So Kalou coming ... http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=369195&cc=5901

What do you think are the chances of Gallas going somewhere other than Milan, say Madrid :).


Good Luck getting Woody to stay healthy if you guys got him... :nape:

I would actually be really excited if we got Woodgate. Yes, he is very very injury prone, but as a backup, im sure that would be less so, and he is a reliable and proven option as defenders go in England. If things go awry, our friends over at Milan have helped with our players before, and maybe we can call on them again.

And as far as Gallas goes, if the speculation (and theres alot of it) is to be believed, he has his heart set on Milan. Sorry Rusi

Interesting post.

I think it is too early to speculate on line-ups, etc. To be honest I have no idea what Mourinho is going to do, but I don't think we will play a 4-3-3 next season. The options though look limitless. We could play a narrow 4-4-2 with Ballack, Essien, Lampard running riot with Makelele behind them, or play wide with either two being dropped for Duff, Robben, Cole or SWP. Crespo and Shevchenko could play upfront and be a lethal combination, or we could play Shevchenko off Drogba, who can win balls down and feed Shevchenko. Gudjohnsen could play a link-up role and play deep.

I think there are only a few certainties next season.
Cech will start.
Terry will start.
Makelele will be fased out for Ballack and Diarra over the course of the season.
Lampard will start.
Shevchenko will start.

Oh and there are some others.
Maniche is gone.
Carlton Cole is destined to be a neverbeen (not a hasbeen)

If Gallas wasnt so hell bent on leaving, then we wouldnt really need to sign anyone, but its interesting to see that we may be bringing in Kalou from Feyenoord, although I would rather Tevez.

Anyway the musts for Chelsea now
- Get Shevchenko done and dusted before it turns into another Steven Gerrard
- Keep Gallas at all costs
- Keep Gudjohnsen at all costs.
Agreed with everything, but especially the parts in bold.

-Guddy is invaluable to this team and we wont realize it until he is gone
-I think duff needs to be put on the strict leftside of a flat four in midfield, and maybe then his old game might come back. I dont think hes as comfortable playing as a pure winger/forward
-And I have a feeling Essien is being groomed to become our holding man, but he doesnt have the grace or precision of Maka yet, and he needs to stop with the frigging leg breakers :|

Kalou is certain to be loaned out, he's a great striker but if Andriey is coming, it's almost certain he's going to be loaned out.


Dellie boy for R. Carlos? R. Carlos is too old, and will be just another benchwarmer, just get Bridge back occasionaly start him.
I dont think Kalou is being loaned out, but I hope im wrong. What im expecting from Kalou is Carlton II who can actually finish his chances

Damnit, Siwash, enough with the Carlos crap. Youre gonna give us bad karma :p He isnt coming and it was all a ploy. I am totally confident Mourinho will bring bridge back and sell Del Horno, or, even better, if Juve are forced to sell, he might go hard after Zambrotta

Maybe Chelsea will play attacking football next year ! 35 million for Sheva is a lot though , still not like you guys can't afford it.
Eventhough youre tounge in cheek, youre surprisingly civil with that comment. I hope it keeps up and you actually start discussing football rather than trying to egg people on

The rumor goes that Abramovich's personal mission with these bigtime signings is, along with conquering Europe, to play a "sexier" brand of football this year. Mourinho, I hate to say it, has sucked the life out of more players than he has helped. Joe Cole has gotten better, yes, but he has also been more handcuffed playing out wide, and Duff just hasnt been the same player. Mourinho needs to relax his grip and let the players play, rather than making them conform to a system. We have enough talent to win games on talent alone and i hope he recognizes it.

I also watched FSWR on FSC, and they reported that AC Milan want $38,000,000 USD, thats only 20,000,000 GBD and 29,829,810.00 EUR
That would be a steal. If we throw Gallas in, that would probable knock it down another 5 million pounds. I say that not because I want him to go, but because I am resigned to losing him, sadly

I'm sure I heard that, even after signing Kalou he will stay with Feyernoord for another season or, at least until his Dutch citizenship has been finalised and granted to him.

I agree Omar that it would be good for certain players to be able to express themselves a little more on the pitch. Some of them probably respond quite well to a strict control but the flair players should be let off the leash a bit more I think. Maybe this coming season Jose will feel less inclined to shackle the natural instincts of these players. I hope so.

As for Tracertong....well, we have kind of buried the hatchet and decided to act a little more adult towards each other. I think his antagonism in this thread was probably directed at me more than at Chelsea fans in general. I probably deserved some of the abuse I got anyway, but hopefully thats all history now.

I know its hard to see how a nice guy like me could get under anyones skin, but apparantly at times I seem to do exactly that. Yeah, it comes as a shock to me too..... :funny:

Tracertong is just jealous.

BACK to BACK!

Friggin school, never get time to post anything.

Anyway's, it's all World Cup right now.

I hope that Kalou from Holland doesn't turn out to be another Drogba if Chelsea signs him.

Huh? Drogba has scored 30+ for us in two seasons. The problem is he cost too much. If Kalou puts in 15 a season for us at the price were getting him for, I'll be a very happy man


My problem with buying Kalou is mostly revolving around his readiness. Is he ready to contribute for us, or will he be a fourth option


Shevchenko-Drogba-Gudjohnsen-Kalou is obviously a good deal better than Crespo-Drogba-Gudjohnsen-Cole, but when I figured we were losing Cole and Crespo, I just assumed they would be replaced with two experienced, proven options. Now, if Kalou comes, that obviously isnt the case.


