TacticalBlues

Haha the way Hazard looked at Matic after the strike.

Man City fans chanted: "Jose Mourinho, your football is s***e.'' Chelsea fans responded with: "Jose Mourinho, he's won more than you".

He is a great player who I don't want to see at Manchester United at all, but before Guardiola came he held an attacking role under Heyneckes. It's only when Guardiola came that he changed Kroos's role to a deeper one. This isn't necessarily a bad thing at all because he's taken to the role like a fish in water managing a staggering 92% pass success in the Bundesliga. His versatility, youth and success would make him a great signing who I wouldn't complain about. Nonetheless, I'd question a move for him by us with our current squad. For Man United his position in the pivot alongside Carrick/Fellaini is obvious but we have Matic, Van Ginkel, Ramires, Lampard and Mikel (Luiz too) who can cover midfield and had to sell Mata because our attacking midfield options are so strong. Van Ginkel particularly is a 21 year old box to box midfielder (that Mourinho himself has lauded as a Gerrard/Lampard hybrid ) who would work amazingly with Matic IMO. Unless we plan on selling Ramires/Mikel and letting go of Lampard I can't see the room for him here. I still doubt Bayern will let him go so easily and when a player of his enormous quality becomes available it's stupid not to follow it further, but like Bayern did with Kroos, I think we have a player with amazing potential quietly recovering in our ranks who given the opportunity will develop into something special.

Have Barcelona and Bayern? But in all seriousness I think yesterday was nothing less than a freak game.

Winning in the greater context. Looking at the games at Old trafford and the Emirates in isolation is missing the bigger picture. When I say he's driven by a philosophy to win, I mean his philosophy in the grand scheme of things isn't driven by an inclination to play a particular style of attacking football like Arsenal neither is it to defend. Unlike Wenger for example (who was beating Barca at emirates but went to camp nou and lost 4-0) Mourinho isn't so naive that he will stick to one philosophy but changes it for each game depending on what is required to win trophies in the grand scheme of things. ala. Inter Milan v Barca.

Mourinho's philosophy is neither offensive nor defensive, it's winning.

Such a good advert:

Apart from the transfer talk section we don't really have a section to discuss "other players". Theirs a lot of great talents out their and we're not always linked, or in need of them so I thought it may be useful to have a dedicated thread for it. I've always enjoyed the rise of young talents into superstars. made this video late 2010 (waited till after January window so I could add a few more Chelsea players ) but made it private a two months ago since it was made for 2011. (Will make it unlisted temporarily so it can be viewed). So more on topic Hachim Mastour trained with AC Milan's first team a few weeks ago. Good young talent, at 15 years old he has a long way to go but is a bright young prospect for an ever aging Milan side. Bonus Video: Neymar v Hachim freestyling and fifa:

Very frustrating game obviously, people shouldn't be surprised about Ramires's inconsistent passing and lack of footballing brain etc, we all know that's an unfortunate facet he possesses. It was just one of those nights, wasn't to be. City will be tough no doubt but we can nick it, with Jose and our players anything's possible. The Title's far from over. :blue scalf:

As many have pointed out Oscar is 22. I repeat 22. His potential is mouthwatering. It's world cup year and he's Brasil's number 10. If he can perform at the level that we all know he is capable of, like Ozil did in 2010, his stock and reputation will only get even higher. He's already shown an unwavering ability to cope with high pressure situations: scoring a world-class hatrick in the u20 world cup, performing incredibly in Europe and least of all stepping up as Brasils undisputed number 10 at 21. I'm just praying he stays injury free and has a great world cup. Hopefully those questioning his ability will put in there place then. It's just a shame that some need this. He played a mindboggling 77 games in 2013 winning the man of the match award in the 7 consecutive games for Brazil. He averaged a goal every 90 mins, the same as Ronaldo and better that Messi (91 mins per goal) and Lewandowski (100 mins per goal) in the Europe last season. Honestly if he was at another club we'd be dreaming of signing him. Also his assists may not have been incredible last year but his industry at only 21 led him to make more tackles in last season (109) than Mata and Hazard’s combined (69). This will only improve under Jose. Nevertheless, putting his 12 assists from last season aside I feel it is a huge dis-service to Oscar to constantly bring up his assists in judging his attacking contribution for us. Oscar as a playmaker is very much in the mould of a Kaka. In the year Kaka won Balon D'Or he played 41 games, scored 19 goals and had 12 assists. The year before when he was voted best playmaker of the year he only had 9 assists. These are good numbers but hardly reflect what Kaka brought to Milan. Fact is Oscar is 22 and shows a maturity to his game that far exceeds his years. With the guidance of Mourinho and practically a guarantee starter for many years to come he can only get better. :blue scalf:

Please Chelsea don't get rid of Courtois. This guy's 6 foot 6 has world class reflexes and shot stopping capabilities to match the elite at 21 years old. With a Mourinho defense and him in goal we'd be set for a long time.

You feeling ok? Your last few posts have been...different.

Words from Mourinho, Oscar (he's speaking English!) and Matic

Oscar is truly a mesmerisingly good player. His potential is frighting. On a national level his partnership with Neymar is amazing too, it has the potential into develop into a Bebeto/Romario and Ronaldinho/Ronaldo one. Great prospect for the world cup. He can only get better from here too

Interviewer: Man City away Mourinho: *shrugs shoulders* No problem.

