It’s champions league. It’s the semi final. It’s Chelsea vs Liverpool. At this level, what could decide the tie is the pressure on the managers and the motivation and desire of the players. I count Chelsea as the favourites this time and I’ll be terribly disappointed not to beat them. I’ll tell you why.
You may say Avram Grant is under pressure. For what was expected of him, a semi final exit is hardly a bad result for him. I’m not going into the discussion of our rosy path to semi finals. Even if Chelsea is knocked out by Liverpool again, it won’t be a disaster for Grant, that is, just looking at the progress in this competition alone. Moreover, we know that he has always had very friendly relationship with Roman which should considerably ease his pressure and make him concentrate on the job on hand.
On the contrary, it is a complete mess at Anfield. Relationship between the owners and Rafa broke down and that was no secret. Hicks went to the extent of going on record saying that he had people lined up to replace Rafa. Even Hicks and Gillett are not in talking terms now and separate seating arrangements had to be made in the stadium as they did not want to sit together. May be the one things they may see eye to eye is Rafa’s sack.
Rafa wanted money and he got it. He wanted certain players and he got them too. JM was out by September and that must have been a good news for his league title ambitions. Rafa had been to two finals with Liverpool and was champion once. Even players like Gerrard came out to admit that they want the league title more than any other trophy. Fast forward a few months. It is same old Liverpool, fighting for the fourth spot. So now, the champions league is all that they have. With nothing more to lose this season, Rafa could get the sack as soon as he loses this match to Chelsea. Whereas Grant is certainly not under this threat. His buddy has full faith in him and there are even rumours about him being handed over with 100 million euros for new transfers for the next season. When you have such kind of support and co-operation from the top, you are very placed to achieve what you want to.
What about the players? As I said, I think the Chelsea players will have more desire and hunger to go to the final. Of course all the above pressure for Rafa also trickles down to the players too but a good majority of the players are not under any threat for their places next season. They have made it to two finals in the last three seasons and beaten Chelsea twice in the semi finals. That does not mean they come to the semi finals to get beaten. No one would want to lose having come so close to winning the champions league.
The Chelsea players should be feeling sick of losing to Liverpool in the champions league. Having dominated them in all other competitions, champions league seems to evade them. Lampard has been saying that players have no sense of revenge but at the bottom of their hearts, they’d love to give one back to Liverpool at the same stage of the same competition. Grant is certainly not known for his motivational skills. If he lets Clarke and Terry to do the talking, that’s what I’d believe. Motivating the Chelsea players for this match is not going to be too difficult as they don’t want to lose to Liverpool for the third time.
Chelsea have a massive advantage this time. We will play the second leg at fortress Stamford Bridge. For about four seasons, Liverpool is yet to score at Stamford Bridge. How good is that! With this massive advantage and record, Chelsea are in pole position for this tie. It does not matter how many Chelsea score at Anfield. As long as Liverpool does not score more than one goal, we’re in with a big chance to beat them. Earlier Liverpool had to play the second leg at San Siro but they progressed fairly easily. So, playing the second leg at Stamford Bridge does not guarantee us anything but only gives a bright chance of knowing what exactly needs to be done and to do that in front of their own support.
One thing where Chelsea has a distinct disadvantage over Liverpool is the fixture congestion in the second fortnight of this month. You know who we play between these two legs of the semi final against Liverpool? Man Utd. You already know how important that match. These three matches have such significance that our season could be over in two weeks or put us in a position to deal a double blow to Man Utd. We have the players to play three high intensity matches in a space of a week. Whatever happens in the first leg, we will have to remain positive as the other two matches are at Stamford Bridge. One consolation is that Man Utd would be playing Barca on either side of their match at Stamford Bridge.
Positive Factors:
- Second leg is played at Stamford Bridge.
- Chelsea players are already motivated as they might look for revenge.
- Rafa is under more pressure than Avram.
- Liverpool are in a turmoil of glorious uncertainties.
- A more complete and better rested squad this season for Chelsea.
- No one has to play out of position this time for Chelsea
If there is a time to play Liverpool, it is this. All pros and cons considered, I’d say that Chelsea has an advantage and are more likely to beat Liverpool for their trophyless season. What do you say?
If you ever get to meet Gerrard, I hope you know what to do!
91 Responses - Add your comment!
Bella comment number 41
Everton 0-1 Chelsea Grant’s Gone Crazy
18 April 2008 11:09pm
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Poor game from Everton and a not much better performance from us but we were the better side and deserved the 3 points.
Grant did himself no favours with the silly interview afterwards, he is already very unpopular and unloved by the media and this will not help his cause – his newly hired PR guru should have had a word with him beforehand.
Essien is bailing us out at the moment with his goals.
As for Jose being ridiculed by the media for his commentsTBF, I’m not sure where you’ve been for the last three years or so – obviously not listening and reading to the media who generally despite the odd spat here and there between Jose and themselves recognised Jose for what he was – one of the world’s best coaches and treated him with the respect he deserved.
