JDY

It doesn't mean he can't adapt to it. He does need to improve a lot defensively though.

Leo Messi: "There are players here who hate Chelsea more than Real Madrid, I never thought I would hear myself say that." "I also never thought I would see something worse than the Boca and River Plate rivalry or Brazil v Argentina - but this is. "We would rather play Arsenal, Manchester United or anyone else than be on the pitch with Chelsea." Hehe.

He is good enough to play. A different case to Lakaku where he needs to continue playing regularly for WBA. We will have a lot of games come the turn of the year. I'd recall Kevin and leave McEachran and Romelu out on loan. He's the most 'ready' out of the three.

Recall Kevin in Jan?

I've followed him for a while and he looks very promising. But with the abundance of talent we have in the latter part of the midfield it's more a question of if we really need him. Would like to see him move to Europe though.

Agreed. I asked because on another forum there are some blasting Chelsea fans for doing so, you can't do anything it seems.

What's everyone's view on the minutes applaud for RDM in the 16th minute?

Jesus, talk about an overreaction. Get behind the team and Rafa for the rest of the season. I don't know what he's said in the past and I honestly don't care. He's a good manager, great tactician and is here to help us progress (And probably has something to prove himself, which is fair enough). Sacking Robbie was always going to be hard to take given his status at the club and what he achieved, but life goes on. Everyone will remember what he did. Most are clinging onto the idea that Pep will take over at the end of the season. That can only happen if the fans get behind the team and the manager. I've heard rumours of potential protests and boycotts. Really? Do you really think that will have a positive effect on the teams performances? Getting into the top four is vital and if we don't then the chances of getting Pep are extremely slim. I didn't mind Rafa getting the job as long as it's a short term solution, but the fact that the majority already dislike him from the get-go is a recipe for disaster. These people need to put their petty agenda's aside and get behind the manager & the team.

He needs to do something spectacular to get the fans on his side. And that of course means he needs a good run of games. Atleast he is looking a threat and is actually testing the opposition goalkeepers.

Ander Herrera is slightly overrated but I wouldn't be against going for him. I don't know why some have come to the conclusion that Ramires is poor technically. He is infact very good technically but his problem is that he can't see the killer pass, and his decision making in the final third let's him down. You shouldn't need him to be able to split defences when we have Oscar, Mata and Hazard infront of him. He adds a good balance to the team alongside Mikel, and doesn't leave him exposed like Lampard did often. There's no written rule of the type of players you must have in the double pivot, but the more creative player who is tactically excellent and solid defensively are very hard to come by in today's market.

On the topic of Dortmund it would pain me to see Klopp go to someone like United when Fergie eventually retires. An excellent excellent coach. In my opinion, tactically he's up there with the very best at this present moment.

Totally forgot about Ricky, there were a lot of question marks at the time we sold him but it turned out to be a good decision. As long as we continue to have a reasonable amount of success on the pitch I see no reason why anybody should be worrying.

Indeed. The only decent player in recent years I can think of is Robben, and we got double what we paid despite him being very frustrating with injuries in his final years.

Him and Bakkali are the stars of Belgian youth football. Really excited to see this kid come through.

Would love them to throw a spanner in the works and give it to Falcao.

Was at the game tonight and despite losing I thought we were excellent. Baring the first 20 or so minutes, I think that's the best we've played going forward this season. I was unsure before this match whether we could challenge the two Manchester clubs this season, but after seeing us completely destroy them for a good majority of the game (Up until the Torres red), I'm convinced we can put up a very strong challenge. If anything I think we can take more heart from this game than them. There was plenty of United fans gloating outside the stadium. It's embarrassing if any United fan is overjoyed by anything other than getting the 3 points. I was annoyed with the ref, but what a performance we put in. Can't fault any of them.

Agreed. I've missed those trademark driving runs from deep!

Aye, the second part wasn't directed at you.

Apparently you aren't allowed to give credit for a good performance if he has frustrated you in the past. Atleast that's what it seems. It's getting boring seeing comments like; 'Wait and see the haters come out after one bad performance'. But if you praise him, you get accused 'bashing' him in the past. Can't win with some people.

Have been really impressed at how good he is tactically, his work rate is also exceptional and he isn't afraid to get stuck in. Hopefully he continues to develop, so far so good!

Another excellent game alongside Rami!

Imagine seeing this in the Prem, would laugh so hard.

Depends how desperate the buying club is, and in Liverpool's case I'd imagine they would go all out to bring him in. Don't forget we signed Cahill for £7m in January and his contract was expiring in the summer.

It's very different. I sit in the MH Upper and there is singing sometimes, but the lower tier is where to go. Followed by the Shed, they've been getting louder over the years and you're right next to the away fans.

He would've probably been more than a squad player if we ended up in the Europa League, so it would've been a gamble for me. Not so much now given the players we've been able to bring in due to the CL win.