manpe

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

rofl !! Good ol' Mourinho :D

I hope he retires at Chelsea Great player imo... Not exactly Chelsea's legend, but he's a football legend.

So Jonny Evans replaced Vidic against Villarreal. I didn't see the game... Any views on how Evans performed ?

I was joking... of course he isn't that stupid, khmnn

exactly... well done by google

Haha Fergie got served right up the ass...

Any info on who's unavailable for united ? Except for Vidic...

Or maybe he doesn't like the argentine.. you know, him being brazilian and all

I like Kalou. Good player, good person... Young, talented, technical. He should stay.

Yeap, it's the start of the season and he's talking about resting players ? As far as I can see, we don't play the same 11 all the time. I think only this time we played the same 11 as against City. Let's not make up problems, when there aren't any (yet). I trust the staff to think about this kind of things in advance and be prepared. Although he has a few points, but I think it's another "let's make small things big" kind of article. Everything's under control (of course I believe so).

It isn't hard to check the club's site and fixtures

Flavio Teixeira, his assistant

He has his assistant atm, Teixeira I believe... But I do agree strongly that he needs somebody with premier league history by his side. Who can it be ? Beats me, there are quite a few options. Let's hope that if we do get another assistant, that we don't fuck up the choice.