Barbara

I know about surfing as much as about rocket science, lol, but I suppose kite might be the lighest/easiest kind?Did he like pork? That's my fave meat!

huahuahuahuahuahuhuahua I can't stop laughing on that. OMG, lol. See why I miss you? I told you to tell your brother I wanted the Poland guy

I didn't mean around here - although you're always insightful, so I miss you around here too. I miss having you all to myself on Skype or Whats App, talking endlessly, but I'm going out now to have a hot dog me and my junk food. I could write a few books about it.

^^ this Diego Costa wallpaper is class, mate. Cheers

my selective reading only caught the CBs, lol. I miss you, fiote

and Matic himself isn't that fast either. Actually he can be quite slow at times...

couldn't find the gif, but found him vs Swansea - although the guy did put a lot of replays, he didn't put a replay of that specific play, but the music is depressing, lol. Better depressing than that annoying thing most people who make comps choose to do. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggqcj5muJ1M also found this old vid - haven't seen it before. At the end of it he says he likes Chelsea a lot and that he wants to play here for many more years, and not just some as officially translated.

We feature the first Adidas special thing alongside Bayern Munich and Xabi.

oh I don't mean he needs to do it by himself and I'm a big defender of us using a 4-3-3 with Ramires... I said so after the match. I think our second half formation should be our default formation for all matches, with small adjustments coming for tougher opposition when Mourinho has a different plan. btw many teams in the world deal with having only one holding midfield in their system... we should have to find a way and maybe the answer is getting faster CBs rather than trying to turn our midfield more defensive... I think Matic isn't playing even 80% the level he was last season... maybe it's just an impression though.

I'm not emotionally involved on Fabregas. I'm just... it's just... it's because... when he takes the ball... and he looks up... and he's perf... and he's amazing... and he's so smart... and his vision is unmatchable... and he's so damn cute now that wears blue... and he's so hungry to win... and he seems to fit so well in the team... it's just... I'm in love, okay? There's a difference between emotionally involved and being completely, blindly, irrevocably in love with a player, right? Right? Speaking seriously though... I didn't watch MNF - although I would have loved to, just forgot it was on so early, as I live watched MOTD Saturday and plan to continue to do so, so I can't say what Neville meant... What I can do say is that Cesc isn't the one responsible for us being dominated by Swansea's midfield. Matic had a mare in the first minutes, misplacing passes, being sloppy in some tackles and easily bypassed. Schurrle also misplaced a lot of passes, we didn't hold the ball well enough, we didn't press well, we couldn't set up the tempo. Oscar wasn't as effective tackling (IIRC he didn't have one single tackle during the match - or at least during the first half). Azpilicueta was caught a couple of times... so if someone wants to analyze what went wrong with our midfield in the first 30 minutes, they have to look at what the whole team did wrong. Schurrle, Matic, Cesc, Oscar, Azpilicueta and even Iva exposed one another a few times, they seemed to have no chemistry, not to know what they were doing and one individual mistake from one of them, put the next in line in trouble. Matic - who's our thermometer in terms of solidness in the midfield - has been starting the matches quite slow. I don't remember Burnley anymore because that's too long ago for my memory, but he had a bad first half against Leicester, Everton and Swansea getting better in the second and as the matches went on. When the rock behind Cesc is soft, Cesc is going to suffer. Am I blaming Matic for Cesc's shortcomings? No, I'm not, I just think Matic - and not Cesc - is the rock in our midfield and had it been Ramires, Oscar, or even Mikel by Matic's side they would have suffered from Matic's mistakes and poor football early in all those matches. Then it's no wonder when Matic got better during the match, so did the midfield in general. Thing is whoever is going to play Cesc's role - and it should be clear we don't have even the slightest close replacement for him, the same way we don't for Matic - will probably have better defensive instincts than him, but they also won't have nearly the same vision and quality in the attack. I welcome his liability because of how productive he is. Remember the Mata discussion? He's a clear improvement defensively to Mata and he's faster (although not much) and he's stronger too (and also far more annoying for the opponents to deal with), but it doesn't mean he doesn't come with a price. He does - but it's a price worth paying. He isn't as weak defensively or physically as Mata was and he can offer nearly the same in terms of vision. He's an improvement to Mata in a system/team that desperately needed someone creative and with good vision to make up for our #10(s) limitations, but who wouldn't compromise defensively as much. Cesc can tackle, he's more physical and virile than Mata. He's just no defensive genius. The style changed and the reason why we pursued Cesc and brought him here is because we needed a player of his quality - vision, creation, technical wise. He fit the bill for what we needed and that's the new Chelsea and the new Chelsea won't ever be as solid defensively as last season's because that's not what we aim anymore. We've changed our profile as a team and being a little bit more exposed comes as a consequence. And to answer your latest post, Matic's mistakes - the majority of them - had nothing to do with someone else coming to tackle with him. His decision making has been poor, his passing has been poor and he hasn't been anywhere near the tough guy he was last season for some streaks of time during the matches. Maybe Cesc's presence makes it worse for him, but many of his mistakes were passing rather marking. He set opponents up with misplaced passes or bad positioning. I think he'll improve because of himself, but also because the rest of the team will too. I'm not saying Cesc's presence doesn't make his life more difficult, it does, but he should learn how to deal with it, because that's how we play now and he has the quality to deal with it, he just needs to hit the zone again.

