Next up for Palace is a game against Premier League leaders Chelsea at Selhurst Park so we had a chat with friend of TEB, Rasmus from fan group Chelsea Rumours.
Q. What were your hopes and dreams for the new season before a ball was kicked?
Before the season started, it was difficult to know what to expect. Two years ago, we were champions and last year we finished without any silverware and tenth in the table. Obviously, we sacked Jose Mourinho in December and steadied the ship slightly under Guus Hiddink, albeit that we drew most of our games and even lost convincingly at home to Manchester City.
Signing N’Golo Kanté was definitely a boost for everyone at the club, but watching Antonio Conte’s Italy at the Euros where they beat Belgium, knocked out Spain and took Germany to penalties with what was described as the weakest Italy squad in decades, gave even more cause for optimism. Still, having played so poorly, we were all left wondering whether Conte was going to face an uphill task to succeed. I remember thinking that if we finished in the top four, that would be fantastic for us, and as such, that was the hope and dream prior to the season starting.
Q. Was it a successful transfer window for the club or are there areas that still need improving?
It was a decent transfer window. As I’ve already mentioned, everyone was delighted when we signed Kanté, as we’d all seen what he could do for Leicester the previous season. Adding Michy Batshuayi to the ranks, a player who through his use of social media has already endeared himself to the Chelsea fan base, was seen as an exciting albeit perhaps slightly risky transfer. After all, £30million is not an irrelevant sum of money, even for a club with the financial capabilities of Chelsea.
Marcos Alonso’s transfer was met with some skepticism, and while many were happy to have David Luiz back at the club, concerns were also raised as to whether he was the man to bring stability to a very shaky back four. All in all, we addressed the major issues, but there’s still room for improvement in just about every department. I think we’ll see the final touches being added to the squad next summer.
Q. Antonio Conte has had quite an effect since he was appointed hasn’t he?
He certainly has. Not only have we won ten games in a row, but we’ve played some fantastic football throughout. We’ve faced very different tests, from Manchester City’s Pep-inspired tiki-taka fast flowing football, to Tony Pulis putting out his trademark back six with two defensive midfielders in front of them against us at the Bridge. So far, we’ve passed all of those tests.
What should not be forgotten is that Conte took over a side whose confidence was completely shot, and has now turned them into players who take to the pitch with a winning mentality. They run their socks off week in week out, and we’re reaping the rewards thus far, and so is Conte himself, with back to back manager of the month awards. Nobody anticipated that he’d manage to get this far in such a short space of time, and the fans all love him for it. It’s fantastic to watch us take the game to the opposition, no matter who they are.
Q. We are seeing a different side to Diego Costa this season. Is there any reason behind it or is Conte the calming influence?
First and foremost, I think the main factor is that Diego’s enjoying being on the pitch far more than he has previously at Chelsea. When the results go your way, the mood improves and so do the on field antics. He’s a fighter, no doubt, but channelling it in the right way now, perhaps due to Conte, perhaps something else. But it seems like Diego’s found out what works for him, and what doesn’t. His goals tally certainly seems to back it up.
Q. What are your thoughts on the new rule changes for this season?
Honestly, I find it difficult to take it all seriously. In the first few weeks, we saw penalties given left, right and centre for pushing in the box and every player who complained in the referee’s direction was instantly booked. It no longer appears to be the case, at all! I actually find it shocking how much every single referee seems to have forgotten that these rules were implemented in the summer, and I’m left wondering, what was the point of all that? It’s all a bit of a joke, really.
Q. Even though Leicester City managed it last season, it is looking increasingly difficult for an un-fancied team to break into the top six this season but if you were to pick one, who would it be?
If Southampton had kept just half of their star players they’ve sold in the past, they’d be there by now. Unfortunately though, money talks, and I don’t think the Saints stand a chance currently. Everton are always a good bet, but Ronald Koeman has left many things to be desired thus far, after a really strong start to the season. West Ham United looked a force under Slaven Bilic initially, but have also gone somewhat off the boil and while Tony Pulis’ men may currently occupy seventh place, I doubt they’ll remain there for long. I do agree that it appears increasingly difficult to break into the top six, and in all honesty, I doubt anyone could break in there and remain there for long without massive financial backing. The question is whether that’s going to happen any time soon.
Q. Perhaps you could share your views on Palace as a club, how we did last season and our start to this season?
I like Palace, and I like Alan Pardew, although he does come across a bit cringe worthy at times (yes, I’m referring to THAT dance!) Having mentioned that however, it’s worth noting when and where it was taking place – an FA Cup final is a good achievement for a club like Palace, and arguably, you were unlucky not to win it. Fifteenth place in the league, however, is obviously the wrong end of the table. Avoiding relegation is the main goal for anyone, I still feel a sense of relief whenever Chelsea get to the forty points mark, but I feel like there’s unfulfilled potential at Palace at the moment. I remember when Pardew initially took over, I thought you’d establish yourselves in the top ten, however, it hasn’t quite panned out that way. Currently sixteenth in the table, I feel like Alan’s not quite figured out what he wants to do with his team yet, especially in defence. I think your game against Swansea City symbolised everything that’s good and bad about Palace this season.
Hopefully, you go on a good run (not starting this weekend) and start to pick up points more consistently, because there are definitely worse teams than you this season, and it would be a shame to see you slip up and have to move down a level.
Q. Name one player from each team that the opposition should be concerned about?
Diego Costa, no doubt about it. The league’s top scorer can turn a match on it’s head and decide games all by himself – as displayed by his attacking master class in the second half at the Etihad, as well as his brilliant solo goal out of nothing against West Brom. You’ll need to keep a careful eye on him.
A player like Christian Benteke shouldn’t be underestimated. The sheer size and strength of the man can be a weapon in itself, and his right foot is no joking matter either. If you can get the right kind of delivery into the box for him, Luiz and company will need to stay alert.
Q. Prediction?
I have no doubt you’ll make it tough for us, but I always back my team, and I’ll continue to do so but it’ll be a slender margin of victory, I reckon. 0-1 Chelsea.
Q. And finally, the floor is yours to promote any projects that you are currently working on.
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