Jonathan's impending loss ideal for democracy

You see, it's not just about Goodluck Jonathan, or North or South, or born-to-rule nonsense. It's about making a change to a government that abdicates responsibilities, throwing the continued existence of Nigeria into huge uncertainty.

Nigeria is in a desperate situation, where citizens will have to decide whether to retain the current leadership, which is overseeing the demise of the entity called Nigeria or seek a change in an attempt to find a solution.

We are witnessing tenacious efforts from those who admit Jonathan’s leadership is a monumental failure, yet continue appeal to Nigerians that he's the best option for us now. Really?

People who don't even remember 2014 are now talking about the military era of 1984, in a desperate attempt to salvage that sinking ship called Jonathan administration.  Interestingly, those accounts often ignore the carnage of mass corruption that led to the intervention of the uniform men back then.

We are witnessing cases of convictions of nearly 200 soldiers over ‘mutiny’ at a time the Nigerian Army is going through, arguably, its worst period, in terms of integrity and might. We are seeing a leadership that brazenly attacked the National Assembly, and continue to abuse the use of security operatives to actualise selfish ends.

Jonathan’s supporters are telling Nigerians that this is the best they could ever have, in this period, that Buhari is a no-no, aggressively manufacturing untruths and propagating bigotry. They believe we should just continue with the incumbent President, who has recorded unprecedented milestones in incompetence and corruption.

Nigerians have endured a government whose supporters have  merely become sympathisers for Jonathan’s 'misfortunes' rather than a leadership of responsibility and authority. Claims of sabotage from opposition are constantly presented as a euphemism for ineptitude.

The current FG's apologists have resorted to spreading fears about what the future holds for Nigeria, if Jonathan fails in his re-election bid 2015. Are they trying to coerce the electorate into acting against their will?

We hear incredible tales about Buhari's the most evil person on earth. Yet those who are closer to him, including famous voices have continuously dismissed lots of the allegations religious bigotry and tribalism against the general.

Truly some of the events of the Buhari’s military leadership were very dark, but how can you be so quiet about the abuses of GEJ's democratic era and claim he allowed us liberty in a democracy?

Here we have a government that lied to the world to dismiss the abduction of the country's school kids and continue ceaselessly to slander those who ask questions about their disappearance. 24 hours after over 200 girls were abducted from their school, the FG claimed they had been found and returned to their parents.

The President's wife even summoned and intimidated families of the missing girls on national television, and reportedly ordered the arrest of the vocal ones among them behind the camera.

 In Jonathan's democracy, not military of the 1980s, journalists suffered intimidation for doing their job, while dissenting voices suffer harassment, arrest etc. Let's highlight a few cases here.

Human rights concerns

1. Since Buhari was responsible for the human rights abuse issues durinng his military regime, how can you excuse Goodluck Jonathan on the killing of at least five protesters by the Police and lots of injured casualties during the Occupy Nigeria Protest after the President announced the removal of fuel subsidy in January 2012?  http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/dpo-arrested-for-killing-protester/106787/

2. December 2012: Two journalists arrested over story of military abuse in tackling insurgency. http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/12/27/nigeria-security-forces-detain-2-journalists-over-story-about-military-abuse-in/ …

3. "On September 20, SSS operatives and a unit of the army killed NINE persons squatting in an unfinished building in Abuja." http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/220358.pdf …

4. Armed operatives abducted Nigerian journalists in Akwa Ibom.  http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/164292-armed-operatives-abduct-nigerian-journalist-in-akwa-ibom.html …

5. SSS arrested radio journalists and students with links to Boko Haram. No evidence. http://saharareporters.com/2014/12/16/sss-clears-ihejirika-and-sheriff-arrests-seven-fraudulent-associates-stephen-davis …

6. SSS operatives detained Sun editor after a report published the previous day by the newspaper. http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/158456-sss-operatives-detain-sun-newspaper-editor-national-conference.html …

7. Military and SSS destroyed leading newspapers. http://www.punchng.com/news/military-sss-seize-destroy-major-nigerian-newspapers/ …

8. SSS abducted and detained tweeter, Yusuf Isiaka Onimisi (@Ciaxon) for 12 days for ‘spying’, and it took a vigorous campaign by Nigerians, supported by Amnesty International before he was released. He has remained silent about his ordeal since then. http://www.punchng.com/news/military-sss-seize-destroy-major-nigerian-newspapers/ …

9. Jonathan's government ordered an attack on the National Assembly, a gross abuse of democratic institution, including using the security operatives to physically attack the Speaker (withdrew his personal security aides), and legislators with tear gas. That's in a democracy, not the 1984 military junta.

10. 19 Nigerians, including pregnant women, were killed during a job recruitment exercise organised by the government. The families of the deceased who were promised jobs to appease them are still waiting and no one was punished for the tragedy.