Like they do Fergie, Wenger and Benitez.
One final thing, we need to play better than this to beat Man Utd and Liverpool.
This team seems drained of energy, spirit and life force – and I put that down partly to the end of the season but more due to the manager sitting sullen faced and lifeless on the bench.
————————————————————————————————————-
“Poor game from Everton and a not much better performance from us but we were the better side and deserved the 3 points.”
- Only saw the last fifteen minutes so I’m not in a position to comment on the match.
“Grant did himself no favours with the silly interview afterwards, he is already very unpopular and unloved by the media and this will not help his cause – his newly hired PR guru should have had a word with him beforehand.”
- Correct.
“Essien is bailing us out at the moment with his goals.”
- Incorrect.Should’nt a £24m midfield player be scoring on a consistent basis. Please take a look at some of Michael Essien’s statistics. Have a look at what our £24m black star has been doing on the pitch, besides sleeping?
Career of Michael Essien Season Club Championship European Competitions Caps
00-01 Bastia 1 Goals, 13 Games (-)
01-02 Bastia 4 Goals, 24 Games (-) 2 Games
02-03 Bastia 6 Goals, 29 Games (-)
03-04 Lyon 3 Goals, 34 Games 8 Games (Champions League)
04-05 Lyon 4 Goals, 37 Games 5 Goals, 10 Games (Champions League)
05-06 Chelsea 2 Goals, 31 Games 6 Games (Champions League)
06-07 Chelsea 2 Goals, 33 Games 2 Goals, 10 Games (Champions League)
07-08 Chelsea 6 Goals, 24 Games 10 Games (Champions League)
- OK. So Michael Essien doesn’t socre alot of goals, so I bet he makes up for that by setting up goals for his team mates, right?
Season Appearances Games started Used as sub. Assists Assists/game
06/07 33 33 33 0 3 0.09
- Just three assists in the Premiership 2006-2007 season in thirty-three matches?
- No.
Chelseafc.com
CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB OFFICIAL SITE
“The 24-year old added to a memorable and varied second season at the club by collecting both of the honours voted on by supporters.”
- The Chelsea supporters are basically …
- The Chelsea supporters are basically …
- The Chelsea supporters are basically …
“As for Jose being ridiculed by the media for his commentsTBF, I’m not sure where you’ve been for the last three years or so – obviously not listening and reading to the media who generally despite the odd spat here and there between Jose and themselves recognised Jose for what he was – one of the world’s best coaches and treated him with the respect he deserved.”
- Jose won honours for the club, this is undisputed. But as far as “…treated him with the respect he deserved.”
- What repsect does Jose deserve, for being an arrogant man. Let me put it this way so that you may understand.
- What kind of adult male walks around telling everyone he meets that he is the “special one”?
“Like they do Fergie, Wenger and Benitez.”
- Basically the media …
- Basically the media …
- Basically the media …
“One final thing, we need to play better than this to beat Man Utd and Liverpool.”
- Correct.
“This team seems drained of energy, spirit and life force – and I put that down partly to the end of the season but more due to the manager sitting sullen faced and lifeless on the bench.”
- The goalkeeper, defenders, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba should be drained of energy, spirit and life force.
Finally, what has the rest of the team done?
People
Sorry guys about the statistics, while I’ll typed it out it looked perfect and sent shivers down my spine.
But when I the submit button it basically came rubbish?
But the statistics are shocking!
Instead I’ll spell it out for you, so that you may understand.
Thirty-three appearances and basically only two goals and only three assits.
I know that some of the games he played as a defender.
Hey, Michael Essien deserves to be the 2007 Player of the Year?
Who should be embarassd are those employees who buy these players at ridiculous amounts of money?
I’ll check my spelling and grammer before I type anthing.
@Pensioner, ridiculous amount of money?
Hey just because Roman bought Chelsea, all of a sudden it woudln’t become a top club in overnight’s time. We all know basically Chelsea was a decent team dat time when Jose tookover his managerical job, not even popular @ Europe, forget the rest of the World. That time players like Robben, Essien, etc… were all destined for ManUtd and other bigger clubs. So money, money, honey money is the only thing where we can do something over the bigger clubs since Chelsea don’t ve any history/status, etc… frankly. So we paid double or tripple the money for most of the players in Jose’s era, otherwise imagine why the hell Robben ditched ManUtd and joined some XYZ Chelsea dat time, coz sometimes money win over pride. Even ballck joined Cheslea juss for his huge 130k per week tag, if ManUtd would ve offered him da same money, he woudlnt ve even been thot abt Chelsea. But rite now Chelsea’s name got recognized worldwide in short period due to Jose’s firey 3 seasons wid Romans millions, so it woudln’t need to pay all those crazy money in the coming years!
