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J.'s Posts and Other Poster's Replies To J.'s Posts
J.'s rumours posts with other poster's replies to J.'s rumours posts
08 May 2026 07:23:14
The Iraola to Palace rumours are growing, although some quarters in the press have moved to pour cold water over them. These have coincided with reports that Chelsea are showing willingness to meet some of Xabi Alonso's demands.
It would appear we're pressing on with Alonso as our preferred choice. If Iraola were to be confirmed as taking the Palace job, that would equally confirm that we're advancing in a different direction - likely an Alonso shaped direction. Although nothing Iraola related will be confirmed till the end of Bournemouth's season.
22 Apr 2026 18:12:17
Rosenior gone. Not a massive surprise. As I’ve said all along, I genuinely feel sorry for the guy. Hopefully he finds his place in football again and can develop his career a bit more organically. Or he can just enjoy life with £24m in the bank. Did I say I feel sorry for him?
Hopefully it’s not the SD’s completing the period of self-reflection and they’re the ones being reflected upon.
Interestingly, Winstanley and Stewart have been removed from their roles at Strasbourg - beginning of the end? Winstanley was linked with the Spurs sporting director role. He was apparently interested but wanted total control. Watch this space.
1.) 22 Apr 2026 18:23:37
There was a break clause, I can safely feel sorry for him again.
2.) 22 Apr 2026 20:10:17
He was never going to receive the full 6 year payout, but he will still get a healthy payout, id imagine. Lighting money on fire.
3.) 23 Apr 2026 11:49:14
1 year Standard, not bad for a few months' poor work.
4.) 23 Apr 2026 16:53:55
I'm in the wrong profession, J!
5.) 23 Apr 2026 21:21:44
A source close to a senior Chelsea player says there are clear divisions within the dressing room.
Some players are focused purely on the club's success, while others are still frustrated by Enzo Maresca's departure and believe more should have stood against it.
Different perspectives internally, with unity not fully there.
The bottom line was they wanted change.
Apparently, there was a break clause and LR will draw a salary for a max of 12 months from his appointment, and that will stop if he gets a new role on the same money.
The headline figures of large payouts are very wide of the mark and designed to capture the thoughts of the slightly less intelligent.
09 Apr 2026 13:55:38
Reports in the past twenty-four hours suggest that Rosenior's job is far from secure, certainly not as secure as it was reported to be at the start of the international break.
Various links to sounding out Xabi Alonso and Fabregas, but, slightly more concerning, Lampard seems to be the name with the most traction at the moment. With Coventry reportedly sounding out John Eustance to replace him, in the event he does come back for a third term as Chelsea head coach. Surely not?
1.) 09 Apr 2026 15:07:40
J
It's probably the media starting their circus trying to put pressure on the coach.
As Tom says, no decision will be made until the end of season review, and certainly, Lampa should not be the one coming in.
2.) 09 Apr 2026 19:04:16
I think the early reports that, no matter what, UCL qualification or not, Rosenior would be keeping his job were very wide of the mark. The odds of him avoiding the exit door, come the end of the season, are not in his favour. Poor results in the next two home fixtures, vs both Manchester clubs, would only go to solidifying those odds.
I'd say his exit has that feeling of inevitability about it, a feeling that we Chelsea fans have come to know all too well. It makes sense that the club would be putting feelers out to who they feel are options to replace Rosenior. What doesn't make sense, for me, is Lampard being one of those, let alone a front runner.
3.) 09 Apr 2026 19:08:38
You and me both, J.
4.) 10 Apr 2026 05:36:08
I really don't want this. Absolutely love Frank, want him to be super successful as a manager, and I think he will have success. He helped us out twice and did decently, but he had a few cracks in the PL with minimal success. Very happy that he is doing a job at Coventry and will get another go in the PL. I think next year will be big for him, and if he can replicate Sunderland and finish mid-table, it would be a huge accomplishment.
But he needs to prove he is capable. Coming back and being sacked a third time in pretty quick succession wouldn't be good for him or the club.
If the club does sack Liam, the next appointment needs to be an experienced manager with a track record of success and a defined style of play. The unproven merry go round needs to stop. Hopefully the owners realize changes need to be made, not just in terms of a transfer policy.
5.) 10 Apr 2026 19:14:18
Melbourne, absolutely with you. I wish Frank well in the PL next season, but I wouldn't support him being our next coach. I believe we will get Champions League as tail end Charlies, which is important for the club, but hardly a great achievement. As for LR, if he stays, we are doomed to the same again.