Read Nigeria Human Rights 2013 report here: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/220358.pdf … and Amnesty International's 2014 report here: http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/nigeria-gruesome-footage-implicates-military-war-crimes-2014-08-05 … on some of the unresolved crimes in the current administration, a democratically elected government.\

Some Boko Haram consequences

Jonathan's administration has failed to protect Nigerians, and worsestill, it has shown a flippant attitude towards the fate of victims of insurgency to an unpardonable level. If the situation is farther from your end, it doesn't mean we should look the other way while Nigerians escape to Chad, Cameroon and Niger.

'The ongoing refugee crisis has seen more than 62,000 people spill over into Niger’s Diffa region since the beginning of 2014 while Cameroon is currently hosting some 44,000 Nigerian refugees. According to authorities, another 1,600 have fled to Chad.' (UNHCR report October 2014)

Bukky Sonibare, who is working to help victims of Boko Haram in North-East stated that only 6,500 people are in government camps for internally displaced victims of the insurgency in despite the fact that a Presidential Committee had raise over N80billion to support them. Where is the money?

Over N1million Nigerians have been affected, more than half of that were chased out of their homes. President Jonathan himself revealed that 12,000 lives have been lost.

“What happened to the billions raised for the Victim Support Fund? What happened to the Victim Support Fund? They are going through hell. What happened to billions of naira to support the IDPs? About 13 people died between September and December due to cholera. What happened to human feeling?”  -Leadership Newspaper December, 27, 2014

The corruption allegations and even justification, on live TV, by the President are monumental. From the fuel subsidy scam to numerous allegations of mismanagement of public funds, the arms deal in South Africa, to the $20billion scandal that led to the sack of Central Bank governor, now Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. No significant reaction to punish offenders.

The CHANGE that Nigerians call for is not expected to be a miracle, it's a justified reaction!

Nigerians who are calling for change are saying it's stupid to reward a failed leadership at the end of over five years of governance, with another four years. No, there must be a reaction!

And NO! So many of us are not paid to support or clamour for change. We simply say: a reaction sends a message to the next government that failure, such as being experienced in the current administration, will not be tolerated, let alone rewarded by Nigerians.

Matic the secret weapon, as Costa destroys Everton

Diego Costa continued the sensational start to his debut season in the English Premier League by leading Chelsea to another victory in a nine-goal thriller against Everton on Saturday at Goodison Park.

The Brazilian-born Spain forward capped his performance with a brace, opening scoring after 35 seconds and rounding off a courageous display with a composed finish to complete a 6-3 demolition of the Toffees at the Merseyside.

It was the first real test to the London side’s tag as favourites for the title, and in fairness, they had to weather the storm in a feisty battle with Everton who overcame their early shock to make it a real contest.

After Branislav Ivanovic doubled the lead for the visitors with a cool finish within three minutes, it seemed as if the home side, buoyed by their ever-vociferous supporters, needed that challenge to get up to speed.

Matic (right) tackles  Jagielka during their encounter.  PHOTO: Chelsea FC

Chelsea were trying to control the game, but Roberto Martinez’s side ceaselessly attacked, particularly through their marauding fullback duo of Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines, and pressed high up the pitch.

Jose Mourinho opted for the more industrious pair of Ramires and Willian, and they worked really hard to repel Everton’s tenacity to come back into the game, with Kevin Mirallas and Aiden McGeedy supporting their big striker Romelu Lukaku.

Matic the man

The Blues had a more comfortable midfield task in their previous games against newcomers Burnley and Leicester with Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic in central midfield, but had their work cut out at Goodison Park.

Albeit Fabregas brilliantly set up the first goal and could have got another clever assist had Tim Howard not made a fantastic save from Costa, he suffered a bit in advanced role. As Eden Hazard and Fabregas laboured to put their feet on the game in the second half, Matic became fairly isolated in the task to control the game.

Yet Matic won great battles in the middle, making the most tackles (5), and scoring the fourth goal for Chelsea to restore their two-goal advantage at 4-2 with an unstoppable left-foot strike.

Claude Makelele was a stalwart in Mourinho’s back-to-back title success in his first stint at Stamford Bridge, but in the Serbian strongman, he has found a midfielder who possesses more creative slant to his game.

He could shield the back four comfortably, and stimulate the attack with similar efficiency.  77minutes gone in the game, with Everton looking to level after Eto’o had headed in at the other end, and with Gareth Barry closing him down, Matic slid through Ramires to ram home the fifth goal.

That two-touch decision highlights the fluidity the big midfielder has added to this Chelsea side. The team’s hitherto poor  mobility started witnessing a marked difference since his arrival in January, and has got even better with Fabregas by his side.

