Blue Armour

Agreed, and not to mention the time it will take to implement his style. Its something very new to the club, and cost us a lot of results in the process.

You can tell from Iniesta's face what he thinks of his new kit.

Lol @ the top comment: 'Heineken has to stop funding these championships'

Looking forward to see how he'll perform next season. Its probably now or never for him. Unless Ashley Cole is gay for Danny Sturridge, he must really see something in the kid to put him in his all-time starting eleven. If he improves his decision making, he should be the man for us next season.

Essien can still be used a defensive mid when Mikel or someone else isn't available. When you look at the players coming in or coming back, such as DeBruyne, Benayoun, Marin and Kakuta, they're all attacking mids/wingers. McEachran is the only 'new' option in central midfield. As far as Kalou goes,..he hasn't been released officially. If I'm correct, the club will leave Kalou's contract extension in the hands of the new manager.

I'm pretty sure Malouda will move on this season...there's nothing left for him to win, and he knows he's not going to reclaim a starting spot. He'll probably seek a move back to France, or Brazil where he said he always wanted to play. Essien is a slightly different case. Ironically he's now dependent on the club, when it used to be the other way around. I still feel, if he has a decent pre-season, he can be used as a squad option, filling in like Belletti used to.

We have other leaders in the squad, but Drogba was simply talismanic for us of late. Before him, it used to be Lampard. It will be exciting to see who'll be the next one for us. We all have our opinions, but I feel Danny Sturridge could very well be the next one to step up for us. Interesting times ahead.

Its a talksport interview, the article is from The Sun: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4334918/Frank-Lampard-says-Didier-Drogba-is-the-best-player-he-has-ever-played-with.html And yeah, should have put it in Didier's thread..

'Drogba the best I've played with.'

Sensible post. The FA cup semifinal against them is proof of that.

Pep is a nice guy and a good manager, but if its one thing we've learnt from previous managers at Chelsea, communication is a very important thing when it comes to the players here. Ibrahimovic used to frequently complain about the lack of understanding between him and Pep at Barca. Although that's just one player talking, it does raise a doubt in my mind regarding how successful he would be here.

Going through the posts in that closed "live match" thread of this is just great to look at now...All those reactions..priceless.. ... I hope that thread is preserved...this match,and this tournament as whole, really took all of us on a great journey..

I wonder whether he can come back on loan for a few months, like Henry did... if we're playing Arsenal or Barca in knockout cup...

Zizzooouuuuu!!! :dude:

When Roman does leave, let's hope so!

Same here, mate but I guess it was just never meant to be. I still remember the first time they linked up was in Torres's first match in blue colours against Liverpool. It would have also been his first goal if it were not for a timely slide tackle from Carragher. The second which you should remember was Mata's goal against Wigan. Drogba crossing to Torres who volleyed it, only for it to bounce off the crossbar, yet thankfully into Mata's path.

This. That's the main argument in favor of RDM. In West Brom, at least when they started, they were known for their brand of attacking football. Due to the squad restrictions it was logical that RDM made defense and keeping possession the highest priority. With attacking options that are becoming increasingly available next season, I'm very curious to see how this Chelsea team can perform under him.

I did. Felt a bit for Joe Cole as well. Others like Carvalho, Anelka and Deco have at least once lifted that trophy during their careers, but not these two. Still, you have to remember that there are other extremely good players that have never won it in their careers.

For now, I'm going to imagine he never did that or gave that interview. It detracts too much from the win, Drogba's departure and other important things that can occur at this crucial juncture for the club.

Drogba can play himself right? Why need another actor?

Thanks for the article Bluelion, great read...

I don't think they ever had a bad relationship. They're just two different characters, with Drogba being more of an extrovert and Torres, less so.

I think the crowds should still sing that during matches, to intimidate the opposition.

I hope Didier, and when the time comes, JT and Frank, return to the club in some form or the other to take it on its next adventure...If those three ever decided to form a management team, it would be unstoppable.

True, targetmen with skill and pace are indeed a rarity (and a luxury) in football,That's why for all the Heskey's and Carew's you only have one Drogba. Still there are others with potential. With the right manager and the right mentality, its possible to mould a similar sort of player out of someone else