laura90

How long will I have to wait before I see Mata and McEachran together in starting XI? I know McEachran isn't world class yet, but neither are Lampard ( right now), Mikel, Ramires. In my opinion, Josh is more creative and technically more gifted than Henderson, Cleverly even Wilshere, but unlike them, he is not getting enough chance in his club. I would also want to see Meireles as B2B and Oriol as DM. If Sturridge shines as a right winger, I will be amazed. And Luiz, I think we really miss him. These players can only improve our game and make football mutch better to watch. I don't even have to mention the benefits of dismissing Kalouda. I don't want to be misunderstood. I stand behind what I've said, but I know these players will need time to play together.

We could win the PL in theory. But practice is something else. In practice: -We still have Kalou and Malouda, players who wouldn't come close to top ten teams in Europe given their quality right now. And one of them, at least, is a starter. --We have 5or 6 players whose contracts expire this season , which wont be renewed . That is not good for the team, in general. And Malouda is not even one of them. --We have some selfish players, players who are unwilling or unable to cooperate with each other but they still play together. -How impact on team will leave benchig Lampard, Malouda, Drogba and Kalou at the same time? How will Malouda play without Lampard and Drogba? Will we be able to play atractive football with any of these players in starting eleven given their age and form? -- We have too many strikers, only one propper winger(Mata), but we play 4 3 3. - We don't have a propper creative midfielder, and our midfielders are seriously limited in terms of creativity and passing, even movement. Except for Meireles.Our second best creative midfielder is loaned to our rivals for top four. --Josh, our only creative and probably best midfielder still didn't get a single minute against teams who will likely face relegation. That must be changed as soon as possible. - Sturridge is a striker, or support striker, not a right winger. I hope he will succeed as a winger and that role will suit him and his further development. -Ryan Bertrand is 22, he needs to play, he is supposed to be Coles replacement, but we were after Perreira? Will he get his chance in premier league? - AVB doesn't leave the impression of a man who will give more chance to youngsters. Hopefully it will change. When we solve these issues , we don't have to win the league. For the sake of this club it would be like we won it.

No I said it would motivate Lukaku, not Bertrand. I understand that you want him in CL squad but for him it is better to earn his place, instead of getting it on the silver plate. Bertrand will not be motivated, but as I said it is due to the lack of experience. That is our own fault, and I am not OK with it. I hope he will get some experience as soon as possible. Would you like to risk defence with our attack at this period? Every goal can be important given our form. I never said I agree with AVB decisions, I just think I can't criticize him. May I add that our problem is not AVB or his bad decisions, but the fact that Kalou and Malouda are still here, when most of the time they are just poor excuses for wingers. And Kalou is a winger, he is probably there in case Sturridga pick up injury.

First, our group is not a joke. Only Genk is an easy opponent, others are not. In order to be included in CL squad, Ryan Bertrand needs to gain some PL experience first. Same goes for Lukaku. Some expect instant changes and improvement, but it does not go that way. Why Bertrand did not gain any experience in PL? Why we did not play him? Because if we gave him a chance, he would have been included. Lukaku will be included later if he proves himself in first half of season. That will only motivate . He will get his chance. Romeu is included simply because he has great potential and our DMs are pretty poor offensively. Our bad politics and youngsters management are the reason why we have to endure another year of Malouda, Ferreira, Kalou and some senior players with their current form in starting eleven. Hope that will change soon. I will have more faith when I see Josh in starting eleven. In CL too. God knows we need him. May I repeat how sad I am because Kalouda is there? But we can't loose faith in AVB just yet.

People are not disrespecting Lampard. They just say that he should be benched or play less. That is perfectly understandable. Lampards role is too important and crucial for our playing style, and we can't afford player out of form in that position. When he doesn't play well, when he is not in form, all team suffers. Time passes and we can't do anything except to adapt. He is and always will be great Chelsea Legend. But he is not supposed to suffer criticism in the twilight of his career, especially when it can be avoided. He will be benched, but it will take time. Lampard at Chelsea wasn't just a player, he was a Leader in every aspect of the game. And benching leaders is little more difficult and takes time.