The thought of him speaking b******* for another season is depressing. I agree the next coach needs to be experienced, etc, but if this malaise continues, the chances of getting the right coach are diminishing. The summer might be make or break for us.
6.) 10 Apr 2026 21:42:23
Got to agree with Jimbo here. Liam has to go or we are totally doomed. He talks utter b******* and is so out of his depth. I would go for Lamps, as not sure who else is out there who would take us on?
7.) 11 Apr 2026 14:30:50
Greenaway
It's got to be somebody better than Lamps, otherwise there is no point in changing the coach.
8.) 14 Apr 2026 14:10:06
What about Iraola? Plays great football at Bournemouth.
With whatever players he gets.
9.) 16 Apr 2026 10:33:23
Iraola could be a good bet, and obviously has plenty of EPL experience. The only question mark may be in appointing a manager who has not had to manage a really 'big' club, with demanding fans who expect success every season like us at CFC. Potter did well at Brighton, but I do think Iraola is probably a much tougher character.
25 Jan 2026 19:02:06
Hmmm, Anselmino recall probably points towards any deal for Jacquet being for the summer. Be interested to see how Anselmino does, had a few injuries whilst at Dortmund, but highly regarded from the performances he has put in.
1.) 25 Jan 2026 20:59:54
Interesting J! I wonder what Acheampong has got to do to get minutes? I don't understand it – has looked good every time he's played.
2.) 25 Jan 2026 22:30:21
He needs to be better than Chalobah and Fofana every time he plays. I think he’s definitely the future of that right sided CB, and Will be starting much more regularly next season.
3.) 26 Jan 2026 07:28:47
I’m only guessing but this is my take, Anselmino comes back from Dortmund and Josh goes out on loan. So, it gives us a much better opportunity to see how Anselmino copes in cup competitions plus the premiership and Josh gets more consistent mins. I think we buy Jacquet now and let him stay at Rennes (as reported) for the remainder of the season.
In the summer we sell at least two of our current CH’s.
4.) 26 Jan 2026 09:43:34
Not a bad assumption Tom but I don't think we'll get Jacquet as i think there will be many takers for his signature in the summer, perhaps an over coat, maybe.
5.) 26 Jan 2026 09:56:37
Would be very happy if Josh gets loaned to Palace and we get to see him play consistently for the rest of the season. Not sure how others are getting games in front of him this season anyway tbh. Badi almost cost us another goal and Fofana just isn’t it if we intend to challenge.
6.) 26 Jan 2026 14:00:37
ED01, there appears to be a lot of big clubs clamouring over the signature of the Rennes centre back Jacquet who is young with a price tag of over £50 million, is he as good as it being made out? and who is likely to sign him?
{Ed001's Note - I have never seen the lad play, I know one friend thinks he is brilliant, but he also thought Naby Keita would be great for Liverpool, so not sure what to think!! I thought he was set for Chelsea.}
7.) 27 Jan 2026 13:22:25
I'm glad that Anselmino is back with us, it is quite obvious that Dortmond were hoing to turn his head just the way they did with Matteson.
8.) 27 Jan 2026 15:15:11
Someone on Sky said bringing back Anselmimo was a strategy to get Rennes to reduce their fee for Jacquet. Well with us apparently out of the picture, all those clubs clamouring for his signature have a clearer field. Strange though, I don’t see any club rushing in to pay £50 million +.
9.) 27 Jan 2026 17:41:12
Why should they Jimbo, he is a youngster with potential.
10.) 27 Jan 2026 18:43:20
We will pay over £50m with add ons for the lad. The player has apparently stated his preference and we want him.
If he is as good as some say then he sounds like a good buy. I’m not fussed about his age.
11.) 27 Jan 2026 19:53:57
Tom
I have no idea how good he is but let's be honest the prem league is completely different to the French league.
12.) 27 Jan 2026 22:00:54
Bill, “let’s be honest” the answer is obviously yes, the two leagues are different. Every countries is different.
If we go down that rabbit hole we would only buy players with premiership experience.
I have not seen the player, I have asked if any other poster has seen the lad play and now Ed has been asked. Apparently Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Liverpool are all interested in signing the player. If that is the case, I would assume he is showing to professional judges that he is a good player.
