2 hours ago, RIP Mourinho said:

We are where we are? Top 4 and in all cup competition whilst playing an entire 6 months without a striker. If they are the reason, lets give them contract extensions.

I'll try to break down and evaluate your points as i see fit.

D.Luiz - great passer like you said. We're having 70% of the ball this season and he's the key reason we're able to break teams down. Take away the 4-0 the other week and he was having a stellar season to date. Should get at least one more season out of him and prioritise signings elsewhere. Always manages to show up in big games too.

Kovacic - Great squad player to have around. Not really good enough to start LCM every game but useful to have there against the bigger teams. Also seems to be being trained as Jorginho's understudy so won't need to sign anyone new there.

Christensen - Didn't put a foot wrong in the last two games and got a lovely assist for CHO. He's 22 FFS. How many CB's have you known to be perfect at 22? We'd be crazy to get rid.

Jorginho - Take him out the team then lets see if you make the same comment. Is pivotal to how we play and should never be dropped.

Kante - Been fantastic the last two months, arguably our best player. Why waste him infront of the backline? Same regurgitated sh*te about people trying to say he's a DM. 

Koulibaly - Would cost us close to £100m. Absolutely no chance. Would be nice to sign Messi too but be realistic.

Eriksen - The creative force of Eriksen? Compare him to Kante who everyone says isn't good enough to be high up the pitch. Both scored three, both created 27 chances from open play and Eriksen has 1 more assist.

Those Eriksen stats are not right, and as good as Kante is he can’t be compared to Eriksen creatively.

3 hours ago, RIP Mourinho said:

Out: Hazard (£40m + Kovacic), Pedro (£8m), Barkley (£20m), Alonso (£35m), Giroud (free), Zappacosta (£12m), Drinnkwater? (£10m) - £125m

Don't forget Bakayoko... there's a really good chance AC Milan picks him up for £35m

Morata is out as well, Might not want to spend that £55M just yet though. Have to see how he does. Michy won't be back either.

There's over £100M on players not even in the squad right now.

We also can't discount the huge salaries that will be off the books. There's 10M in Cesc, 10M in Hazard, 7M for Cahill. 

There is going to be massive turnover this summer. Hopefully we'll spend wisely. If it's like the 2017 window, all the money in the world won't matter.

Spend on Quality, develop quantity (and hopefully develop some stars from the Academy as well).

 

38 minutes ago, bisright1 said:

Other than being wrong, you didn't say why Kante hasn't replaced Jorginho when Jorginho is not on the pitch.

When has that ever been Neccesary? Jorginho is always on the pitch because Sarri is trying to justify his purchase. We didn't need him in the first place.

 

38 minutes ago, RMCM said:

I enjoy this regurgitated nonsense every time it's posted as it shows how the sheep listen to bollocks conjured up by pundits and journos who have the IQ of a goalpost. Kante is for us, and was for Leicester, a box to box player and ball winner. He always played in a system with two midfielders, which the armchair experts who's knowledge comes from FIFA will say has two 'DM's, when in fact in a two man midfield only one player is a holding player (Matic + Drinkwater) while the other is usually a creative player or a dynamic b2b mid

Perhaps my description as a "holding" midfielder was incorrect, my point is that Kante is not as effective in a three as he would be 4-4-2, and he's being asked to play there to accommodate that system, and that in my opinion weakens us.

 

7 minutes ago, Osgoodwasgood said:

When has that ever been Neccesary? Jorginho is always on the pitch because Sarri is trying to justify his purchase. We didn't need him in the first place.

 

You do realise that Jorginho hasn't started every game right?

He was also subbed off on 70 minutes in the last game.

Kante hasn't replaced him on any of these occasions.

Hope this helps.

 

19 minutes ago, mclovin83 said:

You do realise that Jorginho hasn't started every game right?

He was also subbed off on 70 minutes in the last game.

Kante hasn't replaced him on any of these occasions.

Hope this helps.

 

Oh Right, because Jorginho has hardly featured all season has he? Please forgive me

59 minutes ago, Sexyfootball said:

So is he a winger or a left midfielder ? I see you have him in your squad as the latter ... but Whoscored seems to have him further forward, in which case who gets dropped out of CHO and Pulisic ? or are you playing Hazard out of position ?

Its hardly out of position. He's similar to Coutinho in the way he can play either. I'd have him at LCM.

6 minutes ago, Osgoodwasgood said:

Oh Right, because Jorginho has hardly featured all season has he? Please forgive me

I forgive you.

Nobody has claimed that Jorginho has "hardly featured"..... he hasn't played every minute of every game though, and when he hasn't been on the pitch, guess who has never replaced him in his position? Kante.

 

54 minutes ago, ducavis said:

Those Eriksen stats are not right, and as good as Kante is he can’t be compared to Eriksen creatively.

Okay mate, whatever you say..

14 minutes ago, mclovin83 said:

I forgive you.

Nobody has claimed that Jorginho has "hardly featured"..... he hasn't played every minute of every game though, and when he hasn't been on the pitch, guess who has never replaced him in his position? Kante.

