Blue Colored Sky

Definetly he's not the Pirlos or Verattis because they're born playmakers with that super-quick reaction though I think his passing can reach a fantastic level. Don't know if he can add consistency to it but certainly I've seen signs of some brilliant vision and inventory thinking in him.

I like Diego very much, but I'm fuming that some players can play bad for long and still be treated with great care, giving them chance after chance and others will got 395 minutes in their whole career here and be discredited at every corner with false epithets. Diego is like Oscar in that sense. He scored I think 10 goals in the last 31 games. What we've learned with Diego is that after he comes back from an injury his touch is off, he's outmuscled and plays crappy with ball at his feet. He can't soak up pressure from the back and often is dispossessed. Yet he has every time in the world to slowly regain his confidence and physical conditions to come back to his best version. Oscar also can play absolutely crap yet there's talk that he's so young, is overplayed and all that. Don't say that's right or wrong per se but it's definitely so unfair. It only applies to some players and to some don't. It's maybe discussion for another day though, but it's often pisses me off. However I'd very much welcome a proper alternative to Diego with high technical abilities. I'm against saying that Diego has a bad technique, but he has to be in his absolutely best shape and form to have a proper link up play and one touch football.

I think especially his passing has improved. He now seems to see more and react quicker. Anyway I agree with you. I'm all on signing Pogba board but I don't want to go crazy at the same time. He's on learning curve but he's not a top top midfielder like sometimes is suggested. He's still not controlling games enough and is not a dominant figure on the pitch. He's got all the tools though. He's got fantastic body. He's 6'3" I think, strong but at the same time he's very agile. That's the main point, agility for me is VERY important. The lack of agility sometimes destroys potentially brilliant player. For me it's as important as pace. He also has that smooth technique in him. Not to say that he's very much two-footed with powerful shot from both feet. Overall you have potentional legend in him. And he's 21. But at the same we go crazy with him because we see player who he can be. But he isn't that now. We sometimes foresee the future and see the player that Mourinho would develop in 3 years. However, paying for potential cannot double someone's worth, especially by tens of millions. He's currently good/very good player but he's got long way to go to catch the best. His agent and president of Juve are doing brilliant job to milk someone. First the price was around 45m of euros I think. That was 2 years ago. Then Pogba started playing better and often and 60m was the price. They were quoted at every news site with long-range belter adding in the news. They were doing that campaing and Pogba scored/dribbled someone here and there and it started getting into people's heads. More people started to be interested what he will do next or started to watch some Juve games with excitement. Pogba usually delivered another fantastic goal to his collection. Then Juventus president and Pogba's agent started to be more aggressive. 80m was the price few months ago. Pogba scored a couple of crackers and now they're talking about breaking world's record. And it's not like if he's done something at the biggest stage.Jesus, it's madness.For 2 years (2012-2014) I only got terrestrial TV in my house. There was one channel with football, they only showed Polish League and Serie A. I watched most of Serie A games that was aired, it usually was Juve since they were first. I watched Juve in those 2 years about 35-40 times I think. Plus Champions League games, plus Coppa Italia plus French national team plus U20 World Cup in 2013. I watched Pogba over 50 times in the last 2 years, I'm an expert of him. If he was some guy from French League or Spanish League I'd pass the judgment and said "well maybe he's that good. I don't know, I don't watch him". But I watched him so many times. Currently I think he's worth about 40-45 millions of pounds. The price could be about 50 with additional cost to agent and insurance. But it contains premium amount for potential. I'd sign him up at big cost, despite telling that he's not currently that good, because I know what further developed Pogba could mean to us. He'd run riot in the Premier League. He'd win us games just like Yaya Toure does. That's why he's worth big. But paying well over the odds, breaking transfer record, I don't buy it.

If that conversation is true, it doesn't surprise me one bit. I remember Florentino conference when he was saying goodbye to Mourinho. Previously when he parted ways with manager he usually used a strong words even discrediting his work and overall ability to manage such team like Real. And it was staring contrast to these others. He said about Mourinho that his work was fantastic, that he again put Real at appropriate place at European stage (remember that Real was 6 years without quarter-finals in the CL) and he thanked him greatly adding that doors for him are always open. He was sad that Mourinho has to leave but the situation was so tense at that time so there was no other way. But there was and is mutual respect and positivity between those two. Mourinho has a good relationship with all his bosses I think, even with Abramovich previously. Maybe only Pinto da Costa is bitter sometimes. He's ours anyway. I hope that he'll sign a lifetime contract in the summer.