13.) 28 Jan 2026 10:44:46
No it doesn't tom… it shows ges a young player with potential and a handful of games in the french league…. long way to go before he can be considered a ‘good player’.
14.) 28 Jan 2026 13:53:20
Kazblue, I haven’t got a clue if he is a good player and I repeat I have asked other posters if they know anything about the lad or seen him play on top of that Ed was also asked.
If it’s true that multiple clubs are interested in signing him it show he is a good player and assume he is a player that all interested clubs believe he will improve.
I personally don’t care about his age as I do not see it as a barrier to abilities.
15.) 28 Jan 2026 16:58:06
Shouldn’t be paying £50 million plus for a defender unless he’s a starter.
16.) 28 Jan 2026 19:55:44
Surely the first question should be, is he a good player? He is worth what our Calu and other clubs are prepared to pay and what Rennes are prepared to sell for.
Please, just someone tell me how good he is? That might be a starting point to working out if he is supposedly good value. Whatever that means!
17.) 30 Jan 2026 21:59:07
Mamadou Sarr is now wanted by Liam Rosenoir so expect him to return this window with maybe Aarón Anselmino go in the other direction although some reports suggesting he is refusing to agree to that! Will all pan out over the next few days.
18.) 30 Jan 2026 22:21:46
RPD, I’m not sure why but this merry go round of CH’s seems unnecessarily complicated to me but as you say, I’m sure it will all pan out over the next few days!
19.) 31 Jan 2026 12:43:21
It looks like Anselmino is still unhappy about being recalled and said he is not going to Strasbourg.
I have yo say I don't blame him, the only good thing coming out of this is that Dortmond don't have any more chance to turn his head, I think they are a horrible club in that respect.
20.) 31 Jan 2026 14:36:56
Bill could you blame him for having his head turned- in fact this recall will have made sure of it now…. He was getting opportunities when fit at dortmund - should have just let him stay.
21.) 31 Jan 2026 15:38:28
I have no idea if the lad is happy or unhappy about being recalled. I have no clue if his “head has been turned. ”
At the moment I can’t see the point of recalling him and Sarr but I can wait and see what happens. I’m guessing that Josh is going out on loan.
I assume we are all just guessing unless someone can point to an actual player comment because I can’t find one.
22.) 31 Jan 2026 15:43:50
Kazblue,
I would like him to kick a ball for our club before his head gets turned by another club, who knows he could turn out to be a top class CB.
17 Jan 2026 06:58:46
Who’s going to be this perfect CB for Chelsea this January?
Apparently, the club are looking for a player who’s comfortable playing out from the back, is first team / EPL ready and can develop with, ultimately playing alongside, Colwill. They will obviously stick to their age criteria as well, don’t see them signing a 28 year old fully fledged / experienced international.
Romano has stated we have three players on our list, one of which is named as Jacquet, who plays for Rennes and is being chased by half of Europe. I’m not seeing a current EPL defender who meets the criteria.
Who else should we be looking at?
In other news, some reports that it’s between us and Man City for Barcelona midfielder Dro Fernandez, who is leaving on a €6m release clause. Flick Maya’s described loosing the player as the biggest disappointment of his career.
1.) 17 Jan 2026 08:53:42
J, I enjoyed your report and fingers crossed you are correct on the recruitment front.
2.) 17 Jan 2026 08:54:51
PSG now favoured to sign Dro.
3.) 17 Jan 2026 08:57:56
Jacquet is wanted by all the top clubs in europe and in particular Liverpool, Aresnal and Real Madrid so will be very difficult to sign him I imagine?
4.) 17 Jan 2026 10:23:49
69 million for a centre back whos played 19 senior games in ligue1 is absoloute insanity.
5.) 17 Jan 2026 10:50:09
Jacquet is only 20 so certainly fits the agre profile - or is he already a bit too old? lol - and his highlights package looks good strong and quick (but said package unlikely to show any errors of course) . Another great prospect. But could take time to adapt to EPL?
Anselmino looked v promising indeed to me when I watched him at the Bridge in our preseason friendly v Bayer Leverkausen and do not know whay we didn't hold on to him - I suppose we altready had BB and perhaps thought Hato could play there though seems more comfortable at LB- yet we loaned him out to Borussia Dortmund where he is excelling.
What I think Matresca wanted was an already EPL proven LCB to replace/stand in for the injured LC. Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth may be available in this respect but is 'elderly' at 28!
