DenyLu

If Cech will leave, how much would we get for him? He's still one of the world's best and has 5 years in him i think. 15-20m realistic?

Neither during the World Cup nor during pre season have I seen anything that would suggest Drogba is better than Torres. If anything, the opposite is true, which is quite sad for the former.

I won't believe for a second that Hazard asked for this. Surely he's got assistants who would tell him that this kind of request would only shift attention towards his poor performance rather than away from it.

We are not. Last time we were favourites was 2010, if I am correct. From then on it was City all the time. Also, if the majority thinks we're the best it rather fills me with confidence rather than makes me annoyed. I want everyone to be scared when they come to play us!

For some reason I think this is rather bad than good..

Are you a bit flattered? ;)

If one player was enough to win something big, we'd have done so last season because Hazard is clearly better than Sanchez. Not worried about Arsenal, to be honest. It's City who worry me because of their squad depth and Liverpool because they are well rested and probably on for a good start.

Nothing really football related, but I follow the German media and Schürrle always says how much he loves Chelsea and wants to stay here and prove himself. It's no trash talk either, but comes across as very genuine. Add to this the observation that he seems to reach a new personal level in terms of the football he delivers, and we might as well have a really exciting player to look forward to for the next couple of years, who might leave the role of a super sub behind him.

I'm spamming this thread with my personal stuff but the excitement about Costa reaches Hazardesque levels. He looks like the perfect match for what we need and I am realising my expectations for him may have been completely wrong!

Costa has already scored more than Torres in his entire first year I believe. Keep it up Diego!

Hahaha I think Costa is just trying to be polite. It's a nice move, I think. But we all know that he did what a professional had to do, so no excuses necessary.

He had the same number for Atletico I believe. Clearly had no lack of luck there! :)

What is it?

Really? I saw a post on Twitter from the official Chelsea account which said that Fabs is in the pivot and Schürrle, Haz and Ramire behind Costa. Guess we'll find out soon! ;)

Let's do this!

So is this the team to start against Burnley?

Nah, the semicolons clearly suggest its 4-2-3-1 :)

YES! Haz behind Costa!

I hope they gave him the 10 for a reason. Clearly Hazard is the best playmaker in this team.

I hope he does that no matter what, cuz even if Oscar improves he can't beat Haz!

Exactly. After our more than lacklustre and soulless finish last season, I am happy we have someone who means business when he's on the pitch. Could inspire us should we ever find ourselves lethargic again in, say, a semi-final of the Champions League.

If there is any good news from this pre season at all so far then it's that Costa looks very promising!

Also, what's this World Cup excuse all about? If anything, this should be a reason to perform better to be selected for the matches there. And for all his concentration on the World Cup, he quite frankly had a poor World Cup..

No from me mate! I was already fed up with his decline in the second half of last season. Should he get the nod and remain our main playmaker he has to step up!

Hardly a kid anymore. No excuses. He has to deliver this season!