Now that Robben's gone

[Enrico]

"Sasquatch".

[g3.7]

ballack, even though he plays in a different position.

[CooLisH]

i put my money on Ballack

[BlueBeard]

I voted Kalou - certain people on here are already getting on his case after just three games

[midlandblue]

Bluebeard, I think you voted Malouda because I have just voted for Kalou (and there is only one vote.) for the very same reasons you have all ready stated.

or perhaps the mistake was mine.

[BlueBeard]

Bluebeard, I think you voted Malouda because I have just voted for Kalou (and there is only one vote.) for the very same reasons you have all ready stated.

or perhaps the mistake was mine.

Naah, I reckon we both voted correctly - I blame Enrico

[Gee Bee]

Ballack was already before Robben had gone.

[The Brit]

well neither robben and ballack have been the reason that joe hasn't played so far so I will say Jose!!! Get him out!

[Gee Bee]

well neither robben and ballack have been the reason that joe hasn't played so far so I will say Jose!!! Get him out!

We can't play all our players at once as manu, spurs or pool would want to. We have not stockpiled players as they have done this season. I am confident Joe Cole will perform when his opportunity comes. That is the meaning of competition for places. Under previous management it might have been expected that Joe might have played more often but who will Joe displace from the starting lineup at present?

Let's be realistic and remember that Joe came back from a long term injury and is not yet back to his "old" form. With his chance coming and he can get there there will be no problem since there is no Robben to compete for that position.

[loz]

Hard to tell if he is back to his old form if he never actually plays however based on his performance for England the other night I think we can safely say he is not struggling for form. I would like to see him play tomorrow.

[Guest Brian M]

Hard to tell if he is back to his old form if he never actually plays however based on his performance for England the other night I think we can safely say he is not struggling for form. I would like to see him play tomorrow.

I'm with Loz. And, while I didn't see the England game, he's far too good to just another sub. JM's gotta rotate a bit, otherwise what's the point having 'two players for each position'?

[Gee Bee]

Rotation is what the manager indicated earlier on (a few weeks ago) when he said there won't be untouchables like last season. He can see what we don't see during training sessions. He knows when a player is ready to start a game. We speculate and discuss/debate. We should more often than not trust his judgement (even though I sometimes question it especially playing 'Pool during the past two seasons) and think that he is closer to the players and know their current form and physical condition.