LDN Blue

Can you argue it though? - The ball was out of play and the intent was clear

I think we should have an Annual TC Hall of Fame. I don't think anyone would argue Jim being the first member of it?

Sure! ..if he was in his prime. Hope he reinvents himself elsewhere.

I think Josh is the prime example of this. At the height of his touted rise to our first team he was sent out to Swansea, a Swansea team that had a midfield of Allen, Ledley and whoever all settled and picking up points for the Swans.. Complete wrong club.

I didn't want to start an argument on the reliability of sources. I was just taken aback by the 'done deal' claims haha

This is hardly the best source to make a 'done deal' claim

? Did I miss something?

I don't think he's going to put all his eggs in the 'Oscar' basket. I think he'll be looking for a player like Cesc again, who can play alongside Matic or be pushed up into the number 10 role, if needs be. The obvious name that comes to mind is Koke (but I don't know about his abilities as a CAM). I share everyone's cynicism about Oscar 'transforming', but we could see a shift in Mourinho's tactics next season that makes Oscar shine? Who knows.

That is a good point from Mourinho ^ But I just don't believe Oscar has the necessary qualities to put us on par, with the likes of Bayern, Barcelona and Real Madrid, if he's our resident number 10. We'll see though, Mourinho might still believe in him and we owe it to him to see if he can transform Oscar.

You're correct in your assessment of why United and the foreign teams wouldn't be involved at this stage.. But when you then talk about £25-35million then it does open a few eyelids. Clubs who normally wouldn't look would show some interest in a player who's basically a contract rebel. I don't think foreign interest will be strong, but domestically I think all the giants will be circling. We have the advantage of now being Champions and having the strongest team. Everyone's recruiting now though, United are taking a leaf from our book by getting some of their targets in early. I hope we're interested in him anyway, but I would support the club in not being held hostage by both player and club alike.. I'm sure in the grand scheme of things he's a potential signings in a list of others. Griezman for example.

Completely agree. It just depends on how ball Liverpool are willing to be.. They know he'll be in the last year of his contract but he will spark a bidding war. We won't be the only ones hovering, I wouldn't be surprised if we see Arsenal, City and United show interest.. As well as whoever else abroad. £50m is clearly too much. But between £20-25m?

Hopefully he'll get a runout and have a good pre-season with us (although I'm sure he'll be at the Copa America, so that sucks)

Haven't really watched Chelsea youth over the last year or so.. Is RLC's position, the one he played today, his natural o[ne?

Really? But couldn't you also make the argument that he took that side, unified them and got them playing a style of football which, lets be honest here, was arguable one of the best around. He has gone to sides with these individuals but he's managed to create a real team out of them, both at Bayern and Barcelona. I know people joke that even they would be able to do that, but he seems like he's got the commitment and patience to perfect every detail of his game.. Only high calibre managers can do that?

it's a shame because I think Mourinho expected the same too..

A United midfield with Depay and de Bruyne can make things very interesting next season along with Blind, Mata and potentially Gundogan.

You wouldn't play Cesc for Oscar in that?

Sherwood has done a number on him, but he does tend to be a passenger when it's not his day & i'm not sure how much patience Mourinho would have with him..

Smh. This man has led us top of the table from August until now, how he's not won Manager of the Month in any month between then and now is shocking. I agree Pearson is doing well this season, but Mourinho just secured Chelsea's third PL title and that alone should warrant that award, surely? Meaningless & expected I guess.

Definitely, it was always going to be a ticking time-bomb for this club.

One of the best natural finishers in the league isn't good enough for us? I know he's become injury-prone but were it not for that, he'd have a lot more goals than Harry bloody Kane.

I don't see it like that Tomo, but I respect the view. I think the club felt they didn't have choice but to offer RDM a fulltime contract or face the wrath of the media and others alike in vilifying Chelsea. Backs against the wall and that.

Absolutely. So glad he does it on the biggest stages, when the world is watching!

Last night explains why Messi is just on another planet. If it wasn't for him Ronaldo would be everyone's best player, but Messi is just that much different.

Lets face the facts here though.. He was only offered the fulltime job (a medial 2 year contract might I add) to make the club's PR not look as rubbish as it was back then. He won the Champions League with a Chelsea team that didn't have much to offer and all eyes were on our Board.. For how can a club dismiss a European Cup winner? The contract offer was a simple waiting game. If he continues to be successful then its a great gamble, but the moment he begins to look like he's costing the campaign he's gone. Gone cheap too.. He wouldn't be owed near the same sums of compensation that we paid to AVB, Ancelotti etc. That being said, I don't think you'll find a single Chelsea fan who doesn't appreciate and respect the job Roberto Di Matteo did.