The Conte Thread

[Jase 43,479]

8 minutes ago, Laylabelle said:

Yeahhhh let's not to there yet haha. Though in fairness to him was one kick away from the Champions league... 

When you think about it, kinda funny how our Champions League final appearances have come under piss poor managers. As you mentioned, Uncle Avram was one penalty away from becoming a Champions League winning manager(!!!) while Di Matteo had all the luck in 2012. In fact, it's stupid how much Lady Luck has screwed us in the Champions League, even if she was on our side in 2012. Could easily have won it 2-3 times by now.

[Henrique 9,133]

Right now the team is behind Spurs and Liverpool. Its not like they had a better transfer window than us.

[Superblue 6,331]

The biggest issue for me today with the substitution of Hazard was the impression it gave to our players, United's players and the fans.

Hazard is seen as our best player, albeit a bit of a luxury player. Taking him off with the game in the balance gave the impression we were happy with a draw rather than going for the win.

I think it encouraged United to go for the win and they did just that. I wouldn't say to never bring Hazard off because if he's playing poorly he deserves to be hooked, but I think in games against the big teams you cannot be seen to show weakness and vulnerability and I feel that substitution today did just that.

[Laylabelle 9,292]

8 minutes ago, Henrique said:

Right now the team is behind Spurs and Liverpool. Its not like they had a better transfer window than us.

They're just got luckier especially with Salah.. He's in some other from whereas our signings.. Less so. 

[Jase 43,479]

Although it wasn't the only issue back then, Roman sacked Scolari back in 08/09 season when we looked in danger of missing out on top 4 and we only had Aston freaking Villa to worry about then. Have at least 3 other sides to contend with this time. Wonder if Roman will get twitchy and pull the trigger. In fact, is he even worried about this? Haven't seen any reliable reports of Conte getting the boot.

[Laylabelle 9,292]

52 minutes ago, Jason said:

When you think about it, kinda funny how our Champions League final appearances have come under piss poor managers. As you mentioned, Uncle Avram was one penalty away from becoming a Champions League winning manager(!!!) while Di Matteo had all the luck in 2012. In fact, it's stupid how much Lady Luck has screwed us in the Champions League, even if she was on our side in 2012. Could easily have won it 2-3 times by now.

We are owed still big time!! That slip.. Drogba moment of madness before the slip. Okay his fault but still. 

Sodding Inestia.. The pens that weren't pens.. Dodgy Liverpool times... 

Time to shine this time be nice!! 

[Tomo 21,681]

16 minutes ago, Jason said:

Although it wasn't the only issue back then, Roman sacked Scolari back in 08/09 season when we looked in danger of missing out on top 4 and we only had Aston freaking Villa to worry about then. Have at least 3 other sides to contend with this time. Wonder if Roman will get twitchy and pull the trigger. In fact, is he even worried about this? Haven't seen any reliable reports of Conte getting the boot.

Last season has given Conte extra credit in the bank, had this been his first season he would have been long gone by now.

[Jase 43,479]

2 minutes ago, Tomo said:

Last season has given Conte extra credit in the bank, had this been his first season he would have been long gone by now.

True but the repercussions of missing out on Champions League are bigger this time.

[Tomo 21,681]

1 minute ago, Jason said:

True but the repercussions of missing out on Champions League are bigger this time.

Are they? The TV deals has bridged that gap somewhat. Not saying there won't be any consequences but we'd still be raking it in.

[Jase 43,479]

1 minute ago, Tomo said:

Are they? The TV deals has bridged that gap somewhat. Not saying there won't be any consequences but we'd still be raking it in.

Maybe not money wise but certainly when buying/selling players.

[Laylabelle 9,292]

25 minutes ago, Jason said:

Maybe not money wise but certainly when buying/selling players.

True we've struggled to sign this season and that's with us being in the champions league.. Who knows who be signed without it. Especially with our board. Back to caroll again 

[Superblue 6,331]

47 minutes ago, Jason said:

Maybe not money wise but certainly when buying/selling players.

I would argue all the players that we've brought in the last 2 transfer windows would have joined if we were in the Champions League or not.

I think the more pressing worry would be retaining our better players if we miss out, what with Madrid sniffing around Courtois and Hazard and PSG reportedly want Kante.

[It's too big 625]

2 hours ago, Superblue_1986 said:

I would argue all the players that we've brought in the last 2 transfer windows would have joined if we were in the Champions League or not.

