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The atmosphere at St James's at the start was something else, Barca have done brilliantly to shut it down, nothing in the game now

Chelsea Legends Team v Liverpool 11th October The Blues' squad is now made up of nearly 20 players, and Head Coach Roberto Di Matteo has a job on his hands to pick his strongest team: Goalkeepers: Petr Cech, Carlo Cudicini Defenders: John Terry, Marcel Desailly, Gary Cahill, William Gallas Midfielders: Claude Makelele, John Obi-Mikel, Katie Chapman, Ramires Attackers: Eden Hazard, Florent Malouda, Gianfranco Zola, Gemma Davison, Salomon Kalou, Joe Cole, Diego Costa, Eidur Gudjohnson More to come

Just Maresca being Maresca, he is starting to make me scratch my head with choices and bizarre line ups

Israeli minister touts Gaza 'real estate bonanza', defying international backlash https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y59z6rznvo Israel's far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich has said the Gaza Strip could be a "real estate bonanza" and that he is in talks with the US about dividing up the territory after the war - an idea previously condemned internationally. Speaking at an event in Tel Aviv, he said "a business plan is on President Trump's table". "We've done the demolition phase... Now we need to build," he said. In February, Donald Trump floated plans for the US to take "a long-term ownership position" over Gaza, saying it could be the "Riviera of the Middle East". The idea would involve the forced displacement of Palestinians in the territory and be in violation of international law. The US and Israel have said it would involve "voluntary" emigration. The BBC has reached out to the White House and the US State Department for comment on Smotrich's remarks. Trump's plan - which was roundly rejected by Palestinians, Arab states and the wider international community - later appeared to have been dropped by the White House, with Trump describing it in July as "a concept that was really embraced by a lot of people, but also some people didn't like it". But the Washington Post reported earlier this month a version of the idea was again under discussion, and would involve Gaza being turned into a trusteeship administered by the US for at least a decade while it is developed into a tourism resort and high-tech manufacturing hub. Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has involved mass air strikes and building demolitions, has caused widespread destruction to the territory. The United Nations (UN) estimates 92% of housing units have been damaged or destroyed, 91% of schools will require full reconstruction or major rehabilitation to be fully functional again, and 86% of cropland is damaged. The UN estimated in February that the reconstruction of the territory would cost $53.2 billion (£46.1bn) over the next 10 years. "We paid a lot of money for this war," said Smotrich. "So we need to divide how we make a percentage on the land marketing later". Smotrich, leader of Israel's Religious Zionist party, is an ultranationalist who has been sanctioned by the UK and other countries over repeated incitements of violence against Palestinians. He has control over planning in the West Bank and has repeatedly pushed expansionist policies. In late August, he unveiled a proposal for the annexation of approximately four-fifths of the the territory. He said the plan would involve "applying Israeli sovereignty" to approximately 82% of the West Bank, adding that this was in line with the principle of "maximum land with minimum Arabs". Israel has built about 160 settlements housing 700,000 Jews since it occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem - land Palestinians want, along with Gaza, for a hoped-for future state - during the 1967 Middle East war. An estimated 3.3 million Palestinians live alongside them. The settlements are illegal under international law. Israel launched its war in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. At least 65,062 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since then, almost half of them women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry. This week, a UN commission of inquiry concluded that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza - an allegation the Israeli government strongly denied.

When we have Andrey Santos, it did not make sense to have James in the middle. Maresca has been reluctant to use Santos for some reason but he's looked solid to me and plays like a midfielder in that role.

Well like most of you I agree that James in middle is so so. But no one really complained when we used him in the final against PSG. So it worked before and he tried it. This time did not work. I guess long term with James in the middle it's not the option. It might work here and there, especially in one of games but he needs to build better his mid, Maresca that is.

regardless of the loss, i just want to say something: “your stadium, your house, our cup”

Roman only (if we are talking about the 74 charges)

Werent the fines mainly due to the previous administration or are they both to blame.

Sanchez James Fofana Josh Cucu Santos Caicedo Estevao Palmer Garnacho Pedro This is my ideal lineup now. Give Enzo time off, drop Tosin and Chalobah, and bring on Neto when legs are tiring.

With Marescas desire wannabe Pep its possible to happen.