The key in the striker situation will be what happens with Drogba. Is he gonna mope away to Italy or France after jibes of cheating that, might i add, hes brought on himself, or is he going to man up and work even harder to prove the critics wrong? On the other hand, if he goes, it could very well mean Tevez, and Shevchenko-Tevez-Gudjohnsen-Kalou would be beyond deadly

Shevchenko-Tevez


With you midfield, that would just be unfair. :(

With you midfield, that would just be unfair. :(

Coming from a merengue fan that just sounds wierd. (6)

PS: Fvck Pekerman, no Demichelis. :(

PS: Fvck Pekerman

I concur.

Well looks like Sheva has signed.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/5035604.stm

:rolleyes:

Rumours are aloft that Chelsea are looking into South African star Lebohang Mokoena from Orlando Pirates and Maxim Tsigalko. What do you guys think?

Maxim Tsigalko at Chelsea? lol





Well there, now we are trully ****ed even if Fergie gets Diarra.

TSIGALKO! :rockman: :rockman: :rockman:

Rumours are aloft that Chelsea are looking into South African star Lebohang Mokoena from Orlando Pirates and Maxim Tsigalko. What do you guys think?

I also hear they are after Kim Kallstrom, Tó Madeira, and Youssef Hersi.

In fact Tó Madeira is in London right know to finalize the deal. (Y)

Oh and good job on getting Sheva, will Tevez partner him? Or will it be just him upfront?

The interesting thing about the Sheva deal is that it was an ALL cash deal. That means NO Chelsea players going the other way. Does this mean that Billy has changed his mind and is gonna stay?

Jose said today, that Sheva and Drogba will make a fine pairing so I presume Didi is also going nowhere. Lyon announced today that they had ceased inquiring about him too.I presume that means Chelsea told them to forget it.


Maxim Tsigalko?....Now obviously this is a funny right? Do me a favour and let me in on it fella's because all I know is that this guy does not exist. :)

Tsigalko signed for Maritimo 2 years ago (portuguese club based in Madeira), broke a leg in training the next day and was shipped back to Belarus (H)

Kenyon's been playing CM/FM recently... Tsigalko AND Mokoena? (H)

Tsigalko signed for Maritimo 2 years ago (portuguese club based in Madeira), broke a leg in training the next day and was shipped back to Belarus (H)
ROFL, he is not even starting for our National Team. Damn CM, overrates players like crazy.

http://home.skysports.com/worldcup/article.asp?hlid=391462&CPID=4&clid=614&lid=10&title=Jose+confirms+Carlos+chase

Mourinho claims he wants Carlos...WOW:O I guess it is true...

haha (6)


Maybe in a trade for Carvalho since Gallas seems to be staying

http://www.sport.es/vivo/recursos/fotos/foto_160792_CAS.jpg

For Mourinho read Rikaard....or did all the Barca players arrive for free?

If anyone is behind the signings its Arnesen...hopefully. I dont trust baldy with much anymore


Our defensive situation is so up in the air right now. Everyday Gallas seems to be changing his mind. And Carlos FFS?

Maybe you Chelsea boys can answer me this. Are the Eidur Gudjohnson rumours that have him going to Barcelona as strong in London as they are here in Iceland? here they have him in talks with Barca and only Chelsea's demand for a high pricetag for him is the reason he's still at the club

Maybe you Chelsea boys can answer me this. Are the Eidur Gudjohnson rumours that have him going to Barcelona as strong in London as they are here in Iceland? here they have him in talks with Barca and only Chelsea's demand for a high pricetag for him is the reason he's still at the club

I'll answer you, informations here in Barcelona say that the deal could be done very soon. It would be about 11€ milions.

I Portugal there were strong rumorus about swaping Deco and Lampard. Even Deco in a press conference in the WC cup had to say that he's the only one who decides his future. FC Barcelona has said there's nothing about this. Don't know if this rumour has been spreaded in London.

^ I cant see that happening. the fans would crack the sh*ts, i mean the deco lampard deal

Deco would definately NOT be welcomed at Stamford Bridge. While we are trying to educate certain players that simulation is just not acceptable at Chelsea, the last thing we need is a diving cheating pratt like Deco.

The media here have Eidur going to about 6 different clubs. His dad is trying to pull him away from Chelsea but the general feeling here is that Eidur does not want to go. No hard feelings if he does go though because Eidur is already a Chelsea legend and is much loved at Chelsea.

Chelsea are interested in the Mexican national team left back defender Carlos Salcido

and have started contract talks with his club, Chivas de Guadalajara....

Or so say the rumors. Two weeks ago Roberto Carlos was on a plane for London with a contract in hand. That didnt really pan out, so I am skeptical of anything I hear right now

I'll answer you, informations here in Barcelona say that the deal could be done very soon. It would be about 11€ milions.

I Portugal there were strong rumorus about swaping Deco and Lampard. Even Deco in a press conference in the WC cup had to say that he's the only one who decides his future. FC Barcelona has said there's nothing about this. Don't know if this rumour has been spreaded in London.
Gudjohnsen to Barca I could see, and though I dont want him to leave Chelsea, ill be glad if he goes to Barca and does well.

