Well, I wasn't expecting to win the title this year. I was hoping of course, but not expecting. So I am proud and amazed at the battle we gave Man U, right up to the last day.

Next season, lets hope for a little more stability behind the scenes, because the Jose fiasco really affected our start to the season. The players did remarkably well considering the crap and the confusion they have had to deal with.

There is no ACN next year thank fu<k, so some of our best players will not go missing again at such a crucial time. Hopefully injuries will be kept to a minimum too.

Next season we will be awesome and we will win it.

Moscow next, so lets win this one first. Though if we don't, it will still have been an incredible season for Chelsea and for us.

posted a video to raise our spirits b4 our final in Moscow....

D5kpPmDpNbo

:clapwap:cheers all u blues fans:clapwap:

Moscow next, so lets win this one first. Though if we don't, it will still have been an incredible season for Chelsea and for us.

We are Chelsea mate!! XD

great news, fellow blues! JT, Didi, and Riccy have all been cleared as fit to play in Moscow after Wednesday's training session!

I hope the two sets of supporters watch out for each other in Moscow. Bad **** can happen, and hopefully the fans stay in big groups. Especially after the Rangers fans behavior in manchester last night.

Heres to a fine contest and the safe return for everyone!

The Ballack connection....

In 2002, Michael Ballack's former team, Bayer Leverkussen, finished 2nd in all 3 competitions(Cup, League, CL). They were called NEVERkussen. (because they Never-Could-Win)

In 2008, Michael Ballack's current team, Chelsea, finished 2nd in League, Cup* and CL? They'll call them ..........NEVERsea?



Cup* - League Cup NOT FA Cup

well, let me tell u first that I'm not superstitious to begin with, so I don't believe in jinxes and stuff......
and for all those trophies you mentioned we've won them before except the Champions League whereas Leverkusen were fairly not used to winning titles back then and its understandable that they succumbed to the pressure of the going for the treble.

But besides Ballack, you could've mentioned the number of European Cup winners and finalists we have in our squad.

Winners:
Sheva, Riccy, Paulo,Belletti, Makelele.

Finalists:
Ashley Cole and Ballack.

and add to that, the squad is full of players that have been to the SFs stage 4 times now, so I don't think that you could compare this team to the Leverkusen team who were fairly underdogs in the competition back then.

In this final, Man Utd are slight favourites looking at the odds given but both teams are capable of winning it and both aren't underdogs.

By the way, great video.

Well, not much of a team news but Vidic is doing a good job of firing up Drogba ala Rafa......Lets hope Didi responds to it again in the final!!

Fili, hands off Elisha or I'll tell Scarlett!! :D

Not so sure. Nemanja is out for revenge for that concussion. Drogba is doomed :)

He should have learnt, from the pre-SF comments, NOT to get involved in this sort of thing with Drogba. Meanshile, Kalou has said that Chelsea should target Vidic because he might not have fully recovered....

On a side note, Drogba may be investigated for intentionally "taking" cards at strategic times to allow him to rest for certain games...as per Mourinho's instructions. LINK: http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/8145592/Drogba-could-face-FA-investigation

thats bollocks, how can u take cards at "strategic" times? I've never seen Drogba going into challenges intentionally, and his level of dissent is nothing to shout about........in addition to that, the unpredictable referees with their decisions which are not consistent......sure he goes down easily but that doesn't get him cards at "strategic" times...

I don't see why whenever a player puts out a biography it should be taken seriously 100% where I'm sure Drogba was cynical when he mentioned about that Jose analysed everything including the cards. Referees are unpredictable, simple as that, unless its a wanker like Mike Dean.

Oh well, of course you can be carded at strategic times, but it's one of the things that can't be proven. Of course you'd rather sit out a match against Derby to play United the other week.... And I'd say most footballers do that anyway, so I don't think Drogba should be punished...

Anyway, I've just stopped by to wish you guys good luck against the Mancs.

thx m8, don't worry we won't let United have their way this time around.
Ironically, the referee is the same person which allowed the "phantom" goal when we met Liverpool in 04/05. Lets hope we won't have dodgy decisions this time around.

Makelele appears to have injured Ashley Cole live on SKY Sports News with a rather rash tackle. Very surreal watching that.

what?

well, I've always preferred Bridgey over Cole but I don't like our players injuring each other, even unintentionally.

HOW did he do it? In training?

You guys have more than enough cover at RB.....

Isn't Cole a left back?

Anyways good luck tomorrow, i've grown to dislike Manchester but only because of all the new gloryhunting fans that say **** against everything that's not man u, i mean, they don't glorify Ronaldo, they **** on Kaka', they still hold a grudge on Milan beating Manchester last year which is unbelievable, and they have statements like, Barca or Milan are poor clubs and Kaka' or Messi are ****ty players cause La Liga / Serie A is a weak league.
Chelsea supporters have more class, so: Come on Chelsea!! Win this one for me tomorrow. :P

P.s. Now i'm gonna get neg rept because of this but still this is how i feel. I feel that there is no need to **** on others in order to make your club look bigger, all of the biggest clubs have beautiful history and we should all just support the clubs we love.

Oh and P.S.;P.S. I know that there are some cool m0ther***ers between man u fans, so don't get pissed at me, year and a half ago all those same gloryhunters where cheering for Barca. I'm always choosing sides by heart except in Milan's case :)

Sorry, I meant LB......I'm sure you got the point...Bridge in Cole out.

Unfortunately I won't be able to see the match but hopefully a friend of mine will record it :)

I hope you guys win since I really hate MU. They've been too successful and I dislike the fans so I hope you guys can bring them back down to earth again :)

Good Luck! Let's go Chelsea!

I hope you guys win since I really hate MU. They've been too successful

hahahahaha magic (H)



an Inter fan, even....such class.

Hey man, I hate them for other reasons but I just don't want to state my reasons since Deni Rossonero pretty much summed them up :P

And yeah we've been successfull too but not in the UCL :P

Nevertheless, good luck to Chelsea!

Not here to sling mud, just wanted to say to all Chelsea supporters.
Thanks for making this a great season for both sides. The battles that we have fought against each other have been massive and now, the biggest battle for the biggest prize in club football. Whoever the winner may be, may that winner truly earn their Victory. Gee, with that buildup maybe I should work for Sky Sports.

Ouch, penalties are always a cruel way to lose, and if there's one player I wouldn't like to see missing one, then it'd be Terry...

Well done in getting to the finals, and good luck for the next season, Blues.

Chelsea played a beautiful game, and unfortunately you were robbed of two penalties, but you're a great club and it wont be long until you're in the final again.

You guys put up a good effort in the 2nd half, but I guess it wasn't to be. Doesn't take anything away from your season though......

well You'll did a good game i should say a great game, as i am not a Chelsea fan but i'm a soccer fan and i have to admit it you'll played great but you wasn`t lucky. Well it will be next time.

Take care Blues!!

Chelsea played a beautiful game, and unfortunately you were robbed of two penalties, but you're a great club and it wont be long until you're in the final again.

???

It sucks. That crappy pitch ruined JT. I was cheering for Chelsea because of Ballack, and I don't like the team of Man U, but I love pretty much every player on both teams. What a horrible way to lose. Not for the club, but for John Terry. I can't comprehend how he feels right now.

Isn't Cole a left back?

Anyways good luck tomorrow, i've grown to dislike Manchester but only because of all the new gloryhunting fans that say **** against everything that's not man u, i mean, they don't glorify Ronaldo, they **** on Kaka', they still hold a grudge on Milan beating Manchester last year which is unbelievable, and they have statements like, Barca or Milan are poor clubs and Kaka' or Messi are ****ty players cause La Liga / Serie A is a weak league.
Chelsea supporters have more class, so: Come on Chelsea!! Win this one for me tomorrow. :P


I doubt it has anything to do with glory supporters, but more to do with speaking to what I assume is a younger crowd. You speak with adolescents you will get adolescent comments. How many adults do you know that switch teams etc. That's something young people do and should be ignored. Don't be baited in by the minority of behaviour.

Anyway, good game. That was too close. I hope next season is just as heated.

What was Drogba thinking to slap vidic in front of the ref in the European final!?! madness. Him taking a penalty instead of JT or Anelka could of made a world of difference.

I cant see there being much change next season though in clubs ability to reach the finals. I have a sneaky feeling Chelsea will get it next year with the experience gained from today. They have a taste for the final and the hunger will be greater then ever before, to come so close.

Just thought i'd come in and applaud the efforts.
Grade A game.
If Drogba hadn't been so stupid, things might have been different.
Cruel end, couldn't have argued whoever won.


I applaud you lot, best smiley I could find for it:
:33vff3o::33vff3o::33vff3o::33vff3o::33vff3o:

Chelsea played better than United and deserved to win, IMO. You were just unlucky, and you should have had two penalties called in your favour. It sucks to be robbed of the biggest trophy by Lady Luck and Luboš Michel, but hey - there's always next season.

Here's hoping next season the best team wins it.

thx for the positive comments guys, especially from the United fans, really changes my opinion towards some of yer.
well, i suppose i say for all the Chelsea fans that we're emotionally down right now. We were so close, and I just couldn't accept the fact that JT was the person to miss the penalty. He just didn't deserve this after a magnificent showing. I'm absolutely gutted for him.

Peter Kenyon had to go up with him to receive the medal, i thought it was great of him for bothering to come down and console our captain.

Drogba's action may be foolish but I won't play the blame game on him or Anelka. If it wasn't meant to be, then it wasn't meant to be.
I believe our team will stick together and prove the media and all the Chelsea haters wrong that this team is crumbling. We will be back competing next season.

Will need some time off football, clear my mind a bit and hopefully by next week the feeling will be gone.

We'll come back stronger next season. Believe lads, we will. Keep yer chin up!

Credit to Chelsea! You guys were oh so close to both the league title and the Champions league, truly a top team! We managed to do just that little extra which got us the titles but you guys definitely provided for a very, very exciting season. I hope that Avram Grant sticks around as he has proven to be a very solid manager. I'm already looking forward to next season! Oh and I sincerely hope that Terry gets to lift the Champions League trophy in his career, the man definitely deserves it.

Cheers

The truth of the matter is that Chelsea played in ten men the entire 120 minutes. Drogba was ghastly and I think his departure will only help the club in the future.

It won't be too long until you will get back to the final.

^ To be fair, Rooney was pretty useless while he was on as well...

^ To be fair, Rooney was pretty useless while he was on as well...

Not true. I remember some absolutely brilliant cross field passes that Rooney made and he always came back to help in defense while Drogba just seemed to complain and whine the whole time.

John Terry = CLASS
You are lucky to have him as your captain.
Chin up Blues, you'll be back at the final next year.

UNLUCKY!

Sad for Terry. He didn't deserve that.

anyway, thanks for the attractive game :)

Thanks guys.

Reading the positive posts in here, really does make the pain easier to bear. Sure I know that it's easy to be gracious when you win, but it's also easy to gloat too, and for the first time that I can remember, this thread has not been littered with juvenile and immature responses to our loss. I really thank you for that.

We didn't win the CL trophy last night / this morning, but I believe that we did win something that will prove to be even more valuable to us in the long run. We won a lot of respect last night, and like it or not, respect is something that we have been fighting to win for much longer than one season.

I met many Mancs in Moscow who sang the praises of our club before and after the match. I heard positive opinions regarding Chelsea that I never thought I would hear from the mouths of Mancs. It was nice. :)

Anyway, great performance from us. I could comment on some unsavoury behaviour from some players from both sides on the night, but that might be misinterpreted as sour grapes so I won't do that.

