Blue Armour

Geez...none of these guys care. I know its stating the obvious, but at least give a shit for a couple of games. Now that Abramovich is gone and there is no PL title to fight for, things seem less appealing. Granted everyone is entitled to move to the club of their choice, but at least have a modicum of respect for the manager who gave you your first CL title. Ungrateful. Unprofessional. Time for Tuchel to build a new core. This one with academy players, and the returning Connor Gallagher

Probably like Giroud last year. Renewed with a 1 year contract. Left with a fee.

And at least make an attempt to re negotiate with Rudiger. No harm, IMO

The Times too.

Couldn't watch this match live. Knew it was going to be a shit show. Everton are pathetic. .If they don't take points against Arsenal they will decidedly go down.

I guess things will be quiet for the rest of this week. Hopefully next week we hear something in official capacity, and the club can move on with clarity.

If they don't win or draw against Arsenal., then yes. Absolutely

Would be furious if Everton don't at least manage to steal a point against Arsenal. Especially after we've given them a lifeline.

Oh ffs....they haven't even scored. Let them have a goal. Just give us the 3 points. That's enough generosity.

Okay, you are seriously jinxing it now. Stop.

Just going through a divorce from a wife of many years. Plus uncertainty around the future of the club. I'm just speculating, but that can take a lot out of someone., not just Tuchel. What's important is that we finish top 3 and forget the rest. Technically top 4 is sufficient, but I do not want to experience the embarrassment of finishing behind a shitty Arsenal side.

I suppose there is no legal absolutes here, but hadn't deadline for bids passed a long time ago?

**Subject to how shite Arsenal are at the time. Results may vary, but sometimes they are that shite.

Charity FC. So generous. Even the money made from the club being sold is going to charity. banter aside...it was an entertaining game, even if the finishing was frustrating. Never restrict James to a CB role. We are so much more potent with fullbacks flying down either side. Also good that we have someone like Alonso when Chillwell is out. Made the right decision to retain him and not Emerson, who I would put in the same category as Christensen in terms of being a push-over player.

Weird...this kind of stuff might turn off bidders, especially when it happens so late. Why now?

Still thing the league title is beyond them. Not sure about the CL.

Go Villarreal

Remember when we had the Russian Ronaldinho and the German Messi?

Remember the days when guys like Drogba and Ballack would practically be pining to have their contracts renewed by the club? Our standards had started to fall well before the sanctions hit, making it more likely for players to be stand-off'ish in their contract negotiations. Before Hazard and Courtois left, the best players wanted to stay and fight on. On a side note, have a feeling that Courtois and Hazard were egging on Rudiger to join Madrid. They've known each other pretty well from Chelsea. Hope the next generation of Chelsea players like Mount, James, Havertz and Callagher again make Chelsea the attractive destination it used to be.

My only hope is he's choosing a move abroad. Seeing him play for another domestic rival would be outrageous.

2 good CBs would be a dream. Im just hoping we sign at least one good CB. We probably won't be able to pay the price for him, but would Declan Rice be able to play a Rudiger type role as an extra man in a 3 CB defense? If RLC can play wing back, I don't see why Rice can't play a rampaging CB ala Rudiger. He's played as a regular CB too.

Sigh. Next season looking bleak. Two centre backs to hunt for. What's the guarantee we get even one with decent quality? To be fair Rudiger had a decent reputation when he signed. It is the combination of Tuchel and the 3 CB formation that brought the best out of him. The biggest loss is his personality. Strong willed player

Tuchel says it was sanctions, but I don't think it was that. He probably made up his mind a long time ago. Else he would have waited. This is just the 'excuse' for an easier exit.

Yep. Those are some of the points that are making me think that this is just tabloid click bait. A lot of envious and ill-wishing people writing and speculating about this and the Rudiger contract situation.

Which is why I'm also taking this article with a huge grain of salt. It is the Mail after all. I also doubt that the bidders would grow cold feet at this late stage. Like you said, the would have been well aware of what is needed to renovate the stadium for a while now.