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This is needless doomerism. It's been three games and Estevao is coming off a major overuse injury. The world does not need yet another Christian Pulisic, Ansu Fati, Jadon Sancho etc who are mentally and physically busted before the age of 24.

For the sake of the team, Alonso also has to juggle between allowing players to build momentum, getting results, and getting players match-fit and ready to peak for the mid-season.

It's not really a loophole. It's permissible if the arrangement was driven by the player (via agent) and Atalanta; it's not permissible if it was driven by Chelsea.

If the player's agent made the proposal to the clubs it would be sufficiently arm's length. As an EU player playing in the EU, UEFA third-party rules cannot be applied in a way that runs foul of EU freedom of movement and employment law. So if Ahanor's agent arranges a loan to Palace, Palace pay wages and separately arranged later transfer to Chelsea, there's nothing wrong.
The only way it would be unlawful is if Chelsea told Atalanta they were buying Ahanor on the condition he was loaned to Palace this season, since that would effectively be Chelsea financing the transfer as a third party, which is against FIFA rules.

This is needless doomerism. It's been three games and Estevao is coming off a major overuse injury. The world does not need yet another Christian Pulisic, Ansu Fati, Jadon Sancho etc who are mentally and physically busted before the age of 24.

For the sake of the team, Alonso also has to juggle between allowing players to build momentum, getting results, and getting players match-fit and ready to peak for the mid-season.

It's not really a loophole. It's permissible if the arrangement was driven by the player (via agent) and Atalanta; it's not permissible if it was driven by Chelsea.

If the player's agent made the proposal to the clubs it would be sufficiently arm's length. As an EU player playing in the EU, UEFA third-party rules cannot be applied in a way that runs foul of EU freedom of movement and employment law. So if Ahanor's agent arranges a loan to Palace, Palace pay wages and separately arranged later transfer to Chelsea, there's nothing wrong.
The only way it would be unlawful is if Chelsea told Atalanta they were buying Ahanor on the condition he was loaned to Palace this season, since that would effectively be Chelsea financing the transfer as a third party, which is against FIFA rules.

I can't speak to your analogy but Bayern is obviously no real test of a manager's capabilities.

Rogers, Pedro and Palmer all put in very good shifts defensively. Their role is to defend high up the pitch to make defensive players think twice about bursting forward. We should not be relying on them defending near the box. Pedro's inexperience defending led to a simple block turning into an OG.

Gusto and Neto were most at fault for the first goal. Gusto stood ball-watching while Rogers was trying to shield the ball from two Brighton players, and he did well but unluckily conceded a throw; instead of running back into position, Gusto stops, then throws his hand up, and then tracks back at speed but only after Neto has missed his tackle. There is no logical reason why Gusto, the nominal CM and a player actually capable at LB, should have been waiting stationary in an attacking LM position while Rogers and then Neto had to deal with an attack.

He was certainly at fault for the last goal, Gross was his man and Rogers' height and presence means we rely on him to defend set pieces there, and I'm sure Austin McPhee expects Rogers to be one of his 'generals' out there given they have previously worked together well. Yes, it was at the end of the game and Rogers was clearly gassed, but we will have more consequential injury times in the season ahead.

Rogers is by far the best defender of the three, he is excellent at winning the ball in central midfield. His seeming hesitation (like King's goal at Fulham) is at least partially explained by a lack of understanding with his new teammates. The defense only gets better if Rogers, Pedro, Palmer (and Estevao/Quenda) are allowed to do their thing and create real jeopardy and risk in the minds of midfielders wanting to push forward. All it takes is a save and a long-pass from Martinez to make them instantly regret their decision. Rogers "working harder" doesn't meaningfully solve the main problem with our defence, which is that our players are spaced way too widely and have to cover big ground to catch people running between the lines or at the back posts.

This is needless doomerism. It's been three games and Estevao is coming off a major overuse injury. The world does not need yet another Christian Pulisic, Ansu Fati, Jadon Sancho etc who are mentally and physically busted before the age of 24.

For the sake of the team, Alonso also has to juggle between allowing players to build momentum, getting results, and getting players match-fit and ready to peak for the mid-season.

Not directly related but Liverpool have been linked with his replacement at Genk, Lucca Brughmans, for £30m. He's made 15 senior appearances for Genk in total since last season. 6ft 7, giant.

We signed Penders after two senior appearances for 17m, for comparison.

0-0 and they went out on penalties at League 1 Bradford.
The player rating thing on BBC had him as Burnley’s best player with 4.35 (the only player above 3.something. Bradford had no one rated below 7.
Is this another ill judged loan? If he’s as talented as is said, it sounds like he’s completely wasting his time. They haven’t won in open play yet this season.
Recalled at Christmas and sent somewhere else?

Is this what happy looks like?

But I'd bite your hand off for Camara and Fabian Ruiz.
But I'd still like to get Anselmino a domestic loan and then sign a further CB on a permanent. Ideally I'd like 3 signings today, and all to be needle movers.

This is needless doomerism. It's been three games and Estevao is coming off a major overuse injury. The world does not need yet another Christian Pulisic, Ansu Fati, Jadon Sancho etc who are mentally and physically busted before the age of 24.

For the sake of the team, Alonso also has to juggle between allowing players to build momentum, getting results, and getting players match-fit and ready to peak for the mid-season.

For extra perspective, that would be paying £65m for a kid who is equally likely to be the next Bakoyoko or Tchouameni, and £75m for a player who has a similar injury record to Lavia despite playing in much less intense leagues:




We do need midfield cover, but not at that cost and risk. I'd keep the powder dry for January where both Alex Scott and Adam Wharton will be readily available.

Going to say the same thing. They are human beings. The club is to blame for allowing the situation to go on for so long.

But did we get a clause making his inclusion mandatory when they play us?

Someone please add Man City to the list in the thread title. Looks like they don't want him either

Credit to Reddit



For comparison, check out a prime Marescaball one from 24/25:



The first thing to notice is how perfectly organised and spaced that formation is. The second is the absence of thick passing lines amongst the defenders, and instead big, thick vertical arrows. The third thing to notice in the 24/25 map is...what the f**k was Neto doing when he was the RW?

The tackle he made on the edge of our box in the first half was class. Had to make up ground to get the right side of the player and had time it spot on.

We're reminding me very much of Kevin Keegan's Newcastle at the moment and that's no bad thing.
Really enjoying the football which I haven't been able to say for quite a while.

It's only sportswashing if they're from Russia or the Middle East.
If it's from America, it's sponsorship.

It's only sportswashing if they're from Russia or the Middle East.
If it's from America, it's sponsorship.

It's only sportswashing if they're from Russia or the Middle East.
If it's from America, it's sponsorship.

Really poor debut performance by Alonso. Players passing forwards, substituting tired players on a yellow card, defenders passing with purpose around the back and getting the ball to the attackers quickly. Disgraceful, it's 2026 not 1996.

It's only sportswashing if they're from Russia or the Middle East.
If it's from America, it's sponsorship.

HOLY sh*t THEY GOT A FRONT OF SHIRT SPONSOR WHAT IS HAPPENING ARE WE A COMPETENT AND SERIOUS CLUB AGAIN XABI ALONSO HAVE MY CHILDREN YOU HAVE CHANGED THIS CLUB