LDN Blue

Therein lies the problem. If Malouda was positionally more disciplined it would make it easier for Mata, but for some reason he thinks he has the ability to cut inside, shoot from 20yard and expect to score.. Which he never can

True, but here's a different story. He's doing as much as he can with the squad how they're playing. Morale is low, confidence ain't that high and to be fair his long shots aren't as bad as usual Na, but seriously, I don't think he's been that bad. Just been expected to do things he can't.

So we're supposed to be chasing: Hazard, De Bruyne, Krasic, Willian & Jovetic all in one-window? Simple twitter-rumours. That's all it is afaic.

I definitely agree with you, I don't believe it is his fault. He's being asked to fulfil a role he's not designated for at all. Good squad player, and if we had some word-class midfield players that would be ahead of him, then the contributions of Raul would be commendable.

I wouldn't stretch as far as to say 'most' nor would I say we're 'disappointed'. We knew exactly what were getting when we signed Raul, a decent squad player. Has he disappointed on this count? No I don't believe so. The problem was, we wanted someone like Modric, a playmaker and we settled for Raul for numbers. He was never going to match the levels of Modric, nor was he expected to. If he had arrived with Modric no-one would really have expectations for Raul. He's a good player, he's intelligent and he's versatile. He can't tackle for sh*t & he's not a world-class passer. What he does give his numbers, experience & he doubles up as a DM. Not a very good one, but in a game like Norwich, it's not a bad shout. He always looks to move forward, but he's restricted by lack of play in front of him. I am not disappointed, I'm not thrilled, but I think he's arrived at a time where that position wasn't a necessity.

Assholes.

It was always a huge mistake, something political went down there. Shame. Even Carlo wanted to play him!

Clean sheet with a 4-0 win for Letico!

It wouldn't happen until we get some players who are capable of playing proper midfield positions. At the moment we have DM's. For anything with 2 strikers to work we'd need players who can play wide while keeping a good shape in midfield. Ramires can't play wide, for all that he can do, passing and dribbling aren't his best attributes. Over the other side we have Mata, who'd move to AM which means Malouda comes in. Unfortunately, Malouda's too dire to start games, so we'd need a new player on that side. Then there's the problem where we have Romeu, Essien, Miereles & Ramires fighting for one position.

Good point. Thought those are 2 distinct managerial styles. Where Ferguson & Mancini are more 'iron fist' and no nonsense, André prefers a unitary approach where he's the coach but he's not treating them as subordinates. Until he does impose his authority, he has to tread on a tight rope < and as cliché as that sounds, repetitive of all managers since Mou, it's so relevant and true even today. 5 years since he walked and still his authority remains here, it's shocking. But think of this.. In summer we're rid of Drogba & Kalou. Only Terry, Lampard, Cech, Essien & Malouda will remain from José's era. Even then it seems as if Malouda's destined to leave. Lampard's a question mark, but even if he stays the majority of the squad will be André's. That's why signing like Hazard, young and ripe will fit perfectly with this vision & his authority. (To keep this on topic)

To be fair, what's he supposed to say 'my team is shit.' ..oh fuck it, I can only defend him for so long

Is it so? He's saying the right words, but there's a hint of "my time for Barca will come soon".

Dijon won the game and progress to the next round of the cup. They play Lyon next week, in the league.

Bring him back! You watching it?

Just seen, on Twitter, Kakuta's starting for Dijon today.

I admire the optimism. -- The only thing I can say to vouch for him is.. His chances are increasing. Which also means his conversion rate is decreasing..

Did you really believe we'd bother with those 3 in Jan?

McEachran's split loyalties

Paul Lambert, 'I think people are jumping on the bandwagon with Torres.. He was fantastic today'

Like Alex said in the match thread, he might have lost his engine but he's still a very intelligent player. I love him. His happiness is a delight!

André's given up on Torres

True, but panic buys wouldn't be smart either. Torres was a panic buy, you could argue, because of the form we suffered last season pre-January. The summer market is easier, more clubs are willing to sell so they don't push the price as much. Case and point; Eden Hazard.

Inflated prices?

I love Essien, such a smiley character. Could do with a lot more of that sort a charisma!