Leif

Del Bosque, Benitez (ew), Guardiola, Hiddink (maybe), Marcello Lippi, Prandelli, probably plenty more - all seem to have quiet and rather 'soft' personalities like Pellegrini, but they've all done rather well haven't they?

MMMMMMMMM

Wish Ba would come on for the second half. Scared we'll concede late on or concede a silly penalty and draw 0-0. Need more goals.

Still kinda maybe sorta think Luiz could be that playmaker we need in midfield...

Moses has just turned out to be a less talented Robben. I hate it. I had such high hopes for him.

well fuck

If he comes back I think the idea of working with Hazard will be one of the main reasons for doing so. You can't blame him if so.

hehehehehehehhehehehe. this news makes me feel like a 12 year old discovering his first boner.

I'm surprised this thread is barely active. Are people not aware that out on loan we have this 19 year old being one of the absolute best defenders in the whole of Holland, at the same time being one of the most influential players in Vitesse's over-achieving season where they currently sit in 2nd place in the league, only 5 points behind leaders Ajax? Also I really want to make this clear - Yes, he can play at right back and has done for a few games this season, but he is a centre back. Much like Ivanovic, he's probably better in the centre, but at the same time can be one of the best right backs in the league if deployed there. He is incredible. There's nothing stopping him from becoming one of the world's best defenders at all. All this talk of how Lukaku does on loan, or De Bruyne, even Bamford or Piazon - but out of all of them, Kalas is the only player who's playing like a leader week in, week out; and is by far the most consistent.

Because of a clause in his contract, next Summer his release clause is £12m. Just something to think about.

I think he reminds me of Robbie Fowler a bit... without the shit personality.

^^^ Yep, spot on. If you watch him, there's nothing which'll make you think "WOW, HE'S BRILLIANT AT THAT!!!". Not an amazing finisher, he doesn't have pace to burn, nothing special when it comes to passing to my knowledge - yet he scores goals. I guess it's that instinct which you just can't be taught. He's simply born to be a striker which is evident. He somehow knows where to be and when; which results in him scoring. I think he lacks the all-round play to be a starting striker here one day, but who knows.

Blackburn fans on Twitter saying he's their best full-back since Lucas Neill. Big compliment. Most seem to want to sign him next season.

I AM SO DAMN EXCITED FOR THIS!!! He's stronger than he looks by the way. I often see him shrug off people with ease. I'll enjoy watching him and Lukaku bullying Arsenal in a few years. Won't be too dissimilar to Anelka-Drogba.

Hat-Trick. He came on in the 77th minute vs. Wolfsburg and has now got his 3rd goal in the 86th minute.

Came on in the 77th minute vs. Wolfsburg. Scored 2 goals by the 83rd minute.

Just want to say - You guys do know that Madrid are less stable than us, right? They sack more managers, have done worse in their league than we have in our own this season (we're in transition; they are not), have been chokers in the Champions League for ages now after a long time of success in Europe, constantly have rollercoaster media press, have had big disputes regarding captains (Casillas this season) etc, the fans bring out banners comparing Mourinho to Hitler and so-on. So maybe it shouldn't be a question of why would he leave Madrid for Chelsea; but more like - Why wouldn't he leave Madrid full stop?

As said, he's the player who'll wrap up the 3 points vs. the Wigans, Southamptons & West Hams of this world, but more than likely be a ghost vs. the big teams. I'd take him for £15m or under (not idea if that's likely or not) if he isn't going to be relied upon being our main striker - which he probably would be. So, eh.

Great signing. I didn't want him for the reported figure last season which was closer to £30m, but this is really good business now. ​He's useless out on the right, so I expect this to be a luxury rotation option for Hazard. You know those 'wunderkid' flair players such as Gotze and Reus? They wouldn't be able to show that flair and excitement without proper rest (which Schurrle will now provide for our players) and without balance in the team to let them do as they please to an extent - which he should again also now offer. It also means we should be conceding less goals in theory when he plays as he helps full backs tremendously well and finds himself all over the pitch if the situation calls for it. I don't expect him to go down as a typical club legend who bangs in goals for fun. I really do expect him to have a 'green' period like Marin - only he'll actually get to see the light at the end of the tunnel and come out a good player for us. He'll probably turn into a fan favourite, for sure. That said, he's inconsistent these days and has really poor finishing when directly in front of goal. There's more chance of him scoring if he's outside the box. Assuming this deal really does go through, I think he'll like it here.

Glad I've logged on to read this today. He's one of my favoured managers for our position. Good work.

Someone tell me more about Witsel. Is he the playmaker for the 'pivot'? Or is he the one who'd typically partner the playmaker and win the ball back lots?

I have watched him poison my club for enough years. Anyone who'd vote "Yes" in a poll to keep him around after this season sickens me. I respect their opinion but hate it.

How is it unfair?

My guess is he 'doesn't care about the F.A. cup' much like he said about the Europa League. He's probably won it too many times. So many times to the point where he has no desire to win it anymore. So he thinks it's acceptable not to give his all to the club. Now of course, that's my own assumption. But under my own assumption I shall now call him the following - Cunt.