:blue scalf: Welcome, wish you all the best. :blue scalf:

Worst draw possible, away aswell. Bring it on though. :blue scalf:

So 13 dribbles, Hazard now beats the the record of most dribbles in a game in Europe this season previously held by ... Eden Hazard (12 vs. Sunderland)

My word, doesn't Matic fit Mourinho's Chelsea like a glove?

Mourinho just confirmed the deal's been completed in an interview with ITV.

Mate as Mata explicitly said he never he wanted to leave our great club. Enjoy fighting for 5th spot. Can't wait for Madrid to bid for him because a top player deserves a top club. A clubs in your state won't be able to resist! Speaking of money grabbers enjoy Rooney for a few more years after your "great" club pathetically bows down to his demands again. Also hearing Barcelona want Van Persie! Good luck holding on to him with his track record! But don't worry I'm sure the Chosen One will stay and build a great team for the future! Smalling, Jones, Cleverley and Welbeck *pwhooaaar* That's a heck of spine!!!

MATA'S letter on his website "I never forget: thanks, Chelsea!" Juan Mata Chelsea goodbye with an emotional letter Hi everyone, As you can imagine this is a very important day in my life, and with these lines I would like to express the memories and emotions that come to me as I write. This letter is written from my heart, and first of all I would like to say that I will never forget all the affection given to me by the Chelsea fans. From the very first day until the last. With your support and affection I have grown up as a player and I have had an amazing time both on and off the pitch. I will always feel the gratitude towards you. Always. No words are enough to give back all the things I have received. There has been plenty of good moments: the FA Cup, my first trophy as a Blue; the immense happiness of winning titles for the first time in the club's history, such as that magical Champions League night in Munich and the Europa League... On the other hand, I have experienced some complicated situations from a personal point of view, mainly during the last six months. Every message I got through the social media, every nice word you have said to me on the street, and of course, your support in the stadium, has made me feel incredibly proud of the Chelsea fans; you deserve a team like the one you've got, with so many fantastic players. I won't forget the faith you put in me when I was given the player of the year award the last two seasons. I feel really proud and I will never forget those nights. Thank you so much for the way you have treated me, you have been unbelievable. I hope you understand that after going through a complicated and, for me, new situation in the last few months, I believe this is the best choice in order to carry on with my football career and to keep enjoying this sport. Before last summer, my intention was to stay here for a long time; as long as the club wanted me to, and to keep winning trophies for Chelsea FC. This is how happy I was in the club and in the city. However, as you all know, things changed after the preseason. From feeling like an important player, I started to experience some difficult situations and I felt unable to help the team to the extent that I wanted and was used to. Obviously, I fully respect the circumstances. Football is a team sport and it's not easy to play regularly in such a good squad. In sports you may win or lose, but the most important thing is to give everything. I hope you know and feel that I have always done so. In every game, in every training session, without exception. I have always tried my best for the club. I would like to emphasise the affection, admiration and respect that I've had for my former team mates since the first day. I want to thank the captains for their help and understanding at all times. They made me feel comfortable when I arrived and they have supported me throughout the difficult times this season. I thank all my former team mates for these two and a half years and I wish them the best, personally and professionally, for the future. Of course I have been closer to some of them, but the most important thing is that my years in Chelsea have left me with great friends. Friends forever, football rivalries aside. I also want to highlight the day-to-day job of every member of the Chelsea staff: medical team, kit men, staff at Cobham and Stamford Bridge, media and marketing department, Chelsea TV team... All of them are very important in making this club a great one. Thank you for your treatment and your efforts to make the life of the players easier. Furthermore, thanks to every manager I have had the pleasure to work with during my time here. They have all been a big help for my progression as a player. I have always respected their decisions, whatever they were; they made me more mature and a stronger person. You learn from everything, and certain situations make you think about other team mates who are coping with similar situations more regularly. Thank you Andre for giving me the opportunity to join Chelsea FC. Without your support, none of this would have happened. To Robbie and Rafa, for their unlimited trust in me. And to Jose, for making me a stronger player, because in difficult moments, I have learnt to remain positive and to keep working hard. Lastly, I want to thank the Club, and in particular its owner, Roman Abramovich, for trusting me and making an important investment when signing me. Also for their understanding regarding my situation over the last months. I'm very glad to have been part of the squad that made his and our dream come true: winning the Champions League on that unforgettable night in Munich. Additionally, my years in Chelsea have been profitable for the club, which I'm very pleased about. I want to make clear that the stage that now comes to an end has been extremely important for me, personally and professionally. Although many of you, like myself, never thought this moment would come, this is football and a new chapter is about to begin. I would have liked to say good bye to all of you in the stadium, or in a press conference, but it has not been possible. I'm sure, i will be able to do it in the future, because is what you deserve. Evidently, today is a day of mixed feelings, remembering the past and looking forward to the future and what it has to bring. I look forward to being happy and to enjoy what I like the most: play football. I will never forget my time in Chelsea and the affection I take with me, I will keep forever. I wish you the best. A big hug to all of you. THANK YOU so much, Juan http://www.juanmata10.com/index.php?seccion=noticias&id=4102 You can tell he didn't plan on this, he loved it here. Sorry about the lack of structure, this is how it is on his site too. EDIT: Updated English version