Barbara

of course I'd be cautious because there's no reason to risk the kid feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders if he does something wrong that costs the result. Let them play pressure free for a few times and then start playing them in trickier situations. I see those kids as babies, that need to be protected from rushed decisions, here in Brazil is VERY common to throw the kids to the lions because the clubs don't have money, new talents rise here all the time and get their careers destroyed because guess what, they're still 18 to 20yo. If Mourinho had a problem playing players that age, Zouma wouldn't be playing as much as he has. He doesn't have a problem, but he feels like they need to be in a certain level before being integrated. I think Zouma is being integrated brilliantly. What does he have over our kids? French blood? No, his manager assessment that he is ready.

I think I should add that I have absolutely zero problems if José gives a chance or two to youth players. I'm not against the integration, I don't think the time was the best at the Sporting match and Mourinho seems very invested in the League Cup (he knows the league title race as well as UCL will be tight and we may not end up winning either again, so he's probably thinking that it's better make sure he doesn't end trophy-less again). I praised Aké when he was played earlier the season, I was happy to see him in the bench for league games and I'm sure he'll be given more chances and I'll support him and Mourinho 100%. I just can't crucify him for not playing any of them for a considerable stretch of time in those two matches (Sporting and Derby). I'm positive at least Aké will play a few more league games for us (probably FA Cup too) in the following months if he's in form. I don't see the others being there yet. Although they've showed great flashes of talent, it seems like people's memory is short or selective. One name: Kakuta. Kids at age 18 and 19 may look years light ahead of others in the youth competitions but it doesn't mean it'll carried into their senior career. Talent is important, but isn't everything. If you have a chance to train with a high profile manager as José everyday (and some of the kids were promoted to the main squad after all), you learn and grow a lot and he gets to know you. That's the way to go. I like it better than van Gaal throwing Wilson against Liverpool, because that's what he did, he threw the kid there... although Liverpool's team is a joke and Falcao couldn't play even 45 minutes... He probably didn't have many options, but a lot of things could have gone wrong - or right - they were nothing though. The kid didn't do anything wrong, or didn't contribute a lot with the match. Good passenger presentation, but I bet he and van Gaal's and United's fans were all happy.

I really feel for the kid because I saw a lot of glimpses on him to become a long term replacement for Cesc. I hope his luck turns around. There's a reason why I've always disliked Muntari... who hurts their teammate in training to this extent. I swear to God I hate Milan AC for some personal reasons (being an Interista the biggest of them), but now I hate them even more. They got a little of appreciation for me when they were stupid enough to get Torres, but argh, I hate Marco is going though this. I refuse to take part of a discussion about the definition of a term where the main source used is Urban Dictionary... But as we're here, let me share some UD gems So, as the site seems to be written by Arsenal fans, is no surprise it has the INJURY PRONE definitions it has.They're specialized in injuries as much as their manage is in failure. Yep, sounds right.If we're going to stick with this sort of source, let it at least be Wikipedia

It may as well be because those players aren't used to play at this stage and one single mistake by any of them can cost us results. Sorry if I don't share the romantic view of integrating youth some of you do where those kids are geniuses waiting to happen, real life prodigies, that don't feel pressure, lack of chemistry with the team, lack of experience, insecurities and other things that can as well affect their games. Sorry if I don't think the moment our confidence has been shaken and we struggled in the quality of the football we've been showing and had a couple of bad results was the right moment to 'integrate youth' as if integration came with a match now and another in five months. It's not a good time to give them those chances... Mourinho said something along the lines he'd be blamed if in a few years (I guess it was 3 or 4) those kids weren't part of English NT. That's a long way to go from now. Earlier in the season Ake had more chances, I felt like he was the one player Mourinho thought would be ready to take the next step, but then he got injured. We do have great talent in the youth which is why I think the wisest thing is to work with them step by step, without rushing. So the main team goes through a bad moment form wise and the idea of people is to throw a couple of kids there? Sorry, it feels like a surreal approach. The team needs to regain confidence and I repeat what I said last season and I continue to say again - which is one of the biggest reasons I believe why Drogba was brought to this team. Despite what José says to the media I think we have HUGE profile issues with the team now. There's Terry, Iva and now Drogs, Cesc and Diego who are absolutely winners, who go to each match as if they were going to the battle. But Azpi, Cahill, Mikel, Oscar, Hazard, Willian, Schurrle among others, don't seem to have that feeling, of winning at any costs despite their speech. I think Mourinho is forming this on their character, but I don't know how much he'll be able to change them. It feels like they lack that fighting and winning spirit, not the will to win, there are no losers there, but they aren't players with a strong profile. They seem to lack bite. It only makes it even more difficult for Mourinho to work with the team and make it reach the places he wants. Introducing youth players now I'm sure is the least of his problems when he has a lot to work with his senior players attitude. But sure, let's agree to disagree.