He is a classy and versatile player, a proven goal scorer, and a well liked guy in the locker room. Barca will be better off with him



On a different note, Im beginning to doubt the Shevchenko transfer. We just paid 30 million for a 30 year old. He wont be on top for more than 2 seasons tops. Its business like that which will make it impossible for this club to break even in 8 more years

:D

Anyway i thought the Guddy deal was nearly done...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/5075394.stm

:)

he's definately gone. Barca have just aquired a class player. Thanks Eidur, for many years of pleasure.......... (Y)

Im really disappointed to see him go. Its obvious that the Ballack signing was what forced him out, and knowing that, I wouldve much rather had guddy at the club than Ballack

Thank you Eidur. You were one of the few players I can honestly know is/was proud to be Blue. Good luck in Spain, and I hope you become a classic madrid killer
http://www.football.co.uk/shared/images/players/players_10603.jpghttp://www.nemzetisport.hu/db/0C/01/i0001AC015042a52542c1.jpg
http://www.outofrange.net/blogarchive/archives/1-0.jpghttp://gfx.dagbladet.no/sport/2004/03/24/gudjoSAK.jpg

on the bright side, at least I know whose kit to get this summer :(

It's really touching seeing how much he is rated amongst the Chelsea fans. Many fans here in Iceland kinda had the feeling that he was just being overhyped up here, because he's Icelandic, but it's good to see that he is truly valued by the Chelsea fans. I found this compilation video of Eidur today, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r8jRcRvMGo&mode=related&search=gudjohnsen%20, thought you might like to have a look at it.

I just have to wish him the best of luck in Barcelona, he's a great footballer and will without a doubt do great. Now that leaves me two soccer jerseys to buy

He was that beloved, and then some. Iceland should be very proud of what he achieved, and im sure you are.

Think about it this way: When Abramovich came, we bought god knows how many world class players: Veron, Mutu, Crespo, Duffer, Maka, Bridgey, Cole, etc. Obviously, many players like Gronks, Melchiot, Jimmy etc saw their way out the front door

Over the next two years, the only players we had left who were starters that were Lampard, Terry and Gudjohnsen were the only pre-Roman players left who were starters. That shows you how important he was on the field, and the way he conducted himself was as good as you could hope for from a player. I remember on Football AM's Crossbar Challenge, everyone on the team simply said their name and position and then shot, but Eidur came up, said his name, and added "striker for the mighty blues". Thats one of the many reasons why im really broken up about this. Ive never met or seen a Chelsea fan who didnt love Eidur

On a different note, Im beginning to doubt the Shevchenko transfer. We just paid 30 million for a 30 year old. He wont be on top for more than 2 seasons tops. Its business like that which will make it impossible for this club to break even in 8 more years

ala madrid.. :nape: :(


Sad to see Eidur go to Barça. :kader:

I could say that there was a bit of a tear in my eye after reading this. A shame though that he's going to Barcelona, they might not start him so much but if you use him as some sort of a midfielder, then play him rather than Deco.

Guddy always performed well and I'm always gonna remember all those terrific flicks and passes and timely goals he scored. With all these offensive players coming in, it's a shame to see Gudjohnsen go.

On another note, Duff is rumoured to being targeted by Tottenham. I feel a bit indifferent to this seeing how we have depth on the wing but I think holding on to him would be a smart idea right now.

Eidur wont be displacing Deco. If anything theve bought him to replace Larsson as the second striking option. And Duff WILL NOT be going to Spurs, damnit. Duff was off last season, but he is better than that. Alot better. With a 4-4-2 hopefully we play him centrally, and advanced. Mourinho's system has killed whatever creativity he used to bring. He needs to get some freedom back and play the game he does for Ireland, period

ala madrid.. :nape: :(

Sad to see Eidur go to Barça. :kader:
Im going to get a bunch of sh*t for saying this, but I dont care anymore. You hit the nail right on the head. This club is making decisions that are completely idiotic. Were losing our identity with players like Eidur. He was proud to be a blue and its as if we dont even care about things like that, about loyalty, but we're willing to fork over 130+k a week to Ballack?

Madrid were made great by good, astute signings that accentuated a dedicated core of players. Its as if were going down that road without the success that acompanies it.

Shevchenko will help us conquer Europe, but he is frigging 30. We will have him for about 3 years and the pressure will be immense. Wouldnt we have been better with someone younger like Adriano or Torres who could grow and develop as part of the club?

Jose has an intrest in Roberto Carlos. Why? Del Ohno is a frigging bust (Jose's signing mind you) and yet we have a perfectly good England international that we just dont want at the club. Why? We own him and he is good. Why are we so desperate to shovel him off to Fulham or Tottenham like he is worthless trash?

Just like William Gallas and Scott Parker, the club is making no effort to show class players how important they are to the club. Theyre content to lowball them for contract offers and make backhanded statements through the agents of other players.

For once I am beginning to see the arrogance of this club. But its not the arrogance all those assholes usually brand us with, through Jose's posturing. Its arrogance in dealing with our players.

