Closed Chelsea v Real Sociedad

[The only place to be 11,313]

Haha, that postcode comeback is actually quite funny.

Okay, give you the Besiktas goal as an example than. Terry at his best would've won that challenge.

Just feel like we need a quick, flexible centreback to secure our future.

So a 45 minute friendly where the keeper made an almighty cock-up is what we're basing this on?

Ok.

[ParNolio7 285]

Did you even watch us at all last season? He was one of the best CBs in Europe and the best in our team. You're just basing all of this on his age. JT is still one of the top CBs in the league, what are you talking about?

Haha except for maybe one or two matches when on holiday when I've only seen highlights afterwards, I saw 90 minutes of every game Don't try to fight me on how many Chelsea matches I watch, that's ridiculous.

I know Terry had a brilliant season, Cahil/Terry were probably best duo in the EPL last year. But there's a difference between playing West Brom, Sunderland etc. and playing the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid. To compete with the very best I think we need more.

If y'all think that Terry is still the best defender in the world and you'd trade him for noone, okay then, guess we have a different view and I respect your opinion.

[ParNolio7 285]

So a 45 minute friendly where the keeper made an almighty cock-up is what we're basing this on?

Okay man, I get it. You think he's still one of the best defenders out there, I say he's starting to lack some vitality. We won't agree.

[Muzchap 8,966]

Okay man, I get it. You think he's still one of the best defenders out there, I say he's starting to lack some vitality. We won't agree.

Surely that's why Zouma has been purchased - to learn from JT and be his cover?

Whilst JT is still playing the way he is - he needs to be in the team - I like the fact that Zouma gets to work with him day in day out - as Zouma will know what's required of him...

I don't want to keep buying players - I want the ones we have to come through under the tutelage of existing players... This keeps a level of continuity and consistency (something we have lacked for a while)...

[ParNolio7 285]

I don't want to keep buying players - I want the ones we have to come through under the tutelage of existing players... This keeps a level of continuity and consistency (something we have lacked for a while)...

Agree with that long-term. Short-term for this season it may not be enough. We'll have to wait and see how quickly Zouma can pick up the pace.

[Rcrammond20 0]

Im going to this, sitting in shed end row 10 hows the atmosphere and who else is going

[DH1988 1,348]

Looking forward to a pre-season at the bridge and think its a smart move from the board/club before the season starts so not technically our first game there when the prem kicks off.

Smart smart smart.

[Muzchap 8,966]

Agree with that long-term. Short-term for this season it may not be enough. We'll have to wait and see how quickly Zouma can pick up the pace.

Yup - what you describe there is the micro-fine line between winning and just missing out

Lets hope we called it right this season

[ParNolio7 285]

Yup - what you describe there is the micro-fine line between winning and just missing out Lets hope we called it right this season

I read that Manchester City have just signed Mangala from Porto.

They were pretty much in the same situation as us, Demichelis being their John Terry (rough comparison but still), so they called it the other way & brought in a younger high quality centre-back.

We'll have to see how it turns out, but I would've wished we were the ones making that kind of signing. Could prove to valuable.

[Namika 922]

I read that Manchester City have just signed Mangala from Porto.

They were pretty much in the same situation as us, Demichelis being their John Terry (rough comparison but still), so they called it the other way & brought in a younger high quality centre-back.

We'll have to see how it turns out, but I would've wished we were the ones making that kind of signing. Could prove to valuable.

Demichelis was their best CB last season.

[ParNolio7 285]

Demichelis was their best CB last season.

That's not the point. Terry was terrific last season too. Fact is that they are both getting older and becoming slower. Man City have anticipated on that possibly becoming a problem this season (players don't last forever you know), and we haven't really. Okay we got Zouma but he's only 19. Can't expect him to carry our defence when we play Bayern Munich, Man City or Real Madrid.

BTW on Demichelis being City's best CB last season: you really don't believe that they are going to replace skipper Kompany, do you? It'll be Kompany - Mangala for sure.

[Atlas Lion 1,223]

Excited to see Ingo Martinez. Best young centre back out there IMO

[Atlas Lion 1,223]

Excited to see Ingo Martinez. Best young centre back out there IMO

[Henrique 9,133]

I'd go 3-5-2 until we have a decent replacement for JT. Just feel sometimes like he's not fit enough anymore.

Courtois

Ivanovic - Cahill - Luis

Willian - Ramires - Matic - Schürrle

Fabregas

Hazard

Costa

I liked this formation, but JT must start.

[Namika 922]

That's not the point. Terry was terrific last season too. Fact is that they are both getting older and becoming slower. Man City have anticipated on that possibly becoming a problem this season (players don't last forever you know), and we haven't really. Okay we got Zouma but he's only 19. Can't expect him to carry our defence when we play Bayern Munich, Man City or Real Madrid.

BTW on Demichelis being City's best CB last season: you really don't believe that they are going to replace skipper Kompany, do you? It'll be Kompany - Mangala for sure.

No, of course they aren't replacing Kompany because he's potentially their best CB but simply last year, Demichelis had a better season.

[The Chels 2,502]

I read that Manchester City have just signed Mangala from Porto.

They were pretty much in the same situation as us, Demichelis being their John Terry (rough comparison but still), so they called it the other way & brought in a younger high quality centre-back.

We'll have to see how it turns out, but I would've wished we were the ones making that kind of signing. Could prove to valuable.

There are rumours saying we're in for Benatia but I'm not sure how reliable they are.

[Sir Mikel OBE 4,920]

Benatia would be a waste of money.

[Ollie 4,400]

Seen Sociedad against Aberdeen and Newcastle and they look average or worse. This should be a fairly comfortable night.

GUTTED Drogba is injured, i'm going to this game and Drogs return was my main reason. I got the tickets the day after he signed. I was at the Zaragoza game in 2004 when Drogba made his first SB appearance, he scored and we went on to win the league. I fancied a real Deja Vu moment. I'm sure he'll be introduced to the fans, though.

Gonna be in Wimbledon drinking in the Prince by the station from 4:30, my manager let me out early the GOD!

I can't fucking well wait.

4-0.

[carefreeluke 27]

First friendly for years to be played at Stamford Bridge. Hopefully this will become more of an occurrence.

[Daniel1980 1,425]

I think Schurrle will start. The biggest question for me who will play as #10--Oscar or Willian.

This is the first real test of the team against a decent opposition this season(besides the Turkish teams). After playing shitty teams all preseason, we'd better not get embarrassed in front of the home crowd.