Costa aside, the former Benfica star has been Chelsea’s best performer over the first three games and could as well emerge the leading player in his position at the end of the season, if he stays injury free.

One thing is certain, after leaving Chelsea quietly to develop in Portugal, Matic is truly ready to play a huge role in Mourinho’s quest for another glorious spell in England.

Fabregas stars as Chelsea make a fine start

Cesc Fabregas made a stunning return to the Premier League as he led Chelsea to a 3-1 win over Burnley at Turf Moor on Monday night.

The Spaniard’s quality was never in doubt and he was in top form, putting up a commanding performance that earned him the official man-of-the-match award after his contribution to his team’s three goals.

Speculations on Jose Mourinho’s choice between Petr Cech and Thibaut Courtois had drown out real specifics in the build up to the game but it was no surprise that the Blues boss opted for the Belgian, considering the clues of the last few days.

And Courtois was given a cold welcome after Scott Arfield fired a spectacular right-foot shot to send Burnley into the lead, 13minutes into the encounter. He had no chance as the ball flew in at a terrific pace with Chelsea defenders obscuring his view between the sticks.

It was a nervous start for the Blues but they showed a great reaction by imposing themselves on the game almost immediately with better composure and passing, led by the former Barcelona man in the heart of the midfield.

Costa levelled proceedings three minutes later. Fabregas found the overlapping Branislav Ivanovic with a nonchalant backheel, and the right back squares the ball across the face of the Clarets’ goal, only for the ball to rebound off the post –via a poor clearance-into Costa’s path to slot home the equaliser.

Then came the best moment of the game: a combination of 25 passes from Chelsea saw Germany’s Andre Schurrle finishing superbly a touch of genius from Fabregas, whose pass took out all of Burnley’s deep defensive line.

The former Arsenal captain’s vision was admirable, but his execution of the assist was even better; a cushioned half-volley pass off Ivanovic's cross.  It brought echoes of Eden Hazard’s sublime left-footed assist for Juan Mata’s goal at White Hart Lane, in the 2012/2013 season.

Fabregas was again the provider as his perfect corner-kick was volleyed home by Ivanovic to complete Chelsea’s 20-minute whirlwind that ultimately destroyed the newly promoted Burnley side.

Positives

Nemanja Matic found great comfort with the trio of Fabregas, Hazard and Oscar, with whom the Serbian giant was alternating roles to unsettle the Clarets, and that was great to watch.

Hazard, in particular, was the linchpin negotiating space in between a tight defensive block mounted by the hosts, who admittedly, didn’t actually ‘park the bus’. The Belgian was switching across the attacking midfield areas with Oscar and Schurrle, with Costa holding the ball up and stretching the Burnley central defence.

It is a promising sight and Chelsea fans have a lot to look forward to, when their players hit to gear.

Room for improvement

Chelsea lost a bit of composure in the second half as they could not express their game, especially from the defence. Mourinho’s rear guard will need to find more than clearances, in due course, to reduce the team’s loss of possession, when they come up against top teams.

Burnley pressed high and forced the Blues to play long, but they, themselves, lacked the quality to hurt their visitors. Hence the Blues were in control, except for a moment when Arfield forced Courtois to make a great save off another brilliant strike.

The Belgian keeper was impressive in claiming corners and calm in controling his territory, and Mourinho admitted he had earned his spot for the next game against Leicester City.

WEEKEND FLAKES

Early showers for Van Gaal’s United

Well, Swansea fancied their chances against a vulnerable Man United line up and they were spot to claim all points last Saturday.With a defence line comprising of Smalling, Jones, Blackett, Lingard and Young, Garry Monk and his side took a bold approach and got rewarded for their efforts.  

United must find and complete their transfer deals very quickly before the end of the window. In truth, the club’s failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League hasn’t helped in their bid to attract top targets. They will have to pay over the odds, like they did for Mata, to clinch crucial transactions.

Champions looking good

 Manchester City reminded us all that they are the team to beat with their 2-0 win at Newcastle United on Sunday.

I wonder if the overwhelming vote of confidence on Chelsea to win the title was a deliberate attempt by Premier League pundits to crank the pressure on Mourinho, otherwise it should be easy to tip the Citizens to defend their crown with their squad depth.

Manuel Pellegrini and City have done well to secure contract extensions early on, for key players including captain Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero, and David Silva, as well as strengthening with the signing of Eliaquim Mangala and Fernando.

Fernando was particularly impressive on his Premier League debut at St James’ Park with great sense of defensive anticipation, playing alongside Yaya Toure.  Aguero, who was on target, and powerhouse Fernandinho both started from the bench.

Liverpool’s new SAS

Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge continued their form since January, helping Liverpool to secure a hard-earned victory over Ronald Koeman’s Southampton.

