Hanzen

Spend the extra and get Gyokeres, This is going to be a massive waste of time.

I can’t get excited for Delap. Maybe need to spend time time watching his YouTube highlights. Just feels a bit Evan Ferguson all over again.
Our SDs will save us though. Bound to be some 17 year old Brazilian that’s the next Ronaldo we’ll sign.

It’s not only that. You can inflate the price for both. Club A sellers academy player A to club B for 100 all profit. True market value is 50. Club B sells academy player B to club A for 100, pure profit. Actual market value 50. 
 
each club has created 50 of bullsh*t value and no one is any worse off. Both clubs have high depreciation and would take a loss if the player has to be resold at true value. For all I know the high depreciation may be tax deductible so there is also a cash benefit. 

Well, there are many other places he'd be able to go TBF. Liverpool, Bayern - and soon enough Real Madrid. Though all will most likely prefer Alonso ATM. 
In regard to Poch and our next move... It seems many are still jumping on the Poch-out train. 
- To some extend I can follow the reasoning. His tactics and game-based strategic approach are yet to be seen. That's a massive issue. 
Still, it's a young team - and it seems he hasn't lost the dressing room.
From time to time we're playing immensely with something that could look like a structure in our pressing and positioning.
But the inconsistancy of the team is absolutely mind-boggling.
In some games it seems like noone really cares what'll happen. Next week we're flying ... for one half at least. 
There are two areas in leeting him go that I'm concerned about. 
1. What's the alternative? 
Hansi Flick? Almost 60 y/o. Only been a first team manager for two clubs; TSG Hoffenheim (2000-2005) and FC Bayern (Nov. 2019-2022).
111 games as a manager since 2006 across Bayern and the German NT. Lastly were he failed misserably. Still he's one of the best options out there right now.
De Zerbi? Definately interesting. Great results at Shaktar Donetsk - not really before that despite a good spell at Sassuolo. Decent start at Brighton ... but in decline. 1.44 PPM this season. Woth noticing he took over a team that was playing extremely well after three years of Potter & co. building up a structurer. Potter wasn't exactly a succes for us, but De Zerbi could turn out different - or exactly the same. 
Xabi Alonso? Would be my pick - but he's probably taking one of either Liverpool or Bayern (or Real Madrid in a year or two). 
Rúben Amorim? Young and quite unproven. But oh my, some results he's had for both Braga and Sporting. While Liga Portugal isn't the best benchmark I'd much rather pay €20-30M for a coach than €100M for a former Coventry player with one good season under his belt in a high tier league.
To summarize, we've already switched around massively. Tuchel, Potter, Lampard and now Poch. Neither has managed to deliver after the new owners came in. 
2. Time/Patience. Can anyone change the situation at the club if they're not given time? 
Noone is given time in Chelsea ... and TBF, 10-15 years ago that made sense with us having world-class players. We'd pay £30-50M and get a proven player from the very top. We have the best players; make them perform. Now we don't.
Look what Brighton build. It took Potter and Brighton 2-3 years of being in the lower half of the league and a clear-out of several players (with as many new coming in) to create a team that ended in the top-half in 21/22. By then you could see a clear system and strategy. Possesion-based, ballplaying football. They just clicked; and the start to 22/23 summarized exactly that. Fast forward two months and he was our new coach - for four months. 
Another example is Liverpool with Klopp or Arteta with Arsenal. It took time. The main difference between those two and Poch is the seeming lack of tactical or strategic output on the field. I'm still yet to be convinced that he has what it takes - but maybe if he's given another year we'll see that. 
Remember, no matter who we're getting in we still have two SDs + Egbali calling all shots at the club. Our striker is still Jackson and the injuries will still be there. 

