Jase

Really? That carries over to England?! Where did you hear/read that??

No, I did not imply whatsoever that our squad is built for a 4-3-3. Meant just generally, the issue when Mata plays out wide regardless of the formation we use. Mata can play out wide and yes, he can still improve on his defensive work but for me, if you're gonna play a player, use him in a position that he's best suited with and where he feels most comfortable/best to express himself. No point doing square pegs in round holes.

Guillem Balague on Mourinho leaving Madrid. http://www1.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/8725173/%27frustrated%27-mourinho-leaves-madrid

The problem isn't so much about playing Mata out wide, though he's less effective there IMO, but more so on the defensive of things. Playing Mata on the flanks, especially on the RW, would mean he's always likely gonna come inside onto his left foot. Now, while that may look exciting with Azpi or Ivanovic marauding down the right side to create overlapping situations, the issue comes when the attack breaks down. Our RB may find themselves being overloaded in 2 v 1 scenarios, for example, and that could lead to us conceding some cheap goals, almost like when under RDM this season. And not to mention, there is more emphasis these days for full backs to go forward. Moreover, Mata doesn't have the pace and energy levels to be playing out wide as players playing there would usually have to bomb up and down the flanks all game long. And if Mata plays there, he's gonna be absolutely knackered by the end of every game. The best position for him really is where he's playing right now, as a CAM behind the ST. He connects our midfield and attack brilliantly and that role would also allow him more freedom to roam around on the pitch and create chances for others without necessarily worrying too much on the defensive aspects with two midfielders behind him. This is certainly better than sticking him out wide where he would have a bigger defensive duty and also the pressure to create chances from out wide.

http://plainsofalmeria.co.uk/2013/05/20/the-return-of-the-special-one/ That is an excellent piece on Mourinho and his possible return. Well worth a read.

Players traveling to US...23 players that include 19 senior players and just 4 youngsters. http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/3185406/title/blues-bound-for-america

Players traveling to US...23 players that include 19 senior players and just 4 youngsters. http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/3185406/title/blues-bound-for-america

http://www.football-espana.net/31013/mourinho-won%E2%80%99t-stop-courtois-loan

Guess you're talking about this one?

Unsurprisingly, just read that apparently, there is a promise/agreement in this deal that we need to field some of our star players in this game. And that is of course to attract fans to flog into the stadium.

Don't get me wrong. I was delighted and happy that we won the Europa League but considering the importance of that trophy in our usual high standards, it would look out of place if we have done that parade. Not that I would have gone mad had we done it but yeah. And it might have happened if we did not have to fly to US for the post-season friendlies!

There was. When MOTD was showing our game highlights, the commentator mentioned Laudrup's agent was rumored to be at the Bridge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srt7aZEHQ7U&feature=youtu.be

Happy Birthday Cech! :cfc: He's often one of the less celebrated, underrated and under-appreciated hero at the club. Ridiculous when one think about it.

Is that a trick question? It will look ridiculous if we do a parade for winning this.

Everyone thought we were gonna appoint Hiddink back in 2011 and suddenly bam, we got AVB instead.

As if we can't get 1-2 players in key areas and play 4-2-3-1...

Would rather see those loanees and young lads play. Think we have watched enough of our 1st team players played already. Done. Added it in the first post just to clear up any potential confusion!

This is absolutely pathetic from the media, again! He's at it again! Not even in the matchday squad, injured Terry dons full kit to address Chelsea fans after last-day Everton win

Apologies. But that is only the impression. Did mention an early kick off which one would expect the others to check out the time posted. And I'm sure many would be aware of the difference in time zone.

Whatever CHOULO...

1.30am is a pretty early kick off, no? Early hours in the morning...

Because we have just finished a long hard season and it's nonsensical to even be playing them in a friendly (which shouldn't even take place)?! Regardless of whether it's high intensity or not, after the amount of workload these players have gone through this season, it's basically a risk playing them. One sudden run or challenge could have them out injured a long period of time (touch wood). And since it's just a friendly, and a post-season friendly at that, why not just play more of the youngsters then?!

Firstly, I didn't say that was our strongest team. Just questioning why put out such a strong team given the number of games we have played this season! Secondly, just because we are going all the way to US, doesn't mean we have to play so many of these senior players. Looks likely that some youngsters will be joining in and it would probably be more of a mix and match team consisting senior and young players. Moreover, we would then be able to see some of these young lads in action and see how they fare. And not to mention, the likes of Luiz, Oscar, Azpi, Mata etc will all be playing in the Confederations Cup in June. Don't think there's any need more to flog them to death here when we should just rest them and not let them suffer any major burnt out especially with these players won't be getting much rest after the tournament as pre-season begins shortly after it.

Err, why are we even gonna play such a strong team? As if those 1st team players haven't played enough games already this season!