 

but,  but, but.... Kante has all the skill-sets and, more importantly, all of the years of experience to play that role.   After all, it's only standing around passing to Luiz or Rudiger, ain't it?

 

That's when Kante isn't channeling Makalele and standing on the edge of out penalty box like a good lad, exactly how he should be.

Dunno about anybody else, but I'm quite excited for next season. I think if there's truth in the club wanting to integrate more youth loanees then it will be very interesting with Reece James, mason mount, Abraham etc possibly returning to the club. On top of being an even more improved side after this season, it is exciting for sure. 

Edited February 6, 20197 yr by enigma

I think the signings we will need in the summer to evolve the Sarri brand of football is....

A left back - Alonso doesn't suit his system and Emerson just isn't very good. I'm not sure specifically who to suggest but a player with good pace, athleticism and can offer an extra dimension to the attack.

Kovacic permanently as immediate cover for both Kante and Jorginho, he could also be an option at LCM when we are comfortably ahead and looking to see the game out.

If Hazard leaves then Pepe in as a replacement, he's at a good age and is growing every season, the type of signing we should be looking at.

Out of the loanee's we should bring back Tammy and James while giving Mount a PL loan.

We could do with a new back up keeper given Caballero is ageing and in the last year of his contract, ideally a HG option like Angus Gunn but failing that Sergio Rico would be good if we could get him.

Have Willian and Pedro see out the last year of their contracts as back up unless a stupid offer comes in for either.

------------------Kepa------------------

Azpi-------Rudiger-----Luiz------new LB

----------------Jorginho----------------

-----------Kante--------Pulisic*-----------

Pepe/Eden---------------------------CHO

----------------Higuain------------------

*Barkley/RLC if Pulisic struggles to adapt immediately.

Rest of the squad: Rico, James, Christensen, Ampadu, Alonso, Kovacic, RLC/Barkley (unfortunately we will probably have to sacrifice one as there won't be room for both if these signings come off), Willian, Pedro, Abraham.

2 hours ago, bisright1 said:

Other than being wrong, you didn't say why Kante hasn't replaced Jorginho when Jorginho is not on the pitch.

Jorginho is the Matic equivalent positionally, yet does not win the ball yet tries to block the opposition and keep the midfield moving forward and keep the passing movement going. I'm not sure whether I like this role yet it s crucial to Sarri's method. 

36 minutes ago, Argo said:

I think the signings we will need in the summer to evolve the Sarri brand of football is....

A left back - Alonso doesn't suit his system and Emerson just isn't very good. I'm not sure specifically who to suggest but a player with good pace, athleticism and can offer an extra dimension to the attack.

Kovacic permanently as immediate cover for both Kante and Jorginho, he could also be an option at LCM when we are comfortably ahead and looking to see the game out.

If Hazard leaves then Pepe in as a replacement, he's at a good age and is growing every season, the type of signing we should be looking at.

Out of the loanee's we should bring back Tammy and James while giving Mount a PL loan.

We could do with a new back up keeper given Caballero is ageing and in the last year of his contract, ideally a HG option like Angus Gunn but failing that Sergio Rico would be good if we could get him.

Have Willian and Pedro see out the last year of their contracts as back up unless a stupid offer comes in for either.

------------------Kepa------------------

Azpi-------Rudiger-----Luiz------new LB

----------------Jorginho----------------

-----------Kante--------Pulisic*-----------

Pepe/Eden---------------------------CHO

----------------Higuain------------------

*Barkley/RLC if Pulisic struggles to adapt immediately.

Rest of the squad: Rico, James, Christensen, Ampadu, Alonso, Kovacic, RLC/Barkley (unfortunately we will probably have to sacrifice one as there won't be room for both if these signings come off), Willian, Pedro, Abraham.

I see Pulisic just behind Higuaín not in midfield.

Lets be honest, Pulisic ain't playing anywhere other than on the wing. Daft to think any different.

39 minutes ago, RIP Mourinho said:

Lets be honest, Pulisic ain't playing anywhere other than on the wing. Daft to think any different.

He was a CAM pre Dortmund.

2 hours ago, RIP Mourinho said:

Okay mate, whatever you say..

My bad you are right technically. His assist stats are higher if you had in set plays, something we desperately miss.

5 minutes ago, Argo said:

He was a CAM pre Dortmund.

So he's played his entire professional career on the wing. 

Playing at CAM for the mighty PA Classics, Michigan Rush and Brackley Town doesn't mean much.

2 hours ago, RIP Mourinho said:

 

Is your computer running on windows 95? What’s going on with that toolbar?

Also, you’ve got RedCafe book marked... 

Some fan want Higuain as our 9 next season? It would take more than Huddersfield for me to be convinced we should loan him next season. Let’s see where we are at the end of Feb, and the end of the season.

We need a long term solution instead of slapping a band aid on it.

Edited February 6, 20197 yr by ducavis

3 hours ago, RIP Mourinho said:

Okay mate, whatever you say..

