It just makes you realise

[CincyRed]

I'd hate to be a chav apologist, but they were flying under Scolari at the start of the season. Then they lost their best player to a long-term injury and they have seriously struggled since. I agree that Mourinho would probably have Chelsea in a better position (above us probably), but it has been the loss of Essien that has really hurt Scolari.

The point about the wingers is a good one though. They had a huge surplus on the flanks and now all their numbers are in the middle. Might not be down to the manager in that case.

[dww]

I'd hate to be a chav apologist, but they were flying under Scolari at the start of the season. Then they lost their best player to a long-term injury and they have seriously struggled since. I agree that Mourinho would probably have Chelsea in a better position (above us probably), but it has been the loss of Essien that has really hurt Scolari.

The point about the wingers is a good one though. They had a huge surplus on the flanks and now all their numbers are in the middle. Might not be down to the manager in that case.

Essien played what two games this season? They started well with and without him but teams have worked out how to contain and attack them now (first team to do so were Wigan that I saw and Chelsea were lucky to get a win that day).

[Joe King]

The real problem for Scolari is that his side is carrying a huge amount of passengers in the side: Ballack, Deco to name a few and the squad isn't as strong as it once was. A wise man once said: 'You are only as strong as your bench' Chelsea's bench contained: Cudicini, Ivanovic, Ferreira, Kalou, Belletti, Di Santo and Anelka. Out of them, who can make a real impact. Only Anelka. It says everything about Chelsea at the moment. It didn't help with Scolari selling both Wayne Bridge and Shaun Wright Phillips who no doubt are better than some of the talent on the bench.

Its a cost cutting Chelsea with people losing jobs and ticket allocations being reduced and players paying for their own food. This is a Chelsea which badly needs transformation and this is a season which will be testing especially in the league. In the Champions League however, their fortunes might be different. Fair enough, they haven't set it up alight but what they have is experience in the squad and a manager who has a wealth of experience in cup competitions from his international excursions.

[CincyRed]

Essien played what two games this season? They started well with and without him but teams have worked out how to contain and attack them now (first team to do so were Wigan that I saw and Chelsea were lucky to get a win that day).

Good Point

I didnt realise it was so few matches.

He is their best player mind.

[Tatterdemalion]

How good a manager Mourinho is.

Everyone dismissed it as 'its easy with all the money', but i think it's clear that under Grant and Scolari, Chelsea dont look as strong and driven as they did under Mourinho.

It's no coincidence that they now look so vulnerable and lacking in passion.

It's easy to say it was just about the money, but with more or less the same squad, neither Grant nor Scolari have produced the same level of performance from Chelsea.

Mourinho's side werent setting the world on fire in terms of flair or anything flashy, but they were winners and powerfully driven.

Under Scolari, Chelsea look weak, hollow and vulnerable.

The difference, for me, is the manager.

Sure. Still don't want the cunt anywhere near the Liverpool job.