Technically he's brilliant. He's got that smooth technique which usually is exclusive for 5'7" players. He's also slightly slower than Essien and less explosive I think. I'm all for signing Pogba, because he's got brilliant world-class potential while being in younger age group than other midfielders we currently have like Ramires, Matic, Fabregas and Mikel. But is he really an option ? Fee might be an issue, wages might be an issue, insurance cost might be an issue ... a "bribe" we would have to pay to Mino Raiola might be an issue. There's hope that Abramovich, who supposedly is football freak, is also freak about Pogba like he was about Torres and Hazard. He said "I have to have this guys !" and he's got them, no matter operation cost. He wants to have "the best of the best" in every area of life they say. One last Abramovich gift to Chelsea ? It's funny when I read those comments from Mino Raiola. A 3 weeks ago he talked about Pogba being one of a kind, a Mona Lisa, a player who simply has to leave Juve either this year or next. Now he's talking that "nah, Pogba ain't eager to leave". He's doing brilliant job on that matter I have to say. He got into people's heads and plays every melody he wants to eventually milk somebody badly. So, you can conclude that he would rip us off if there's no tomorrow. Only if Roman wants that and we're ready to pay big on agent fees I guess.

We'll see if UEFA adjust that amount to fair market value or they will pass that as it is. It will be interesting how they deal with PSG and Man City this time. They should again be under UEFA scrutiny with potential punishment but what this time ? Money again ? Surely not. Anyway, City will soon start replacing their ageing squad so their compliance will depend if that deal will be considered fair. At the other side of the river are Chelsea, which are in fantastic situation with FFP. With new deals with Yokohama, new money from Champions League, potential other sponsorship and also a staggering additional income from Premier League the situation is as stable as you'd like. Also the wage structure is currently brilliant. And not to forget that there's still some room for eventual deficit. Mourinho scares about FFP sanction for Chelsea but there's no such thing. There's no trouble in staying compliance but rather a matter of maximising revenues. We can splash the cash with abundance this one last time to complete the team once and for a long time.

He will. Lol at mere suggestion that he won't. We were waiting for fully fit Ramires almost 6 months only to leave him out in the biggest game to date ? Mourinho called him "a champion" earlier this year on Chelsea TV, so he will fit just right in the Champions League night in Mourinho's eyes.

In : -homegrown goalkeeper like Ruddy, -Raphael Varane, -Chalobah or RLC if he's "the one" as a Matic cover, -potentionally world-class midfielder like Pogba or Koke, -Bertrand Traore if he can secure his work permit. If not, Malcom lad from Corinthians or Talisca from Benfica, -Mauro Icardi or Paulo Dybala. Basically a striker with technical abilities. Icardi is a tailor-made Mourinho player with attitude and mental characteristics. But I'd rather have Dybala since he has a proper, exquisite technique. Jose picks. Out : -Cech (he wants to leave) -Cahill (I don't want him to leave but don't think he'll stay as a 4th option. Also he could recoup decent sum, since he's reliable defender with tons of Premier League pedigree. Most clubs will try to find reliable players in the summer to help them stay in the Premier League and help them get their hand on new Premier League-bonanza so I think he could fetch nice figure), -Mikel (it's time to go since he's got his British passport. Also he's in no way a back-up to Matic since he's doesn't possess any pressing ability. I think it's finally time one of our youngster to take that spot), -Oscar (only if we need money. He is our biggest asset left in our pool of talents so who knows. But I'd much rather want him to stay and be an excellent squad option) -Remy (it's clear that Jose doesn't trust him. So what's the point ? Better when Jose will have his pick as a second option since Remy is not. It's clear that he's treated here as another Ba, a stop-gap bought because he happened to be cheap and easy obtainable with release-clause. I think regarding his sell it's similar to Cahill, he is reliable striker who I think will help any club staying in the Premier League so if anyone want to have a strong option to help them touch the new Premier League deal and survive the next season, Remy is one of the hottest prospects for those clubs.) -Moses, -Marin, Piazon, Wallace, Romeu, McEachran -maybe Atsu, Van Ginkel, Kalas, Omeruo if decent offert arrives but rather another loan to raise their value If there is money in the bank left we should secure Youri Tielemans as soon as possible.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2986346/Lionel-Messi-Chelsea-star-Cesc-Fabregas-enjoy-London-date-WAGS-Antonella-Roccuzzo-Daniella-Semaan.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed Cesc is trying his best to bring him here !!! Thanks Cesc ! Anyway, if he wants to leave we can afford him but only from next summer. We will have additional +50 millions of pounds through new Premier League deal. He earns about 20 millions of euros net at Barcelona which is about 30 millions of pounds here (since it's gross). I think he'd settle for 22 millions of pounds. So 120m fee on 5 year contract 22 millions of pounds/year. That means his cost on FFP hit would be 46m a year. So the whole extra TV revenue will cover that. I think it's fair to say that is the money well spent ! Not to forget that adidas would pay extra let's say 10m a year since we bring their player to adidas-sponsored club. Plus somewhere Turkish Airline can be squeezed as a sponsor since we bring their player. They also could possibly help to offset the cost. It's unlikely to happen but I want to say that we would stay compliant with FFP if we wanted such a move. And if Leo would want that, mainly.