Sterling, still only 19, looked set to play a major role for the Reds following Luis Suarez’s exit. His movement and composure to open scoring was impressive, suggesting good signs of steady progress in his game.

Sturridge who netted 21 league goals in 29 games last season scored a late winner and I must admit he is proving me (and a lot of skeptics wrong with his goals). Jordan Henderson is fast improving in his decisions as well, but I think Liverpool need top powerful and experience players in both their midfield and attack as they also challenge in the Champions League this season.

Gunners left it late

Aaron Ramsey’s late winner ensured Arsenal’s three points but Arsene Wenger must realise his side don’t look formidable enough to mount a title challenge.

The question however is: does Wenger really care about the title?

Brazil 2014: How Nigeria fared against Bosnia 

The Super Eagles had a single job to do against Bosnia & Herzegovina-to win-and they did it. It was a victory that kept Nigeria's second round qualification alive at the ongoing World Cup in Brazil, but it was never an unexpected victory.

To Nigerians, it was a no-brainer that the African champions  were only second behind Argentina, as group favourites, after the World Cup draws, but team only threw uncertainty into the party after an uninspiring performance against Iran in the opening game.It's arguably the most colourless game at the Mundial, so far.

But to many football followers, particularly outside African continent, Bosnia who are making their World Cup debut in Brazil, earned their respect significantly after their performance against a struggling Argentina side, in their opening game. Suddenly the newcomers became a big deal and jumped into the favourites order, ahead of the Eagles.

 Odemwngie celebrates his winning goal with Emenike. Photo:FIFA

Led by Man City striker, Edin Dzeko, the European side relinquished their ultra-defensive performance against Argentina for a more adventurous version, an apporach that played into the hands of the Super Eagles. The Nigerians' slow and uninventive play couldn't break down Iran's resolute defending last Monday in Curitiba.

Emmanuel Emenike, who was a stalwart in the attack set up Peter Osaze Odemwingie to score the winning goal and earned Nigeria the country's first World Cup win since 1998. But their oponents were disappointed as Dzeko was wrongly ruled to have been offside as he scored via a clean strike in the 1st half.

DEFENCE

The Super Eagles defence had a torrid time especially in the first half, constantly experiencing suicidal moments with Bosnia's midfield anchored by the excellent Miralem Pjanic. The Eagles visibly played a highline in the opening half and it was Pjanic’s brilliant pass that put Dzeko through for Bosnia’s disallowed goal.

Vincent Enyeama was outstanding on occasions when called upon, including a brave stop from Dzeko in added time. He’s been very reliable for Nigeria and will be key in the country’s quest for glory at the World Cup.

Kenneth Omeruo had a brilliant game, by far Nigeria’s best defender in the game. His alertness and awareness were impressive, particularly after a nervy first half when Dzeko troubled him, alongside Yobo with great movements. Juwon Oshaniwa was steady while Efe Ambrose was the weakest link in defence. Ambrose allowed easy crosses on occasions and hardly showed dynamism going forward.

MIDFIELD

I wasn’t impressed with the performance of John Mikel Obi for obvious reasons. He’s the most experienced among the Eagles midfield trio including Ogenyi Onazi and new boy Michael Babatunde who added some creativity and caused Bosnia many problems.

Nigeria’s defence suffered hugely as they were, on many occasions, exposed to the onslaught of their opponents but Bosnia showed profligacy with many chances to have a go at the Eagles centre backs who adjusted to low block defending in the second half. Onazi worked really hard without the ball, doing most of the defensive duties. Mikel would need to do more to shield the backline and show urgency in influencing attacking play. (excuse the cliche)

Babatunde was however impressive and looked to be the new Sunday Mba, the midfielder who could actually support the attack and stretch play even to wide areas, when needed. He grew into the game and showed huge composure, coming close to scoring a few times. But he would need to improve in helping to retrieve possession. 

Babatunde went off injured but I hope he''ll be available for our next game against Argentina.

FORWARD

Emmanuel Emenike came alive, like a warrior who wanted to respond to the disappointment of a previously failed expedition. He was aggressive and made life difficult for Bosnia skipper Emir Spahic all night. The Fernabahce man combined finely with man-of-the-match Odemwingie, whose technical ability helped Nigeria manage possession immensely.

Odemwingie's technical prowess was the reason I chose him to replace Ahmed Musa but Victor Moses was disappointing against Iran and rightly lost his place in the starting line up. Unsurprisingly, Musa couldn't exploit his best weapon (pace) again, failing in his decisions in the final third.

Nigeria need at least a draw or hope Bosnia avoid a defeat against Iran, to progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup. Argentina are not invincible, but they've got Messi who reminds us that anything is possible, in the game.

Keshi and Odemwingie conundrum

Stephen Keshi looks to be having a problem already in accommodating Peter Odemwingie in his starting line-up, just days to the commencement of the World Cup in Brazil.