So lets analayse, a team that is in crisis, manager under serious pressure, playing shit football and fans in uproar and are desperate for 3 points, about to face Chelsea......what can go wrong I would not be one bit suprised if we kickstarted their season for them

Pre/Post Match Discussion, Live Chat & Analysis Saturday, 20th September 2025 Premier League Old Trafford 5:30 PM UK

When will this fanbase learn… “We have the chance to correct our mistakes and get a CB in January” It’s simply not happening and you should know this. If by some measure of a miracle they do, it will be a ‘market opportunity’ meaning some young, inexperienced CB who won’t improve us at all and most probably go on loan to Strasbourg or ride the bench until the end of the season. We should have kept Mamadou Sarr here for the season. He looks capable. No, instead somebody at this club made the braindead decision to trust in Tosin and Chalobah for the season. A CB who we obtained on a free that rode the bench for most of his first season and the other the club tried desperately to sell in several windows. You guys still think this board care about winning? We are being carried by Palmer again and again. Why won’t Maresca start Santos? Seriously, why? What’s that lad done not to get game time? Smells fishy to me. How is Enzo starting when he literally does nothing.. absolutely fuck all, game in and game out. If Maresca insists on playing J.Pedro as the No9 and not giving Guiui a chance then double down in training and get him to learn where to position himself and make runs into the 6 yard box, front and back post to get on the end of crosses. Why do we never see our strikers improve in this area?? Jackson never learned to do it after two seasons! It’s really not that complicated. D we have to buy players who have learned how to make runs in the box before they come here ? Where’s the coaching?

Fantastic...

Chelsea’s summer transfer window for me was around a 6/10. I believe we did a lot of good…View the full article

So he returns to the Bridge in two weeks time.

Tom Sachs and NikeCraft Reveal the Continued Innovation of the Mars Yard Sneaker With Mars Yard 3.0 https://about.nike.com/en/newsroom/releases/nikecraft-mars-yard-3-official-images Nothing, and everything, has changed. NikeCraft is introducing the Mars Yard 3.0: the latest evolution of Tom Sachs’ beloved aerospace-inspired footwear, built for the sport of sculpture and the rigors of everyday life, and earned by committing to a series of unique NikeCraft challenges. “At a glance, nothing about the Mars Yard 3.0 has changed from the previous iteration,” says Tom Sachs, the famed sculptor and designer behind NikeCraft. “But while this shoe looks like earlier Mars Yard footwear, it couldn’t be more different. Every single thing is completely new — the tooling, midsole, outsole, toe clip, heel clip and feel. Even the packaging, which looks like the previous version, is completely re-engineered from scratch to be reusable.” The innovation of the Mars Yard 3.0 begins with a natural rubber outsole that delivers increased durability, along with a soft bed of React foam and a carbon fiber shank that provides enhanced support and energy return. The lacing system is redesigned to promote a fit that’s more inclusive for different foot shapes and sizes, featuring 4-millimeter ribbed polyester laces infused with Nike Running technology, a blucher-style eye stay, staggered eyelets and a nylon lace keeper that matches the donning strap at the heel. A TPU toe cap answers wear testers’ requests for increased toe protection, and a TPU heel clip delivers additional stability in every stride. An unprecedented silkscreen-printed Swoosh anchors a timeless colorway familiar to fans of the Mars Yard, which has taken on the natural colors of its materials since its initial launch in 2012. In keeping with the NikeCraft tradition of consumer engagement, Sachs has created a series of I.S.R.U. (In-Situ Resource Utilization) challenges that participants can complete to become eligible to purchase the new silhouette. “Mars Yards have always been hard to get, and they’re always going to be hard to get. If you want them, you’re going to have to work for them,” says Sachs. “Maybe not all of the challenges are for you. That’s OK. What matters is that you do what resonates. I can’t guarantee you will get the shoes, but I can promise your life will improve by participating in meaningful daily routines.” Challenges drop weekly via the NikeCraft Instagram and on the I.S.R.U app, which Sachs developed to encourage a global audience to build self-discipline and break old habits by committing to new, constructive rituals. This marks the first time the activation surrounding a Mars Yard release is open to participants worldwide. “The values of NikeCraft haven’t changed, but they have been refined over the past 20 years,” says Sachs. “From the very beginning, I viewed NikeCraft as an art project: a place where my studio’s output and ideas could reach a larger audience through the sculpture known as the shoe. These two decades are a further reminder that art is in everything — and is showcased through the Mars Yard in the ultimate art gallery of the streets.” Launching alongside the I.S.R.U. challenges and app is a new documentary, A Brief History of the Mars Yard, a testament to the spirit and evolution of NikeCraft, where Sachs is consistent in his pursuit to have the courage to simply do less. View the documentary on Nike’s YouTube channel, and follow NikeCraft for more stories and updates and to keep tabs on upcoming I.S.R.U. challenges. Download the I.S.R.U. app at NikeCraft.com; participants in an eligible position on the I.S.R.U. leaderboard will have the opportunity to purchase the Mars Yard 3.0 on September 5 at store.tomsachs.com.