Well, there are many other places he'd be able to go TBF. Liverpool, Bayern - and soon enough Real Madrid. Though all will most likely prefer Alonso ATM. 
In regard to Poch and our next move... It seems many are still jumping on the Poch-out train. 
- To some extend I can follow the reasoning. His tactics and game-based strategic approach are yet to be seen. That's a massive issue. 
Still, it's a young team - and it seems he hasn't lost the dressing room.
From time to time we're playing immensely with something that could look like a structure in our pressing and positioning.
But the inconsistancy of the team is absolutely mind-boggling.
In some games it seems like noone really cares what'll happen. Next week we're flying ... for one half at least. 
There are two areas in leeting him go that I'm concerned about. 
1. What's the alternative? 
Hansi Flick? Almost 60 y/o. Only been a first team manager for two clubs; TSG Hoffenheim (2000-2005) and FC Bayern (Nov. 2019-2022).
111 games as a manager since 2006 across Bayern and the German NT. Lastly were he failed misserably. Still he's one of the best options out there right now.
De Zerbi? Definately interesting. Great results at Shaktar Donetsk - not really before that despite a good spell at Sassuolo. Decent start at Brighton ... but in decline. 1.44 PPM this season. Woth noticing he took over a team that was playing extremely well after three years of Potter & co. building up a structurer. Potter wasn't exactly a succes for us, but De Zerbi could turn out different - or exactly the same. 
Xabi Alonso? Would be my pick - but he's probably taking one of either Liverpool or Bayern (or Real Madrid in a year or two). 
Rúben Amorim? Young and quite unproven. But oh my, some results he's had for both Braga and Sporting. While Liga Portugal isn't the best benchmark I'd much rather pay €20-30M for a coach than €100M for a former Coventry player with one good season under his belt in a high tier league.
To summarize, we've already switched around massively. Tuchel, Potter, Lampard and now Poch. Neither has managed to deliver after the new owners came in. 
2. Time/Patience. Can anyone change the situation at the club if they're not given time? 
Noone is given time in Chelsea ... and TBF, 10-15 years ago that made sense with us having world-class players. We'd pay £30-50M and get a proven player from the very top. We have the best players; make them perform. Now we don't.
Look what Brighton build. It took Potter and Brighton 2-3 years of being in the lower half of the league and a clear-out of several players (with as many new coming in) to create a team that ended in the top-half in 21/22. By then you could see a clear system and strategy. Possesion-based, ballplaying football. They just clicked; and the start to 22/23 summarized exactly that. Fast forward two months and he was our new coach - for four months. 
Another example is Liverpool with Klopp or Arteta with Arsenal. It took time. The main difference between those two and Poch is the seeming lack of tactical or strategic output on the field. I'm still yet to be convinced that he has what it takes - but maybe if he's given another year we'll see that. 
Remember, no matter who we're getting in we still have two SDs + Egbali calling all shots at the club. Our striker is still Jackson and the injuries will still be there. 

