Leyqute:
Nihilist El Olodo.



Easy on Nihilist na, English isn't his mother tongue. You have to repeat what you say at least twice or thrice for him to comprehend 50% of it.

Bimffo:
Lol. Chelsea underperformed?? Okay.. Na May go give Us reply.

Nihilist:
Saw the Madrid City game earlier today.

Wow, those guys are just on another level. City didn't even threaten at all.

raumdeuter:


The penalty CIty got was even dubious I heard the ref apologized to Ramos later in the tunnel

Thats a match between La Liga second placed team vs EPL second placed team

In defence of City they played 2 rookies in Central defence

Leyqute:


Do elaborate please. I want to get the whole picture.

homesteady:


He was trying to make PSG look like a serious threat by calling them Champions of France, he didn't know the league was so worthless

Nihilist:


Mate I thought you said you were leaving.

After being exposed for the dullard you are, you won't let nihilist rest, mentioning his name twice in one post.

Nihilist is done with you bruv. Go and join your fellow VCPs at the newspaper kiosk.

Bimffo:
Lol. Chelsea underperformed?? Okay.. Na May go give Us reply.

raumdeuter:


Fergie spent 26yrs, Moyes spent 13yrs, Wenger is going to 18yrs

Mention any top league in Europe where they have ANY manager lasting that long except Guy Roux of Auxerre

Nihilist:


That second goal though. Joe Hart was disgraceful.

Leyqute:


As long as a manager is deemed "successful" by the club's mgmnt and everyone is satisfied, there's no need to wield the sack axe. Else they're shown the door.

raumdeuter:


Which other transfers are likely this summer

We havent seen much movement from City, PSG, Chelsea and Madrid in the market these are traditional big spenders

EVen Arsenal though we knowthey are waiting for leftovers from other clubs

WHat are the potential movement you see in the market

I feel Madrid would still make a big move, Barca won a treble and still bought, if Madrid dont buy another trophyless season is almost guaranteed

Who are the marquee Madrid might buy, I cant think of any right now. But something still tells me Madrid would make a move this summer, Its very unlike them to remain that quiet. SO everyone hide your wives, hide your sidechics

PSG with the lifting/relaxing of FFP I think PSG would splurge too. they are actually very light in personel unless I am missing someone these are all the players PSG has Attack: Cavani, Ibra, Moura, Pastore, Lavezzi, Bahebeck Mids: Motta, Verrati, Matuidi, Rabiot, Stambouli.

I think they would need major buys

Chelsea: Even though Mourinho says otherwise, Chelsea needs 2 major buys to stay competitive in Europe (Semi finals and above) which would be their next target. Depending on Hazard alone to carry all the creativity sounds like an experiment bound to fail. I expect Chelsea to make at least one 40m plus signing

City: With their squad no one would bet against City getting more bodies in their team, Last season their defence looks wack, Midfield looks uninspired . I see Dzeko and Jovetic moving away and some ppl coming in. WIth Sterling signing, Maybe Navas or Nasri would move too

Man Utd are still looking for one top attacker

With the transfer market very lean on quality we can expect some more intrigues with 6weeks to go

Nihilist:
I don't really expect any big transfers this summer.

All the big names, the real marquee signings already play for Bayern Barca, or Madrid. That's just a fact.

raumdeuter:




EVen Arsenal though we know they are waiting for leftovers from other clubs

raumdeuter:


On one hand I think there might not be a major signing because most of the top players are locked down but on the other hand I am finding it hard to believe Madrid PSG, City and Chelsea would just sit on what they have currently

If the window closes today. Maybe only Bayern all players fit can stop Barca from another treble. I am not sure Perez would want that

Nihilist:


It's finding the value for money that's the problem.

See how Liverpool maga'd city. Manyoo reputedly bid around 70 million pounds for Muller who is definitely not worth that much.