Speaking of our leftback, we have a great product from the youth team in Jonas Elmer that some feel is ready to get his shot with the big team. But I think its more likely that he gets loaned out for the next three years and then sold, while Peter Kenyon plays footsie with Ashley Cole. Look at Huth. A german international who is raw but obviously quality, and even with Gallas walking out the door we cant commit to give the guy some proper playing time next season? Unbelievable

With the same turn, we buy Obi Mikel. This is a guy who, like it or not, has shown alot of classlessness in his Chelsea TV interviews with things like "I dont want to play for Manchester United". Like it or not, boy, they are a great club worth of your respect. We pay 12 million for this kid who will more than likely sit on the bench and rot for the next three years. Depth does not entail buying young. In fact, it shouldnt.

Now that Gallas is out, you see the rumors about Jose wanting a Portugese keeper as backup to Cech. But that would mean the end of a four year servant of this club, and a personal favorite of mine in Carlo Cudicinni, who has selflessly refused offers to transfer and sat on the bench for two years, despite being world class material. Again, the club doesnt seem to care about his feeling or what he has done for us. How can a fan base and a club be this far apart in thinking?

If Carlo and Gallas leave, since Eidur has already gone, that leaves Lamps and JT as the sole members of this club who were pre-Russian Revolution. I am as quick as anyone to rebuke the mercenary label, but when I see the play acting and the scandals in a media that are out to get us, I long for the days when we werent rich and guys like Super Dan, Wise, Gullit, Poyet and even frigging Jimmy played for Chelsea and their pride was obvious to anyone. When we lose players like that, we are losing our soul as a club

go ahead and rip me to shreds for that yellow bellied talk. Thats just how this transfer is making me feel

Wise # 11 Legend (H)

Nah, you are entitled to rant Omar, if it gets to you like that mate. Every fan at every club does not agree or feel comfortable with what their club do ALL of the time. Thats impossible.

Eidur going has left me gutted thats for sure. Huth is s.h.i.t and always will be s.h.i.t. so I'll be glad to see the back of him to be honest.

Billy was treated very badly by Kenyon I have to agree with that, but Parker showed a severe lack of patience and an unwillingness to compete for a place. He wanted to go so he went. End of. He had no loyalty to Chelsea at all so fu<k him.

Sheva and Ballack are great additions to the squad. So they take someones place away, but only if they perform. Would you rather we drag ourselves through another season with the limitations of our previous/present strikeforce? I don't. Sheva might possibly have 3 or 4 good years left, thats true, but they will hopefully be 3 or 4 fantastic years. Forget the money that has nothing to do with anything.

And how old is Carlo? A great GK and a loyal fella for sure. If you think Sheva is too old then what about him? Anyhow Jose has already said that Carlo will remain as number 2 GK.

I agree about Bridge of course. Forget Carlos. That is just pathetic if Jose wants him.

Mikel?.....He says he does not want to play for Man U. I do not see where that is a classless statement. Many players don't wanna play for Man U otherwise they would be queuing up outside Old Trafford. Remember this mate, Man U hijacked him from us and not the other way round. Its Man U and Lyn Oslo that should be getting the stick. Not Mikel and not Chelsea. Obviously you prefer to believe the Man U side to this story.

It's like all the stick has finally worn you down and you are embarrassed to be a Blue any more. You care too much about what other clubs fans have to say mate. I don't give a flying fu<k what anybody has to say about Chelsea. Sure there are things going on that I dont like but thats always been going on. Not just at Chelsea but at every club on the planet. Nothing we can do about decisions made by the powers that be mate. Things at Chelsea were exactly the same with Bates in charge man. He sacked Vialli when Vialli was loved by us all. He banned ALL our Legends from entering Stamford Bridge ever again.

You seem to have joined the anti- Roman bandwagon mate. Well I'm sorry but if the price we had to pay for avoiding the complete and utter extinction of Chelsea, was to have a billionaire take us over and invest heaps of money into making our club the most powerful club on the planet, I am happy to pay that price.

Sure, we can be nostalgic and recall how things were at one time at the Bridge, but you cant be selective about it. You also have to remember that for all those good times, we were, ( and if we had stayed the same ), would have always been also- rans.

No thanks mate, for all the things going on at Chelsea that i dislike, there are more things going on that I love. Nobody will ever make me feel embarrassed that I support Chelsea. Nobody ever. I'm just grateful that I still have a team to support. If Chelsea would have crashed, where the fu<k could I go? The answer is nowhere mate. I would have been clubless for ever. No fan in their right mind would ever want that.

Omar. (Y) You've pointed out a lot of interesting things there. A bit like what Roy Keane was talking about at Old Trafford a few seasons ago where players these days are considered a "piece of meat".

Also Watching soccer aid reminded me of the days of Poyet and Petrescu. Legends. (H)

Let's just get this out in the open, you guys don't want Lahm and we don't want to give you Lahm. Okay, now that that's settled, good luck next season.

Lahm?......I wonder how much.........hmmmmmm

Haha, well the rumor is 14 Million Euros, but I would hope that our stingy management would either deny you outright, or hold out for double.

Sometimes i love you Omar. Two sentences typified that whole post:

"Were losing our identity with players like Eidur. He was proud to be a blue and its as if we dont even care about things like that, about loyalty, but we're willing to fork over 130+k a week to Ballack?"

