Sideshow Luiz

In theory, Morata should be able to be very successful under Sarri (if that's what happens). Higuain has some shaky finishing too, but managed a decent return of 36 goals in 35 league matches in 15/16

Well, looks like Niinii had it right. I have to say, being able to get Sarri without paying his clause is pretty good business.

I actually like his videos. But, I don't necessarily believe everything he says.

If this is true, we are playing with fire.

That's what I've been saying. 2 years out of the last 3 we've missed out on CL football, I can live with that (for a bit). But, the dreadful football that we played wasn't worth the cost. If there were signs of progressive football, it would make missing out on the Top 4 palatable. The problem with defensive, negative (pragmatic) football, is that if you aren't winning or at least competing, it's hard to swallow. It's trophy or nothing, the cost is too high if there is no silverware.

I haven't seen him play, and those are great numbers. Sometimes guys move too early and don't make a mark. Then their star gets a little dull and they go under the radar. Seems like he's on that path.

He was a hot commodity a while back, but didn't do much at Dortmund, if I recall. He was Lewandoski's replacement, I think.

I've been a defender of Willian. I could always see his limitations, but wasn't in the get rid of camp because I liked his personality. But, this is childish and inexcusable. As Supermonkey said above: Regardless of what you think of Conte's tactics, 3ATB, etc. He's a class act. Willian could learn something from him. I guess he really is a Jose player. Conte will be a bigger loss than Willian.

First real test.

100%

We have a tendency to turn up when everyone is counting us out.

Didn't he manage Chile when we were interested? Conte was managing Italy, Sarri is managing Napoli. Poch is managing Tottenham. Jardim is managing Monaco. Having a current job, doesn't really seem to be a hindrance to us being interested in a candidate.

The names going around now: Aside from Jardim which would signal a completely different direction as a club, not just in style of play, but in regards to our transfer and youth policy, the other names don't give me any excitement, would rather stick with Conte. If the the board keep him, they know he's going to moan all year unless they give him some pieces in the window, so not terrible. The other names are Arteta-level exciting. Also, when we got Conte, Sampaoli was a strong contender, why is he not anymore? Clubs do this with transfers too. Madrid had reportedly bought De Gea, but there was a fax problem. Okay, 2-3 more windows have passed, if everyone was keen, why hasn't it happened?

Conte started like that. We broke him. We break them all. That's why we can't have nice things.

I can't seem them waiting that long. The PSG job is gone. We dick around with transfers, but we've generally been on top of managerial appointments. I don't see the club putting themselves in a position where everything is on hold because they are waiting for him to (maybe) find a new job. He has very little motivation to do so.

Rather keep Conte than get Enrique. I really don't see the allure of Enrique. Unless we are getting Neymar, Messi, Iniesta (+ time machine) as well. Then, sure, he would be a good appointment.

AM's striker scored 1 v 1 and with his foot. What is this technique?

Maybe. We'll find out on Saturday. If he's still the manager come Sunday morning, then he's staying. I'm concerned as well. It's really a catch 22. I'd like to build a club philosophy, and stick with a manager. But, it has to be the right one. For all the talk of "work" and "fight", this team has been absolute dog shit since the turn of the year, and I'm talking about effort as well as results. If we are staying with Conte, what are we building towards? Suffering without the ball, even against newly promoted sides and relegation fodder?

I think Conte's going to be here next season.

Talk of Conte's departure seems to have died a bit. Considering that it has been pretty much non-stop since he signed a new deal with improved terms, but not an extension. The only people that seem to be talking about it are here in the forums, and Chelsea fan YouTube stuff.

Yeah, not exactly the same. But a deep lying playmaker. Not as defensive as Fernandinho, but a much better passer. The last few windows have told me not to get too excited about any potential names in the transfer window. Any name I hear, I'd be better off googling "Who's a more shit version of (insert transfer rumour)"?

It's all up in the air. We should know everything within the next 2 weeks. Arsenal have nothing stopping them from naming Arsene's successor, so their news should be out shortly.

It's kind of funny, the positions we are in. We were always a little jealous when Arsenal were playing attractive football. We would give Arsenal supporters shit while we were winning the trophies, but kind of wished we could play with a little more flair. I was watching Arsenal Fan TV to see who the fans wanted and they were all ofter a defensive manager. Allegri, Simeone. So, it turns out, while Arsenal supporters were giving us shit about our defensive football. Actually, they kind of wished that their club had a little more defensive pragmatism.

I just feel that Joginho is going to City. I see him being a Fernandinho replacement, in the longer term. In the shorter term, for all of City's depth, Fernandinho doesn't actually have a like for like replacement.

We're not getting Jorginho. I can't see us being that pro-active. I think they are going to sell Jorginho and Koulibaly this summer. They already have replacements for both.