Harry Kane had one good season and they're quoting 50 million. Benteke went for 32. Firminho went for just under 30. See Schneirdelin too...Spurs were pricing him last year for only 12 million, and now we want to blow 28 million on John Stones.

At this stage of the season, managers have already pencilled down their first eleven. Any buying club that tries to rip up their plans will pay dearly.

raumdeuter:


Are you saying the standard of success in EPL is lower than for other leagues in Europe? Maybe this lower standard is why they are more relaxed

There is no league where a Moyes or Wenger would still ave a job with a decade trophyless. And there is no way a Ferguson or any coach would stay for 26yrseven if he is winning the CL every season

Nihilist:


It's finding the value for money that's the problem.

See how Liverpool maga'd city. Manyoo reputedly bid around 70 million pounds for Muller who is definitely not worth that much.

Harry Kane had one good season and they're quoting 50 million. Benteke went for 32. Firminho went for just under 30. See Schneirdelin too...Spurs were pricing him last year for only 12 million, and now we want to blow 28 million on John Stones.

At this stage of the season, managers have already pencilled down their first eleven. Any buying club that tries to rip up their plans will pay dearly.

raumdeuter:


Whether value for money dey or e no dey, Quality dey market or e no dey. League games and CL still has to be played and you must just find a way to compete. e.g If Mourinho no win, Roman no go hear story say na because value no dey. Same with other top clubs

Based on the First 11 penciled down at this point it looks bleak for anyone not named Barcelona to win the CL

Ibime abi wetin you think say go happen in the next 6 weeks

Players I feel are a little shaky and might move Pogba Di Maria, Mata, Oscar, Gotze, Isco, Bale, Griezman and Hazard and even if all these players go to just one club e no sure say dem fit beat Barca

bottom line of my long tory

HOW CAN WE STOP BARCA FROM ANOTHER TREBLE.

Leyqute:


You may be right about Everton or Arsenal but if a manager brings you CL + a domestic trophy every season will you kick him out?

Every club has its own standard and expectations. You can't expect Tottenham to sack its coach for failing to win the league title. Mancity might.

For a team like Everton they might be okay to finish top 10 every season. No probs. However if they end a season placed 17 and they're in the relegation zone after the first 5 matches of the next season things'll get hot for the coach.

If Chelsea goes trophyless for 3 or 4 seasons, there'll def be heat on the manager and he might be sacked. Why did Mou depart Chelsea in 2007? A trophy once in a while is what's needed for some top teams while others might be contented with UEFA qualifications (Arsenal SMH).

Also Can you expect Athletico M. to sack Simeone because he was trophyless last season? The expectation is different for different teams. If a team sacks a coach, it's because they don't see him reaching the expectation they've set for him.

EPL clubs are not lenient. The top teams want one or two trophies from time to time. The middle placed team want to finish top ten and probably qualify for Europe, if they can't clinch qualification it's 'better luck next time'. The bottom placed and newly promoted team want to avoid relegation.

Else the coach gets the boot.

raumdeuter:


Whether value for money dey or e no dey, Quality dey market or e no dey. League games and CL still has to be played and you must just find a way to compete. e.g If Mourinho no win, Roman no go hear story say na because value no dey. Same with other top clubs

Based on the First 11 penciled down at this point it looks bleak for anyone not named Barcelona to win the CL

Ibime, coogar A40 abi wetin you think say go happen in the next 6 weeks

Players I feel are a little shaky and might move Pogba Di Maria, Mata, Oscar, Gotze, Isco, Bale, Pedro, Griezman and Hazard and even if all these players go to just one club e no sure say dem fit beat Barca

bottom line of my long tory

HOW CAN WE STOP BARCA FROM ANOTHER TREBLE.

Despite Jose Mourinho recently attempting to quash reports that Chelsea would be making an improved bid for Everton centre-back John Stones, the Blues are still expected to pursue their interest in the youngster.