(Y) Well said

For once I am beginning to see the arrogance of this club. But its not the arrogance all those assholes usually brand us with, through Jose's posturing. Its arrogance in dealing with our players.


2 words: "Peter Kenyon"

Pete, Nick, Tom (love you too man), thanks for the support (Y) I was just feeling frustrated by that news, and all that was simmering to the surface. Help, I think while Kenyon isnt personally responsible, the win at all costs mentality that brought him and Mourinho here is the reason, and so thats part of it

Pete, I knew you would be the one to bring me back to my senses :p While of course I was and am still elated that Roman came and chose us to benefeit from his generosity, especially considering what we were facing, I just think things are getting out of hand at Stamford Bridge. Roman has done alot for the history of this club (reaching out to the Hardings, bringing back old players, the badge, etc) and he understands what the real supporters wants, but he views the club as more of a toy than an investment, and thus we're trying to win at all costs (fiscally and literally). Berlusconi is filthy rich as the owner of Milan, but they operate like a normal club that is big, but not outside of its means. We are ammassing wage bills and transfer fees that are just fiscally untenable in the long term. I just hope Roman is in for the long haul, becuase we are NEVER breaking even in 10 years.

As far as your opinions on well, my opinions
1. I cant agree that Hutie was crap, man. He had alot of promise, and though he was overrated because of his size, I think he will make fools of us at Boro. At very least we shouldve tried shopping him to German clubs

2. I agree that Billy was treated poorly. Especially when Kenyon decided to play all these shadow games with Penis Zhavi over Rio. Really a slap in the face to one of the worlds best defenders. I can only he realizes how loved he is and stays.

3. Parker was given the option to leave, yes, but he was also told he needed to fight his way past three internationals. He had been injured most of the second half, and rather than gracefully deal with him and work him back with patchy minutes here and there, Jose by his own admission gave him a my way or the highway approach, and unsurprisingly we let a great young talent leave town. He's proven how good he is at Newcastle with consistant time, and if he wasnt ill and Sven wasnt so blinkered, he'd be in Germany now

4. Youre right about Sheva, he will make all the difference. But While Ballack is a great signing and all, his addition, lets face it, comes at the expense of a guy like Essien. I know he was brought in to be that proverbial "final piece" and that he was free and all, but damnit, we're stunting our future growth for this all conquering goal of winning the champions league now, at all costs. Lets say, for example, we didnt get Sheva or Ballack and went in with Eidur, Drogba, Crespo and Kalou and the same midfield. If we didnt run into Barca again, id say we could make the final. The bottom line is Jose cannot STAND to lose with all that talent, to anyone. Roman obviously wants to win, but the long term goals are being discarded for the sake of winning everything right now.

5. Agree totally with Carlo, but at this point, id almost rather he pressed on with his career. Twice now the guy has fallen short of appearances for a medal, despite leads of 15+ points in the league. Surely he could be subbed in at the end of a few games to get him the real deal. If a club like milan, who I know arent satisfied with Dida anymore, came calling, id like to see him return to his homeland and not rot his best days on our bench for no good reason

6. Totally agreed about the LB situation. I remember a year ago we were rumored to have intrest in Lahm, but went with Del Horno. Not the right move, in hindsight, but we need to ship Del Horno out, hopefully to Madrid who might give us back all we paid, and BRING BACK BRIDGEY. If we give Elmer games, and then give him a loan deal in a years time, he can be the next big first team sensation for us. In the meantime, Paulo is a admirable fill in at LB. Roberto Carlos, mark my words, would be the worst signing Jose has made, and some of them have been pretty awful. He has no desire, very little skill and cant defend.

7. With Obi Mikel, I tend to agree with you. Id say Lyn Oslo are at fault. If that Agent's story is halfway true, their director is a complete snake. I cant blame ManYoo other than the fact that they took their hush money rather than fight for the principles they were supposedly upholding. But here we have another dynamo who we paid 15 million for. Essentially a back/up youthteamer. He wont develop with 4 world class central players ahead of him. When will he get games?

This here is a pronounced problem with our buying. Look at the victims: Glen Johnson, Scott Parker, Robert Huth, possibly Shaun Wright-Phillips, Mikel Essien, and (narrowly avoided it) Joe Cole. All were promising youngsters we just had to have, and when we got them, they couldnt break into the squad and were/have been made to languish on the bench. Why didnt we turn around and loan them? The bottom line is youth doesnt equal depth, and Jose/Kenyon seem not to recognize that. If you want depth, get players like Geremi who are solid and adaptable, but who are developed and experienced. Geremi doesnt bitch about playing time because his career isnt meant for loftier things, and he is happy in this role. Thats why I was behind signings like Jarosik and Maniche, busts as they ended up being. They brought depth and experience, and above all were cheap. Benching young talent is costly both to us and to them


I pile alot of stick on the club, and im gonna get slammed for this too, but Jose, for all he has won for us, isnt the IDEAL manager for this club. Jose wouldve been perfect for the pre-Roman Chelsea. Doing alot with very little. He worked at Porto so well becuase he fit alot of role players and a few very talented ones to the specific structure of his system. Now, he has a huge surplus of talent and is forcing square pieces like Duffer and Joe Cole into the round holes of a rigid 4-3-3. At least he was doing that. Hopefully he is much more fluid with his system and lets the players play to their greatest potential.