But given we are unlikely to win my=uch this season pergaps Jacquet would be another good purchase/investment for the future. Fits more in line with CFC as a trading club that might be able to compete for ECK or EPL - if we can retain our best players - ina few seasons time?
6.) 17 Jan 2026 11:54:00
So, I ask again has any poster seen these two young CH’s we are being linked with actually play?
I personally have no idea of how good they currently are.
Obviously some feel they are overpriced, so I assume they have seen them play.
7.) 17 Jan 2026 12:50:27
Tom
I'm sure you will probably be aware but I doubt anybody has seen them play.
8.) 17 Jan 2026 14:25:01
That’s my point Bill. So, if that is the case how do qualify as a waist of money?
9.) 17 Jan 2026 14:50:37
I've not seen them play only Jacquet's highlights reel in which he looked impressive as most do but did reveal his size strength and pace. But we are all guessing on how he would turn out to be when in a blue shirt at the Bridge. As most will have been with likes of Gittens and Hato.
Bringing players in from outside the EPL typically more if a gamble than getting them in from another EPL club or may need more time to adjust. Can only hope Jacquet is the bees knees of CBs if we sign him.
10.) 17 Jan 2026 15:57:04
Jacquet has (apparently) told Rennes he wants to join Chelsea this window. Haven’t seen him, but, given the wide depth of interest in him, he must have some promise. If he signs, for me, we’d need him to be an immediate upgrade on Chalobah, Tosin or Badiashile - tough ask.
11.) 17 Jan 2026 18:23:43
J I agree with you and would just add that hevis predominantly left footed and is probably more physical as a player than BB.
12.) 17 Jan 2026 22:11:17
Highly rated player. £55 million-ish for a player with 30 Ligue 1 games under his professional belt. City are signing Guehi for £20 million. I'm nonplussed.
13.) 17 Jan 2026 23:03:34
EdW, I’m not sure how interested we would have been in Guehi given his reported wages.
14.) 18 Jan 2026 05:16:29
If I’m not wrong, in the summer Guehi was asked if he would be interested in returning to us and shut it down instantly.
15.) 18 Jan 2026 06:04:44
Guehi contract was up, if he had three or so years left he’d be valued significantly higher. Tom’s correct about wages too. Right player for us, but wasn’t going to happen.
16.) 18 Jan 2026 08:59:50
I'm in agreement, his wages demands are far too high for us and I'm totally happy with that.
Who do we get on, who knows and to be honest I will only be interested when we signed somebody that puts on a shirt for us and actually plays rather than being loaned out.
The young fellow at Dortmund who is on loan from us is supposedly playing well getting rave reviews from their coach, why not give him a go.
In the summer, a clear out of our CB's should be a priority.
17.) 18 Jan 2026 18:04:24
Jacquet is rated highly. but my argument would be so are anselmino, sarr and josh and the forgotten colwill whos still only 22
surely a better idea might be a bit more experience to balance it out?
18.) 18 Jan 2026 20:25:50
I would like to think they have looked at all different solutions. I haven’t seen th lad play and so far no other poster has said they have seen him play.
He could be the cat’s whiskers. If we sign him I wi wait and see before I start judging or making comparisons to other players.
19.) 18 Jan 2026 23:04:15
he might become the cats whiskers- issue is we already have 3 that 'might' become good- how about looking at someone whos played a bit before.
20.) 19 Jan 2026 12:08:31
Maybe because they consider this guy to be better than what we currently have.
21.) 19 Jan 2026 14:29:01
The problem is how do we know that tom… sarr and anselmino have done well by all sccounts and you can see there's a top class player potentiallt in josh …. Just feels like money that couldve been better spent.
22.) 19 Jan 2026 14:56:59
How on earth do you reach a conclusion that any transfer fee could’ve been better spent.
Not a single poster has said they have seen the lad play other than social media clips. Our manager has first hand knowledge of the player as well as our SD’s supposed positive reports.
I am assuming/guessing they feel he is an upgrade on what we currently have. I’m personally not in a position to judge or be critical of that decision.
23.) 21 Jan 2026 12:13:09
I like PochEmpire’s comment about how crazy it would be to spend £69m for a player who has played 19 games in L1. Enzo had played 17 games for Benfica, so presumably the fee for this lad should be higher!
J.'s banter posts with other poster's replies to J.'s banter posts
11 May 2026 11:05:27
I don’t think that this is right for the club or him, but if this managerial / head coach search spirals how I fear it might and we start looking at the likes of Silva, then I would much rather the club just bring Lampard back.
