The TT Football Club

[Breaker]

I don't see Mancini selling Balotelli..he loves him, he'd sell Tevez before he'd sell Balo despite how much better Carlos is right now.

Dzeko probably would go as he deserves a consistent starting spot in a top team anyway he's too good to be sat on the bench being used as impact sub.

Meanwhile surely Chelsea would be desperate for another forward by January? Can't see Torres having the durability of other guys who start 60+ games a year (Messi/Ronaldo) and only Sturridge as back up who probably still isn't really good enough to lead the line for a really top team.

[Feña14]

Originally Posted by Breaker

I don't see Mancini selling Balotelli..he loves him, he'd sell Tevez before he'd sell Balo despite how much better Carlos is right now.

Dzeko probably would go as he deserves a consistent starting spot in a top team anyway he's too good to be sat on the bench being used as impact sub.

Meanwhile surely Chelsea would be desperate for another forward by January? Can't see Torres having the durability of other guys who start 60+ games a year (Messi/Ronaldo) and only Sturridge as back up who probably still isn't really good enough to lead the line for a really top team.

True about Balotelli, i've heard stories about Mancini giving up on him so many times but nothing ever happens.

Chelsea certainly do need another striker, Torres is already said to be struggling having to play every game, the long summer at the Euro's probably has something to do with it. Mata had the same summer, but the depth we have there allows him get rest now and then.

Scouts were looking at Remy, so he's probably someone they are looking at if Falcao doesn't happen in January, which I don't think it will. Simeone is a good manager and the club are looking to keep him happy, selling their best player midseason probably wouldn't go down too well.

Even so, I can't see Torres staying if Falcao arrives, meaning someone like Remy would be needed longterm.

[NickC]

Funny fact - In 2009, Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill was offered Radamel Falcao for £7m.


He chose to buy Emile Heskey instead.

[Feña14]

When asked if the heir apparent to Pele's crown as the golden boy of Brazilian football would learn Catalan in preparation for a move to Barcelona, he retorted: "I want to learn a world language such as English."

Fair enough, Neymar. I'm sure he already knows Ramires, Oscar, Piazon and Luiz. He'll probably get on great with Hazard and Mata too after they set him up for 50 a season. All he would have to do is somehow displace Falcao.

Always good to have a dream I suppose

[Ross K]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/foo...ng-Serbia.html

Unbelievable. This lot should be banned for years.

[Feña14]

Originally Posted by Ross K

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/foo...ng-Serbia.html

Unbelievable. This lot should be banned for years.

I heard Ince saying they should be banned for the next 5 tournaments. Obviously his kid was one of the ones being abused and took a punch so he's pretty heated, but a ban does seem like the only option.

[PED]

Olivier Giroud, he scores when he wants to....

How pumped is he going to be after that goal yesterday.

Ross, I'm pulling for your boys on Saturday.

[Feña14]

Why exactly are Liverpool thinking they are in a unique position, only having one stiker now Borini is injured?

It's the same position Chelsea are in, they have Suarez, we have Torres, they have Borini who isn't great and is injured, we have Sturridge who's better out wide and also injured.

Why do they think we will let them take Sturridge on loan? Crazy!

I see Man Utd are looking at trying to bring in Ashley Cole. Not sure why, he's better than Evra, but they're both coming to the end of their careers at the top in the coming years. Buttner looks like he's the one for the future there, Cole makes no sense to me.

[Rafter4ever]

Originally Posted by Feña14

Why exactly are Liverpool thinking they are in a unique position

Borini has been disappointing so far and wont be misssed. Pool fans would like to see youngsters like Yesil, Suso and Morgan get their chances; and if miraculously one of them starts scoring, will relieve the work load Suarez has been carrying.

Be interesting to see what BR does with Carroll, recall him in Jan or go with the youngsters? If recall, Carroll's permanent move to the hammers will be in doubt and LFC would not be able to recoup the $ they spend on him. If BR decides to play youngsters and not recall Carroll, the risk of them not performing to par will escalate the fear of Suarez being injured in the second half of the season....What a frigging mess we got ourselves into by not securing another striker in August.

Sturridge on loan? Highly highly doubtful unless we get rid of Joke Hole, rumored to be about 60 pounds/week.

What a mess.......

[NickC]

Originally Posted by Feña14

Why exactly are Liverpool thinking they are in a unique position, only having one stiker now Borini is injured?

