BlueLyon

We will be ''negotiating'' with Shakhtar until Fiorentina drops their price for Cuadrado

Everyone saying we should wait for summer when will be more options, but who exactly will be available then? Apart from Turan, I dont find other ''quality'' players. And dont even start with Bale, Reus, Sanchez. More chance of Hazard leaving too, than those coming. While the likes of Pedro, Candreva etc will be still available then and we could easily snatch them for their price.

Did well at WC though... "There's two things about a bench player - get 15 minutes and impress, or get 15 minutes and be dog turd and show you are just a bench warmer." The problem here is that we seem to have and buy only players who do jack shit in those 15min they get. It would be great if we had winger on bench who could prove to be good enough to replace Willian. However, no matter how average Willian plays and wastes every attack, there is still no other player in this team to replace him from starting spot. Thats worrying.

Agree with second part and like I said, if we cant get Cuadrado or someone similar, just dont sell anyone or buy anyone. About Cuadrado and Costa, well its true I only saw Cuadrado few times, but Costa almost never. But juding by their profile (league they play, opinions from other fans who watch them etc), I would say Cuadrado is much better option than Costa. What Cuadrado gives is certainly big rival for Willian spot. And probably the winner of the two. Costa on other hand, will take either Salah place or Schurrle place. And when Cuadrado costs 35 and Costa 20, I will take the risk of those 15m. Cuadrado is in similar levels as Sanchez, but different abilities. Arsenal was buying Salah's and Costa's for ages, except they bought them younger and cheaper. With Sanchez, they paid more, but got much better player. I think to improve us, we will simply have to pay big money on that winger and right now Cuadrado is best bet. Reus will never get here, besides there is no guarantee he will succeed. While Bale, Sanchez,...wont even be available for us anytime soon. We already missed on Sanchez last summer, if we end up with Costa and Cuadrado becomes hit in PL/La liga, everyone will be kicking his head here.

Well I think its been more than three games, including Sunderland, Newcastle away and even Newcastle home, we werent exactly solid as we used to be. True that, but in some games we keep it clean, in other, we play like wreck in defense. And it should not be happening because we have experienced players there who shouldnt be as inconsistent. And if you ask me honestly, Mourinho and nice possesion football wont get along. He aint attacking mastermind that could setup our attack in way that we will score 5 goals per game and win, regardless if we concede 3 or 4. What our current system looks like is that we try to attack and keep possesion, but when opponent press us, we cant do anything in attack. And at same time, our defense gets exposed. Even if we play defensive, like vs Liverpool. I prefer more attacking football, but it feels like we will stuck somewhere between. Unless Mou will be given few years to completely overhaul this team, but its obvious he will be sacked sooner or later if he wont bring trophy (not that I want him sacked or anything). I know we never played nice football, but at least we got results (most of time). Now we have issues against small games, big games, away games, rotation. It doesnt help either that Mou wants to play ''atractive football'' and brings players for such game in Cesc, Costa etc, but at same time goes extremely defensive in many games still. It makes no point. Either do one or other. Its good to have plan A and plan B, but going from one extreme to another is bad. Parking bus with fancy players wont work and I bet on that. And the problem is that if we play defensive, our attack isnt improving on cohesion, while playing offensive, our defense has to completely adjust and obviously, we play like shit in defense then because no one is used to be that exposed. Yeah its not exactly every game, but becoming more and more often. I still didnt overcome the fact that we were leading against City, United, Tottenham, Liverpool and not win in any of those games in the end, considering we played better last season and should improve this term, but thats not the case against big teams so far.

