Barbara

The main reason I'm absolutely SURE he'll start against Schalke unless he has a physical issue is because this is a guy who's reached an UCL final last season. He has Europe experience (not saying Azpili doesn't) and football in Europe is NEVER as physical as in England. So it's perfect, he has the experience and the quality and he won't be demanded physically (where he seems to still be struggling to catch up) as he would in the league. I mean, how those two things don't make him the perfect scenario for him to start? Where are the risks that I fail to see? I see advantages actually. And what defense harmony are we talking about here in the first place? If anything, our defense hasn't been as harmonic as it used to be, we failed in all goals we've conceded this season - except Etoo's in my opinion )although José disagrees about that goal) and we could have conceded two more against Leicester hasn't Thibaut been brilliant. We've changed systems, the defense is still adapting, as well as the midfield, and our players aren't there yet fitness wise. If anything this 'harmony' needs to go away and the consistency from last season to come back (as much as it's possible with the new system in charge - that will undoubtedly affect us defensively to a certain extend). The more I read Jason's posts about this harmony thing, the less it makes sense for me. And my two points from the previous paragraph stand... So I'll settle for agreeing to disagree.

I'm so happy for this extension I really hope he has a similar career here to what Cech has been: long time, a leader in defense, a legend to this club. I do hope this is only his first contract extension with us. Now can we move to the next Belgian in line, Emenalo? There's another one that also needs a contract extension and preferably a crazy release clause - something like 200m. That way nobody can take him away because as crazy as football spendings have been, with FFP nobody can spend something like that and I can't foresee it changing in five years... I feel if we don't set a high release clause - insanely, impossible to reach release clause - we'll lose Hazard (not necessarily to Madrid though, don't think they'd go for him next season).

It wasn't Eden who said it, he would never say something like that. It was someone here (just before my post). What I said about him is that I think is that sometimes his speeches don't match.Saying he wants to win the Balon d'Or and be the best player in the world and work hard for it to happen is something he's said in the past and without sounding arrogant. It showed ambition and I liked it. Now saying he's seemingly happy that someone else has to step up - it doesn't matter if scoring or assisting - doesn't match the first speech. Can you see a discrepancy between those two speeches and his goals? Nobody has to be Messi or Ronaldo talent-wise, scoring-wise, but everyone can step up to be their team's star and the man who wins them matches. I do think he lacks a bit of drive, but he's young, and I'm willing to wait, I just said I'm not too emphatic about my predictions about him because I don't know if he has the mentality a player like Cris and Messi have. I was comparing their attitude, I didn't touch talent (said many brazilians were talented and never reached their potential because they had the wrong mentality), I didn't touch goal scoring (never even mentioned it in any of my posts), it was all about having the mentality in addition to the talent (his relief about not being the guy that will win matches is worrying for his development). I see much less talent in Bale, but also much more hunger and balls. My point about his bad form at the end of the season (and early in the season too) is just so people can be a little more realistic about him - I never meant we lost the league because of him, but when we needed him the most, he wasn't there. So wasn't Oscar, so wasn't Ramires, so weren't our strikers (those had never been there anyway). The way people talk here it was as if Hazard has done his part and the rest of the team didn't and THAT is ABSOLUTELY unfair. He did his part, but only for a while - as did many others - but he didn't do it consistently - as didn't many others. He didn't have a great season. He had a great streak between November/December until early February (do people even realize that this doesn't correspond to even half of a season?). From March on he wasn't productive, he slowly faded until he go injured around mid-April. If someone who's never watched Chelsea in their life came to this forum, the feeling they would get from most posts here would be: Hazard was a hell of a player, carried the team and we didn't win the league because we didn't have strikers, because Oscar had a horrible second half of the season, because Ramires had a terrible second half of the season, because our FBs didn't support the attack, because Cech had some important failures, etc... Those things are true, but the Hazard part is a lie. I know it's something new for some people and many others don't accept it at all, but Hazard has flaws just like any other player and addressing them isn't a sin or a crime and shouldn't led people to be lectured. A lot of people are saying we should read Excalibur's post, but I didn't and I won't. I know there's probably a lot of right things there, but the problem is Hazard became a myth in this forum that can't be ever criticized without people overreacting. The rest of the team had ups and downs, but Hazard - because of the mouthwatering style - is always labeled as this amazing, complete player, when he isn't yet and he gets credit for a lot of things he didn't do - such as having an amazing season. I want more from him this season, the same way I want from Oscar, Schurrle and Willian. They can - and hopefully - will be more productive and consistent. I even said in my second post that if he checked all the right boxes and still didn't win the award, it'd be okay. I don't think he's going to be a scoring machine, but at this point, based on his previous season, he won't be an assist machine either. He needs to step up and be more consistent, like all our young players. And it's okay to demand that from the others, but it causes a problem every time someone mentions the same about Hazard...

