WAYNE BRIDGE BELIEVES Chelsea’s terrible 2015-16 season so far is down to a lack of leaders on the pitch.
The former left-back joined the London club in 2003 and was part of Jose Mourinho’s Premier League-winning side of 2004-05.
Bridge considers the absence of influential figures among the current crop, the type involved in Chelsea’s first title win in 50 years, is a major factor in their ongoing malaise.
“When I was there we had quite a few leaders in the changing room,” he told The Independent.
“We had John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, but I don’t really see as many leaders in this side compared to when I was there.
I don’t believe these rumours [of discontent] but if the media keep talking about it, people might start to believe it.
With Chelsea 14th in the Premier League after 15 games – of which they have won just four – Bridge thinks Champions League qualification is out of their reach.
However, the 35-year-old backed Jose Mourinho to turn things around and believes a place in the top six is still a possibility.
“I keep wondering every week, is this the week they start winning? But it just doesn’t happen,” he added.
“With the players they have, [Mourinho] should definitely be able to turn it around.
“I can’t see [Chelsea finishing in the top four], but it is still possible for them to reach the top six.
“Both are massive asks but if any team can go on an unbelievable run, it’s Chelsea.”
What a waste of time. But im sure louth will have enjoyed the big day out in croke park eh
@Brian Dunne: The three provincial finals so far have been awful, hopefully Ulster is a bit better.
@Bert Carolan: Time to scrap them and run all-Ireland competitions a few weeks after the league end.
@Brian Dunne: ah now Brain nod say there’s a few of your i20’s lads would love a crack at Dublin for a Leinster title
@mainmsam: *id say
Gaelic football is a game that’s gone down the drain,between calling for a ‘mark’,handpassing,scoring by hand it’s just terrible to watch.not to take anything away from Dublin winning today,best of luck to them. I seen a few minutes of the game today and switched it off,I haven’t watched a game of Gaelic in years and won’t be watching anytime soon either.as a youngster watching on in the 80’s and 90’s it was a completely different game.can anything be done to save the game ?
@Jb Walshe: Yawn. Already been some brilliant games this year. That game was very 80s/90s esque as well. Stick to the hurling good man
@Jb Walshe: As you don’t watch gaelic football you probably didn’t watch the Ulster final today
Could have put those games on gaa go. See if anyone would watch them outside the 6 counties that played in those finals
What a competition
Utterly pointless game
Bit of silverware is a bit of silverware love to see it
Do people actually watch this?
@Donie Nagle: yes, probably a dub thing
@Donie Nagle: Yes
Them bloody Dubs are at it again…
Sam is homesick
Split Dublin in two
@KY22: and have an all Dublin Leinster final??
Louth goalkeeper was quoted by RTE commentator that he sees himself as outfield player first and a goalkeeper second well by golly that showed today. If your tge actual goalkeeper and perform like that you deserve everything you get. Maybe stick to been a keeper and you might actually be able to save something.
Levels.
Dublin will most likely reach an All Ireland quarter final and only have played one ( Roscommon) Division One team. I can see Dessie Farrell’s point, especially if Dublin come up against a more hardened team who have played competitive games.
I believe in a few years we will have the Provincial Championships in February before the League starts. They will become what the O’Byrne and McKenna Cups are now.
Also, the lopsided nature of Provincial Championships doesn’t allow the new format for the All Ireland series to be a true reflection of the top sixteen teams in the country.
@Gerry Thompson: no, they are too important to too many counties. Try telling Sligo, Clare, Louth or Armagh that they should be downgraded. Try telling Limerick from last year, tipp from a couple of years ago, Cavan etc. Even Roscommon, Meath, Derry, Monaghan, it’s their All Ireland ATM. It’s worth winning and more important than league or Tailteann Cup. Dublin and Kerry dominating their province is a necessary evil unfortunately but when someone does beat them in the Leinster final it will be huge for that county.
Time to put the Leinster and Munster football championships out to pasture. There hasn’t been a Connacht Hurling Championship since the mid 90s for the same reason. Dublin & Kerry pummelling all round them is a futile exercise.
@Colm: Tipp won Munster in 2020…..