I don't get this criticism towards one of the players I think gives the most for us in the pitch... and it's not only about his disposition. This guy is a lion and he embodies Mourinho's philosophy like few do. He'll always have my unconditional support unless he has a long sequence of bad games where we lost because of his mistakes. Which honestly, I don't see coming. Just because a goal comes from his side of the pitch it doesn't mean he was at fault, that argument is RIDICULOUS. He bullies opposition all the time and while I know and address when he goes up in the pitch he offers a lot of space behind him, someone has to, as Azpi is nearly inept in the LB attacking. He has a couple of good moments every now and then, but he offers virtually nothing to our attack. If Iva doesn't try to come and support the attack we'll be even more narrow than we already are. People are in general very unfair to this legend. On the CB subject. I'm more convinced than ever that he shouldn't play there, although maybe he was still on autopilot when he came to play there against Derby. I still like him better as a RB.

how about the players he needs to build confidence, give motivation to play are the ones that are actually playing and who came from two negative results? Come on, I don't get this obsession to play the youth. They'll get their chance, it's not like if they don't get it now they'll never get it. And for God's sake in which world playing ONE SINGLE GAME equals to integration? The team LOST momentum by the level of our presentations and the two consecutive bad results in the league. the players needed their confidence back... this group had serious issues last season with motivation and having a winning spirit. To say it in clear words, they bottled, they weren't focused and sharp enough. You know I respect you a lot, but your posts on this subject make it looks like if José doesn't give a chance for those kids now they'll never get it and our academy will be fated to die. The overreaction around this subject has been tiring... even if as someone pointed out the arguments have been civil and some very nice posts were written on the subject on both instances. Also, Mourinho doesn't have to do whatever van Gaal does. They're different coaches, with different approaches. Van Gaal isn't the reference to anything. He's won the same others had. He isn't way ahead anyone in terms of titles or tactics and good for him if he's known as a manager that integrates young players. There are many mistakes he's been doing with this Manchester team - starting with their signings, with his stubbornness with some of his tactics. They all make mistakes, José included, but I don't get the desperation you guys have about academy. With time they kids that are good enough will receive chances and if they use them well, they'll be fully integrated. The same way this club hasn't had manager stability in the latest years, Mourinho didn't either - by his own choice. He came here with the idea of leaving, he went to Inter with the idea of leaving. The most he stayed in a club has been three years. He isn't a manager that planned to stay somewhere for a long time, but now he's changed his speech. So the least we could do is give him time to see what he plans to do. No manager with the idea of leaving a club in a couple of years will work with the academy in long term because whether you guys agree or not, academy isn't something that can be worked under a 2-year work.

actually is funny. Both words exist in English (Hazard and Oscar) but they're pronounced differently in their original languages, so it's funny to get them a nickname and people will automatically pronounce it like in English when their names aren't spoken like that

Their kids could get married [emoji7] [emoji173] [emoji7] [emoji173] LOL

But people say I'm Oscar's worshiper, Cesc's little bitch... I can't be André's mother bear. I'm getting confused and developing splitting personality [emoji12] [emoji43] [emoji85] [emoji86] [emoji87]

I wasn't expecting that at all. I was like... 'where did it come from?' I still think he's somewhat of a liability defensively, so playing away against teams that will attack us, even Iva and his crazy stuff makes more sense because I feel like Iva harass opposition more than he does, is firmer, and stronger. But we don't actually face many teams that attack us much, do we? I think most home games, especially against team that play more defensively than average, he's the key. Mourinho said after the Hull game that he went with Luís because we didn't have Cesc and the team needed someone to produce something else in the attack. So Mourinho is aware of it, but I do have a feeling he'll continue to pick Azpi and Iva even in the games where we should comfortably play Luís against teams that won't really threaten us offensively. And as much as I want Luís to be part of the starting XI, if he doesn't improve his physical defending and 1 vs 1, I'm glad he isn't a regular. I already feel like we're exposed enough with Cahill playing far from his best form, we don't need a vulnerable FB in addition to that.

