1 minute ago, El regreso said:

Is this real or made up?

Lifted it straight off the BBC feed for the PL today .. so unless they've been hoodwinked ... 

2 minutes ago, Sexyfootball said:

From BBC : 

Raheem Sterling's representatives have released a statement about him being left out of Chelsea's matchday squad today - in an unusual twist.

"Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years," it reads.

"He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.

"He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.

"As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.

"Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively."

Right on cue his management team has released another statement. This is clearly a pay me if you want me to leave. 

Sanchez makes me nervous. How is he getting in ahead of Petrovic?

1 minute ago, POCH OUT said:

Jackson on left, Palmer on right

My fear is Jackson up top with Enzo in the hole behind. We all know how poor Enzo is as 10.

Why can't they do anything in a proper way, why does everything have to turn into a PR circus.

Edited August 18, 20241 yr by abramovich

6 minutes ago, Sexyfootball said:

From BBC : 

Raheem Sterling's representatives have released a statement about him being left out of Chelsea's matchday squad today - in an unusual twist.

"Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years," it reads.

"He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.

"He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.

"As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.

"Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively."

5 minutes ago, ducavis said:

Right on cue his management team has released another statement. This is clearly a pay me if you want me to leave. 

Likely yes, wants to get the max he can to leave.

However with a new England Manager he may not be willing to be relegated to Chalobah, Lukaku and Kepa camp for the next 3 years. 

Really sad that Madueke isn't starting but truth be told our lineup looks strong, just hope they all fit together.

Has anyone broke the news to @nonotnowjimthat Jackson is starting?

Cucurella will either look amazing or Savio will embarrass him...

1 minute ago, Gol15 said:

Really sad that Madueke isn't starting but truth be told our lineup looks strong, just hope they all fit together.

Yeah we hear Marescas system needs wings. First game not one winger starting....

Yikes, just one normal day at this club is all I ask!

Whatever your thoughts on Sterling, the Chilwell, Chalobah, Gallagher situations set the precedent for us being very cut throat on outgoings.

1 minute ago, axman2526 said:

Has anyone broke the news to @nonotnowjimthat Jackson is starting?

I think you just did. 😆

Pre match nerves well kicked in !
 

I’m not a massive fan of Sterling but even I can admit that this is awful. Why any player would want to sign for our club given the treatment of Conor, Trev and now Sterling is beyond me. 

Sterling's management couldn't have waited until after the game to put out that statement? Idiots.

Anyway, happy with the team, I think with the defensive frailties we've seen in pre season it makes sense to give them more protection.

32 minutes ago, ducavis said:

Don’t laugh; club wants to loan him to Strasbourg, and Petrovic is confused about the move.

f**k sake, I think he’s the best keeper we have! 

Just now, JM7 said:

I’m not a massive fan of Sterling but even I can admit that this is awful. Why any player would want to sign for our club given the treatment of Conor, Trev and now Sterling is beyond me. 

There's only 9 places on the bench, no matter who was left out somebody is gonna be upset.

1 minute ago, JM7 said:

I’m not a massive fan of Sterling but even I can admit that this is awful. Why any player would want to sign for our club given the treatment of Conor, Trev and now Sterling is beyond me. 

What treatment, he just hasn't been picked, as the vast majority of Chelsea fans wanted. He can get to f**k dropping a statement like that.

2 minutes ago, erskblue said:

Pre match nerves well kicked in !
 

If it helps we are going to lose 1-4 with Haaland getting the first goal, just as I predicted in:

 

Which you should all be rushing to, if you have not already, to make your predictions to give Erskblue a challange this season!

@Modstill waiting on an @ tag  to be able to tag everyone in ;)

2 minutes ago, timetowaste said:

Sterling's management couldn't have waited until after the game to put out that statement? Idiots.

Anyway, happy with the team, I think with the defensive frailties we've seen in pre season it makes sense to give them more protection.

They care about their client, not our results without him.

17 minutes ago, Sexyfootball said:

From BBC : 

Raheem Sterling's representatives have released a statement about him being left out of Chelsea's matchday squad today - in an unusual twist.

"Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years," it reads.

"He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.

"He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.

"As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.

"Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively."

I honestly can’t see why his team would release this statement. 
I understand he’s disappointed but he’s hardly been pulling up trees here and probably would have started on Thursday.

It’s clear the board want him off the wages but this move hasn’t helped the situation at all IMO.

It’s also made today’s match headlines all about him.

Not a smart move.

 

30 minutes ago, ducavis said:

Chukwuemeka also seems to be getting forced out.

This is the sad one. There’s a baller in him for sure. 

7 minutes ago, JM7 said:

I’m not a massive fan of Sterling but even I can admit that this is awful. Why any player would want to sign for our club given the treatment of Conor, Trev and now Sterling is beyond me. 

5 minutes ago, dkw said:

What treatment, he just hasn't been picked, as the vast majority of Chelsea fans wanted. He can get to f**k dropping a statement like that.

He’s lucky he wasn’t given the Lukaku treatment to begin with. Clear as day he’s only here for the paycheck given his performances haven’t proved otherwise. 30 years old and doesn’t look an inch out of place in a team filled with 20 year olds.