I was initially happy that the club weren’t rushing into an appointment, but I’m really worrying that the longer this lot have to make a decision, the worse it could turn out.
I fear we’ve put most our eggs in the Alonso basket, and he will ultimately replace Slot at the end of the season (I’ve heard the Liverpool hierarchy are having a meeting today, the result of which could be a decision to sack Slot). Iraola won’t wait around, and will end up at Palace.
There’s also reports of at least one coach already telling the club they’re not interested in the role. I suspect one of those will be Fabregas and wouldn’t be surprised if we got the same response from Farioli at Porto and / or the popular Stuttgart coach. Where does that leave us?
Filipe Luis? Never coached in Europe, and I’m pretty sure he left the club as a player because he was homesick for Madrid. Simone Inzaghi? Amazing job at Inter, but just moved to Saudi and there’s absolutely no links to him. We honestly start looking at the mid table prem coaches, such as Silva, Kieran McKenna from Ipswich, or - Lampard round three.
1.) 11 May 2026 11:36:37
J, like you, I would prefer a managerial appointment sooner rather than later.
For some reason, my No1 choice seems to be off the table for us and Liverpool. So, my choice would be Iraola, but as I've said before, the more I reflect on watching Bl, the more I think Alonso would equally be a good choice. My mate has been convinced for weeks that we have already agreed a deal with Alonso and has backed him for a substantial amount to be our next manager.
I seem to remember that Cesc was never under consideration, as his deal with his current club includes a personal financial interest in his club.
Strangely, and out of the blue, my son says he was told that this week we spoke to Jose. I personally can't believe that is true.
2.) 11 May 2026 12:13:23
Alonso or Iraola for me, with a slight preference for Alonso.
Jose looks destined for a return to Madrid, but I'd definitely take him over some of the other options! Xx.
3.) 11 May 2026 13:19:11
I have been saying for a few days now that Alonso is Liverpool bound, Iraola is Crystal Palace bound, unsure of our project (join the queue). That leaves Silva, and it's rinse and repeat. LR was not popular, and Silva will be even worse.
4.) 11 May 2026 13:24:18
J, I share your concerns. I too go for Iraola or Alonso but I fear both will have better offers.
5.) 11 May 2026 13:41:28
I agree with all of your comments, hence I said right at the start the club should have done all they could to move forward with Maresca. The grass was never going to be greener.
6.) 11 May 2026 14:21:47
One win in his last seven, two meetings with City, one meeting with Juventus, and airing the dirty laundry in public. I get he'd won the Conference League and CWC, but the Maresca lawn was patchy at best.
In a long list of bad decisions made by BlueCo, parting ways with Maresca is far, far, far from the worst.
7.) 11 May 2026 14:46:03
All about opinions, Jbs, mine sticks.
07 May 2026 09:50:46
We’ve got 28 players, from what I can make out, in our current first team squad. Trying to be non-knee jerk with my opinion, I’ve gone through the squad and played a game of keep, sell or loan. I ended up with 16 players in the keep column. You can add Penders, Emegha, Quenda and potentially Barco to that 16, which would leave us with 20 - there’s also a young LB coming over from Brazil, but I don’t expect him to come into the first team.
If others did the same, there would, no doubt, be different players in each column, but the numbers in the keep column would, I guess, be pretty similar.
Effectively, the club, hopefully with the new coach in place and involved, need to buy 4-6 first team players this summer, proper first team, all killer no filler, players. It’s such a huge summer, the biggest summer I can remember and they can’t afford to get it wrong. But, if (big if, given the recent decision making) they get it right, this ship can be turned around quickly and be stabilised.
1.) 07 May 2026 15:45:48
J, have you factored in the "Maresca leaving effect"? A number of players were really bought into his ideas and really liked playing for him. Those same players will likely want to leave now. It really could be a huge revolving door this summer.
2.) 07 May 2026 15:53:42
The "Maresca leaving effect." Good riddance, and "anyone" who is unhappy for any reason, including Maresca leaving, can go swivel.
J, I think we will sell eight players.
3.) 07 May 2026 16:18:33
Nathan Ake is rumoured to have agreed to join us, and is currently having a house built in Cobham.
4.) 07 May 2026 16:26:55
I didn't want us to sell him years ago but I'm not sure about him nowadays.
5.) 07 May 2026 17:06:39
Me neither, Tom.