The Nigeria coach has thrived particularly on playing a 4-3-3 formation, or an apparent 4-1-2-3 with two of his midfielders alternating between themselves to support the main striker, constantly bursting through from the centre of the pitch. The clearest exploits of Keshi's style was evident at the 2013 African Nations Cup, but one important factor was the fluidity of his three attackers, whose interplay caused problems for opponents.

It appears the poor form of Sunday Mba following African Cup of Nations last year has been a major blow to the Super Eagles coach's 'building project'. He had stated strongly at the continental competition that he was assembling a new and enduring team. Rightly so, especially as most of his players were playing for the first time a major competition.

Like the Nations Cup, Keshi’s back five has remained intact while the duo of Mikel Obi and Ogenyi Onazi also retained their position in the midfield in the World Cup team. He had an experimental starting line up in the 2-2 friendly draw against Scotland at Craven Cottage, understandably, to make a final decision on his 23-man World Cup squad.

But the Eagles coach gave a glimpse of his starting line-up Tuesday night in Philadelphia against Greece when he paraded virtually his Nations Cup starters but with Peter Odemwingie joining Mikel and Onazi as the third midfielder, with licence to play the attacking/playmaker role.

The Stoke City striker may have been assured of a key role in the World Cup team before his recall to the national team after being left of both the AFCON and Confederations Cup squads, probably the reason for his new role.

Of course why will Keshi bring the controversial Odemwingie to the team if he was going to put him on the bench and risk the camp disunity he avoided (he admitted this) in previous competitions?

Unsurprisingly, Odemwingie, who has played either as a striker or a winger through his career, failed to perform in his role against the 2004 European champions. His touches let him down and the Nigeria midfield lacked cohesion and chemistry.

The Greek side exploited the African champions’ lack of understanding and created numerous chances, all of whom they failed to capitalise on, partly due to the excellent performance of Nigeria goalie, Vincent Enyeama.

Greece looked a more coordinated side and you’ll expect such from any team, with barely a week to the start of the Mundial. It is however fair to say Nigeria will be sharper in their next pre-World Cup friendly against the USA in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday.

The Eagles have struggled to find a genuine playmaker since the exit of former captain, Austin Okocha, with Mikel taking up the role, without genuine conviction. The Chelsea midfielder look more suited as a defensive central midfielder, having played in the position for nearly a decade for his London club.

But he has regularly played the creator’s role for Nigeria and he is the best for Keshi in Brazil, as things stand. This is where Ramon Azeez can come in to support Onazi as a strong duo to protect the backline while Mikel is allowed to orchestrate Nigeria’s attack.

Azeez, although is new to the team, made 30 La Liga appearances for Almeria with just five cautions. So he seems to be stable in terms of discipline, albeit the World Cup is a different stage entirely. Odemwingie should not be doing role learning again on Saturday against the USA

Fernabahce striker, Emenike remains, undoubtedly, the number one striker option, so that leaves Keshi with one option regarding starting Odemwingie. He will have to persuade him to play wide as he is experienced and have a better football judgement than Ahmed Musa. Otherwise he may have to be contented with substitute roles.

Keshi has no time to do further experimentation as to his starters, albeit his decisions will still depend on individual matches. Luckily for Nigeria, they have ‘minnows’ Iran in their opening game, so it gives them a bit of time to grow into the competition, like they did at AFCON.The ‘Big Boss’ was right to invite Odemwingie because he also gives him a very good option as a striker, after a decent season for Stoke City.

Keshi must not entertain any obstacle to his team’s campaign, or else he could find himself empowering the doubters of his coaching credentials if the Eagles perform below expectations in Brazil.

And the key to that? A team united on a mission, a weapon the Nigeria coach used effectively to conquer Africa. Now he must prove that feat was not a one-off at the global stage.

Lukaku has proven he deserves a chance at Chelsea

He is powerful, confident, determined, pacy, bullish and a target man. These features woulld naturally make you a 'Chelsea-type striker', all of which you can find in Romelu Lukaku.

Indeed the above sounds like a prologue to another attempt to drum unnecessary beat of superfluous platitudes in praise of the Belgian striker, especially after his hat-trick helped Belgium destroy lowly Luxemburg, and scoring another beauty against Sweden.  Surely not, though performances in those pre-World Cup friendlies were only a continuation of the impressive season he enjoyed on loan at Everton.

There are suggestions Jose Mourinho has no place for him in his Chelsea plans and several clubs including Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham, Atletico and Juventus are, reportedly, considering taking him away from Stamford Bridge. Unsurprisingly, some interesting arguments are already making waves to justify a potential sale of the young striker.