It's the same position Chelsea are in, they have Suarez, we have Torres, they have Borini who isn't great and is injured, we have Sturridge who's better out wide and also injured.

Why do they think we will let them take Sturridge on loan? Crazy!

I see Man Utd are looking at trying to bring in Ashley Cole. Not sure why, he's better than Evra, but they're both coming to the end of their careers at the top in the coming years. Buttner looks like he's the one for the future there, Cole makes no sense to me.

United? Nah, Cole is off to Real Madrid, who have lost Marcelo for 3-4 months with a broken foot and Coentrao is also sidelined with a lengthy injury, thus leaving Ozil as the only left-sided player in their team besides Di Maria who can't play any position besides wing. Cole on loan is what's probably going to happen, and he'll sign for them once their season ends.

Originally Posted by Rafter4ever

Borini has been disappointing so far and wont be misssed. Pool fans would like to see youngsters like Yesil, Suso and Morgan get their chances; and if miraculously one of them starts scoring, will relieve the work load Suarez has been carrying.

Be interesting to see what BR does with Carroll, recall him in Jan or go with the youngsters? If recall, Carroll's permanent move to the hammers will be in doubt and LFC would not be able to recoup the $ they spend on him. If BR decides to play youngsters and not recall Carroll, the risk of them not performing to par will escalate the fear of Suarez being injured in the second half of the season....What a frigging mess we got ourselves into by not securing another striker in August.

Sturridge on loan? Highly highly doubtful unless we get rid of Joke Hole, rumored to be about 60 pounds/week.

What a mess.......

Joe Cole is a worthwhile player still and would do quite well if given some game time, which he'll probably get now that Borini is out.

[Feña14]

Originally Posted by NickC

United? Nah, Cole is off to Real Madrid, who have lost Marcelo for 3-4 months with a broken foot and Coentrao is also sidelined with a lengthy injury, thus leaving Ozil as the only left-sided player in their team besides Di Maria who can't play any position besides wing. Cole on loan is what's probably going to happen, and he'll sign for them once their season ends.

Interesting! I think he may sign with another club in January, PSG or Madrid as you mention. He'll then probably leave next summer. Bertrand is more than ready to step up.

I've not been too keen on the players mentioned as backup, Lulic and Assou-Ekotto are the two i've heard most about. I wonder if Coentrao could be an option, he seems to get played all over the pitch by Mourinho, i've seen him as a winger, left back, right back, defensive midfielder etc.. His already sparse playing time would be cut further if he was challenging against Cole AND Marcelo.

[NickC]

Originally Posted by Feña14

Interesting! I think he may sign with another club in January, PSG or Madrid as you mention. He'll then probably leave next summer. Bertrand is more than ready to step up.

I've not been too keen on the players mentioned as backup, Lulic and Assou-Ekotto are the two i've heard most about. I wonder if Coentrao could be an option, he seems to get played all over the pitch by Mourinho, i've seen him as a winger, left back, right back, defensive midfielder etc.. His already sparse playing time would be cut further if he was challenging against Cole AND Marcelo.

Well I think with regards to Coentrao the thing Mou is trying to achieve with the budget he's given at Madrid is depth and versatility, both in terms of tactical variance within the squad and the ability for any given player to be able to play X number of positions, seeing as they're really pushing for the double this year and to do so they'll really need their entire squad save for Casillas to be able to adapt to playing out of position and playing different formations. They have the players to attack, defend, crowd the forward line, park the bus, pack the midfield, play quickly or play slowly. Look at practically anyone in their outfield save for their strikers - they've got players who can play several different positions both in terms of where they line up or what role they have in the team (on either side of the ball). Ronnie can play out on the wing, behind a striker, in the hole, or as a striker himself. Kaka can play central midfield, as a striker, behind the striker, etc... Essien can play anywhere across defense, as a holding midfielder, as a box-to-box midfielder, a defensive midfielder, it goes on and on for everyone in that team. Basically positions can swap at will and there's always cover at any role or position depending on what is needed.

I'd be doing the same thing if I had Mourinho's budget and was aiming for glory on all fronts. He doesn't have to sell to buy so he's stockpiling anyone and everyone he can.

[Feña14]

So i'm currently deciding on which is sweeter, the performance, the 3 points, Mata showing the overrated Walker up to set up the 4th, or seeing how the bitter Villas-Boas deals with the hammering. Tough choices!

