Martina

David Luiz proves no substitute for John Terry as Chelsea foundations crumble Independent “It is difficult not to pin a lot of this on Luiz, and the absence of Terry. For all the Brazilian’s obvious qualities, especially in central midfield, the defence just isn’t tied together quite as well. Chelsea’s greater waywardness reflected the occasional haphazardness that slips into his abrasive game. It was summed up in the 29th minute when he effectively challenged his own goalkeeper in air. … Rather than keeping focus on his man, however, David Luiz committed the cardinal error of looking to the linesman. In that split-second, the game was settled. It is, of course, one of the most elementary instructions at every level of football. It was similarly the simple difference here.”

I’m not pointing fingers at all. I’ve said “it’s probably just a coincidence”.

He’s been incredibly nervous lately. It’s probably just a coincidence, but he doesn’t look very confident when Terry is not there and Luiz takes his place. Now I don’t blame Luiz for that at all, that’s just an observation. Cech is usually very calm. Or perhaps there is some pressure because of Courtois? But I doubt that, he seemed very sensible about it in his latest interview.

No way is our team ready for trophies and big victories - yet. It will be, I’m certain of that. Last year that was no direction, no vision, no philosophy. Now THAT was truly depressing. I can understand people are disappointed today, but when I read something like “now we MUST win the league” I truly don’t get it. For me the promise of meaningful future and strategy is far more important than winning anything this year. And for the first time in many years the journalists don’t ask the “when will he be sacked” question every week. That’s not something Chelsea fans are used to :-).

Terry was the difference between our last match and this one. Now I’m not English and I have no “I hate Brazilian players” issue at all—as a matter of fact I’m a huge fan of Oscar’s—but please this has to stop. I have never seen Luiz as a solid and reliable defender. Last year, when this place was all “Luiz is our next captain” I said I’d prefer Cahill and got slaughtered for that. I know Luiz is popular with the young fans, he’s probably entertaining (?). But he is not a Mourinho’s player and never will be. How often did we end up with a clean sheet with Luiz defending this season? He shouldn’t have been a CB today, he made mistakes at both goals. Cole and Azpi with Cahill and Ivanovic in the middle would make so much more sense to me.

They’ve ALL been amazing and José’s master plan was spot on. I’m really happy for Ivanovic today. He’s working hard and isn’t always appreciated. And let’s not forget Cech - he does deserve some credit as well, had a very good game today.

One bad result and Mourinho is clueless, players are sh*t and everything is lost for ever. Yes, it’s disappointing but it’s not the end of the world. Many of our players are still learning. Some can have a bad day. You don’t think they wanted to win? And you should all be grateful for having Mourinho. Because you’re not getting anyone better.

And it makes sense to let Cech go? And there I thought we have been all sentimental and caring about “Chelsea legends” lately…It’s Mourinho’s fault when a squad player decides voluntarily to join Man United but we are calling for him to get rid off Cech - who is still a top player? And that coming from the same people…

Because we won’t be the only club offering money. But we’ll be the only club that can offer something they want. Cech still has at least 5 years on top level.

My guess (I have no evidence - it was only a feeling - highly subjective) based on some interviews shortly after it was announced that José was coming to Chelsea was that Mata wasn’t thrilled at all. And if it’s true that he approached United in August then there might be something to it. It’s no secret that Mata is a very close friend of Casillas - so perhaps he was slightly apprehensive about Mourinho to begin with? Perhaps he would have been more positive under a different manager? Because I honestly believe Rooney is to Moyes what Oscar is to Mourinho, obviously for different reasons. So Mata might face a similar situation in United. Mata was at his best under Benitez, who had the luxury of being an “interim” and didn’t have to build a team for the future. Let’s face it - there was no system at all. But as much as I hate Benitez I think he might be a better manager than Moyes - and Moyes must build for the future. Not for a second do I think that United will turn it around just because they’ve got Mata. (I don’t believe José wanted to keep Mata as much as he says he did. I think it was mutual, at least towards the end they both just wanted to move on. And I think the club dealt with it really well). Anyways, here are some thoughts on where Mata might play in United: http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/tacticsandanalysis/id/2524?cc=5739

I’m aware of that. That’s why I asked whether his father contacted other clubs. Because as far as I know United was the only club they approached.

Guardian was the first to bring the story (last night)http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/jan/26/chelsea-manchester-united-juan-mata-transfer I only added few things to it from the DM - one date and one quote, nothing major.

Let the mind games begin: (Sky Sports): Mourinho: "I'm sorry that I didn't make him a stronger player." (So he thinks Mata is still weak). "Juan is not comfortable on the sides. He tried very hard and he did very well in some matches playing on the sides, but it's not his natural habitat. "So when a club like Man United comes and for sure they told him he's going to play in his favourite position and he wants to go, he goes." Of course they didn’t tell him that - where would they put Rooney then? So basically he’s saying Mata will be playing in a position he didn’t like at Chelsea.

Yeah, I know :-) Here you have another one (Telegraph):Mata, who is in line to make his United debut against Cardiff on Tuesday night, admitted he was surprised Chelsea were prepared to let him go midway through the season."To be honest I think it's a bit surprising, but I have to say I am really grateful to Chelsea - to the owner, to the people working in the club and to the fans," he said. Now, didn’t they agree that in September?

I don’t think he had an agreement that day (not yet). Now I’m not saying it was only an act, it was genuine, but there was more behind his frustration than just being taken off the pitch (of course it’s just my opinion). 1. August - he lets United know he wants to leave Chelsea. 2. The first agreement Mata has with Chelsea (according to DM) is from the 3rd of September. It is agreed that he can leave in January if he behaves, in a VERBAL agreement. But any verbal agreement was useless as United didn’t want any direct contact with Chelsea. 3. Early January - first WRITTEN agreement. Mata can leave, but NOT to United. Now the match against Southampton was on the 1st of January, the first time Mata didn’t “behave” as agreed back in September. This is also the first day of the transfer window. So this first written agreement comes after the Southampton match. “Any other club in Europe could have moved in but the problem for Chelsea was that Mata only wanted to move to United” (according to DM). 4. January - Mata and his father secure a new VERBAL agreement that he can move to United for 37.1 mil. Things move on. It the story is true than I think Chelsea treated Mata rather well.