BloodIsBlue

My worries with Ivanovic isn't him stoping the inside runs, its how he consistently fails to close down defenders when they cross. He would much rather let someone cross in those positions then fail a tackle and allow them to run into the box behind him. It's not even just allowing the cross, he gives them a lot of space (as he stands there with his hands behind his back) and the cross will come in with a perfect trajectory. Luckily we have straight up mahogany in the box with Terry and Cahill, but I'm always biting my nails when Ivanovic lets in these crosses.

Germany may have changed all that in 90 short minutes this summer...

Did you know there are training methods to help Muslim athletes cope with this (its not optimal of course but strategies exist)? Ramadan this year was from June 28 to July 28, during which the World Cup was running for half the time. There may also be a benefit of mental and spiritual fortitude which is never a bad thing.

Mo would have a much better shot of playtime had he converted a few of the chances that befell him during some of his outings last season. Had he done so Mourinho would have noticed and in times like these when we have strikers dealing with injuries, if he had shown great finishing it could have landed him a starting position during this stretch and definite minutes as a sub. Sadly the only thing I see him offering over his competition is speed. He still has a use but it goes to show how a few missed chances will keep you in the shadows.

I don't get it? Would the results of the game affect his decision on whether the opposing coach deserves a handshake at the end of the game? I doubt it so why does it matter whether you shake the man's hand at the end, middle or beginning of the game. Shaking your opponents hand at the end of a game is really not some grand celestial symbol of sportmanship, it's just a simple way of saying 'that was fun thank you and good bye'. Whether you win, lose or tie the sentiment should remain the same so why has it changed for them because Mourinho wanted to leave a little early? Everyone should be able to see the real situation here. Besides if Mourinho extends himself for a handshake and you refuse, you're practically cursing your soul to the depths of hell.

Not really a secret by now, the whole thing is to stop the creation of any other Chelsea-like or Man City-like clubs and continue the monopoly the giant clubs have.

Addition by subtraction.

If we can snag Khedira from Arsenal I think it's a no brainier. Time is running short on getting rid of some dry wood.

I know this is all speculative and mostly hearsay but...

This thread should be moved to ex-players anyways.

Big mistake on Scolari's part not playing Willian, it might do them in against Colombia in the quarters if they get there.

The home grown rule is you cannot have more than 17 non homegrown players on your squad, but players under 21 do not count toward your 25 man squad limit. Those under 21 players don't get registered in the 25 man squad list they get registered in a second under 21 eligible squad list (that doesn't have a limit).

Over Piazon or Atsu?

Thibaut is too scared of competition, poor baby. I'm very disappointed to the point of not caring about keeping Courtois if he is worth so much. If the kid is already going to be a brat and expect things, I can only see problems of greedy demands in the future. Sure everyone wants to be a starter but if your actually confident then you should go out an be a professional and do whatever your employer needs from you, the results will come. His statements were not in honor of Cech, they were cowardly remarks on his own lack of courage. He's giving me doubts, I hope the kid smartens up. When young crewmen I am supervising at work start asking for too much or forget their place you know what I tell them? "You just worked your last day kid, good luck" and its just the way these things have to run.

I've always been a firm believer or tactical secrecy. If you have a manager who is obsessed with rotation than it won't matter as much. If you are going to field the same team every time you may as well try to send your opponents up the wrong street. The only way anyone could be mad about this is if they used his statements to base the fantasy team selection, and if that is the case LOL. The only people on the entire planet Mourinho has to be clear and honest about his tactics with are his own players.

Zenetti was included in the midfield many many times, I don't think Lucio was in there. He had Cambiasso and later Motta who were great in those positions. He didn't always play 3 in the midfield, a lot of times he would just gimp Pandev or Stankovic and not let them travel to high up.

That's not baby blue, it's turquoise.

Playing Luiz in the midfield is a bit different than playing a normal defender like Pepe. Luiz is one of the defenders in the world with decent movement.

Yes.

I was thinking more along the lines of complimenting Hazard very well.

He needs to go to the gym and man-out his body, he looks so fragile are they feeding him?

I know it's professional rhetoric we are hearing from Mourinho but I would like some classic Mou. Imagine right after the season ended he said " Torres is rubbish, he can stay next season but only to clean everyone's cleats after the games." that would be wonderful. I blame women who know nothing about football but are buying Torres shirts for him still being at the club (and any sap who has pictures of Torres in their avatar/signature you guys are the problem)

. . .