MetsajCFC

Massive overreaction here. 0-0 against a direct rival is a good result in my book. Nothing pretty from either side but it's a point gained rather than two lost. Especially given the fixture list we've had and injuries.

Solid performance. Kante is a machine. Anyone know what Fabregas' celebration was about? Might have misunderstood it but it seemed as if he was sarcastically waving to send a message?

Musonda's very sharp, a joy to watch.

As is saying he WILL fail. Goes both ways and there's no way to predict it. I personally think he'll be great.

With the FFP rules, I'm sure they care. With them it's the fact that they've lost Kolarov, Sagna, Zabaleta, Clichy. From what I've read Kolarov's exit wasn't pre-planned by the club but rather Kolarov's own initiative. Over 130 million for three defenders who by no means guarantee success, well I guess that's football nowadays. I'd rather see Chelsea sign some "unknown" (read: unhyped) prospect and give them a chance (or use our own young players), like we did with Azpilicueta.

Or Bonucci wanted to stay in Italy all along and the rest is just a fabrication. Either way, there's no emotion in business, just numbers. If the numbers add up, selling to Juventus instead of Manchester United would make more sense. I'd personally keep him in the squad unless there's a problem with his general attitude.

Player transfers are a lot more complicated than that. Agents, families, personal preferences, third parties, contractual sell-on clauses, paperwork (UK is notorious for this) - and that's just a start. It's not only about money, we're just not as attractive as for example Bayern, Barca, Madrid, it's a fact, unfortunately.

Agree, quality signings. Plus, if other clubs knew they had the "Lukaku money", they'd be held ransom.

Work of art

Looking at Everton's spending and Lukaku reports-interviews, it seems Lukaku's sold. My guess is that Lukaku to Chelsea is done but they'll wait for 1st of July to announce any signings because of the incoming Nike kit deal.

Plus if anything, this will send out a clear and positive message that Conte is in charge and has the full backing from Chelsea's hierarchy.

Been away from the forums due to work and studies for quite some time but the new design looks very nice, well done to everyone involved

That'd be the worst in my eyes. Because the way Europa League is set up, it's not very attractive to the fans nor clubs. Thursday nights in random places where pitch quality can be from wall-to-wall so to say, meaning possible injuries, fatigue and so on. The money we'd get from there is peanuts, we shouldn't go for Europa League. A season away from Europe would be an ideal scenario, in an ideal world anyway. We'd have time to re-build, re-group and focus on domestic duties to get us back where we belong, in the cream of European football. I think we'll be fine, past games have been positive. Merry festive period everyone.

What an eventful first half between Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano. The penalty incident was odd I thought, or?

Would not be the right manager for us. We just don't have that kind of quality, would mean more or less complete overhaul within the club and not only in the playing squad. While there are things we can improve attacking wise and being more fluid, then tika-taka is not for Chelsea. Simone or Koeman for me.

What is this club about? Because, frankly, I'm not sure anymore.

Just from top of my head: Chelsea: season 2014/2015 - Champion of England, top of the EPL from matchday 1 to 38, finishing as second best attacking side and best defensive side in the league.Real Madrid: season 2011/2012 - Champion of Spain, records for most away wins, most games won in a La Liga season, most points in a top European League, record for most goals scored in a season (121), highest goal difference (+89).

Isn't it obvious looking the the way we play? They don't look interested at all.

It's on twitter, it's official.

He is too smart to return. Why should he?

If this indeed is the case, we'll live to regert it, rather sooner then later. Disaster.

Those type of measures do work, but obviously not with this group of players who lack character. All in all, I think you're jumping to conclusions - read players' autobiographies, his books, documentaries, he is notorious for putting effort into details, match after match. Obviously there have been shortcomings this season from every department in the club, starting from the board. Noone is free of blame.

Got to love him! http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2015/12/17/10344444/weve-reached-the-acceptance-through-humor-stage

Real Madrid fans would love to have him back, that quick things and perspectives change.

That's the problem with Chelsea, we always go for the manager. This season players deserve every piece of criticism they get. Oh, and you're understanding it wrong. He is doing quite the opposite. He is taking the major share of the blame. He knows how human brain works, how media works, he just has to feed them and voila - there's talk about him getting sacked on every piece of paper but not a word of how shocking the players are. He is, in fact, deflecting the blame off the players. How many stories do you see floating around about players being poor versus Mourinho getting the sack? What's the ratio? - its embarrasing! You can't make bread out of shit, no matter how good of a baker you are.