Surely Jose couldn't be that arrogant, stupid, egotistical, call it what you will. Lukaku out Cavani in, apparently another 30 odd mill of RAs' money gone. if there's even a grain of truth in these rumours, we should be questioning just how things are different .
I posted in 'Lukaku updates -2' thread about the numbers this season. There is little to choose between Lukaku and Nando/Eto'o, after more than half of this season in the books. And Luiz is liability. Shipping out Lukaku & Luiz will not be even close to Mata, IMHO.
Agree with this. He still has a lot to learn. Jose wouldn't have loaned him out if he thought he was ready.
Agree with these sensible replies. Hopefully Lukaku will be ready after this season at WBA. A lot of pressure to expect a 20 year old to lead an attack at a big club like Chelsea. CP, last week you created at thread about believing Jose's press conference and being happy about the club's direction. We warned you not to be taken in by Jose's spin. You stated you would give Jose a break til the end of the season. Then you post this week saying don't believe a word he says. And now this new panic thread. Let's leave the knee jerk reaction stuff to the red tops, tabloids, sky, talksport and the plastics
Etoo is a gonner, as is (rightly or wrongly) ba this season leaving us with nando and romelu next year. IF we sign a top quality striker this summer then (for arguments sake) costa lukaku and torres would be a phenomenal strikeforce, with tremendous scope to improve. the thing is would lukaku want to stay and be second, or more likley third choice? I get the impression that if he wants to stay he will, but cfc really need to work on fostering an environment where young talented players feel valued and happy to ply their trade at cobham and stamford bridge.
If Luiz goes I've got zero hopes we will win anything next season. Our only decent CB aside from an ageing Terry.
Don't see what the problem is. Luiz is a liability in defence and his short game is not good enough for midfield. Lukaku may be physical a specimen, but his mentality is that of a kid - watch his interview with DeBruyne and you will see what I mean. Lukaku is nowhere near ready for the big time. Two points off the top with a largely rejuvenated team. Squad is in the best shape for years - probably since 05/06 season.
EC, for some reason, you often fail to see I use the word 'if" in my posts, and respond as though I am making a statement of fact or intent. I really do appreciate your point of view, but hope I can make it clear that I am not jumping all over the shop with my points. This time I said " if " its true, last time I said "if" he does what he says. I am far from taken in by Jose who took only 4 days before going back on his word, and as Roger Daltry said so eloquently "we won't get fooled again". And for the record, I have absolutely no bones with Mourinho the manager or his results, even I am not that stupid. My criticism of him is solely regarding his claimed objectives, long term rebuilding, stability, and introduction of our extremely talented young players so stopping the excessive spending. All of these objectives require him to put the Club before his own ego and ambitions. My view is that Mata was a thorn in his ego, that Lukaku is not in the squad only because his "attitude" was wrong, ditto De Bruyn, the team was less good with Cole on the bench, and therefore, he has not always put the team 1st. Time will tell if I'm wrong. As for those quoting us 2 points off the top, etc etc, that's exactly where we should be with the squad he found on arrival. Where we run this season is of little importance when compared to the bigger picture. Instant gratification seems to be over intoxicating for many.
For Luiz to be a liability he looked pretty damn sharp today. For me he is a top player. I would be more dissapointed to see him go than I have been about Mata. Luiz is unique in terms of CBs, we already have 4 players that can cover Mata. I think Luiz should stay. Lukaku is a different prospect. We shall see what the summer brings.
In terms of Strikers for next season, I can see Ba & Torres leaving (bit of cash + saving on wage bill), bringing Lukaku back, buying 1 and keeping Eto'o on a 1 year rolling contract. That way, it will be 2 strikers to please (Lukaku + 1), whilst having Eto'o as back-up. Unfortunately, my wife's brother's dog's mum's owner's grandfather's niece is NOT Jose's cleaner, so this is only speculation at this stage. No inside information here.
AFter Matic's performance yesterday, admittedly against a Stoke in damage limitation mode, I'd have thought that Mikel's position might be under threat. Luiz can cover CB & DM. I like both Mikel & Luiz but if a choice had to be made - again assuming Matic is as good as he looked yesterday - it would be Mikel to go. Lukaku is young & raw but as has been pointed out before Drogba didn't explode till he was well in his 20s so I think he's worth sticking with. I'm almost afraid to suggest investment in a "proven" goalscorer given our record with that but certainly an experienced front player is needed too.
Love it !!! Juan down 2 to go. You can choose from, Luiz, Lukaku Courtois with Cole or Terry at shorter odds.