6.) 07 May 2026 17:20:37
I wouldn't care less if the whole squad left (excluding academy players). Greenaway, and Tom, you have both made your views plain about Maresca - time to put it to bed.
7.) 07 May 2026 17:25:45
Jimbo, I think I will be the judge of when to end my comments, thanks.
8.) 07 May 2026 17:44:32
Tom, you are the judge of what you post and on what subject even if it's done to death. I am entitled to get bored with it.
9.) 07 May 2026 17:53:59
You'd think Maresca was the second coming of Jose 05 the way he's spoken about at times - he did a decent job and won a C-rate joke of a European tournament and a glorified summer friendly cup.... Everyone forgets the run up to him getting sacked was awful, results-wise, and some of the worst football we've seen played.
Time to move on - this is a huge, club-defining summer. Just pray someone gets the manager pick right.
10.) 07 May 2026 17:58:44
Jimbo, you getting bored with my post or any person's posts is of zero interest to me. I will just let the Editors Edit.
11.) 07 May 2026 18:00:34
Kazblue, I think this may be one of the most critical management appointments in my lifetime of supporting CFC. I am full of apprehension.
12.) 07 May 2026 18:21:08
Jimbo, fair comment and point taken. Kaz, I agree, this is a huge summer for the club.
13.) 07 May 2026 18:53:42
Greenaway, I enjoy your posts and admire your passion for the club, and agree with your criticism of the SDs. I think this summer will be crucial for the club. The next coach appointment must be someone who can change the culture of the squad and give the supporters some hope for the future.
Also, the profile of any new signings will give an indication of the club's ambitions. I am keeping my fingers crossed on both counts. We all need to go into next season with some hope of better things to come.
14.) 08 May 2026 09:37:04
It was certainly a shock for quite a few players when Maresca left after plotting his exit to City, and I certainly think that because of his CWC win in particular, he had banked a lot of respect from his players. But it would be a mistake to think that all was completely well under him this season. He won 8 games, drew 6 and lost 5, and CFC were 5th - not 4th - on 30 points when he left, and 15 points behind Arsenal, who were leading. If we had kept that form up under him, we would have finished on 60 points and may or may not have qualified for Champions League football, though Villa could well have won the UEFA League Cup and qualified that way. It is also likely that we would not have had quite as appalling run of form as we have had in this run-in. But who knows, and frankly who cares now that EM decided, anyway, he wanted to leave and was speaking not only to City but Juventus as well.
Yes, we can blame it on SDs, plus owners and transfer strategy. But EM is a ship that has long sailed.
J is absolutely right that this transfer window could now be make or break in terms of CFC fortunes for the next few seasons. What clearly is also key is who is appointed as head coach. Iraola, Hoeness or Alonso seem to be names most often mentioned. Perhaps Iraola, with his EPL experience, may be the best bet, but the CFC job is still a big step up from Bournemouth. Hoeness may understandably want to stay in Germany and could be eyeing the Bayern job. Alonso could have respect from players as one of high quality himself, and clearly did superbly as a coach in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen, but only lasted 5 months at Real Madrid, which had started well before a fall out with Vinicius Jr. and dropping points after a v good start. Might be a good pick for us though?
15.) 08 May 2026 16:02:33
Jbs, nice reflective post in my opinion.
16.) 08 May 2026 18:34:04
JBS, good post. For my part, I am not concerned about the past or previous coaches. What happens in the summer and the coach appointment is crucial for us. Obviously, we might win the FA Cup. As nice as that would be, it would be papering over the cracks. Leicester won the FA Cup against us recently - look what has happened to them.
Bill has posted his concerns about the type of coach we might end up with. I share these concerns.
Iraola has been linked with Palace, and it is widely reported that Alonso would want some control regarding transfers. I can't understand why Silva is in the running. He has never achieved anything; his style of play is boring, and he is not the type of coach to bring on young players. If we end up with him, it is clear that the owners have learned nothing, and any reflection was an exercise in marking their own homework.
17.) 08 May 2026 19:28:18
Looks as though we may have to go all in Alonso then, Jimbo, but SDs would have to stomach him wanting to be more than a yes man... and we fans and the players surely want more than a yes man.
18.) 08 May 2026 19:57:44
JBS, we should go all out for Alonso and quickly. This will be a test of the owners' ambitions. Ultimately, it's their decision, and if the SDs don't like it, they can go.
