Jase

The point being he didn't exactly became the beast that he was till around 30s, did he? Nice way of taking the middle ground there. The thing is why even bother buying Coentrao when we have good options available now? Other areas should be more of a key concern first as well.

Tell that to Drogba... Bertrand is not a flashy player but if he can continue developing with his already solid defending and improve on his attacking play, I honestly don't see why we should just dump Bertrand to one side. And sometimes, some players just need the right manager to 'unlock' them..

Does that mean Bertrand won't develop? No. Some players are late bloomers. Mourinho won't have 100% control in the transfers but he'll definitely has his say in it, which includes convincing/getting the club to get certain players in. He, after all, is still the manager. And besides, it's not like we haven't been linked with Shaw...

Funny. You said Coentrao can still improve because he's still young and not taking the same view on Bertrand and he's younger than Coentrao. The latter is better offensively but a suspect defensively and what you first want in a full back is the ability to defend properly, which Bertrand will give us that. And who's to say then, with Mourinho, Bertrand won't improve on his offensive play? As for Mourinho not having faith in someone as young as Shaw? Didn't he integrated Varane into the Madrid and eventually play him including trusting him in some of their big games as well? And also, Mourinho gave Davide Santon his full debut at Inter when he was only 18 and was played quite a lot till a serious injury hampered him. If Shaw is good and more importantly, a player that Mourinho likes, then he will definitely not be afraid to play him a lot in games.

We still got Cole for at least another year and Bertrand and even PVA as well. And if we are to get a new LB, would rather see us go get a HG talent in Shaw.

Does it matter though? It's not like we are in desperate need of a left back. Moreover, Mourinho is returning to somewhere very familiar with people that he still knows closely. Doesn't have to go bring an ally with him here.

From Alonso to Pepe to Ronaldo to Varane to Khedira and now Coentrao. At this rate, the media should probably just report that Mourinho wants to bring the entire Madrid team here.

Piazon linked with Liverpool... http://www.sambafoot.com/en/news/47379_chelsea_s_lucas_piazon_linked_to_liverpool_-_report.html

Deary me. One match (and a friendly at that) in the early hours of morning and you guys are complaining so much. Spare a thought for those leaving in Asia, Australasia etc who probably have to sacrifice loads of their morning days to watch us play in the Champions League every season..

World War 3 would probably happen if it turns out that Mourinho goes to City and we get Pellegrini.

One step better. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQZXk94OgmA

Bitching behind my back eh? Keep on bitching then. One day I'll repay this 'kindness'...

That! Will be nice to beat them for once, even if it's only a friendly, especially after failing to do so in the last 5 encounters - D1 L4.

Definitely makes more sense to get him back fit and available for an important game for Belgium as opposed to this money making friendlies.

Yeah. Don't need to risk him in these pointless friendlies anyway.

UEFA have announced that the 2015 Champions League final will be played in Berlin. Next season's final will be in Benfica's Estadio da Luz by the way. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/may/23/uefa-champions-league-europa-league?CMP=twt_gu And also...

Opta says Mata only has 29 assists this season, not 30.......

Only applies to the Fantasy Premier League Manager competitions/games now though. Not part of the official numbers.

Hazard did not get the assist for Mata's goal against Nordsjaelland at SB. He did pass the ball to him but his shot was saved by the keeper and only after that Mata scored from the rebound. Doesn't count as an assist. As for assisting Torres's against Steaua, think that belongs to Mata actually (hence why the official numbers had him at 30 assists). Judging the ball movement, don't think Hazard touched the ball when Mata passed it Torres. Hazard only dummied it to play tricks on the Steaua's defenders.

@francozola will love this...

More images...

Mata and his sister, Paula And Mata with Luiz's mama.

Mind breaking down those numbers?

Unlikely as both have a pretty good coefficients and they are likely to be in 'seeded' pot for the play-off draw.