Chelsea Banter Mobile

30 May 2026 21:41:34
And still the only team in London to win the Champions League. Thank you to our fellow members of the blue cartel.

30 May 2026 15:29:03
Weird that Slot is gone and Xabi chose us. Either no decision had been made until the recent season review, at which point they were too late, or Xabi was never looked at internally at LFC to replace Slot. All indications were he would’ve jumped at the job. Any info, Tris?

{Ed001's Note - I don't believe he was under consideration at the time, he did ask the question before committing.}

30 May 2026 16:51:19
Ed001

Why was Alonso not inder consideration but was when Klopp left?

Also ED, di you think both clubs have landed the right coach or would other coaches be better suited for either club?

{Ed001's Note - I have no idea why Xabi was no longer under consideration, probably because Edwards is trying to hang on to power though and Alonso would not be a yes man.

Liverpool have not landed one yet. But I think Alonso or his type anyway, is what you needed. Someone to take charge.}

30 May 2026 17:54:13
Thank you ED

{Ed001's Note - very welcome Bill.}

29 May 2026 07:40:53
Barco makes the Argentina World Cup squad. For anyone who's interested, Pythagoras in Boots has done a pretty good and balanced review of him as a player on YouTube.

29 May 2026 08:42:24
Thanks, J. I will check it out.

29 May 2026 18:09:00
Thanks, J, and it makes for an interesting watch and listen. Seems that the overall verdict is that Barco is far from elite midfielder status as yet, but has plenty of potential, is good at dribbling out of tricky defensive situations, and has a fair amount of imagination and skill in picking a creative, potentially defence-splitting pass when not far outside the box, and is physically robust when on the ball, i.e., hard to knock off it. But he also often gives away possession with overly ambitious or inaccurate long passes from midfield, is a bit slow tracking back, and shooting from distance is not great.

But if his vision for killer passes improves further, and he is more composed re shooting, and more accurate with long passes and final-third decision-making, he could yet become an elite player. Hope this is more or less a fair summary. Seemed to be that Pythagoras in Boots thought he may play best in midfield, though he may be OK at LWB if Alonso opts for back 3. Perhaps PinB slightly favoured him over the Palace alternative midfielder, Adam Wharton, though both have strengths and weaknesses. Barco not necessarily a starter for CFC? Depends who leaves, perhaps...

29 May 2026 18:43:02
I think he'll see plenty of mins, but wouldn't expect him to be a key starter - yet.

The issues raised, trying the overly ambitious pass too often and naivety with his positioning, highlighting his lack of recovery pace, can be coached out relatively quickly at the top level.

I'm going to be really interested to see what Alonso does with him.

Pib did highlight the success he's had with a non-physically impactive WB in Grimaldo. I imagine the temptation will be there to do the same with Barco. Personally, I think Barco could really excel in that role, but we'll have to see what happens with him.

29 May 2026 20:18:24
I don't know anything about Barco so I am totally open minded. Let's hope he can at least keep fit, unlike some of our recent signings, who spend most of the season on the treatment table. That would be a good start.

28 May 2026 17:11:27
With Premier League sides totally dominating European football it just shows how strong the league is. I fully expect Arsenal to complete the set and 9 sides will be in the various competitions next season. I actually think the likes of Bournmouth and Brighton would probably finish in the top 2 of every European league.

28 May 2026 20:15:03
Rpd, the strange thing is I was discussing with my son how many European teams would currently finish in the top ten of the Premiership?
Having said that, we agreed that the best game of "football" we have seen in ages was the Bm v PSG first leg.

27 May 2026 21:53:48
Watching Palace and I can’t say I’ve watched much of them over this season, but Wharton is refreshing to watch. A midfielder who looks to play the ball forward on virtually every occasion is now such a rarity.

28 May 2026 08:32:55
Wharton has agreed to sign for Liverpool, according to someone on their page, Tom.
Anderson has turned down Man Utd and agreed to sign for Man City, who are not interested in Enzo Fernandez, who will likely join Real Madrid if they pay the £100 million asking price.


Jorgenson has asked to leave and will not be replaced, due to the fact that Mike Penders will compete for the No.1 shirt next season, and will play in the World Cup for Belgium. His rise has been pretty dramatic, and it might lead to Sanchez leaving as well.
Lots of stories.

28 May 2026 09:15:47
Rpd, I was impressed with the Wharton performance last night, but I honestly haven't seen enough of him to truly judge him as a player. I am not sure we need him.

Anderson also looks a solid performer, and it makes sense for City to get him, as Rodri looks to be leaving.

Of course, it could all turn upside down at City if they do get a substantial points deduction.

I think RM would like to include players in any Enzo deal. My mate tells me we are interested in the young Ch we missed out on last season.

28 May 2026 09:24:34
Tom, is that that defender Dean Huijsen?
Is he a RCB? I seem to remember him earning rave reviews at Bournemouth.

28 May 2026 09:37:38
That's him. I am useless with names.

I would be astonished if RM agreed to let him go as part of any deal. I think he was the best young CH in the Premiership.

28 May 2026 19:40:21
As usual, I am going to disagree with everyone. I just don't get why people rate Wharton. He's okay, but nothing special. Anderson, however, looks top class. Huijsen is the best young CB in the PL, I think Josh, Levi and Hato might have something to say about that.

28 May 2026 20:11:27
Hato and Josh didn't play in the Premiership that season, and Huijsen was far more consistent than Colwill that season. In fact, LC, in my opinion, only showed his quality for about the last fifteen games of that season.

28 May 2026 20:50:20
Tom, I didn't realise you were talking about the one season he played in the PL. I will bow to your superior knowledge, as it appears you watched a lot of Bournemouth games.

28 May 2026 20:57:58
I can't say I watched a lot of Bournemouth games, but it's not hard to work out he played better in the Premiership than Hato, who was just starting his career in Holland, and Josh, who probably only appeared in very few games.


I also remember the criticism Colwill was getting for a long spell of that season.
I hardly had to be Sherlock Holmes to work that one out.

28 May 2026 21:21:22
Tom, or should I say Sherlock, interesting to know how you deduced that he was the best young CB in the PL. Presumably, you had assistance from Dr Watson.

28 May 2026 21:39:15
Dr Watson would certainly help, but so does remembering who was playing in the Premiership that season and watching a few games.