Madmax

We played a high line in a majority of our games? That's news to me. From what I remember, we started off by trying to press early and building from the back but reverted to a reactive, soaking-up-pressure style by around mid-December because the manager realized that the squad at his disposal simply wasn't ready for this change. Sure there were the odd games here and there when we pressed relentlessly from the off (the Arsenal game you mention being a prime example) but in the main, Chelsea played a patient game of drawing opponents onto them (the opposite of pressing), nicking it and then countering. Now, against smaller teams at the Bridge we were a little more proactive but this inadvertently suited Cahill's game because then he had to deal with aerial balls the opposition resorted to in order to escape from our numbers up the pitch. It placed an emphasis on his quality on the ball, which is alright but not particularly threatening. Is it a coincidence that visiting teams were happy to allow Cahill and Ivanovic time on the ball? Ramires is not a defensive midfielder, I agree - but Mourinho played him as one. Lampard isn't either - but how often did you find him getting into shooting positions? A mixture of his deterioration and tactical instructions, imo. The midfield did get better with Matic, who freed up his partner to join in the attack more because he could competently cover. Are those personal insults aimed at me?

I'm well aware when we parked the bus and when we didn't, thanks. 'Ultra defensive' = having a low block, two central defenders who rarely come out with the ball (though I don't know why JT doesn't; for a CB he is very good with his feet), one fullback who is actually a centre half and makes token forays without actually contributing to the attack, another who doesn't cross the halfway line ever, 2 defensive minded central midfielders and 2 wingers who are required to help out by tracking back. Not saying this was necessarily bad, we were required to make this change because the team wasn't ready for a less stifled approach. I've already given him due credit for that game so I don't know what your point is, really. If one very good performance is enough to make him world class in your eyes, please go ahead.

Surprised this wasn't posted here. Mourinho explains his tattoo and dressing style : https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/mourinho-reveals-meaning-behind-tattoo-055453757.html

... in an ultra defensive system where he is afforded more protection than in nearly every other top team. The right time to judge whether he is world class or not would be this season where Mourinho has promised a more forward thinking style. For now (imo) he is a defender who has enjoyed a great season because the team is set up in a way that maximizes his limited set of skills. When I hear the term 'world class', to me it means a handful of players that would slot in and perform in every and all conditions - irrespective of teammates, playing styles, philosophies. Ricardo Carvalho in his prime was world class. Thiago Silva today is world class. Gary Cahill is a very good player for a certain style of play, a 'systems defender', if you will. I'm not knocking the guy, he's clearly England's best in his position now that there's no JT.

Very good game from a good defender. Hardly world class, though.

I think DC meant teams that won something with the strikers firing them to it. Del Piero (from what I remember of 2006) changed the semi final but wasn't really crucial to the rest of the games. Inzaghi also got a goal or two, but again, not really the catalyst for victory. I could be wrong though.

Hazard individual highlights vs Algeria vimeo (recommended) : http://vimeo.com/98579257 youtube :

Got a few goals and assists and was their main man for parts of the season, I remember. Probably his brightest spell but that's not saying much in a trainwreck of a career.

It's no secret that he wants his last managerial job to be with Portugal; he's said it many times. Linking all those articles would be pointless.

Maybe you are underestimating Mourinho's desire to manage his ... you know, own country?

You can probably tell I haven't played any edition since FIFA 08

Time to exit FIFA 14

Don't forget Macaree. The guy talks like he owns Chelsea and everyone should worship his opinions.

I love this post. Calm your tits, people.

What bothers me is that he hasn't had one good loan yet. Just cannot hack it among the big boys, no matter in Bolton or Dijon. Indicates that there's something very wrong with his work ethic and confidence. Pulling off world class tricks in training only gets you so far.

CSKA

What a waste the last 2 years have been for him.

Not when the girlfriend doesn't even fuck!

That supposed to be a diss? Giroud's a good striker.

He is only amazing at convincing people of his apparent usefulness. See your post as an example in this regard.

I left him out intentionally because I figured it would be understood why. He's done so well that even we couldn't turn a blind eye. Already among the world's top 5, imo.

Because we're never going to play him; he'll be sold the moment his value reaches a desirable level. We have so far failed to integrate any and all signings who've done well on loan (Kalas, Lukaku, Sturridge, de Bruyne) and that won't change with Atsu. Atsu struck me as a FFP signing when it was made and I'll be massively (pleasantly) surprised if that won't turn out to be the case eventually.

Duncan Castles is well known on twitter for having his nose up Mourinho's arse.

Why do we even have a Pepe thread?