Yesterday was 10th anniversary of that Chelsea vs Barcelona game. It's still touching me whenever I see pictures from that day. I think that was the best game I saw at Stamford Bridge and it's absolutely fantastic that I read yesterday that so many fans feel the same. From very different corners of this world, whenever someone was at the Bridge or was watching as a kid in front of TV people seems to feel the same passion about this game. You really feel a part of community and this environment. That's why I never will get why someone calls other an armchair fan or rebuff an idea that someone is even a fan even though he hasn't been to any game. About the game on Wednesday, I just read about playing Zouma in midfield. No please. I hope to see a Chelsea with proper counter-attacking football. Not relying on luck, set-pieces, Terry crosses and Cahill back flicks, own goals, rebounds. We really should emulate that game vs Barcelona 10 years ago. Why do we need to be so defensive only to nullify the opposition and stick ourself from our half only every 15 minutes ? We're better than that. That game vs Barca, you see what football I'd love us to play. A proper, proper counter-attack through the game not relying on isolated situation which happen to happen. That 3rd goal 10 years ago. WTF. We cherish that game because we were so good with transition play. We should aim to replicate that. Well, I think most of us expect the same line-up with Ramires back to full fitness. I'm not expecting any surprise and when I read through this topic neither do most of us. The one question mark is over Zouma, will he one more time be trusted at home ? Don't see particular reason why not given how he coped against Man City. But the biggest question mark is over PSG approach. I think it's obvious that they'll press us. It's obvious that they'll foul a lot. However, did they let us have a ball ? I think they did that in Paris and we were surprised with that much of possession and didn't really know what to do with this. I'd much rather have the ball, it's better for my heart. But Paris are the ones in the need of goal. So they will try and search that from the first minute. I think we can predict that'll be the case but you never know. Certainly better to know what approach your opponent will have from the first minute. Hopes that Mourinho guesses right. They fouled us a lot in Paris, they'll do the same here. There was 5 potential yellow cards on Hazard alone, yet they only get one. David Luiz should be booked early on, yet he finished the game without yellow and could finish the game with the same ultra-aggressive approach. Veratti only got yellow for what easily could be red, otherwise he was spared. It was ridiculous what happened in Paris. However, I'm not expecting this again. Bjorn Kuipers is the referee on Wednesday and he likes to give a yellow whenever he finds an explanation in rules. I watched his last game on Saturday in Vitesse game and he's quick to give fouls, cards and stop violent aggression. He was referee in the last Champions League final, he gave 12 yellows in that game. Let's hope that he'll keep that approach, it's really needed. Last words from me, I think we will go through. Proper counter-attacking football is wishful-thinking from me perhaps, but I think we will grind out result even with strong defensive approach relying on few situations. Jose will probably again focus on nullifying an opposition but I saw enough of us this season to believe that we have that bit of luck to make the result positive at the end. Non-nonsense referee will be huge bonus so we can operate with more freedom without ultra-aggressive pressing from Luiz and Veratti. I'm not expecting night without many mini heart attacks but hope we somehow get through this. I tell you right now, not looking forward to last 20 minutes when we will have positive result because I know they will have some big chances at the end through our complete lack of ability to keep the ball for at least a few moments spell, like it is always a case with us. Hope that advantage will be more than 1 goal by then, for our owns health. But we will go through I think.

"He won't extend his contract" well he has a contract until 2018. Why would they sell him ? And why would he want to leave ? He's French, he's playing in the best French team, he's playing in almost every possible game since he's arrived, he's getting regular caps ahead of Euro 2016 in France, he's vital for them and he's in his prime years. Enough reasons ? The only one scenario is that PSG try to recoup some significant money to make a move for Pogba and Matuidi is the one who they will sacrifice. And that means he won't be cheap. I'd welcome him as an upgrade to Ramires especially in technical abilities and intelligence while still possessing similar physical traits, but I think we should buy someone younger. We have already Ramires, Mikel, Fabregas and Matic in the same age group who, maybe not now, but in not so long future will start declining process and we really don't want players to age together. I'd go for Pogba, Koke to name world-class (or potentially world-class) players or someone like Imbula if the two is out of the picture. Anyway, a very good player nonetheless.

