Ex-Blue slams VAR & talks Chelsea, Graham Potter, UCL & Star Players

on October 5, 2022 at 6:00 pm

Chelsea have entered a new era under Graham Potter, with a host of players hoping to settle into life at Stamford Bridge.

Former Blues defender Glen Johnson has spoken exclusively to BoyleSports on the club, new manager Graham Potter and certain individual players.

Johnson also spoke about his other club Liverpool and the trending topic of Trent Alexander-Arnold this week, which you can read HERE.

Let’s see what he has to say on Chelsea though, below! Do you agree with him?

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POTTER’S START TO LIFE AT CHELSEA

It’s too early to be talking about it, to be honest. He has a lot to learn at the club, he’s had two games with one postponed so I don’t think there’s too much to say.

Chelsea did well to get a win against Palace. It wouldn’t be the first time seeing a player like Conor Gallagher turn good when a new manager comes in – it will be interesting to keep an eye on the situation.

New managers give all players a chance of a new life so you never know.

POTTER’S LACK OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

That is the unknown, but he knows football very well in how he wants his team to play.

But for someone who has never been in that scenario as a player and manager, he’s going into the unknown and it is different. The Champions League is closer to international football than the Premier League, it’s going to be interesting and a challenge for him.

These players that play for the likes of AC Milan and the coaches have been around it their whole lives.

The players you’d expect, Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount, and Kai Havertz need to turn up as well for him. If you want to win these games, they don’t get given to you, so you need all your big players to perform.

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WHAT’S YOUR BEST MIDFIELD THREE AT THE CLUB?

I’d have Jorginho, Mount and Havertz as a 10. I wouldn’t have Havertz up front or out wide, I’d have him floating about in between the lines.

I know Havertz has scored some big goals in finals but he didn’t set the world alight, he’d turn up in the big games but other than that he wasn’t electric. He never dominates the whole game, it isn’t his style of play.

And then Mount can be the legs and run box-to-box. Jorginho mops up and get the play set up.

PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG – WILL IT WORK OUT?

Yeah, I think so, he knows the Premier League and how to score goal.

It’s more about him wanting to be there, him wanting to score and overall, his happiness.

We’ve all seen him score bangers for Arsenal over the years so we know he’s more than capable, it’s just about how much he wants it.

NKUNKU ARRIVING ON A PRE-CONTRACT – THOUGHTS?

I’ve seen him play a few times, I like him. Is he good enough for Chelsea? I’ve seen glimpses in the Bundesliga and he’s looked electric at times.

Nkunku gets goals here and there too, but what he can do in the Premier League is yet to be seen.

IS KOULIBALY’S FUTURE ALREADY UNDER THREAT UNDER POTTER?

I think it might just be the manager trying to find players he can rely on from day one.

He’s still trying to work out certain players and clearly doesn’t know his best team yet.

I’d expect Koulibaly to play, he’s a big player, he’s done well for me and I think he’s been a good player in recent years. I definitely expect him to feature soon – Potter has only been there a few weeks.

WHAT ABOUT CHRISTIAN PULISIC & MASON MOUNT UNDER THE BOSS?

We hear all the time when new managers come in they go around to everyone and say “everyone is starting fresh and everyone has a chance to impress”.

Pulisic is capable of impressing, no manager is going to let go of a player who he thinks can help the team.

Sometimes you can drop players to get a reaction. Mason Mount was pretty much involved in everything Chelsea did well last year, whether it was goals, assists or just performances, and you don’t want to lose that.

Sometimes players need to be dropped to realise they won’t start every week if they’re playing poorly then the manager can get a reaction out of them.

As long as its done in the right way with the right objectives, then you can get a good reaction.

ARE WE SEEING THE END OF N’GOLO KANTE’S TIME AT THE CLUB?

Possibly, he’s been linked with many clubs that might want him. They’re struggling to agree a deal with him too.

If Kante wants to stay and play then I’m sure Chelsea will want him too. But there’s always a business decision when a player might want too much or the club is giving them too little, then they should shake hands and part ways.

VAR IS ALWAYS A TALKING POINT – WHAT’S YOUR VIEW?

I’ve never liked it from the start because we’re still getting things wrong, so it doesn’t make a difference because there’s still human error.

Of course, there have been some calls that are technically correct, in the sense that someone has half a centimetre offside, but you don’t get an advantage from half a centimetre.

It ruins the fun of players scoring goals and the entertainment football is supposed to be. Ultimately, the referee still gets called over to make a decision, they might get it right they might do it wrong, but it’s pointless and a waste of time.

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