Pre-season preparations have began as our squad started training yesterday at Cobham. The squad trained with Villas-Boas for the first time; they underwent a series of medical tests to monitor their health and fitness levels.
I am glad our Blue Army are back in training; it has been tough living without them for so long. Watch Chelsea TV or visit the official Chelsea website to keep up to date on day one of preseason.
Reports in the Daily Mail suggest that Chelsea is ready to sell Mikel to Juventus for £15m, they claim that we are chasing Michel Bastos to pave the way for Zhirkov to leave the club. Mind-you, I am going to take the Daily Mail’s stories with a pinch of salt.
The reason is Villas-Boas is in charge of the transfer activity at the Bridge; he wants to monitor his players during pre-season, watch the gaps before selling or buying new players.
If after examining the squad he believes Mikel should leave, I will have no problem – The only thing is that we have to sign his replacement before we let him go. City, United and Liverpool have all strengthened their squad. We should seek to add more quality players before we even consider selling.
For now, the Mikel to Juventus story is just pure speculation, let us hope it remains that way. Concerning the Mail’s Bastos replacing Zhirkov story, I will have no reservations if it happens. Zhirkov has probably spent more time in the injury room than on the pitch for Chelsea. He is yet to show returns on the money we spent on him.
For now, Bastos replacing Zhirkov story is also pure speculation, Villas-Boas has employed new fitness and medical personnel at Chelsea; let us hope Zhirkov remains fit throughout next season.
By Morad
Twitter @super_chelsea