Lool, Diego would also do shit against that packed defenders.

You just described the dream full-back for me : more defensive-minded but fking quality when going forward. I'm inclined to believe that he has technical qualities on high level, that's what I want after Iva. But probably too soon to call him Ivanovic replacement. Anyway thanks for that read, really good one. When Chelsea will be about to sign some Polish kid then I will personate an expert role, we also have lots of quality kids, with this population and over 90% of the boys eager to play football, with ever-changing environment and professionalization of structure from roots I think it won't be long.

And then you have Malouda-type situation when you can't move the player on instead you pay him big wages to train with reserves for example. Many players have a contract signed with expiring date well after they're turning 30. The only time when that policy really disappointed was with Ballack in 2010. He should have been given an automatic extension, really. I think Chelsea should consider adding another year in contract after appearing in high % of games in the final year of player's deal, just like Barca do. Anyway, this policy is build on trust that players after 30 and spending many years with the club are tied up enough with this institution to not flee somewhere when big offer arrives. It pays dividends more often than not. After some age career really can have a massive downhill in any moment. It's a matter of months when age is getting after someone and he's well off his usual self. Just look at Ashley Cole. He could sign long-term contract in 2012 because he still performed high, but at certain moment he lost all his pace and agility. Now look what has left from him. On Ivanovic's matter I have to say the wage structure in this club is fantastic. This guy is nailed on starter yet his extenstion will earn him "only" 90 grands a week. A fuc*i** Sagna, a backup is earning 100k+. Matic, one of the best midfielder in the Premier League will earn circa 100k. The only player that is earning more than 200k is Hazard while you have 4 or 5 of those in United and City. Mourinho said that wage demand prevented Chelsea from signing Di Maria, that's about right. Thanks to fantastic work done here on economic side Chelsea are ready to splash the cash in the summer to finally complete the puzzle and rebuilding process.

To be fair Isco has really developed his defensive game. He presses, tracks back, regularly putting shift. He is often interviewed about it where that change came from. On Koke regards I think Atletico will not oppose big money offer. Koke is one player that they own 100% (since he's from Academy) and they're still lagging behind with their budget. Don't forget that they have substantial deficit to pay still and Koke will be the asset who brings the biggest sum since they won't be splitting fee between third parts like insurance companies, creditors etc.

Who they're going to sell then ? If PSG will come with real offer then Chelsea can do nothing to match that. But they are resticted with FFP so they will let someone to leave. BTW in this transfer you have to include how much of "a bribe" you will give to Mino Raiola. We have a history with paying good money to agents and therefore clinching the player purchase though.

It's normal. He hasn't played for weeks and he's not experienced enough to slot easily without games. I didn't watch the game but I read that Ake was shit too and he's the one also without gametime for weeks and weeks. Jeremie Boga came on against Spurs in FA Youth Cup and also looked out of depth after over a month break. While I was wondering why Jose came out of the blue with comments about RLC not even being questioned about it I just reminded myself that is the usual time when Jose prepares next season. It was about February last year for example when he started speaking more openly that they're going to sign a proper striker next season. I read books about it, articles about it how Jose always prepares next season about half-time into current season. About February he prepares with his team who they need to sign next season, who they're going to play in the summer, what they have to improve, in what areas, a complex gameplan going forward. When he was at Spain they talked about it extensively. It was also the case with Inter when he sat after the defeat against Man Utd with Moratti to talk what moves they're going to do in the summer and what areas to improve. So seems that Jose deducted and concluded that RLC will be part of his plan next season I guess. Anyway, first step is being made already because he talks about him in person, calling his name instead of speaking broadly "youths" or "kids" like he used to do.

Ha ha ! Jose ensures that everybody knows, every bird on trees of this world will hear that he's going to give youth a chance ! It's funny that he comes with things like this not even been question about it. Like if he wants to manipulate again, but who ? Us or poor Ruben ? But I hope that him saying things like that every 6-8 weeks to ensure that we don't forget about it means that he really gives extensive thoughts to that matter.

Spot on mate. But somehow people here believe that's either Arsenal fancy-pretty-passing-bottling way or defend deep with coming forward every 15 minutes-draw a set piece-Cahill's flick-winning way. Like if the teams like Atletico or Borussia not to name Bayern or Barcelona from recent past didn't exist. Teams that are very organised defensively while being very dangerous going forward. With balance closer to 50-50 than 80-20.

