Chelsea’s old guard will be sticking around until they are a lot older.
On Friday during Chelsea’s pre-match press conference before their game with Sunderland (Watch live on NBC, 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, or online via Live Extra) assistant manager Steve Holland gave an update on contract negotiations with some of the Blues’ veteran stars.
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According to Holland, who was standing in for manager Jose Mourinho at his request, contract talks with 33-year-old captain John Terry are ongoing and new contracts for Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard are also being discussed.
“John has had an outstanding season; we have the best defensive record in the Premier League and he’s played in almost all of that and been a major part of it all,” Holland said. “I know that John wants to stay at Chelsea, and Chelsea want John to stay, so hopefully that situation can be concluded amicably over the next few weeks. It’s the same situation [with Lampard and Cole], we’re dealing with not just normal players, but magnificent servants for this club over a long period. So full respect will be given for those players.”
Good news for Chelsea?
I’ve watched Terry in person on numerous occasions this season and have no qualms saying he is one of the best central defenders in the Premier League. If not the best. His reading of the game, timing of challenges and leadership skills make him any manager’s perfect center back and with a clean bill of health for most of the 2013-14 campaign, many are calling for Terry to be recalled to the England squad. That won’t happen but it’s difficult to not admire Terry’s quality as a defender.
Now the wage demands will be the only stumbling block, as reports stated Terry may have to take a pay cut in order to stay on at Stamford Bridge. As for Cole and Lampard, they are in slightly less advantageous position when it comes to contract talks. Although both are legends at the club after many years of loyal service and winning trophies, this season they’ve both been bit part players, especially Cole, as question marks will be raised as to the validity of keeping on the aging duo at Stamford Bridge.
Many may see deals handed out to these veterans as clogging up spots on Chelsea’s roster, but as we’ve seen from Terry this season, and at times Lampard, both still have a lot to offer. Cole is a complicated situation, as every time he’s pulled on the Chelsea shirt this season he hasn’t let anyone down but the England international has fallen behind Cesar Azpilicueta in the pecking order and may want a move this summer for regular soccer.
Chelsea’s plan to reward their loyal servants is admirable and is something that needs to happen in order to keep the wining mentality at the Bridge. Terry, Lampard and Cole should all stay on to help usher in a new era under Mourinho in West London.
The old guard should stick around.