"You are speaking with the manager of the best team in England. We are a top team, we have top players. We don't need other players, we trust these players." Those were the words of Mourinho after his side's friendly defeat to New York Red Bulls last night. If that were truly the case, why lodge a £20m bid for Stones in the first place? What Chelsea want, they normally get.

It's reported that the Toffees would demand upwards of £30m for their prized young asset, potentially making him the most expensive English central defender of all time. While the responsibility to fulfill the homegrown quota is undoubtedly a factor in both Chelsea's interest and Stones' price tag, it's worth comparing the youngster's performances with centre-backs of a similar age across the continent to gauge whether he's worth the hype.

Last season WhoScored.com ranked Stones as the fourth best player aged 21 or under in the Premier League, behind only Kane, Sterling and Bellerin, with a WhoScored.com rating of 7.17.

Chelsea's interest therefore makes a good deal of sense. John Terry is now 34, while Gary Cahill's form last season was concerning. It's reasonable to suggest that the Everton man would have a decent chance of slotting straight into the side. With Kurt Zouma also impressing when called upon, garnering a rating of 7.03, the pair could represent the long-term future of Chelsea's backline.

Stones' two main statistical strengths of 'passing' and 'blocking the ball' would certainly help to ease Terry's eventual departure. The Chelsea captain was one of only two defenders - along with Martin Skrtel - to secure a superior pass accuracy than the 21-year old last season, with 89.6% almost identical to Stones' 89.5%. Both players averaged the exact same number of aerial duels won per game (2.6), while Stones was on hand to block 1.1 shots per game to Terry's 0.9.

The similarities between the two certainly justify Chelsea's considerable interest in the young England international, but are there better alternatives out there?

A look at the stats suggests that there aren't really, with Stones tipped to become a mainstay at the heart of the England backline in the not too distant future. Only two centre-backs under the age of 23 picked up a higher rating from WhoScored.com in Europe's top 5 leagues last season, with Atletico's Jose Gimenez top of the pile.

At 7.52, the Uruguayan's rating was a significant advance on Stones'. The 20-year old's rapid progression has forced former mainstay Miranda to move on, breaking a partnership with Diego Godin that was key to their unexpected success both in La Liga and the Champions League in 2013/14.

Gimenez relies more on his impressive physical attributes compared to Stones' more technical, composed approach. He won 3.4 aerial duels per game last season, with impressive averages of 2.1 tackles and 2.7 interceptions per game. A modest pass accuracy of 78.3% indicates that the South American adopts more of a no-nonsense approach to defending.

The only other centre-back to make more than 20 appearances last season and earn a higher rating than Stones was Athletic's Aymeric Laporte. His score of 7.19 was very similar to the Everton man, and while he is again more of a proactive defender, averaging 1.9 tackles and an outstanding 3.7 interceptions per game, a tendency to make rash tackles comes with the territory of such a style. The 21-year old averaged 1.2 fouls and amassed 10 yellow cards last season. In comparison Stones picked up just one caution and committed a remarkably low six fouls in 23 appearances.

The player directly below Stones in the rankings, and marginally so at 7.16, is certainly an interesting one. Raphael Varane has been earmarked as arguably the brightest young centre-back in Europe, and it's worth noting that his rating jumps to 7.40 when only including his 21 starts. Varane is a similar style of centre-back to Stones and, though an upgrade, he too would likely cost well in excess of £30m.

The France international secured a pass accuracy of 89% last season, won 2.8 aerial duels per game and averaged 2 interceptions per match. He, like Stones, is also more measured in the tackle, committing just 0.4 fouls per game for a solitary caution in the league last season.

Given that Mourinho has already been credited with a long-standing interest in the 22-year old, Real Madrid's reluctance to sell a player tipped to be a first team regular next season has arguably led to Chelsea's interest in Stones and, in truth, they'd do well to find a better alternative to the Frenchman.

Stones' performances last season showed great maturity, and it's a strength that Chelsea are right to admire. Given that all of the aforementioned young centre-backs would likely command a similar fee, it could certainly be argued that the Blues should indeed increase their offer for the Englishman, and they are expected to do just that.

