The Official Thread of Chelsea FC

[Denn Forever]

I'd say the most important thing (or what RA and Chelsea fans hope) for Rafa is to get Torres working.

[Norf Tyrone]

I'd say the most important thing (or what RA and Chelsea fans hope) for Rafa is to get Torres working.

The problem is, is that this is 'get Torres working' Version IV.

I always wonder how detailed the medical was the day that transfer was rushed through. I'd prefer to give Sturridge the chance he never has got.

[nrico2006]

I'd say the most important thing (or what RA and Chelsea fans hope) for Rafa is to get Torres working.

A lot is being made of the Rafa and Torres thing, but I feel Torres has lost the one thing that made him that bit special, his speed.  No manager is going to be able to make that come back.  Too many injuries and he is not getting any younger.

As for TFSW, it was the first thing that came into my head when I heard him being appointed yesterday.

[AQMP]

Norf, can you change the thread title to "The Official Thread of Chelsea FC - Benitez Out"

Frankly I don't care if he has the football brain of Guardiola, Ferguson and Mourinho to the power of 10.  Radio 5Live called it right last night (for once) when its reporter said he hadn't spoken to a single Chelsea fan who was happy with the appointment.

Chelsea is a big club but I would never take that job, in respect for my former team at Liverpool, no matter what." Rafa Benitez 2007.

[Bingo]

At least Rafa doesn't have to worry about the fans turning against him. I can only imagine that he knows he is in on for the short term regardless of what he achieves or doesn't achieve. Its fairly clear that he is only warming the seat for Pep and when he decides to come back it will be a bidding war for his services with Chelsea, City and PSG all leading the way foir him, maybe even United if it is later rather than sooner.

Rafa will do a good club at Chelsea, they have the players and he will make them harder to beat, which has been a problem for them. If he can get Torres firing, Chelsea will have a good season and could be close in the league. They have the attacking flair but they need a striker to get them the goals that their play creates - the Liverpool game been a perfect example.

[deiseach]

Chelsea is a big club but I would never take that job, in respect for my former team at Liverpool, no matter what." Rafa Benitez 2007.

Why would he say that in 2007 when he was still manager of Liverpool? What is your source for this quote?

[deiseach]

At least Rafa doesn't have to worry about the fans turning against him. I can only imagine that he knows he is in on for the short term regardless of what he achieves or doesn't achieve. Its fairly clear that he is only warming the seat for Pep and when he decides to come back it will be a bidding war for his services with Chelsea, City and PSG all leading the way foir him, maybe even United if it is later rather than sooner.

I doubt Rafa is being that negative in his own mind. Win the league, all is forgiven.

[NAG1]

Not that I like him, but think this is a good appointment for Chelsea and they could be a serious threat now. He is going to get them organised and hard to beat and if they can couple that with their attacking threat then they will definitely be contenders in May.

[AQMP]

Chelsea is a big club but I would never take that job, in respect for my former team at Liverpool, no matter what." Rafa Benitez 2007.

Why would he say that in 2007 when he was still manager of Liverpool? What is your source for this quote?

Sorry my mistake I copied the date from another quote about plastic flags.  The full quote "allegedly" is "Chelsea is a big club with fantastic players, every manager wants to coach a such a big team. I would never take that job, in respect for my former team at Liverpool, no matter what".

My source is a mate who's a Liverpool fan.  It's being widely quoted on Liverpool blog sites etc.  However I may be mistaken, something now tells me it might be a quote from Gerard Houllier masquerading as a Benitez quote.  If so, I hold my hand up.  I've got it wrong.

[Geoff Tipps]

Chelsea is a big club but I would never take that job, in respect for my former team at Liverpool, no matter what." Rafa Benitez 2007.

Why would he say that in 2007 when he was still manager of Liverpool? What is your source for this quote?

Sorry my mistake I copied the date from another quote about plastic flags.  The full quote "allegedly" is "Chelsea is a big club with fantastic players, every manager wants to coach a such a big team. I would never take that job, in respect for my former team at Liverpool, no matter what".

My source is a mate who's a Liverpool fan.  It's being widely quoted on Liverpool blog sites etc.  However I may be mistaken, something now tells me it might be a quote from Gerard Houllier masquerading as a Benitez quote>>  If so, I hold my hand up. I've got it wrong.

Well I guess he did take credit for his Champion's League win 

[ballinaman]

Least this has stirred up the interest in the league this year, could get very interesting with Rafa back on the scene. I think he'll doing well with Chelsea, solid manager wherever he's been....even though a bit prone to the odd meltdown...

[deiseach]

Least this has stirred up the interest in the league this year, could get very interesting with Rafa back on the scene. I think he'll doing well with Chelsea, solid manager wherever he's been....even though a bit prone to the odd meltdown...

[Bingo]

Thats a great bit of photoshopping in fairness. 

[deiseach]

Thats a great bit of photoshopping in fairness. 

The top secret dossier - I love it!

[AQMP]

Bolo Zenden appointed Asst Manager??

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/nov/22/rafael-benitez-boudewijn-zenden-chelsea