Well, there are many other places he'd be able to go TBF. Liverpool, Bayern - and soon enough Real Madrid. Though all will most likely prefer Alonso ATM. 
In regard to Poch and our next move... It seems many are still jumping on the Poch-out train. 
- To some extend I can follow the reasoning. His tactics and game-based strategic approach are yet to be seen. That's a massive issue. 
Still, it's a young team - and it seems he hasn't lost the dressing room.
From time to time we're playing immensely with something that could look like a structure in our pressing and positioning.
But the inconsistancy of the team is absolutely mind-boggling.
In some games it seems like noone really cares what'll happen. Next week we're flying ... for one half at least. 
There are two areas in leeting him go that I'm concerned about. 
1. What's the alternative? 
Hansi Flick? Almost 60 y/o. Only been a first team manager for two clubs; TSG Hoffenheim (2000-2005) and FC Bayern (Nov. 2019-2022).
111 games as a manager since 2006 across Bayern and the German NT. Lastly were he failed misserably. Still he's one of the best options out there right now.
De Zerbi? Definately interesting. Great results at Shaktar Donetsk - not really before that despite a good spell at Sassuolo. Decent start at Brighton ... but in decline. 1.44 PPM this season. Woth noticing he took over a team that was playing extremely well after three years of Potter & co. building up a structurer. Potter wasn't exactly a succes for us, but De Zerbi could turn out different - or exactly the same. 
Xabi Alonso? Would be my pick - but he's probably taking one of either Liverpool or Bayern (or Real Madrid in a year or two). 
Rúben Amorim? Young and quite unproven. But oh my, some results he's had for both Braga and Sporting. While Liga Portugal isn't the best benchmark I'd much rather pay €20-30M for a coach than €100M for a former Coventry player with one good season under his belt in a high tier league.
To summarize, we've already switched around massively. Tuchel, Potter, Lampard and now Poch. Neither has managed to deliver after the new owners came in. 
2. Time/Patience. Can anyone change the situation at the club if they're not given time? 
Noone is given time in Chelsea ... and TBF, 10-15 years ago that made sense with us having world-class players. We'd pay £30-50M and get a proven player from the very top. We have the best players; make them perform. Now we don't.
Look what Brighton build. It took Potter and Brighton 2-3 years of being in the lower half of the league and a clear-out of several players (with as many new coming in) to create a team that ended in the top-half in 21/22. By then you could see a clear system and strategy. Possesion-based, ballplaying football. They just clicked; and the start to 22/23 summarized exactly that. Fast forward two months and he was our new coach - for four months. 
Another example is Liverpool with Klopp or Arteta with Arsenal. It took time. The main difference between those two and Poch is the seeming lack of tactical or strategic output on the field. I'm still yet to be convinced that he has what it takes - but maybe if he's given another year we'll see that. 
Remember, no matter who we're getting in we still have two SDs + Egbali calling all shots at the club. Our striker is still Jackson and the injuries will still be there. 

I think Roberto De Zerbi is this generations' Marcelo Bielsa. A footballing purist with a strong arrogance in how football should be played. He's all in. Puts his foot down. Fine tuning every aspect in the build up, structure, and chance creation. As a result, they will either batter teams or get battered themselves. Putting in world acclaimed performances whilst also putting in stubborn performances.
There is also so much speculation in how he will handle himself at a big club with pressure, along with if he even has the ability to alter/change his tactics (which I don't think he does). I don't think he will connect with the fans, much like Sarri didn't. Add the fact he's not a proven winner, which will only have fans immediately jump on him if results go poorly. 
I think this team right now will benefit with a manager with a proven winning background. 
 
 
 

Well, there are many other places he'd be able to go TBF. Liverpool, Bayern - and soon enough Real Madrid. Though all will most likely prefer Alonso ATM. 
In regard to Poch and our next move... It seems many are still jumping on the Poch-out train. 
- To some extend I can follow the reasoning. His tactics and game-based strategic approach are yet to be seen. That's a massive issue. 
Still, it's a young team - and it seems he hasn't lost the dressing room.
From time to time we're playing immensely with something that could look like a structure in our pressing and positioning.
But the inconsistancy of the team is absolutely mind-boggling.
In some games it seems like noone really cares what'll happen. Next week we're flying ... for one half at least. 
There are two areas in leeting him go that I'm concerned about. 
1. What's the alternative? 
Hansi Flick? Almost 60 y/o. Only been a first team manager for two clubs; TSG Hoffenheim (2000-2005) and FC Bayern (Nov. 2019-2022).
111 games as a manager since 2006 across Bayern and the German NT. Lastly were he failed misserably. Still he's one of the best options out there right now.
De Zerbi? Definately interesting. Great results at Shaktar Donetsk - not really before that despite a good spell at Sassuolo. Decent start at Brighton ... but in decline. 1.44 PPM this season. Woth noticing he took over a team that was playing extremely well after three years of Potter & co. building up a structurer. Potter wasn't exactly a succes for us, but De Zerbi could turn out different - or exactly the same. 
Xabi Alonso? Would be my pick - but he's probably taking one of either Liverpool or Bayern (or Real Madrid in a year or two). 
Rúben Amorim? Young and quite unproven. But oh my, some results he's had for both Braga and Sporting. While Liga Portugal isn't the best benchmark I'd much rather pay €20-30M for a coach than €100M for a former Coventry player with one good season under his belt in a high tier league.
To summarize, we've already switched around massively. Tuchel, Potter, Lampard and now Poch. Neither has managed to deliver after the new owners came in. 
2. Time/Patience. Can anyone change the situation at the club if they're not given time? 
Noone is given time in Chelsea ... and TBF, 10-15 years ago that made sense with us having world-class players. We'd pay £30-50M and get a proven player from the very top. We have the best players; make them perform. Now we don't.
Look what Brighton build. It took Potter and Brighton 2-3 years of being in the lower half of the league and a clear-out of several players (with as many new coming in) to create a team that ended in the top-half in 21/22. By then you could see a clear system and strategy. Possesion-based, ballplaying football. They just clicked; and the start to 22/23 summarized exactly that. Fast forward two months and he was our new coach - for four months. 
Another example is Liverpool with Klopp or Arteta with Arsenal. It took time. The main difference between those two and Poch is the seeming lack of tactical or strategic output on the field. I'm still yet to be convinced that he has what it takes - but maybe if he's given another year we'll see that. 
Remember, no matter who we're getting in we still have two SDs + Egbali calling all shots at the club. Our striker is still Jackson and the injuries will still be there. 

