I thought you didn't think there was any advantage to being home or away first. In fact didn't you say you preferred being away 2nd? If it wasn't you several did.
Personally I'm not that bothered whether you get home or away first but most see it as an advantage and I believe the stats support that as well, so in that regard it doesn't seem right for it to be swapped. Really can't see the problem with both games in Madrid either as they'll be on separate nights and most fans will only come in for the day. But I am bothered that a final can take place at someone's home ground (completely against their apparent code for fairness in competition) and that Uefa are getting involved in the Courtois agreement.
Not wumming, just think it would be nice of Chelsea to allow there young goalkeeper the opportunity to play in what would be the biggest game of his career, something he has been working towards all season. It is also unfair that some wealthy clubs like Chelsea have quality players out on loan all over the place, damaging all there rivals, yet they can't play against Chelsea. Lukaku is another example of this. Also making out that your doing Atletico a big favour letting them have him is true, but they are also doing you a big favour, as they are giving him game time, and helping him to develop into a top keeper, something you guys are going to benefit form in the future
We were involved in a switch before that gave us 'home' second. It's happened quite a few times. I can understand not wanting the supporters of all the teams in the same city together. CFC saying we are away first so who the hell knows now.
What about Diego Costa though, I think it's widely accepted that Chelsea are very keen on getting him in the summer, and there may already be a verbal agreement in place for a deal for him. So Atletico have him as bait if Chelsea start playing hard ball. Monaco have been rumoured to be interested in muscling in on that deal, so Atletico could sell him to them instead
Thats the best dates, 8 days between games. Never understood UEFA's logic in having 1 tie 6 days apart and the other 8.
Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay confirms that the club will allow goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, on loan at Atletico Madrid, to play against his parent club in the Champions League semi-finals. Before the draw was made, Uefa released a statement to clarify that it expects the Belgium international to be free to face the Blues in both legs. "The loan was arranged back in the start of the season. He can play against Chelsea, that's never in doubt," Gourlay says. "Regarding the Uefa statement we'll evaluate that in due course. As far as we are concerned we will comply with loan rules. He can play in both ties against Chelsea if selected. That is fact." Like ·
Might be yet. BBC and CFC website say we go there first. UEFA guy definitely said we changed around so we'll have to wait. UEFA have not put the fixtures up yet on their website.
That could still imply they have to pay for him to play though which the AM president confirmed as well. Clear as mud then....
I think there is a buy out so it'll be the player who decides where he goes as long as the buy out is met.
32m buyout clause. I know there is a lot of speculation about it being him but I don't think it is. Madzukic would be my choice.
The loan rules may need looking at but Chelsea are doing nothing wrong. Loan deals benefit all parties generally and it is widely accepted that you don't play against your parent club (potential conflict could affect a players' performance too).
Not ideal but certainly work able. FA cup semis are played on consecutive days. I know you might have more fans stopping over if travelling from abroad but most will be gone by time people start arriving for the 2nd game I'd guess. In any event, Uefa should have clarified what would happen in this event before the draw was made.
Atleast Chelsea have done the right thing for the integrity of the competition. This is Europes elite competition you can't have wealthy sides being able to control who the opposition selects. A classy move from Chelsea to come out with that statement, you've gone up in my estimations. Hopefully other clubs will follow suit if a similar scenario occurs in the future
GUILLEM BALAGUE: I’ve spoken to Atletico Madrid and they have said that because they want to keep Courtois next season - and they feel that he will renew his contract at Chelsea and they have a chance of keeping him on loan next season - they may not play him, even though UEFA say they are allowed to
Seems that they are playing both games in Madrid on consecutive days. Seems the headlines might not all be about football. Chelsea/Bayern same city with beer.
