Barbara

will he? Because he stuck with 4-2-3-1 on RM matches in such a way we could constantly see the formation in the pitch from the high cameras. My memory fails to remind me how much he changed the formation during a match while on Inter.

4-3-3 fits better our squad while it doesn't fit better Mata. But Mourinho wasted like 2 seconds before saying he wants to test Mata in the RW, so if we're going to play him out of position, then it better be in a 4-3-3 rather than a 4-2-3-1 that will do nothing to him if he's playing in the RW I love Mou

it's not like Mourinho already hinted he'll play him in the right wing

that's because now we don't have to divide attention with the match

@Jim turned the turbo on

the truth remains. 4-3-3 is the way to go

Terry - like the boss he is

because 4-3-3 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 4-2-3-1 with the style of players we have (and overall)

van Ginkel is world trending on twitter - during pre-season Like a boss

Hazard Torres'ed it

look a Ba goal

Ramires!!!!!

they're having an inside competition: who misses more? You know, games they play to make the pre-season funnier

According to Metro, Chelsea are preparing a contract extension for their main star, Juan Mata. Ever since arriving at Stamford Bridge, the Spaniard has secured the award of Best Player of the Season for two years in a row and rumors recently emerged about a potential transfer to Spain and rivals Manchester United. Manager José Mourinho has repeatedly assured that Mata – or anyone else – isn't leaving the club, but the board seems to want to be more emphatic and guarantee Mata’s stay in Chelsea for many years to come. It’s been reported they are working in extending his contract for five years (until 2018) offering the player a significant raise in his weekly wages from £70,000 to £100,000. Mata is currently on vacation – along with all the other players that took part in Confederations Cup last month – and will join the team on July 28, for the pre-season in USA. Click here to view the article

http://www.espn.com.br/video/344191_mourinho-diz-que-chelsea-e-seu-habitat-natural-e-ressalta-que-para-time-ser-grande-nao-bastam-titulos Video with part of Mourinho's press conference (in English)

I like International football less and less. I'm all for club football. That should have been posted in the unpopular opinion. Anyway... at least it's against Hull and not Manchester.

what he said @Jim. I saw you were online on Skype, but I thought you were sleeping as it was around 4am your time. Next time I'll leave you a message anyway

It might make me take the whole thing more seriously because a popularity contest is plain stupid imo (and I think it might even lead some members to have some sort of post that may be popular, but that contributes little - or nothing - to the forum). Now recognizing members who actually contribute to the forum is always nice, as although Alex and @Jim as well the rest of the staff put a great work here, the members also contribute highly to the success by bringing info, proposing interesting debates and discussions, etc. I'm not a fan of the current system because I was under the impression it was more about popularity than contribution (that was how I felt when I saw people contesting why WHS was voted the other month as he 'only' gave us scoop on Mourinho's signing back in February. I was like, isn't that the highest kind of contribution you can have in a forum anyway? That was when I started not taking the award seriously) (I have to admit I'm not a fan of the crown either, but hey, that's just being picky so ignore it ). So I think this is a step in the right direction, Alex. Also for so many polls around (and even some awards) there's a board who defines the nominations and then have people voting on their favorite. So I don't see democracy being hurt here. It only makes sense the site administrator (or the entire staff) decides who's going to get nominated and have members voting. It seems so natural in my eyes I also like @Ollie suggestion about people nominating people weekly, but I guess that becomes too handful for you guys to have. But it was also a good idea.

all the fuss about Eden is because he played some so-so matches in the pre-season. Isn't it common knowledge that he doesn't like friendlies? I know this isn't a NT friendly and pre-season according to Mourinho and now John Terry - is one of the most critical parts of the season. But that's not to say what he can or can't do, but to recover the physical form to play the following nine months. He may put an effort - and I believe he does - but the fact is maybe what really motivates him is playing real competitions, what makes he run the extra mile - something he might not even control in a conscious level. It's more than understandable that he isn't playing his better level yet. That's what pre-season is here for, so he can find his best form again as we enter the official tournaments in a few weeks. Kevin has space in the team, especially when you see José complimenting him like that. He wouldn't have said Kev is one of the key players for us and that he is fantastic if he didn't think so. He will play for us and he may eventually even play where Eden plays, but to expect Eden to leave the team to accommodate Kev seems far-fetched imo. Kevin will start some matches for us and he will progress and maybe even end the season as a regular in the starting XI. That won't be replacing Hazard though...

I think the problem - that isn't his in all honesty and fairness - is that we need someone now. He isn't ready. He has plenty to develop. I think he's a better option than Ba. Demba never happened in Chelsea imo and he continues to prove so. So I think Lukaku could be a good alternative for the second half and the eventual start, but he's not the answer to what we need this season unless he does some crazy development in a month. The potential is there, the quality too, but he can't be the guy we're relying on. Also that puts a lot of pressure on him and at times in both matches I think there was a mental situation going on. Don't know if he was nervous, if he felt pressured, if he was anxious. But some of the misses he had, the way he handled the ball - especially today - showed me he wasn't totally comfortable yet. But he needs minutes - not only in pre-season. I hope he surprises me, but I only see him really making a difference for us at least a year from now. Again, I hope to be wrong, as I'm more and more convinced we won't sign any world class forwarder, and if that's the case, Torres, Ba and Lukaku is what we have.

Yeah, but Mourinho already said he prefers wrong-footed players in the wings. So he wants a leftie in the right wing - which is why he's thinking of moving Mata there as he's the only leftie in the five I agree the comparison doesn't make sense. To play the amount of matches we do and also the different kind of opposition is amazing to have two guys that are amazing and promising playing as attacking midfielders, but bringing completely two different games. It's win-win. Some matches will fit more Kevin others Oscar. Even matches can become tough and changing the style and formation could solve. So I don't mind if Kevin starts more often, or if Oscar does, if they're on top of their form they will probably play other matches, being subbed or coming from the bench and maybe together at the same time in the team. I don't see either threatening Mata though, not only because of style, but mainly because how can the arguably best player last season (as many considered Hazard the best) just leave the team for a guy that hasn't played one official Chelsea match in EPL or CL? I think Mourinho is lucky for having so many alternatives, but I also wouldn't like to be on his shoes, because choosing between those guys is going to be difficult, supposing they will live their potential - all things considered such as adaptation, possibility of injuries, etc.. I still think Hazard will be the guy this season - but that definitely doesn't come from his two matches in the pre-season. He was far from what I expect. But then again this is pre-season and Eden is a lot like myself. Friendlies aren't his thing But I welcome Kevin's maturity and he alternative he offers.

beautiful assist by traore

Lukaku!

dude this is a friendly! end it already! why adding 3+ min of stoppage time?