Lush Vlad

He's currently in Hull, I heard?

I know they have a big squad. But is this not going to have an impact on Chelsea’s season? It seems like the season finished and they went straight into this tournament. Playing in mad conditions. Is it just under 5 weeks until the new season starts?! They won’t be able to just register an entirely different team for their European competition this year. And you’d imagine the league will be just as competitive as last season, if not more so. I suppose the same can be applied to PSG. But their league isn’t anywhere near as competitive as ours.

I’ve not watched a minute of this shite and I still haven’t. But I’ve just seen Chelsea are winning Really despise that club.

McAtee. Wouldn’t mind a different type of midfielder like him and I think he could cover a few positions and help with some tactical changes.

It might be because we have been starved of signings. But I’m absolutely buzzing with this. I think he is going to be mustard.

Nah. He had some alright games earlier in the season. Arsenal, maybe?! But once he came out the team. Every time he got the odd start or minutes off the bench. He almost always looked poor. If he was an Endo at Liverpool type. Where he comes on and helps see the game out and actually has an impact. Then I’d have no issue. But as everyone has been saying. He needs a run of games, which I doubt he will get here. He has attributes that only really suit one way of playing and he isn’t much use off the bench. So I just don’t see what he brings to the team as it is now.

Wow. Must be confident of other potential suitors. As I don't really see what he adds if we were to keep him. He was mainly average to terrible last season and then ended up as our 6th choice CM.

Actual LOL Although I’m sure fans will still shoehorn in the Scotswood Road line where it doesn’t belong.

Staying put for this season at least, so I am told.

I think it is that this more 'technical player' we all crave, is the answer for both the low block and teams that press us. Depending on game state (urgh, what a statto saying). We have struggled to break teams down at times when they sit off, most teams do. But also, as someone else alluded to. We also struggle against high energy, high pressing teams. As we don't have players who are comfortable enough receiving the ball under pressure or crisp enough with their passing to work their way out of trouble. Then the latter also applies to low blocks and not being incisive and sharp enough with our passing to work openings. The problem is, everyone is after this type of player and if you want to match that with the speed and physicality that Howe wants us to play with. Then that's going to be a small and very expensive pool of players you're choosing from.

I think I would agree if Longstaff wasn't about to leave. 5 players for 3 positions and in a midfield that demands a lot physically. 2 nailed on starters, 2 who are injury prone/often playing half-fit and then a 19 year old. I know our depth at CB and up top isn't great and I think we need a back up CF and a starting CB, this window. But I'd argue the cover in those positions are arguably greater than midfield. Assuming Longstaff leaves and Elanga signs, of course.

Yep. That was the regular starter I was referring too. Willock was the other one. I should have just put their names

We have 5 players for 3 positions. One of them is injury prone and had a poor couple of seasons. The other is 19. One of the regular starters has had his injury troubles the last two seasons and all. Another CM is a must.

Not in a rush to move Sandro, myself. I know he was still adapting up to a point. But he often looked lost and less effective in the wider roles. Arguably our player of the season after Burn once he was switched to the deeper, more central role. Now if we were to sign a more attacking, creative type and Bruno and Tonali were to play as a deeper two at times, who could also dovetail a bit....... Now you're talking.

He’s worth what anyone is willing to pay. I was always thinking £8m at the very low end. £15m at the higher end. So if we can get £12m for him, that’s not bad and if we can squeeze a few more quid out of them. Then even better. It’s not just that we have outgrown him. It’s that he is absolutely no use as a sub or playing the odd game here and there. Because of how he was used last season. It was as if he had regressed as a player. He needs regular minutes and hopefully he gets that at Leeds. He can get his career back on track somewhere else, for sure.

Think it looks class. But I’m biased, as baby blue is one of my favourite colours. Going back to my charva days

It was Man U’s song for him. But the ‘Rhythm is a Dancer’ chant for him was decent.

Not necessarily. Footballers don’t need 100m speed. Acceleration and quickness over shorter distances are much more important. I bet he is up to top speed early doors when sprinting.

Brutal for Diogo and Andre’s families and friends. But I’d imagine there will be some real emotions on show in games early on from their teammates. I’m sure plenty here have played sport after a teammate has passed away. I’ve had the misfortune of doing so on two occasions and I found it really hard to keep my emotions in check. Mainly before and after the game, for myself. May they both rest in peace.

Blurgh. It’s rancid. Genuienly looks like a fairly generic keeper kit. I really like the new home and third kits. So 2 outta 3 aint bad.

Love the third kit. I don’t buy the shirts anymore and haven’t for years. But it is tempting me. Controversial, but I’m not that bothered by the other Originals stuff. Much preferred last year’s and I’ve never liked that badge. Looks cartoony and proper naff. Has the leaked green kit been confirmed as our away kit? I actually like the more hooped style. The one with thin lines looks terrible from what I’ve seen. Looks like a keeper kit.

My thoughts on it exactly. I think it was more the suggestion that we might start to play with a link man between the midfield and attack. It is what many think has been lacking in certain games, myself included. But then again, the money involved seemed steep and I'm not sure £60m on him would have been the best use of our limited funds. Especially when we have positions in the current starting XI that need addressing more urgently. Just to echo what everyone else has said. If you want to join Chelsea, then good luck. I don't think any club needs that kind of personality in their squad.

Proper shat the bed here. Could/should have been 3 or 4 up. But wide open this half and that goal has been coming.

If McAtee could improve his finishing and final ball. Then he would be far more than a bit part player at City. He has usually impressed when I’ve seen him for City and he looks like the best player on the pitch tonight. Until he gets near the box. Should have a couple of goals and assists.

The crowd don’t really get into it, do they?