Chelsea 2013/14

if we did buy in Jan it'd be more Ba-esque transfers which are good in the short term but cause long term issues because they arent long term signings, better to stick Luiz in the DM then sign a 6 month player to a 2 year contract

Yah... what fitty said

Jose's defence is back

That's very interesting. Hopefully the Bridge will become the 'Fortress' again

I really hope so, I miss the days of our rock solid defence.

This series of tweets sums up absolutely pristinely the complete comical idiocy of the current media narrative.

What's wrong with Azpilicueta? Some media here in Bilbao says that Athletic Club is interested in him and will try to get him in Winter.

Usual media seeing a player spending more time sitting than playing and dreaming up links to other clubs.

Nothing, Jose just favours Ivan, Azpilicueta is still getting game time though. He played against Schalke.

Mourinho says Ashley Cole must earn his place:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2498230/Ashley-Cole-facing-life-substitute-dropped-Cesar-Azpilicueta.html
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"I decided for Azpilicueta to play against Schalke, and he was fantastic. Against West Bromwich he was very good again."

"I think Ashley is a top professional, the fighter he is."

"He has to just fight and the position is there waiting for him, it is not a problem."

About time someone challenged him. Has been subpar for ages now.

I imagine Ash will do just that.

He's still got a lot to give so I can't imagine it will be long before he's back.

Also points out Luke Shaw is the huge favourite for his long-term replacement

Ffs, Why don't we sign him already?

I due time

Ashley is gonna kick ass... soon..

Petr Cech or Thibaut Courtois? Chelsea set to face tough choices as they roll the dice in the generation game:
As veterans like John Terry and Frank Lampard near retirement, difficult decisions must be made at Stamford Bridge
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/petr-cech-thibaut-courtois-chelsea-2803794



Martin Lipton outlines pretty decently the issues the club will invariably face this summer with both the JT-Lamps-Cole contract issues and the Cech vs Courtois decision and the arguments either way.

If I was in charge, I'd renew Terry and Cole and promote Courtois, if there is problems between Courtois and Cech within the first 6 months, I'd probably sell Cech.

If Courtouis agrees, I would probably loan him to a PL club, top 6. If not, I dunno.. lol.. I love Cech too much But he wont stay forever.

Another loan won't do Courtois any good, The end of the season is decision time.

One or the other, basically. Unless both rotate, Madrid style but I don't want that, we need consistency in goal.

So it is either Cech or Courtois.

There have been suggestions that if we hold on to Cech, he would provide us with at least 5 more years between the posts before he starts to decline. Who's to say we won't find any replacement in time?

The other option is to start Courtois who has at least 15 years ahead of him. The only problem I see with that is, would he be ready to spend a majority of that period with us? Or would look for other opportunities after a few years given his apparent ambition?

I can't imagine Courtois would move on, not many goalkeepers do at top clubs, Look at how Long Cech has been here, Iker, Abbiati or even DDG.

I am personally leaning towards making Courtois first choice next season as he is so much younger.

That being said, I would not want to be the person to make the decision.

Steve Clarke says Jose Mourinho's blast at Mike Riley is a "smokescreen" for Chelsea's poor form:
Former Chelsea player and coach Steve Clarke says Mourinho's recent antics are likely an attempt to deflect attention away from the Blues' poor performances in recent weeks
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/steve-clarke-believes-jose-mourinhos-2840455

"Maybe that’s the smokescreen. Maybe he’s trying to deflect away from the fact that his team hasn’t been as good in recent weeks as they should be for the amount of players and talent they have got."

Even Barcelona loses when you park the bus, Stevey

José Mourinho takes jab at Steve Clarke following 'smokescreen' comments:
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/352183/Chelsea-s-Jose-Mourinho-hits-out-at-West-Brom-s-Steve-Clarke

"Giant clubs don’t talk about what happens in the tunnel."

"The game was finished. Giant clubs, giant players and giant managers close their mouths."