Super Johnzie

[quote name="EdinburghBlue" post= On a much happier note, I've got quite a good feeling about this game, and Im not usually one for good feelings before a game, it's usually nerves! I think this will be more comfortable than the media is making out, however that could be down to the fact I'll be watching from a sunny sports bar in Feurteventura! Speaking of which, has anyone been and know of a good bar that would be showing our game? I'm assuming most places will but I don't want to end up in a crap pub! I watched the Capital One final in Corralejo. There's a sports bar right next door to Irish pub (which was rocking after Ireland beat England in the 6 nations on the same day) - sorry are we allowed to mention egg chasing on here? They are at the opposite end of the strip from the Old Town on one of the side roads leading down to the beach. There are plenty of screens in both but would probably fall into the category of crap pubs though. Bumped into Kell Brook while I was there as it goes. Anyway, enjoy. I'm predicting a Desmond.

What a useful squad player the much maligned Kalou looks now - he got his fair share of goals didn't he (and a few shiney medals too). We need back up. Can't fault Remy on what we've seen so far and shouldn't be surprised given his Prem track record but it breaks my heart to see the Drog out there - just horrible. Not sure Bamford is going to be good enough but you don't know until you put him in. Based upon Kane's lower league record I don't think we would have given him a look-in.

Oscars performances have been in steady decline for some time now. I can barely recall him having a game where he was a dominant figure (ever). He has scored wonder goals on occasion and that to my mind somewhat flatters his reputation. I never bought it when Jose came out and said he was the No10 ahead of Mata because to my mind the only thing that he offered ahead of the Spaniard was the running energy rather than than the ability to unlock defences on a consistent basis. It seems now that his energy levels have slipped considerably and he is often anonymous for large parts of a game. If his stock is still high in the market I would cash him in and reinvest.

My least favourite player (after Mikel) in our current squad. Had been quite critical of him last season but thought that what he did in the World Cup proved me wrong. However this season I see the same wasteful player who seldom beats his man, plays the right ball or passes instead of going for goal. Happy enough to see him on the bench and getting a run out in minor cup games but it amazes me to see so many fans putting him in their starting line up ahead of Willian or Oscar. Each to their own but I'm happy that he diednt seem to be one of the managers preferred starters .

Sorry to ignore the request but tactically I question if this is the right way to handle academy prospects. Whether the like of Josh and Chalobah were ever really good enough is for debate but by giving such young boys big long term contracts (I'm assuming Bakers is pretty big) gives them the idea that they have made it and takes away some of the hunger and desire. Definition of insanity - doing the same thing time and again and expecting a different outcome.

The key word here is talent. Try looking at football through a lens that isn't Mourinho sometimes - there are many ways to play and appreciate the game.

What nonsense to think this makes us a selling club. Selling clubs off load their players regardless of whether they are part of the managers plans. Personally I would keep him and play him in midfield but Jose doesn't quite fancy him and is probably looking to Matic and Van Ginkel plus Challobah in that position - so plenty of options. Right or wrong in judgement the same applied to the Mata sale. Now if we sell Hazard that's a different story altogether. Wish Luiz well at World Cup and at PSG - a true world class talent in my book.

He's had a great goal scoring season for Athletico but a friend who follows Spanish football closely told me that his record in previous seasons has been very modest. I hope we are not getting a one season wonder. Any statos out there able to confirm or refute?

Some amazing over reactions and some equally amazing blindness to obvious failings throughout these posts. For what it's worth here's my 2p worth. We have a very good manager and a good quality squad of players - strikers aside. Semi of Champs league and 3rd in prem plus no cups is ok - especially given managers first season in charge. Some new signings required, some need to leave, some need to retire and some need to up their game. Manager needs to work out how to get past a parked bus. This has to be down to tactics and team selection. Apart from his histrionics (which are some times embarrassing) this has been a major failing of our manager this season. The players may not be the optimum group but surely they can be coached to beat the likes of at least some of West Ham, Sunderland, Palace, Norwich etc Here's hoping the summer brings a few new players and a few new ideas from the boss. Finally Thank The Lord Liverpool won't win it now!!

Was very impressed with the Chelsea connection from Madrid. Tiago looked strong and composed in the midfield - was never a standout player for us but a heap better than Mikel and the liked of Mireles who came later. Anyone recall why he left ? Courtois was immense. Didn't realise how big he was. We must have him next season. Everyone has their time to step down and now it has to be Cechs. It was tough on Carlo when the roles were reversed but was a move for the better. Congrats to the chap who just had the baby and a gold star for his mrs for letting him watch the game while she waited at the hospital for the esters to break!

These kind of nights are utterly priceless for the fans involved. The biggest games we can ever play on home soil and we should not forget how privileged we are to be part of it. Win or lose - drink it in (and then drink a little more)

Oh ye of little faith! Oh, that's me. I have to admit to getting it wrong with my pre-match post on hearing the team for last night. Although we threatened little we denied them any clear openings - a fine defensive performance in an European away leg. Going to be tough still though. Like everyone I hope Hazard is fit but I'm less concerned about the prospect of Luiz at centre back. My call would be to play Ivan there but only because I'd want to keep Luiz in midfield. On a big big night Luiz has proved that he can keep his concentration - like in Munich. What a night in prospect next Weds - almost makes the ticket price worth the money! Come on Chels!!!

Let's see how the team performs but this looks like the ultimate in double standards from our boss - talking about the enemy of football when it it's against him and the doing exactly the same to try to choke the life out of a game himself. I just pray he is the tactical genius they say and that my worst fears are wrong about this line up.

I'm glad you don't pic the team!!

Embarrassing to read many of the comments here blaming refs and touting conspiracy theories in favour of Liverpool. We lost today, and we won't be champions because we are not good enough to do so this season. Blame the players, blame the board, blame the manager, blame bad luck, blame some bad decisions if you want to play the blame game - but it is childish and ignorant in the extreme to think that the football authorities have somehow got together to manufacture the outcome. Unpalatable as it will be if Liverpool win the title, it will be because they will get most points and on that basis will deserve it. The media will make us feel sick but we should suck it up and show a but if class as a club. Who knows what may yet happen In the league but we have a Champions league semi final to come - positive thoughts and energy required. KTBFFH.