Sideshow Luiz

I think the analysis is good because every match (except the one today which comes too quickly) is an opportunity to see how far the squad are coming along. I'm expecting to not do so well for the first few months. There's an example out there (Napoli) of what the finished product looks like (or close to, because we are different), the analysis of our matches shows us how far we still need to go.

1) No 2) Yes/no Unfortunately

This is so not going to happen. Why would he even want to come here anyway?

As a straight up finisher, no. As someone who can help us keep the ball and play the correct pass, yes. If Morata can't get his head on straight, it's all for naught, I agree.

Sure. I'm not really fussed either way, TBH. I mean, it's childish, no doubt (if Willy's story is true, it's literally childish). But, this excuse..... C'mon.

Anyone buying this?

I see him as a classic No. 8 type. CM, but whose attacking qualities are better than their defensive.

I think he's mostly thought of as a defensive midfielder because Real play (played) more in a 4231. Defensive midfielders don't usually make runs like these: C'mon Pedulla, give us more "hot days" Link to the article: https://www.alfredopedulla.com/esclusiva-chelsea-tra-courtois-e-due-opzioni-per-la-porta-kovacic-chiodo-fisso/

C'mon: If Golovin was a good fit for this midfield, Kovacic is the better version of him.

I think Fekir plays better as a CF, than a No. 8. I think that Liverpool were looking at him to as a backup/rotational player to sub in for Salah and Firmino (Firmino was a CAM previously, correct?) Not really as a part of the midfield 3.

Alonso + Courtois for Kovacic

Agent talk to drive up the price. If they linked Utd. or City or Swansea or Madrid no one would believe it. But us? "Yeah, I could see them going for him"

Would have preferred to see it full of keepers for the past 6 months.

Came late? He was linked with us 2 weeks ago (it feels like).

Another one:

I don't understand the AWOL thing. It's been clear, he wants to go to Madrid, we've agreed with Madrid. But, it was agreed that he wouldn't go until we got a replacement. So, possible fixes: 1. Madrid pay more (if they want him so badly), the enable this to happen with greater ease. They haven't. Okay. Don't want him that badly then, can get him next year for free. Okay, that's their choice. 2. Courtois can lower his wage demands in order for Madrid to pay us a higher transfer free, for this to happen. He hasn't. Okay, don't want to go that badly then, would suffer being here for a year instead, and get the big contract next season. Okay, that's his choice. So, his solution? Go AWOL, don't get paid at all this season. Personally, I don't really see how this hurts the club. We're in the same position we were in yesterday, but not paying this guy's wages anymore.

I don't know if it just isn't updated from last season. But, the Chelsea FC official site has him listed under the loan players as well.

Have to agree with Sarri. This match is needless. We'd be better off with more time on the training pitch. Right now, that's the most important thing for this squad.

Based on the past couple of years? Pig's ear, no doubt. I'm hopeful though. And even if we don't bring anyone in, I'm hopeful that it's because they want to see what they are working with before jettisoning players or getting the wrong players in. This is what I tell myself. Marina is doing her best to crush my optimism, it feels.

Vecino looks the most likely. Kovacic, IMO, would be the best option considering the price (compared to the money thrown about for SMS) and that RM seem to be open to selling, and he seems to be open to moving (but not for Jose), and we have business to work out with Madrid for Courtois.

Forgot about that, that was the rumour. Does this mean that Zouma and RLC have loan deals sorted out? If RLC is out, surely there is a midfielder coming in?

Zouma, RLC, and Abraham are on the loan list on the CFC website. Anyone know if they are new additions (so deals done), or if they just haven't updated the page: https://www.chelseafc.com/en/teams/on-loan-players

Aren't they mostly for simulation?

Decent keeper in, Courtois + cash for Kovacic. That's my wish. I'm expecting disappointment. But, trying to be positive as I stated above.