My overarching point from all this rambling is lets win with what we have now. It may not be good enough to win the quadruple or whatever else, but one day the talent we had/has will get us there. Im sure its no news to you that Roman has asked Jose to look into a more entertaining brand of football next season that takes the emphasis off clean sheets and onto flair and goal scoring. Alot of people suspect Roberto Carlos was part of that idea.

Forgive that big of nostalga. Im back to my senses, sorta :D

Wonderful post Omar....just wonderful mate. :sun:

I fully understand your points and I sympathise with most of them too. Everything is spinning around so fast at Chelsea ATM that its hard to know what makes sense anymore.

I am convinced that you are right in this respect. Yes we seem to be looking for instant success with some of these transfer buys. I think the reason for this has less to do with Roman, who I anticipate being at Chelsea forever, but more to do with Jose's desire to win as much as he can before he moves on in 3 years time.
Thats why he is not looking any further ahead than that. We know he will leave when his current contract is up in 2010, and that is what is behind his decisions now.

Thankfully, its Roman who sees the big picture and the importance of investing in our youth for the future. I believe that after winning 2 league titles back to back, Roman has let Jose now do as he pleases to achieve his desires before he goes. Hence the aquisition of players who will arguably be past their sell by date by the time Jose's tenure as manager is over. By then hopefully, a new generation of homegrown and aquired talent will be ready to form a more long term Chelsea team.

So I do agree that over the next few years we certainly will be doing all we can to win the things that Jose wants. I still have belief that the long term success at Chelsea will not be sacrificed simply to acieve these ends.

I hope youre right Pete, I dearly do. Thats a good rebutle though. I agree completely that Roman is looking long term with this club by getting people like Kenyon and Arnesen to establish the off and on the field success. Takes the wind out of some of the sails of the "Cant wait till he gets bored and fvcks off next year!!!" crowd

Well it aint gonna be next year but Jose is the one who will leave eventually, not Roman. Those wankers must get confused between the two. Anyway, when anyone says that, you know its just desperation and hopelessness on their part. Even they know it's not actually gonna happen, which makes their ranting all the more amusing. ;)

Could you guys give me lessons for long posts? :amika:

Well I'm a big bag of wind Fernandez....dunno about Omar............. :evil:

whoops I thought you said "reasons" not lessons. Fu<kin' eyesights going now :D

That's odd, I thought that the only I was the only lad thinking why did they sign Schevchenko and make almost nil effort to get a Torres, Adriano, Podolski, etc. kind of player.

I was also glad to see those Lahm rumours of a move to Chelsea and unglad to see them dispelled a wee time later. If he moved from Bayern to Chelsea, then he'd be going from my favourite team to my other favourite but I think Chelsea would be better off with him when it comes to "completing the puzzle" (I know that we have Bridge who's as good but he's unfortunately fallen out of favour with the club and will never be held in the same regard as he was with Raneiri). Phillip Lahm though is one of the best Right Full Back's in the world and maybe the best young right fill back so he'd make a nice signing.

*Sorry for the long post. I shouldn't expect you to read it when I skim through your's most of the time but I don't have much time now. Today for me was writing a 2 hr. final exam, watching the WC (watched the 2nd and 3rd games) studying for my Physics exam tomorrow, watching the Stanley Cup Final (ice hockey), and playing lacrosse.
Exams don't give me enough time for sports. On Friday it'll all be over though and I can finally read all your posts (even if I'm too lazy to make any )and other sports stuff on the net. Canada's such a retarded country. Stay in England or Sweden or Germany or wherever you are, you're better off there. Half of Canada is morons who are literate (and I'm a nice person from everything I've been told so that's quite something coming from me). Canada's like a third world country in disguise as a first world country.

Thats a bit like England then Treble. :)

I was also glad to see those Lahm rumours of a move to Chelsea and unglad to see them dispelled a wee time later. If he moved from Bayern to Chelsea, then he'd be going from my favourite team to my other favourite but I think Chelsea would be better off with him when it comes to "completing the puzzle" (I know that we have Bridge who's as good but he's unfortunately fallen out of favour with the club and will never be held in the same regard as he was with Raneiri). Phillip Lahm though is one of the best Right Full Back's in the world and maybe the best young right fill back so he'd make a nice signing.

*Sorry for the long post.

It's not a long post.

First off, while Lahm is naturally a right footed player, he play left back. Secondly, he hasn't proven anything yet and in my opinion he's not World Class just yet. Wayne Bridge and honestly, Assier del Horno are just as good.

I was also glad to see those Lahm rumours of a move to Chelsea and unglad to see them dispelled a wee time later. If he moved from Bayern to Chelsea, then he'd be going from my favourite team to my other favourite but I think Chelsea would be better off with him when it comes to "completing the puzzle" (I know that we have Bridge who's as good but he's unfortunately fallen out of favour with the club and will never be held in the same regard as he was with Raneiri). Phillip Lahm though is one of the best Right Full Back's in the world and maybe the best young right fill back so he'd make a nice signing.

I really doubt that Bayern would let Lahm go. A left-back of his age and quality does not come around everyday, Chelsea would have to fork out around 25 mil at least.