Pensioner I dindt mean Anthony should read Greelight in my previous blog
Article below found on another web forum…. Makes for some interesting reading..
“I watched the game on television last night with someone who works for Chelsea and was enjoying his first night off for a month; I don’t want to put him in the sh*t so I can’t reveal what he does but his job entails him being on the bench for games. His comments about Chelsea are interesting indeed and confirm what most of us have been saying on this forum regarding the club. Here are some of them…
JOSE MOURINHO
He was the most brilliant man he has ever worked for. Had a personal relationship with every single one of the staff. Was the only person in football with whom you could have a conversation about just about anything. His arrogance was for the cameras, away from the game he is mild-mannered, quite and respectful.
He loved everything about the club and wanted to stay for ten years. The reason relations broke down was because Chelsea were becoming Jose’s club not Roman’s and that wouldn’t do. When he said goodbye every single person formed a guard of honour for him to walk through. There wasn’t a dry eye amongst them.
All of the players and the backroom staff are in constant contact with the man who always replies to any of their texts almost immediately.
AVRAM GRANT
Avram really does absolutely nothing, he just stands around with his hands in his pockets and – as he did in his Pompey days – seems obsessed with setting out the cones. The training schedules are exactly as they were under Jose except that there is none of the analysis of the next opposition with which Jose would furnish the players.
JT’s comments about AV half-time talks is all so much sh*t said for the benefit of the club’s PR. The truth is that AV’s half-time team talks are a joke. He just cannot do angry and when he tries it still comes out as a confused mumble which has seen players s****** at him rather than react. It is only Stevie and Ten Cate who have ears of the players.
When on the bench, he goes through the motions but really has no idea what it going on during games. My contact related one alarming story during the Boro game when AV was at the edge of the pitch gesticulating wildly as we make a substitution. AV turns round to the bench and asks: “what’s going on?” where upon Clarke had to tell him that they had put on SWP for Ballack.
Not one player wants to see him as manager next season with many intimating that they would seek a transfer if that was the case.
In fairness to the man, it seems that he also knows he is not up to the job.
The good news is that – as far as my contact is concerned – AV is definitely to be moved upstairs at the end of the season regardless of whether or not we win the Premiership or Champions League.
COACHING STAFF
Stevie Clarke is one of the boys and takes most of the training schedules. Ten Cate does have a lot of input as well but his man role is the bad cop to Stevie’s good cop.
PLAYERS
Drogba is definitely leaving at the end of the season.
Kalou is very religious and one of the nicest people you could meet.
Ballack is one of the most awesome players my contact has ever worked with. According to the club’s own stats he covers more ground than any other player (I know, that really does sound strange!).
In training Riccie looks absolutely dreadful, a pub team player. However during actual games he shows himself to be one of the best centre-backs in the world.
Of all our youth, Gael Kakuta looks the most likely and is, at 16, the best player he has ever seen.
THE FUTURE
Frank Arnesen has all the influence. Roman loves Dutch football and wants Chelsea to fashioned in the Dutch style. We can expect an influx of Dutch players and management. It seems that Rijkaard already has one foot in the door and my contact fully expects him to be our manager next year. We can also expect Huntelaar and Van de Vaart to be signed.
THE PRESS
According to my man, believe what you read in The Sun (yes, The Sun!!) as they get so much right including stuff that goes on behind closed doors that they must have a mole in the Chelsea set-up.
For the record, he is not Chelsea fan but says that the club’s set up is now second to none and is the best club he has ever worked for.”
BC believe me the players DO WANT to revenge,
but guess what, they offer this tie to JM, but wait for AG
to claim the credit.
This time I agree Chelsea will dispatch Liverpool, my reasoning based what what BC
already mentioned above.
Liver is in turmoil and is affecting their players, unlike chelsea players that
wish to win this time.
I still reckon that it will be a travesty if chelsea wins anything this year with
the kind of “sexy attacking football” that the TOAD has implemented.
But guys do not forget the TOAD has shown, LUCK is his best weapon, so yes i believe
Chelsea will go through.
blackburn lead at HT 1-0… avrams arse doing magic
and man utd dont look like scoring at 60 min
75 min blackburn 1 – manutd 0… yooooooooooooo
i85 min still 1-0 .. man utd denied penalty of definite hand ball
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.. it hurts.. man utd drew and only one thought comes to mind.. y the hell did we drew wigan else…………..
its ok a draw is a good result for us, we will beat them at the bridge. I have confidence that we can win and they can slip up at west ham and we can win the title
Wow! That’s a great result for Chelsea. Now we gotta beat them at the Bridge. Fergie might be ready to take a draw but we can’t afford a draw. I’m very happy that the biggest match of this league happens to be at Chelsea’s backyard. I wouldn’t want us to travel to OT at this stage.