Mistakes all over the park, and Tosin and Chalobah are simply not good enough, how the fuck we have spent what we have and still have gaping gaps needing to quality players is beyond me. I though Joao Pedro was very good last night, he is some player him

We have plenty of midfielders but he plays there James.. Also Enzo in this left atacking side is useless.. Play him in middle, if not play someone else on left..

Bayern were definitely there to be gotten at and we had chances first half. Experience and quality make or break teams, they have that in abundance. We need that. They managed to get through a difficult moment then woke up. Look at the all the teams that won titles here, quality, knowhow, experience, big personalities. There are a few older lads in the group already but more experienced and stronger personalities are needed definitely. Regardless, we made it easy for them. Like against Brentford at the weekend. And several times last season and the one before that. We are a soft side. Media and supporters keep saying we are a “young side with not a lot of experience” but the only way that is going to change sooner than later is with adding a couple of guys who have either the right quality/experience/mentality/personalities to help the younger guys. Big games aren’t necessarily just about outperforming the opponent from the get go, you’ve got to manage the game and get through moments where the other teams have the better of it. We don’t have that quality or knowhow at current & doubtful we will get it going down this path again. I thought against PSG Maresca and the boys showed a bit of that but it’s been too few and far between in his & Poch’s tenure.

When will Maresca learn....if ever. That James is not a MF and Fernandes is not an AMF, had he addressed at least these two options things might have been different, and I do mean in a good way.

Exactly. But hey he would’ve been on big wages yadayadayada and the BlueCo boffins would be afraid to break their wage structure. Or would rather dedicate the funds to sign 14 16-20 year olds that could easily be the next Buffon, Nesta & Madlini or on the other side of the coin, Paddy Kenny, Titus Bramble & Phil Bardsley. That will probably get loaned and sold anyway for profit. Despite not wanting to be anything like the past ownership but isn’t stock pilling every good under 21 player not something we did before? With Roman? And sending players to Vitesse/loan army? Yes but outside of the club, do the fans care about re-sale value? No. I hate seeing people mention it as if it means something significant. Same with net spend - there isn’t any trophies for spreadsheet side of football. Ok the club is a business but no point having a net spend of £50m if all you’ve got to show for it is a place in the Conference League or whatever. And even then, we’ve been nailed with fines and fuck knows what else under BlueCo’s ownership to do with finances/transfers so again wouldn’t be getting a hard on about finances 😂 If we can improve upon a player significantly, why not show ambition and do it? Hence why I was so for the Maignan deal for the €22m or whatever it was these jokers wouldn’t stump up…. Donnarumma would’ve been an even better signing too. Missed opportunities for sure. I said Jorgensen wouldn’t be good enough before we closed the deal, the fact Sanchez kept him out the team for most of last season says everything.

Probably waiting for additional cup competition wins, including some competitions that UEFA and FIFA are yet to create. THEN they can secure the absolute best sponsorship deal in the world. One that is fair value. Anything else is a waste of time. Sincerely., Blueco.

I'm also doubling down on what I mentioned in the Brentford game. We should have started with better players for that game, instead of saving our best for this one This one Bayern game is largely inconsequential compared to the other winnable fixtures in the CL group stage. No big loss, because Bayern were the favorites anyway. Now we have to worry about which of our players (looking at James, Palmer) will be fit enough to play against United. Another game which we should be winning.