[NickC]

Originally Posted by Feña14

So i'm currently deciding on which is sweeter, the performance, the 3 points, Mata showing the overrated Walker up to set up the 4th, or seeing how the bitter Villas-Boas deals with the hammering. Tough choices!

ABV said it didn't get to him, but I think rest assured he was ****ed about that performance. I know Mata will give him nightmares the next time he goes to sleep.

3 points is nice too

[PED]

Originally Posted by Feña14

So i'm currently deciding on which is sweeter, the performance, the 3 points, Mata showing the overrated Walker up to set up the 4th, or seeing how the bitter Villas-Boas deals with the hammering. Tough choices!

Walker is overrated and Chelsea looked like champions although we shall see against Utd. From a neutral standpoint, the blues are great to watch.

I think Hazard was a bit surprised mike Dean let them play the way he did. Hazard is used to getting spainish style fouls with minimal contact. Dean did call it both ways though.

Cheleas def deserved the points but a huge let off for Bale and Dembele not to play. Ivanovic must have been relieved. Spurs just don't have enough quality to not have there their top 2 not playing. Huddleston and Sandro just not up to the mark and I wasn't aware that Gallas was still on the Chelsea payroll...lol

[Feña14]

Originally Posted by PED

Walker is overrated and Chelsea looked like champions although we shall see against Utd. From a neutral standpoint, the blues are great to watch.

I think Hazard was a bit surprised mike Dean let them play the way he did. Hazard is used to getting spainish style fouls with minimal contact. Dean did call it both ways though.

Cheleas def deserved the points but a huge let off for Bale and Dembele not to play. Ivanovic must have been relieved. Spurs just don't have enough quality to not have there their top 2 not playing. Huddleston and Sandro just not up to the mark and I wasn't aware that Gallas was still on the Chelsea payroll...lol

Originally Posted by NickC

ABV said it didn't get to him, but I think rest assured he was ****ed about that performance. I know Mata will give him nightmares the next time he goes to sleep.

3 points is nice too

Well, it was the little comment before the game about how winning the title with Porto was a bigger achievement than Chelsea winning the Champions League was that said it all. What a strange comment that was, bit of karma working there I think.

Same for Walker, he hacked down Ramires on a break and said "I got the ball!", either he's soft upstairs or not quite sure on the laws of the game. What was he doing when Mata was off the pitch and he smacked the ball at him? It was immature and made him look stupid, for the second time in the game. Why would you do that and rile up the best player in the League so far this season? I have to admit, seeing him caught way out of position for the 3rd, then watch the 4th go in after Mata left him on his *** was sweet.

I also enjoyed Mikel performing a 720 degree pirouette around the Tottenham midfield in the first half

I thought Di Matteo was outstanding this week, the way he handled the press about Terry before the game was perfect. His tactics and team selection was once again spot on, the midfield he picked, meaning Lampard was left out turned out to be a great decision. Same for the 3 behind Torres. Out wide was one of the places I thought they could hurt us, people were thinking Bertrand would of started but he went for the more attacking approach and it more than payed off. He's really got the whole team defending from the front and chasing after everything, opponents defence have no time on the ball (Oscar has been key to that I think).

Will be interesting to see how he gets on with the tricky away game in Europe, then Man Utd next weekend. Even if the great start falls away, Di Matteo really does deserve a huge crack at the job over the next few years, hopefully Abramovich knows this.

[BauerAlmeida]

Messi scored 3 goals today. 71st this year (Pele has the record with 75). I think he will probably reach 80.

Does anyone still think he doesn't diserve the Ballon D'or?

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by PED

Cheleas def deserved the points but a huge let off for Bale and Dembele not to play.

Spurs just don't have enough quality to not have there their top 2 not playing.

100 per cent agree. Very mixed/poor performance from us, as you'd slightly expect given no Dembele and Bale, the general obvious state of transition Spurs are in, and the brilliant performance of Chelsea and their pantheon of mega-money, highest tier signings.

[Breaker]

Originally Posted by Ross K

100 per cent agree. Very mixed/poor performance from us, as you'd slightly expect given no Dembele and Bale, the general obvious state of transition Spurs are in, and the brilliant performance of Chelsea and their pantheon of mega-money, highest tier signings.

Also even the big money signings you have made in Ade and Lloris aren't getting much time on the pitch which is weird..guess it's what AVB does though.

[Cesc Fabregas]

Still depressed from what was a shocking performance. Don't expect to us to challenge for the league but that was unacceptable.