By the way, that was great goal by Tevez! What a fantastic player! I was always dreaming about him playing for Chelsea. When he moved to West Ham, I was sure that he was going to join us after a half season or full season. Phew!
if we didn’t concede that late goal against Wigan and beat ManU at SB the title would be ours for sure ..
Whats up with styles and helping chelsea out??Anywayz enjoy the last week of your unbeaten run.
We shall see, MANU, we shall see
Pensioner essien was bought to replace Maka, not Mikel.
Take it from me.
Anyway, I watched 2/3 years ago tevez in the Brasileirao, the Brazil premiership,
in Corinthians he was called Carlitos, and already what a player he was, was no surprise for me when he came to West ham and on his own he saved them from relegation.
I tell you something else he hates present Chelsea.
I should have said where those statements come from, but I was in a rush to get this done.
Chelseafc.com
http://www.chelseafc.com/page/NewsHomePage/0,,10268~1025826,00.html
AGfriend
OK.
I’m not running away from your statement, but firstly I never once metioned that Michael Essien was bought to replace Jon Obi Mikel.
And secondly I had an about A4 page of facts and while I was doing my research to argue my point across my Laptop just went to another website using this Bluechampions window instead of opening another window.
This has never happened before?
And now every website is describing him as a defensive midfield player, when I know for a fact that he is a centre midfield player.
I always seems to question the Chelsea Scouts & Recruitment.
Have spend about 250 MM plus during transfers and only Drogba, Carlavaro , Essien & Cech stand out .People will argue with me about Obi Mikel, but he is prone to get red cards. Cech is great goalie, but have never seen him save a penalty ? ( Consider this with Pepe Reina ), but still he is a great goalie.
Consider this with Man u past few signings – Vidic, Evra, Tevez,Nani, Anderson, Owen H.
This summer there is talk about 100 MM spending. Just hoping we spend the money on the right resources, who can adapt fast.
About the crucial game at Anfield – there is news that Gerrard is injured and is racing against time.Both Jamie Carra and Javier Mascareno are injured but will be fit to play.
On Chelsea side, both Didier and Ballack are injured. Will Lampard be available to Play ?
Pensioner
i don’t know why you’ve suddenly started talking about essien? TSO bought him to play in the central midfield and that’s where he played initially. when ballack and sheva came in, JM played 4-4-2 diamond where the only place essien can fit is, in the defensive midfield.
you’re trying to add up the goals and assists to say that he did not deserve the player of the year. that is a very sad and wrong way of looking at it. first of all, as a midfielder, you need not be judged by your goals or assists. essien’s contribution in that season was phenomenal. as someone who watched every game of the season, i can tell you that there is no one other essien that deserved the award that season.
about essien himself being surprised, that was just humility, which is a rare virtue nowadays.
hey guys ,, i dont know if u agree with me or not, but have u guys realized hoy dam LUCKY manu have been this season, seriosuly… look at the stats ,,do u haven any idea how many times manu have scored last minute goals to avoid draws or even loses..This is increible ,, i am not saying we play better football than manu or that we deserve to win the title, but manu have been really lucky this season, its been more than 5 games already that they have scored last minute goals, half of these mathces they do not even desrve winning/drawing.
And now none of my comments are coming through.
Guys, We are still in with a fighting chance. The boys will beat manure. And then we can pray for another slip especially on the last manure game against wigan. If only we had not let in stupid last goals against villa, spurs and wigan? that would have 6 points more for us. the toad must go whatever happens this season- am glad bout that stuff from AGFRiend@4- i completely believe it.
And guys, how many of you have yet Gael Kakuta, the french 16 year old with our youth team- If all things go well, that boy would be setting the EPL on fire- He is an absolute class and a left footed number ten as that-
Except these boring ones.
NIK – why do you think last minute goals are lucky? they are not lucky. they are all the results of relentless attacks and undying confidence. lucky goals are own goals that Average Grunt conjures out of thin air.
Pensioner,
If your pension allowance has delayed this month, tell us so we see what we can do- just leave Essien alone pls.
What is going on?
I can’t post the comments I want to post somebody is either linked up to Laptop?
What’s up Pensioner? I see everything is fine. You’re able to post comments that you can’t comment. There was one comment with a link, which I’ve just released from moderation queue.
Simply Unbelievable!
Everything isn’t fine.
I can’t post the comment that I want to post!
BC, I think you’re wrong about the ‘more complete squad’. At Anfield, it is highly likely that we may be without Lampard (personal issues) AND Ballack (unknown injury), in addition to Michael Essien who is serving a suspension.
Seeing as we are guaranteed to play 433, Maka and Mikel are guaranteed starters in this situation, and I can see SWP getting the other spot. This midfield does not give me the biggest confidence that we are going to score an away goal, and you can bet that if we don’t, Liverpool will decide to score at Stamford Bridge and knock us out in a 1-1 draw.
That doesn’t mean I’m not hoping to be proved wrong!
