DYC.

That's true. I guess it's his choice of words. Chelsea stands a chance against any team, but to destroy or comfortably beat a top team... the team is not at that level (yet). And I'm not so sure this Chelsea side is better than the likes of Atletico, Juve and PSG, as a collective. I think it's pretty evenly matched. The quality is there though, to surpass them. Courtois, Terry, Azpi, Matic, Fabregas, Hazard and Costa are all among the best in their positions.

I wish I saw the brilliance Mourinho sees in Ivanovic. I really do. I used to love him but he's frustrated me so much this season.

Interesting. 3-3 in aggregate vs PSG and losing to Atletico last year. 3-3 vs PSG again this year yet capable of tearing Real a new one. So either you think Real are easier to beat then PSG or failing to beat PSG was simply down to poor luck? I'd say Chelsea are tough to beat, but also find it hard to beat quality teams.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3100459/Chelsea-given-Thai-welcome-arrive-Bangkok-post-season-friendly.html Hmm, if those two or three players include replacements for Cech and Drogba, this is going to be a very quiet summer. I wouldn't be surprised if the starting XI remains unchanged.

Credit to Mourinho and the board for the work done these past two years. Chelsea won just 1 league title in the eight seasons before the one that just ended. Simply put, that's not good. A rather fortunate CL win masked a lot problems and saved the club from a potential slip. But things have changed now, so I thank them for repairing the team. I don't always agree with his methods but overall, Mourinho has done an excellent job as the manager. I just hope Mourinho and the board capitalise on the position of power right now. This is a team that can win for many years to come, not just domestically, if they just keep improving and strengthening the team. I look forward to next season.

Arsenal already have Ozil and Cazorla (even Rosicky) and he's better off playing for Wolfsburg than Liverpool. City maybe, if they keep the 4-2-3-1 shape. I don't know if Utd are in the market for a #10. He'd be perfect for Juventus in their current system, playing behind Tevez and Morata.

Just give all the awards to Hazard so he'll never leave.

http://www.espnfc.com/story/2468312/de-bruyne-rules-out-chelsea-return-mourinho-is-in-charge I just knew the two had a falling out. Doesn't even mention his name. Not that I ever thought he'd come back. Anyway, good luck to him, wherever he ends up.

I remember reading something about him being 'forced' to make the move a long time ago. So you think it's true? Didn't know what to make of it back then, but I guess it makes sense looking at his situation right now.

As for the Mourinho comment, mehh not funny. Not his best material. At least he wasn't a drunk embarrassment...

Someone needs to tell Izzy the black Einstein look is not a good one.

Even though I did think Falcao was brilliant in his last season at Porto and at Atletico, he never played for the elite. He was the king of the EL. Playing for Porto and Atletico is not the same as playing for Chelsea or Barca. Both teams were counter-attacking teams as well, a system in which he thrived. Exploiting spaces behind defences and getting on the end of crosses played into the box. Both teams revolved around him, constantly looking to feed him. Though to be fair, he did produce some incredible individual play as well. I'll never forget how he destroyed Chelsea. Or that goal vs Real. And countless other goals including flying headers and scissor kicks. The man could fly in his physical prime. Spectacular player. But he was still unproven at the very top end of football. Atletico even did better when he left, with Costa up top. It's possible Falcao was/is like Van Nistelrooy. Fantastic individual but hurts the team overall. Anyway, I don't see the point of signing him. But what was he thinking anyway? Signs a 5 year contract at Monaco when he's at the top of world, because of the wonderful project. That's his business so that's fine. But then he does everything he can to get away after one year? Doesn't make sense.

I agree with the person above on the need of more technique in the team. I like the Santi comparison in terms of his situation and potential impact, but I do think Cazorla is easily the superior player though. Even in his Villarreal days. The question with Gaitain is how he'd cope in the PL as he's very lightweight. It depends on the Mourinho's plans for season. Oscar's obviously not going anywhere and Cuadrado just joined so that leaves Chelsea with four players for the 3 behind the striker. Mou doesn't like to rotate so there's only room for five players for the attacking 3. If he's planning to continue with Hazard-Oscar-Willian, than I would think Gaitain would make a very good squad player. I'd personally prefer a new player for the starting XI though. That attacking three does not have what it takes to help Chelsea compete on all fronts, because of their lack of firepower.

I don't think he'll leave for more than £30 mil. +/- €10-15 mil is a lot of money, transfers have failed for less. Edit: To clarify, I'm thinking €35-40 mil. Roma has money. Valencia have a rich owner but they still have a lot debts. And clubs always say suitors have to pay the highest price. What else are they supposed to say? I'd even say clubs usually don't get the fees they originally asked, that's just business. Real, and PSG and Barca to some extent, are the only clubs that regularly pay full asking price. But we'll have to wait and see.

Not even the typical he's not going anywhere talk. I'm sure they would sell for less. They just say this to up his price, same with Benatia last season and countless other examples. This is his chance to join the elite and Valencia will probably be forced to let him leave. £25-30 mil is too much money to refuse. Buying a replacement wouldn't be too hard with the prospect of CL football. He's been brilliant this season, I love his style of defending. Old school Argie hard man. Set-piece threat and more than decent on the ball as well. I'd love him here. I have no idea whether Mourinho will want a new defender. I personally think the team needs a new CB, especially a proactive and more mobile one.

I guess I misunderstood then. I said Xavi loves Barca and you immediately talked about scenarios in which he'd probably choose to leave. I've never understood the connection between loving a club and never leaving the club you love.

But why does loving a club mean only playing for that one club to you? I'm a Chelsea fan but if I was a player, I doubt I would only play for Chelsea. That's boring. I'd rather move around, but that's just me. That doesn't mean I don't love Chelsea. And why can't a person love multiple clubs? I only love one club but I've never understood why you're not allowed to love or grow to love more than one club. There's greater loyalty in football than in real life. Edit: You're right about that last part. I was like that before Chelsea.

What a strange thing to say. Footballers were regular people, fans of football, before their career started. Why wouldn't they be capable of loving a club? You mentioned Xavi. A Catalan playing for Barcelona since the age of 11 I think. Xavi loving Barca sounds and would be very logical. I hear you when it comes to most passengers though. But even they have clubs they love as football fans.

The move to set up Remy's goal at 9:35. Classic Hazard. I posted about this not too long ago. Back to goal, pass played to him, he immediately turns as he receives the ball and now he has space to dribble towards goal. It's so hard to defend. His marker was completely caught by surprise. And because he's racing towards goal, the entire backline is panicking and confused and at least one person has to move out of position to try to disposses/foul Hazard, creating space for Remy. O'Shea even became so confused he was tracking a ghost I think . All hail Eden the Emperor.

Will never forget him.

I had some doubts about him when he first joined, but I was wrong. It seems he even proved Mourinho wrong, considering his position as 3rd choice in the first half of the season. He's been a brilliant deputy. I hope he wants to stay.

I was going to say this, but I thought I mentioned that plenty of times now. But yeah, he's without a doubt a brilliant player if he can do that.

Sublime second half performance. Seriously, he was on a different plane. Gave us a nice reminder of his immense quality after his short slumber. When he plays like that, there's hardly anyone around that can match his level. Can't wait for next season.

Really good performance, threatening with his shooting and passing. Can only hope this is the minimum when it comes to his performances overall next season.

Everybody Loves Obi will return for a 10th season next fall!