manpe

I would definitely love to have some real homegrown players keeping the blue flag flying high in the future, once this trophy-covered cavalry has retired or taken a lesser role. It is a question between instant success and patience in developing a real TEAM as it was meant to, from the roots. The passion is long gone from the game with monetary motives dominating players' heads mostly, with some exceptions. I would love to have a quiet spell without changing managers like socks and raging every season over flopped big money signings, who don't really care about the club. I am truly hoping that at least Josh will be a new true blue like Lamps and JT are now. I like seeing love and passion towards the club and towards the cause... even through bad rough times. Most players, who come to us (or now mostly City) search only money and glory and will abandon the club at the first sight of trouble. Real Madrid is full of imported world class players, but they mount to nothing, wonder why?... on the other hand, Barcelona more or less built itself, and now look at them. Chelsea's spine and most consistent players have always been the lads who are loyal whatever happens, and that's for a reason. Would love to have more of those players in the future, and now I'm hoping AVB is the man who doesn't think solely about the present and wanking off Roman and co., but also about the integrity and future of the team.

confidence in words and confidence in reality are two different things... he would hardly ever say "I'm past my best and I don't believe in myself, get over it". I just hope his actions live up to his words during the season, because he's been saying exactly the same thing since he's signed.

I've always felt, whenever we've played a team in which he's in, that he's the main threat. Certainly a sharp and dangerous player, although I've not seen enough games with him to have a strong opinion. I know a few years ago I thought that he would be a good addition to us whenever I saw him playing... But I don't believe he's ever been linked to us, has he? Wishful thinking probably, I can't see it happening.

He tries to prove himself too hard. Taking on 3 defenders at once pretty much shows his desire to prove himself, I remember 3 situations at least when he had 3-4 defenders on him like mosquitos and he didn't even think of passing. The problem seems to be psychological, because as it has been repeated, class just doesn't desert a player. Hopefully he will start firing soon, or the lack of confidence carries on into the beginning of season, which won't be good for him.

You guys sure are a bunch of psychologists, knowing what the player thinks and all Maybe he like the french league or what not, who knows.... let's wait and see

Just finished watching the game. It was solid, main negative was poor defending at times, but it's something you get with players who aren't used to playing together. Attacking was good, a bit more direct than last games. Players I'd point out on positive would be Josh and Mikel, Lampard was solid too... Hilario, of course, was magnificent in this game.

Who else is there to name? Last year we also had different management. Lionsden asked about mids who we already have, and out of the bunch they are the best imo (taking into consideration that Essien is injured). I would happily get competition for their positions, but I'm not too sure that Josh can rise to big games and Benayoun, well, it's still to be seen what he can do if he avoids injuries. So my main 3 would be those I named, experienced and proven players. It's clear though that we need another midfielder besides Romeu.

I'll go for the safe bet... Mikel, Ramires, Lampard. And I also hope Benayoun and McEachran will get more runs from the bench.. But I feel that Mikel has to play.. either him or Romeu. Ramires would go wasted in that position, as would Josh.

It seems Drogba accepts being handed a lesser role, it could well be he just wants to end his career here as a legend, rather than in another club with no emotions. I still think having both Torres and Drogba will be a big asset to the team... tactically speaking AVB will have different choices in attack, for example in a physical and congested game Drogba could do better, while in an open flowing play Torres would be my pick. I'm also a big fan of Drogba's set pieces It almost feels like a penalty because he mostly gets them on target or close, nobody in our squad comes close to Drogba's free-kicks.

So essentially a loan deal to cover for Essien, with the option to make the player permanent if he's any good (hopefully). I hope he gets a fair chance to play in cup games at least.

If he comes, then I hope for not a ridiculous amount of money... not to put pressure on him and not to have journos call him the "flop of the century [after Torres]" when he has an average game. Otherwise yes, I'm all for it.

I'm hoping "at least" is the key phrase here. The least being Courtois and Romeu, the possible third being someone of high calibre.

I don't understand. If he turns out good, then in 2013 barca can just hand in 8M € and get him back? Seems like a lose-lose situation

6th

4-4-3 certainly is very modern, you could even say futuristic

Mata is available? Wow...... yes, we certainly must at least try.

An interesting prospect for the future indeed, but not an instant hit and game-winner that we need now. I would really much like Falcao or Hulk, I'm hoping AVB pulls some strings to get either of them in. But in terms of future, with proper guidance, Lukaku could become a hit.

I've thought about it too. Some footballing legend said a while back, that for him the best players are those who are two-footed, because they virtually have no weaknesses. I think it's players choose to be in their comfort zone and try to be as good as they can with their better foot, because it's easier and less time consuming for them. And it's not a problem in Chelsea only, top class players all over the world are mostly one-footed, some more than others... You must give credit to the likes of C.Ronaldo though, he takes free-kicks with his left when needed. It frustrates me too when a player gets into a good shooting or crossing position, just to see him fumble the ball as he's trying to get it on his better side... Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But it definitely shows lack of confidence in a player on his weaker side. Many world-class players are one-footed and have adapted their game so that it doesn't bother them too much... although it's always better to be able to surprise the defenders when they don't know from which side you are going to cut in... I noticed that problem a lot with Robben, for example. Defenders mostly know his moving pattern, but he has the skill to shake them off... Messi is similar.

It's my first post since, errm... 3 years? All I want to say is that the pre-season SO FAR hasn't impressed me yet... I think it's partly due to the fact that every half we had a new team on the field with inexperienced players and partly because some older players just feel too comfortable in their shoes. The ball doesn't rotate as fast as it should, and I think it's because players aren't in full match fitness yet, but the overall quality of the team seems to be lacking aswell... and I'm not saying this only after watching those 2 under par games, but by watching it continue from last season. Players faces during matches seem to be frustrated, they don't seem to get any fun out of it, they are almost like forcefully put on the field... every pass and every movement strikes me as "forced". I share my opinion with soome fellow fans out here, we definitely need more flowing attacking presence in the squad... Malouda, Anelka, Kalou and Drogba can play well, but they do it inconsistently. That's their main fault, they ARE good whatever people say, but they need to be bothered to show it week in week out, which they don't. I don't know who could be their replacements, but somebody with more pace and technique. And it is obvious to everybody already, that we need a proper playmaker. And I'm not that concerned of Torres as I am of the team as a whole.... If the atmosphere of the team is winning and joyous, then it will reflect on him too. You know, lack of confidence doesn't show only in him. One more thought. In the last years the club's board and managers have said out loud that they want flair and attacking football. I wonder if this actually puts pressure on the players to perform. Pressure is good, but not too much... Maybe that's why the playing style feels "forced", they overthink because they don't want to disappoint.... but at times this can backfire, because fast play is more about raw instinct not dwelling and thinking on the ball. Natural, predatory instinct is what we need more, I think. I really don't know, just a few thoughts of mine. If somebody doesn't agree with me, okay, I'm not too sure what to think myself either. I just hope the new management can sort things out before league starts.

great examples there scolari manure and loserpool

Yeah I agree. A.Cole is consistent in defense and in attack. An all-round fullback if you ask me.

The ref did fine imo

The card is rescinded... forget it ! It's not like the FA are gonna give it back to him after some Doncaster mug is raising his voice...

What is it with LPS ? It's LFS

2-0, we shall win