Well in match against WBA there were couple negativities but I will mention only one that had been most obvious to me in particular. When Torres was in Lamps, Kalou( Malouda) in particular and all team played really bad. They do not have game for Torres I know, but more than that, even when they could pass him, they refused to do so. But when Drogba came in Lamps, Malouda, Anelka and all team started playing much better. Like unit. Does not matter Drogba was not anything special, at least three players improved their game and team started playing much better. That case alone shows root of our problems and reasons for booing. No matter how good Kalou, Malouda can be sometimes the fact is: In many ocassions they have shown selfishness, refusal to pass when passing was far better option, lack of commitment to the team and the result, neglect of their team mates, lack of effort . This flaws are reason why they are often booed. Anelka- in some games he is great but in some he is invisible. Lack of effort and disinterst regardless of result are his flaws. Lamps - He was a leader, now is a barrier and slows down the game. People can not accept it. I blame the coach. AVB- nothing against him but he talks about atractive attacking football with flair and all creative players he has leaves on bench. The problem is when you are receiving the biggest salaries in EPL you are not allowed not to give your best. You are not allowed to do things mentioned above. Their display was not the best they could do under any circumstances. Their display is partly caused by the refusal of individuals to play as a team, by selfishness, by obvious lack of effort from some. And that is something that people who spend the most money in the PL to watch the game do not forgive. Booing is unacceptable. People who come to the SB should realize how lucky they are and enjoy and support their team. But the players first need to understand that with big money comes big responsibility and that is up to them how fans will show their support. When they start to give their best and play for benefit of the team every time, fans will recognize that and atmosphere at SB will be much better.

As much as I appreciate optimism, I dont get how anybody can say its not bad, we won. Victory after bad performance is sweet when you are aware that your team can play better, but we are not. - Our scorers, besides goals were completely useless - Our midfield had no creativity while Josh and Yossi were benched - It seems nobody either cant or dont want to cooperate with Torres. - MOTM is our goalie Hilario - No trace of attractive attacking football we are supposed to play. Not many from today line up are able to play attractive football since they lack pace, creativity, they cant pass not even think about crossing and they are slow and predictable. Easy to defend. If AVB introduces attractive football with these players he will surpass Mourinho even if he doesnt win anything. But he has to start with line up first. - Mata, Modric, Hazard...We need them all. Wont happen, I know - And we played against WBA . Neither team in EPL is like walk in the park but it is WBA. There are no many easier opponents out there. - It will take some time to repair damage from bad decisions taken in the past.

I find it realy hard to believe that we will keep on playing 4 3 3 successfuly with these players. We don't have wingers for 3 in attack, every single winger that we have is either useless or striker. And our 3 men midfield is not good enough to support 3 strikers, especially when Yossi and Josh are left out.

Dreadful and useless formation .With this starting eleven we will not make it in top eight.

We have over achieved. Money does not bring success. People do. Of course, you need money, but people are those who make difference. Man with vision, talent and knowledge, like Fergie for United or Johan Cruijff for Barcelona are worth more than any amount of money. Long term success can not be achieved without this kind of man. You can not determine what we should have done on the basis of money. We did not have people in charge. We had, in Mourinho, but we all know how that turned out. There has been a lot of money, true, but Fergie and his scouts are worth more. What I want to say is that we knew to spend money, but we rarely knew with people. I do not think we have underachieved at all, but if our board think so, they should care about " People" factor little more. In my opinion, we are superb, the best team after Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal were behind us most of the time and that is amazing. We have second chance now, can not wait to see what we will do with that.

Besides Torres and Luiz, during this year we have signed: Lucas Piazon, Josh MacEachran, Ryan Bertrand, Thibaut Courtois, Oriol Romeu and Romelu Lukaku. Realistic ambition (for the next season) : - Assessing all of our players, youngsters and older ones. - Finding the right positions for some of them. -Successfuly scouting, no matter how strange it sounds, for players who will replace those whose contracts expire next year - so far, only Drogba has been replaced. These players probably will not be established, world class , expensive , but rather young, talented and perspective. Of course, some of them can be found among youngsters. That is immense job for AVB and his team, and probably the hardest one. After all, this is Chelsea. - Customizing to FFP rules. All this for: - Change of generations and making team for future . This team has to play atractive football and avoid Arsenal fate (our main ambition in next 2 years, why I believe AVB is appointed ( for that price ) among other things ). I believe for the next season our priority will be squad , not trophies. That is why we will enter season almost without wingers. We have yet to find them. FA cup would be great. Top scorer : I am hoping for Torres, but Drogba or Sturridge. The biggest star:Josh MacEachran, Ramirez, David Luiz, Sturridge (I can't choose)

eldo I haven't complained about his situation - I understand it. We need him, he needs us . I haven't complained about the clause - I understand it too. I just have a problem with his attitude. You don't come in a club talking that you want to go to another. He was not talking about returning to Barcelona city, but Barcelona FC. Simply work hard and if you're good enough, they will call you. I just hope that he will not talk about Barcelona next two years. That's all. And I realy don't have problem with him. My personal opinion is that he will be of to Barca in two years. Barca will not let us to have a class player on their expense -my opinion. Of course, I may be wrong.

