LDN Blue

He's leaving out of protest more than anything. He was disgusted when Barcelona attempted to swap him in a cash+player deal for Alexis Sanchéz. Now that the youth coach, Luis Enrique, has taken charge of Roma.. It was inevitable. He's a great player and I hope Roma unlock the potential he's shown over the last 3 or so years.

Can't blame them, not after the last time we raided them (José Mourinho era)

Athletico go head-to-head with Chelsea for Courtois

The fact that he's Portuguese will help him with David Luiz too, who does not know much English. I like to hear him talking about motivation & mental state of the team. Carlo could not correct this problem, because as you pointed out, his English wasn't developed enough to speak with emotion and such (unless of course you believe this 'he speaks in Italian when mad' infamous line )

Haha okay on reflection that was a stupid thing to say But I still think there's something Villas-Boas can do with both Falcao & Torres in one side & if not I'm sure he'll find a system where they bring out the best of each other. Heck for all we know, Falcao might not even be a target

Haha I guess we'll agree to disagree xD Though I think there's a hint of misunderstanding on your part. I don't mean for Falcao to be a back up, I mean for him and Torres to bring the best out of each other. I think they could work together and also push each other to bring the best out of each other. Maybe even Torres will be pushed behind as a support striker (his movement would compliment that role). Anyway like you said, we'll wait and see!

You're welcome. It's an issue, no matter how much there are complaints about the supply, even if we solved that with a few playmakers, next season or the one after, this will be a bigger issue if not addressed in this window.

Yes, however the question of our strikers is still an issue regardless. People must accept that our strike force is simply too old (and useless in Kalou's case) for us to progress into the future.

Indeed. I have no doubt Torres will have that fire in his system burning soon again. Villas-Boas will work on his psyche

I don't think Sturridge will be used as a centre forward. I believe he'll be deployed as a winger. As for Drogba, yes he's still got the quality to score numbers of goals, but I think we should sell him while we can. No disrespect to the big man but he's entering the penultimate year of his contract (I believe?) and we could still sell him for at least £15million. To pay £25million for Falcao would therefore be a worthy investment. You're right about the fact a manager would not switch strikers every few games, not with a 4-3-3 anyway. This is where it'll be worth seeing the kind of system he plays, yes 4-3-3 but with what kind of attack. Which in that case Falcao & Torres can play in the same XI with even Sturridge on the flank.

I don't know where you're getting your statistics from but, from Wikipedia: Season: Apps (Gls) 2009-10: 43 (34) 20010-11: 42 (38)

Just for the record.. Not being anti-Torres. Just saying, competition is good in position like centre forward

Like I say, Drogba is 33. I understand your point, but it's better to invest in 25-year old Falcao now, then panic when Drogba announces he'll retire in a year or 2.

Yeah, I'm on this wavelength at the moment. As far as strikers go we have; Torres, Drogba, Anelka, Kalou & Sturridge Drogba is 33 now, Anelka is 32 and is already a bench warmer. If we are to play 4-3-3 then Sturridge will most likely be deployed out wide. Which leaves Fernando Torres as our only centre forward. Now, you only need to take 1 look at Drogba when he contracted Malaria to know how much rotation is key in a season and how much we can't rely on one man. Falcao & Torres will be good competition for each other, each pushing for a starting role. It's positive. Only if the other 3 are sold.

If we get £50million for him.. Sure

Thank you.

"Chelsea are thought to have tracked Thiago Alcantara extensively" Is this true?

I just don't know if we need him. If we do sign him, I really hope Drogba's content with a part-time role off the bench. While the rotation would be a good idea, i.e. playing Torres-Falcao, Drogba-Falcao or even Drogba-Torres.. Anelka & Kalou definitely have to leave. As we'd play 4-3-3 I'd imagine Sturridge will pretty much be in the starting line up on the wing/inside-forward role.

Look who's at it again..

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_7001441,00.html

Vialli shows our tradition of giving young coaches their chances. Obviously this is the first in the Abramovich era but we do have a history of trying new, young, aspiring coaches. Vialli, Villas-Boas, Ruud Gullit ect

The Swiss have done amazingly well. They've won every game and conceded 0 goals! Should not be taken lightly by the Spaniards.

Is Abola reliable?

LMAO! Even if they felt Lampard was past it, they wouldn't risk the fan backlash by selling him.

Switzerland vs Czech Republic also went to extra time! Mehemedi has scored for the Swiss in the 24th minute of ET - Which was a wonder goal by the way! They progress to the final