I'm a very proud Blue today. Very proud indeed.(H)

chelsea fully deserve the tittle. 2 amazing posters and better play. what a **** for terry i hate him a bit but he do a brilliant macht and will be reminded for his penalty miss ...



btw in second half you know... ferguson tactic again http://xs227.xs.to/xs227/08214/relocoagfas804.gif (http://xs.to)

http://xs227.xs.to/xs227/08214/ferguson668.png (http://xs.to)

Thanks for making it so damn nervewrecking this season, both titles could have gone either way.
I'm happy we won but I really do take my hat off to you guys, you pushed us to the very end.
Btw, I really do hate it when great finals have to be settled on penalties, but I guess there's no other way...
Anyway, see you all next season! (Y)

Your fluke lucky goal and massive luck wasnt enough (almost was) to win you the CL.

Good game you gave us a tough fight more than i expected. and you guys have my respect. (with the exception of drogba).

good game. and hope to see a nice challenge next season.

Flukey goal and massive luck? Don't be stupid.

Lampards goal was the result of an attacking ball ino the area, where Lampard just happened to be in the right place at the right time once again. If that would have been Tevez at the other end, you would be saying itwas a great poachers goal.

I wondered how long it would be until someone posted crap in here.

Your fluke lucky goal and massive luck wasnt enough (almost was) to win you the CL.


How can you say that ???

what about 2 posts

:blah::blah::blah::blah:

Don't waste your breath bybuti. Anyone who knows anything about football knows what happened last night. Man U won because of a slip on the wet grass and for no other reason, and everyone knows that.

Over 120 minutes the match could not be decided by football. Penalty shoot outs are a lottery and are not an indication of a teams worth.

....and for those that are interested in match statistics (which I am not), have a look at the shots on goal ratios, and then tell me who played the attacking football and who played more defensive football. Wow....surprise surprise.

Damn I promised myself I wouldn't get involved with the morons on here over this. :)

What a match. I was half-celebrating when Terry went up to take it, thinking this is destiny. Captain, True Blue, taking the penalty to hand us the title, and 5 minutes later we've come 2nd again.

A real big shame, I think it's undeniable that we dominated most of the match, although a great match for ManU, as well. Great team they have, and although I think Chelsea deserved it more, I'm glad for them. Honestly, I at that point in the match, I think Drogba should had been carded, not sent off. Everyone was nervy, no one seemed able to keep going, a scuffle starts and it's really a terrible thing that ruins the whole match.

Ref was awful. I mean, come on. I had to stop counting at all the times a Chelsea corner became a ManU goalkick. And what about Ferdinand kicking Cole in the head (uninentionally, I know, but still), even if Cole keeps going, how do you NOT point to the spot? From what I saw, he didn't even acknowledge it, he didn't card Ferdinand aftewards. Bull****. ****ty pitch, too, Van der Sar (like 5 times), and of course Terry slipped, and those sort of mistakes shouldn't decide a match.

Still, a tremendous match which ends a tremendous season for both sides. I hope to see it just as exciting next year, and hopefully those 3 2nd places we got this year will become 1st. Terry can walk with his head held high after this season, it really is unfortunate for this to be the way everyone will remember him, but that's life.

And congratulations to ManU, if I hadn't said so before.

And what about Ferdinand kicking Cole in the head (uninentionally, I know, but still), even if Cole keeps going, how do you NOT point to the spot? From what I saw, he didn't even acknowledge it, he didn't card Ferdinand aftewards.

Az the referee was actually right in allowing play to go on there. I had the same doubt when watching the game, but the fact is that he gave the advantage to Chelsea, seeing as that kind of foul "dangerous conduct" is not a penalty...Although I reckon he could've given a card, I don't know...


Btw, don't be to harsh on Terry guys, you can say that if it wasn't for him, Giggs wouldn't have let the match go to penalties.


All in all, I was a bit disappointed from like mid-second half to the end of the extra time. Both teams were clearly holding out, not giving everything they could have given, but that's modern football, I guess, teams worry more about not suffering than about scoring.

Well, nice season to you guys, as gutted as I am that Arsenal once again didn't top Chelsea's season, it would be unfair for me to say you guys suck :D

hehehe, cheers pete. was wondering when we was going to hear from yer, again. I assumed you were part of the lucky bunch to that got to see the action in Moscow.
Don't worry m8, its not all lost, after looking back on things and how the season went about, I'd say we had a fu<king incredible season. and the forum members here have been class, apart from several usual twats that pop up now and again.
I hope the team stays pretty much the same with just few changes, lets give Avram a chance to build his own team. And the media(especially when I turn on the radio news while driving) have just been s.hitting themselves about this summer overhaul thing. I've yet to hear Lamps say that he's leaving. Drogba might be staying after all, yes i might be slagged off by fellow Chelsea fans, but i think the man can make amends in the future and if it wasn't for him we wouldn't have been to Moscow in the 1st place.

cheers

What do you guys think about the rumors of Mancini going to Chelsea?

I mean, I know that even I'd prefer anything over Mancini :p

Your fluke lucky goal and massive luck wasnt enough (almost was) to win you the CL.

Good game you gave us a tough fight more than i expected. and you guys have my respect. (with the exception of drogba).

good game. and hope to see a nice challenge next season.

They hit the post twice! Man U had what? 3 shots on goal all game?

I love Ballack, but I tell you what, seeing him shoot over the bar about 15 times yesterday (the Ballack trademark) really reminded me why it was probably time for him to move on.

Referee:

Oh man, awful referee!!! I didn't understand why he didn't gave penalty when Malouda was knocked down by Ferdinand? Awful referee, just awful... Then he showed a red card to Drogba?! Merely he cant show only a yellow? There was biggest mistakes by this awful referee. Even referee, that was at WC 06 final, is way too better!!!

JT:

I think there was not his fault at all. Grass was too wet too score JT - and he is not attacker. Maybe Grant should gave the last penalty to Ballack or Belleti? And change JT with Essien? I didn't blame Grant, maybe he thought that Essien is too young and unprepared to do this. At last JT is a captain and he played more finals than Essien. JT - yesterday was the best Chelsea player with A. Cole, Carvahlo, Ballack and others. Everybody do as they could. Ive remember JTs save in last minutes by awesome heading. Just like Ronaldo, if he didn't scored, the chelsea would win over 90 minutes. KEEP IT UP, JT, this just was unlucky day, there have to be winner sometime.

Turf:

The turf was not very good. Even when didn't rained the players slipped!!!

Unfortunately:

The players like Ballack, Lampard, Drogba and others who have +30 age didn't win CL even this time. Younger have (like JT) have bright future and i think their will win cup someday. The biggest disappointment is for Ballack, who has "n" silver medals.

The HOPE:

I'm think that in the next season will play football as good as they played this year. The main thing is that to keep this squad for the next season. Just forgot this final (i know, this is pretty hard to do) and lets wait for the next. FC CHELSEA is big club, and someday we will win the CL, trust me!!!

I am not saying you didn't deserve it or anything, but just to remind you, you also got your goal because of the quality of the turf, Edvin slipped, and Frank just put it in, so it was kind of like karma, but I still didn't want that to happen to Terry, such a great captain for any team, and he played well all match, just not what you want to happen to anyone, as a matter of fact.

You can't say that mate. You, me or anyone else has NO IDEA WHATSOEVER, what would have happened if van der Sar didn't slip. Do not assume that he would have saved Franks chip.

By the way Van der sar slipped because he was off balance due to the fact that he judged the ball's trajectory before Lampard grabbed hold of it and was already moving in the wrong direction. By the time Frank had the ball Van der sar was on the floor. All he had to do was chip over his prone body. Van der Sar would have slipped over because of momentum, even if the pitch was dry.

I think John Terry is the most overated player in the world, and yes, I genuinely believe that.

If he wasn't English he'd be torn apart weekly in the papers. See: Phillipe Senderos.

He's half the player Vidic is, and half the man Toure is.

If he wasn't surrounded by all that class, you know what he'd be? Callum Davenport.

OK, Bobby.

Oh dear the idiots are home from work/school. Poor sad Blobby doesn't know a lot about footie.

Respect to you guys. You gave us a very tough fight, but were very unlucky in the end. It could have gone any way. Hats off for you guys, we had to give everything last night and I am happy that it was enough to win the CL

Don't waste your breath bybuti. Anyone who knows anything about football knows what happened last night. Man U won because of a slip on the wet grass and for no other reason, and everyone knows that.

Over 120 minutes the match could not be decided by football. Penalty shoot outs are a lottery and are not an indication of a teams worth.

....and for those that are interested in match statistics (which I am not), have a look at the shots on goal ratios, and then tell me who played the attacking football and who played more defensive football. Wow....surprise surprise.

Damn I promised myself I wouldn't get involved with the morons on here over this. :)
i've played footy for 16+ years chelski's goal was a fluke. Ferdinand kicked the ball bounced off your player bounced off another of your players and right perfect to lampard 1 in a billion deflection. and you went and scored. you know it was lucky and don't deny it.

if there goal was good then i'd give them props but it wasn't. we should've been beating chelski 3/4-0 at end of first half but peter cech (and a couple times john terry) saved there asses and the only reason you were close in the match.

despite there luck they still played really well (other than the diving and cheating i.e when joe cole got "injured" near our box and he's just sitting there on the ground no pain bitching and crying while we dominated the possession in the other half of the field and we had the decency to kick the ball out for them then joe cole gets up 2 seconds later. then when they gave the ball back they kicked it all the way back to the goalie. instead of the midfield where we had the ball in the first place. like the cheapass cheaters they are but still cool)

Chelsea played well and the game could've gone either way but the better and more deserving team won. you guys definetly earned my respect. you played really well.

oh you had alot more shots but we had more on target thats the main difference.
most of your shots were random retarded shots.

i've played footy for 16+ years [...]

I saw a picture of you in the FIFA forum. This is a lie. And your credibility is gone.

Man, I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. I hear people's opinions about you all the time, but I thought nope, give the guy a break, and maybe he will smarten up soon. I was wrong and they were right. You are indeed a complete wanker who knows nothing about the game at all.

Do you know how many goals Lampard has scored from almost the very same spot that he scored from last night? ...and you call it a one in a billion chance. That shows how little you follow the EPL.

OH, and according to the Opta stats, Chelsea not only had more shots on goal than Man U, but we had MORE shots on target too. Man U had 3 shots at goal during the entire game mate. Get your facts right before opening that mouth of yours.

We dominated you entirely after the first 30 minutes. Also the reason that Man U were not 3 or 4 goals up before half time had nothing to do with Chelsea luck. It was down to some fantastic defending. If you knew anything about the game of football, you would know that.

Then there's the Ferdinand kung fu kick at Joe Cole's head that was ignored by the ref. Or maybe you conveniantly missed that. Or Evra's intentional elbow in Coles face OFF the ball. Or how about Vidic almost tearing Drogba's tongue out in their first challenge together. Ferdinand pushing Malouda over in the penalty box? Is Rooney not a foul tempered thug?

Man U have some of the most petulant and nasty players in the league. Thats fine. We can hold our own against any other teams bully boys, but what gets me is that the Man U players love to dish it out but they can't take it back.

I've been a player and then a coach for over 40 years pal, and there is nothing that you can tell me about the game of football, or the people that play it. 16 years ? Don't make me laugh.

I saw a picture of you in the FIFA forum. This is a lie. And your credibility is gone.

He never had any Nim.

http://www.soccergaming.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2406481&postcount=61

oh My Real life positions i have played for 16 years have been GK, LM/RM,and ST

Sounds familiar. Who are you trying to convince, us or yourself?

http://www.soccergaming.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2406791&postcount=76

Nick Chrysostomou
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
240 ibs, 5" 7'
Age: 20
birthdate October 25th 1987

That's the body of a soccer player right there. Ronaldo might get the magazine covers now, but he better watch his back because you're coming for him. Nick's depth of experience on the pitch in high pressure situations at a high level uniquely qualifies him to weigh in. Careful what you post on the internet Nick, it's public, and it's archived.

T_T

*sigh*

Let's see what they say about what'll happen over the summer. Hopefully on the other end, Ferguson will retire and Ronaldo will end up in Spain but probably not. It'd take an injection of better team chemistry, more luck, and less referee induced yellow/red cards for next year.