Well, there are many other places he'd be able to go TBF. Liverpool, Bayern - and soon enough Real Madrid. Though all will most likely prefer Alonso ATM. 
In regard to Poch and our next move... It seems many are still jumping on the Poch-out train. 
- To some extend I can follow the reasoning. His tactics and game-based strategic approach are yet to be seen. That's a massive issue. 
Still, it's a young team - and it seems he hasn't lost the dressing room.
From time to time we're playing immensely with something that could look like a structure in our pressing and positioning.
But the inconsistancy of the team is absolutely mind-boggling.
In some games it seems like noone really cares what'll happen. Next week we're flying ... for one half at least. 
There are two areas in leeting him go that I'm concerned about. 
1. What's the alternative? 
Hansi Flick? Almost 60 y/o. Only been a first team manager for two clubs; TSG Hoffenheim (2000-2005) and FC Bayern (Nov. 2019-2022).
111 games as a manager since 2006 across Bayern and the German NT. Lastly were he failed misserably. Still he's one of the best options out there right now.
De Zerbi? Definately interesting. Great results at Shaktar Donetsk - not really before that despite a good spell at Sassuolo. Decent start at Brighton ... but in decline. 1.44 PPM this season. Woth noticing he took over a team that was playing extremely well after three years of Potter & co. building up a structurer. Potter wasn't exactly a succes for us, but De Zerbi could turn out different - or exactly the same. 
Xabi Alonso? Would be my pick - but he's probably taking one of either Liverpool or Bayern (or Real Madrid in a year or two). 
Rúben Amorim? Young and quite unproven. But oh my, some results he's had for both Braga and Sporting. While Liga Portugal isn't the best benchmark I'd much rather pay €20-30M for a coach than €100M for a former Coventry player with one good season under his belt in a high tier league.
To summarize, we've already switched around massively. Tuchel, Potter, Lampard and now Poch. Neither has managed to deliver after the new owners came in. 
2. Time/Patience. Can anyone change the situation at the club if they're not given time? 
Noone is given time in Chelsea ... and TBF, 10-15 years ago that made sense with us having world-class players. We'd pay £30-50M and get a proven player from the very top. We have the best players; make them perform. Now we don't.
Look what Brighton build. It took Potter and Brighton 2-3 years of being in the lower half of the league and a clear-out of several players (with as many new coming in) to create a team that ended in the top-half in 21/22. By then you could see a clear system and strategy. Possesion-based, ballplaying football. They just clicked; and the start to 22/23 summarized exactly that. Fast forward two months and he was our new coach - for four months. 
Another example is Liverpool with Klopp or Arteta with Arsenal. It took time. The main difference between those two and Poch is the seeming lack of tactical or strategic output on the field. I'm still yet to be convinced that he has what it takes - but maybe if he's given another year we'll see that. 
Remember, no matter who we're getting in we still have two SDs + Egbali calling all shots at the club. Our striker is still Jackson and the injuries will still be there. 