I think the more pressing worry would be retaining our better players if we miss out, what with Madrid sniffing around Courtois and Hazard and PSG reportedly want Kante.

It's time for Roman and the board to put their foot down and say "NO" to players who may want to leave. We can easily do a Leicester or Liverpool and refuse their best player to leave. At the end of the day Hazard has two years on his contract and Courtois has another year left. We don't have to give in to a player's demands. Roman is loyal to certain players, yes, but considering the club put their faith in Courtois over Cech, the least we can expect is Courtois to show some loyalty in return. 

[Superblue 6,331]

Just now, It's too big said:

It's time for Roman and the board to put their foot down and say "NO" to players who may want to leave. We can easily do a Leicester or Liverpool and refuse their best player to leave. At the end of the day Hazard has two years on his contract and Courtois has another year left. We don't have to give in to a player's demands. Roman is loyal to certain players, yes, but considering the club put their faith in Courtois over Cech, the least we can expect is Courtois to show some loyalty in return. 

That's all fine and well, but the club is not going to let Courtois leave for free in a year's time, when they can still likely command £50 - 60m for him this summer and/or a player in return to soften the blow.

Hazard is not quite as pressing with 2 year's left but again, you are talking a player that is probably in the current market in or around the £150m bracket but beyond this summer that value will drop significantly.

If the players both had 3 - 4 year contracts I would agree, but as much as I would prefer them both to stay, I feel we would have to seriously consider selling them in the summer if they don't agree new contracts.

[It's too big 625]

10 minutes ago, Superblue_1986 said:

That's all fine and well, but the club is not going to let Courtois leave for free in a year's time, when they can still likely command £50 - 60m for him this summer and/or a player in return to soften the blow.

Hazard is not quite as pressing with 2 year's left but again, you are talking a player that is probably in the current market in or around the £150m bracket but beyond this summer that value will drop significantly.

If the players both had 3 - 4 year contracts I would agree, but as much as I would prefer them both to stay, I feel we would have to seriously consider selling them in the summer if they don't agree new contracts.

Hazard is worth more to us than £150m imo. In 2 years time he will be 29; by that time we will have had the best of him. Courtois, I dunno what could be done there. Whatever happens, I don't see RM shelling out the money for both of them. I think they will more likely bring in Lewandowski instead of Hazard and maybe buy Courtois or DDG. Who we buy depends, maybe Donnarumma or Oblak, god knows. 

[Jase 43,479]

4 hours ago, Superblue_1986 said:

I would argue all the players that we've brought in the last 2 transfer windows would have joined if we were in the Champions League or not.

I think the more pressing worry would be retaining our better players if we miss out, what with Madrid sniffing around Courtois and Hazard and PSG reportedly want Kante.

That's true but that's probably because we have bought mostly duds, except maybe 1-2 players. Gonna find it tougher to try signing top quality players if we're not in the Champions League and even more so when we have become so stingy with money.

[Superblue 6,331]

4 hours ago, Jason said:

That's true but that's probably because we have bought mostly duds, except maybe 1-2 players. Gonna find it tougher to try signing top quality players if we're not in the Champions League and even more so when we have become so stingy with money.

I agree but if the standard and profile of player we've brought in the last 2 windows is an indicator (more attainable, lower wages, next level down in quality), then it won't have an effect on our transfer strategy.

I'm with you, I'd rather see us bring in 2 or 3 top drawer players in the summer to add to what we already have here and immediately improve the starting XI. In this scenario it would prove hard (although not impossible as we got Kante when not in the champions league).

[bigbluewillie 1,805]

5 hours ago, Jason said:

That's true but that's probably because we have bought mostly duds, except maybe 1-2 players. Gonna find it tougher to try signing top quality players if we're not in the Champions League and even more so when we have become so stingy with money.

What I would like to know is what actually are the board hoping for with this strategy, of bring dross in on the cheap.

I mean do they truly believe we can compete in the EPL against the other 6 top teams with the shit we have, or the UCL against well! you know who, the LC we couldn't even beat the Arse over 2 legs in actual fact we cant even beat Arse.

Oh and the FA cup we're still in that lol.

So what do they do? go and tell The Don this is the shit you're getting go and work wonders.

So if someone can tell me the board's thinking i'd appreciate it, but for me the main reason we are shit is down to Abramovich and his team of yes men and woman, and the meaness to bring top quality players.