ROBBEN.

[c3blu]

I know many on here may not agree but i'd be gutted if we let Robben leave. i can just see him signing for Real, having an injury free season and setting the world alight. I know he can be frustrating but thats only because we all know just how good he can be.

Personly i'd much rather SWP leave because AJ is twice the player and can turn a match on his own.We have to stop diluting our spuad,form is temporary class is permanant.Kalou could'nt lace his boots at the moment(although i believe he had quite a good first season but is still very raw, he will get better) At 23 Robben can still improve, has his best years in front of him, we talk about AJ differently. WE expect things from him becuase we know he is quality, even though he's virtually the same age as SWP or Kalou, we must keep Robben.

[Guest Brian M]

He's not going anywhere. Not if Kenyon and JM have anything to say about it.

I think we've got to get used to the fact that he'll be injured for 1/3 of the season. Be a greedy glory hound whenever he plays. Will sulk whenever he's on the bench. Will fall over if someone in Row J passes wind while he's running by.

And will occasionally put in a world class performance and win us matches with magic that makes us momentarily forget all the rest.

[Phillip]

I think that there are many of us who do not want to see Robben go, and I am among that group.

[evissy]

Totally agree with c3blu and Phillip.

If you remember there are not that many games where Robben has played and been totally cr*p. He is either playing well or sits in the crowd with sore ankle. Everytime he's on the pitch there is something going on in the left flank.

You also have to realise how many times in one game he gets the lumpy defenders studs in his feet. Defenders are terrified when he's with the ball and have to work their a**es of throughout the game.

He's had so many serious injuries during his short career that he's afraid to get injured again. That is probably one reason he many times goes down without any or little contact.

He still needs to improve in many ways and probably will.

Meanwhile watch this clip. Dacourt of Roma targets Robben and kicks him.

[ethicalstrategy]

Well Boula didnt travel to the US because discussions are ongoing about his future. So one must assume that Robben is staying as he has travelled. I certainly hope so.

[c3blu]

I cant remember that Roma game, good to see Robben getting up and standing up for himself. He is going to need that fight. I agree he is a target for defenders, we also have to remember the amount of times teams double up on him, which may close him out at times but creates space for others. Many teams look to shut up shop when they play us especially at home, we need players that can beat a man, who can open the door and Robben is the best at doing that, even from the bench(CC final one example). Hopefully Malouda is another but i would go so far as to say Robben has the potential to be one of the best players in the world and he must stay.Not many players when they get the ball put you on the edge of your seat, i'd hate us to sell one that does.

[Guest Brian M]

Well Boula didnt travel to the US because discussions are ongoing about his future. So one must assume that Robben is staying as he has travelled. I certainly hope so.

Diara also didn't travel. Due to 'personal problems'.

[yogic]

robben is a favourite of Jose .. he isnt going anywhere

[Jack]

robben is a favourite of Jose .. he isnt going anywhere

Not sure about that! Jose's face when Robben got injured (again) up at Liverpoo last January said it all - I'd interpret it as something like ' I've had enough of that f**king twat'.

Robbie was interviewed on Chelsea TV before getting on the plane at Gatwick, and all he would say was "I'm here, so what can I say?" I think if Madrid come in with a decent off Kenyon will accept. I think the objective this summer is to increase the playing staff in terms of numbers and experience whilst balancing the books. Malouda in and Robbie out would seem to be part of the latter - personally I'd love to see us with two left-sided guys again.

[geezer]

Robben was hardly convincing when interviewed by Neil Barnett just before setting off on the USA trip, sidestepping a couple of the poorly loaded questions. Come on Neil you should have pressed harder for an answer.

That said I've seen a lot of comments assuming he would be leaving now we've signed Flora Margerine. I'm not so sure he will. Remember we once had Damien Duff as well as Robbie, what a partnership that turned into!! Who's to say these two can't reform a similar partnership?

[Iceman]

I am getting mightily peed off with Robben. How much money does he need? Greed. Absolutely pathetic!

