Champions League Final 2012 - Chelsea 1 (4)-(3) 1 Bayern Munich

[capriccioso 2,545]

It is a fucking travesty that Bertrand is already amongst the worlds better left backs. I'd have him in a heartbeat over second/third tier (first tier being Cole and Lahm exclusively) left backs like Evra, Marcelo, etc.

Not that I don't want Bertrand to be the best, of course I do, I'm just lamenting the incredible drop in defensive skill full backs have suffered over the years. Too many attack minded idiots like Marcelo and Bosingwa think they're Cafu, what they're forgetting is that the likes of Cafu and Roberto Carlos weren't utter wank at defending.

I think in the next 3-4 years, converted full backs (like Ivanovic and Gallas when he was with us, Thuram at Juventus) will become the general trend. These types are several magnitudes better at the defensive side of being a full back than those who have been full backs their whole lives, and don't offer significantly less going forward. Either that or we'll see defensive wingers e.g. Kalou and Ramires, that will put an end to this madness.

Apologies for going off topic but I think I may have answered my own question as to the death of full backs. Wingers these days are all goal oriented machines, all they want to do is cut inside and take a shot. It doesn't take a genius to defend against that.

[Chelseapony 76]

This might make no sense but I believe in the power of the narrative and I think the narrative demands Torres start.

I'm a completley scientific, anti-gut feeling person. But in this case my gut is telling me Torres has to start.

I trust Robbie to make that judgement though.

[BleedsBlue 1,549]

If Bertrand being considered for the left wing role then it means Kalou will be starting as our right winger and that means Torres will be on the bench.Won't be surprised to see a grumpy Torres on the bench.

[Au blues 29]

Stage fright is the biggest issue for Bertrand if he starts pretty demanding debut for a guy that's had very little experience at this level.Nevertheless hope the choices Robbie makes will work in our favour

[capriccioso 2,545]

What's the biggest game Ryan has played in before? u-21/19/17 Final's or something?

[CHOULO19 24,332]

If Bertrand being considered for the left wing role then it means Kalou will be starting as our right winger and that means Torres will be on the bench.Won't be surprised to see a grumpy Torres on the bench.

It was always gonna be this way. He knows it. I just hope his "grumpiness" acts as a motive to when he does come on.

[Madmax 9,219]

Been watching the Road to Munich videos. I'm welling up a little.

[Au blues 29]

That's it I don't t think he ever has.We have all seen how supposodly experienced players falter and it can be even more disarming for the youngsters.

Cannot wait though

[manpe 10,861]

Just less than 13 hours to go! Really beginning to freak out!! Might even pass out when the match comes about!!!

Amazing how many of you overreact

[Jase 43,479]

Amazing how many of you overreact

Oh come on!!

[BleedsBlue 1,549]

It was always gonna be this way. He knows it. I just hope his "grumpiness" acts as a motive to when he does come on.

Yup same here,we all know he'll get some match time and I hope he shows his eagerness on the field with a good performance.

[Jase 43,479]

[andy1234562 2]

In the end...the Champions League Final is just a 90 min football match. I know that the Chelsea players will put in everything up to the last minute of play.

Let's just hope that can win it!

[FansChelsea.com 10]

[capriccioso 2,545]

Right, I'm going to ignore my nervousness and go back to 100% confidence. Gomez will have a shocker and Drogba will roger Tymoschuk and van Buyten. Kalou will also turn up with his career best performance, even better than the displays he gives with the Ivory Coast national team, score the opener, get universal support from our fans and a new 10 year deal. Everyone else in Blue will have their best match of the season.