Champions of Europe Thread [2012-2013]

[Sir Calumn]

that squad is better than any barcelona team ever

 

[ShiftyPowers]

Tiago was that important? I don't remember that at all.

 

[Arnau]

He was a very important player, check the season review videos.

 

[MaestroZidane]

José Mourinho = Legend

 

[Mandieta6]

The only positive I took from the West Brom loss was that surely Sturridge would become the first choice striker and that we would definitely bring someone in the midseason window. Now, I'm not sure either is gonna be true. That said, if Benitez can get Torres firing again, I'd be glad. Assuming we get 3rd. There should be no reason for us not get 3rd. The only way I can accept not getting 3rd is if we pull a Di Matteo/Benitez at Liverpool and win the CL.

 

[Zakov]

I don't care who buy the players, Chelsea started the 04/05 season with a lot of newcomers, new manager, new philosophy and new methodology but still succes. Cech, Terry, Drogba and Lampard became "stars" that season under Mourinho.

What you implied when you answered Shifty's post was that you could just start with a new squad and straight away win silverware.

This wasn't the case with us, or with City(City took two years to get to where they are today). Purchases are made over a couple of years and it takes a season or two, to get the best out of the team.

Like I said, Mourinho had the luxury of having a great core of players in his disposal when he took the reigns, along with the marquee signings made from Ranieri's tenure(pre and post Abramovich).

 

[Pogba4Now]

Di Matteo did a brilliant job last season changing team dynamics and optimizing resources (gave the leadership back to the old guard and played a football their players doesn't feel unnatural) but failied building an own project, he earned the chance and Roman did well though. I think i said in August the squad were not well made IMO, it lacks a competitive #9 and creativity at the base. Moses and Marin signings were weird, Essien shouldn't have gone on the last minute of the transfer window without a chance to replace him for another player and i don't understand why didn't you go for the likes of Cavani, Falcao, de Rossi or Moutinho.

Is this Di Matteo's fault? Most likely not. Roman decides on most of signings. Thats what is holding Chelsea back as well. You have an owner deciding on what players the manager need to play with.

 

[ShiftyPowers]

I actually think a fan as owner who wants a couple things done his way can work. But only if the fan has accepted reality! I don't think Roman watches the games and realize how crap Torres is; all fans know this.

 

[Mandieta6]

Emenalo chooses targets, Roman approves them. But yeah, the holes in the team are ridiculous and were nit RDM's fault.

 

[Sir Calumn]

One thing Shifty should like about Benitez - he's one EPL manager that thinks British reared players are completely, utterly worthless. Dont expect to see much of Sturridge, Bertrand, Cahill or Moses for the next few months.

 

[ShiftyPowers]

Well I like Moses at least

 

[Mandieta6]

Nigerian.

 

[poet11]

One thing Shifty should like about Benitez - he's one EPL manager that thinks British reared players are completely, utterly worthless. Dont expect to see much of Sturridge, Bertrand, Cahill or Moses for the next few months.

Really? didn't he want to replace Xabi Alonso with Gareth Barry?

 

[Sir Calumn]

Nigerian.

Grew up in London though. He talks very funny actually like a cross between "yeeeeeeeeah ya feel me blood" and "wwwwwwhat r you doing?! I am from NIE-JEER-EE-A!"

 

[ShiftyPowers]

"yeeeeeeeeah ya feel me blood"

RASSIST!

 

[Jaboldinho]

Read a report that Benitez is going to get rid of Cole and Lamps.

 

[Filipower]

He's cleaning up so Mourinho/Guardiola don't have to do it! Oh this is gold.

 

[Sir Calumn]

He said he imagines they will leave at the end of the season, so I guess that means they wont be offered new contracts under his watch. Lampard should go at the end of the season, dont want to sully the reputation of the greatest goal scoring midfielder in the history of world football, but we should keep Cole. Actually, we should give him another contract, then sell him to PSG.

 

[Mandieta6]

The club don't want to give them 2 year deals, it's got nothing to do with Benitez. I'd like to see them stay, especially as they are both are current best bet in their respective positions, but them leaving would only leave Terry as our old-guard member, and eventually that will have to happen.

 

[Sir Calumn]

Apparently Drogba was lined up to come on loan to Chelsea for the Chinese off-season (which has just started) but FIFA blocked the move being outside of the transfer window because they hate us.