Because they're professional footballers and its that mentality that gets you somewhere in the game. Really cannot see anything wrong with being pissed off at losing?

Factor in the absolute mauling Chelsea copped last year, to get a chance to redeem themselves (and nearly doing so w/ 10 men) was a gallant effort. Would be rather unnatural to not be disappointed or annoyed.

#99738 Bayern vs Chelsea - Super Cup - Live on ITV

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31 Aug 2013 09:59:59

By Ninja | On 31 August 2013 - 18:43 PM

In fairness, the reason people think Mata is on his way out is more complex than just 'he hasn't been playing he's gone'.

Not really. It's come down to some being gullible and believe whatever floats around in the media as gospel.

It started early in the window with being involved in a deal for Rooney and has since been linked with Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid. Half of that reason is because of the number of attacking players signed and now on the books, along with his limited involvement thus far.

I'm not too sure what else can really be said that Mourinho hasn't already said himself in interviews; this being that he isn't for sale and is important part of the team. He returned back to the club late because of the Confederations Cup, was given an extended break with little pre-season and also picked up an injury, thus not match fit. This is why he didn't feature in two of the bigger games this season (Man Utd and Bayern), because neither game could we afford to have underdone players. Not to mention that Mata doesn't contribue enough defensively, so there will be times when he will be overlooked in favour of more hard working players- like the Bayern match.

But yeah, logic just defies some.

#99700 Bayern vs Chelsea - Super Cup - Live on ITV

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30 Aug 2013 23:46:32

By Rob | On 31 August 2013 - 04:06 AM

He's a gonner, especially after signing Willian

No he isn't. People are just rather gullible when it comes to believing the media hype.

He returned to the club late and had little pre-season, he's not match fit and thus hasn't played much yet. Not sure how many times Mourinho needs to advise he isn't for sale, but oh well.

As for the game. Not seen it but sounds as if Chelsea were unlucky from the articles I've read so far. Disappointing to lose after being in front twice, however not the end of the world.

#99372 The Armoury

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30 Aug 2013 05:17:23

By K3VO | On 30 August 2013 - 12:28 PM

Arsenal must sign a few squad players who are actually good quality.

They've already lost Chamberlain and Podolski to injury and there would be concerns about Wilshere, Rosicky, Vermaelen and Sagna lasting the entire season without suffering some injury setbacks given their history.

They need depth and to get in some solid squad players (as you said).

Their first 11 isn't too bad, but injuries will hurt them without the depth. Promoting young kids through might be good to see, but definitely not going to cut it 9/10 times in terms of performances.

#99371 The Armoury

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30 Aug 2013 05:15:33

By Poe | On 30 August 2013 - 12:21 PM

My house mate watches Ajax a lot - it's quite annoying but I've got to see him quite a bit and he's very talented.

Victor Fischer looks near the same level though, too. Dunno if it's just the Eredivisie.

I've heard good things too. Question will be if he'll be able to consistently put in quality performances he's seemingly doing now.

#99352 The Armoury

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30 Aug 2013 02:07:12

By Poe | On 30 August 2013 - 10:50 AM

Also very fair - Lamela and Eriksen are two very talented players though, would take a lot.

Lamela is quality, not seen much of Eriksen to amass a fair opinion. However, they wouldn't be the first lot of talented players to not quite live up to expectations expected.

I think the big question will be how all these new players integrate into the side all at once, since a lot of them will be first team regulars. That's going to take time, some will adapt quicker than other, if at all. Bale was the go-to man of last season when they needed something, while they've now got a more balanced side they won't have Bale to pull them out with a piece of brilliance. Lamela is probably the only player they purchased (that I've seen enough of) who has some of that x-factor about him.

Either way, Arsenal are going to seriously struggle to keep the pace if everything clicks amongst the other top sides.

#99331 Champions League 2013/14

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30 Aug 2013 00:38:03

NIce to see a good draw for Chelsea for a change. Not so keen on Juve's one though, should snag second place however it will be tough.

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30 Aug 2013 00:23:05

By Poe | On 30 August 2013 - 10:14 AM

Can't see it tbh - Arsenal will need to seriously overperform to finish ahead of them.

Or all of Spurs signing seriously under perform, which isn't to be ruled out either.