I watched the game with a buddy of mine with whom I often play PES, and we commented how Čech is the only goalie out there who actually parries those balls like it's Pro Evolution Soccer, and not real life. What a fantastic goalkeeper, in my opinion second only to Casillas.

I watched the game with a buddy of mine with whom I often play PES, and we commented how Čech is the only goalie out there who actually parries those balls like it's Pro Evolution Soccer, and not real life. What a fantastic goalkeeper, in my opinion second only to Casillas.

I still think his reflexes in PKs is too slow but other than that he's amazing.

How the **** is it possible that there are more Barcelona fans who bash Manchester United and getting all upset about the result than Chelsea fans themselves ? This is ******* unbelievable... Still bitter about your semi final defeat eh ? Still bitter with the fact that Brown ass raped your so called Messiah one on one ?

You Catalan non-Spanish speaking elite ****heads used to hate this blue colored London club with a passion ! Especially when Mourinho was around !

The **** is wrong with you bitches bitching all the time... At least acknowledge that you were defeated by the champions in the semi, yeah write that down in your stupid history book : "2008 : Defeated by Manchester United in the semi of the ECL", perhaps it will give some gold letters on your miserable 2008 season. Bunch of stupid assholes you are....




And oh Petey, remember our little bet ? (H)

Haha, just kidding mate, no ******* way I'm gonna rub you like that. I've known you for what ? 5 years ? Back from the day we made FIFA kits, and there is no way I'm gonna do that to you. Great ******* fight from your club Pete, I enjoyed every moment of it, hopefully we can tearing down the house again next year. It was a match filled with divine intervention, last night heavens wanted us to win it I guess....

I still think his reflexes in PKs is too slow but other than that he's amazing.

I agree.

----------------

Utter class from Hans.

can someone upload the penalty shootout?

youtube ? XD

youtube ? XD

do you have the link?
i don't find it.

Man, I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. I hear people's opinions about you all the time, but I thought nope, give the guy a break, and maybe he will smarten up soon. I was wrong and they were right. You are indeed a complete wanker who knows nothing about the game at all.

Do you know how many goals Lampard has scored from almost the very same spot that he scored from last night? ...and you call it a one in a billion chance. That shows how little you follow the EPL.

OH, and according to the Opta stats, Chelsea not only had more shots on goal than Man U, but we had MORE shots on target too. Man U had 3 shots at goal during the entire game mate. Get your facts right before opening that mouth of yours.

We dominated you entirely after the first 30 minutes. Also the reason that Man U were not 3 or 4 goals up before half time had nothing to do with Chelsea luck. It was down to some fantastic defending. If you knew anything about the game of football, you would know that.

Then there's the Ferdinand kung fu kick at Joe Cole's head that was ignored by the ref. Or maybe you conveniantly missed that. Or Evra's intentional elbow in Coles face OFF the ball. Or how about Vidic almost tearing Drogba's tongue out in their first challenge together. Ferdinand pushing Malouda over in the penalty box? Is Rooney not a foul tempered thug?

Man U have some of the most petulant and nasty players in the league. Thats fine. We can hold our own against any other teams bully boys, but what gets me is that the Man U players love to dish it out but they can't take it back.

I've been a player and then a coach for over 40 years pal, and there is nothing that you can tell me about the game of football, or the people that play it. 16 years ? Don't make me laugh.

Just a response to Pete's post.

1.) Lampard was lucky to get the ball, but he was in the right place at the right time and produced a goal on the highest level. If you don't have a ticket you can't win the raffle. It's hardly Lampard or Chelsea's fault that the ball fell to them.

2.) Chelsea had more shots yes, although I do believe we reduced you to long range efforts. The Lampard effort off the bar was a half chance, created by sheer brilliance. Drogba's effort was also well hit and if he was a yard or 2 further back it might have gone in. Other than that everything was skied.

3.) Man Utd dominated the 1st half until you scored the goal. Chelsea didn't threaten much until then. Second half was dominated by Chelsea, with Utd with the odd counter attack. Extra time IMO was 50-50.

4.) Vidic tearing Drogba's tongue out is a bit of an over reaction in fairness. Evra was a little heavy handed with Cole, and on another day could have gone. Malouda tripped over himself. No doubt about that, watch it back. Ferdinand was lucky with his spinning kick, but no ref was going to give that and he played advantage. Again, on another night, Makelele might have had an early bath with his constant badgering of the referee. Also Carvalho's tackle on his Portugal team-mate Ronaldo wsa awful.

5.) Drogba deserved to go. John Terry got involved stupidly with Tevez. Chelsea kicked the ball out of play twice for Utd, Utd did it once back and Terry went over, and Ballack pushed Tevez. Drogba thought he was hard enough to take Vidic and quite frankly he was lucky Vidic was restrained. Chelsea will be better off without him, a liability IMO. John Terry also appeared to snort snot onto Tevez's back.
http://awooga.org/images/wnyacptgs671svdabbd8.gif

Anyway, in conclusion, the match was even. The linesman missed at least 3 corners for Chelsea and saw 1 non-existent for Utd. The ref failed to see various fouls for both teams. Penaltys are a lottery and Terry was unlucky. It could have been anyone slipping up there. That's my honest opinion. I think it's pretty fair and there is two sides to every story.

Why wasn't Schev in the pks? I'd rather have had him even if Belleti did score. Also Anelka has every right to complain about not being played in a central role, he's useless on the wing.

http://awooga.org/images/wnyacptgs671svdabbd8.gif



Can you find me in gif, the moment Drogba slaps Vidic ?? :p

Sean I agree with it all mate, apart from the Terry snot thing. That disgusting rumour was started by the tabloid press, and now even you have a sig maintaining the lie., which is a little dissapointing coming from you. Terry called him a few choice names sure, but it was the string on the refs whistle that caused Tevez to put his hand to the back of his neck. John Terry simply would not spit at another player mate. He might be a hard man but that does not make him a scumbag. It never happened.

It reminds me of when a picture was published in the press claiming to show England fans giving a nazi salute. It turned out that the fans were simply shielding their eyes from the sun. Anyone can read what they want to read with an image like that.

And oh Petey, remember our little bet ? (H)

Haha, just kidding mate, no ******* way I'm gonna rub you like that. I've known you for what ? 5 years ? Back from the day we made FIFA kits, and there is no way I'm gonna do that to you. Great ******* fight from your club Pete, I enjoyed every moment of it, hopefully we can tearing down the house again next year. It was a match filled with divine intervention, last night heavens wanted us to win it I guess....


Hans, thanks man. I was kinda hoping you might waiver the bet old mate.:33vff3o:

It was indeed a great game for all of us involved. I enjoyed it all. Losing it aint exactly fun of course, but I'm too long in the tooth to get over upset about it. Our time will come that is clear. I've waited this long to win it, so I can sure wait a bit longer.;)

Cheers again man for not making me uphold my end of the deal.....:rofl:

Sean I agree with it all mate, apart from the Terry snot thing. That disgusting rumour was started by the tabloid press, and now even you have a sig maintaining the lie., which is a little dissapointing coming from you. Terry called him a few choice names sure, but it was the string on the refs whistle that caused Tevez to put his hand to the back of his neck. John Terry simply would not spit at another player mate. He might be a hard man but that does not make him a scumbag. It never happened.

It reminds me of when a picture was published in the press claiming to show England fans giving a nazi salute. It turned out that the fans were simply shielding their eyes from the sun. Anyone can read what they want to read with an image like that.
Well I did say appears to have done it. I have absolutely no way of knowing if he did or not. Only Terry and Tevez know, and since neither has said a word, that gif, not even the best quality, is all i have. I never confirmed or denied what happened, ocz quite frankly I don't know, i only offered it as an opinion.

Oh and on a slightly different note, I hope everyone got to see that Chelsea fan on Sky Sports News yesterday. Hilarious stuff. Yeah?

Well I did say appears to have done it. I have absolutely no way of knowing if he did or not. Only Terry and Tevez know, and since neither has said a word, that gif, not even the best quality, is all i have. I never confirmed or denied what happened, ocz quite frankly I don't know, i only offered it as an opinion.


Well having that sig kinda signifies that whether you believe it or not, you would still like other people to perhaps believe it. Very dissapointing mate. Well below your usual contribution to these forums.

My mistake mate. I thought it was your sig. Sorry 'bout that. Its still inflammatory posting it though.


Then I look in the Man U thread, and I see certain Man U "fans", showing nil class as usual. I can understand some fans being ungracious in defeat, but ungracious in victory??????? Very scummy juvenile sh1t indeed.

I don't think that that's his sig, it's a post only, but maybe I missed something, in any case I've seen much worse things in football go unpunished so there's no need to blow this out of proportion. I mean Tevez wasn't that innocent in all this too, he kinda started the whole thing, and Man U did a lot of dirty fouls on Chelsea especially that Ferdinand's near-decapitation on J. Cole, which is a red card and a penalty IMO, but still this is football and a lot of things go unnoticed, that's why it's said that no matter how good you are you still need some luck on your side.

Yeah I amended my post already Deni. Thanks mate.

Oh, sorry then :), cheers! :)

Robinho has stated that you guys have shown interest in singing him as has Milan. His agent says you guys are ready to offer 35 million euros and that Milan have asked to sit down and talk with his agent...not sure if you guys have read any reports but that's from Robinho and his agent (who has a big mouth that is not really trustable so....). This will most likely turn into nothing but still at least the interest is there.

Well at the end of the day, and even though I know what he really wanted was that trophy, Roman Abramovic's dream of making Chelsea a top team is definitely come to a reality. I mean, Chelsea definitely hasn't got the amount of trophy's or history that let's say a Milan or a Barça, but you have to start somewhere, and Abramovic, first with his money, then with Mourinho, built a club that is now feared anywhere in the world.

I honestly have a deep sympathy for the guy, I mean I know that this may be business, and he is also interested in the profit, but everyone has to admit that his attitude towards the game and in Chelsea's matches is comparable to that of Sir Alex: both grown men acting like twelve year-olds every time Chelsea(United, in Fergie's case) plays. What a guy (H)

I don't mind Abramovic. You can see the passion he has for the club. He isn't gonna just walk away. Next season they'll be some force. The will get rid of Malouda anyway, and probably replace him with someone 20x better. Drogba will also be replaced, and I think Anelka and Shevchenko can shine without Drogba there. Boswinga could be bargain of the season if he produces half of his potential. Cech is getting his confidence back and is quickly regaining his spot as best gk. Ballack, Essien and Lampard is an unbelievable force. The chances of all 3 having a bad game are slim and none. Avram did a good job this year, and next year he will mould his team. Some of Chelsea's football in recent weeks has been grossly underestimated.

Pffft Robinho? That's bs talk. We're good with Schev/Kalou/Anelka (if he actually plays as a striker)/and Drogba if he sticks around.

Seriously, Abrahimovich isn't a stupid owner. When the guy signs high profile players, he makes sure they have a chance. I know that not all of them are a success (like SWP or Schev) but those players have the potential of working out for the club. Ballack did after all didn't he? Had a great season imo after the last year.

Btw, I love this stat which is never pointed out much by the pundits:

CHELSEA UNDER MOURINHO
Played 185
Won 125
Drew 41
Lost 19
WIN PERCENTAGE 67.56%

CHELSEA UNDER GRANT
Played 53
Won 36
Drew 12
Lost 5
WIN PERCENTAGE 67.9%

I loved Mourinho, he felt like the right manager, I mean he fit in. I'd visioned he'd be the one to see us through but I guess the personality was too much.

Pffft Robinho? That's bs talk. We're good with Schev/Kalou/Anelka (if he actually plays as a striker)/and Drogba if he sticks around.

What a joke.

The whole post is a joke.

