Peppen

We lack passion. We lack a real concept. This is saddening to watch really. :-/

Yeah, mine too, none seems to work.

Well that was rather disappointing. Mata and Hazard a lot better defensively but offensively we lack a real threat. Can see us losing this one 0-2 second half to be frank.

Torres just lol

Going into the game feeling quite empty. Strange, really. Hope for a good result, but I can see us taking a beating. Also curious to see how the fans behave. This will indeed be a very odd game considering the many things that have happened during this week. Can only hope for a good ending, right?

Any injury news on Kompany, or any other City players for that matter?

If we end up with Benitez or Grant, that's it. That'd be the stupidest decision we have ever made.

SO FUCKING DISAPPOINTED. You brats got what you wanted. FURIOUS. No respect for his achievements. Fuck this shit.

Still don't quite see how that justifies the name calling.

That's why I tend to keep away from live match chat. I myself get frustrated, sometimes furious. But after winning the CL, I'm much more calm. I understand the frustration, but it feels really plastic to praise a player one week, and call em' cunts the next. Might just be me.

Wow, so much negativity. Yeh, we play bad, but no need to call our players cunts.

FCN 2-1!

Welcome mate! Hope you'll find it worth your time, but I'm sure you will! Feel free to ask for help if needed!

We are not that far from each other after all Of course Pep has earned loads of credit, and rightly so, but many people consider him the sole reason for the success of Barcelona, without actually knowing what went on before him. Rijkaard made Ronaldinho the icon that still exists in the memories of the most and also spotted the talents of Iniesta, Xavi and Messi. One could argue whether or not Pep is the only one to credit regarding the development of the earlier mentioned, but you have to consider natural individual development too. But Pep indeed has been a good motivator, but the key discussion point in this topic is whether or not he would do better than RDM, and in that case what he would do differently than our current manager. And I don't think he'd do much of a difference, because eventually they both seem to lust for the same football style, and we are certainly moving toward the slick football at the moment.

Don't tell me that what Rijkaard did for Barcelona wasn't close to what Pep did. For Rijkaard, the team he inherited, with the exception of new superstar signing Ronaldinho (who was the club's second choice after Beckham), also consisted of many underachieving players from the old guard and era that failed to meet the club and its fans' demands to match arch rival Real Madrid's success in the early 2000s (decade), having not won a trophy since 1999. Rijkaard had a disappointing start at Barcelona that saw some sections of the club's fans call for his resignation, and he drew flak from the media when the team lost to Real Madrid in December 2003. Rijkaard's resilience won through and from 2004 onwards, he achieved a massive turnaround, as the team went from strength to strength. Barcelona finished runners-up in La Liga in 2003–04, having been close to the relegation zone at one point in the earlier stages of the season. Rijkaard then took Barcelona to the next level as he phased out the old guard and rebuilt a new-look side around Ronaldinho, with new players like Deco, Samuel Eto'o, Rafael Márquez and Ludovic Giuly, along with the latest promotion of some young players from the previous era trained in the club's youth teams (i.e. Víctor Valdés, Carles Puyol, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta). He eventually succeeded in turning around the fortunes of the club, with the strong support of Laporta, and within the next couple of years finally managed to win La Liga both in 2004–05 and in 2005–06. He became the first Barcelona coach to have won twice at Real Madrid's stadium Santiago Bernabéu, an achievement which even successful managers like Johan Cruijff, Louis van Gaal and Luis Aragonés were unable to accomplish. His no nonsense policy on and off the field, and the sparkling football played by his team, won him many plaudits and Rijkaard was among the five nominated coaches for UEFA's Team of the Year 2005. On 8 March 2006 he was also honoured by UEFA for his contributions to the European Cup Competition throughout his career as player and manager. Rijkaard also achieved success on the European stage winning the 2005–06 Champions League with a 2–1 win against Arsenal in the final. Barcelona had been losing 1–0 for most of the match before his late tactical substitutions proved the decisive factor, as the introduction of Henrik Larsson and Juliano Belletti contributed directly to Barcelona's two goals. He did some serious work to Barcelona, and began the reshape of their team, which Pep later carried on. So, yes I am claiming that Pep can't take all the credit himself for what Barcelona has become today. Say what you want, but even my fellow Barcelona fanatic mates agree with me on this matter, and that's got to count for something. Look, I'm not trying to speak any less of Pep. Nor am I jumping on the praising bandwagon like many tend to do. I support our current manager since I don't see a problem in the way he is running the club, and I second his decisions. If he so happens to become a Chelsea manager at some point, then be it. I will support him, because I love the club, but I may not agree with his strategies or tactical deployments. You may feel otherwise, and of course you are entitled to that. And even though you might disagree with the tactics of Di Matteo, which to some extent I do too, I am giving more than a measly 10-20 games to prove himself. Stability and consistency don't seem be our strongest sides, eh. But giving Pep all the credit is just as wrong as giving Rijkaard or Johan Cruijff the majority of praise since they have all taken part in the revolution.