Don't really know in what way Canada is retarted. The fact that elementary and secondary schools finish in June really does suck, but universities finish at the end of April, so it's not that bad at all.
And if you meant coverage, than i thought Canada has one of the best World Cup coverages in the world. Firstly you get absolutely all 64 games live on different channels and then you can also catch the replays in the evening. And if you missed both, for those that have Rogers Cable can watch absolutely ANY world cup game that is more than 24 hours old On Demand, any time for free. And you can also fast forward and rewind it :rockman: Perfect for those who missed the live game and wanted to find out the scores by watching the game.

Observations

1. Lahm may not have proven much thusfar, but he has looked good in the world cup, and id bet my lunch money he'd be better in England than Del Horno, who has lost his confidence AND didnt have the physicality in the first place. Please Jose, sell him back to Spain. Id rate Bridge with or ahead of Lahm and almost as good as virtually anyone we can get. But for whatever reason, he's going to be sold, and were going to have a geriatric playing LB for us

And we will never get Lahm anymore. We had the chance and blew it last summer to get him cheap. Now he will cost far more money than he is worth, but then again, thats never stopped us before

2. Podolski, Adriano, Torres, etc, are simply not Andiry Shevchenko. Ever. Yes they have physical gifts. Yes, they are young. Yes, I would welcome to Chelsea with open arms. But the trophies are to be won in the here and now, not in the future. Thats what Roman, Jose, Kenyon are thinking about. Just keep your fingers crossed that Sheva can stay healthy

3.
Canada's such a retarded country. Stay in England or Sweden or Germany or wherever you are, you're better off there. Half of Canada is morons who are literate (and I'm a nice person from everything I've been told so that's quite something coming from me). Canada's like a third world country in disguise as a first world country.
What? :|

Canada is a retarded country? I lived there only 10 years ago, has it changed that much? I am a proud canadian and I share that fact avidly. And people in Canada have their heads screwed on correctly about most things, unlike the cackle of rich, surburbanite, cracker motherf**ker morons youll find by the boatload in Northern Virginia. People that have no moral scruples about 18-22 year olds dying in Iraq and killing families because they can get in their Escalades and Expeditions and go home to their fox news, 2.5 kids and bitch about their 100K a year job. Do you know what its like living around people like that? When half my family is in abject poverty in an afghan hillside somewhere? I get so mad listening to people talk out of their fat, uneducated mouths here I want to rip their heads off and blow their SUV's up.

So wisen up kid. Be happy with your situation is all I can tell you. Be happy you live in a nation where you can live so comfortably with a leadership that acts in the best intrest of its people and by its own moral compass. In my opinion, you cant do better than Canada, and I have lived overseas

4. Clearly I am a big bag of wind

1. Lahm may not have proven much thusfar, but he has looked good in the world cup, and id bet my lunch money he'd be better in England than Del Horno, who has lost his confidence AND didnt have the physicality in the first place. Please Jose, sell him back to Spain. Id rate Bridge with or ahead of Lahm and almost as good as virtually anyone we can get. But for whatever reason, he's going to be sold, and were going to have a geriatric playing LB for us

And we will never get Lahm anymore. We had the chance and blew it last summer to get him cheap. Now he will cost far more money than he is worth, but then again, thats never stopped us before

Canada is a retarded country? I lived there only 10 years ago, has it changed that much? I am a proud canadian and I share that fact avidly. And people in Canada have their heads screwed on correctly about most things, unlike the cackle of rich, surburbanite, cracker motherf**ker morons youll find by the boatload in Northern Virginia. People that have no moral scruples about 18-22 year olds dying in Iraq and killing families because they can get in their Escalades and Expeditions and go home to their fox news, 2.5 kids and bitch about their 100K a year job. Do you know what its like living around people like that? When half my family is in abject poverty in an afghan hillside somewhere? I get so mad listening to people talk out of their fat, uneducated mouths here I want to rip their heads off and blow their SUV's up.

So wisen up kid. Be happy with your situation is all I can tell you. Be happy you live in a nation where you can live so comfortably with a leadership that acts in the best intrest of its people and by its own moral compass. In my opinion, you cant do better than Canada, and I have lived overseas

I don't remember the Lahm rumors from last summer, and I doubt that he would have been all that cheap, or you would have wanted him. First of all he injured himself at the end of the season with Stuttgart (or maybe it was in the Confederation's Cup?) and like tore his ACL. He only started playing for Bayern again this season about one or two games before the winter break, and he's still recovering, they say tearing knee ligaments like that is a two year recovery.

Secondly, Bayern loaned him out to Stuttgart to improve and he was there for like 2 or 3 years while Bayern watched one of their best young players help lift Stuttgart to prominence in Germany. He was finally comming back last summer and I highly doubt that we would have been willing to sell him, even out of Germany.