‘Lukaku is no top quality’, is one of such arguments. Certainly, at 21, the former Anderlecht forward is only an ambitious striker who has given a very good account of himself in two seasons in the Premier League, with clear signs of progression in his game.  With a decent record of 32 goals in 66 appearances, Chelsea would have been one of the clubs chasing his services in the summer if he was not on their payroll.

His technical quality has also been called to question, and it was the reason I was hoping to see him play in a more ball-playing side after netting 17 league goals for West Bromwich Albion in the 2012/2013 season. Michael Laudrup was a fan, and wanted him at Swansea before Roberto Martinez took him to Everton.

Martinez was unequivocal in his belief about the Belgian’s quality after winning the race to sign Lukaku on loan last season. “We have seen him develop into a top striker. He had potential at Anderlecht and now you can see he is a really mature boy. He gives you something different. What we are looking at is an outstanding footballer and we are hoping that it will be a perfect marriage.”

Lukaku claimed the top striker spot at the Merseyside, and at times, Martinez played him wide on the right with Steven Naismith up top. He improved on his touches and was devastating on counter-attacks, combining well with Kevin Mirallas and Ross Barkley to destroy Premier League opponents.

Talk of attitude problems is even more ridiculous especially when you consider the fact that he has only been cautioned five times in 78 appearances for club and country in the last two seasons. Lukaku has maintained a level head working with Steve Clarke at West Brom and Martinez at Everton. So calm down, we are not referring to a Balloteli here.

‘It is a different thing playing for Chelsea and Everton’, claim the naysayers. But isn’t it interesting to make such claims without having not trusted a player with opportunities at a club that has endured Fernando Torres’ paucity of productivity for three years?

Chelsea are believed to be close to a deal for Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa, but Lukaku looks ready to battle for a place at Stamford bridge with a crucial experience of playing in the Premier League.

Lukaku doesn’t possess the eye-catching touches and technique of Sergio Aguero, Wayne Rooney, Luis Suarez or even Daniel Sturridge, but if there is any striker that looks suitable to what Mourinho offered as a system last season, he’s already got one in the big Belgian.

Chelsea’s proposed ‘pro-active’ football wasn’t a design meant for Mourinho (admitted he didn’t agree), and played his usual way last season. He needed the big Branislav Ivanovic to battle the long balls from Cech, and had no Didier Drogba-like striker to pounce on the end of crosses, mainly from the Serbian.

Indeed, Lukaku, like the Blues did last season, can struggle when opponents ‘park the bus’, but his brace against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby at the Goodison Park last season offered some hints he could play do the job, without the spaces behind opposition defenders. He anticipated and finished a fortuitous lose ball with composure, and powered in a brilliant header for his second.

It seems always outrageous to compare upcoming stars to legends, but it is easy to see why the young striker has been compared to Chelsea legend Drogba.  The Ivory Coast striker’s superior hold up play is comparable to none, but watching the Belgian can only remind you of Arsene Wenger’s famous “he doesn’t do a lot” quote about Drogba in November 2009. Yes, not a lot of touches, but lots of goals.

Like Drogba, Lukaku would lose the ball plenty of times with poor touches, but that won’t discourage him from registering his name on the scoresheet even in a generally poor performance. Many times it looks easier to watch both players’ goals than seeing them for 90minutes. Like his hero, the Belgian forward can also poach from few yards from goal, a pure centre forward trait.

Chelsea were hoping to move on from the Drogba-era, but it appeared they have rekindled the need for a new power striker. In Lukaku, they’ve got a bargain for 18million euros. Romelu is not a top player yet, but the Blues should be grateful they already have a quality 21 year old who is aiming to be great.

Mourinho should be eager to play his part in Lukaku’s quest. As the late American editorial cartoonist, Frank Tyger said: “One of the greatest talents of all is the talent to recognise and develop talent in others.”

 Demise Of Tiki-Taka Or The Rise Of Dogma?

Following Real Madrid’s counter-attacking masterclass that destroyed Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, Nuraen Adeshina offers his thoughts on Guardiola's brand of football

Well, lesson learnt then. Bayern lost the game to a simple albeit perplexing inability to do the basics; defensive organisation at set pieces. When the post mortem begins though, scrutiny will extend to the 180 minutes of football between both teams.

That’s when systems and tactics would be considered in some details. The default conclusion will put Bayern’s undoing down to their passing, passing and more passing game plan. In other words, Tiki-Taka will be lampooned as an unworkable system at the highest level. With some merit too, everyone will recall how this same Bayern team, combining power with finesse, steamrolled Barcelona, the original owners, over two legs last summer.

Bayern Munich boss, Pep Guardiola                       PHOTO: fcbayern.de

The enemy though isn’t really the system but a dogmatic adherence to systems. Pep Guardiola and the other so-called purists must understand what a manager’s role is: set up a team in a way that gives said team the maximum opportunity to play to its strength while simultaneously minimising the opposition’s strength.

