I wouldn't say Chelsea were nailed on at all. Remember the blistering start they had under Ancelloti? People said they'd run away with the title, that didn't happen
Chelsea have an unbalanced squad. Fine in defence and amazing in attacking midfield but only Torres and Sturridge up front and Romeu, Lampard and Mikel in DM make them weaker than us in those areas IMHO. They've given the opposition a lot of chances so far and not been punished. Interesting to see how they go against a top 4 team from last year.
Indeed, quite so. I have said, since the end of last season, that RDM is still unproven at this level. He has yet managed a top 4 finish as manager, and he will have many difficult decisions to make in the coming weeks. In my mind, there is no doubt that the Chavs have a top 4 squad, but I am yet to be convinced that they have a top 4 manager. They are, at the very least, in a better position than 'Pool, since they have neither a top 4 squad nor a top 4 manager.
Peter Hill Wood says: I do not see Spurs posing a problem for us this season. Their new manager [Andre Villas-Boas] may be a great success but they have to find a stadium. That's going to be very difficult. Finding a site and financing it is a major problem which we know all about." He's up to date then.
apparently Guillem ballbag has just been saying that we bid for Llorente, bid was accepted, but he didn't want to join us.
Understandable if true, he wanted regular CL football and will get a six figure weekly salary when he leaves if he's not already on similar.
No surprise about Llorente, what surprised me that Lloris joined us - don't get that one at all. I wouldn't be surprised if he's already having some regrets.
As if we bid for Llorente! how much would be cost? 30 million?, you think Levy would pay that for someone 3 years away from 30! you're having a laugh!
He should. Utd paid some £24mil for a 29 year old with only one year left on his contract. They seem to have been repaid quite handsomely, so far!
Llorente signed a 4yr deal in 2009, with only a year left he's been under pressure with Bilbao's offer since Jan. Wages are said to be 5m pounds, not euro's, not that there's much in it these days, so just shy of 100k a wk, and thats to stay where he is! we can't even match it let alone better it. Move to a club for less money and no CL. Mr. Ballbag should pay attention.
I agree, that's exactly what I was saying in my OP. The only advantage we have over Spurs, Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool/Everton is that we have a winning mentality, but there is plenty to improve on in terms of squad depth, it's extremely top heavy.
Maybe Lloris was bullied at Lyon because of the double L and thought no such thing would happen at Spurs because we told him we were also signing Llorente. DUPED!