Would chuckle.

#99321 Transfer Rumours 2013/14

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29 Aug 2013 23:34:28

Hernandez is a prick, always manages to pull goals out of his ass.

That said, I have doubts over him as a regular first choice striker who would lead the line.

#99042 Transfer Rumours 2013/14

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29 Aug 2013 00:45:45

By Ninja | On 29 August 2013 - 05:30 AM

They're getting Coentrao as part of the Bale deal, are they not?

Not from what I last read somewhere. He doesn't want to come to England and preferences remaining in Spain.

Quite sure it will just be a straight cash deal. Some three stage payment system that will span over the 6 year contract signed. The quicker Madrid make these payments could mean saving 10% from the total fee agreed.

How true that is though, I'm not entirely sure.

#98726 Transfer Rumours 2013/14

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28 Aug 2013 13:03:27

Eto'o could be signed within the next 48 hours also.

Surely would have to conclude business for the window if he does. Only other position that could be improved is a quality holding player, though Essien, Ramires and Mikel should be enough to manage.

#98722 Transfer Rumours 2013/14

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28 Aug 2013 13:00:02

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1175206_10151842602392259_1014081964_n.jpg

Done deal.

#98498 Susie Fantasy Football

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27 Aug 2013 01:19:14

Horrendous start also. I've had to go through my side and make bulk changes.

Hopefully this week will be better, though I'll be a player light because I've got 2 Chelsea and 2 Villa players not playing this week, so 10 men it is.

#98077 Transfer Rumours 2013/14

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25 Aug 2013 12:25:23

The only downside to Willians move is that he'll have competition for a regular place. However, Mourinho has always been someone who likes 2 players for every position.

Besides that, he's getting a better salary, joining a better side and will be playing CL football. Outside of that, he's been someone Chelsea have been chasing for the last couple of seasons and tried to sign him prior to his move to Russia. So Spurs can't really complain.

Plus, it's nice to fuck with Levy.

#98058 Barclays Premier League 2013/14

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25 Aug 2013 11:49:36

By VP. | On 25 August 2013 - 21:34 PM

Sour grapes?

Blame Wenger.

#98057 Transfer Rumours 2013/14

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25 Aug 2013 11:46:54

Chelsea Football Club can confirm an agreement has been reached with both Willian and his club Anzhi Makhachkala for the transfer of the Brazilian player.

The transfer is subject to a work permit hearing on Wednesday.

Guess it's happened then. Somewhat surprised, but not complaining.

#97731 Transfer Rumours 2013/14

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24 Aug 2013 00:06:40

By Dutton | On 23 August 2013 - 22:29 PM

Oscar, Hazard, Mata, De Bruyne, Schurrle, Moses and Willian fighting for 3 places.

Add to that Lampard, Mikel, Essien, Ramires, van Ginkel and Chalobah fighting for 2 places.

Someone's gotta go.

Mikel is the most likely to be sold out. Though wouldn't rule out him being loaned to Gala either.

By Ninja | On 23 August 2013 - 22:40 PM

Reckon the plan might be to drop De Bruyne (possibly Oscar as well) back and develop them as deeper midfielders, Mikel to leave, as well. It's still over kill, though.

Whatever happened to Romeu as well? He started off decently.

Oscar will play deeper, as will De Bruyne. Both already have as it is, particularly Oscar.

I think Oscar will spend a lot more time as regular central midfielder alongside the holding player. I think he's seen as a more long term replacement for Lampard's role.

As for Romeu, he started well and then dipped off. Then did his knee and has been sent to Valenica on loan. He needs games to refine his own game, which would have been limited here. He still has a chance but he's going to need to improve some key aspects if he's to hold a regular position in the future.

#97591 Transfer Rumours 2013/14

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23 Aug 2013 10:50:57

By Dutton | On 23 August 2013 - 20:31 PM

Why write £40M then?

£70M, yeah right. Just because Bale is massively overpriced doesn't mean everyone else should be.

Won't happen anyway.

I said £40m as a minimum, which would start things off. It would definitely take more than that for him to actually move though.

£70m was just a max price. Given the current market, his age, years remaining on contact, United being a direct rival and his performances since joining, it's not an entirely unrealistic figure.

