Van Butsen

Can you please personally ask Antonio what the deal is tomorrow PloKs?

Bloke struggles with English... China will literally blow his mind

Wonder why they didn't bring this story out 5 games into our winning run? Do you rekon this was an 11th hour conference call with all the papers, or just the editor and a journo of 1? Do you think they discussed year end bonuses for such a story? I wonder what the next one will be? Do you think we can notify the MET police or something? Surely it's illegal?

We were on about three rounds in a row last year, I really don't get the complaining. I know not everyone can subscribe to pay television, but between all the competitions, towards the end of last year we were on about 7-8 weekends in a row.

I think the system has been great, but Costa has also been in sublime form. So it's not as if the system would have automatically allowed Michy to play as well. He deviated and it's a possibility he did it to throw the opposition off. Conte has also said in pressers that he needs to develop more, so it's no secret. Tactically it would 100% have a difference though, if you have a traditional centre forward backing into all game, you're going to man him differently to an Eden Hazard.

I don't think that's true. Why else would commentators and the like talk about Mourinho's ability to have plan A, B, C sometimes D to such an extent if every other manager does it? He would have had 1 game plan, like the majority lower team managers, to nullify the attack of the opposition and try to get a point. 3-0 later.

But also tactically, Eddie Howe would have been setting up to play against Michy all week, so to come up against three little blokes not holding up the ball would have been a surprise. So I don't think it is a clear cut as that.

In London? Wouldn't have thought

But not bricks, pretty sure we bought a brick company to negate any supply issues.

Shouldn't be too hard, the stadium's exterior is brick, not steel. Wembley is as good as a done deal.

Got through preseason, has been involved in many matchday squads, is still very young. I'd say he is absolutely in his plans

Fairly sure it's in the plan to sell the naming rights. Bound to happen to almost every club in the world. I've made peace with that decision, will always be Stamford Bridge to me.

So happy this got through. I was really unhappy with the designs 12 months ago, but they have certainly grown on me. A huge result for everyone involved. Want it to be ready now!

Sold two senior players with the intention of playing youth in their stead. I have never once cried out for that. #conteout

Watched the majority of the match on my phone in Austria but it was actually one of the better streams I've ever had. We could have put a few more passed that lot, if we slowed it down a touch, Pedro and Bats looked soo frantic. Pedro still the best for mine. Really happy to see RLC running at players from midfield too.

Jay Dasilva to Charlton on loan

I also don't get the bargain shopper approach from supporters, but I also care less about the "ball-playing" defender, especially if it neglects their defensive capabilities. VVD seems a good age with consistent form. With potentially two outgoing CB's, a new defender and one of our loaned defenders seems like it works rather well.

Still plenty of time for Michy to shine

Jordan Pickford anyone? Would tick a few boxes if Tibo were to leave

Skimmed through the last few pages to make sure this hadn't been brought up.. Is it possible Conte wants to get him his required amount of appearances (hence the late sub) in case we win the league and therefor qualifying Bats for one? Before sending him on loan in Jan? Not sure how many you need? I actually don't think Conte would have that sort of thing on his mind, but he may.

That would be a steal. If China come knocking, it's hardball for me. Nothing short of a world record fee for the legend.

Can't a guy working for a huge multi-national get offered a job with more money in a start-up and pioneer a movement?

I'm just talking about improving the team. That doesn't mean buying players. I've already said I think Baba would do a better job (who we own) so my question still stands. Would you prefer to have another season like last before working out something/someone isn't working? It sounds like you would.

So do you think we should keep the team as is until we end up in 7th, 8th, maybe 9th spot in 2, 3 years? Maybe less? Then start looking for replacements the following summer? Or when do you try and work on improving as a team? Is there a tipping point?

Well all I can respond to you is tell you that I'm not. I really hope he improves. I'd love him to make that spot his own. CP was easily his best game, I haven't said otherwise. But the majority of his games I think he has been our weakest link, slow, incapable of beating a player (either with or without the ball). I was a massive David Luiz critique and I'm eating my words right now. I was a massive Gary Cahill critique and I've softened somewhat, wouldn't say I'm dining yet though. I'm willing to change my mind, I hope I do.