CHOULO19

I finally understand what my Engineering Ethics teacher was trying to say!

No that's not what it meant. They said we do not get involved in clauses of this nature between the two clubs. Now they're getting involved and nullifying similar clause that was agreed on by both teams. They did not say that the clause is against UEFA regulations as they are saying now. They are doing the exact opposite even if the end result is the same.

We were going to be the underdogs regardless of who we draw, but that second leg at home is a huge boost. Come on Chelsea!

UEFA on a similar case about a Celtic player last summer: "Any agreement between the two clubs that this player wouldn’t play against Celtic should Elfsborg be drawn against them is purely between the clubs. "UEFA would not have any involvement or consideration of this agreement, it would be neither endorsed or enforceable by UEFA." http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/celtic/233438-mo-bangura-could-feature-against-celtic-for-loan-club-if-elfsborg/ And people say it's all conspiracy theories when we say that UEFA hate us.

UEFA have nullified the clause in the contract so he can play after all: http://www.uefa.org/about-uefa/administration/news/newsid=2088774.html

So he's still at the club? Paulo

Actually, I'm not seeing the "issue" here either. He's our player, we loaned him out to them and added a clause about him playing against us to protect the club's best interest. I can understand why he would feel disappointed not playing but he is first and foremost our player. And if you're going to take that narrow view to sportsmanship then it isn't "sportsmanlike" that Atletico have played and reached the semifinals when one of their key players is not a player they own but one that they have borrowed from another team

Oh FFS you do realize that this is just a forum award, right? Neither Hazard nor Azpi will be receiving anything nor will this affect their lives in any way, or yours for that matter It was started the same time that the votes for the official player of the season started like it is always done. People nominated players and the 4 players that got the most votes made it into a poll in which posters on here posted freely. There was a date set for the poll to close and I very much doubt that date was changed but even if it was then it was probably because Alex, who was running the award, wouldn't be able to get online in the set date or something along those lines. This thread is still open for people to discuss who and why they think has been our best player this season, but if it's going to turn into childish fighting and crappy conspiracy theories, I'm shutting it down.

Funny part is, that was probably his worst decision in the match because he almost gave it to a PSG player inside our box!

Of course age plays a factor. Young players are much more likely to need more time to adjust to a new team and a new league and a new culture as opposed to older players in the late 20s or early 30s. It's not just about football experience but also life experience and maturity. That does not take away from Thibaut's current talent and capabilities one bit like I said. But other than that, I don't disagree with any of what you said. I think Thibaut is ready to be our number one and want him here next season, I just don't want us letting go of Cech until we make sure that Thibaut has settled in well with the team and in the league. That said, like I stated at the start of this thread, this is a good kind of dilemma and I'm happy with whatever Jose decides in the end. Couldn't have wrote it better myself

It's easy to get complacent when you have a 3 goal lead. Bayern did it last season and almost got knocked out by Arsenal. Does that mean that Bayern, who won the treble, we're shit last season? Of course not. I think people are way exaggerating how bad Reals defense is. Honestly Bayern's is worse, IMO.

Always steps it up in the FAYC. Pretty evenly set up for the second leg next week.

I'm not worried about Roman getting trouble. He's bigger than FIFA/UEFA and he's certainly bigger than the Dutch FA. I don't like it, but's true.

Anyone know what time is the draw?

I'm sure you realize what a silly comparison that is. Outfield players are different than keepers. But if we had Ronaldo in our team and for some reason could only play either Hazard or Ronaldo then yes, loaning out Hazard would be an option to consider On any account, though I believe that loaning him back to Athletico this season was the right decision, I don't Courtois loaned again next season. From the beginning I wanted both Cech and Courtois here next season. If he's better than Cech let him come here and win the starting spot. My point is that Thibaut is young and we have no idea how he will respond to moving to a new league and a new team with different teammates and different system. Due to his age and inexperience he could need time to settle. Hence why if I were the manager, I would not sell Petr until Thibaut has had at least a season with the club.

Stream for the match but it's lagging a lot:http://www.flashwebtown.com/mediaplayer/mediaplayer.swf?backcolor=0x000000&frontcolor=0xFFFFFF&file=rtmp://cp96798.live.edgefcs.net/live/&id=ChelTV_Ch01_1000k@26291&autostart=true If anyone has a better stream please send it my way

I think Jose will try to keep him. They know each other inside out and I imagine Jose just loves working with him. Go back to the celebration of Ba's goal on Tuesday, everyone was jumping around like crazy but only Eto'o knew why Jose had run half way down the pitch. He actually grabs Jose and asks him where he's supposed to be after the restart. Incredible professional and one of the smartest players not just in Chelsea but probably in football.

I just died laughing

Exactly, we have the best CB trio in the league: JT, Cahill....and Demba Ba!

No that's not certain that's just your opinion just like my opinion is that they will go on and win it. And of course desire plays a part, you're a Chelsea fan, you should know that!

So what? The fact that he's still kid does not take away from his talent. We wouldn't be where we are now without Hazard but that doesn't mean that he isn't still a kid who sometimes goes missing and other times lacks consistency. It doesn't make him any less of a talent it just means he needs more experience which is perfectly normal for a kid his age.

So no Thibaut against us if we draw them or face them in the final. Good for us, bad for him..

I think those scores depend solely on the results they've had this season and against whom so there is no account of the style, the squad, the manager...etc. Personally, I'll stick to watching and making my own judgement

Wow, that would incredible if true. I can't remember what I had for breakfast today!

It's this one: Apparently it's from a game against Arsenal. Anyway, I'm pretty sure everyone got what hairstyle I was talking about!