#97585 Transfer Rumours 2013/14

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23 Aug 2013 10:16:56

By Dutton | On 23 August 2013 - 19:27 PM

I could, we bid around that for Fabregas.

Not getting my hopes up though.

That would be basement price though, I'd imagine it would take somewhere between that £50-70m in this current market to prize him away.

#97574 Transfer Rumours 2013/14

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23 Aug 2013 09:21:18

By Ninja | On 23 August 2013 - 18:26 PM

Don't you have to keep hold of Moses because you struggle to meet home grown quotas as it is?

I imagine we have enquired about Mata, probably along the lines of 'You can have Rooney if we can have Mata' type thing, and the Willian link has set off a chain of rumours about an impending bid.

If we do want him regardless of that there's nothing to fear from Woodward's impending £12m bid.

I don't believe so. I imagine a squad number could simply be given to one of the eligible reserve players, though I could be wrong.

I see the whole Mata thing as nothing but a little cheeky attempt to cause some unrest due to the whole Rooney thing. Realistically, United would need to fork out a minimum of £40m+ for any sort of realistic chance of signing him. Can't see that happening.

#97514 Transfer Rumours 2013/14

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22 Aug 2013 23:17:30

By Julianx | On 23 August 2013 - 09:12 AM

Even in the case of Moses leaving, Chelsea have enough quality in that position.

Maybe so, but it does give a reason to go and get Willian nonetheless.

Only other way I see it working is if Chelsea opt to use him as a second striker, instead of signing Rooney. But that doesn't really seem like a smart deal to make either.

As Platy said before, Chelsea require a striker and defensive mid before any other player.

I still think he'll join Spurs.

#97510 Transfer Rumours 2013/14

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22 Aug 2013 23:09:34

By Julianx | On 23 August 2013 - 08:13 AM

Willian to Chelsea have no fucking sense.

Well, Chelsea were in for him before he moved to Russia. That said, don't see where he fits currently, or why pay £30m + for him.

The only sense it makes would be if Moses is sold, which there has been some talk he could be offloaded.

By Ninja | On 23 August 2013 - 08:31 AM

ESPN saying we want Mata 'according to sources at both clubs'.

Right.

Ain't gonna happen.

I can imagine the backlash from fans if Mata was sold for any price, let alone to United.

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21 Aug 2013 10:56:35

By Fantastic | On 20 August 2013 - 00:07 AM

You'e also been linked with Paul Pogba now, for £20m. It's become a circus now.

Not gonna happen either. Juve have pretty much said it's a waste of time trying, which is no surprise. Plus he'll be starting now most likely given Marchisio is out injured.

Wenger simply refuses to change with the times.

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20 Aug 2013 12:45:25

Hurts to say, but Spurs are bringing in some quality. They'll miss Bale if he does go, however they'll be a far more balanced side with more strings to their bow with the additions they've purchased.

#96724 The Night Thread Mk. IX

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20 Aug 2013 12:32:54

By Franck | On 20 August 2013 - 21:00 PM

Speaking of money, the registration for the first batch of World Cup tickets opened today. Shit sure as hell isn't cheap.

And that shocks you?

#96162 Barclays Premier League 2013/14

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19 Aug 2013 06:53:38

Good solid performance by Chelsea.

Could have been a route had the foot not been taken off the petal after the second. Cannot complain though with upcoming fixtures.

Looked very slick going forward early on though.

#93410 What Are You Listening To?

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09 Aug 2013 06:10:14

#93403 What Are You Listening To?

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09 Aug 2013 04:48:27

By Telegram Sam | Permalink | On 18 July 2013 - 11:41 AM

Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Aeroplane Over The Sea.

Something good amongst this shit infested thread. Kudos!

#93400 Transfer Rumours 2013/14

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09 Aug 2013 03:24:05

By Telegram Sam | Permalink | On 09 August 2013 - 12:51 PM

Our transfer window has been a fucking farce. I feel like a prized idiot for actually thinking this time it would be different. I cannot believe we are yet to make a signing of note just over one week before the new season starts.

Kalou's still available, there's still hope.

But no. Wenger has really fucked up by not taking hold of the situation on hand. Not entirely sure of his thinking when all the sides around him have gone out and added players to strengthen, while he's done the complete opposite and let bulk players leave.