This is very funny IMO 

If Hazard and Willian leave then I would be going all out for Ousmane Dembele if he was available. Barcelona's board still seem unsure on him despite his upturn in performances and they want to get rid of Coutinho also.

With Dembele in the team along with Hudson Odoi, our wing positions would be set for years and we'd have blistering pace to go with it as well. Not to mention, we would have Pulisic waiting for an opportunity and Pedro can be back up.

Unfortunately, chances are he's not going to be available and even if he was, we'd have to spend £120m on him but that's who I would attempt to sign.

I would love us to sign a creative midfielder like James who can rotate with Ruben, they both pick up injuries so they'd both get plenty of playing time (we desperately need someone in that position who can find the back of the net) and a left back in the mould of Telles who is direct and has an impressive array of crossing ability.

 

 

5 hours ago, RIP Mourinho said:

As mentioned in another thread i think the Hazard sale could end up benefiting us in a way similar to Coutinho/Suarez at Liverpool.

Out: Hazard (£40m + Kovacic), Pedro (£8m), Barkley (£20m), Alonso (£35m), Giroud (free), Zappacosta (£12m), Drinnkwater? (£10m) - £125m

In: Pepe (£40m), T.Hazard (£50m), R.James (Free), Kovacic (Free), A.Telles/F.Mendy (£40m), Tammy (Free), Higuain (£15m loan fee?) - £145m

 

Kepa

Azpi/James  Rudiger/Ampadu  Luiz/Christensen  Telles/Emerson

Jorginho/Kovacic

Kante/Ampadu/Kovacic          T.Hazard/RLC

Pulisic/Pepe     Higuain/Tammy     CHO/Willian

 

 

 

1. You put that Hazard is out for 40m (wtf) + Kovacic? But then in Kovacic for free. We can't sell Kovacic he's on loan from Real Madrid, you basically said that we sell them Hazard for 40m so that Kovacic stays in the team. That would be a very poor move and I would never want this to happen. Also a bit sad that you want Barkley sold.

2. Why would we expect to have Higuain 1 more season when he's already 31 years old? Based on 2 goals so far? Too quick of a judgement and not ok.

 

Kepa

Azpi/James  Rudiger/Kalas  Rugani/Christensen  Telles/Aina

Jorginho/Van Ginkel

Kante/Ampadu      RLC/Sarabia

Pulisic/Chiesa     Tammy/Jovic     CHO

 

Expensive buys: Rugani,Telles,Sarabia,Jovic,Chiesa

3 hours ago, ForeverCarefree said:

Is your computer running on windows 95? What’s going on with that toolbar?

Also, you’ve got RedCafe book marked... 

Work laptop, the toolbar is set like that.

If you look closer, you'll see i have it named Refcafe for comedic effect. I also often visit the fighting cock forum to see what hilarious things opposition fans are saying. Sue me. 

6 minutes ago, Gol15 said:

 

1. You put that Hazard is out for 40m (wtf) + Kovacic? But then in Kovacic for free. We can't sell Kovacic he's on loan from Real Madrid, you basically said that we sell them Hazard for 40m so that Kovacic stays in the team. That would be a very poor move and I would never want this to happen. Also a bit sad that you want Barkley sold.

2. Why would we expect to have Higuain 1 more season when he's already 31 years old? Based on 2 goals so far? Too quick of a judgement and not ok.

 

Kepa

Azpi/James  Rudiger/Kalas  Rugani/Christensen  Telles/Aina

Jorginho/Van Ginkel

Kante/Ampadu      RLC/Sarabia

Pulisic/Chiesa     Tammy/Jovic     CHO

 

Expensive buys: Rugani,Telles,Sarabia,Jovic,Chiesa

1. Lol what? Read it again. Kovacic is in for free because he costs nothing within the Hazard deal. Madrid give us Kovacic and £40m and we give them Hazard. What are you struggling to grasp here? Bit sad that you want Barkley to stay. Been nothing but average this season and is blocking opportunities for RLC and an upgrade. Actually, come to look at it you don't even have Ross included in your squad above so why is it sad i want him sold? Weird.

2. What's age got to do with anything if he's banging goals in? I literally stated in my post that i'd keep Higuain IF he's banging in goals. So yeah, try again.

Kalas hahahaha, okay i'm sure this is a joke post now. Van Ginkel will likely never play for us, Sarabia isn't a bad player but we can do so much better. Chiesa over Pepe? Nah. No chance we go into next season with Tammy and Jovic leading the line with no backup for LW either.

Honestly, its like you just wanted to disagree with my post without putting any thought into the drivel you were typing. 

3 hours ago, ducavis said:

Some fan want Higuain as our 9 next season? It would take more than Huddersfield for me to be convinced we should loan him next season. Let’s see where we are at the end of Feb, and the end of the season.

We need a long term solution instead of slapping a band aid on it.

 Name an attainable world class striker that would immediately improve us. We could do much worse than Higuain for another season if he does well.