Van Butsen

Morata and just prior to that Bakayoko. Bakayoko obviously has had a poor season, but we based the signing of him on one season (similar to Kante) and he was absolutely smashing games against powerful teams in the UCL. I still think he has it in him, but yeah another season like this one and I'll probably demote his status. For the record I'm classing world class players as someone who is good enough to play for the teams that generally challenge for a title.

We all want Messi mate but that's not how it works. We need players to keep the team fresh and challenge for positions. Bakayoko had an infinitely better season than Matic's last year and he's playing no worse than his last two seasons with us. Or have you forgotten that? We've signed excellent, world class players who are more than adequate for the team and league. Just because they aren't your names does not make them any worse. Needs to manage now.

@brakeit I think you're totally wrong on the notion that he wasn't supported in the transfer market. We've signed a really healthy mix of big players, support players and youthful players in the two summers hes been here. One of them was the PFA player of the year. It's important to keep the good players in perspective when complaining about signings like Danny Drinkwater. It's also important for managers to not be a one trick pony. Yeah he switched the formation and made waves across the globe, that does't mean he is relieved of criticism forever. I think he needs to lift a little here and show us what else he has, as we've looked a little stale last three games.

Conte needs to get the boys scoring again and then the club wouldn't need to go looking for alternative goal scoring avenues. Three 0-0 in a row?

Glad there's some sense being spokBAKAYOKO OUT ANNOUNCE MAHREZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@Sun zhi I highly doubt Azpi would ever do that in real life haha! I held off for so long but finally caved on the weekend and bought it. I agree the defending is certainly different, I feel less in control but also feel like I’m less likely to concede a lot.. kind of strange. I have noticed a couple cool things like Sunderland playing 10 behind the ball and sitting off which is pretty realistic. I never bought into the FUT stuff but I’m sort of giving it a go on this one whilst also doing my career.

Conte definitely says senile in the interview. He says it in Italian which is spelt the same and obviously pronounced differently. Sort of like "Si-near-le". There is absolutely no disputing that. Find it interesting that reporters have tried to bring up Mourinho in the past for a bit of controversy yet Conte's always stayed away. This obviously triggered him. Probably the busy schedule not helping mental/physical fatigue and you would get sick of this kind of stuff no matter how strong you were.

Well that's FIFA in a nutshell. Shipped out the entire team for a new one.

I don't really know what the hysteria is about to be honest. He's missed a few very getable chances and yes should have scored them. But it happens! Even to the very best. It's just compounded by the fact they happened in succession during a very busy period and every bloke and his dog is now a twitter expert. He's been excellent this season all things considered.

Yep agree with this. It's one thing having a bad game, but it's another thing not even trying or concentrating. I can live with the first, but lack of commitment I cannot. I personally think he's played his last game for Chelsea ever.

I'm not usually one for knee jerk reactions. But this appalling. Absolutely appalling.

Marina is looking fab

I'm pointing out that it's a very dated thought to think he's been signed for one position and one position only. Of course they'll have a discussion about his role in the squad, but coaches don't shoe horn players into positions and leave it at that. He plays for the club and Conte might suggest after a few weeks that he move into a Fabregas style role or perhaps even a Pedro style role but that certainly won't be in concrete and he certainly hasn't been signed to be confined.

No Don Antonio it strictly says on my contract that I'm not allowed to play right back

If we have 6 defenders injured and we need a right back for 10 minutes you think he's going to say no?

He's signed off to play for Chelsea.

He's not taking on players like he used to. Only going on his right foot and crossing (he used to come inside and shoot with his left). Still think he is well short of his best and I think it shows as we are only creating chances from the same avenues. Zappacosta has scored a couple rippers and his cross the other night (as well as Alonso's movement) was sublime. I'd give Davide a run in the side personally

He plays where he's needed.

Dangerous precedent "replacing" players IMO. We should be developing players into the greatest they can personally be and then take what that yields. Though there is absolutely something to be said for having a mainstay or two (or three) in your lineup.

Yeah I'm thinking along these lines too, but hoping to be proved wrong. Though he might only be as equally skilled as other players in the squad.. his hunger might be a bit fresher.

How much Palace have you watched? He's been one of their best though granted, injured 2-3 times now this season. Would hardly call Barkley reliable in that area though. Hasn't even played this season.

Yes I agree with that. You can't be afraid to take someone out or to not start them regardless of who they are. My point was more around not needing to bring up his mentality because regardless, bringing him off or not starting him he's going to be disappointed either way. So it's not really an excuse to not do one or the other.

What do you think taking him out would have done to his mentality?

So you need goals for a game to be exciting? Not trying to derail this thread so I won't go on and on. But I think you're missing the fact that there were a million chances and it was literally end to end, one after the other. It was the opposite to dull.

Rekon you're in a pretty small isolated minority, chief. Or are you just trying to be different?