Chris – only Essien is sure non-starter. Lampard can still join. I don’t see him missing out this big match. Something tells me he’ll be here. Ballack should be fine. Even otherwise, Gerrard is also unfit and fighting to be ready. If we have to take one player out of both teams, I’d take Gerrard out for any player in Chelsea. When it comes to contribution in the big games, I rate Gerrard more than Torres.
If we play 4-3-3, Joe Cole and Kalou will be on either sides of Drogba. Maka, Essien and Mikel would play where Essien will play an attacking role, Mikel will play central defender and Maka will be on the defensive. Not a bad midfield by any stretch. Also remember that for an away leg of semi finals, this midfield would be quite effective.
Pensioner – whatever you’re trying to post, break it up into various paragraphs and then post. It might work. Your kind of long posts are very difficult to read and sometimes wordpress won’t just accept comments unless you break it down nicely.
I’m not being racist when I use the words “black star”, that’s what the football players (nickname) in Ghana are known as. Not everybody would know that.
Say, New Zealanders are known as the kiwis and the black caps.
My post is just a couple of lines!
You win.
“Michael Essien tackles statistics”
- This is what I googled to back my point of view.
And I had quotes big boy.
Now all of a sudden I can’t even get access to these sites.
@21. Pensioner
Yes a defensive midfielder the equivalent of M Veloso in Sporting of Portugal
the one ManU wants to sign for ManU.
My closing statement to my friends should have been this. By not mixing conspiracy theories or fiction with common sense. I know that Michael Essien was played out of position by the self-appointed “special one”. Again please, don’t let emotions get in the way.
I have just two questions to ask you?
Question 1
Chelski employees paid a transfer fee estimated to be in excess of £24m?
05-06 Chelsea 02 goals 31 games 00 goals 06 games champions league games
06-07 Chelsea 02 goals 33 games 02 goals 10 games champions league games
How much should we have paid Lyon for our black star?
Michael Essien career stats
00-01 Bastia 01 goals 13 games
01-02 Bastia 04 goals 24 games
02-03 Bastia 06 goals 26 games
03-04 Lyon 03 goals 34 games 00 goals 08 champions league games
04-05 Lyon 04 goals 37 games 05 goals 10 champions league games
05-06 Chelsea 02 goals 31 games 00 goals 06 games champions league games
06-07 Chelsea 02 goals 33 games 02 goals 10 games champions league games
Chelski employees are inteligent?
Question 2
Does Michael Essien deserve to be the Chelsea Player of the Year 2007?
Season 2006-2007
02 goals 33 games and 02 goals 10 games (champions league games)
03 assists 33 games with an assist per game ratio of 0.09
“A modest Michael Essien spoke of his astonishment at picking up two awards on Tuesday night, including Chelsea player of the year 2007.”
“I am really surprised,’ the winner admitted. His head had dropped on the table in front when he heard the result read out.”
I will leave you with this final statement.
Regardless of his stats this black star is world-class.
I corrected my mistakes for a reason if you wan’t to delete one then delete the one with the mistakes and not the one without the mistakes.
Guys! I’m just wondering why you would not get your own gravatars? It looks nice to have that thumbnail next to our comments.
AGFriend – why don’t you get a nice pic of head scratching AG and upload it as your gravatar
So why does this “long” comment go through and the other one to argue my point across doesn’t even though it is shorter?
@24. NIK -
Nick if you follow the european leagues and I mean the top 6 of the continent
you will see that the approach to the game is very germanic, the game as 90 minutes play you add 4/5 minutes extra and the game only finishes when the ref blows.
Last year Chelsea used to win/ draw on the last minutes of the game, this is very germanic, the germans know that the most skilfull teams, specially the south european ones, tend to relax the last 15/20 minutes to the end, either thru fatigue or mentality, the germans came about to reduce the lack of skill in their players the moto to fight until the last second, thats all, hence most teams nowadays in europe and england use this tactic.
Most managers took it in EPL, unlikely the toad that still thinks is playing in the desert.
Pensioner – If your comments don’t go through or if you need any support, email me using the contact form. the dialogue between you and me about why the comments are stuck is hardly interesting for the other readers.
actually BC I had the same problem with posting the blog before, wordpress or whatever keeps saying I am too quick, etc etc , slow down, this is all bs in my understanding.
I’m going to bed, well I’m already in bed so good morning.
South African time it is 1:23 AM.
I live in Cape Town.
Pensioner I love cape toen
used to go the table mountain for dinner in a restaurant there brilliant fish
cant recall the name but i think it was some kinda portuguesa,
let me know pensioner i want to go there again on my next holidays about sept/oct.
Have a peaceful night.
@43. BlueChampion -
give me 1 and will load it but get me one that TOAD would be proud of.
AGfriend
I can’t sleep till I get this off my chest. I realise that this laptop that I am using is being hacked that’s why I can’t win my arguement.