It's so wonderful to see Romelu who wants to play here. His look was amazing. Good luck Lukaku, I want you to be successful here from all my heart! Enjoy the company of your idol and other players, believe in yourself and I'm sure you will succeed. Stamford Bridge will respond with love, I am sure of it. I am looking forward to your debut already. Thanks and good luck!

Oriol Romeu welcome to your feeder club! We will give you some match time, so you can gain some experience, which will help you to walk into Barca team(bench) in couple of years. But while you are here we expect you to perform extremely well, because, as you know, only the best have place in Farca dream team. So you better stop talking and start focusing on football and football only . Relax, if he goes, I'm sure we'll find good enough substitute, perhaps even from our academy.

The main reason I prefered last version is the fact that now, with this new version , I go into other people's profiles when I just click on the last post. It happened to me too often today. But I will fix it. Also, I liked the lion that existed instead of avatars, but I guess I will have to find avatar now. Congratulations, you did amazing job, and I am sure it will be great when it's finished completely.

My dear Chelsea FC, as much as I am happy with this Lukaku signing, can we finally start buying according to our priorities? I am sure yuo know we have some problem areas that need to be fixed. Then buy as many strikers as you want.

If we enter new season without player who can dribble, go past opponent defenders and who is able to make a decent cross, especially in the last fifteen minutes when we need it the most, third place is cause for celebration. If Lampard doesn't regain his form back, and Yossi pick up injury at some point, we will be in trouble. We can consider Benayoun, Torres, Sturridge, Josh, Luiz, Ramires and Romeu as new players, but no one of them is a genuine winger( we need two, at least one desperately) and reliable creative midfielder who can assist on regular bases. Josh is the future but remains question whether he is ready yet. Malouda is genuine winger, indeed, but he is also selfish ...,who would be much better player if he knew that football is a team game not one man show. I personally don't have problem with that prediction, but big concern is possibility of not making top four. I believe in AVB but much depends on injuries. But I will try to be positive and hope our board sees this year as an opportunity for change and will give full support to AVB, so he can make a revolution we need. In that case, I would be happy with fourth place.

So, that's it. We are going trough transition. We will wait our youngsters to develop ( nothing wrong with that) and expiration of the contract of our seniors. Very well. And how 50 mil 27 years old striker fits in that, I don't know. I also don't know how on earth we will successfully play 4 3 3 formation with only one winger in "I am too selfish to pass the ball and very often you need physics to understand my shots" Ryan Giggs wannabe Malouda. I also don't know what will happen with our midfield if we rely on injury prone Yossi, Josh can't do it all by himself. But I do know that anybody who expects trophys with this squad is on more drugs than Zamparini. So you better make sure we will expect transition results as well. Because I am not willing to discuss our new manager by this time next year.

Here is how I see his choice. He goes to PSG, where he will be the biggest star, not only in the PSG, in the whole league 1. In addition, the sheiks will make PSG the most dominant club in France. And given the quality of League 1, they will have a much easier job than Roman. Anyway, every Franch League, Cup and Supercup will be almost guaranteed. And certain number of games will be like walk in the park for him. Here, he would have to work hard, and again trophys would not be easy to win. As for CL, he will play there soon enough . As it turned out, the clubs whose domestic games are little more difficult trainings, are in better position in CL. Those are exactly reasons why every young and talented player chooses Real or Barca ahead of PL clubs. And now PSG.

