Beigl

We all knew that was going to happen. Disgraceful.

I think Pulisic is actually the most likely to stay. Ziyech might go to Italy, whereas Werner certainly has bids from Germany.

He is certainly no player to rely on. He might have been better than usual the last few games, but he simply isn´t good enough. He might stay as a squad player, a quite expensive one at that.

He only had that purple patch for six months in 2020. United fans on Redcafe have been doubting him as a player ever since, even more so since the start of this season. The Cantona comparisons didn´t age well..

Of course I would have rather kept him, but you have to accept he is moving on. Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world which is heavily investing again and given the sanctions he is searching for a more stable environment. I will only remember him very fondly, especially for the last two seasons. The positive note is that we got him relatively cheap and probably got his best years out of him. Giving a 29 year old player a big long-term contract might backfire anyway. He relies heavily on his physical attributes and the moment he loses his physical capabilities or we revert to a back-four he might be become the player he was under Lampard again. Remember Essien for example. When he lost his power and energy after his injuries he became a very average player post 2010, given he hadn´t that much to offer on the ball. The same is happening to Kante this season, even though to a lesser extent so far.

I agree. The problem with Alonso is the fact that he doesn´t have the physical tools to get up and down the wing to execute his technique more often.

One thing is for sure. We need more technical players in the squad. The likes of Alonso, RLC, Werner and so on lower the quality of our possession play big time. Our lack of technique is so obvious especially compared to City or Liverpool.

The fact that we lost isn´t that bad considering the table, but the manner in which we lost this game is. That was embarrassing. We really need to sell the likes of Sarr and RLC.

Player of the season must be him or Rudiger. Probably Rudiger given James has been injured quite some time.

Much improved second half. Now we can basically rest players if required and enjoy all games until the final.

I think Mendy diminished any chance of progressing. At 1-2 we would still be in the tie, but at 1-3 no chance I think.

James unable to get back didn´t help him either.

We can do this. Hoping for a Simeone masterclass in the other QF.

Especially when CHO doesn´t take any steps in his development over a season again.

Yes. Of course Chalobah is young (altough lets be honest with almost 23 not that young), but I got the feeling he isn´t good enough for Chelsea, atleast not for the starting XI. People got carried away a little bit after he scored on his debut. Some even said he is already better than Christensen which is way over the top.

What a pass by Jorginho.

Three can absolutely sod off for all I care.

Nike stay comitted. Didn´t expect that to be honest. https://theathletic.com/news/nike-to-maintain-Chelsea-kit-sponsorship-deal-amid-abramovich-sanctions/ls17o7jyuR0L/

In case anyone is interested. Chelsea: Mendy; Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Christensen; Azpilicueta (c), Jorginho, Kovacic, Saul; Mount, Havertz, Werner

He clearly lost his engine. Reminds me of Essien in 2010/11 when you just knew he was finished. I think we should sell him this summer or keep him as a rotation player until 2023.

We should win on pens I suppose.

Lukaku starts on the bench. 🙂

I hope he drops Lukaku for Sunday. We have to match Pools intensity with our pressing. Still, I have a feeling he won´t drop him for a final.

Our midfield is non existent. Kante especially is really bad.

I forgot we were a good pressing team last year. Now we see glimpses of that again.