Naturally you're correct about Canada and the guy bitching is an ignorant kid in many aspects. Sorry Treble, I swear I got nothing against you except that you cheer for Chelsea as much as you cheer for Bayern, but it's true. And let me refer to the bold part... hahaha, you stereotype (H)

I dont know of any formal bids, I just remember errant rumors and alot of Chelsea fans who were Bundesliga watchers swearing by him, and that he was the answer to our leftback problem. At the time he was still young and at Stuttgart (like a year and a half ago, I guess) so I guess they were thinking Bayern didnt value him more than a fat fee could dislodge him for (the whole "do we wait to see if this kid pans out or do we just take an overpayment now" mentality) so I guess even with some bids we wouldnt have landed him. The alternative, as we all know, was Asier del Horno. Yikes

And im glad to see my unrelated bitching isnt lost on everyone :p

Always read your stuff with interest Omar. Your efforts are never wasted mate.

You are running me close for the " bag o' wind of the year " award though man.... :funny:

may i just say, there was one beautiful piece of teamwork between Cole and Lampard today, clearly out of the Chelsea playbook (H)

http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=2543

apparently, chelsea struck a deal for cannavaro....dont really understand what "was thrashed out" supposes to mean in this context, cause im not a very good english speaker....but if its true, i would welcome cannavaro with open arms....he'll be a good substitute for carvalho & JT :junior:

Cannavaro is like 32 isn't he? I mean, normally a 32 year old would be relishing the opportunity to spend the twilight of his career at a place like Chelsea, but Cannavaro is still good enough to start for any team in the world, why would he want to back up Richardo Carvalho? He's in good enough shape to play as long as Desailly.

I doubt it's true. Tribalfootball posted an article 10 minutes before that he wants to extend with Juve.

http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=2524

tribal football :nape:

we need a resolution on the frigging Gallas solution immediately. We shouldve had it before the world cup to have the time to make the right moves, but we were content to let it sit. Either Billy goes and Ricardo stays or they both stay and we shop Ricardo. Pretty simple really

Until then, all this talk of Cannavaro, Sergio Ramos, Cristian Chivu, etc etc is totally meaningless.

However, when punishment gets handed down by the Italian FA, we need to be on the ball about Zambrotta if there is even a glimmer of hope he could be sold

Chelsea Football Club can confirm that Petr Cech had a routine shoulder operation on Monday following the Czech Republic's exit from the World Cup.


hope he recovers well, hes a great goalie

Cannavaro's staying at Juve. Says he'll follow them to B.

And people in Canada have their heads screwed on correctly about most things, unlike the cackle of rich, surburbanite, cracker motherf**ker morons youll find by the boatload in Northern Virginia.


Haha, true. (H)


I really want Torres to come. He's only like 24 and he did good at the WC.

Joaquin would be a good not-so-expensive signing as he stated that he needed a new challenge.

And the Robben rumours, uhhh.....BS. All the candidates have stated that they will sign all these players. First, they want the votes thrown to them with all these "promises". Second, they also might be trying to unrest the players.

I've heard we signed this Isralian youngster...true?

Also, Cech might not be fit enough for the start of the season, or the MLS match.

Torres is 22 btw. Why do you need him anyway..?

Torres unimpresses me I'm afraid. I really dont see what all the fuss is about over this guy, he is very average. We want great players at Chelsea and I dont rate him as such at this time. Just my opinion. :$

Torres was made to look good by Cesc (H)

hahahahahaa...Dreath you are such a loyal Gooner.....fair play to ya mate.....probably some truth in that anyway. I just think Torres is very average.

I just think Torres is very average.

Not only that, but he is very over-rated.

Joaquin is also very much like Torres... mediocre and overrated. He'd offer nothing that Robben could do better and more consistently.

So Robben is signing to Madrid... according to some power corrupt c*nt anyway. Oh and Cesc and Kaka.

Madrid are c*nts.

So does that mean Ronaldo will be returning to Man U where Rooney will be waiting for him......... :evil: :hit:

Well, the way I see it, if they want to pay through the nose for Robben, they can come and do it. Kenyon and Jose should be open minded. Its probably best for the boy's career that he go to a wide open league like Holland where he was so brilliant, and like Drogba he has really really irked me with his antics, and the rumors that he is constantly frustrated with his playing time.

I dont want to lose a talent like his, but if there is any truth to him having gone and cavourted with Madrid hopefuls, I dont think I want him here. Just like im sure alot of gooners didnt want Ashley Cole back after the tapping up



So Rob, is it new thread time mate?

Arjen Robben's father and agent has rejected reports linking the player with a move to Real Madrid.

New Real president Ramon Calderon claimed the Spanish giants were close to signing the Chelsea winger.

Calderon claimed the club had held talks with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich over Robben and that the Russian tycoon had indicated he was willing to do a deal.

Robben's father and representative, Hans, has dismissed the suggestions and insists the Dutchman is happy at Stamford Bridge.

"There have been no negotiations with Real," Robben Snr told the News of the World.

"If there had been any talks I would have been involved.

"Arjen is staying at Chelsea and these stories are just not true."

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Two years ago, Arjen's cheerleader of a father also said his son "would never move to Chelsea" and that we were a club "who just buy, without any direction or plan". I hope he isnt as harsh next time he criticizes us from one of the extra six floors Roman's money helped put on his house. Man, I hate it when agents come out with crap like this, but family is even more annoying

So much for that old man Robben, eh?

He has certainly changed his tune all of a sudden. Towards the end of last season he was telling everyone that Robben should quit Chelsea. Maybe Arjen has told him to shut it. Either that or he does not want his boy dragged throgh the courts regarding the tapping up.