Superblue

He didn't say they could go, he said that he didn't deal with player's contracts but at the moment there is no movement which means there is a possibility that they may leave. Media obviously blow this up that he wants them out.

I'd rather take Llorente who's contract is expiring and i wouldn't be against Walcott as a ST - his pace would stretch teams giving more space to players behind him. However at the very least we need a goal threat and Huntelaar would provide that.

Because he bottles it and hides in defenders pockets, worried that any chance that comes his way he'll pitifully fuck up! If we don't sign at least one striker in January to replace Torres then we won't make 4th IMO.

Until we sell Torres, not even Mother Fucking Theresa could help us! I'm just hoping that if Benitez says he's no good, finally the board and Roman will realise there's no hope and let him go. If we don't get someone in January I fear for our season - even our 'three amigos' have gone right off the boil, and I think a lot of it stems from having no quality in front of them. I'm not even talking Falcao - I'd take Darren Bent at the moment off Villa's hands to replace Torres. Benitez's tactics to sure up the defence won't work until we have a good striker who can put chances away.

I'd comment on the game, but my link is so shit I'm not really sure what is going on!

Crowd are so quiet, can't exactly be helping the players! And this firstrow.eu link is bloody awful, worse than our crowd! Are there any better links?

One positive is at least Bertrand is playing, since Robbie was the first manager to show faith in him, it's refreshing that Benitez wants to continue aiding his development and first team experience.

I don't think he would be the worst signing in the world if we could get him for under £10m. He has shown much more maturity this season, particularly in his composure in front of goal. Couple that with his blistering pace and you have the makings of a potentially very good striker. I could very much see us making a signing like this in January to provide much stronger competition for Torres, then a big signing in the summer to replace Torres.

Remember how long Ronaldo took at United before he truly established himself there. Within a couple of seasons I can see Hazard being our main talisman and literally winning games on his own.

Having had time to reflect I'm pretty happy with that. City are one of the most dangerous teams in the league, and we not only shut them out but I thought for the most part looked pretty comfortable in doing it. I can't remember any real clear chances that they had. The defense looked a much more solid unit together - David Luiz played as a defender first and foremost today and it showed in a much stronger performance. I thought Azpi was superb and justified my recent requests that he play at RB over Brana. He is just a much more natural fit there and it gives a much better balance within our team. Ramires and Mikel looked much more solid as well in front of the defence. The trio were quiet today. HOWEVER, I firmly believe that their confidence has been dented the past few weeks. As we have struggled, Robbie in turn struggled with getting the right balance within the team and I think it caused our offence to suffer too. Over the next couple of games, if Rafa keeps the defence well drilled and solid, the attack in turn will also grow in confidence at the stability behind them. Rafa got it spot on today with his tactics. Get the defence right first and the offence will come. I would snap hands off for a couple of 1-0 wins over the next couple of games and start building confidence back up. I'm feeling a little more optimistic about this season then I was a few days ago. The applause in the 16th minute was a nice touch for Robbie, and the 'one Di Matteo' chants are also good for an iconic figure in our club's history, but the jeering and chanting for Benitez was uncalled for IMO, and thereafter the atmosphere was like a fucking morgue today. We've let our feelings be known but frankly Roman won't change his mind so let's just get behind the manager and team from now on! In regards to Torres - I'm still not convinced we will get anything of note from him in his Chelsea career. I'm hoping we buy in January, although if we have to wait until the summer to bring the right striker or two in then I'm happy to wait - the last thing we want to do in January is panic and buy another Torres!

I just want a performance today - a bit of pride back in the team. Some signs of defensive solidity and some of that swagger back in our attacking play. If Kompany is not fully fit, I'm not convinced about the players around him and fancy our players to trouble them today. I would be very happy with a draw, but I'm hoping for the 'Rafa effect' to help us get the three points and up and running again.

I think Sturridge will leave and a cheaper option will come in. I believe the plan will be to try and get some mileage out of Torres in the hope that he will be worth something as a bargaining chip when striking a deal for Falcao in the summer.

I agree with this - it could be a blessing for Benitez. If the fans and manager are pulling in the right direction we could be a force in the league this season. Benitez isn't afraid to speak out at Fergie and that will win fans over, could be a big mistake on Fergie's part!

Agreed Fergie sees us a far bigger threat with Benitez in charge. What poetic justice it would be for Benitez to win us the title at Old Trafford - could you write that script!

I'm interested to see who Benitez picks. I wouldn't be surprised if he sacrifices one of our trio to try and stay more compact. Don't know why but can see Moses coming in for Hazard. I think Azpi should also be given a run of games at RB - a more natural fit at RB and frees up Brana to play centrally whilst Terry is injured. Could you imagine if Benitez leaves Torres on the bench against City?!

I think he's the sort of manager who will either do superb or completely bomb out, for some reason I just don't see any middle ground. And I must say at the moment I'm optimistic. Anything out of the City game will give very solid foundations to build upon for the rest of the season.

Pretty sure he came here under Avram Grant. Mourinho had his own goalkeeper coach, Silvinho something - I can remember him doing the Soccer AM crossbar challenge with the Chelsea players! But agreed, been through all the coaches since Grant. Cech loves him and it seems so do the other keepers. Benitez in his press interview said he was bringing in Zenden, a fitness coach and analyst. Nothing about a goalkeeper coach - typical media shit!

I read somewhere that Benitez is setting up base in London but his wife won't be joining him in London, which will allow him to focus purely on managing Chelsea for the rest of the season...wow! I said it earlier, whether we agree or not with sacking Robbie, it's done now and we are extremely fortunate that we have enticed a manager with excellent experience and pedigree to come and manage us in such circumstances (short term). If he wins trophies and that puts himself in the shop window for other top jobs then good luck to him because I want to see Chelsea win trophies. He strikes me as someone who will give his absolute maximum to try and make this work and I wish him all the best. Edit: Quote from BBC website - The Spaniard will make his base in London while his family remain in Wirral, with the workaholic boss saying: "It means I can work more."

At the end of the day blame the board for RDM being sacked - benitez hasn't sacked RDM. He is doing us a favour because you wouldn't normally get such a top coach taking a short term deal in these circumstances. Unless of course you would prefer Avram Grant back!

Lets win the league first... If he gets the club winning and performing, then why not? He would make himself a low risk appointment compared to Pep who has never managed in our league.

Meh, I'm going to try and stay optimistic about it - he's a good coach and I do think he'll surprise some of us and lead us to a strong season.

That's brilliant! Mata and Oscar the salt and vinegar!

I believe throughout his career he has played 4-2-3-1 like we are currently using. However he has generally used more orthodox wingers than we have been using (Mata and Hazard). He has always preferred a deep playmaker (like Alonso) which may suggest playing Oscar deeper. Really don't know, just have to see. I would be surprised though to see big changes against City though as he won't have enough time to implement things.

Surprised nothing further has come from the club yet - is a press conference scheduled?

If he can strike the balance between a solid defence and keep our flair players playing then we'll have a real chance to challenge in the league this year.