[loz]

This article states that Robben has told Five Live that things have not gone smoothly in terms of his contract talks

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/footbal ... 290172.stm

Now random quotes in tabloids is one thing but this suggests that Robben actually said this in a radio interview - every chance that this isn't the case however if anyone happened to have heard this on Five Live I would be interested to hear what else was said (or if this is a total bar stewardisation of the truth).

[yogic]

robben is a favourite of Jose .. he isnt going anywhere

Not sure about that! Jose's face when Robben got injured (again) up at Liverpoo last January said it all - I'd interpret it as something like ' I've had enough of that f**king tw*t'.

Robbie was interviewed on Chelsea TV before getting on the plane at Gatwick, and all he would say was "I'm here, so what can I say?" I think if Madrid come in with a decent off Kenyon will accept. I think the objective this summer is to increase the playing staff in terms of numbers and experience whilst balancing the books. Malouda in and Robbie out would seem to be part of the latter - personally I'd love to see us with two left-sided guys again.

havent seen the interview ... obviously he is probably upset that Malouda is in

but i think we will keep him .. duffer and robben tore defences apart .. hopefully Malouda and Robben can do the same with Joey on the other side

i think he is a favourite of Jose .. i really do.. Jose expects a lot from robben

i cant remember!!! we had robben and duffer ... and joey and?

[BLUENUT]

I can see the same friction between AJ and Jose as there is debated on this board. As some have said in post's above, we all know what AJ can do, we all know he's an assest to the squad and I agree we have seen him the best of him only in spell's, but Jose wants more so do the fans, but I think Jose is more demandeing than us, which is why JM's the best, let me explain.

When Arjen made his debut for Chelsea (or the 1st time I saw him in the shirt) it was at home, coming on as substitute against Southampton while we were comfortably ahead. He picked up the ball and went past 2 or 3 players as if they wasn't there, at electric pace, I leaned forward and tapped my dad, 'We've got a player here'' I said. I imagine every manager in the league thought the same. He was a man who could unlock the door , as he did in the CC final this year, and in the FA cup final when he got his chance, he really did open up the play, until once again being taken out by the opposition!!

But here we have only one side of Arjen's coin, sometimes you didn't know who was going to turn up. In the first few BIG GAMES he played for Chelsea he never really arrived! Like I said above he could ruin the like's of the Saint's or he maybe the scurge of Everton, but when we and our manager 'expected' against the likes of Liverpool, Barca, Manu, he just hid on the left touchline or didn't even start, because defensively, he just wouldn't or couldn't have anything to combat the likes'of Ronaldo, Pennant, Guily/Messi etc. Our game plan had to be different in those matches, but if anyone was going to change a game with 15/20 min to go, above SWP/Sheva/Kalou you'd want Robben on from the bench!!

His attitude seemed to change in the first few games of last season, and we could have seen the transformation that J Cole experienced the year before, he seemed to accept the critisism and his all-round game improved. He chased back and tried to close down when we didn't have the ball, but injury struck yet again, but any football person understands this just isn't what Arjen's all about. Joe and Arjen started less than 35 games between them last season, this may have seen the emergence or transfgormation of SWP, but it goes to show players need games to fit-in: OR it goes to show JM could only play to his strenghts!?!

If we had one player on the half-way line against to widely spread defenders from a quick goal kick, there's only 1 player in our team I'd want the ball to fall to, I don't want that player having to chase back a player on the opposition for their corner/throw in. If you had one player in a big game to bring on from the bench to ruin the opposition with his pace, who would it be?

First and foremost, Arjen wants to play, he is 23 and doesn't want to be a 'great from the bench' type of player. He doesn't seem to me to be a natural player who would track back and get his socks dirty, ala Joe Cole, SWP, or even Duff. This is what Jose wants!! Only this season, in 'BIG games' have we seen the 'real Arjen Robben, or the player we know he can be, both were in finals, both were from the bench. This is the conundrum, Arjen wants a regular place in the side and wants to start these BIG games, but does his all-round game suggest he should.

Arjen is a chess piece in Jose's master-plan, but can his career wait on hold until Jose can trust him to do enough, this is the untilmate question, but I think, IF given the choice AJ would rather slip off to get a contract he can dictate and play 'Madrid style football' rather than get his nut down to merit his place in the squad.

