Q&A Two - W/ Dan McCarthy

Welcome to the second instalment of our brand new feature!

We brought you the feature, you brought us the questions! Chelsea expert Dan McCarthy (@MaccaSport) will answer your questions below in the second instalment of this new series. Enjoy.

Q1) Yann - “Hi, How does Thomas Tuchel intend to deal with Olivier Giroud next season? Will he extend him, or push him out? Thank You.”

The striker situation at Chelsea is ever-changing and discussed pretty consistently, Yann. With that said, specifically to Giroud, the player himself will control the destiny of his future more so than Thomas Tuchel. Giroud has earned the right to do so with his experience, key contributions and sheer professionalism around Cobham. His agent is aware interest still remains outside of Chelsea for his client, whilst Giroud himself believes he can continue to contribute from the start and play on for a few more years yet, wherever that may be.

In conclusion, I’d be surprised if Giroud stayed on past the summer, given Chelsea are looking for a new number 9 up top and the other attacking options at our disposal currently.

Q2) Tats - “Hi Dan, is Jorginho going? If so, is this a good thing or a bad thing if he does, in your opinion? Thank you in advance"

There’s been a lot of press attention on the Italian this past week or two, primarily due to his agent’s activity in the media. To answer your question, Jorginho I believe will eventually move on from Stamford Bridge in the foreseeable future. When? That remains to be seen, with lots of factors in play (Price, COVID, Tuchel’s recruitment/targets etc.)

If/when Jorginho does leave, I believe we will be fine. The Italian is a very intelligent/specialised footballer who without doubt brings a lot to the table, however, he is somewhat limited in his output and relies heavily on a system built to his strengths. With that, I believe Tuchel wants to move away from that system and will look to recruit his own pedigree of central midfielder to implement that. I like Jorginho as a player and respect what he has done/the professionalism he has shown whilst at the club, however, I don’t believe we will ‘struggle’ without him as such.

Q3) James Prescott - “Hi there, So if Haaland is unattainable, who is the next on the striker list/other striker targets?” Adam Riv - If we don’t sign Haaland and I don’t think we will, who are we also looking at? I wouldn’t mind having Dominic Calvert-Lewin as the main man. Only 24, experienced in the league, can score goals with his head, left and right. Can hold it up too. In my opinion better than Tammy too. What do we think?

I point you here, James and Adam to my man Simon’s article on this particular topic here.

Nicely summarised by Simon on who we may look at if Haaland isn’t to happen. For me, Lukaku would be the obvious target, however, that deal isn’t an easy one to get done.

Q4) Jai - “When do you think we’ll start to hear about the players Tuchel is targeting for the summer? Thanks.”

We already are Jai, as we have revealed a couple of exclusives these past weeks on this. More specifically from Tuchel, expect to see those with more clarity in the final weeks of the season/start of summer, as Tuchel has more immediate issues at hand, in getting Chelsea to the top four/winning a trophy etc, which will only help recruitment. The board are already highlighting targets and putting plans in place, Tuchel’s detailed input and targets will come later.

Q5) Claudio - “Hi Dan, after the quickfire yesterday I was tempted to go for a tough question but I'll wait for my moment! Haha.

Ruben Loftus Cheek - Thoughts on his Chelsea future? For me, he's had an injury-free season which has been positive but still not enough to break into our team although we all know the natural ability he holds! Interested to hear your thoughts.”

The turtleneck himself, love it. I get touchy with questions on RLC, (Simon knows why haha) but happy to provide more on this.

I, like many, dreamed of seeing RLC in the Chelsea XI for years to come. His journey in the academy, his physical prowess and his technical ability make for what is a fantastic footballer. With that said, injury has seriously derailed this plan and stalled his Chelsea career pretty sharply. He has done well at Fulham and enjoyed being “the main man” as such which I felt he needed for his confidence and his ability at that level warrants that.

In saying that, I believe Fulham would be crazy not to throw money at this and get their man permanently. Chelsea would be smart to include a buy-back clause of some sorts, in anticipation he rediscovers the form he showed under Maurizio Sarri prior to his Achilles injury. In conclusion, I believe his Chelsea career may be done, for now. Just a prediction, let’s see…

Q6) Tom Coley - “Morning fellas, hope you're both well! I'm sure I've enjoyed the episode until now so an early thanks for that. 

Given the reported £154m for Erling Haaland, is there any price you wouldn't pay for him? And how do you think Chelsea/Marina will negotiate with Dortmund who are known to be stubborn, the Sancho saga last summer etc. I'm sure Chelsea will deal with it respectfully, but they also won't be bullied.”

Hey Tom, appreciate the support on the pod. With Haaland, he is certainly a generational talent and will improve any team for years to come. The old argument of “it’s not my money so who cares” comes to mind here. Personally, Roman will pay whatever he deems necessary to get this deal done. I think anything north of £200m is absurd, but that’s football.

Dortmund will look to get as much as humanly possible for their man and are under no pressure to sell. Haaland as of now isn’t demanding to leave and his release clause isn’t active until next year. With that said, if Dortmund does not make the top four, this scenario will probably change in Chelsea and any other suitors favour. In Marina, we trust.

Q7) RJ (@RJ_Goodthings) - “Dan, why are you such a champion? Also, given Kante may miss some matches due to his minor hamstring injury, do you think Billy will get more minutes or is it just a case of Jovacic holding down the fort? Cheers, RJ 🙂👊”

Hey man, appreciate the support!

