4 hours ago, axman2526 said:

While Toni's desire and general behavior has rightly been lauded on here, let's not only point out Alonso as at fault for a goal as it was Toni chasing after Leeds in to midfield and leaving his spot at the back that allowed the Leeds sub to run behind Silva unchecked.

Exactly this.  You could see how frustrated he was at the lack of decision, and chased the man and ball.  Leeds passed 3 or 4 times through 4-5 Chelsea players who were static, and once going, we were all out of place.  Still, he redeemed himself with two penalty assists.

13 hours ago, PhilH930 said:

Exactly this.  You could see how frustrated he was at the lack of decision, and chased the man and ball.  Leeds passed 3 or 4 times through 4-5 Chelsea players who were static, and once going, we were all out of place.  Still, he redeemed himself with two penalty assists.

We’re forgetting the blatant foul on CHO during this passage of play that was completely ignored by the referee. Rudiger wouldn’t have been running around the midfield if that was actually given. 

Edited December 12, 20214 yr by Munkworth

1 hour ago, Munkworth said:

We’re forgetting the blatant foul on CHO during this passage of play that was completely ignored by the referee. Rudiger wouldn’t have been running around the midfield if that was actually given. 

I don't disagree, but the lack of measure in the reaction created gaps.  A lot still had to happen, but would Silva go chasing like that?  It was a foul though.

28 minutes ago, PhilH930 said:

I don't disagree, but the lack of measure in the reaction created gaps.  A lot still had to happen, but would Silva go chasing like that?  It was a foul though.

Silva wouldn’t because he’s a million years old and he needs to manage his legs 

Dived for both pens.

21 hours ago, coco said:

The ref should have blown up for a foul on Callum, it was clear as day he was being held in a bear hug, i mean wtf is the ref seeing there in that not being a foul ?

 

3 hours ago, Munkworth said:

We’re forgetting the blatant foul on CHO during this passage of play that was completely ignored by the referee. Rudiger wouldn’t have been running around the midfield if that was actually given. 

 

classic textbook w...er Taylor

1 hour ago, mojo said:

 

 

classic textbook w...er Taylor

More grappling from the primitive northerners going unpunished.

3 hours ago, Zeta said:

Dived for both pens.

Proof that Leeds doesn't have brain activity, the second one is great because any other team would pretty much leave him to shoot it sky high...

4 hours ago, Gol15 said:

Proof that Leeds doesn't have brain activity, the second one is great because any other team would pretty much leave him to shoot it sky high...

Like he did vs United aye...

Never change Leeds fans lol

According to this Keown rates Rudiger 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10304051/Chelsea-defender-Antonio-Rudiger-labelled-outstanding-driving-force-Keown.html

Interestingly I recall when Costa used to play for CFC, Keown said he would have loved to have played against him.

 

They do put out huge contracts. Either Manchester side would meet his demands. Is up to him if he is willing to wait when he has Real, PSG and Bayern all eager for an answer as English sides have to wait till June officially.

Everything pointing towards him signing a pre-contract with Real Madrid any day now.

Also strong reports from Spain that both Azpilicueta and Christensen will leave for Spain in the summer. Both to Barcelona with that club having been in talks with both players for weeks now.

Not going to be much left of our defense by the looks of it.

On 12/12/2021 at 22:20, Gol15 said:

Proof that Leeds doesn't have brain activity, the second one is great because any other team would pretty much leave him to shoot it sky high...

To be fair, it would probably be on target but straight at the keeper !

https://www.managingmadrid.com/2022/1/1/22862297/real-madrid-rudiger-news-rumors-2021

https://www-abc-es.translate.goog/deportes/real-madrid/abci-rudiger-pide-prima-20-millones-fichar-real-madrid-202112310211_noticia.html?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB

https://therealchamps.com/2022/01/01/antonio-rudiger-real-madrid-transfer-rumors-giant-scheme/

Make of this what you will but, quite interesting 🤔. My stance stays the same until I see him sign for another team I still think there's a chance we can meet in the middle on these wage demands. 

23 minutes ago, LongtimerLurker said:

https://www.managingmadrid.com/2022/1/1/22862297/real-madrid-rudiger-news-rumors-2021

https://www-abc-es.translate.goog/deportes/real-madrid/abci-rudiger-pide-prima-20-millones-fichar-real-madrid-202112310211_noticia.html?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB

https://therealchamps.com/2022/01/01/antonio-rudiger-real-madrid-transfer-rumors-giant-scheme/

Make of this what you will but, quite interesting 🤔. My stance stays the same until I see him sign for another team I still think there's a chance we can meet in the middle on these wage demands. 

The sooner this situation and our other defenders is sorted the better ,it can't be helping in the dressing room.

This entire circus with player contracts, injuries some rigidity in formation from TT and ill-timed player interviews means we will be scrapping for the also rans position this year. This is very frustrating to be honest.. because this team had so much potential.. 

If Lukaku is getting paid 400k and his contract is still being paid by us, then I'm sure we can find a way to pay 180k to Rudiger?

 

I miss him already

 

That's his agents entered into pre contract talks with all the usual suspects. Luckily he isn't yet sort to coast whilst seeing out his contract. Seems odd that we have let it get to this point which makes me suspect he wants a change. That's fair enough.

6 hours ago, IliyaKrostin said:

If Lukaku is getting paid 400k and his contract is still being paid by us, then I'm sure we can find a way to pay 180k to Rudiger?

 

We are not getting a lot of value on several players with big deals, not just Lukaku. 

Let's not act Toni is being offered Peanuts to stay. It is said to be 140k a week and no doubt he could get the club to go to 160k easily if he really wanted to stay.

That JFH statement that has been widely applauded? "If you really love Inter so much half your wages and stay there"? Toni does not have to half his wages, he is being offered a good increase and like I said am sure he could get it to go up 20 or maybe 30k a week if he wanted to.

He is picking the money, fair enough is a job and career but let's not make it out he is hard done by and Cannot stay.

What I like about guys like Rudiger he gives it everything on the pitch despite what’s going on. And as for chasing the money, fair enough, he was even shy at the idea of calling himself a Chelsea legend for winning the champions league in interviews. Whereas guys like Lukaku do this weird PR campaign about being ‘home’ and a ‘fan’ etc but have the same mindset as Rudiger. 

5 hours ago, loz said:

That's his agents entered into pre contract talks with all the usual suspects. Luckily he isn't yet sort to coast whilst seeing out his contract. Seems odd that we have let it get to this point which makes me suspect he wants a change. That's fair enough.

The transfer fee inflation is what is causing this, players are fighting back and taking control. Aswell as Rudiger you have Donnaruma, Mbappe, Alaba, Pogba, Christensen, Wijnaldum and many more will follow in the coming years.

Inflation not to mention the pandemic has made it impossible for top players on long contracts to get out of even middling clubs, Kane and Zaha prime examples.

Edited January 3, 20224 yr by Argo

Real Madrid could end up with Rudiger, Mbappe and Pogba for free..

5 minutes ago, sonic90 said:

Real Madrid could end up with Rudiger, Mbappe and Pogba for free..

Well, they'll get enormous sums sideways / signing fees but yep. Add Haaland with his release clause to that bunch and they'll have a Galacticos team again - when you least suspected.