Troubled times at Stamford Bridge
John TerryThere were reports this week of a falling out with Henk Ten Cate that suggests he is at boiling point. This could be born out of frustration over injuries. Terry has played only 18 times for Chelsea this season and finds his starting-place under threat. His England place is also exposed.Frank LampardThe midfielder was left out of the side that played Olympiakos last week, a trend that could continue now Michael Ballack is in form. Should Avram Grant decide to play the German he could end up pushing Lampard out of the door. He has yet to sign a contract extension.Joe ColeThe decision to leave Cole out of Sunday’s starting line-up was strange considering he has openly praised Grant for revitalising his career. The Israeli may have alienated one of the few players who back him.Didier Drogba/Nicolas AnelkaGrant’s insistence on deploying a 4-3-3 formation will mean either Drogba or Anelka playing out of position or not all. Either outcome could harm Chelsea. As shown on Sunday, when Anelka started on the left of a front three, an unbalanced side is an ineffective side, but leaving out one of the two strongest characters in English football may damage morale.Upcoming matchesChelsea’s next three matches are in all the competitions they are still in, with each containing the potential for disaster. They go to West Ham on Saturday in the league before the visit of Olympiakos in the Champions League four days later. Chelsea then travel to Liverpool’s conquerors Barnsley in the FA Cup.Mourinho’s legacyGrant has yet to hear his name sung by Chelsea’s supporters and popularity will be hard to find as he struggles to assert himself while Mourinho’s shadow continues to hang over Stamford Bridge. The Israeli has won 24 out of his first 35 matches in charge but Mourinho won 27 and did not lose to Manchester United or Arsenal in that run. Mourinho also won the Carling Cup last season.
Tags: avram grant, cate, champion, champions league, chelsea, contract extension, ford, henk, john terry, lampard, manchester united, ten cate