thing is he and Oscar interchange a lot and he did the same when Ramires came against Swansea. The two more advanced in a midfield of three had been interchanging a lot regardless of who they are. I think with Ramires he should exchange less, not because Ramires can't provide anything higher - he seems to have found his assisting and passing boots recently - but simply because he can defend better than Cesc. When it's Oscar the partner, I think it could be 50/50 between them taking turns into the most advanced position. I honestly think we've been spoiled with Cesc and Costa working so well so quickly that we unconsciously sort of started demanding them to excel on everything when it's already a big accomplishment to have worked offensively so well and quickly as they did. It's only natural to take some time to make all adjustments necessary to not only welcome the new players - especially key players such as Cesc and Costa - but also to change a system. We've completely changed our style from last season. The defense is hurting now and one of the big reasons is because the midfield isn't fully set and gelled yet. I don't think we'll be as solid defensively as we were last season because it's not possible for a player to be deep and high at the same time, contributing ahead and defensively all together, but I'm sure there'll be considerable improvement from the shaky, leaky presentations we've seen so far. I think it's only fair to give Cesc more time to adapt as well as the team to learn how to execute everything they're supposed to flawlessly. We aren't in transition anymore - imo - but it doesn't mean we won't need time to adjust to all the changes. We need it and a few weeks and four matches isn't long enough. Cesc, Oscar, Ramires, Matic, defenders will certainly improve their understanding of the new tactics, the new teammates and of each other. A lot of a team working well defensively comes from good understanding, coverage and physical fitness. We had an immediate understanding between Cesc and Costa (or Cesc and the rest of the team when it comes to attack), but defensively it needs more time because many times the midfielders have their back to the defenders, or they're running all together to cover spaces and opponents, while they're always looking towards the attackers - who are trying to find spaces in the middle of the defense. It's sort of natural to see the team struggling to find their defensive feet after so many changes, while not being at their best physically - dealing among other things with how slow both our CBs are... we have weaknesses in our defense that were minimized last season by a very tight midfield that protected the CBs closely, restraining (more or less, depending on the opposition) our FBs to attack. When the pivot's first concern and goal is to protect the CBs and the FBs don't have free reign to support the attack, it's much easier to deal with slow CBs.

I'll do better, I'll re-watch the match because as far as I remember it, he was just another player who couldn't find the way to press and position in a hot mess that were the first 30 minutes of the match. When nobody around you is playing their part, it's hard to find the guilty. Also Matic committed a few mistakes that set Swansea up... it didn't help Cesc that he was the closest - formation wise - to deal with an erratic Matic. I'll analyze that match into detail and it doesn't surprise me that the media is choosing to focus (or at least pay attention) to what one of our players could have done wrong when another one had a hat trick or the debuting striker scored in addition to Cesc assisting twice. It's also a coincidence United netted 4 against the almighty Rangers. I mean why talk about what really matters when they can nitpick Cesc and probably worship United, right?

both - JT and Cesc - are quicker than me... I'm not qualified to answer (I still believe he isn't as slow as you think) I think Carvalho is one of the best defenders I've seen playing. Why are we discussing defenders on Costa's thread though? I'm sort of confused (although carrying it on - for which I apologize)