Anyway I’ll let this one slide and call it a tie.
I’m in my early twenties and I’ll be a year older come 20 May 2008. If everything goes to plan and you are aloud relax, we can meet personally. Promise.
You lucky …
Anyways I have more important things to worry about than this debate. I’m still waiting for my passport so that I can go for trials to England’s biggest club(Chelsea fc).
I think I’ll be a decent player.
Cheers
AGfriend
I can’t sleep till I get this off my chest. I realise that this laptop that I am using is being hacked that’s why I can’t win my arguement.
Anyway I’ll let this one slide and call it a tie.
I’m in my early twenties and I’ll be a year older come 20 May 2008. If everything goes to plan and you are aloud relax, we can meet personally. Promise.
You lucky …
Anyways I have more important things to worry about than this debate. I’m still waiting for my passport so that I can go for trials to England’s biggest club(Chelsea fc).
I think I’ll be a decent player.
Cheers
AGfriend
Pensioner
since you are a south african and I spend many many holifdays ther it will be a pleasure to meet you personally, but you will be surprised when you see my face LOL,
I can not show my face or who i am at least after summer lol, but you most welcome in surrey, UK.
the team for the liverpool game will be:
—————Cech————–
Ferriera–Terry–Carvalho–A.Cole
———Mikel—Makelele——–
————Lampard————–
—J.Cole—————–Kalou–
————Drogba—————
no ballack?
Hey Blackburn were awesome yesterday and ManUre were very lucky to get a point.
——Cech——
Ferriera–Terry–Ric.C—A.Cole
——Essien————
—Lamps——–Ballack
Joe Cole————-
Drog———KAlou
essien and ballack considering leaving chelsea
Arthur and Avfriend, i understand ur points, but u cant tell me tht manu havent been lucky this season with tevez always saving their ass. i mean there haven been games were manu really havent deserved to win , and end up scoring last minute goals, this really fustrates me …
we could have won the title by now if it wast for those last minute goals…
4. AGfriend
good peice !! thats the kinda of stuff i want to know about…… whats going on behind the sense! who is comin in…. who is going out…. which players we want to sign….
that kinda stuff! so let me know my email is lanrev10@yahoo.com
we need a creative player in midfield lamps or ballack must play if both cant play on tuesday then joecole should play central attacking midfielder.not mikel we need creative players and away goal is very important nowdays.lamps should leave his mother behind let his wife take care of his mother and should play if ballack cant play.didlier is also required agaist manu and second leg of cl
essien is suspended for the first leg. Reports in papers today claim real madrids sporting director was at the fener game and was scouting essien. They are likely to offer Drenthe and robinho plus 10 mill for essien, i wouldnt accept that. Put Ramos in the deal and i would accept it.
AGFriend and everyone else
There are only three steps to get your GRAVATAR (the thumbnail next to your nick name)
1. Just visit http://www.gravatar.com and type in your email address.
2. After confirmation, just upload any picture to the gravatar site
3. Adjust to the gravatar size and submit. That’s it.
Let’s see who GRAVATAR looks best!
the team for the liverpool game will be:
—————Cech————–
Ferriera–Terry–Carvalho–A.Cole
—-—Makelele——–
————Lampard—ballack————–
—J.Cole—————–Kalou–
————Drogba—————
I can only suggest to you guys which players Chelsea should purchase.
I have absolutely no say in these matters:
A)How they’ll adapt to the coach’s philosphy.
B)What type of lifestyle they’ll live ie. fitness(diet) or night life.
C)Everything else that I did not mention.
if the rumours are to be believed the following players will be out next season, if Average continues to be our manager:
(a)Drogba (b)Lampard (c)Essien (d)Malouda (e)Carvalho.
there are lots of rumours surrounding the above but there could be some more too. roman should decide now. what does he want? a clueless average grant plus 100 million of his purchases or these priceless players who wear their club on their sleeves plus a proper manager?
would you entrust with someone like this toad your hard earned 100 million? would you? i wouldn’t even give toad my 100 pounds.
Dear anybody who reads this post.
Liverpool is going to win Chelsea in the semi-finals. Liverpool dominates the champions league every year. They might not win it but they always stand out the most in the champions league. European footall is in each and every one of the liverpool players blood and it shows when they play. Chelsea doesn’t have European football in them. How do I know? Because since I’ve been alive Chelsea has never been in a Champions league final. Why is that you may ask? Because liverpoolwhips there ass every stinking year. Maybe Liverpool beats you because Chelsea buys old players e.g. N. Anelka, Beleti… Doesn’t Avram know that the more older you are the more tired you become. Theres lots of young stars that are much more better than those glden oldies. Like Alexandre Pato or Gonzalo Castro.
Anyway Chelsea is going out again and Liverpoo is going to the finals again. All we can say to chelsea is better luck next time and the time after that and the time after that!!!