I have to agree with you guys there. I wouldn't put my shirt on Sheva, Kalou, and Anelka to give us any success. All three are major dissapointments to me. Sheva I would persevere with because he deserves it. He has earned respect and patience for all he has done for World football alone.

Kalou? Maybe in a couple of years he will be dependable, but not at this time that's for sure. As for Anelka, his pathetic attitude at the CL final shootout leaves me wanting him GONE. This guy must be a major <unt. Chelsea offer him his last big chance to shine, and he repays us with a major sulk just when we needed him to show us what Chelsea means to him. Get rid of the useless prick now.

So that leaves us with Drog who, right at this moment in time, I have absolutely NO time for. We need professionals at our club who know how to behave with dignity and pride. Drogba will never learn that.

So we go shopping once more. Lets see what we get. I have seen so many flops at Chelsea over the last few years, that my confidence in finding someone who will fit in is at an all time low, but I'll keep my fingers crossed that the situation will get sorted.

Abromovich? Our saviour in our time of need,and on top of that he does love the club. We are fortunate to have a benefactor like him. I think even the most stupid fan can now see that he will not be going anywhere.

Avram? Well pleased with him as a manager, but even more pleased with him because of the man he is. I would like him to stay in place, and make himself a reputation at Chelsea, that gives him the respect that he has earned and that he deserves.

P.S. I was having a bit of a rant yeaterday. I apologise if I was a little over the top and offended anyone unduly. Cheers fellas.

Keep an eye on Bosingwa, pede :D

Robinho seems a bit brittle for the EPL. Who knows though....he may adjust.

On the other hand, there's a much larger(physically) Brazilian, on loan in South America, by the name of Adriano who has got his act together and may just be perfect for Stamford Bridge.

Robinho seems a bit brittle for the EPL. Who knows though....he may adjust.

On the other hand, there's a much larger(physically) Brazilian, on loan in South America, by the name of Adriano who has got his act together and may just be perfect for Stamford Bridge.

You guys will NEVER get him you hear, NEVER!!!!! :D

Hehe, yeah, I have to agree with you there...Adriano could be ideal for Chelsea...that is IF he's ACTUALLY got his act together...

Mutu could also be a valuabe asset but considering his past with the club I doubt they'll want to work together anytime soon...

Btw, isn't it also rumored that Chelsea will try to get Torres this summer? Seems unlikely but hey...you never know...:browsmiley:

I think they did...apparently it was turned down. Besides, Torres wants more time at Anfield. If Gerrard goes after next season, Torres will become a target.

I just don't understand why it's inevitable that Drogba is out the door. The man is the perfect striker for your system, and clearly one of the best in the world. He is at his peak right now. Why ditch him?

Breaking News - Avram Grant has been fired by Chelsea

EDIT:

LINK: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7418774.stm

Yes because he was a whole 3 points away from EPL and a slip away from CL title.


Sucks how matters that are completely out of your hands decide your life.

Abramovich and Mourinho talking AGAIN.....

LINK: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article1202378.ece

CHELSEA UNDER MOURINHO
Played 185
Won 125
Drew 41
Lost 19
WIN PERCENTAGE 67.56%

CHELSEA UNDER GRANT
Played 53
Won 36
Drew 12
Lost 5
WIN PERCENTAGE 67.9%

I loved Mourinho, he felt like the right manager, I mean he fit in. I'd visioned he'd be the one to see us through but I guess the personality was too much.

Grant did great job IMO, for a short time he was a coach, he rebuilt the team and sent it to final which Mourinho couldn't do for 4 years

holy ****, oh I'll want to read what pede has to say on this (H)

*^^ I am also looking forward to his post. He always provides us with the greatest of them all.

But no to surprise about it... We all new it was gonna happen.

Nim- drogba is not a happy man in Chelsea, thats why he has wanted out...

Bybuti- Grant didn't rebuilt, his only purchase was anelka... And look what he provided to the team.

now what? Rijkaard? Mancini? Don't make me laugh, if that's what Chelsea's going to choose, they should have kept Avram.

Well, The boo boys and the jew haters get their way in the end. Yesterday I was so proud of my club, but today I am not so proud.

Avram's dismissal is the end result of a sustained hate campaign against the man. Vitriol spewed forth from the media, some of our own so called fans, and even one or two of our own players it seems.

So the Chelsea big boys have decided that Avram is not big enough for us. They have decided that we should have a big name manager for this big name club (sarcasm ok?).

Well I'm sick of this elitist bullsh1t. I dare say that the club will find a suitable replacement for Avram, but thats not the point as far as I am concerned.

We are turning into the Newcastle of the south and it stinks.

OK, so Avram walks away with over 5 million quid for his efforts. Not enough in my opinion for all the crap he's had to put up with. I only wish that I could personally wish him well, and thank him for winning my club something much more important than poxy titles and cups. A bit of repect.

So now they scrape him off the bottom of their shoes like a lump of dog sh1t. I am not impressed by this at all. Not at all.

I dunno, maybe I'm an "old school" football fan. A dinosaur perhaps in this day and age. I can't do anything about it. I just have to live with it.

I'm gonna have to let this sink in and then later hopefully, I won't feel as crappy as I feel right now. Then maybe I might have something a little more constructive to say about the whole episode.

Saturday's sacking of former Chelsea manager Avram Grant has seen a host of names already be linked with the Stamford Bridge hot seat.

Grant's eight-month tenure in West London was always viewed as a stop-gap measure, even though the club consistently denied he would be leaving.

But attention now switches to those men most likely to replace the 52-year-old Israeli and the first name in the frame is Frank Rijkaard.

The Dutchman was linked with the job as soon as previous boss Jose Mourinho was axed last September and Rijkaard has just been released by Barcelona after failing to win a trophy for the Spaniards in the last two seasons.

He is a friend of Frank Arnesen, who controls the Chelsea's scouting network, and has worked with assistant coach Henk ten Cate at the Camp Nou.

Hiddink interest

Russia manager Guus Hiddink is another favoured contender. Like Grant, he is a close friend of the club's billionaire owner Roman Abramovich and regarded as the world's best tactician.

Hiddink has consistently denied being interested in the Chelsea job but has, as yet, not signed a new deal with the Russian Federation.

Sven Goran Eriksson is understood to have rejected the job on two previous occasions and was infamously caught out secretly meeting the club's chief executive Peter Kenyon in the past.

The Swede's future at Manchester City is unclear and, like Hiddink, he boasts a fine record at club and international level.

Special One

Then, of course, there is the most unlikely prospect of the return of fan's favourite Mourinho.

The 'Special One', who is reportedly favourite to join Internazionale, was axed last September and replaced by the luckless Grant, but he has been out of a job ever since.

Other contenders include Getafe's departing boss Michael Laudrup, while Portugal chief Luis Phillipe Scolari will also be mentioned alongside Inter manager Roberto Mancini.

Link (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11994_3606213,00.html)

What do you Chelsea fans think? And who would you want in charge?

Apparently the bookies have slashed the odds on Jose making a return from 20/1 to 8/1. With him and Roman talking again is it such a remote possibility?

I think they'll go for Rijkaard.

Imagine Rijkaard at Chelsea and Mourinho at Barca lol.

Even if I don't agree with firing Grant, at least it shows the ambition of the club. That's the same sort of ambition that attracts player to Real (we don't have the same history but at least we can have the other stuff).

Hiddink? I dunno, we'll always be a club needing a change in managers every few years or so unless we come across a Ferguson. As for who? I trust Abrahimovich. Hopefully a manager that doesn't change the squad too much.

So ambition = firing your manager when the going gets tough? If that were the case, Alan Curbishley would not have stayed at Charlton for 15 years, Wenger would not have been at Arsenal and neither would Ferguson at Old Trafford.

Rijkaard, a coach who has won nothing for two seasons on the trot? I can't see the point in that. I would have thought that Chelsea would be looking at a winner, not a loser.

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Jose come back TBH. He and Roman have never stopped talking since he left the club. In fact after the Carling Cup final, Roman bought Jose a limited edition Ferrarri for 1 million quid as a present. The possibility of seeing Jose at the Bridge again has never really gone away, so it could happen I guess. Sounds like the sort of thing Chelsea would do these days.

TBH, whatever manager they apoint will be a gamble, as we endure another season of "transition". I really do not have any preferences at all, but I would scrub Rijkaard and Sven from the equation for a start. Those two do not inspire me at all.

So ambition = firing your manager when the going gets tough? If that were the case, Alan Curbishley would not have stayed at Charlton for 15 years, Wenger would not have been at Arsenal and neither would Ferguson at Old Trafford.


Newbie, Liverpools managerial record hasn't been that good in the past either mate.

Chelsea didn't sack anyone when the going got tough. They sack managers when things are going OK.

I suppose when the time comes, when Chelsea decide that they have the perfect manager for the club, then thats the time they can look forward to a long tenure for that manager. That probably applies at most clubs doesn't it?

Curbishley stayed so long at Charlton because Charlton never had any ambition to move forward, and he was cheap.

Wenger is hanging on to his job by the skin of his teeth after 3 seasons of winning nothing. If he does not win anything next season, he will be gone from there. The only reason he has lasted is because he does not like to spend the shareholders money, which makes the boardroom very happy (and very rich). He is on borrowed time.

Ferguson is an exception in the world of football. Is there any club in the entire World who have had the same manager for 20 years? I can't think of one.

Can't believe Grant got sacked already. Other than Roy Keane last year, what manager can be expected to triumph when he has no time to mould his team? Considering everything he had going against him, I think he did really well, and I wish him the best of luck. Honestly, no manager on the shortlist sounds like they'd give us more success than Grant could've, next year. Like pede said, it's going to be a gamble, hopefully it'll turn out well.

I really hope we don't become like Real Madrid, scrapping managers year in year out. And God I hope Anelka gets booted after all the crap he's been spewing.

In fact after the Carling Cup final, Roman bought Jose a limited edition Ferrarri for 1 million quid as a present.

Holy ****, mate are you absolutely serious and sure about that?

Yeah Fili. It seems that Roman once asked Jose, what car he would like to own if he could. Jose told him all about this Ferrarri he was keen on, so when Ferrarri celebrated 60 years by launching a limited edition model, Roman snapped one up for him. They only made 60 and Jose now has one of them.

Heres a link
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/may/25/chelsea.premierleague

My mistake.....it was 2 million quid.

****. I'm not saying that because of the car, I'm saying that because actually it came out on one of those "famous people" magazines over here, saying that 'someone' had given him a Ferrari; and somebody told me it was supposed to be an Italian club you know...but now that you say that, I've looked it up, and it appears that it was indeed Roman. Funny stuff. So the question really rises:



What if he returned to Chelsea?

Back to the old routine of winning stuff I would hope. Although I would also hope that Jose has calmed his personality down a bit. I couldn't take any more of his surreal whinging. It began to depress me towards the end.

I guess we will have to wait and see where this ends up.

Its a mad mad world indeed.

Well, apparently Jose sent a message to Michael Essien saying that he will sign with Inter on Monday and would like him(Essien) to be there. Although I read that on some "famous people" website, so it could end up being speculation.

Newbie, Liverpools managerial record hasn't been that good in the past either mate......

yeah, true.*sighs* Though, I must say I'm strying to slide that under the carpet and pretend it doesn't exist/isn't true.

damn its been a while... i got something to say, WHEN Grant got appointed I was one his biggest critics , i hated him and was disgusted but my love for Chelsea has seen me give him a chance and got to say he did well, real well, i applaud him. Pede you said it right thiers no other managers that can replace him right now, SVEN??? hellllllllllllll nooo, Rijkaard??? no trophies in two years, and won the Champions League b/c of Ronaldhinos brilliance, he threaded passes like a needle, phenomenal player at that time but was it Rijkaards tactical side... not sure. MANCINI???? the dude can not win in Europe period, he has done well with Inter but come on honestly and the prem is a different story and italia, its less tactical. Hiddink??? best choice in my opinion, tactical genius, but do not forget he has had alot of failures along his managerial career I think hes more a country manager, Laudrup??? maybe a new upcoming manager give him shot, but still has alot to prove . The best manager on the market right now is the one that we let go and thats Jose, and as much as I love Jose AND I WANT HIM BACK, i'd rather see him go to Italy (rumor is Inter Milan) but if he comes back hellll i wouldnt mind, obviously majority want him back, but w.e .Dont know bout Lamps, that contract situation GOT TO BE SORTED .


