The Chelsea supporters in the Transfer Tavern have smashed plenty of pint pots this week in frustration at their team’s exit from the Champions League.
It left the Blues’ season in tatters and meant that the FA Cup is now their only chance of silverware, from what has been a miserable season.
It could be a long wait for Chelsea’s next Champions League encounter, given that the chances of them finishing in the top four of the league are practically impossible now.
Whoever takes over the managerial reins at the end of the season as a big rebuilding job to do at Stamford Bridge, and it will take several new arrivals to get the club firing at the top end of the league once more.
One Blues fan is playing some darts in the Tavern and he thinks that the club need to offload some of the deadwood, and replace them with real quality in the summer.
Our writer Lee Clarke took a look at FIVE players who Chelsea need to get rid of during the summer months……
[ffc-gallery]
PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!
[/ffc-gallery]
Nemanja Matic
The Serbian midfielder was in great form last season for the Blues but has simply failed to scale such heights during the current campaign.
The fact that Jon Obi Mikel is keeping him out of the team speaks volumes about how poorly Matic was playing earlier on in the season.
The Nigerian has now seized the initiative and holds the central midfield jersey, which means Matic will need to move on for the good of his career.
At 27-years-old Matic does have time on his side, but his attitude suggests he would be unhappy sat on the bench and a move would suit all parties.
Asmir Begovic
Although the Bosnian is decent enough backup for regular stopper Thibaut Courtois he isn’t really Chelsea class if we are being totally honest.
At 28-years-old the agile performer needs to get out there and play some regular football as he did at Stoke City.
Begovic would be a worthy number one goalkeeper at over half of the clubs in the Premier League, and in truth he is wasted on the bench at Stamford Bridge.
Although he did alright in the spell of games he had between the posts in Courtois’ absence, but a move would be good for his career.
Eden Hazard
Chelsea legend Ray Wilkins said on the radio this past week that if Hazard’s heart isn’t in playing for Chelsea Football Club anymore then they should let him leave.
I would be amazed if the little Belgian is still at Stamford Bridge come August given that he has looked lost all season.
Jose Mourinho described Hazard as the best player in the world under the age of 24 last season, yet his performances this campaign have been well below par.
Given that interest has come from Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks, it is unlikely that the Belgium international will have any shortage of suitors if he does decide to move on.
Loic Remy
The France international is another player who Chelsea have on their books who is quite simply wasted sitting on the bench every week.
Remy has scored goals wherever he has been during his career and if he was given a run in the Chelsea first-team I am convinced he would do the same for them.
The ex-Newcastle United man very nearly left the club during the January transfer window, although an injury niggle to Diego Costa meant that he stayed.
Remy staying at Stamford Bridge is simply pointless and the sooner he moves on the better it will be for everyone.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Unless the next Chelsea manager is prepared to give the young starlet a run in the side then it is vital for his development that they let him leave – even if only temporarily.
Young players can stagnate and by kicking his heels in the reserves team Loftus-Cheek’s development is going backwards, which isn’t good for a clearly talented, young, English player.
The new Chelsea gaffer, whoever it may be, needs to asses Loftus-Cheek and if they don’t see him playing a regular part in the team, let him go.
A loan move to someone in the Premier League would be perfect but failing that a top end Championship club would be ideal.