come on, guys, cut him some slack He had a somewhat serious illness that prevented him from playing and training properly. He's getting on his feet. He's always been an useful player for us and he'll continue to be. He just needs time to find his best form again. I can see progress compared to the last COC match. He isn't as selfish as people are making him out to be... he looked for his teammates on many occasions tonight, and he went for his shots as he should in others. Nothing wrong there. I think he isn't on great form yet but it's understandable given what he's been through health wise

LOLOLOLOL edit: Doesn't assisting the stretcher people count He's so used to assisting that it doesn't matter what Amazing stats

well, some here questioned him there against Sporting. I think he did well then and amazing today Happy to have you back, hope the project went well *hugs*

Fabregas was amazing today, really flourished at the #10... so many amazing things coming his feet although our other midfielders should have involved him more in the first half. Hazard was amazing as well. That Luís free kick still has my jaw on the floor, but there's no way Iva can play CB... his mindset was completely of a FB, he was in their half some point when the game was 2x1. What was he doing there?

lol Ramires

especially because he turned to his mates on the box and all ignored him, lol

It was matic edit: people, it was Matic who made the clearance, not Iva... Iva seems to forget he's been playing CB though... why was he in their half now?

https://vine.co/v/Og5q9HwMubx https://vine.co/v/Og5ADKMaFMq

what a fucking free kick goal My jaw is on the floor edit: according to BBC Zouma has a jaw problem, lost a tooth in the contact.

hard cushion I think... but that's it, only cushion, I don't see plastic or metal being part of it

Hazard goal, Cesc assist

that's worrying because I think our level dropped considerably in the league wherever Mikel played in our pivot. He's terrible to distribute the ball, make the transition or avoid back passing...

shhh, don't speak logic, let alone give facts...

But at first hasn't DD been brought to play exactly the domestic cup matches? The worthless League Cup matches? Remy will play when he's better than DD. DD has been delivering consistently, who cares how old is he and who was brought to be second or third? DD has been better than Remy in the pitch (maybe in trainings too) and as I said, it adds confidence to DD who could win us big matches because he is that kind of guy. Remy will have chances eventually, if not many this season, definitely starting next season (I really don't see us signing a new striker). As I said the other day, the new black (fashion expression) on this forum is now complaining. Moaning, complaining, criticizing is fashionable around here these days. People were flooding Iva's and live match's threads demanding a chance to see Luis and Azpi playing together, it happens twice in the time span of one week and barely a few comments are made. So they complain, José delivers, they either ignore or go complain about something else.

First of all, Ramos has been dropped a couple of matches for Varane, but was quickly reintegrated to the team and Mourinho played him throughout the last season, despite their differences. The Varane episode happened way before he lost the dressing room and some speculated that it fueled the problems - along with dropping Iker. Second, Pepe and Mourinho don't have a problem, they had a problem at some point, but he was also played, as I said, later who lost his position was Arbeloa. Third, Mourinho will never be influenced by whoever. And Perez gave him full reign to do whatever he wanted. So get your facts correct. Despite having issues with Ramos and Iker, Mourinho continued playing both, Iker on UCL and Ramos in all competitions. The lack of respect for Mourinho in some posts here is abysmal. He's a PROFESSIONAL, not you or me. He doesn't behave like an amateur and couch-managers. He won't drop a player simply because he doesn't like him on a personal level. Seriously, some posts here the last few weeks - since the slightest crisis started - are shameful. If the team is unbeaten, leading the league by 8 points, some people don't post and others are completely elated and maybe too positive. We draw and lose a couple of matches and then the posts criticizing everything pile up. I think a lot of criticism is rightful - such us the lack of rotation, some decisions, the way the team regressed or how we came back to bad finishing. But some things, like saying Mourinho chose to play a 19yo because he didn't like the regulars, or turning Costa into an average striker, or saying Mourinho will close our academy, are ridiculous. Unbelievable, people, unbelievable.