REAL MADRID eventually won the league last season and played controlled, winning football under their manager, Capello, who was and is a proven winner. He critisised Beckham and got a reaction, sometimes you need a response! (Jose wants the same reaction). For RM to sack Capello is a joke - and for a player wanting to join them, to get more time on the pitch, than sweat for his cause and work for his manager goes to proves they deserve ona another.

I hope he doesn't go, he is a dream player, but I'm afraid he just doesn't show the personal qualities or character Terry, Lampard, Cech, Essien or the reformed Drogba or Joe Cole (could even add Bridge).

Has he got the bottle/patience to stay? I hope he does, it'll make him a diifferent and much better player, (JC/DD+WB are examples) but I'm afraid it's upto the player himself!

C'mon Arjen, set the world alight, but do ut in a blue shirt!!!

You could become a legend, but it takes work, hard work, you are already famous world-wide and you're wanted by our supporters, we know what you can do, but show us some character and make that shirt yours!! There are Chelsea legends who never had your skill or pace, just show us some of their character and you'll be another hero!

It's up to you!!

[evissy]

C'mon Arjen, set the world alight, but do ut in a blue shirt!!!

You could become a legend, but it takes work, hard work, you are already famous world-wide and you're wanted by our supporters, we know what you can do, but show us some character and make that shirt yours!! There are Chelsea legends who never had your skill or pace, just show us some of their character and you'll be another hero!

It's up to you!!

Wow! Earlier I was just sitting at my work, but now I feel bad for being so lazy. I need to improve. I can be the hero of my office. Thank you Bluenut for the uplift.

But seriously I agree with all you wrote and I really hope he chooses JM over Schuster!

[Elliott]

He is reportedly on ?85k a week, and the negotiations have'nt gone well regarding his new contract.

Jose wants him to stay, and has stated that the arrival of Malouda has not opened the door for Robben to leave.

Robben does'nt sound as though he wants to go, and for the near future, i dont think he will.

[evissy]

Read it and I get the same feeling of it. He probably feels he can reel up his weekly income some.

Can't imagine how he survives with 85k per week this time and age. Poor Arjen. He has to cover his expensive wedding and all.

Probably his father the agent has something to do with this...

[Jack]

I've seen the interview on SSN today, and I genuinely think Robben doesn't know anything. The media are just trying to play things up a bit, but what was significant (if you get to see the interview) is Jose right at the end, walking past and making some sort of joke, not in a nasty way but in a kind of teasing manner, if that makes any sense. What I read into it (although I couldn't hear the exchange, just got an impression of the tone) is that there is no tension between Jose and Arjen. The club may be dragging their feet when it comes to negotiations and playing things a bit tough to get the best deal for the club, and I expect that Robbie to be offered an extension soon and that he'll sign it if it's a decent one.

Although I've personally been a bit on/off with this, I hope he stays and produces a full season of devastating football, as we all know and he can.

[nickwus]

I've seen the interview on SSN today, and I genuinely think Robben doesn't know anything. The media are just trying to play things up a bit, but what was significant (if you get to see the interview) is Jose right at the end, walking past and making some sort of joke, not in a nasty way but in a kind of teasing manner, if that makes any sense. What I read into it (although I couldn't hear the exchange, just got an impression of the tone) is that there is no tension between Jose and Arjen. The club may be dragging their feet when it comes to negotiations and playing things a bit tough to get the best deal for the club, and I expect that Robbie to be offered an extension soon and that he'll sign it if it's a decent one.

Although I've personally been a bit on/off with this, I hope he stays and produces a full season of devastating football, as we all know and he can.

I did not see Jose but it looked like Grant keeping a watchful eye and ear on the conversation. My sense was that Arjen was a bit disappoited that the contract discussions had not been concluded but othing more than that. With 2 years left on the contract, its not exactly a huge hurry for PK and slowing down is probably the right thing to do for the club to get better, more financially responsible deals. As they appear to have stopped the we pay whatever someone wants in transfer fees policy, the next step is player wages. I think they just are trying to get control of them, knowig they are paying top rate anyway.