Half of Schalke's team is injured, that's why they had a less than impressive start of season. Some of them are expected to be fit against us, so I expect some slight improvement already. They were sort of lucky getting us as their first match. The odds of them beating us at the Bridge with their full squad fit were already sort of small, at least for the other matches against the weaker sides they'll have most of their players (if not all) already recovered. And there's no way they're currently the strongest side we've played this year. Everton and Swansea are stronger and maybe Leicester is more organized and well put together than them now. On our side though I could see some rotation if Costa really had some muscle issues in the last two weeks, even if they're small. Rest the guy, leave him in the bench and if we're in trouble, release the beast. It has nothing to do with Remy deserving to play yadda, yadda. It's just so we rest a player that could possibly be a stiff away from a hamstring injury that could get him out of the team for a couple of weeks (or even longer). Why risk, especially with City away around the corner? Hazard was spared from Belgium because of an injury. If it's worth giving him a rest because of it, I'd take it too. I don't see a point for either Schurrle or Salah to start this match - unless Mourinho wants to please them. We won't play counter... Schalke won't dominate the midfield, won't have possession. It isn't a game that would need someone of their characteristics, but I would understand they could play. I really want to see Luís though. If he doesn't start now, it'd be a shame. I know we have a League Cup coming next week, and then he'll certainly start, but I think he could play against Schalke in an UCL match. He has the experience, it won't be as physical as the EPL matches and we need to start introducing a player we spent some decent amount of money on. I don't see a need for Terry to rest so early in the season. He seems to be physically fine... it might help him to reach his better fitness sooner actually. Saved for injuries, the most they play now, the sooner they'll get 100% fit physically. All in all, I'd play Luís, no matter what, I'd rest Costa to prevent an injury (Remy should be enough to handle Schalke and Costa would be in the bench anyway) and I'd rest Hazard if he also has a minor physical issue. All the rest I'd keep the same. We could do the opposite too. Start Costa and Hazard and if the match is already dealt with by the end of the first half, get them subbed during half time. I don't get though why people are suggesting Cesc should be rested... First, we don't have a replacement for him (while Remy is no Costa, he's a decent striker, we have no decent midfield play-maker in the team. Oscar and Ramires are off and on regarding that, and still they don't come even close); second, he doesn't have a physical issue; third, playing him now is giving him a chance to keep assisting and maybe even scoring - that will only increase his already sky high confidence. We have a new style that is quite based on Cesc playing everyone in. I even go as far as saying it'd be great for him to get a chance to play with other players that normally will only come as subs so they can develop an understanding between them too. I'd play him no matter what.

Leicester away isn't the same as QPR home, not even close. I expect them to struggle more. I'm not saying they can't win, they could, I'm just saying it won't be a cake walk like QPR. They were handful in their first half against us when we were playing home. They're not a side other will shove around. You want to win points off of them you have to earn them. I don't see them getting relegated if they keep their current level.

Are you going to show up to answer the questions?

nice interview, but you know it's for the Mirror when they start it with 'men want to be him, women want to bed him' LOL

I do think he could be one of our best paid players, if not the best... He's young, he's talented, it seems like a good investment, but I don't think there's no limit. Just because United are stupid enough to pay Rooney that exorbitant amount of money he isn't worth at all (I'd rather let him go, than raise his wages that much just to keep him), it's their problem. Cristiano and Messi are a category of their own, we shouldn't use their wages as the reference. If their stats and importance in their teams in unprecedented and people were complaining that isn't fair to compare any other player to them (to which I agree) then their wages shouldn't be comparable either. They're some beasts out of this world, that's why what they earn is out of this world too. I think we should raise Hazard's wages, I don't have a problem with him earning more than the others (someone has to), I don't think the others will feel unvalued if the difference isn't too big. Right now Costa and Fabregas are more productive, have better end product, are on their peak, their very best, so it doesn't make much sense for Hazard to win much more than them. He should get a new raise in a few years when he reaches his peak. So make him earn maybe 10 or 15% more than the best players in the team who are already in their peak, and include some clause, or renegotiate Hazard's wages again two years from now, when he's 25/26 and supposedly on his peak too. Let's not forget that José mentioned Luke Shaw's wages as something we couldn't do because we didn't want to disrupt the nice environment we have in the dressing room. It is important. I don't think Costa or Fàbregas - who I suppose are our highest earners would mind if Hazard earned some more than them, but to earn £100k more (supposing the formers earn £150k and Hazard would earn £250) then I think it's too much. If we start raising those wages to those levels, soon enough others will start asking for more and then we'll see our wages bill be stratospheric... How much he's on currently? I've read all kind of reports... £120, £150, £175k, £180k... maybe raising his wages now to £180k and then in a couple of years getting him to £210 for example, could be fairer to everyone... edit: there's my answer! Well, I think if he gets a 80% raise now and then some more in a couple of years to reach £210k is a good deal. Or just £200k without a new raise in the upcoming years... Just don't make the guy earn £250 when players at their peak, who are playing their socks off for us and being amazing are earning only £150k... if that's how much Costa and Cesc earn in the first place. Those amounts are never really confirmed by the club (as they shouldn't, it's a matter that belongs to the player involved and the club alone).