Hmm only now I remind myself that Romania is in EU already and he doesn't need work permit. So there's some chance that he stays although unlikely for me. We won't have problems with HG quota in the future if Jose keeps his promise to promote our own youngsters.

Sign him up. Never was so fired about any young midfielder. This guy has everything, he can go whenever he wants. Would be nice if he comes here this summer and be considered home-grown. But I'm realistic it is unlikely. But I would like to see him in Chelsea before Fab decline badly so he can learn from him to be his successor.

How about his technique ? I watched a Youtube videos last year since I thought that we already signed him in Pasalic-style way (everything in place but confirmation). He seems to me like really tailor-made Ivanovic-succesor. His quick, has physique alongside him. Jose will love that. I really hope that he's far better accomplished technically than Branna though. Of course not for now but a couple of seasons at Vitesse and we will see.

If Ruben is THE ONE to make it, then I think that's a very good pick. He's in top3 in terms of potential from our current crop. The only thing that's concerning me is that I don't know where he would play ? It's obvious that we need one world-class midfielder in the summer. Assuming that Mikel is off (and that's is very likely since it was reported that he stays because he was waiting for his British passport) there's a room for Matic direct backup and I think there's only one space we can promote youngster. I don't think currently Ruben is the best for that role, Chalobah would be better for me. But when Mikel first joined Chelsea he was supposed to play as a number 10 only to be converted to DM. But overall I don't give much shit if Ruben fits or not because I'm desperate for youngster to break through. Ruben strikes me as a player who is very professional. I remember watching his short Youtube video when he for example did sprints at midnight and couple of more things. Of course I very much like the look of him as a player. Big man, two-footed with that kind of technique, I like that. He's very, very good when motoring through the middle. Not so much when he passes but we get there. Considering that his sheer size may attract Jose as the youngster to develop since Mou likes big youngsters. However, I just ponder over this. I remember his words about Chalobah too good. And why Jose is telling something like that out of the blue ? Through his 18month spell here he reminds us every 1,5-2 months that he's here to develop and promote our youngsters, that this one crop are going to be Chelsea players "for sure". Jesus, he's teasing us. And why saying things like that out loud ? Other managers doesn't have to inform whole world what they're going to do but Jose ensures that everyone knows that this miracle, as we can call Chelsea integrating youth product, will happen. Maybe he wants to get his message to Ruben himself to push him another bit further with his efforts but it may be wish-thinking from me. And also, we're going to be midtable team next season, right ? Because fighting for the title is a big pressure, but so is fighting for top4. Just look at the situation right now. We're actually in more comfort zone than let's say Liverpool or Arsenal. Yet LFC can promote and play Jordan Ibe without hurting their results and chances to get to the top4. The same about Arsenal's Bellarabi for example. We fought for top4 in 2012 and 2013 and you cannot tell me that it was much less pressure than it is now with us. Anyway maybe Jose wanted to say that Chelsea and him drop the burden off theirs shoulders with finally getting this title ? And maybe he's saying that we're gonna have another 3 or 4 brilliant players in our team next season to make brilliant team so it will be easy to squeeze one youngster in ? I'm sceptical but would love to see Ruben getting 15-20 games, about 800-900 minutes, that would do for the beginning. I can't believe anyone who says that it is not possible. Forget about other youngsters, I hope that Jose will pick the one, who is "his youngster" and mould him.

The only mistake Chelsea did is to allow Fiorentina to extend this loan at their will. At this rate we would sell him for crazy money. Don't think that he can keep being that good for long and really fear for some deep in form in the second season.

I also believe in that to happen. Marca already broke the story about Madrid's interest in Laporte, Real examined ground for possible involment of Illaramendi in this deal. They got response from Bilbao that they're not interest in Illara and want full clause of 42m of euros to be paid but also with taxes (which in Spain are sky-rocket) because they don't want to make this easy for Real and set for let's say 41,999m of euros to bypass paying taxes to Spanish authorities. They're still in talks. So why Real would be interest in buying Laporte ? Pepe is no go, Ramos probably is staying put (if he doesn't then we can go for him anyway) and Varane is keep moaning about playing time. And our interest in Varane is for long time. Plus Jose factor. Varane said that he's still regularly in contact with Jose. This transfer seems perfectly doable for me. And new contract for Varane ? Bitch please, when he first went to Real he was 18 years old from midtable French team who only recently broke into Lens team. I can imagine that his salary when he signed for Real wasn't any big for sure. And he signed his new contract after winning titles with Real, proving his worth, playing in Champions League final. So maybe, as surreal as it sounds, he signed to earn much more money ?