I shall say this only once! It's bitout of topic, but , than again, not. Anyway, as a Chelsea FC club fan, I was also big Torres fan. But when I heard about him coming here, I was not happy. I was angry and disappointed. Ihad a bad feeling about that . 1. Because , Torres was not used to work with anybody else. We simply couldn’t change our game thatfast, and he needed time for adjustment. That couldn’t have happen in themiddle of season. 2. Torres is a classic 9. We haven't had game for classic 9 for quite some time. Drogba is the best striker in my eyes. But he has never scored much goals for us. Because we don't have game to support strikers like Liverpool did with Torresor Man Utd with Chicharito. We made it up with fantastick attacking midfielders in Lampard and Joe Cole. That is why we struggled to score in bad moments We are not that good in supporting strikers. Of course, this is only my opinion. 3. In the firstpart of the last season it was so bloody obvious we were crying for creative midfielder and right winger, and even left winger with Maluda's form. Instead, we have purchased striker, who was neither right winger, or left winger and who needed creative midfielder to work with. Where is the logic in that? And with money paid for him, we could havebought at least two from three mentioned above. It's like our board expected Torres would be 3in1 player for us. Well, it didn't work that way. What a shock! 4. Don't get mewrong. I am not defending Torres here. I blame him for even coming here. But Iam not disappointed with his bad form. Iexpected it. But this kind of media abuse I didn't expect. It issimply disgusting. Due to that, I doubt he would regain his form even if we built our game around him. It is destroying his confidence, which is crucialfor strikers. And yes, if you are paid 100 mil a year, your confidence is very vulnerable if you are laughing stock of all England for six months and more. Just imagine how would you fill in his boots for a week, let alone 7 months. The fact he is millionaire doesn’t change a thing. 5. It was Chelsea FC decision to pay 50 mil for him. Stupid decision, but still. 6.It was Chelsea FC decision to pay him 175 000 a week .Again, stupid decision ,but still. All I wanted to say is, if he fails here, our poor decisions and voltures from English media will be just as guilty. If you blame only him, you are refusing to look at the whole picture. He shouldn' t have come , indeed, but for success he didn't stand much chance from the very begining. If you don't see that, you are either too optimistic or deluded. And for those thinking if he hadn't come here, we would have spent that money better now, think again. PS. I would be delighted if he regain his form back.

@ justin_3d That media obsession is exactly the reason why he has lost all his confidence and why he can't get his form back. It's almost impossible in these conditions. If he can't feel good about himself, how can he play good? But what do you care. You have already proven you are not different from them anyway.

I will not rush to conclusions. I will wait untill 31 august . It's pretty funny actually. After two months of waiting and crying for wingers and creative midfielder, we end up getting goalkeeper and defensive midfielder. One will strenghten us from Madrid and other will, if turn into class, end up in Barca. But I will remain positive. Because, you Mr Gourlay have just shown that you lose some you win some. For instance, you have lost your ability to do you r job, but you got amazing sense of humor and incredible optimism. Because only very optimistic person can believe that you do your job properly.

I'm afraid it is at least one of them, probably Oriol. Even if not, two signings are not enough. We need at least three. Creative midfielder and two wingers. Or, creative midfielder, winger and proper right back. But this is Chelsea football club! We will buy a striker to fix non-existing midfield problem. We will appoint a new manager, physiotherapist and doctor to fix ageing squad problem. Only in our club house is made starting from the roof. Only in our club we expect miracles, even without Harry Potter and his magic wand!

When manager has money on his disposal, he enters transfermarket and buys the appropriate players. When manager doesn't have money on his disposal, we hear statements like these : "My squad is good enough and I don't have to buy" or " I have to assess squad first to see what I already have ( even though when I finish my assessing most quality players out there will become unavailable.)

Disclosure . That was the last game in one word. In those 90 minutes were painfully obvious all mistakes our board "It's the players who wins you games and manager who loses them" have made. Huge wages, managers mary-go-round, insane transfer fees for some players ( who don't even fit into our style of play) and poor scouting , among others, will have impact on our team and game, no matter who the manager is. We are in a big mess. We desperately need new players ( creative midfielder who can assist and two wingers are must, maybe even attacking midfielder) but at the same time no one seems willing to spent that much. I was never happy when AVB came to CFC .The same way I wasn't happy when Torres had come. In these circumstances, both are doomed to failure. We lack creativity, we don't provide enough service for strikers like Torres( or Kezman, Crespo, Mutu, Shevchenko ). Not as much as they used to have before. Without good service they feel enormous pressure every time they get a chance, which leads to error . And so they lose confidence and become flops. AVB is great young manager whose success is based on an excellent tactical skills and man-managment. But right now, we don't have players who will carry out his tactical ideas. Not all of them, anyway. And man-managment .How will he cope with the most influental players ? Put them on the bench ? With their wages? And replace them with who?