Yes that seems to be the big difference between us. And while I try to backup my statements, you simply bash RDM and wants his replacement ASAP. Don't think that I don't understand what you're saying. I just don't understand why you're saying it. You want Pep, fine. But at least back it up instead of merely slating RDM. Where were you against Arsenal when we had 65% on Emirates in the first 30-40 minutes and absolutely bossed them up until their goal? We have been playing some very slick football this season, and when it doesn't turn out to work as planned, you are always on RDM's back. Try staying positive instead of ALWAYS focusing on the negatives.

First off, we both agree that the 3/4 front has had an immense impact already. Good. That's one thing we agree on. I too agree on us being suited for possession football, but one question remains. If we are in a period of transition, like I've already mentioned an endless amount of times, and results AND play in general is affected by just that? Is it not something we should be working at? Do you think it's something RDM is noticing and is trying to implement? Bare in mind that we have NEVER been a possession team, and to change this overnight is virtually impossible. We have had the majority of possession against smaller teams like Norwich and even Newcastle. That's a two game conclusion, just like you made. Does it change our target to be one of the top European teams in terms of slim, sexy and attractive football, that we are occasionally beat in possession against a team like Shaktar, which by the way is a very good team that has played together for a long time? No, it doesn't. We still are in a phase of development, and will be so for the season coming. Again, if you want to sack RDM, you must have an issue regarding his management and tactical deployments. Please inform me of those so we have something concrete that you want changed, what precisely the problem is and how you or Pep would solve it. Please explain it to me so we actually have something to discuss rather than briefly criticizing RDMs performances based on two games.

Not necessarily. If I buy 1000 Lotto coupons compared to 1, my chances of actually winning are still very slim. Sturridge has been awful so far in my opinion, but so has Torres. But Torres offers more in buildup play, where as Sturridge offers nothing. It's an endless discussion, but Di Matteo will always choose Torres over Sturridge. End of story, sadly.

Hahahaha mate, it was ironic.

Did I call you plastic? No. Did I call anyone else doubting RDM plastic? No. However I did stress the pathetic attitude towards our CURRENT manager, and the lack of faith and patience. I have no doubts that you share the same passion for the club like I do, but the way you want to get rid of RDM, to me is honestly fairly disgusting. You keep stating the same stupid car metaphor, and I will reply to you in another metaphor since that seems to be the only thing you are able to comprehend. Imagine you having an old, rusty Volvo. You have been postponing buying a new car for ages, but finally you seem to realize that it is time to renew your transportation vehicle. The savings on your bank account have been collecting interest for quite a while, and you go to a car shop to find a new one. Eventually you find a new model, capable of going 150 miles per hour, with brand new cylinders and fuel saving abilities. You buy it, and bring it home. But on the way back, something feels slightly different. The car you just bought does not feel like the old car in terms of driving. It certainly has potential to be one hell of a car in the future, but for now, you'll need time to adapt to the new features and endless options. The point being that everything good takes time. No doubt we shouldn't have lost points against Liverpool, nor Swansea. But these are in fact times of transition, and odd results like this will come around frequently. Deal with it. Talking about Guardiola's last project, yes it was indeed a resounding success. But bare in mind that he can't possibly take all the credit for what Barcelona has become. Look at them! They keep performing without him as a manager. They did so before he was a manager. Does the name Rijkaard ring any bells? Lastly, I now we both want the best for the club, but we simply don't agree on how to achieve the best. We have been vastly improving in terms of attractive football, and results have been decent so far. I don't think two sub average games change anything about that, but you seem to think otherwise. That's for you to account for, not me.

Jesus......................... Sometimes, I really do understand why opposition fans call ours plastic. Not that I care the slightest, but this is just plain stupid. Please enlighten us all how a manager like Guardiola will change it, and increase the gelling process of our Trinity? What will he do differently than Di Matteo? It is SO easy to express concern and criticism, without any proposals to what the solution will be. You propose we swap manager. Very well, then tell us what difference it'll make to our team, then we can discuss it. Until then, you are just another bandwagon success lusting fan, whom needs to find a scapegoat for our latest run of results.