Só there's a headline saying 'Hazard is relieved to have others to take matters in their hands' and 1 people read it as a joke, 2 a younger player shouldn't be challenged and willing to show the world what he's capable of? So when he should show ambition he's just happy someone else is stepping up. Then you read ir listen another interview of him saying his goal is to win Balon d'or. Am I the only one to catch a discrepancy between both speeches? And his attitude reflects a lot more this interview than previous ones. When the team needed him the most in the title run in he went MIA scoring literally only from penalties and assisting once or twice. What I do feel n this forum is a huge bias and a lot of overrating the actual influence he's had. He's amazing, very talented and had amazing streaks of football brilliance. But for some he's already better than Ronaldo or just behind him and Messi when he isn't. I'm not saying he should be now or even ever, but every time someone talk about his weakness, limitations or shows uncertainty about him fulfilling his potential they're labeled as a disgrace. People should show patience, but others should also be able to show concern about his development and analyze his attitude, concrete contribution, etc. One thing doesn't automatically denies the other. The awards he so much wants won't come just because he wants them hard or TC members think he should win them. They come as a result of a lot of hard work and hunger to win (matches) and definitely balls that I hope we'll see from him. And if he doesn't win those awards but shows those things, it won't matter as he'll definitely be one of the best. As someone said, it depends entirely on him...

what's the point of guy supposedly being able to run if he doesn't bother because he's lazy. I think there's a hell lot to do with how pacey or not he is. Magic Lamps has been very assertive in all his analysis on German players, he's a football fan and he's been watching Ozil for a long while. It's not even about you agreeing or disagreeing, but going as far as saying he clearly doesn't know Ozil... a bit too precious, don't you think? It's really surprising that you assess Ozil like that when most people I know don't - me being one of them. As a Madrid fan I've watched a lot of them until 2012. Haven't watched last season - then again Ozil was already at Arsenal - and it puzzles me that you think he can beat players with pace. Unless you mean the likes of John Terry - who are very slow. Ozil doesn't like to run, prefers to pass, takes the shortcuts whenever he can (hence why I call him lazy) and he doesn't beat many with pace. Can't remember one single play of it happening... but if you think so, be my guest. But Magic Lamps knows his stuff when he talks about German players - even if I disagree with him in many other things, normally he's assessment of them is spot on. I do think Oscar is also slow, and I even joked about him trying to beat someone with pace against Leicester. Not gonna happen... he doesn't have it on him.

He's german, has been watching Ozil since he's a professional and you dare to say he clearly doesn't know Ozil? Sorry, but that's at least ironic, not to say funny... Also Ozil is slow although I'm not advocating Oscar is faster. I tend to agree more about your assessment on Oscar than yours on Ozil. Ozil not only is slow, but also lazy...

I think he's bored to hell with a one-horse race in France. The league wouldn't challenge him and it could even affect his team's competitiveness when tougher opposition came in UCL. I don't see him moving there at all. He'd probably work in Germany - where he hasn't and I'm sure he wouldn't pass the chance to compete against Pep again although I think Pep won't last much there (and I can't see Mourinho leaving at least not until the end of next season. Things would have to do unbelievably wrong for him to be sacked in the next two years imo). Other than that I could see him maybe trying the international thing earlier than he predicted. I don't know, he hates Spanish media with reason, Italy is in decline and he's an Interista at heart. It's either staying in England or going to Germany if he doesn't want to go NT yet. He won't leave any time soon though imo.