You guys gotta check this out, its kinda shady, as much as i love Roman.
http://msn.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_3588022,00.html

Back to the old routine of winning stuff I would hope.

haha I read that as 'whining stuff' the first time (H)

Yeah I heard about the Roman 700 something million pound debt thing. Personally, I think it's still a better situation than Man U is in but neither club really needs to worry in the short term. The details of how he finances it doesn't really matter to me as long as he's not being funded by the i********* or Thaksin style or something.

By the way Newbie, no offence but your team's 3 season outing with your manager's gone too long I think. A club shouldn't be like Real Madrid but Benitez could do a lot better, he's just been riding on CL success and the FC Cup win. They wouldn't have finished 3rd before if Arse hadn't had such a crappy season. With the Liverpool squad, they should be competing with us at the top, not fighting for a CL qualifying spot.

...
By the way Newbie, no offence but your team's 3 season outing with your manager's gone too long I think. A club shouldn't be like Real Madrid but Benitez could do a lot better, he's just been riding on CL success and the FC Cup win. They wouldn't have finished 3rd before if Arse hadn't had such a crappy season. With the Liverpool squad, they should be competing with us at the top, not fighting for a CL qualifying spot.[/B][/COLOR]

I know.

I hate you chelsea!
Why did you fired Avram? why? 2nd place is not good enough for u? champions league final is not good enough?
I hate u chelsea and i really hate u Roman Abramovich!@!

Jose Mourinho believes Chelsea's 2007/08 campaign can only be viewed as 'great' by an individual with 'the philosophy of a loser'.

The former Blues boss was speaking prior to the announcement on Saturday evening that Avram Grant's eight-month tenure at Stamford Bridge had been terminated.

Grant was unable to lead his side to silverware during his time at the club after finishing second in the Premier League and suffering defeat in both the Carling Cup and UEFA Champions League finals.

And Mourinho, who left Chelsea last September after guiding the club to two League titles and an FA Cup and Carling Cup success, has labelled Chelsea's 2007/08 season as 'very bad'.

Loser

When asked if the term had been a good one, the Portuguese told The Observer: "That depends on your philosophy of leadership.

"In my philosophy it was a very bad one because in football 'almost' means defeat and Chelsea almost won the Carling Cup, almost won the Champions League and almost won the Premier League. Almost is nothing.

"After two titles per season for the last three years there were zero titles this season, which in my philosophy means a really bad season. Maybe in the philosophy of a loser this was a great season, which I respect."

On Chelsea's Champions League penalty shoot-out defeat to Manchester United, Mourinho added: "The best team lost the Champions League final, like last season the best team lost the Champions League semi-final.

"That is football. I have always said that details make the difference at this level - and luck is a really big detail.

Very sad

"I am very sad about what happened. In the last two years this team lost a Champions League final and a Champions League semi-final on penalties. The supporters deserve more, Roman and the board deserve more.

"Yes, I was sad. Yes, I felt deeply that it was not fair. But I believe that after an empty season new success will come to Chelsea. And I will always be a Chelsea supporter."

Link (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_3608441,00.html)

Haha, good old classy Mourinho.

lol looks like Jose is still bitter with Avram Grant. That comment would only heighten speculation of his return. And I don't think people are saying 2nd place is good. They're saying it's not bad considering the season Man U had.

Chelea is a toy for Roman Abramovich, i hate him so much :swear2:

"Maybe in the philosophy of a loser this was a great season, which I respect."



which I respect

(H)

Chelea is a toy for Roman Abramovich, i hate him so much :swear2:

Things were not so different when Ken Bates was in charge. He sacked Vialli, who up to that point was our most successful manager.

No, this has more to do with Kenyon. He was a slimeball when he was with United, and he remains a slimeball now. We are becoming a sad reflection of Kenyons personality.

....and WTF was he doing collecting a losers medal in Moscow? What right had he to do that? The guy is a 1st class <unt.

I'm pretty dismayed at the firing of Grant...I believed he deserved more credit than he was given...many consider him a bad manager but hey, in the long run he did manage to keep Chelsea united and as a whole...best of luck to him...

But hey, what did he get? 6 million for 8 months' work? Dayum! (H)

Btw, guys, I wanted to ask you, what do you guys think of Lippi? I think he'd be willing to come and coach Chelsea, and I don't think he'd be a bad manager at all...what do you guys think?

Btw, I read Mancini reps went to Chelsea officials today to ask them for the job and they simply said no and shut the door (H)

Well, so apparently Mourinho is confirmed at Inter, along with Deco and Lampard.

Only according to A Bola. Are they like the Portuguese SUN?

Mancini's agent and Inter themselves have said that Mancini is going nowhere.

This whole Jose to Inter situation is just media fantasy at the moment. Jose has never even confirmed that he has been talking to the club. Until Jose confirms something then it's simply speculation.

The report actually states that Jose told Milan to buy Lampard and Deco. That's assuming that Lampard would want to play in Italy of course. Which he certainly does not. He will sign a new deal with us, much to many Chelsea haters dissapointment.:)

No, they're like the oldest sports newspaper in the country. Don't worry, sooner or later we'll find out.

Of course.

Although I would have thought that Jose signing with Inter would have made the news headlines around the World, but there is nothing.

Yeah I know what you mean, I'd actually be more confident if it was "O Jogo", but anyway, I couldn't care less. Unless he came back to Porto, obviously, haha :D

Didier Deschamps said he would welcome the chance to coach at his former club. He believes he is on the shortlist.

He did a great job with Juventus(although they were in Serie B) and also Monaco in 2004, getting them to the CL final by beating Chel.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/soccer/05/26/inter.mourinho/index.html

"According to Portuguese sports daily A Bola, José Mourinho and Inter Milan have come to an agreement for the former Chelsea man to replace Roberto Mancini as coach.

It was reported in the Italian press earlier Monday that Mourinho had made up his mind that he wanted the job at Inter, but had issued club president Massimo Moratti a deadline of midnight to make or break the deal.

Moratti, who was said to be having second thoughts about whether or not to keep Mancini on, has now, according to A Bola, decided that Mourinho is indeed his man.

The 45-year-old has apparently been handed a three-year contract at San Siro, and will earn $14 million per season.

As part of the deal, Mourinho will immediately be allowed to sign former players Frank Lampard from Chelsea and Deco from Barcelona, while Luís Figo will be handed a one-year extension to his current contract that runs out next month.

The Mancini era, which yielded three successive Scudetti, appears now to be over, although it must be noted that there is still no official confirmation."

well well well...

We don't know that yet. As long as we don't see an official statement on Inter's official site I don't believe a word of it...still it seems pretty convincing...:browsmiley:

14 Mill for a coach is mad ridiculous.

€9 million. That's what he might be winning yes, tax-free.

I could find a thousand newspaper articles that are as high on the bullsh1t monitor as this one. Why even waste your breath on gossip?

This thread was declared a bullsh1t free zone long ago, so please no more gossip if you don't mind. We have learned to live without it in here.:)

I have heard a dozen names put forward for the Chelsea job, but one name I haven't heard is Dick Advocaat. I think he has done a fantastic job with FC Zenit. They play a very watchable brand of football and he has steered them to a league championship and won the UEFA cup this season. Just a thought.

As for Deschamps. He made the CL final with Monaco because Claudio Ranieri handed him the semi final on a plate. When he got to the final he was severly thrashed by Jose. Deschamps would be a step back in my opinion. There again, its only Deschamps who says Chelsea are interested. I cant see them even approaching him TBH.

I think Advocaat is staying at Zenit. They gave him a multi-million € contract, and although I'm sure Abramovic wouldn't mind topping that, and don't see it happening.

OK. Well they would be crazy to let him go anyhow.

Maybe you could get Arsène Wenger, I hear he's good (6)

Maybe you could get Arsène Wenger, I hear he's good (6)


Nah, he's yesterday's man. His time has come and gone.

Henk ten Cate has been released by Chelsea. A statement on our website said: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm that it terminated Henk Ten Cate's contract today (Thursday). This follows a meeting this morning.

"As a result of the team management changes at Chelsea FC, and in the light of any forthcoming appointment, it was clear this was the correct decision for all parties.

"Everybody at Chelsea would like to thank Henk for his contribution since coming to the club last year."

So that rules Rijkaard out of the job thank God.

What is interesting though is why would Chelsea do this if they do not have a replacement in place for Avram already. I suspect that the person who has already accepted the managers job, has specified that he demands total control over ALL football matters within the club. Hmmm....I wonder who would demand something like that.:rolleyes:

Just shows how stupid the speculation regarding our new manager is. Some bozo has put Roy Keane's name forward. I suppose if you look at his track record as a manager you could see where this could be taken seriously. I mean, the guy has achieved so much since he hung up his boots that I'm surprised that every team on the planet are not chasing him. Really, what a load of bollocks.:)

Interesting little titbit. I post it because nobody else would.

After all, who wants to read about Chelsea in a positive light huh? Much easier to ignore the positives and simply concentrate on the negatives I guess.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1211872832212&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Wonder what the summer friendlies will be like and how many. The American ones bore me, let's play against some English clubs this year, screw the 'foreign promotion'.

Ronaldinho at Chelsea. What do you think about this?

Where did you read that? I think by "Barca Ace" you thought Ronaldinho, when it is actually Giovanni Dos Santos(Mexican 19 year old striker).

Wonder what the summer friendlies will be like and how many. The American ones bore me, let's play against some English clubs this year, screw the 'foreign promotion'.

You play against English clubs ALL SEASON.

As a club, we need summer tours away from home, and playing in the U.S. over the last few years has been very successful for us, and beneficial to football in America too.

Our players get good competitive games against MLS teams, and it helps the club push the Chelsea brand abroad too.

These tours are really not organised to predominantly entertain us, but to prepare the squad for the following season, and I think that is achieved.

I did hear that Chelsea have a Malaysian tour organised for this summer. Whether thats as well as, or in place of the U.S.tour, I just do not know.

I enjoy MLS football so the U.S.tours are more than fine with me.:)

Jose has signed with Inter, Hughes with City and Rijkaard wants a year off.

Phew that's 3 heavy weights off my mind. :)

Hughes was a possibility?

Who exactly is still in the running? Counting out those who have dismissed links, those who Chelsea have denied, and those who have signed with other teams, I think it's only Mancini left. Or am I in the wrong?

Hughes was a possibility?

No, only a very worrying rumour that I'm glad turned out to be crap.

Azrael, theres still quite a few guys out there who can do the job. When Chelsea have a new man in place, they will anounce it. This media speculation is just a bore.

This is funny. While Avram was in charge, the media suggested that the Chelsea team didn't actually need a manager. Apparantly they thought that the team could take the field and succeed without Grants help. They implied that Avram wasn't actually influencing anything at all.

Now I am reading that the media regard Chelsea as being in disarray because we haven't got a manager. Please make up your minds scumsuckers.

What a sorry state our media is in.:)

hey pede mate, how closely do you follow Chelsea's youth teams?...

Well I don't get to see them play much these days Fili, but I try to keep up with whats happening.

We actually reached the FA youth cup final this season. The first time for years and years. We lost (par for the course this season), but aclear sign that huge improvement has been made, and some of the younger guys are making an impression.

yeah I was thinking even younger...u-16 i think, or u-18....have you heard of Aliu Djalo? (or Kaby)

Chelsea are bringing a XI team to my hometown club (Aldershot) in the summer, who in the reserves is worth watching?

probably Michael Woods, Sergio Tejera, Sinclair...

