LDN Blue

Like Kostas said.. Van Persie's case should give us a slim hope of optimism.

I think above all his flaws, that he can do well. Because his very good with pace and technical ability. It's one of the big positives behind this move. Luiz - Cahill could be very interesting.

That's fair. But quality with loyalty is a good combination to have. I can understand that last part, I hope you're wrong.

Don't think it's as bad as a collapsed deal.. Probably his agent trying to get a wage-bump

http://twitter.com/#!/SkySportsNews/status/152752267345399808

lucky bugger! It's good to have such a real fan in our squad though, means his loyalty will always remain and even when times are down he'll give it his all.

True. But even then they would only have Busquets. Keita looks to be leaving soon, and Mascherano will be much older. This will pave the way for Romeu to be Sergio's understudy and because of his resourcefulness he can also be a back up CB.

André, "we have no interest in selling"

Pre-Villa conference going on now: http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LivePressConferences/0,,10268,00.html

With our luck, he'll pick up an injury tomorrow

By the time Romeu plans to go back (2013) it's likely that; Xavi will be 33, Mascherano will be 29 & Iniesta will be 29. This gives Romeu the best chance to impress the Barcelona coach to give him a chance into the next generation of that Barca team. It makes sense.

Yeah but at least he remains upbeat and positive, unlike some other squad members who cry to the media.

Welcome back, Henry!

Of course, I appreciate this too. What I'm simply saying is, the risk is huge because of these factors. I cannot speak for the players themselves, I do not follow them, nor the Brazilian league alike. My point is, the sums Santos & co. demand are extraordinary. All things being considered.

Sounds too good to be true, therefore it is.

Good to hear you're more positive. My thoughts are with you & your family. It gets easier.

Aguero cost Athletico €23million & Pato around the same for Milan. The prices these Brazilians command today are, in keeping up with current trends, extraordinary. They can afford it because TV rights for Brazilian football are increasing, so clubs like Santos can afford the wages these stars command. The problem is how unproven they are. Factored in with what their clubs charge, and the wages they command, makes these players very high risk. The Premier League isn't the most accommodating for Brazilian talent either. Ramires & Anderson, as squad players, have made it. Other than that I can't think of other Brazilians that have seeked fortunes here. It's why Serie A & La Liga are often their "dreams".

25

If we're going by the earliest number that's not filled.. #13.

Key word: Return

Indeed. While we can criticise him sometimes, it's important we retain faith in him. If we, as fans, give up, how can we even begin to expect the players to? The first step, with any coach, is for them to get the players to believe in the philosophy! Here's what Joe Cole said today about Mourinho.. Now to me, that sounds like the players have fully believed in Mourinho. We saw that for 3 consecutive seasons, be a success. We saw the players play for the manager, not for their pockets. This is why André's shipping out certain players and bringing in the ones he wants. While also maintaining belief in some other. I'm sure Sturridge is very grateful to André right now.

He is one of those with ability, without heart.

Total co-sign my friend. Sir Bobby Robson is no idiot. As he did with José Mourinho, he has recognised the talent of André Villas-Boas. Their comparisons are what lets André down, everyone is holding him to a candle that is Mourinho. It's fully understandable why this is the case. André, unlike Carlo, is thinking about all the logistics of the club. From restructuring our scouting network, so different approaches to training, to even the seclusion of those who want to leave, he is revolutionising the way the club functions. This is what will set him apart from all our previous manager, and also draw away the ghost of Mourinho. He's shunning the players that Mourinho relied on. Where Carlo, Scolari, Hiddink & Grant reverted to Mou's team.. André is re-establishing his team. Now we rely on Juan Mata & Daniel Sturridge. Not Didier Drogba & Frank Lampard. The former duo, outshining the latter is the epitome of what André is trying to achieve. He's also showed player-power is being reduced when he shunned Anelka & Alex from the rest of the team.

Indeed. Networking's how Ferugson's kept his loan's, for the majority, successful. As André looks to establish. More signs of long-term thinking from our young manager