To see so many people overreacting is getting old now. To keep pointing to the fact that we are in transition is getting old. RDM should not be sacked. People seem to have such short memory. Anybody remember a certain night back in May? I sure as hell do. He is doing wonderful things to this team. It is now he has to prove himself as a manager. He has brought in the likes of Hazard and Oscar, both hugely talented players with the ability of BECOMING worldclass players. Pay extra notice to the word becoming. They aren't yet, and won't be for a while, and yet we expect them to deliver every single game, which is ridiculous really. We need consistency on the manager position, and the last thing we should do is go out and hire Pep Guardiola as a replacement for RDM. Tell me what he would do so differently, and better than RDM is doing? How is he going to get Torres up and running? How is he going to gel the Trinity faster than RDM has already done? How is he going to transform our defense into what it was back in the Mourinho seasons? He can't. Mata, Oscar and Hazard have gelled exceptionally fast this season, and to think Pep would somehow speed up that process is pathetic. Torres won't score, and to simply brush it off and say: "Yeah, but Pep is going to buy a decent striker come January!." Yes, he might. But who says RDM won't do the same? Defensively we have been sloppy at the back, but that's an effect caused by us being in between styles. We will let in more goals due to this, and Pep wouldn't be able to change that either. So, please be patient and stop overreacting. Yes, we have issues, but so does everyone else. We all love the same club and will do no matter what, so quit moaning every single game. It isn't helping. Constructive criticism, but nonsense like "SACK RDM NOWS!!!!!" is just beyond normal behavior. Barcelona didn't turn into the superior team they are overnight, and certainly not due to Pep's management skills. Sure, he took part in the Spanish revolution of Barcelona, but to give him all the credit is outright wrong. The point being we are blessed to finally experience the shift from the Old Guard to a new, younger squad, while still maintaining a rather healthy economy with the latest profit announced. Just think about the minor role, compared to the last 5 seasons, the likes of John Terry, Ashley Cole, Lampard and Drogba have all played? The last not even being in the team! To take such personalties and professionals away from our team leaves a tad exposed experience wise, but it was needed. And it was the right thing to do. Thanks.

I shall dedicate my 200th post to this guy. What a gem we've got on hands ladies and gentlemen. I have to second Ollie's love for this guy. So young, and so massively talented that it's unrealistic. What a player he'll be able to turn into. Wet dreams even thinking about the future Chelsea front 6..... Mikel - Ramires/De Bruyne Oscar - Mata - Hazard Bendtner (lol no, but choose any worldclass striker). Anyways, Oscar you magician. Keep up the performances. Even though this certainly wasn't his best game, he has so much to offer. It will surely be a treat follow Chelsea the next couple of years that's for sure!

Yeah, agree with you mate. We still have to bare in mind that these odd games will come from time to time. I was furious too, but some people on here are overreacting well beyond reasonable boundaries. I have a feeling we'll beat Man City at home, and then everyone will be on about us being in the title race again and what not. It's just the way it goes, a real roller coaster!

Hey, great initiative. Will try to do my best, can only account for my own views of course! 1. Very good despite the latest results. We were due a transition period, and it has begun now. Maybe too good of a start, after the disappointing results against Swansea and now Liverpool. But I think we've had a fine start. 2. Amazed of how well you've been playing and thoroughly deserve you spot in the League at the moment, so I'm really impressed by that. Keep it up, always liked West Brom. 3. I think it's a relief to finally have the Terry case closed. Still questions of the way he said the alleged racial remarks, but I'm glad it's over, for now. The Clattenburg incident, if true, could be a major blow for his career. If found not guilty, it could potentially cause a huge backfire on Chelsea. Let's hope it doesn't. 4. Always watching West Brom play, and to have Lukaku out on loan creates another reason to follow the club. Steve Clark is doing a wonderful job, and I wish him and the West Bromwich supporters all the best, of course not against Chelsea though . 5. RDM has done a huge job bringing in young blood to Chelsea and gelling them will be the next big task. Steve Clark is a fantastic bloke and the work he has done for you lots are incredible. To be in the position you are in the League table deserves our complete and utter respect. 6. At the start of the season I would take a 3rd place and two trophies (FA cup, Capitol One or FIFA World Cup) and I still think we're able to do that. To retain the Champions League would be immense, but I doubt it. 7. Actually I can see you making it into the Europa League positions if you continue your excellent run of form. Fingers crossed for ya! 8. Lukaku, Long and Morrison from you, and you'd probably be looking out for Oscar, Mata and Hazard. Hopefully. 9. Would expect to see something along the lines of the team against Liverpool, maybe swap Luiz in and Bran on the right back. 10. Tough game. I can see it going either way really, but we need to end a run of rather poor results. Sorry, but Chelsea will take the win 3-1.