Football 2013-2014

[Celery]

Rafa wasn't unlike Jose is his pragmatism on the way to CL finals. He didn't criticise other sides like Maureen however.

Anyway - isn't playing like that the reason he got the bullet last time round?

[ThomThomDrum]

Fair weather..

One of the more interesting aspects of this season.

[pink_triangle]

To me the frustrating thing about chelsea is they don't have to play that way. They didn't play for a 0 0 at city and played them off the park. I guess some fans think results are the most important thing and others entertainment, neither are wrong.

[ThomThomDrum]

I reckon at least half of the teams in the prem go to the top teams and try to play that way. Yet no one slates them. I've lost count of the number of times we've spent a home match camped on the oppositions box trying to break them down. Not necessarily boring, just a different type of game though of course i'd prefer end to end with goals galore. If Athletico were good enough, they would have scored. As it was, they barely threatened. There's a reason why Chelsea have won more Eurpoean knock out games over the past 3 seasons that all the other English teams combined. I still make Athletico favourites mind. 0:0 is not a bad result for a home team. In fact, i'd probably guess that statistically they are more likely to qualify.

[Celery]

To me the frustrating thing about chelsea is they don't have to play that way. They didn't play for a 0 0 at city and played them off the park. I guess some fans think results are the most important thing and others entertainment, neither are wrong.

Edited April 22, 2014 by pea tear griffin

[DomDom1984]

How the f**k did Atletico not get a penalty for the charge that sent Raul Garcia into Cech btw? Was about as stonewall as it gets.

[ThomThomDrum]

More lies and games from Jose?

http://www.teamtalk.com/news/2483/9279033/Premier-League-Jose-Mourinho-ready-to-change-Chelsea-team-against-Liverpool

"I have to listen to the club. I think the fact that the match is on Sunday I think puts the problem not in my hands.

"We represent English football and we are the only English team that is European competition. Spain has four and gave them all the conditions to try to have success.

"I know what I would do, but I'm not the club. I have to speak with the club.

"I would play with the players that are not going to play Wednesday."

[Celery]

More lies and games from Jose?

http://www.teamtalk.com/news/2483/9279033/Premier-League-Jose-Mourinho-ready-to-change-Chelsea-team-against-Liverpool

[ThomThomDrum]

Unlikely, i absolutely think we will put out a half strength team. Really wouldn't be surprised to see Kalas, Van Ginkel and Ake start or at least play some part. The league is gone, why risk any more injuries?

[ThomThomDrum]

Interesting take on what may happen at Utd if they get LVG. Personally I dont think this could happen with Ferg face still hanging about the club

Edit -Link to article http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/van-gaal-eyes-keane-as-united-sidekick-266256.html

Like all good jurno speculation its all base on hunches and nothing substantial

Edited April 23, 2014 by ThomThomDrum

[DomDom1984]

Can't see Chelsea caring too much about City being livid.

[Celery]

If they do and Liverpool win City will be livid.

[ThomThomDrum]

Can't see Chelsea caring too much about City being livid.

[Celery]

Im sure they would not give a toss, but it could create some controversy. Is there also not EPL fair play rules they must be wary of, or is that sort of thing way too difficult to prove with "injuries"?

[thetime]

Interesting take on what may happen at Utd if they get LVG. Personally I dont think this could happen with Ferg face still hanging about the club

[ThomThomDrum]

An interesting, very specifically chosen stat on Moyes

• Moyes won 18 of his first 31 games in charge at United — a better record than Sir Matt Busby (15), Ron Atkinson (14) and Sir Alex Ferguson (12)

Edited April 22, 2014 by ThomThomDrum

[ThomThomDrum]

I am sure LVG is used to situations like fergie being at the club. Remember at Munich they have a fair few legends in key positions, likewise at barca with cruyff.

[Wooderson]

Fair weather..

One of the more interesting aspects of this season.

[DomDom1984]

I think the EPL quite rightly dumped the rule about players that get picked. It's up to the manager to pick the team, not the league.

[eFestivals]

So, Moaniho is talking about how he's going to "give" Liverpool the league.

It's got nothing to do with his own team being too shit to actually win it tho.

[Wooderson]

So, Moaniho is talking about how he's going to "give" Liverpool the league.

It's got nothing to do with his own team being too shit to actually win it tho.

[eFestivals]

Wasn't he just asked what his priority now is....

and it's his priority, because...?

Because his team have gone shit in the league.

It's a way of losing the league but being able to pretend they only lost the league because the CL was the priority.

It's only the priority because they've now been good enough to win the league.

[eFestivals]

Because the reality is it is out of their hands

... because they've not been good enough.

That part is as relevant as any other part. It gets omitted because it's a part Moaniho would rather the world forgot.

And it also sets the ground for Moaniho to say "we didn't try to win" if Liverpool win, to pretend that Chelsea only get beaten if they allow themselves to get beaten.

It's all very standard Moaniho stuff. The truth is not within the words spoken.

Edited April 23, 2014 by eFestivals

[zahidf]

and it's his priority, because...?

Because his team have gone shit in the league.

It's a way of losing the league but being able to pretend they only lost the league because the CL was the priority.

It's only the priority because they've now been good enough to win the league.

Edited April 23, 2014 by zahidf

[Wooderson]

Chelsea's bench is better than most teams first XI.