The Premier League returns in earnest this weekend after a rather dull international break. Next up for the Blues is a home fixture against Champions Chelsea. Ahead of the game we spoke to Read Chelsea’s Ryan Darby about Stones, Mourinho and what we can expect from Saturday’s visitors.
1. Hi Ryan, thanks for taking the time out to speak to us. First up, give us your assessment of Chelsea’s season up to now. Are the club in good enough condition to defend their title?
Well, I think it is clear to see it hasn’t started well. I’ve seen a lot of opposing fans say we’re overreacting as fans, but we’re really not. We’ve started very poorly, whilst City look very strong. Their start to the season mirrors our start last season almost.
We’re up against it now, and if we can manage to win the Premier League this season, I think it would be one the greatest turnarounds in Premier League history. We’ve been poor and it has been a huge reality check.
2. How is Jose Mourinho getting on? He’s often labelled a pragmatist- does his style of football have a place at Chelsea, or would you rather see something more expansive?
This is the age old debate, and I guess it comes down to what you want from football. Last season, we played some unbelievable football, in fact some of the best football I have seen from a Chelsea team in my life time, during the first half of the season, which was fantastic to see.
In the second half of the season, we were much more conserved and defensive, but we were the ones lifting the trophy come the end of the season.
Sometimes, we’re fighting a losing battle. Last season, we went to the Emirates and put a shift in defensively to scrap a 0-0 draw. If for example, Everton did that, would it be parking the bus or would they be praised for their defending?
I’d love to see more expansive football, but we’re winners and that is the most important thing in football.
3. What do you make of Chelsea’s new signings, then? Are there any areas you think have been neglected?
Our window didn’t start too badly. Begovic to come in and replace Cech is a fantastic piece of business. Falcao to come in on loan is a risk but at the same time, we’ve not spent mega money on him.
The stand out buy is of course, Pedro. We’ve been screaming out for a wide player that can be a threat from wide positions. At £21m we have got a bargain for a man of his experience. We needed a full back, centre back and central midfielder, we got two of the 3.
Baba Rahman from Augsburg looks like he could be a promising young attacking full back, but I’ll hold my judgement until we saw more of him. Michael Hector joined from Reading, which came out of nowhere, but was sent back to Reading on loan. Finally, Papy Dijolobdji joined from Nantes. He was seen as more of a panic buy after failing to land PSG’s Marquinhos, but I am sure he can do a job when needed.
4. Let’s move on to Everton. How do you view us as a club? Has the John Stones saga tarnished the relationship between our two clubs? And what’s your take on it all?
I don’t think it will completely tarnish the relationship between the two clubs, but it will make for a fierce atmosphere at Goodison Park on Saturday I am sure.
I was surprised you managed to keep hold of him, I don’t think it is completely clear to see whether it was him or his agent that wanted him to move. I don’t think we’ve seen the end of it either, I do see him eventually becoming a Chelsea player.
Whether that is January or next season, I do see it happening and I see us over paying for him too. Which is a shame, because that could put so much pressure on him.
5. How do you expect us to do this season?
I think Everton will have a strong season. I think they can concentrate on the Premier League and possibly a cup. Without the Europa League, you have a great chance ahead of you.
6. How highly do you rate Roberto Martinez?
I rate him highly, I think he is still learning and will always improve. I think he resembles Mourinho in ways that they both have their beliefs and ‘philosophies’ if you will. You’re slowly playing more direct to Lukaku and that ability to change your style will win you plenty of matches for sure.
7. Which 3 Everton players would you take to Stamford Bridge given the chance?
The obvious choice has to be John Stones (sorry!). I previously mentioned we needed a full back in the summer, for the price we paid for Baba Rahman, we could have added a few million and looked at Seamus Coleman, which would have been nice. Finally, Ross Barkley. He is a young talent and has a bright future ahead of him. He gets goals from midfield and we need that.
8. Which Chelsea players should Everton be wary of on Saturday?
Pedro and Hazard. Pedro has been the stand out player so far this season. The Spaniard is willing to run and run and run. Hazard has been quiet this season, but he scored 2 in 2 for Belgium and also got a kick up the backside by Marc Wilmots so we’re hoping he is a revitalised.
9. And who will Chelsea fans fear in a blue shirt?
I think it depends who starts for Chelsea. If Ivanovic starts, your wingers will cause him real problems. Deulofeu could cause him problems, if Barkley can find space, he will also have a field day if our midfield is as poor as they have been.
10. Likely Chelsea team and score prediction.
Begovic, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Terry, Baba Rahman, Matic, Ramires, Pedro, Oscar, Hazard, Costa. 2-2.
Thanks again to Ryan for his time. Be sure to follow @ReadChelseaFC for their pre-match build-up.