Also Gael Kakuta, Franco Di Santo, Milan Lalkovic (watch this boy if he plays), Frank Nouble, Billy Knott....Man, the list goes on and on. The future looks very good if these guys keep progressing the way they have.

As for Aliu Djalo, He's been playing in the youth team, and has been doing fine.His adopted dad Bobo, took a coaching job at Chelsea when Aliu come here. Bobo was a scout for Chelsea in Africa.

Thanks guys (Y)

I'm planning on taking my mum to the Aldershot Chelsea game because she's a big Chelsea fan.

Yeah pede that's the one, keep your eyes on the kid :D he's actually a friend of mine..he said they were 2nd in the league, right? (well, the 1st was Arsenal, which is no shame because Arsenal's youth are very good)

also, to give you an idea, the Portuguese u16 NT's last 2 games were against Romania. in the first one, Aliu only played 7 minutes, we won 1-0. In the second, he started and played almost the whole game: we won 4-1, he scored twice. The kid is a bomb, one might not notice him at first, he's kind of small and all, but he is, and will be if he keeps at it, an amazing player (Y)

Sky Sports News understands Chelsea have agreed a deal with Carlo Ancelotti following talks with the Milan coach's representatives.

Chelsea are homing in on their new manager after sacking Avram Grant less than two weeks ago after just eight months in charge.

The Premier League runners-up are understood to have narrowed down their short list for the job to two names.

Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes, who is also interesting Manchester City, is one of the Blues' targets to replace Grant.

The other contender is an overseas coach and Chelsea have made a renewed attempt to prise Ancelotti away from the San Siro.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani revealed at the weekend that the club had turned down Chelsea's request to hold talks with Ancelotti.

However, Sky Sports News understands that the Blues have met with the Italian's representatives and agreed terms over taking charge at Stamford Bridge.

A deal with Milan is still to be reached and the concerted push to appoint Ancelotti looks likely to lead to Hughes joining City.

Sven Goran Eriksson, Frank Rijkaard, Guus Hiddink, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Roberto Mancini are among the names to have been linked with the Chelsea position, but it now appears owner Roman Abramovich has settled on Ancelotti.

Can it be?....no word on the official site

Because Ancelotti still has to accept the offer.
PLEASE DON'T TAKE CARLETTO FROM US!!!! NOT AFTER 7 YEARS!!
I'd hate to resent Chelsea on both Sheva and Carletto!

Woot Scheva's comin back YEAH!

Thanks guys (Y)

I'm planning on taking my mum to the Aldershot Chelsea game because she's a big Chelsea fan.

Yay....good ol' mum. Mikey, why didn't you follow your obviously intelligent mum in your choice of club to support? C'mon man, you know it makes sense.:innocent_smile_1:

Yeah Fili, Aliu is pretty amazing already.

The Ancellotti reports have been denied by Chelsea and Milan a short while ago. The media stirring the crap again.

Honestly, as if we are the sort of club to tap anyone up. Perish the thought.:browsmiley:

Woot Scheva's comin back YEAH!

Lol, back where?

Anyway Chelsea have denied that they've come to an agreement with any manager (http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=722002). Yay :)

haha, "We are extremely happy with how our search is progressing." lolzer.

:rofl:

I lost track due to him moving to QPR and then Shef Wednesdaym but, what's going on with Sahar? I realise no chance of him breaking into the squad next season, but what do you think, pede, does he have what it takes? I'd kill myseld if all 3 Israelis leave.

Now get a grip there Azrael old mate. I think Sahar will make it. Let the new coach cast his eye over the boy, and he could be in the squad this season. He is already on the fringe, so it's just one small step up. His loan spells have done him good though. He's improved a lot and he is even hungrier to start for Chels than he ever was.

It must be frustrating for the guy, but he's got his head down and worked his socks off. He does deserve a look in this season I think.

Whispers going around the Bridge, that Zico is in the frame for the managers job.

Then again it seems that Zico has stated that he would love to work in the Premier League......or the Italian League.....or the Portuguese League.....or.... or... or......!

I suspect the guy is just letting the rest of Europe know that he is available.

mannnnnn we need LAMPS to SIGN AN EXTENSION, he is so vital. Why the hell is Kenyon stalling? If we can afford to offload Mourinho, Avram Grant with hefty compensation packages surely we can afford to hand Lamps wage increase. Unbelievable.

For the manager we shoulda had a run at Hughes, im very dissappointed. Zico would definitely bring the attacking and flair. Wonder whats going to happen with our managerial situation.

mannnnnn we need LAMPS to SIGN AN EXTENSION, he is so vital. Why the hell is Kenyon stalling? If we can afford to offload Mourinho, Avram Grant with hefty compensation packages surely we can afford to hand Lamps wage increase. Unbelievable.
you are so right!

however, i don't think it could be about money

wow, just back from vacation in Jordan and the circus starts again.....
lost internet connection for 13 days and followed the news in through tv pics in Jordan(arabic didn't make any sense to me)......
well, just have to say thanks Avram. He did well for us and he is a great bloke to have as a manager. Proved me wrong completely with his great attitude throughout the season. Maybe a nearly season, but a great and exciting one. Cheers Avram, good luck in the future,m8 ;)

Whats the word about Clarkey, I hope he stays despite the apparent dismissal of Henk. Can't see any manager in the reckoning to be honest.
hehee, for sentimental reasons, maybe Zola?? :D

Don't be taken in by our predictable media. Between them they are building a picture in peoples minds, that every manager that Chelsea ALLEDGEDLY aproach, are turning them down flat.

First up, it's the media who spread the stupid fabrications and rumours concerning likely candidates for the job, and when the manager in question comes out and says, "I'm not going to Chelsea", our wonderful media then report that Chelsea have been snubbed once again, therefore creating the impression that Chelsea are clutching at straws and are just about willing to hire anyone who will take the job.

Peter Kenyon might be a king size knob, but he or Roman are not so thick that they would sack a manager WITHOUT already having someone ready to take over.

Just because Chelsea are not willing to discuss the matter or divulge the mans name to the media, this has resulted in yet another episode of the " Lets Humiliate Chelsea Show ".

Chelsea issued a staement almost 2 weeks ago in which they said that, no information will be forthcoming on this subject until they decide the time is right.

That's where we are right now. The media know nothing, and they do not like that. So they come up with yet another name of someone that Chelsea have no interest in at all. This person issues a denial, and the next headline reads "Chelsea snubbed again". Complete and utter bullsh1t.

Hughes was never in the running for the job. Not ever. Maybe one day in the distant future but not right now. He needs to prove himself more in my opinion. I hope he does well at City 'cos I like Sparky, and he has always been a Chelsea fan after all.

Lamps will sign, and there is no delay in his signing. He and Chelsea are in the middle of discussions right now, and when it's sorted he will sign. He wants to stay and Chelsea want him to stay. So thats sorted.

Essien has said today that he will be staying at Chelsea, whoever might come in for him. He says he has no intention of leaving the club, and has never even considered it.

Steve Clarke has been assured that there will always be a place for him at Chelsea if he wants it. Clarkey does fancy having a go at management though, and has been approached by a few smaller clubs to be their coach. He will decide for himself what he wants to do. Chelsea have told him that they want him to stay.

of course we're all aware of what u mentioned pete, ;)...
regarding any matters involving our club, once its confirmed by us then i'll believe it.....

I don't have any doubts about Lamps or Essien, the way they played with us shows how happy they are and how much they love the club even during difficult times.....
But I don't like the fact that our upper management went back on their word that Avram was going to continue managing regardless of him winning a trophy or not this season.

Well, once the Euros end, we'll have a more clearer picture of what our team will be like.

Honestly, I'd like to see Franco(Zola) involved in our club at some point in the future.

Bad news about Drogba possibly leaving but hopefully Milan won't meet his ridiculously high salary demands and we should earn more for him than we payed if it does go. But it's still encouraging because they don't wanna sell Schev meaning he's very much part of the squad. I think Schev if he does find his form will be an even bigger goal scorer than Drogba. Maybe it'd help incorporate Anelka into the squad.

I dunno any striker (not considering older ones like Toni) who we would sign from any big team in Euro except maybe Benzema based on his performance.

Boswinga was a monster for Portugal's defence yesterday, he'll fit into the Prem perfectly with his strength. Ferreira would be more of a weaker link in their team but I guess he's gonna stick around hopefully with Bridge (need 4 full-backs with our injuries). We couldn't sign Lahm and we couldn't sign Alves but we have Boswinga now who some would prefer so it goes to show that it works out well in the end.

Yeah, it looks like he might come. I'd be glad to see him here as I admire him a lot, but you shouldn't worry i think Chelsea will buy a more than adequate replacement, IMO if Drogba goes to Milan Eto'o or Villa will come to Chelsea. If not Drogba might stay or go to Inter, Eto'o to Milan and Villa to Chelsea, I believe that this summer those three players will be moving between these three clubs, :). In any case i believe every outcome is a positive one for all parties including Barca who'll have the money to invest in a new striker.

Milan are after Eto'o too so if they get him, it'd be great for us, no way would they get Drogba as well. I'd rather have Villa even if he doesn't have the same class. More consistent I'd say, Eto'o I think has been running on short-lived success and isn't as good as he
seems.

Could this be the first player-coach-money transfer? First one I know of anyways. But I don't think you can just move coaches around if they don't wanna go. Ancelotti doesn't seem like he wants to take the Chelsea hot seat so why force it.

Well, I actually think that Eto'o is underrated, wow we're different :)

Sky Sports News understands that chief executive Peter Kenyon travelled to Milan to discuss both the future of striker Didier Drogba and, more pressingly for Chelsea, Ancelotti.

Reports have suggested that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is preparing a record compensation package worth £20million for Milan to part with Ancelotti.

Source: www.skysports.com

Total and utter media garbage Newbie. Kenyon never flew to Italy.

I really am tiring of this "according to reports", gossip mongering. Someone makes up a pile of bullsh1t, every other paper repeats the bullsh1t, and suddenly you have a story. Lazy, ignorant and small minded journalism.

I don't want Eto. His character is as dubious as Drogba's. Big head, big mouth and an over inflated ego, and I still remember when the lying little **** accused Chelsea of racism when we beat Barca atthe Bridge. Go **** yourself Eto. Chelsea don't want ya.

Ribery? no thanks. Too inconsistant and very over rated.

^^ I agree.... Besides, Ancelloti is not leaving Milan anytime soon..

Total and utter media garbage Newbie. Kenyon never flew to Italy.

I really am tiring of this "according to reports", gossip mongering. Someone makes up a pile of bullsh1t, every other paper repeats the bullsh1t, and suddenly you have a story. Lazy, ignorant and small minded journalism.

I don't want Eto. His character is as dubious as Drogba's. Big head, big mouth and an over inflated ego, and I still remember when the lying little **** accused Chelsea of racism when we beat Barca atthe Bridge. Go **** yourself Eto. Chelsea don't want ya.

Ribery? no thanks. Too inconsistant and very over rated.

hmm, if it is indeed Drogba leaving, I can't find another player that can fit in our usual 4-5-1 system so it will probably mean that whatever new coach will have to change that system.
I'm really stumped, I'd prefer none of the current players leaving, and I don't know which player that we really need that could to come to us...
since you've got more wisdom than most of us here do:innocent_smile_1:, what do yer reckon pete?

Well, if Drog goes, which is by no means a certainty of course, it would be difficult to find a player in the same mould as him, but not impossible. I do hear that we are seriously looking at Bafetimbi Gomis of Saint Ettiene, who has started for France in the Euro's. He looks sharp and is a good looking prospect for us.

It's still not at all clear if Drogba is leaving us as yet, so really we are speculating when we perhaps have no need to.

I would like to see us play with 2 strikers though next season. I think Drog has had a really hard time of it, holding up the ball all on his lonesome for so long. He has handled it magnificently, but it must be hard on him because he himself keeps saying that he would like a permanant strike partner.

