CHOULO19

This is a bit surprising but I guess it puts the debate to bed once and for all: http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2015/12/26/10666188/romelu-lukaku-sets-the-record-straight-on-relationship-with-mourinho?_ga=1.8596213.1983825573.1432878579

You should just be glad I didn't take your advice and write about Chelsea getting relegated this season!

Merry Christmas, Jim. Merry Christmas everyone. Hope everyone enjoys the holidays

Very well put. Completely agree with that. Yeah, the main point was that the presser was a 'sign' that we're taking a step in the right direction because it proved that getting Guus got rid of one of the many problems that contributed to the fiasco this season and that was Jose's handling of the media. The exactly what we needed part was obviously an exaggeration but I genuinely believe that he could be.

PS: I realize that is rather sloppily written, but that is only because I wrote the whole thing but accidentally closed the tab and was too annoyed to rewrite it all properly

With a huge smile on my face, I watched Guus Hiddink yesterday, in his first press conference since replacing Jose Mouinho, deliver a master class in handling the media with great experience and professionalism, something that we've frankly been sorely missing this season. There will be no quotes from a Chelsea manager sprayed in large fonts across sports papers this week, no eyebrows raised, no controversial statements, no talking points from this press conference to be discussed 'pundits' on TV and radio shows, not even anything to be taken out of context to serve as "click-bait" on sports 'news' websites. Guus left absolutely nothing for the vultures. With extreme calm and a great degree of control on proceedings the Dutch skipped gracefully through the landmines, replying with unremarkable cliches about why he is here and the work that needs to be done, beautifully deflecting questions about the crowd booing certain players, making a couple of small jokes, and even managing to show both humility and dignity when questioned about his failures with Turkey and the Netherlands. Guus made no binding statements about youth integration or season objectives, he gave no definite answers regarding Drogba's possible future here nor indeed his own after May. Overall, the Dutch conveyed almost no information in the twenty-two minute conference and most Chelsea fans felt it like a very much welcomed breathe of fresh air. Don't get me wrong, I used to love Jose Mourinho's interviews. As much as the next Chelsea fan, I took great pleasure in hearing him come up with absolute gems, making bold assertions and witty attacks at pretty much everyone; at least that is what it felt like when the team was winning and performing. There is no better manager in the world at manufacturing that siege mentality and creating headlines and controversies at will, which he would expertly use to motivate his players, albeit for the short term. But you can't help but feel that for some time before his sacking, Jose had lost control of the outcome of his interactions with the media. More often than not, his statements were back-firing, adding needless pressure to already confidence-shattered players and having an overall negative influence on a team that was in disarray. Ultimately, when results are going completely against you, the 'gems' start sounding a lot like narcissistic and deluded rants. Eventually as fans we tire from the constant 'war' against everyone and probably the players, similarly, start responding negatively to the incredibly high levels of pressure and emotional stress. And that's one thing I like about the appointment of Guus Hiddink. Someone on here compared him to a headmaster and I believe that is describing qualities that we need at the moment: Someone who is firm yet calm and level-headed. Someone with reassuring experience and an air of confidence and control over the situation at all times. I think those qualities will help the team immensely in getting back on track by greatly reducing the pressure on the players, reinstating the trust and confidence in the team, and just making everyone go back to the basics. After this horrendous season so far, and the future of the club seemingly hanging in the balance, I've been looking hard this week for a sign that the board made the right choice with Guus Hiddink and that the Dutchman will be able to steer us to safety, and for me that press conference provided what I was looking for. Maybe it is wishful thinking on my part and I am clutching at straws. But as a Chelsea fan, I had not, in a very long time, felt such relief and ease of mind that I did after hearing Guus Hiddink talk to the press.

That was breath of fresh air. I'd forgotten just how awesome of guy Guss is

I know the guy. Most condescending idiot you'll meet in your life! He was a member on here and got banned before moving on to the Shed End. Wait, "former"? Has he gotten himself banned from there now as well?

Psycho Pearce?

Interesting. Might just have a look into and see if it can help. Thanks Be careful what you wish for!

But it's really fun! You should try it

Sorry, never heard of them and too lazy to google Would be kind as to explain what they are?

He lets players pass by, he's a defensive liability. He makes tackles, and suddenly he's the bad guy. The man just can't win with you people! I'd actually read that it was Fabregas who made the tackle, but they didn't say it was on Musonda.

Wait! We're doing Emenalo avatars? AND NO ONE TOLD ME?!!! :o

I think he's a great manager to rebuild a squad and install a certain system. But he's incredibly stubborn and will likely create tensions inside the club. You're either on his good side or you're screwed. Tactically he's good but very rigid and will rarely accommodate the opponents. To be completely honest, I think managing internationally suites him better than managing at club level.

Well, that's stupid. Should have just had 4 groups like the last Euros which were great and almost every single match was between top quality teams. This is incredibly more confusing and less entertaining.

Thanks, I hadn't seen that. Pat is not any journo, though. He's affiliated with the club and with CTV so coming from him it is not 'rumors' but inside information. But he's cleared it up now and obviously Cesc should and probably will withdraw the case.

Thanks. I think I'm actually going to use one of those!

Think he has every right to try to clear his name. It was a pretty stupid thing from Nevin to say and I actually adore Pat.

Tbf, I think it would be great for the forum to have someone with well expressed opinions as TOPTB was.....as long as it's without the passive aggressive attitude, the personal vendettas against certain members and the insane threats to people through PMs! As for Lionsden, I think he should be un-banned and formally apologized to.

What's worse is that I was planing on writing weekly articles playing the same role. Now I can't decide if this was a complete fiasco or a huge success!

I have no friends Seriously though, aren't you that Pacquiao guy who got banned? But isn't buying players the job of Maria I-can't-spell-her-last-name? That's actually what I meant in my point (which was more of a joke than anything) not that Emenalo doesn't deserve the criticism but that no one actually knows his actual role in any of this. The board definitely deserves a lot of stick, but it's a bit funny to me that a lot of fans always throw everything on Emenalo and not the rest of the board

Nah, I jest. But it's genuinely good to have you back.

Minor note, but I've made no distinction between match-going and non match-going fans regarding the irrational response. In fact I even stated that it all even started on social media before the match. Also, this article is meant to be a bit controversial/thought provocative so try to take it with a pinch of salt. Finally, it's a bit funny that the main criticism for the content has been that I'm suppressing the fans' right of expression....mostly from people telling me that my opinion is not wanted/needed! To be fair mate, that was more of 'joke' aimed at me from FB as we usually discuss politics togther. I doubt he meant to offend anyone You know, with the disdain you have for this place and its top posters, I do wonder why you've decided to come back

Agree with all of that, really. Might add to the point about player power that that is necessarily the case in modern football especially at top clubs where short term success is always a must, so I think it's less of setting a precedent and more the players realizing that they have always had that power. Of course they do. I'm not saying ban booing! Just pointing out that in this case it is rather irrational. The first direct consequence of anyone's right to express his opinion is the right of others to criticize that opinion. Criticizing the opinion they are expressing is not taking their right to express it.