Chelsea

[Arn]

We still have that with Rafa, although some won't admit it.

Mourinho likes to have a lot of power in the side, and there simply isn't that in this Chelsea team. I wouldn't write them off. He's still learning about the type of players at his disposal, a very different kind of side he's used to having compared to his first stint at Chelsea, Inter and Real. He needs leaders who will fight for him, which might be why he went for Eto'o.

The problem for Mourinho is that many players don't respect him after what he done the last few years. He will need to find out who to sell very quickly or the same thing that happened at Real will happen again.

Did Mata give 100% in the last game? IMO no and he will never do that as long as Mourinho is the manager and I doubt that he is alone not working his socks off because of Mourinho.

My opinions of course.

[RedReet]

Agree on Rafa but it's becoming less of an issue I feel because Brendan is doing a good job and looks like he's the right man to get us back where we want to be. If it doesn't pan out though we know what will happen.

Different to Chelsea though cos it will only happen if Brendan fails, whereas those muppets wanted Jose back no matter how well the other managers did.

Big difference. We went to **** after Rafa so of course fans still pined for him. I'd give anything to enjoy football again as much as I did between 2005-2009. Chelsea have won most trophies since Mourinho left and played better football, but that still wasn't good enough.

Now we're doing well under Rodgers, Rafa is never mentioned, bar maybe by Arn.

[Bender]

Another think for Jose is he wont get the satisfaction of being the manager who won Chelsea their first European cup

[RedAndWhite]

The manager reflects the fans - Chelsea fans pined for Mourinho as they are both C%$ts.

[Norbs]

Too early to write them off. I think they are favorites for the league. It wont be as emphatic as his previous tenure at Chelsea as then he had the best squad and the first team in the PL by some distance. The current Chelsea team is not as good but they have some leaders with experience of putting together a strong run. They are among the favorites and will be in the top 3 come May.

I think it depends on how the fitness of Lampard and Terry is later in the season. They may not run games in the physical sense but their presence is massive and akin to having 2 Gerrard type figureheads, IMO.

The rest of the squad are boys, not sure there's a leader amongst them

[Buzzo]

2-1 down at home to Basel. It could be time for him to start blaming Rafa?

[RichC]

It's never his fault, inherited a poor team etc......

[Vermilion]

Come on Basle!! Yeeeeeees. haaa ha.

[Buzzo]

It's never his fault, inherited a poor team etc......

Hubris.

[john316]

All this 'developing young players' bollocks that press men are just lapping up. Lots of expensive players who are light years from the unit they had at their peak.

[RichC]

The numbers I'm sure are out on some of the players but it makes the point that the squad has had some serious cash thrown at it

http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/en/chelsea-fc/kader/verein_631.html

[Bender]

After today's game I just think Chelsea and Mourinho will part ways before the season is out

I still stand by this

[Muddled]

'It's also Chelsea's first home defeat in the Champions League in 10 years - since Besiktas won in 2003'

Ha!

[john316]

Average age of 27 - young team my arse. Chelsea have got **** all up front yet keep signing tons of midfielders.

When I think back to that 2005/6 Chelsea team that absolutely ram raided us at Anfield in the league and see what a sorry squad they have nowadays despite an absurd amount spent since then.

[Bender]

'It's also Chelsea's first home defeat in the Champions League in 10 years - since Besiktas won in 2003'

Ha!

Happy Anniversary