The Chels

For sure, especially given that Costa is the ideal striker for Simeone's system and together they make for one hell of a match-up. Unfortunately for us though, it looks more likely that they will be reunited at Atleti than here.

Poor Gary, come back to Sky already.

@oldportblue Loving the profile pic!

What the actual...?

I just went on a Juve forum to see what they were saying about Conte (they've got 105k members on there, yikes!) and noticed that there seems to be a divide. Whilst many are clearly not very fond of him, others are berating the lack of respect. Similar to the Mourinho discussions on here

So within a couple of days we've been linked, by respected newspapers or journalists at the Guardian, Times, Telegraph and Independent, to Conte, Sampaoli, Allegri, Mark Hughes, Simeone, Eddie Howe, Ranieri, Guardiola and Pochettino... Of course it could all just be nonsense but the lack of discernible pattern in the alleged managerial targets wouldn't be too surprising, given the apparent lack of focus or philosophy at the club (as many have already spoken about).

It's fake. Take a look at the (latter) replies to that post. http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/24/arsenal-chelsea-premier-league-match-report#comment-67375309

According to The Times we have a shortlist of four managers: Simeone, Sampaoli, Deschamps and Pochettino, although Roman hasn't yet given up hope on Pep. The Independent also mention these managers, in addition to Conte. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/mauricio-pochettino-to-chelsea-tottenham-manager-added-to-blues-hit-list-a6835536.html

Some options should appear when you hold ctrl and right click on the quote.

http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/sport/football/article1660077.ece

Sure but journalists for the Independent, Times, Telegraph and Mail are all talking about it (mostly by way of retweets). That would suggest there's something more to it although this, I guess, comes from Mourinho's side:

There does appear to have been some kind of briefing as it's been retweeted by Mark Ogden and Oliver Holt, amongst others.

I reckon the contract is (at least, in part) due to the sheer amount of playing time he (still) gets. We all know that Mourinho had an obsession with the Serb and their relationship was such that it was unsurprising to see Jose sacked before a rapidly declining Ivanovic was ever dropped. Remember how a couple of years ago Steve Clarke said Ivanovic was Mourinho's favourite player? Whilst it may not have been that obvious back then, by the end of his tenure it most certainly was. Hiddink, meanwhile, is just trying to steady the boat and is not willing or currently able to make the large-scale changes that you would expect from our next manager. Technically inept and immobile, I would be very surprised if Ivanovic is still a regular in the starting 11 next season.

https://streamable.com/ohqg Nice goal. Happy for him that he's once again an integral part in probably the best defensive side in Europe. A pity it didn't work out for him here but he was always going to be more appreciated by a manager that understands the importance of pressing, defending proactively and (shock horror) a left-footed player at LB.

Did Ossie get banned?

Just want to reiterate the previously mentioned issue of embedded YouTube videos being too big.

Ah you're right. The quote is taken out of context and is made to look objective but it's just an opinion piece. Some peace of mind for the meanwhile at least, although I can't help but feel wary that there is something genuine in these niggling rumours about Pellegrini to Chelsea.

Haha it's going to be him, isn't it?

Just being really fussy here but the date for showing when the newest member joined is written in American English format, e.g. 'Joined 01/03/2016 1:08 PM'. Has it always been like that?

Which foreign papers?

To be fair Oscar's penalty in that shootout was pretty damn good too.

This bit about Sampaoli comes from @verobrunati, who seems to have done an exclusive interview with him. Interesting.

Oh dear BeIN, you know what they say about not revealing your sources.

So in Simeone's interview (which has led to headlines like 'Simeone distances himself from Atlético Madrid exit'), he says: 'Why can’t I be here longer? Why did I choose a five-year contract?' However it's important to note that the interview was done before Mourinho's sacking, and all he has said since then is 'no comment out of respect for everyone.' Hope dies last!