It does give other clubs the slight possibility of snatching someone, but with two years left, technically they would be in breach of tapping up rules. What it mostly does, is give the so called journalists an few more stories to fabricate.

Nick

[callista]

I don't see why things should be tense with Jose. He is not responsible for the actual contract talks that's Kenyon's department.

Jose has done his bit publicly by clearly stating he wants Robben to stay and that Malouda will not mean Robben goes. Whether Robben chooses to believe this is I guess his perogative.

However, I still think this could go either way frankly.

When you know what he can produce you desparately want Chelsea to work things out with him.

Then you think of all the times we could have done with him and he was injured.

I really don't want Madrid to get him - he then turns in an absolute blinder of a season for them and is injury free.

That would really finish me off.

[Lofty]

From Sky Sports:

Jose's a fan of wide boys

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has moved to play down reports that have intimated Florent Malouda's arrival at Stamford Bridge will signal the departure of Arjen Robben.

Contract talks between the Dutch winger and Chelsea officials recently broke down and it has been widely reported that Real Madrid are waiting in the wings for long-time target Robben.

The signing of Malouda from Lyon in a ?13million deal has only added further fuel to such speculation, but Mourinho is confident the pair could play in tandem.

"We have competition almost in every position and I think that is very, very important," Mourinho said.

"I know that everybody is watching Florent and Robben in the same squad but you have to remember that, in my opinion, the best football we played in the last three years was when Robben and (Damien) Duff were playing together in the same team.

"So why can't Florent and Arjen play together?

"Yes, there is competition between them but yes, they can play together in the same team.

"And I want to make it very, very clear that he's not here to replace anybody. I understand that many people think that's why he's coming but that's not the objective."

Rest of the article here:

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hli ... &channel=&

Not sure why that link doesn't work as it should; whether it's the way it's stuctured or perhaps it's simply too long?

[Elliott]

From Sky Sports:

"I know that everybody is watching Florent and Robben in the same squad but you have to remember that, in my opinion, the best football we played in the last three years was when Robben and (Damien) Duff were playing together in the same team.

HE KNOWS!?

HALLELUJAH, PRAISE THE LORD!

[Guest Brian M]

From Sky Sports:

"I know that everybody is watching Florent and Robben in the same squad but you have to remember that, in my opinion, the best football we played in the last three years was when Robben and (Damien) Duff were playing together in the same team.

HE KNOWS!?

HALLELUJAH, PRAISE THE LORD!

Dear JM. If you knew all along what the rest of us knew and figured you didn't...then why did you sell duffer and go to a 442!

[Kev123]

From Sky Sports:

"I know that everybody is watching Florent and Robben in the same squad but you have to remember that, in my opinion, the best football we played in the last three years was when Robben and (Damien) Duff were playing together in the same team.

HE KNOWS!?

HALLELUJAH, PRAISE THE LORD!

Dear JM. If you knew all along what the rest of us knew and figured you didn't...then why did you sell duffer and go to a 442!

Hindsight is a wonderful thing

[barak81]

Duffer has spent most of the last season injured, and when he has played he has been less than impressive.

Many might say that this has somthing to do with the team he's been playing in but then you have to remmeber that he justified his 17 mill fee by playing a team of pretty much that level.

he was phenomanle for two seasons for us but in that last season he seemed terrified to take people on maybe his sholdue was playing on his mind. who know's but for some reason or another he's lost it Big time.

Another player jose made a simmeler assemeent with was mika, ability and determination had him destined for great things and a firm fans faveriot at the bridge but some body obvusly had a word in joses ear and told him that boy would never have a full season fit, even half a season fit at that!! He made the hard call much as he did with duffer, devistated the fand but it looks like he got both right in the long run.

Another one that had me asking questions was getting rid of parker for essien who to me looked the same player but just not english... iv spent the whole of last season eating humble pie on that one!! It seems that while jose has made mistakes in the transfer market (which all managers do) when it comes to letting players go wether the fans agree or not he has been spot on!