King_Luiz

Its been going on for a while though but Mourinho seems so different now to when he was first introduced to the prem. The smile and wit has been replaced with a snarl and paranoid delusion. Maybe its the sackings or the pressure of living up to the 'special one' alter ego he created.

The Brazil situation is a strange one. If theyre playing with a back four, i can see the logic in him not starting but id at least have him in the squad. I never thought he was as bad as he was made out to be in the press durint his first stinit with us. I felt it became the norm to criticise him. Hes been excellant since we switched it up, especially as he has been carrying an injury since December. Contender for our player of the season. Altbough id still choose Kante.

Guy is such a beast. Id hate to see him go as he has all the physical attributes to be a top player. Dont want it to become another Lukaku situation...

Yep, I remember that going on. Carlo was pretty high on him at the time and the reports from his loan at Swansea & reverse levels were very good. Sadly he got greedy and moved on. Was for the best looking at him now.

Although it would be cool to see both Hazard brothers in the same team, Thorgan does not improve anything in our squad right now. He's not replacing Pedro who is playing very well at the moment and I'd rather call on Willian to come on as a sub over Thorgan. Shame as it would of been a nice moment, but i can't see him coming back.

Not seen a topic about him since his retirement. Doesn't seem that long ago that we were on the cusp of signing Gerrard and having a midfield 3 of Lampard, Gerrard and Maka. IMO, as Mourinho stated at the time, these two playing with each other every week in a dedicated formation (not the random chopping and changing they put up with, with England) would of gelled very well and with Maka behind them would of been lethal. It wasn't to be however and Gerrard decided to stay at Liverpool for the love of the club, or threats from scouse gangsters depending on what you choose to believe. What do you geezers think? Reckon we would of gone on to dominate Europe with his inclusion? Or would it have never worked and ended up being an expensive mistake? Personally I think we would of owned the prem for a few years and Gerrard would have finally claimed that league title that eluded him.

Shame he threw his talent away with the excessive partying. Once he lost his hunger, he was never the same. Tbh, I struggle to think of another player who had a fall from grace anywhere near as bad as his, most kids don't even remember him now.

Haha, got me there! Remove Shearer, Ronaldo up front!

With how competitive the prem is (never mind Europe) I'd say after five years the following would be remarkable; - 3 League trophies - 2 FA Cups - A league cup - Another Champs league (but so incredibly difficult)

As others have said, from players i've seen:\ Cech Cafu, Terry, Ferdinand, cole Maka, Lampard, Pirlo Messi, Kaka, Ronaldo Shearer

Great post. Tbh, from personal experience i'd say Liverpool, simply because the majority of their fans weren't around when they were successful from what i've met. But Newcastle fans are even worse. I've no idea why they feel they should be a title winning team.

From Manchester and got the chance to meet him in Gauchos (steak restaurant) a few weeks ago. Obv after getting over being star struck I went over to say hi. Despite the fact he was with family, i think, he was very warm and generally a very happy chap. Didn't ask for a pic as i felt guilty even approaching him but my point is, he defo gave off a very different vibe than the one i've seen on TV. (possibly because i was gushing about how much he meant to me, especially growing up during his first tenure at the club)

Conte is such a breathe of fresh air compared to Mourinho of recent years (I'm a Jose fan), it's just nice to not hear our manager constantly causing controversy. Personally, I'm thinking this game will be a draw and theres no shame in it. Bro have bene playing well against the big boys and will most likely hold out for a 1-1

I'd be surprised if anyone had any hate for him going to City. The fact he scored against us didn't really rattle me as he was doing his job, plus we went on to win the league. I'd love to have him back nurturing the youth sides, especially as he has an old school mentality.

Sad it didn't work out for him. He has flashes of brilliance but for the most part he was poor overall. Won't miss him f he goes but hope he goes on to succeed elsewhere. Maybe somewhere like Spain would suit him.

Had high hopes for Bamford, but Im starting to think he has David Nugent syndrome. Looks excellent at Championship level but for whatever reason, cannot cut it in the prem.

Seems to play his best when both Costa and he are on the pitch. Recent games (despite the minimal minutes) haven't been impressive. Early days though

TBH, i'll honestly admit, whilst very happy to see him back as I love the guy I was nervous. However, this formation (Christ Conte, where did you come from you wonderful madman?) seems to get the very best of him. He is free to push forward and get involved, which you can tell he loves. Any concern over his positional play is removed due to the bodies around him. Finally, he is defending better than ever thanks to a manager who took a leaky defines at Juve (people forget that) and turned them into a brick wall.

He was 'that' player back in the day whereby all the other big teams would pick him from our squad if they had one choice. Could fit into multiple roles and dominate. Top quality player and from what I've read, a stand up guy. Anyone else remember when we first signed him and he was a walking red card lol?

Looking at his form this season, it seems clear injuries/drop in confidence (most likely due to the atmosphere around the team/Mourinho) affected his play. Under Conte he's looking great and long may it continue. Reminds me of Kaka with his close control and fantastic pace.