I’m scared of Anfield, I can’t lie about that.
”as a tue chelsea fan”
i hope we loose at anfield and draw against liv at the bridge
so that we can see the end of “avraaaaam grant” era
@4. AGfriend:
Interesting. Could give us a link?
Toad has said that he would be happy if Gerrard joins Chelsea. What message is exactly he passes on to players like Lampard, Ballack, Mikel and Essien. There’s no way we’re gonna get a midfielder of Gerrard’s calibre when all of Lampard, Ballack, Mikel and Essien are there. Is he telling them ahead of the most important fixtures of the season that he would not mind one of them leaving to make way for Gerrard?
Toad has no idea about managing a big club. He is getting exposed every day with his words.
team against liverfools:
————-cech————–
ferreria—terry—-carv—-a.cole
————-makele—————
—-j.cole——-mikel——lampard
————anelka—drogba——–
with anelka in a floating position and drogba in front of him.
subs: alex, balack, kalou, swp, hilario,
no way gerrard joins. i want have a player like torres.
@72. bluefan nr:1
would be nice, but in reality it will look something like this:
Cech – Ferreira/Belletti, Carvalho, Terry, ACole – JCole, Essien, Make, Lampard, Kalou – Drogs
depends on if Lamps or Ballack will be OK on Tuesday
I doubt Ballack is injured.
………….Chec…………..
Fer/Belt…..Carv……Ter……..AC
……………Maka/Mikel …….
..JC.. …….Balak/Lamp……Kalou.
………Anelk……Drog………..
I can only suggest to you guys which players Chelsea should purchase.
I have absolutely no say in these matters:
A)LIFESTYLE
B)COACHES PHILOSOPHY
C)XYZ
I would make eleven changes to this Chelsea team.
GOALKEEPER (GK)Petr Cech (GK)Carlo Cudicini (GK)Hilario
DEFEND (RB)Juliano Belletti (RB)Paulo Ferreira (CB)John Terry (CB)Ricardo Carvalho (CB)Alex (CB)Tal Ben Haim (LB)Ashley Cole (LB)Wayne Bridge (R)Branislav Ivanovic
MIDFIELD (LM)Florent Malouda (LM)Joe Cole (CM)Frank Lampard (CM)Michael Essien (CM)Michael Ballack (CM)Claude Makelele (CM)John Obi Mikel (RM)Shaun Wright-Phillips (RM) (R)Steve Sidwell
FORWARD (ST)Didier Drogba (ST)Andriy Shevchenko (ST)Nicolas Anelka (ST)Salomon Kalou (R)Claudio Pizarro
Chelsea ready to test Liverpool resolve with Gerrard offer
tribalfootball.com – April 20, 2008
Chelsea will bid for Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard in the summer.
Man City chief Taweesuk reveals Ronaldinho talks
tribalfootball.com – April 20, 2008
Man City having discussions with superstar players used to be unimaginable, but not now. With investment, it’s going forward.
Chelsea 2008-2009 n/?hj
MANAGER Frank Rijkaard
pl
GOALKEEPER (GK)Petr Cech (GK)Craig Gordon (GK)Kasper Schmeichel
DEFEND (RB)Sergio Ramos (RB)Juliano Belletti (CB)John Terry (CB)Ricardo Carvalho (CB)Alex (CB)Tal Ben Haim (LB)Ashley Cole (LB)Wayne Bridge (R)Branislav Ivanovic
MIDFIELD (LM)Arjen Robben (LM)Florent Malouda (CM)Frank Lampard (CM)Steven Gerrard (CM)Gelson Fernandes (CM)John Obi Mikel (RM)Joe Cole (RM)Adel Taarabt (R)Steve Sidwell
FORWARD (ST)Fernando Torres (ST)Robinho (ST)Ryan Babel (ST)Peter Crouch (R)Claudio Pizarro
The young players like Kasper Schmeichel could be easily bought.
But for arguements sake I’m going to go into detail on why all of this is possible.
Say for instance, Sergio Ramos should join Chelsea because he is unsettled at Madrid. Fernando Torres and Ryan Babbel should move to Stamford Bridge because Liverpool are in debt and that Stephen Gerrard is desperate to win the Barclays Premier League medal.
I thought tribalfootball.com was a credible website.
Sure, Real Madrid wants to buy Michael Essien for 30m or what? Swap Robinho and Drenthe for our black star.
Sure, Real Madrid wants to buy Michael Essien for £30m?
I thought tribalfootball.com was a credible website.
I thought tribalfootball.com was a credible website.
Pensioner – why is that you always post your comments twice??? also, tribalfootball is one of the most unreliable football sites that simply spreads rumours.
@77 Pensioner
Why do you think Robben would come back to Chelsea after one season at Chelsea. Second, Paulo Ferreira has signed a 5 year deal with Chelsea. Would Jose be interested to take him ?
