Chelsea’s mid-season report: Jose striving for “tactical flexibility”, as Oscar and Ramires become key pins

The ‘Fluid’ System

Though there were completely different formations used at times, most of them were the case of adapting to the opponent. The 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 forms the base for a formation which is both fluid and flexible, so as to operate efficiently in the defensive third. Generally, one theme comes to the fore when such a combination is wished, Counter-Attacking football. Dortmund play such brand of football, with quick transitions and lightning fast counters. But, Mourinho wanted a different version of this. In order to adapt to the intensity of the English league, Mourinho needed his players to be more focused during all phases of play. This sort of system demands high amounts of work rate and stamina, particularly from the attackers. Juan Mata couldn’t meet these demands on a regular basis which resulted in him falling down the pecking order behind Oscar and Hazard.

During his time in Madrid, Mourinho had a proper midfield in place, and this eased some defensive duties off Ronaldo and Ozil. But, Ronaldo too was seen defending on his flank at times. This trait of defensive-wingers becomes even more paramount when fullbacks take part actively in attacks. Now, at Chelsea, only Mikel and Essien can be branded as midfielders with a defensive mindset, Ramires and Lampard are primarily more equipped to play an attacking role. And, an Essien-Mikel pairing is not ideal when more functionality is expected. These shortcomings have forced Mourinho to use Ramires in a unique role and in turn demanding more from the wingers.

Almost everything Chelsea do on the pitch goes through Ramires.

Until now, this system has been reasonably effective for Chelsea this term. It became a main stay during the 9 game unbeaten run, but opponents tend to find holes as days pass. And Chelsea were losing games again. The process of creating a new identity to the team had to be decelerated and the drawing board revisited. The game against Stoke City was a sign that things were getting out of hand as Petr Cech shipped 3 goals in that game. In came Mikel, and goals dried up for the opponents. Chelsea conceded only 4 goals in 8 games after that loss at Stoke, winning 6 of them and losing once, to Sunderland in the league cup. Chelsea are now strong at the back and their strikers have started to score. Its not long until Chelsea develop a unique identity for their style of play, which could win them games and ultimately, silverware.

New Signings??

Much has been talked about on the need for a midfielder and a striker in January. But in fairness, the strikers Chelsea have are more than enough to reach the final destination, i.e, May. A new midfielder is a much realistic need for the team to go the distance in the Champions League. The club can recall some of its loanees instead of spending cash in an overrated January window. But it is increasingly likely that Mourinho will buy someone and add steel to the mid. Fredy Guarin and Nemanja Matic are few players being linked to a move to London.

Chelsea will be a familiar place for Nemanja Matic.

Of the two, Matic seems to be a better fit, as he is equipped with qualities what Chelsea need right now. Guarin is more of a Ramires kind of a player who provides energy in the midfield, but that lack of a good passer will still elude Mourinho. Nemanja Matic is reportedly on the market, as Benfica are in need of money to reduce their losses. Chelsea will have the upper hand in such kind of negotiations, as they can get the player at a much lower price than the demanded 30 million. It will again be a choice between the wish of the club to spend in January after a reported loss of 50 million last season and the desire to go that extra bit in attaining success.

Conclusion

The individual performances of all players has not been discussed much in this article as it is cruel to judge them with the manager rotating the players heavily. An end-of-season report card seems more fair to evaluate them. Chelsea have done fairly well in the first half of the season when compared to Spurs and Man Utd. Liverpool, Everton, Arsenal and Man City have been on par with Chelsea in terms of progress achieved to reach the season’s objectives. The second half of the season will be a crucial time for Arsenal and Liverpool as they tend to fade away, at least the history suggests that. Man City, in the form they are currently, are outright favorites for the league title and Bayern Munich with the thing they have gotten going under Pep are turning into an invincible force and are touted to win the Champions League. Chelsea will have to work monstrously to defy the odds and come out on top.