You'll need to excuse me for a while, I've been feeling quite down since the inevitable news was officially announced on the Chelsea FC website.
I’d accepted that Eden Hazard was leaving a few months ago when it was clear he was moving to Spain, but the reality of it actually happening has been quite difficult.
I’m not really that worried about the impact it will have on the side, Christian Pulisic is of course nowhere near the Belgian but is a great prospect.
Callum Hudson-Odoi also looks like he could be the business and between the two of them, they could create a powerful, quick and skillful threat down the flanks.
Yeah, I know you’re all gloating on it and of course I’d do the same if any of you had a player in the class of Hazard leaving your club (but you haven’t).
The accusation of Chelsea being a one-man team will be tested, as will a number of youngsters who’ll be thrust into the first team as a result of the two-window transfer ban.
I’m not hoping for a big season, rather a year of “building” from now, with a big splash into the market in January, given the final outcome of the appeal.
One thing to be sure of is that I’ll miss watching Hazard week-in-week-out.
I’ve argued with lots of you over the last few years who say Hazard is overrated.
Not sure why I’ve bothered, if you are a football guy, YOU KNOW he’s one of the very best players of all time.
I’ll also miss his absolutely beautiful glutes buttocks fit to adorn a Greek statue - so strong, so bite-able.
He’s one of those players who will always be respected at Stamford Bridge, unlike the “snake” Thibaut Courtois who refused to train and sulked as he tried to push through his move to Real Madrid.
Hazard did the absolute opposite, gave 110 percent as always until the last game, netting a brace and lifting the Europa Cup in the final against Arsenal.
What a f*****g legend, hold nothing against him, he’s given us seven fantastic years. I wish him all the very best (unless we draw Real in Europe).
Of course my Chelsea world is as unpredictable as ever, it’s all happening again.
DECENT REPLACEMENT: Christian Pulisic. Photo: Thilo Schmuelgen/Reuters
With Maurizio Sarri confirmed as the new Juventus manager, the doorway has been left open for the inevitable return of Frank Lampard.
Am I happy about it? Are Chelsea fans backing it?
Well, it seems as if those who turn up at the Bridge every week want anybody but Sarri, fans on the internet can’t believe he’s gone after a relatively successful season and I’ve clicked my seatbelt in awaiting the next saga.
There is one thing for certain, despite the obvious contradictions and flaws in appointing a great ex-player without a relevant CV, what ‘Super Frank’ will bring is unity.
It may be shortlived, but it’s what the club needs more than anything. Not instant success (as with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s appointment at United), not another trophy, but the simple task of getting the club, players and fans singing the same tune again.
Of course, it’s a huge gamble, for Frank himself, one of the all-time Stamford Bridge greats who’s just embarked in a coaching career, and for the board, who run a business that demands success.
Lampard had some success at Derby County, incorporating youngsters and encouraging an attack-minded philosophy.
The Rams had a solid campaign but one season in a lower league?
With Didier Drogba, Petr Cech and Jody Morris looking certain to be part of his coaching staff could this turn out any different to Ole’s disaster?
The Fifa transfer sanction is a massive blow, but will encourage the recall of young talent out on loan.
Can this work?
To be honest, I just want to be excited watching the ‘Blues’ again. I was bored sh*tless this past season.
It pained me watching N’Golo Kante wasting away, the strange substitutions, the rigid (easy to work out) tactics with Jorginho dictating in the middle.
I don’t care if we end up outside the top six, I miss the passion of a never-say-die Chelsea side.
I long for the old atmosphere at the Bridge, I just want to enjoy my football again something Frank Lampard will definitely bring!