Sacked Tuchel - Was harsh at the time but his signings and talent ID were embarrassing and the football he was playing at the end was poor. Probably could have lasted another month.
Sacked Potter - Gave him too much time if anything. Under the previous ownership that everyone loved he'd have been sacked about 3 months earlier and praised for it. We wanted a long term manager, Potter wasn't the man for that in hindsight. Seem to have got it right with Poch though.
1 billion squad - Money is irrelevant. I don't think its disjointed at all, we have players that fit positions now. No more Havertz-esque players that don't fit a role anywhere on the pitch. We have a proper midfield, actual wingers (not like Ziyech), we just need a GK now. Who knows, maybe Petrovic is the man. 
Less competitive - We've not been competitive in the league since Conte. I'll take two or three years out of Europe to actually challenge for a title again, rather than be fighting for top 4 and praying we have a cup run every other year.
We laughed at Arsenal for the first 2 and a half years Arteta was there, i see us as in the same limbo right now. Good performances on the pitch with bad results. If we're honestly still 11th in March, then sure eyebrows will be raised. We're 4 games in to the season and are right up there with Arsenal and City in all important metrics (ball progression, expected goals against, expected goals) we just haven't finished the chances. People just don't have patience anymore and have been spoiled by Roman's first 15 years at the club. Christ, it took City a decade to solidify their dominance in the league and build a multi-club model that actually works. We've spent 12 months laying the foundations. 

Going a bit Glen Hoddle  there !

I sympathize with many of you, but I still believe we'll improve on things throughout the season. 

I say give it half a season first at least, and see how you feel by then. 

This might take the award for worst post made to this site for a while so well done. 
 
not sure who all these people you speak to are but they must have an extremely narrow view of football to all think our owners are the worst in the country, especially when people like Ron Martin exist (I suspect Google might be your friend here).

Ronaldo managed 40 games in his first season with Utd with 24 being starts and 2355 minutes played (averages about 60 mins per game).
So far this season Mudryk has made 3 appearances (66 minutes) all sub appearances, averaging about 22 minutes a game on the pitch. Last year he made 15 appearances for a total of 654 minutes in the league, averaging about 43 minutes on the pitch at a time. Can't find details on how many of these were starts but from memory the majority were being subbed on late into the game. 
I don't know how anyone can expect him to show much when he gets drip fed appearanceswhen we're already losing and a team is sat in a low block. Give the lad minutes and let him get some continuity, we lose anyway so not like it'll affect the team much. 

Clearlake is anticipating transfer inflation continues to rise. 

Sounds like he should sign for Newcastle. 

Hilariously I saw some conversation on twatter where a few chelsea "fans" were declaring this move as a joke, a disgrace and a complete fail. 
Then someone posted PSG and Madrid were also interested and they did a 180 and decided its a great signing 😅
I simply do not understand modern football fans ...

Also, talking about Diego Simeone in conjunction with attacking football is the same thing as calling a Tony Pulis Stoke United prime Barca

I don't get why people are so down on Felix as well, guess they're mostly mad about his mistake that cost a goal against Spurs iirc and his red card straight away didn't help either. Like everyone else, he didn't set the world on fire last season, but was the only spark we had, just unlucky that his passes were all wasted by either Kai clumsiness, Mounts poor form etc.
If available for loan at a decent price, he's the closest we'd have to replicate Nkunku right now. Considering the injury to Chucky as well and maybe Maatsen still leaving, it'd be a handy deal and also wouldn't screw us much with FFP or whatsoever. He also seemed to enjoy playing for us, which is a bonus. 