Still not comparable imo... also I'd be very surprised if Luís got the same treatment as Cole... VERY surprised. He isn't fit yet for EPL and that's been clear from PS and Mourinho must have an even better idea based on trainings. I don't think Cole could be used from time to time, while he was still useful offensively he was a liability defensively losing most of the runs on his flank. He exposed the team, especially against fast wingers and FBs. Luís doesn't expose us and we're talking about a player that could have been the very best LB last season or at least a top 3. Chelsea didn't have then FB that would make even the top 5 in the continent, probably a bit worse, but now we have Ivanovic playing as the best FB in the world. I haven't been watching much football, but based on what I've watched last season from other FBs and having watched all our games, I can't think of anyone that could be better than him. A beast attacking and completely unrelenting defending. He's been immense. Azpili on the other hand hasn't been as good as last season, offers literally nothing in our attack (although if memory serves he did took part in one of our goals, but maybe that was during pre-season)... but between a Cesar who hasn't been brilliant and a Luís who hasn't learned how to cope yet, I think Azpili is by far the safer bet, especially in a defense that seems sort of shaky at the moment.

he wouldn't go to Milan because of that but also because Italian football is declining, they can't offer him a competitive team in Europe and as I said he's above managing those profile of teams at this stage of his career... but even if they could afford everything he'd demand, I also believe he wouldn't go there. He even said he likes Torres and would have preferred him to go to Inter instead of Milan. For the first time in my life I'd be sad for Mourinho and I supporting the same team if it meant he sent Torres to Inter. No, thank you.

exactly... time after time he confessed his big love for Chelsea and even went as far as saying lately that we're the only side in England he'd train. Of course things can change. He's a professional earning his (tons of) money. If we sack him, he'll analyze the proposals on his desk. He'll always try to balance the challenge and what the team can offer for him to win - he's a winner, he won't settle for a team that won't provide him with tools for that. He's already proved with Porto and to a certain extent with Inter too, that he can work around a team's limitation to win the titles that really matter. Thing is he's a powerhouse name now, he's older, more tired, why would he subject himself to make those efforts again with limited teams if many top teams would have him? So if we sack him, and a good deal comes from United, I'd see him taking the job... but at the same time it would have to be MUCH better than other clubs for him to move to a rival of a club he's admitted too many times he's emotionally connected with. He's a fan just as we are. He said he's one of us and I believe him. It doesn't mean he wouldn't train any other club in England, but if two identical proposals came along, one in England and another in Germany or Spain, maybe he'd rather go to those countries (although I'm not sure he wouldn't avoid Spain and their biased and venomous media at all costs)

I agree... but that makes him exactly what? I don't see him being an assist machine just yet. A guy with his talent and a different mentality would give the very top players in the world a run for their money... maybe not now, as he's still young, but in a couple of years. Given his personality though I've been less emphatic in my predictions about his career. One can be born as talented as Messi, but they also need to be born with the same mentality and ability to step up and own the team. I come from Brazil, seeing players dribble such as Hazard is like watching flowers growing in my backyard (or used to be as this generation isn't special). They're always there... but many of them never reached the heights of success because they had that, but didn't have the mentality - although their problem more often than not is related to bad behavior (party boys). Denilson, Robinho and even Ronaldinho are good examples of excellent dribblers. While the former two never reached anything impressive despite their great talent, I feel the latter never really reached his full potential - or did it too briefly because he's always been interested in partying and girls. Hazard is a model when it comes to behavior off the pitch, but he seems to lack that determination, bite, will to win. He wants to win - of course he does - it comes with a big price and huge effort that sometimes I'm not sure he's willing to pay. It's not uncommon for people who are very talented on something to take their talent for granted and not work on everything else they must to make a difference. That's why I said in my post last page that Bale - being infinitely less talented than Hazard - took Spurs to a level above theirs - despite his also common ups and downs. But he took his team's fate in his hands while Hazard seems way too relieved to let someone else deal with it. At the end of the day, Costa and Cesc will (continue to) win us matches and Hazard will feel less pressured, he'll probably produce more (although I wouldn't be surprised at all if the other two eclipsed him) and Chelsea will benefit from it. Costa will benefit from a few assists (maybe my expectations are too high, but I don't think he scored a lot of goals and provided a lot of assists as he claims, he has the talent to produce much more and didn't), Cesc will find someone else for his through balls. The only one who might not benefit from it is Hazard himself. Being afraid or unwilling to embrace responsibility (of stepping up in a team to carry it as the most talented player in it) and unable to deal with pressure (although to be honest, I see the word pressure in the headline, but there isn't a quote from him saying it clearly) will limit him. He seems happy to be supporting guy, but he has talent to be lead... but being the lead requires a lot of effort, maturity, hard-work, leadership, mental strength and balls. He checks only some of those boxes imo and I'm not sure the others will change in the future.