Nihilist:
English Press have started again with the Hype, but the writer does raise an important question.

Dayo see the bolded. If Stones is really one of the best defenders around for his age group, then wahala dey gaan.

raumdeuter:


Which other transfers are likely this summer

We havent seen much movement from City, PSG, Chelsea and Madrid in the market these are traditional big spenders

EVen Arsenal though we knowthey are waiting for leftovers from other clubs

WHat are the potential movement you see in the market

I feel Madrid would still make a big move, Barca won a treble and still bought, if Madrid dont buy another trophyless season is almost guaranteed

Who are the marquee Madrid might buy, I cant think of any right now. But something still tells me Madrid would make a move this summer, Its very unlike them to remain that quiet. SO everyone hide your wives, hide your sidechics

PSG with the lifting/relaxing of FFP I think PSG would splurge too. they are actually very light in personel unless I am missing someone these are all the players PSG has Attack: Cavani, Ibra, Moura, Pastore, Lavezzi, Bahebeck Mids: Motta, Verrati, Matuidi, Rabiot, Stambouli.

I think they would need major buys

Chelsea: Even though Mourinho says otherwise, Chelsea needs 2 major buys to stay competitive in Europe (Semi finals and above) which would be their next target. Depending on Hazard alone to carry all the creativity sounds like an experiment bound to fail. I expect Chelsea to make at least one 40m plus signing

City: With their squad no one would bet against City getting more bodies in their team, Last season their defence looks wack, Midfield looks uninspired . I see Dzeko and Jovetic moving away and some ppl coming in. WIth Sterling signing, Maybe Navas or Nasri would move too

Man Utd are still looking for one top attacker

With the transfer market very lean on quality we can expect some more intrigues with 6weeks to go

Nihilist:


You are another dull VCP

There are currently only 3 superpowers in European football right now, and Chelsea is not one of them, at least not yet.

So you've shot yourself in the foot...as usual.

Nihilist:

The same way we did it 3 years ago.
Park the goddam bus and send Ramires to chip Ter Stegen

Nihilist:
Manyoo accepts bid for Di Maria
That is just a flying shame. I bet he goes to France and tears it up for fun.

SailorXY:
na you broker the deal abi?

parrotibaba:
baba it's true.

raumdeuter:


Which other transfers are likely this summer

We havent seen much movement from City, PSG, Chelsea and Madrid in the market these are traditional big spenders

EVen Arsenal though we knowthey are waiting for leftovers from other clubs

WHat are the potential movement you see in the market

I feel Madrid would still make a big move, Barca won a treble and still bought, if Madrid dont buy another trophyless season is almost guaranteed

Who are the marquee Madrid might buy, I cant think of any right now. But something still tells me Madrid would make a move this summer, Its very unlike them to remain that quiet. SO everyone hide your wives, hide your sidechics

PSG with the lifting/relaxing of FFP I think PSG would splurge too. they are actually very light in personel unless I am missing someone these are all the players PSG has Attack: Cavani, Ibra, Moura, Pastore, Lavezzi, Bahebeck Mids: Motta, Verrati, Matuidi, Rabiot, Stambouli.

I think they would need major buys

Chelsea: Even though Mourinho says otherwise, Chelsea needs 2 major buys to stay competitive in Europe (Semi finals and above) which would be their next target. Depending on Hazard alone to carry all the creativity sounds like an experiment bound to fail. I expect Chelsea to make at least one 40m plus signing

City: With their squad no one would bet against City getting more bodies in their team, Last season their defence looks wack, Midfield looks uninspired . I see Dzeko and Jovetic moving away and some ppl coming in. WIth Sterling signing, Maybe Navas or Nasri would move too

Man Utd are still looking for one top attacker

With the transfer market very lean on quality we can expect some more intrigues with 6weeks to go