Perhaps having 2 strikers will also minimise the pumping of long balls upfield for Drog to chest down and hold up. I have grown a little tired of watching this tactic in almost every game we play. I admit Drog does make a good job of it, and it has worked pretty well, but I think he deserves better .

....and Zakov, I'm opinionated man. Don't confuse that with wisdom....heheheheehe:)

I do hear that we are seriously looking at Bafetimbi Gomis of Saint Ettiene, who has started for France in the Euro's. He looks sharp and is a good looking prospect for us.

as one of those people who wants Arsenal to do well, I am asking: please buy Gomis. (H)



seriously, did you see him against Romania? useleeeeess.

Thats because he was playing with a pretty crap team Fili. :)

I watched him play some games for St. Ettiene and he was impressive.

yes but there are things you either know how to do or you don't, and their were some things he did in the France game that were borderline hilarious....anyway, he's called "the French Drogba", so...

Well, if Drog goes, which is by no means a certainty of course, it would be difficult to find a player in the same mould as him, but not impossible. I do hear that we are seriously looking at Bafetimbi Gomis of Saint Ettiene, who has started for France in the Euro's. He looks sharp and is a good looking prospect for us.

It's still not at all clear if Drogba is leaving us as yet, so really we are speculating when we perhaps have no need to.

I would like to see us play with 2 strikers though next season. I think Drog has had a really hard time of it, holding up the ball all on his lonesome for so long. He has handled it magnificently, but it must be hard on him because he himself keeps saying that he would like a permanant strike partner.

Perhaps having 2 strikers will also minimise the pumping of long balls upfield for Drog to chest down and hold up. I have grown a little tired of watching this tactic in almost every game we play. I admit Drog does make a good job of it, and it has worked pretty well, but I think he deserves better .

....and Zakov, I'm opinionated man. Don't confuse that with wisdom....heheheheehe:)

yeah, haven't seen Gomis in club action, but against Romania the whole French was poor tbh, so that doesn't count........
I'd hate to speculate about things that are uncertain but what about Villa, just saw him for Spain and he looks probably the best available striker there is right now.(Considering the state Valencia is in)
And we do need a striker that is younger then our current crop.(all almost 30 above) I also reckon we should start mixing the youth players with our current team.
The likes of Woods and Di Santo deserve at least a shot in the Carling Cup games. Sinclair should be ready to break in the 1st team, Malouda was disappointing and Kalou is a bit too inconsistent for me.

hehee, sorry pete, didn't mean to go overboard with the compliment.
Its always better being opinionated than having the herd mentality.
We need more individuality around here. (H)

It's Scolari.

Chelsea have issued a statement that Scolari will start his job as Chelsea manager on July 1st.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOO

Scolari isn't bad but I was hoping we'd do better. Not the best of tacticians as we know and I dunno how it'll go for him in England, has never coached a European club and hasn't coached at club level for a long long time giong before the 02 WC I think. Hope he doesn't shake the squad up too much, really dunno what to expect. Wait he should know exactly how to make use of the offensive talent and the confidence is back on for next season:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=545647&cc=5901

Scolari is magic!

Well, whoever eventually got the job, we would still be worrying about the quality of the new man in charge, and thats normal I guess. Scolari should as you say, be able to get the best from our talented squad and utilise the players well too.

I hear that he doesn't speak English. Well, he has no time at all to learn the language before he starts work, so I don't know if this will be a bit of an obstacle when dealing with the players. Time will tell, and I would obviously expect that Chelsea have already considered the point, and don't see a problem with it.

I think it's a good appointment, and makes next season very interesting indeed.

I think the players will respect his stature as a coach, and that's important, and I think generally, the fans will be happy with the appointment.

Scolari is a really great player motivator but don't expect him to have as much tactical knowledge as Benitez or Mourinho, not even close. He is a master at mental games though.

Overall I think this is a good move considering Chelsea's squad and current situation, he may just well be what this team needs. He's clearly not the type of guy to take orders from Abramovic.

Good luck to him in Chelsea (Y)


It will be funny to see him trying to interact with the players in the beginning, since like you guys mentioned, he doesn't speak english :innocent_smile_1:

Stopped by just to wish you guys good luck for the next season. Scolari is a good manager, and he should be able to do a good job for you. The fact that he's more a motivator than a tactician coupled with the fact that he can't speak English worries a bit, but give him some time and he'll be fine.

Two misconceptions here:

- Unlike most people say, Scolari is a really good tactician, but most of his work is done during training, he isn't very good at improvising during the game.

- He will make Chelsea more attacking-minded. Not necessarily, he builds the teams around the players he has at his disposal, most of his teams in Brazil played with focus in the defense.

Good luck to Scolari at Stamford Bridge. The English part will be a/the major obstacle.

He'll probably use a translator for the 1st few months until he gets a string of sentences under his belt.
good appointment, don't know what to think of him, really. Hence, i wasn't too impressed either when Ranieri, Jose and Avram were appointed. thats normal i guess.
Decent move by the club, IMO.

Let me just say this right now, I don't think it was a good signing by Chelsea. But he might prove me wrong.





That said, you ****ers could've at least waited for the Euro to be over, if it was the English coach your media would be all over it.

i'm thankfull for what he did at portugal and i wish him all the luck in the world but i have to agree with filipower.
i don't think he'll be a good club manager. he's a fantastic motivator but tactically he's poor, and that, at chelsea's level (premierleauge and champions league) is very important.

and also why the hell would you announce this now ? couldn't have waited for the euro to end ?

Ask the club's management(or Kenyon) for pete's sake....u make it sound like it was us fans that made this announcement.....

no he doesn't, he sounds exactly like he's blaming the board, not the fans, because it's the board who announce it, not the supporters..

well i don't see any members of the chelsea board here, so better take the complaints elsewhere, hehehhe :D

dude, we're just saying it wasn't exactly polite by Chelsea, take a chill pill...

Two misconceptions here:

- Unlike most people say, Scolari is a really good tactician, but most of his work is done during training, he isn't very good at improvising during the game.

- He will make Chelsea more attacking-minded. Not necessarily, he builds the teams around the players he has at his disposal, most of his teams in Brazil played with focus in the defense.

He is defensive minded and doesn't like to take risks, you're right and I agree.

But I disagree when you say he's a good tactician. A good tactician, like Mourinho, has the ability to read the game tacticaly, players movements considering the defensive-offensive/offensive-defensive movements and make the convenient adjustments before the match and during the match.

Which is something he doesn't do. I can illustrate this with 2 very simple exemples:

Portugal lost not once, twice but three consecutive times with Greece when everybody knew (at least on the 2nd and last match) the way they play, the tactics they employ. Considering the teams diference in value and quality this is ridiculous, he was unable to the the necessary changes to allow us to win.

In the Portugal - Czech match on this current Euro Portugal had a real hard time to break through against a well tacticaly organized team, only managed to do that on the 2nd half. What made the difference at half-time? Did Scolari did any changes? Not at all, but he knew exactly what to say to players to motivate them, like Ronaldo admited at the end of the match.


This does not mean he didn't improve, and that he won't be good at Chelsea. On the contrary I think he can do a good job. And I myself am thankful for his work in the portuguese NT.

He's clearly not the type of guy to take orders from Abramovic.

Good luck to him in Chelsea (Y)


That's why Chelsea will continue rotating managers, Abramovich is said to be very involved, even giving advice to players - anyone who stands up will be shown the door. IMHO

If you think about it, Chelsea were a bit silly to sack the only manager who led them to the UCL Final (and perhaps could have won on another day - in fact many will argue "should have", but then United "should have" put the three chances away in the first half!)
Chelsea (and most other clubs) simply do not give managers time to gel their squads and build their teams. Abramovich can play football monopoly every summer and get the "who's who" of football - but as Madrid (and England are) found out, 11 superstars does not necessarily make a cohesive team.

Look, if Scolari is a disaster which I very much doubt, then we will have to keep looking for the right man. It's that simple.

Before Fergie arrived at Man U Mikey, they also experienced a lot of manager rotation too until they found the right man. That is the way it happens. The fact that Fergie has been in place so long causes a lot of Man U fans to forget that.

Hopefully Scolari will be the man, and if he isn't so what. The great thing about football is that there is always next season, and then the season after that. Of course I want the club to settle down, but as much as I want to see that happen as soon as possible, I am prepared to wait. Eventually we will sort it out and that's fine with me.

As for Chelsea being "unpolite" in announcing Scolari's appointment. Scolari through his agent, actually released the news before Chelsea did. Anyway whats the big deal about it? Surely honesty is a lot better than having to endure all the speculation for another 2 weeks or so. I think the speculation would have unsettled the Portuguese team a lot more than actually knowing the true situation. This could actually invoke a very positive reaction from the Portuguese players.

You will excuse me of course if I don't care too much how this affects Portugal in the Euro's though. I'm not Portuguese so why should it bother me?

I am interested in only Chelsea, and having a manager in place for next season is far more important to me than worrying about the team he leaves behind. I am sure if the situation was reversed, the Portuguese would not give a sh!t either, so please spare us the speeches about morality huh?

dude, we're just saying it wasn't exactly polite by Chelsea, take a chill pill...

look at the :D smiley man, i am chilling, i just find it hilarious that u guys are barking up the wrong tree.....

Just how much can you motivate a 'club' over an entire season? Constantly after every half? Nope, can't judge the guy but I think the motivation thing is a bit overrated when it comes to club. Over 38 games, the best team wins, there isn't any Greece like miracle, he's got the class at his disposal, just has to get it out of the underperformers.

Btw, Boswinga's performance has been great, he's definetely our new right back, glad we didn't waste it on Danny Alves with that ridiculous asking price last season. What will happen to Ferreira and Beletti, I don't know but hopefully Essien won't have to ever play as a right back again.

Yeah, lets hope that's the right back problem sorted once and for all. Jose couldn't solve it because as much as I like Paulo he just isn't whats required, unless Big Phil can improve him. Same with Belletti really. I think one of those two will have to go to make way for Boswinga, and I've a feeling that Scolari will keep Paulo rather than Belletti somehow. We still have to see whether Boswinga can cut it in the EPL too.

We have enough central defenders and we have enough midfield players. Malouda will get one more season to prove himself I would think, and if he does not improve he will have to go. He certainly is not the replacement for Robben that Jose thought he was.

Deco who is rumoured to be interested in moving here is a great player still, but I just don't think we need to shell out a fortune for a 31 year old who wants to join Chelsea only because Barca don't want him. The same goes for Ronaldinho. We need to stop buying these older players if we are to build with the future in mind.

Ribery is only slightly above average in my opinion so I hope we don't go there either.

As for our strikeforce. Anelka is a dissapointment to be honest, and his attitude still stinks. I would off load him asap, if anyone wants to buy him that is.

Drogba? Now there's a puzzle to be sure. If his heart is in it and he stops with all the bullsh!t talk all the time, then perhaps he should stay, but if he carries on whinging then perhaps not. His attitude also pee's me off too.

Kalou's second season will hopefully see him achieve a better and more consistant level. We shall have to see.

It all depends on how Big Phil is going to manage the team regarding formations etc. He will be the man who decides who stays and who goes. All we can do is watch and wait as usual.

Very happy to have Scolari though. If he stays for the next 5 years I think he will be the man to do the job we need done.

I am so looking forward to the season starting. :)

its deco ho dont want to stay in barça no barça ho want to transfer deco.

OK thanks for that Arnau, I wasn't sure about that detail.

I do think he still has a lot to offer Chelsea, but we already have very good midfield players, and we have a lot of them too.

i think so too, but with lampard and ballack (creatives ones i mean) isnt enought... deco dont care what big team will be his destiny how a good mercenary he is (like every notformer club player now) but have a great team spirit and scolari knows him.