I rather dont sign anyone than sign Costa tbh. Thats why I hope Cuadrado move goes through. Years and years of potentialy good wingers who were nothing special is enough for me. We signed Marin, Moses, Schurrle, Salah, Willian, KDB,...and it didnt work. Im tired of seeing new guy joining us every year just because he scored that one super goal, replacing older one who dissapointed. We buy quantity and quantity and settle for middle priced wingers who are good for top four, but not for top two. Just bring one more expensive winger who shows real promise (like Hazard, Sanchez etc) and I will be happy. When I see these Costa rumours, sure I want Cuadrado even more, because I can see scenario with Costa that he will flop here. He wont get proper chance, proper time. He aint used to play for top club and make difference, to improve few levels. I said exactly same things when we signed Salah last year (when I knew he aint good enough to break through, but I hoped for the best), I said same for Willian summer before. And Costa will be the same. And you cant call that greed. If we had that ONE good winger on right side, I wouldnt care if we dont sign anyone and just keep Schurrle and Salah for next few years. But we dont have ONE good right winger. And buying Costa wont change that. I dont know about Cuadrado, but still looks 10 times better option than Costa. He is bit more expensive, but quality is expensive nowdays. And honestly, what you think we need more; quality in one player who might decide games or quantity by bringing more players but in end, Willian will still play and others will sit on bench? On other hand, we sold that one guy KDB who might, just might be realy important here right now. Scores goals, provides good crosses, creates width. But he doesnt work enough and Mou sold him. Oh well...

Well its all in title. We have seen some terrible defending lately. From individual tackles to backing off to shit marking. Not just defenders, but also from both central midfielders. The man marking was absolutely disastrous in Bradford game (as far as I saw from highlights). But same goes for Liverpool game, Tottenham game. Basicaly this year, our defense reached new low and we are truly performing badly in this aspect. Is it because we are tired? We had one of best defences last year, with practicaly same players. But a bit more open play and suddenly no one knows how to defend anymore. Terry was great for big part of season, so was Azpi, while Cahill and Iva had some big brainfarts through whole season. But how come everyone become so bang average in recent weeks, including Matic, Azpi and Terry. What is clear is that Mou was known for great positioning of defense. So is it the players that dont know how to follow his instructions (i.e. dont know where to stand, mark, run, how to block attack) or is it Mou fault for picking wrong tactical approach? One thing I noticed is that we were even completely exposed against Pool, despite parking the bus. So is this system and players simply not working anymore? Covering up for each other is pathetic too. If Matic (or Terry, Cahill, Azpi,...) fucks up, no one will try to fix his mistake. Everyone just watching opponent run through and take a pop at goal. Should we buy new defenders? Change the formation and play more defensive (again)? I think CB or two will be absolutely crucial if we want to achieve bigger things. Current defenders are bad when exposed and have to defend individualy, while going back to bus parking isnt an option for me anymore. Not with such promising talents in attack. Full backs arent convincing either. Azpi yes, but if he will be our permament LB, then we definately need another RB in summer. Discuss

He scored a cracking goal though.

I REALY hope Shakhtar wont drop from that 40m asking price, because that would mean we wont go after him. I rather pay that 35m clause for Cuadrado than 10m for this guy.

Someone said we lost concentration after we went 2:0. Well do these lads like Salah, Christansen, Zouma, Remy, Mikel even Drogba, Ramires know that they wont play again for quite some time if Mou wont need to rotate? How fucking difficult is it to understand that when they get such chance, they have to take it with both hands? And what they do, they go on 2:0 after 20min and then they dont give a shit for the rest of the match? Why get complacent after 2:0? Dear Salah, Remy, Mikel etc even if you are 2:0 up, why not try to go and show that you are actualy decent players and maybe get more play time in near future? Its like one chance in million and they get happy with 2:0, not giving single fuck for the rest of the game. Well well why the hell you think these players dont ever play if thats not realy neccessary? Because they are shit and cant take any chance that is given to them. I hope you get what Im saying, if I was playing there, I would run for 90 mins trying to score 10 goals if I could. I wouldnt care if we were leading 2:0 because it would be my only chance in months and I would still try my best to score or assist or tackle or do some important shit. And what these players do? Lose balls, let opponent run around like we play against barca, in conclusion; dont give fuck for rest of the game, just because we are 2:0 up. And looking at them highlights, defending was suicidal. From Cech (who made few fantastic saves, but should punch that ball for first goal) to Cahill, Zouma, Christansen, even Azpi. And I dont know why is Mou giving chance to TWO young defenders at same time, next to mistake prone Cahill. Mou doesnt like to rotate defense and he does it now with two young defenders....why not give chance to RLC, Ake, Baker in areas that are not that crucial? I admit, I wanted to see more youth, but I realy dont see the fuss about Christansen. No chance he will make it here because even Zouma will have problems getting into first 11 and no chance we will see two starting CBs, both this young anytime soon. I would love to see RLC, Ake or Baker though.

