we’ve had to cope with injuries to Lampard, Terry and Romeu.”
Chelsea spent £65million on Eden Hazard, Oscar and Marko Marin last summer — taking the total cost of the squad to more than £292m.
Benitez said: “When you bring in players from abroad, it always takes time for them to get used to the game in England.
“We cannot play long balls when we have Mata, Hazard and Oscar in our team. Torres isn’t a target man so we have to play the ball on the floor.
“We are a team that has to pass. You cannot change the characteristics of your players.
“Technically we are better than some teams but maybe they are physically stronger.”
Cup-holders Chelsea need to hang on to the trophy after missing out in six competitions already this season.
Petr Cech, Ashley Cole, Branislav Ivanovic and Demba Ba are set to sit it out today, along with the banned Hazard.
John Terry is in line to start his first game in 11 weeks.
Read more:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepag...lsea-squad-isnt-big-enough.html#ixzz2J5wCLFwN