First and foremost, Kante’s injury isn’t too serious, so there’s hope Kante won’t miss too much time. However, he will be managed accordingly by the club, who are prioritising this. With that said, Tuchel trusts the Jovacic pivot tremendously, and actually preferred it for a time. He likes Billy and trusts him in cup games etc, however, it’s tough to see Billy starting any league games anytime soon. We can remain hopeful, patience around the young Scotsman is key. It’ll come for him.

Q8) Dieter Van Gucht - “Hi Dan and Simon. Which of our players who are out on loan now have a future at Chelsea? Who will score the most goals at the end of the season for Chelsea? Will Gilmour get his loan move in the upcoming transfer window? Cheers, Dieter.”

Thanks for the question, Dieter. For me, I believe Marc Guehi will certainly get a look in the next year or two. Guehi has been brilliant at Swansea on loan this year, playing in a back three and showing his class on and off the ball, the board/staff at Chelsea are very impressed.

I believe Ethan Ampadu may need another/better loan to drive further his development and close the gap to the Chelsea first team. Malang Sarr is doing well and Connor Gallagher also, however, I don’t believe they will be in the first-team squad next year. I spoke on RLC above if you want to check that out. Any others I haven't mentioned I believe may be sold/return to the academy levels within Chelsea’s infrastructure.

Q9) Tyrese “We've heard Tuchel speak about how much he likes everyone in the squad. Surely that's not 100% true, which players do you think he isn’t 100% sold on?”

Smart man-management from Mr Tuchel. Man management is something he lists as one of his strengths, also something which was much needed at Chelsea after the rumours in breakdowns between the previous manager and his players. Of course, he has his favourites and has spoken glowingly on certain players more than others. However, he needs everyone on board right now, pushing in the same direction in order to achieve the club’s goals this year. We will see who he fancies and doesn’t in the final weeks of the season/start of summer, once the second instalment of our squad rebuild gets underway.

Q10) Dan Starkey “Alright Macca..... Who should we sign in the summer? But they can only be from the premier league and not Declan Rice (we know that's a given anyway!). Proven, available premier league players who would improve us?”

Me old mucker Starko! Good question this, you took away my number one answer very intelligently. With that said, you’ve got me thinking and there isn’t anyone I would say we “need” from the Premier League, nor would they be my first choice in the respective positions across the world.

However, players I’m a big fan of from the Premier League - Youri Tielemans and Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester), Pedro Neto (Wolves) and Jack Grealish (Aston Villa).

Q11) Patrick Larson - “Macca!! What is your first-ever memory as a Chelsea supporter?”

Great question as always, Patrick. Thanks for the support!

My first memory would be watching the 1997 FA Cup final as a young kid, remembering the noise/moment when Robbie Di Matteo belted one in after 42 seconds against Middlesborough. That’s really it.

My most vivid first memory would be the 2000 Charity Shield at the Old Wembley, vs Manchester United at the height of their powers when we won 2-0 with goals from Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink and Mario Melchiot. The whole day/experience with the old man was simply fantastic, one I’ll never forget. Yours?

Q11) Sagnik - “With the talent we have in the attacking positions(Pulisic, Cal, Timo & Ziyech), and if they start firing all cylinders do u see Mason making the 3 man in the attack as a regular starter in this current formation? What is your views on this matter, keeping in mind the best the above-mentioned wingers/attacking players can offer.”

I personally believe Mason as an 8 with a license to roam is his best position. With that said, he has shown his prowess and tactical flexibility in those attacking positions time and time again for club and country. Mason’s final product is always improving, he really is becoming the complete player. He will fit in where needed and will remain indispensable for the club without a doubt.

Ahead of him, many will know I’m a big fan of Kai Havertz, of whom I expect to showcase his incredible ability more prominently as he settles. Timo Werner, I’m willing to be patient on, Christian Pulisic too despite not being overly excited when we signed either in all honesty (since becoming a fan of Christian). Finally, Ziyech brings an attacking dimension many don’t, so he has a place in the squad for me for now. He needs to improve his work-rate and pressing for me, but he is a very intelligent footballer and I see that coming with time under Tuchel.

Q12) Rob Green - How did you get into coaching in the US, and what is your advice for someone looking to do the same?

Great question Rob, appreciate it. I’ve coached since I was sixteen years old, always pressing the issue and finding the time to poke at my coaches from my playing days and learn more about the game. I discovered very early my belief that I could add to the game more from coaching rather than playing.

With that said, as soon as I finished playing out here in the States, I was approached to coach by a good friend/coach in a club here in Manhattan Beach, California. I have been with the same club ever since, really enjoying the personal journey I am on right now. It was a smooth transition from playing to coaching, putting myself in the right areas around the right people to do so. As you know, it’s often who you know and all…

My advice for anyone looking to follow suit is to offer up your services/time for any level that is open, it doesn’t matter as long as you’re in the game. Often, you can find companies to work for and get your foot in the door, from where you can build quickly with a solid work rate and enthusiasm/love for the game. The game rewards people who are invested, put development first and handle themselves accordingly/put the work in. I am always looking to improve/learn in my journey, which is the fun part.

That’ll do for now everyone. 12 questions, solid and dependable like our ol’ friend John-Obi Mikel.

I hope you enjoyed the second instalment of this new feature as much as I did doing it. Let me know in the comments below your thoughts, and I’ll catch you all next time!

Up the Chels. 

Written by Dan McCarthy - @MaccaSport