LDN Blue

Exactly. Personally I don't think to be a "true fan" if you go to the stadium, because let's be honest, it's expensive. But as long as you show you're with the club through thick and thin then that's all I really expect from someone who calls themselves a Chelsea fan.

Quite ironic a Man Utd fan is complaining about glory hunters at another club. 90% of Manchester United fans can't name more than 11 players. They support the brand not the club, we have that problem, Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona. All footballing giants have their share. It makes it kind of hard to differentiate the difference to be honest. I say I'm not a glory hunter, because I supported this club before Abramovich came with his millions and stood by them. There are some fans who came to the club after Abramovich and I don't resent them. Because most of those fans grew to love the club, they watch every game, they don't turn away in defeat etc.

That's what I'm wondering. The expectation will be a great deal bigger for our transfers. Though I don't mind if he can find us another Scott Dann (or get us Phil Jone)

110 passes. Still can't believe it!

Hopefully the same one as he's got at Birmingham. Finding young, brilliant talent that's homegrown and available on the cheap

Interesting idea.. Anyone got any history on this guy?

I don't understand how he can even contemplate us making a move for him. His agent is either really convincing, or he's a stupid as he looks!

And that's a good message to always carry. Now hopefully Henrique isn't convinced the whole forum hates him and will come back eventually

Ah, snow for the first time in this snow-wave(?). Wasn't too bad to be problem imo, but apparently there's supposed to be more tonight! Baaaah Humbug!

It's a close one I'll tell you that. But, just for now, I'd have Carroll. I don't mean any offence (to anyone who takes it), but the Belgian league isn't very impressive compared to the Premier League and so we don't really know if Lukaku would adapt (don't get me wrong, I hope he will but still..). You're right on the CL experience but Anderlecht have not gone that far, but the experience is still important. So for now, based on establishing himself in the PL, I'd rather have Carroll. But when (if..) we sign Lukaku hopefully my mind will change

I didn't name him specifically nor did I say he was targeted, I've used him just for example purposes. But some of the comments that get aimed at him, FOR EXAMPLE, are just filled with hate. He's being driven out of the forum because when he says anything remotely negative about the players or staff he's called an "idiot" or "not a real fan" (I was guilty of that once, but I apologized almost straight away as it was said in anger). The fact is. Whenever someone on this forum criticises a player or management they're almost instantly gunned down. When Styles, for another EXAMPLE, was saying he didn't think Kakuta was good enough, he was public enemy #1! I'm not point my finger at you Max, saying you're guilty of it. I'm saying the forum as a whole has this whole "Chelsea have the best management and players in the world. Anyone who says otherwise are idiotic" vibe to it.

You'd rather have Lukaku than Carroll (given a choice?).. Interesting..

I guess I'm the only one backing Madrid to still go on to win La Liga then?

Very hard question.. But like BL said, Drogba for me too. He's just a much better all round footballer. Not to doubt Jimmy's abilities but Drogba gives you that extra player.. That defender & striker put in one.

Karim Benzema & Micah Richards

Henrique, you make good points. And sometimes you come across as a hater, but I respect your opinions on the Chelsea staff/players (ignore by outburst on you about Pep). I certainly hope you're not leaving this forum, and if you are, then it's a great shame on all of us.

Ok I do just want to point out, most of the negative feelings that do spill out on this forum are "knee jerking" reactions. Of course we expect our club to win every match, not just because of the size of Chelsea, but generally, find me a football fan that doesn't expect his club to win almost every game. Many people sometimes hate on what Henrique said, but on a different topic this weekend he said "I don't mind if we don't win anything this season, as long as there's some incoming hope for the future" and that's how I knew he wasn't just a hater, he was a real fans who's looking to the future of his club. I don't want us to send out a message on this forum that we are not allowed to criticize our club. I've seen members on this who are not fans of players like Kalou and Benayoun and how do we react? We often show them ugly feelings to make our points we don't agree and they are wrong! That's not the way this forum should work. All member's opinions and point of views should be read and then debated in a respectful manner. Driving members out of this forum is out of order in my opinion.

Didn't you just love his slap on Puyol though?

Definitely!! Hopefully by then, though, Essien/Lampard woud've replaced Ramires. Studge would have replaced Kalou and Terry/Alex would be fit to play instead of Paulo!

As did I. I think Ronaldo's come a long way and he was trying to get the ball when he could, but whenever he had it or was trying to get it his team mates simply didn't turn up. They let him down. As for the point on Barca you're right (case and point.. Almeria 8-0). But this is Real Madrid, so you could excuse them in this case

Ah Ronaldo. I love how much he's matured right now, when Valdes came up to him getting in his face, you could tell how badly Ronaldo was trying not to hit him. Composure at its finest. I loved Puyol getting slapped by Sergio Ramos!! On the side of Barcelona. Stat of the night.. Xavi completed 110 passes in this game. A world record.

Team News Barcelona Valdes Alves - Pique - Puyol - Abidal Xavi - Busquets - Iniesta Pedro - Messi Villa Real Madrid Casillas Ramos - Pepe - Carvalho - Marcelo Khedira - Alonso - Di Maria - Ozil Ronaldo - Benzema

Because we're a big club, there will always be rumours of this. They're all untrue.

My honest opinion? 1 attacking midfielder & 1 defender. As for attack, we have Sturridge ready to step up (if he's given a chance)