Sideshow Luiz

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.

Perhaps our inactivity in the market is due to us wanting to see what we are working with? As in, which players are suited an which aren't, and waiting to see what we have before getting in new players? It's probably not the case, just looking for some optimism. Maybe the board have a 2-3 year plan?

I was just about to write this. What was everyone expecting. Right now, every match is an opportunity to see how far along we are. Right now, it looks like there's still a lot of work to do. I don't think they are further behind than should be expected at this point in time. Just being a little sharper in movement and closing down is the difference between keeping the ball, and giving up a counter attack.

Yes, that's right

I was thinking about that the other day. When he tried that rabona and fell over.

We're suffering with the ball

Passing needs to be faster. Not just how quickly the players move the ball on, but the actual pace of the ball.

The Fabs I'm trusting is a bench player. Which I think he's fine at as a sub/rotation player

If we bring in Martial as a CF, we have too many. Morata looks like he's here to stay.

I thought we were playing Lyon. Edit: Yes, we are: https://www.chelseafc.com/en/matches-tables/pre-season-2018?pageTab=Men

Maybe RLC and Emerson out because they are expected to play the full 90 against Lyon? Maybe? Isn't that match on Tuesday?

He's said all the right things. Like the attitude. Gotta back him.

Unlikely unless we overpay or get someone that isn't up to the task (Trapp, Areola, etc). It's going to be both. But, will probably be the case next summer as well.

Any way that we could get a keeper in and do a Courtois + cash for Kovacic?

Yup. Personally, I think the pressing is no where near the finished product either. I would classify our pressing as "showing signs". This is the Napoli - Juve match from late last season. That's what the finished article looks like. https://footballia.net/matches/juventus-fc-ssc-napoli-serie-a-2017-2018 No gaping holes like we had against Arsenal.