The Official Thread of Chelsea FC

[Billys Boots]

I thought they were cruising until Hazard lost Juanfran with a minute to half-time - I genuinely think that Mourinho didn't expect Atletico to be able to score last night.

I thought their fullbacks (Atletico) were outstanding last night.

[AZOffaly]

Yep, he just switched off on that cross. Very unlike what Chelsea do, they are normally so disciplined.

[AQMP]

Yep, he just switched off on that cross. Very unlike what Chelsea do, they are normally so disciplined.

There's no doubt that over the two legs Atletico were the better side and deserved to win but, yes, the first goal particularly and the third goal were down to very poor defensive lapses which were quite "UnChelsea-like" and the penalty was down to a forward trying to be a defender.  Also Chelsea also looked knackered in the last 20 mins.

[AQMP]

On a more positive note, Courtois was great over the tie and is highly rated in Europe.  The plan was for him to stay at Atletico for another year.   I'd probably bring him back in the summer, Cech is slipping.  I think Matic looks like he's going to be a great player for Chelsea and will be ideal for replacing Lampard.  The gap is that they still need a 25-30 goal a season striker.  I'm not sure who will be available or who will want to come to Chelsea bar buying some duffer who has a couple of good games in the World Cup!

We go again...next season!

[johnneycool]

On a more positive note, Courtois was great over the tie and is highly rated in Europe.  The plan was for him to stay at Atletico for another year.   I'd probably bring him back in the summer, Cech is slipping.  I think Matic looks like he's going to be a great player for Chelsea and will be ideal for replacing Lampard.  The gap is that they still need a 25-30 goal a season striker.  I'm not sure who will be available or who will want to come to Chelsea bar buying some duffer who has a couple of good games in the World Cup!

We go again...next season!

Courtois has to get a start at Chelsea next year, he's already better than Cech.
As for Matic, I think he's a good stopper in midfield, anchorman type player, but Chelsea lack a Modric type player, to get on the ball and make it happen for the wingers and striker(s), Mourinho doesn't like that type of player though with the lack of game time he gave Modric last year and the sale of Mata to Manu would suggest he prefers the more workmanlike players in his midfield.

Surprised Mourinho didn't park the bus once Chelsea took the lead, he maybe would have if he'd got to half time still in the lead.

The No6 of Athletico is some spud, had 4 chelsea lads boxing him in along the sideline and still managed to escape with the ball at his feet, was it koko??

[AQMP]

On a more positive note, Courtois was great over the tie and is highly rated in Europe.  The plan was for him to stay at Atletico for another year.   I'd probably bring him back in the summer, Cech is slipping.  I think Matic looks like he's going to be a great player for Chelsea and will be ideal for replacing Lampard.  The gap is that they still need a 25-30 goal a season striker.  I'm not sure who will be available or who will want to come to Chelsea bar buying some duffer who has a couple of good games in the World Cup!

We go again...next season!

Courtois has to get a start at Chelsea next year, he's already better than Cech.
As for Matic, I think he's a good stopper in midfield, anchorman type player, but Chelsea lack a Modric type player, to get on the ball and make it happen for the wingers and striker(s), Mourinho doesn't like that type of player though with the lack of game time he gave Modric last year and the sale of Mata to Manu would suggest he prefers the more workmanlike players in his midfield.

Surprised Mourinho didn't park the bus once Chelsea took the lead, he maybe would have if he'd got to half time still in the lead.

The No6 of Athletico is some spud, had 4 chelsea lads boxing him in along the sideline and still managed to escape with the ball at his feet, was it koko??

Aye, Koke, he looks a really good player.  You wonder why he calls himself Koke when his full name is the splendid Jorge Resurreccion Merodio

[AZOffaly]

Maybe he's a clown?

[beer baron]

Maybe he's a clown?

This made me smile 

[Shrewdness]

Nearly sure that Mourinho said earlier this season that Courtois would not be allowed out on loan next season. Wouldn't be surprised to see Chelsea's 3 main strikers, Ba, Eto and Torres all leave this summer..A question.. Considering that he was their player of the year for the last 2 seasons, have Chelsea missed Juan Mata?

[Armamike]

Would keep Ba and get rid of Torres and Eto - they're both over the hill.  Chelsea need a striker who's on the upward curve.

[Norf Tyrone]

6 cl semis for Jose at Chelsea, 2 goals. Not good enough given the investment made.

I'd say 6 CL semis in 4 seasons is some record.

I don't think that'll be bettered.

[EC Unique]

Maybe he should try Viagra if he can't get beyond a semi! 

[angermanagement]

[Billys Boots]

Report: Chelsea agree deal for Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa [rte.ie]

It is being reported this morning that Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa for €40m.

The deal with Costa is not likely to be announced for another month, after Costa's involvement in the Champions League final and the close of La Liga.

Costa has been linked to Chelsea all season with manager Jose Mourinho making no secret of his desire to sign a striker.

It's also believed that Mourinho wants to get the deal signed off as soon as possible.

[AQMP]

Looks like David Luiz is on his way to PSG.  Fee rumoured to be in region of €50 mill!