In other words, systems must remain secondary in the overall scheme of things. This argument while well worn needs revisiting, football managers need to be reminded they are no different from Managers in other spheres of human endeavours, Subject Matter Expert, armed with nous and charged with delivering objectives.

This point cannot be over emphasized seeing as Pep has managed to spawn a huge, growing number of fundamentalists who hold almost to the point of dogma, that there is indeed only one way to play. How might Google for example contend with a manager who obdurately posit that the only way to beat Facebook in the race for social networks is not to own one?

Bayern’s chastening immediately reminds of Liverpool’s Brendan Rogers, who got frustrated by been out-thought by his erstwhile mentor, proceeded to proclaim the winning system immoral, almost illegal even.  And he is not alone. Liverpool legend, John Barnes had gone on record a week prior to proclaim Jose Mourinho’s use of three pure forwards late in the game against PSG as “not tactics but substitutions”. Yet it is not difficult to argue that a system switch can easily be regarded as a tactical decision.

Indeed, dogmatists miss the whole essence of systems and tactics – a clear cut approach of fulfilling objectives, with objectives remaining the end.

It is important at this point to take a look back at the contemporary evolution of tiki-taka with Spain as obvious example. One of Vicente de Bosque’s major tactical tweak, post 2008 European Championship, was to engender a slower, more patient system  that emphasized  passing sequences in and around their own half of the field essentially to deny opponents the ball, having realised his team’s (relative) inherent weakness laid at the back(regardless of who played there).

Obviously, Guardiola helped to develop this system, originally, taking the passing sequence to the opponents final third in the hope that away from his team’s goal, the opposition is less portent.Consequently, teams with fast transition simply allow them huff and puff in their exchanges, only to pick them apart with lightening counter attacks requiring three, at most four passes, to put deadly forwards clean through on goal.

At the heart of this steadfastness is an arrogance that borders almost on insanity. Football isn’t going to change; victory will forever be determined by goals scored versus conceded. Bearing this in mind, the best managers will develop systems that place the overriding focus on goals while simultaneously incorporating a distinct identity. That means a willingness to adjust playing systems (sometimes dramatically) to maximize strength and minimise weaknesses. In short, objectives and not identity is what must be cast in stone.

A Night Of Might

Chelsea have an uphill task to turn around their 3-1 deficit against Paris Saint Germain tonight at Stamford Bridge as they look to book their place in the semi-finals of this season’s UEFA Champions League.

Only a novice in European football will write off any top team’s chances of a comeback as it stands, let alone the Blues who have a tactical genius in Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese built his reputation on results, and relishes every chance to remind doubters of his managerial savvy in the beautiful game.

Tonight’s game offers another big stage for Mourinho to rally his army to battle against the odds. For the likes of Eden Hazard, Oscar and Schurrle, the challenge is a huge green terrain, yet they must play significant roles to help their club reach the final four of the elite European competitions.

PSG Laurent Blanc would rightly think his men have done at least 60% of the job in the first leg, but he has also warned them that they cannot allow Chelsea to dominate proceedings at the Bridge as they would ‘suffer’.

Blanc limited the influence of Hazard, Chelsea’s tormentor-in-chief, by ensuring that his right-back, Christophe Jallet, led a hassling of the Belgian, with Marco Verrati. Indeed it was a ploy that even involved either of Edison Cavani or Ezekiel Lavezzi in closing down the playmaker, at different times in Paris.

With Samuel Eto’o injured, it worked well as Hazard lacked the support to help foil the organised shape of the French side. The Cameroonian could make a surprise return tonight as Mourinho refused to rule him out of the game, keeping the opponents guessing. Eto’o’s ability to drop deep and run the channels can offer a different puzzle to PSG.

Lucas Moura is the most likely option to replace the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the Brazilian’s lightening pace and trickery would make an interesting battle against either of Cesar Azpilicueta and Branislav Ivanovic. Blanc might perhaps pitch Moura to occupy the marauding Ivanovic, who is not as quick as Azpilicueta.

Cavani, as well as Lavezzi, were in the Napoli side that lost 4-1 at the Bridge in 2012 after a 3-1 first leg win in Naples, will relish his chance to play in his favoured central role. It would be recalled both players had great early chances to extend their lead before Didier Drogba’s goal began the Blues’ comeback. Chelsea must avoid such a shaky start tonight.

Cavani smells trouble and possesses the devastating persona to destroy the most difficult obstacle in a big game. He has got Thiago Motta to supply support from the centre. So David Luiz, and the centre back duo of John Terry and Gary Cahill must demonstrate a great level of concentration throughout the encounter.