Could see very surprising high scoring result, in our favour.

Well its a MASSIVE difference in quality between Ferreira-Carvalho-Terry-Cole/Gallas and Iva-Cahill-Terry(old)-Azpi/Luis. Our defense works good as unit but even then only if Matic and Cesc are fully rested. While Cole, Terry and Carvalho were probably best back three in PL history. Azpi has all the quality to take get close, but we are two CBs short and RB to make that complete. Terry is still good, but need big support from faster defenders, while Zouma is way too young and inexperienced to become Mourinho's guy like Terry was 10 years ago. Terry was whole different beast than Zouma or even Varane and thats a fact. Mourinho in Porto had Costa, Carvalho, Ferreira, Valente and Lucio, Samuel, Chivu, Maicon at Inter, not to mention Costinha, Zanetti, Cambiasso who added extra defensive solidity to back four. Not to even go at Chelsea with Cole, Terry, Carvalho, Essien, Makelele...the difference in defensive quality between those teams and today's chelsea is giant. And even IF we buy few world class defenders, it takes time for those to understand each other. 2004 Chelsea was more exception than rule for Mou. But said all that, we should win Premier League title this year with this team, no doubt. CL IMO will be almost impossible, but for league, no excuses; not after the 5pt lead we currently have and home game vs City.

Exactly and thats why it bothers me why do we still look after players like Douglas Costa (appatently)? We need experienced leaders who can take responsibility when its necessary. We dont need more young players. They simply dont fit into Mourinho's type of tactics, plans and mentality. And worse, even Hazard, Costa and Cesc for example are no where near level of leader that Terry, Lamps, Drogba were or Zanetti, Cambiasso, Etoo (when Mou was at inter). All that said, I was not convinced not last season or this season, that this chelsea team IS the one to win it all and absolute favourite like many say. It will took few more years to get there, more time for Hazard to fully mature, for Cesc and Costa to take lead of this team properly (Drogba or Lamps werent leaders imediately either). But buying players like Douglas Costa is defo not helping Mou and I think him buying players like Schurrle, Salah or Willian (all young talent) instead of fully mature players who would be ready to reach peak now when we NEED titles, might be big mistake from Mou. He wants trophies now, but these players he was buying will take few more years to peak. Thats why having Oscar, Willian in this team gives many positives but also many negatives. They aint Mou type of players mentaly. Might be talented or hard working, but mentaly no where near ready. What makes problem bigger is that Ramires, Mikel, Remy etc who are at peak dont step up either. Probably looking after Reus, Varane or Pogba wouldnt be that great either if we want trophies now. Vidal, Otamendi, Turan, Godin...(just throwing some names) have much better mentality and profile of Mourinho's leader than those young players. Having Mourinho and long term youth project (Hazard, Willian - who aint even young anymore, Oscar, Salah, Schurrle,...) may not be best option. Hazard stands out due to his immense quality, but even he cant win games regulary like Lamps or Drogba did - yet.

Could well become our ''Kane'' next season, but who am I kiddin? Chances of him coming and staying here and get decent playtime are maybe 10%. Not to mention that if he doesnt score hattrick in first game here, he will be shipped out.

Yeah and that worries me because Mou is known to be good motivator. Also we conceded 3 goals after Cesc, Willian and Hazard came on pitch.