They say that Scolari likes holding/defensive minded midfielders more. He likes to play it in this format:

winger----------------winger
--------cent---centr--------

Uses 5 midfielders with Portugal cos of their striker problems but that's a different story. Anyways, this might be trouble for guys like Lampard who don't really play that sorta role, Ballack would but not Lampard. I don't think it's enough of a reason not to resign him though. Btw, just how much DID Chelsea pay to hire him?

First of all, saying Deco is a mercenary is a bit much coming from a guy who supports the team that were stupid enough to not play him more often and now are crying because they don't want him to leave.

Secondly, Scolari doesn't use that tactic in Portugal..we puts Petit as a DM, Moutinho as a box-to-box MC and Deco as an AMC. Then we have three more forward players, Ronaldo, Nuno Gomes and Simão...so no, Portugal's tactic isn't all that defensive.

Concerning Deco, I don't think it'll be that good of an idea by Chelsea, because there is no way you can stick Deco, Lampard, Ballack and Essien in the same midfield...

I agree with that Fili. I also think that Deco when he's on his game is a fantastic asset to have. What worries me the most is who Big Phil might drop to let him play. Unless Deco is happy to be rotated that is.

I'd still want to see Lamps, Ballack and Essien in there to be honest. Hmmm, its a hard one I must admit.

That's what I'm saying though...the whole reason behind Deco leaving Barça is him not playing. So if he goes to Chelsea to be benched, that would mean a crisis all over again for Deco, which would mean money not well spent by Chelsea. You see what I mean? I'm not saying that he's a bad player, he's one of my all time favorites, but you either drop Lampard or Ballack or Deco to the bench, and none of the three like that..

hmm, I don't think Deco will be coming to Chelsea tbh....I think Deco himself would only come if Frank leaves Chelsea(which I can't see happening at all, despite all the tabloid s.hit).....I think Lamps and Ballack started to look great together towards the end of the season, our only problem is that our style of play can be a bit too predictable at times(the direct Drogba approach), I think we need more variety in our attacking approach, and to do that we need a much younger and mobile striker.
what do u guys reckon? i just can't wait for the season to start. :D

well, it's official apparently, you've bought Deco. ****ers :(

nothing official unless its not posted in the club's website.....or the player or the player's club...........at least it isn't when im writing this....

I dunno about us signing Deco but Guardiola is saying that Deco/Ronaldinho/Eto'o aren't part of his problems. I think that might have something to do with him wanting to change things completely and get rid of the previous ownership's legacy.

If Scolari's smart I think he'd rather be looking at more of a defensive midfielder, Essien can play there but not the same as Makelele. Might as well go after Toulalan lol. No I'm kiddin, he's not the same. Utd are lucky with Carrick/Hargreaves.

My worry about Scolari is that he'd use the money at his disposal to buy players he knows well, instead of checking out the players in the squad from up clos. i think our midfield is excellent the way it is, Ballack, Lampard, Essien, Maks, we've got it covered, and we don't need Deco. He's a good player, but it'd be like bringib¡ng in a top keeper, a waste. If Scolari decides to bolster the midfield (since Sidwell is leaving and Maks is gettinbg any younger) I hope he brings in someone young and promising, although I still don't think we need any more midfielders, I mean, we also have Mikel, a promising youngster.

Our defence seems solid, too, assuming Bosingwa adapts well, and we don't need anyone there, either. Although, as a big fan of him, I would still love to see Lahm signed, I think he would add more to the team than either Bridge, Ferreira, Cole or Belleti (dunno about Bosingwa), but again, not essential.

The only place we could really use someone new (or the unprobable step-up from the academy/ a great improvement in the current players) is the attack. Drogba, should he stay, which ihope he does, needs to change his attitude, and cut the crap. He's become a sort of russian roulette, anbd it has to stop. Still, he's a very good player, and we don't have adequate cover in Pizarro/Sheva/Anelka/Kalou for him to leave. I've already said I'd love to see Huntelaar in a Chelsea shirt, and I hope we sign him. A year as back up to Drogba will be perfect for him to adapt to the Premiership and its defenders, meaning that he'd be ready to become a starter in the following season, although I think he could handle strarting for us now, too.

Dunno who we're gonna sign, but I hope we get a quality striker, that's my top wish in the transfer market, I have many names in mind, but all of them seem improbable for one reason or another, so we'll wait and see.

Oh, and I agree with Pede about Malouda, although I'm more optimistic about his next season with us.

Btw, what do you think about Boula? He's been superb in the Euro, he seems to have matured greatly, and should this not be a matter of him playing well because it's the Euro, I think he might give Bosingwa a un for his money, should Scolari keep him, of course.

P.S

Where have you heard Deco's signinbg is official, Fili? Haven't seen anything official.

The only reason why I'm not saying 100% is because it's not on the clubs' websites. But I reckon it's pretty safe to say sooner or later it will be. Our media isn't usually that off, specially concerning Portuguese players...


If it's confirmed though, it's the second bad move by Chelsea in only one week, in my opinion.

Is that an Arsenal fans opinion Fili?:rofl:

:D

In all seriousness though, not at all. But again, only time will tell.

Well I hope it's all media talk, because as good as he is I don't think he's needed by us. If we needed someone like him, he would be the first one on the list, but we have so many midfielders that it's crazy. I also hope that the days of buying 30 year old players (and older), are now over.

Word from the Bridge that Roman has been talking to Arshavin about a move to Chelsea. Arshavin does want to leave Zenit for a bigger league while he has the chance to do so (he is 28 y.o.), and it seems that he's happy with what Roman has offered him.

I do believe that Roman has been talking to Arshavin, as the source at Chelsea is never wrong about this stuff. Whether he eventually comes to the Bridge is another thing of course. I would like to see him join us.:)

so possibilty of Deco, Lampard, Ballack and Arshavin?

Blimey, it looks good in print Fili. I'm keeping my fingers crossed from here on in. :)

Mate, no it doesn't. It looks good if you're playing FM man...

Talk about having a crowded midfield..

I don't play FM Fili, I prefer real life, and that midfield lineup is a killer in the right hands, as well you know. :)

Again, totally disagree.

Well, you would matey:)

I thought you didn't want Deco in the Bridge, what made you change your mind?

To be honest Az, his performance in Portugals Euro experience. I have only read negative stuff about him from last season, but I see he has still got it big time man.

Deco? Pffft I'd rather have younger Arshavin now...I have the feeling he'll end up at Arsenal but maybe Roman can persuade him.

I think with Boulahrouz, it's a question of whether HE wants to come back to Chelsea and the Premiership, I'm still not convinced. Ferreira will stay on, Beletti will go, and fingers crossed if Bridge stays, we should have two full backs on the left/right.

The Euro's have shown us that Khalid is still the same player he has been for us. Unimpressive is all I can say about him. Shame but there it is.

Arshavin would be cool, and I think we have more chance of getting him than Le Arse have. Basically we can offer him more dosh than Arsenal, and I have a feeling thats what Arshavin is looking for as he nears the end of his playing days. So, we shall see.

I would rather Paulo leaves and Beletti stays TBH. I like Paulo, he's a nice guy for sure, but just short of the quality we really need. Beletti isn't a hell of a lot better, but I think he just edges it.

Bridge will stay I'm sure of that. I really do prefer him over Ashley at this time, although now that Ash has sorted out his marital problems, perhaps his football will be more important to him than it was last season. I hope so.

Big Phil has outlined his intent as he prepares to take over the Chelsea squad.

"It will be a revolution especially in terms of mentality. First there will need to be an overhaul, as happens in any company when they change boss. When that happens I don't know, because it depends on the human resources, on the whole team.

I confess, for the first few games I will have difficulty in identifying all the players and getting their fusion right.Everyone has their personality, their way of working and their way of seeing players. I will begin by seeing players in training because you see different reactions there.

My choices are purely tactical ones. I pick the players I think are the best, I only give explanations about players I pick, never about others.
I won't give explanations about any player not selected. Whoever is not selected is not selected.

Let them be unhappy with it. They know that's the way it is in football. I, as a coach, have to live with the responsibility of choosing.
Nobody knows what goes on inside my head. That's why it's better not to respond to some criticism." (H)

I'm waiting with my thoughts on Arshavin in our squad until I see him play against Italy/Spain. I've only seen him play two matches, and against good, not spectacular, defences. Fro0m what I've seen though, he'd be perfect to partner up with Drogba, or maybe even bring out some good from Sheva. Dunno if he'd manage on his own up front against the physical defenders in the Prem. Hoping that we get him instead of Arsenal though, should he come to the Prem, and I agree that Chelsea seem like the best option for him in terms of what he's looking for. But, he might get more playing time in Arsenal, so who knows.

I hope Scolari gives Boula a chance. I saw him play well in the WC, and he could be a good backup. However, I was pleasantly surprised by Bosingwa and Ferreira and Belleti have proven that they can play fine as backups, not great, but still. So I won't be too downhearted if Boula's sold. I hope Bosingwa's performance is not a case like Podolski's international success, and from what others have said of him, it doesn't seem like it is.

I share the same mindset regarding the left-backs as you Pede, I prefer Bridge, although neither is really the player we need on the left.

I don't think Deco is a good idea. Many players play at full potential in international tournies, only to disappoint in the league, and the opposite can also be said. I would rather we got someone whose young and has a lot of potential, even if he is worse than Deco, because we have the midfield taken care of. Ballack, Essien, Lamps and Maks are all playing well, the only problem is that 3 of them are quite old and probably don't have many playing years ahead of them, I don't think we should shell out 10+ mil for someone in the same situation, especially if he's simply gonna rotate with the other players, who I personally think are better than him.

...I have a feeling thats what Arshavin is looking for as he nears the end of his playing days....

I thought he was 23 or 24.....

27/28 I think. I was under the same impression, mind.

27

I wouldn't worry about Ballack...his playing style doesn't require him to run. He might not score as much but he's a passer/crosser anyways, he's got more longetivity than Lampard anyways.


I don't tjhink we'll be a 'build for the future as well Arsenal squad' anytime soon so don't rule out an older signing over a younger one with potential.

Yep, I think its too soon to be looking for young budding players in the market, to replace any existing players. Once our academy players begin to step up, then will be the time. Probably a couple of seasons down the line I would think. Until then Chelsea need to concentrate on consollidating their position in the grand scheme of things. Our older players have a good 2-3 years left in them at least, so I would think we will be relying on their experience for a few seasons yet.

I certainly would not want to go down the Arsenal route of introducing a whole team of young players who are still learning their trade. I've witnessed more than enough seasons that have finished empty handed in my Chelsea lifetime, to wanna go through 3 seasons of non-achievement as Arsenal have done.

The time will come though to introduce new blood, and it has to be done with care and planning, and not the wholesale method employed by Wenger.

Az, good points mate. I agree with all that.

When I first saw Arshavin playing for Zenit, I thought he was about 17/18 y.o. Man, he still looks like a kid.

Az, can you create a new thread for next season man? I would but I don't know how.:blush:

yeah i would too but i couldn't resist putting goofy photos........better u make it, Az...lol

Well as long as it gets done Zakov, then thats the main thing. I trust yer man if you wanna do it, or you can wait a bit to see if Az wants to do it. Whatever, its fine with me.:D

haha, yeah I mean, it's not like it's a decent club or anything (H)

haha, yeah I mean, it's not like it's a decent club or anything (H)

:rofl: best joke i heard all day...........

haha, yeah I mean, it's not like it's a decent club or anything (H)


ooh you are a naughty, provocative lad sometimes Fili :innocent_smile_1:

http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/stories/2008/06/23/daily40.html?ana=from_rss

Chelsea joins with CASL's youth soccer club in Raleigh, NC! Sweet!! Their first venture into a partnership with youth soccer in America and it is with my former youth soccer organization! I wish I was young again. ::sigh::

If you want me, too, sure. I don't think I ever updated it with new transfers or stuff, but, sure. Although, Zakov, if you wanna do it, go right ahead.