Let me introduce you to our negotiating team...
 

What's crazy is that a top player for several years; Romelu Lukaku, is worth less than Balogun who's had one decent season in Ligue 1. 
Lukaku has only just turned 30. Should be in his prime. I know, he's had some injury issues and especially behavioural issues in the past couple of years - but still. 
It would be foolish to hand a direct competitor £40-50m for their third - or even fourth - choice as a striker.
Balogun just turned 22. That's only two years younger than Pulisic. Despite that, he's only played for Middlesbrough for a half season and Reims for a full.
- That's 18 months of genuine first team football at the age of 22. Other than that, all he's ever played is U23. 
The only other clubs in the running for him are Monaco and Fulham.
Reminds me of like Tyler Adams. We were in for him - but luckily pulled out. Now he's at Bournemouth. Why wasn't Liverpool or other top tier clubs after him? 
This one is a hard pass for me. 

What's crazy is that a top player for several years; Romelu Lukaku, is worth less than Balogun who's had one decent season in Ligue 1. 
Lukaku has only just turned 30. Should be in his prime. I know, he's had some injury issues and especially behavioural issues in the past couple of years - but still. 
It would be foolish to hand a direct competitor £40-50m for their third - or even fourth - choice as a striker.
Balogun just turned 22. That's only two years younger than Pulisic. Despite that, he's only played for Middlesbrough for a half season and Reims for a full.
- That's 18 months of genuine first team football at the age of 22. Other than that, all he's ever played is U23. 
The only other clubs in the running for him are Monaco and Fulham.
Reminds me of like Tyler Adams. We were in for him - but luckily pulled out. Now he's at Bournemouth. Why wasn't Liverpool or other top tier clubs after him? 
This one is a hard pass for me. 

What's crazy is that a top player for several years; Romelu Lukaku, is worth less than Balogun who's had one decent season in Ligue 1. 
Lukaku has only just turned 30. Should be in his prime. I know, he's had some injury issues and especially behavioural issues in the past couple of years - but still. 
It would be foolish to hand a direct competitor £40-50m for their third - or even fourth - choice as a striker.
Balogun just turned 22. That's only two years younger than Pulisic. Despite that, he's only played for Middlesbrough for a half season and Reims for a full.
- That's 18 months of genuine first team football at the age of 22. Other than that, all he's ever played is U23. 
The only other clubs in the running for him are Monaco and Fulham.
Reminds me of like Tyler Adams. We were in for him - but luckily pulled out. Now he's at Bournemouth. Why wasn't Liverpool or other top tier clubs after him? 
This one is a hard pass for me. 

What's crazy is that a top player for several years; Romelu Lukaku, is worth less than Balogun who's had one decent season in Ligue 1. 
Lukaku has only just turned 30. Should be in his prime. I know, he's had some injury issues and especially behavioural issues in the past couple of years - but still. 
It would be foolish to hand a direct competitor £40-50m for their third - or even fourth - choice as a striker.
Balogun just turned 22. That's only two years younger than Pulisic. Despite that, he's only played for Middlesbrough for a half season and Reims for a full.
- That's 18 months of genuine first team football at the age of 22. Other than that, all he's ever played is U23. 
The only other clubs in the running for him are Monaco and Fulham.
Reminds me of like Tyler Adams. We were in for him - but luckily pulled out. Now he's at Bournemouth. Why wasn't Liverpool or other top tier clubs after him? 
This one is a hard pass for me. 

Given it looks our only chance of shifting Lukaku is doing a deal with Juve where Dusan comes this way the next time the propose a swap I hope we counter with a deal like this:
 
Juve sign Lukaku on a 1 year loan, cover all his wages, no loan fee, option to buy for 40mill euros.
We sign Vlahovic on a 1 year loan, cover all his wages, no loan fee, option to buy for the fee they want, 80mill euros. 
If we trigger our buy option their option becomes a mandatory purchase meaning Lukakus FFP value is fully covered next summer.
Best I can make of it.