Mourinho will have to decide whether to trust the industrious Ramires alongside Luiz tonight, like the first leg, or go for the experience of Frank Lampard in central midfield. Lampard could offer more craft, but Chelsea will be taking a huge risk defensively if their legendary midfielder is given the nod alongside Luiz, a makeshift option in the middle.

For Hazard, who has been constantly linked with a move to PSG (could easily be a strategy made in Paris to unsettle him), this is one of those games that could propel him to higher echelon of European football. His incredible talent is indisputable; but if he must be rated as one of the best in the game, like he dreams, the former Lille star cannot afford subdued performances in top games like tonight’s fixture.

Indeed Chelsea, will need the physical and mental might of the whole team to eliminate PSG, but Hazard will need to play a key role to make that happen. It is fair to say, at 23, he has had a decent season, yet a strong performance in this kind of stage can get him off the periphery of being regarded as a talent, rather than a top player.

We have seen the Hazard warning in sprinkles all season, it’s time Eden threw the sucker punch to claim a spot among the heavyweights.

Mour surprises, more decisions for Jose at Chelsea

If you think the decision to sell Juan Mata was a big one, then get ready for more surprises in the summer.

Jose Mourinho is no doubt one of the most influential figures in football and you can attest to that by the way he craftily masterminded the exit of  Mata from Chelsea without a major furore.

The charismatic Portuguese even managed to execute and justify the ‘unthinkable’-selling the amiable Spaniard, the fans’ favourite, to their loathed rivals, Manchester United, less than two years after the Blues supporters mocked Arsenal for trading their best player, Robin van Persie to the same club.

Chelsea fans spat at PSG’s face last summer after attempting a £40m bid to take the unwanted Mata to France, claiming he was worth much more after emerging one of the club’s best, and one of the best players in the English top flight over the last two years. So to have sold the same player to United at a lower fee (£37.1m) was a hard pill to swallow for the Blues faithful. Yet the manager has handled it well.

Last summer, Mourinho admitted he reluctantly accepted the new direction in the playing philosophy that Chelsea wanted, not that he agreed with it. “We had one meeting, and in that meeting we had, not an agreement, but we were all convinced this was the way we want to do it. It’s not my way, a specific way, it’s a way of adapting to the quality of the players.”

He also painted a vague picture of concessions on the part of the board this time around towards arriving at the decision to sell former Valencia man.

“This situation was discussed by a group of persons ... that group of people had different philosophies but a common interest: what is best for Chelsea? Those from the economic department don’t have the same needs as me, a football man, but we decided that for all these reasons – and the human one, that Juan desired to go – we did well. The owner [Roman Abramovich] is the owner. He’s the boss. I belong to the board, but the board is the board. So I come after. I give opinions. I justify my opinions.”  (Independent)

So Mourinho is gradually shaping his own version of THAT attacking style with the aim of ‘building for the future’. He has sold Kevin De Bruyne and Mata for around £55million, two of the players who were expected to play a key role in the expansive style. He has brought in Nemanja Matic and Mohammed Salah for around £33m.

The Chelsea manager is believed to be courting a new centre back with St. Etienne star  Kurt Zouma, 19, thought to have reached a verbal agreement with the Blues. That would reignite the uncertainty surrounding the future of David Luiz while the club’s goalie Thibaut Courtois is keen to resolve his future after three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid.

With Fernando Torres seemingly unmovable because of huge wage bills and unconvincing performances since swapping joining the club from Liverpool, the Blues boss will also have a bid decision to make on the future of Romelu Lukaku after indicating a striker could arrive in the summer.

Uncertainty

John Terry is yearning for a contract extension of more than a year that Chelsea are prepared to offer, while the duo of Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole-both of whom have been less influential in the Chelsea side this season-are hoping to extend their stay too. Terry has proven he deserved an extension but Mourinho will have a lot to say to convince the board on the Lampard and Cole.

With the London club already considering the UEFA Financial Fair Play situation regarding their spending, Mourinho is bracing for a summer of huge decisions which could have a big effect on his ‘evolution’ project, especially with over 20 players on loan.

He can't afford to rely on Roman Abramovich to keep shelling out the funds to buy young players as his approach building for the future, as the club are desperate to produce players from the academy which has cost well over £60million. Disagreement over further signings were partly responsible for their previous break-up, while Michael Emenalo, the club's technical director, will also be keen to see how the manager consolidate on his work in talents management.

Mourinho hasn't shown he is ready to give the youngsters opportunities since returning to meet a much healthier youth set up than he left in 2007, the club’s authorities would be eager to see how the Portuguese fare in that area after this summer.

Both the Chelsea board and Mourinho are still sizing themselves up, but this summer’s big decisions will be crucial in testing the seeming serenity at Stamford Bridge.

 Chelsea fans won't mind enjoying the ride  with Mourinho as long as their team win, but he knows his employers are expecting more than the results.