Crouch wouldn’t leave Liverpool for Chelsea if doesn’t get playing time, which I wouldn’t
think is possible.
If Liverpool indeed have to sell, then Torres would be highest priority . Looks like Dimitar is also set to leave and it would be a good buy to play along side Sheva or Anelka.
In the midfield, I would go for Deigo to replace Lampard. Florent Maluda can be swapped with Drenthe and Scott sinclair can be Second winger after Joe Cole.
Reading these comments all the way through, not skipping a single one, was one of the most surreal experiences of my life. And absolutely side splitting. I’m sure no one here understands why, but then again that’s one of the things that make it so damn hilarious.
@ 83
be man enough to put your name and explain your point.
Steve Clark comment number 81
“Pensioner – why is that you always post your comments twice??? also, tribalfootball is one of the most unreliable football sites that simply spreads rumours.”
-Sorry I’ll try and post my comments with better.
Krishna comment number 82
“hy do you think Robben would come back to Chelsea after one season at Chelsea. Second, Paulo Ferreira has signed a 5 year deal with Chelsea. Would Jose be interested to take him ?”
-If you offer any footballer a bigger salary than the one they’ve got at their present club, most of the time they’ll
- I’m still unsure whether to sell Ferreira or Belletti?
“Crouch wouldn’t leave Liverpool for Chelsea if doesn’t get playing time, which I wouldn’t think is possible.”
- Liverpool wouldn’t sell all three forwards. But Chelsea could offer him a better contract than what Liverpool could ever.
“If Liverpool indeed have to sell, then Torres would be highest priority . Looks like Dimitar is also set to leave and it would be a good buy to play along side Sheva or Anelka.”
-Buy Torres, offer any amount under £40m. Secondly I don’t like Berbatov.
“In the midfield, I would go for Deigo to replace Lampard. Florent Maluda can be swapped with Drenthe and Scott sinclair can be Second winger after Joe Cole.”
-Lampard stays. I can see Florent Maluda making an impact on LM side in Premiership and Cup Competitions. Drenthe could be swapped for A. Cole or W. Bridge. Finally either way I would still buy Adel Taarabt as he could make a impact during Premier League matches. Don’t see him play Champions League though. Scott Sinclair and Adel Taarabt could be in the squad because their salaries are low.
Krishna comment number 82
“Why do you think Robben would come back to Chelsea after one season at Chelsea. Second, Paulo Ferreira has signed a 5 year deal with Chelsea. Would Jose be interested to take him ?”
-If you offer any footballer a better salary than the one they’ve got at their present club, most of the time they’ll feel repected (you must have an idea of what i mean).
- I’m still unsure whether to sell Ferreira or Belletti?
“Crouch wouldn’t leave Liverpool for Chelsea if doesn’t get playing time, which I wouldn’t think is possible.”
- Liverpool wouldn’t sell all three forwards. But Chelsea could offer him a better contract than what Liverpool could ever.
“If Liverpool indeed have to sell, then Torres would be highest priority . Looks like Dimitar is also set to leave and it would be a good buy to play along side Sheva or Anelka.”
-Buy Torres, offer any amount under £40m. Secondly I don’t fancy Berbatov.
“In the midfield, I would go for Deigo to replace Lampard. Florent Maluda can be swapped with Drenthe and Scott sinclair can be Second winger after Joe Cole.”
-Lampard stays. I can see Florent Maluda making an impact on LM side in Premiership and Cup Competitions. Drenthe could be swapped for A. Cole or W. Bridge. Finally either way I would still buy Adel Taarabt as he could make a impact during Premier League matches. Don’t see him play Champions League though. Scott Sinclair and Adel Taarabt could be in the squad because their salaries are low.
Krishna
Deigo?
- I can see him playing for a big club. Like Arsenal Barca, AC Milan and Real Madrid.
- Simialr to Deco (similar but also unique).
- Chelsea should look at him as last second half substitute in Premership, but definately starting in the Carling Cup, FA Cup and Champions League.
Chelsea should buy him.
Transfer Market
Budget
For Sale
(GK)Carlo Cudicini released
(GK)Hilario £2m
(RB)Juliano Belletti £3.m
(CM)Michael Essien £17m
(CM)Michael Ballack released
(CM)Claude Makelele released
(RM)Shaun Wright-Phillips £15m
(FW)Didier Drogba £20m
(FW)Andriy Shevchenko £14m
(FW)Nicolas Anelka £9m
(FW)Salomon Kalou £10m
£90m + £4m (youth team)
= £94m (+/-)
Warren Buffet could sell…
Steve Clark comment number 81
“Pensioner – why is that you always post your comments twice??? also, tribalfootball is one of the most unreliable football sites that simply spreads rumours.”
-Sorry I’ll try and post my comments better.
CRAP N CRAP N CRAP!LIVERPOOL GONNA RUMBLE CHELSEA LIKE HELL