I just use the scroll wheel or whatever the name is by the side of the tweet and it goes down... it's not ideal, but works for me.

It's really hard to believe this guy is 23 today First: Then: he's barely changed

This was a funny read (galery pics with captions actually) http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/picturegalleries/11083631/The-alternative-Premier-League-table.html I really laughed at some comments, and I know the higher the expectation the bigger the fall can be, but I love reading everyone's bet for us to win the title. This favorite air we have now about us is something that I really like feeling. I know it'll suck if we don't end up winning the league, but until then - although I do believe we will win it - I'll savor this feeling of everyone seeing us as clear favorites, the ones to beat, the almighty powerful Chelsea. Come on, it feels amazing to have people having this perception about us The shade on Lukaku on Everton's piece made me laugh out loud and I also laughed at United (the Moyes part). I'll copy ours and you can read the rest. I LOVE how they worded it. thanks, I've fixed it.

Rumor has it that this is bullshit shot in a fan... it makes no sense. First of all, Hazard didn't have an amazing season, he had an amazing streak, but he started 'badly' and finished 'badly' as well. Second, they signed James and Isco, Ronaldo is far from starting the decline of his peak... he's still a beast, they have Bale. Where does Hazard even fit? I know that's a pointless question in terms of Madrid, but unless Hazard really has an amazing season - something he's yet to do consistently - they have the flavor of month already playing for them. This season could be James, Bale and Cris season. Those three could have their best season ever (maybe except Cris - he isn't on decline yet, but I think his best season will always have been two seasons ago)... not even Perez would do that... their AMs are set, they have two of the best wingers in the world - even if I'm not a Bale fan per say - and they have an incredible, young, talented CAM. And a nice bench. I think they'll go for a striker or some everyone-talks-about-midfielder, but I don't see them being remotely interested in Hazard right now, unless Hazard performs for a season what James did in the WC or Bale the season before with Spurs. Bale back then also had ups and downs, just like Hazard last season, but one thing that has always marked Bale as a player and it carried on Madrid and we're yet to see in Hazard, is how he simply stepped up and took Spurs to a level they didn't belong. Hazard hasn't done that here yet.

yes, I colored the 25.12 because I was happy - no, that's because I'm sloppy, thanks Not sure we're part of that stage of FA Cup. Are you?

but you're the one who brought the subject of how many passes he misplaced, not me Had no idea it's his bday today. Happy birthday, teddy bear!!!!!!! (not that he'll read it, lol - but as I know you, Jason, love it when we wish players happy bday in their threads, I'll do it to amuse you)

I swear I can't take another day of this international bullshit... It's not only even about withdrawal, although that too, but that's dull football that I don't care about and where our players are risking injuries... I can't believe we'll have another couple of those the following two months. I'd be much happier if there was only club football...

At least the kid is smart... actually anyone should be able to see that they balance each other, but it's nice that Oscar is aware of this. Cesc Fabregas is my perfect midfield partner and we're going to become even better to help Chelsea win the Premier League, says Blues playmaker Oscar oh sure, he is because 88% and 85% in both matches he's played for us this season is quite bad for an AM.

does it make me a heartless bitch that I laughed out loud on this? If it does, sorry?

I'm not sure I understand... don't know what Google drive is, but I suppose it includes video

For those who might want to visualize it too. Much more didactic

you'll agree with me once I'm done

thanks a lot, mate. exactly what I've been looking for. I'll move it to Excel though because I'm not a man, but I'm quite visual

does any of you have some sort of calendar with all UCL, FAC, COC and EPL (in addition to international break) weeks? I've looked around on internet a bit and couldn't find it... Thanks in advance.