Anybody who watched the game did he close down after 2:0 or did he play open till end? If thats so, do we have so bad defence and mentality that we cant keep such lead even against lower teams while playing more open? It happend several times now; City, United, Totenham, Bradford, Liverpool; we were leading, but didnt win in end, bit worrying.

He is starting to talk like robot. Anyway, he says he did HIS job. Anybody who watched the game did he close down after 2:0 or did he play open till end? If thats so, do we have so bad defence and mentality that we cant keep such lead even against lower teams while playing more open? It happend several times now; City, United, Totenham, Bradford, Liverpool; we were leading, but didnt win in end, bit worrying.

And Im even more pissed because in the end we will spend another 20m for that Costa guy who I already see will do fuck all in games where he will be expected to prove himself.

We need some balls. Where was last time when single player (not starter) carried us through the game when rest was shit by scoring goal or two? Our bench is painfuly passive, I miss young blood who would fight 90 mins in wish to show themself and tell coach; Im good enough. And its not just youth. Other players included who sit on bench. Instead everyone is so passive with no impact at all. Sure you have off games, but we realy lack some individuals who would carry us through whole game with their brilliance, even if its just for that game. One game Ramires, other game Remy etc. But them apart from scoring here and there put average performances all the time. Kalou had more impact in certain games than whole our bench this and last season.

At home after 2 up? Besides Middlesbrough 10 yrs ago was midtable PL club, and they even reached UEFA cup final at some point. Not exactly Bradford who is 7th in legue one.

Only positive from today. Kid looked promising and played well against City. Got past Kolarov several times aswell.

Im begining to doubt we will actualy win anything except for league perhaps due to 5 point advantage. It will be difficult to win anything actualy. We have good squad that should be HUNGRY for success and show it on the pitch. Players aint robots. Until Mou starts approaching games bit differently, things change in football and Mou approach looks slightly out. We have problems with small team, with big teams, with away games, with defence and attack. Mou became speculative, has little rotation and no plan B. Hope he can prove me wrong, but we have been so hot and cold this season its painful. First time around, we were small favourites in all competitions. Now we begin to look like bottlers. It all started in Club world cup, but then under Mou with Super Cup, whole last season... In his early years, Mou actualy had good record, he was losing games, but it was tight; players fought hard. Last few years he had some major fuckups; Barca 5:0, Dortmund 4:1, Tottenham, now this...Mou from 10 years ago would not allow that shit, simple as that.

Im begining to doubt we will actualy win anything except for league perhaps due to 5 point advantage. It will be difficult to win anything actualy. We have good squad that should be HUNGRY for success and show it on the pitch. Players aint robots. Until Mou starts approaching games bit differently, things change in football and Mou approach looks slightly out. We have problems with small team, with big teams, with away games, with defence and attack. Mou became speculative, has little rotation and no plan B. Hope he can prove me wrong, but we have been so hot and cold this season its painful.

Youth? Youth? Only Christansen. Apparently Zouma is better than Cahill and Salah needs to play more to prove himself. Those two aint youth. Arsenal threw Belerin and Cockelin in city game in league and won. Its not youth problem. Its Mou tactical approach that becomes shit the moment our players aint starting eleven or play tired. It was shit performance but dont blame youth for that. Even if we threw more youth players we should fuck up 2:0 lead at home with mastermind mr. defensive Mourinho on bench.

some people here are ridiculous...laughing and saying its not important and shit... Well we lost 2:4 at HOME against second league team after 2:0 lead. Lets see what shit excuse Mou brings this time. Winners mentality my ass. Even if its fucking cup its disgrace to lose like this. Fucking hell grow some balls players and Mou. Lets lose to Pool at home too its just a cup and lose against city at home its still 2 point lead. Fucking hell Im pissed as fuck. We never played nice under Mou but now we cant even get proper results. Totenham 5 goals now this shit. Its fucking embarassing. Losing with good performance is one thing, losing by closing down going coward tactics and still losing is another.