That's not completely fair, at least in my opinion Hazard started playing better than every one in the first half. He's the main reason why we played well and pressured Swansea in the last 15 minutes of the first half. He's the one that took matters into his hands (something I was asking him to do one day before the match - so I'm very happy he did) and he turned things around for us. He started putting the match on fire for us, leading us to attack and pressure Swansea. It's not fair to say he played only 45 minutes. There's even a high chance he was involved to win the corner from which came Costa goal. He really woke the team up in the first half already. Either way though, the stats are impressive, but what's more impressive than them is how he upped his game, how he was the one to change the rhythm and the tempo of the match. He didn't wait, he wasn't passive, he wasn't reactive. He was the guy I personally hope to see in like 80% of our matches. I'm talking about his attitude. The stats while nice, aren't the most important thing now. He's going to turn 24 in a few months, he has more than enough time to polish his finishing, to work on getting more assists. It's the attitude change that I think should be praised. The quality and the talent are always there, he's one of the most talented players in the world. How he decides to use the talent and how much hunger and drive he will show will tell how far he's going to go. I hope he goes the farthest. If he's somehow able to repeat that level of presentation - both technically and mentally - for most of the season, it'll be the most important. The goals and assists will be a consequence along the way.

We don't need the media to wank over United, some people here do that just fine For all that's worth QPR is by far the worst team in the league. Shitty Spurs also netted a bunch against them. Do people really expect the likes of di María to be quiet against a side that poor? I'm yet to be convinced this United side will get into the top 4, but some people are another win away from saying they're a threat to our title hopes. Does a forum qualify to social media? Then does it qualify to media hype as well? Maybe I'm biased by my despair for United. I hate them with a passion, but while I think their signings will be enough to make them deal with the very poor sides of the league, they'll struggle with some tough midtable sides, that like to press and control midfield and they don't stand a chance in hell against the top teams, despite Liverpool and Arsenal somewhat being considered top teams. Also their defense is a joke. Not bothered, or worried at all. Actually let them believe the hype and slip in a banana skin next (have no idea who they face). If they think they're amazing, then it's a good chance for them to fall from their arrogance.

Mourinho said the same, but he also highlighted how much Ramires helped with that. So he deserves some credit too. We had already turned things around in the first half, but with Ramires addition we completely changed the way we pressed and then we started to dominate the midfield.

Well, I think we should be realistic. Unfortunately he won't score every single match and like even the best strikers in the history of the sport, he will have bad days or days when the ball just won't get in. I'm not going to look at the City game as a final test. It's yet another match. He's already proved his value, I just hope he continues to score... but we all know he won't score in every single match he plays.

few players played Confed's Cup as this is a 6 (or is 8?)-team competition that had only Spain and Italy from Europe. So most of our players - and the players in the world - had a full vacation last year. Not only Oscar didn't, but he was arguably the best player for Brazil in the competition, working his arse off even more than he usually does. So I don't think your argument is necessarily fair. We could say the same about the Spaniards, Uruguayans and Italians (who has Italians player these days though - except Italian clubs, ofc). That's a few years in a row without proper vacation as he played the Olympic Games bullshit too and before that some under-21 championship. Most top players in the world don't play the OG bullshit either (football shouldn't be included in OG).

right now, who could be playing better than him? I haven't been following much of the other leagues, I'm basing my guess here strictly based on what he's been doing and how difficult is for a FB to be as effective on both ends and as influential as he's been.

still he can pass by opponents running and with simple take ons. He's one of our smartest players, but not one of the most technical. I remember a few matches/moments last season when he was playing better than he's started and he could receive the pass (not in the run), and pass by his opponents. I do agree he isn't the player we need in the pitch if we need to control the midfield, he's much more suited for counter or matches we aren't challenged by the opposition's midfield.