19.) 09 May 2026 08:34:34
According to many, Poch and Maresca were "not yes men", and fans still wanted them both sacked. Not being a so called "yes man" is no guarantee of success.
There can be lots of reasons why a manager doesn't always get what he wants. Surely when they join a club like ours, with multiple SD's and clubs, they realise what can happen.
20.) 09 May 2026 11:32:59
I don't think either you or I were asking for Poch or Maresca to be sacked. Not sure that Poch was seen to be a yes man by fans, but clearly many didn't want or like him cos of the Spurs connection and the view that he was a 'serial loser' despite having got Spurs into title contention for the first time since most CFC fans were born... and he was liked by our players. I was certainly doubtful about Maresca when he was appointed, as he had so little EPL experience, but as you suggest he gained most fans' respect by winning the CWC, especially, and I don't think many were calling for him to be sacked before his 'parting of ways' with the club.
I do think CFC absolutely have to appoint a top-notch manager that, together with some first-team-ready, top-notch signings, will be seen by players who stay (and we hope it will be our best ones, of course) as well as the fans as reigniting the club's ambitions to challenge for top two (EPL and ECL) trophies now, not just in many years' time.
21.) 09 May 2026 12:03:00
JBS, you are correct. I didn't want Poch or Maresca sacked, and not being "yes men" didn't stop some fans asking for them to be sacked.
My point is, not being a "yes man" doesn't save you from the sack or getting pelters from fans. Results are the only thing that keeps a manager employed.
05 May 2026 08:04:13
Thankfully James should be back for the cup final. I can live with the mistake for the pen by Gusto, it's schoolboy stuff, letting the striker get across him like that and panicking but, as a one off, I can live with it. Problem is, it's not a one off for him, his form has been so poor and, when he's putting shifts like that in defensively, it's not like he's light the pitch up as an attacking full back. What must be going through Josh's head? How's he not got any starts at RB?
I thought we were done with the Chalobah and Tosin CB partnership. It doesn't work. Tosin might be a leader and older player in the dressing room, but, on the pitch, he's a mid table EPL defender, and that's being polite. Chalobah's nowhere near good enough to lift a lesser CB next to him and up their performance, especially when his has been so poor too. What must be going through Josh's head? How's he not got any starts at CB?
1.) 05 May 2026 08:42:59
Tobbr honest, J. If I was Josh, I would ask for a permanent transfer.
2.) 05 May 2026 08:58:39
Fingers crossed he waits to see who the new coach is. But, whoever it is, the club to set out a career path for him, that isn't getting the odd five mins in a game that's already lost.
For what it's worth, he'd fit into Alonso's three at the back really well, as would Hato and Colwill.
Bring in an experienced, dominating player to play the CCB role, and the defence can be transformed pretty quickly.
3.) 05 May 2026 09:10:19
J, I totally agree and have been going on for ages about how is Gusto getting picked over Josh.
I also agree that if Alonso was to become our manager, Josh would do well in a three, along with Hato and Colwill, but maybe a bit like Dave, James would take that right CH spot.
I think Hoeness or Iraola will be at Liverpool next season, and it's more likely to be Hoeness.
So, I think our choices are Alonso or Iraola. My mate is 100% convinced we have already agreed terms with Alonso. I think I would prefer Iraola, as I think he will get more out of our current squad.
4.) 05 May 2026 09:27:21
James would likely see time at RCB, but we all know he won't play every game, so plenty of mins to be had for Josh. Plus, with a more offensive WB on the left, James would suit as the more conservative WB on the right.
The two players who I don't think would fit seamlessly into Alonso's system are Cucurella and Enzo, which is something that may well suit the club and them.
5.) 05 May 2026 09:28:38
Tom,
Absolutely agree, Tom. Shame about Hoeness, and, like you, I would like Iraola over anybody else who, to me, is the consolation prize.
Also, not sure if you noticed, but there are more protests taking place before the final and Spurs game. Be interesting to see if the numbers grow, stay the same, or decrease.
6.) 05 May 2026 09:47:54
Bill, I will always support the right to protest, but what alternatives are they suggesting? For me, it's easy saying sack a manager, sell a player, sack the SD's, or get new owners, but put up some credible alternatives.
We might well get a new owner who is far worse than BlueCo and then what?
7.) 05 May 2026 11:05:48
J, there are a few rumours that Bayern Munich want Gusto so maybe that will conclude that one. Josh has not really had a look in since Maresca left, and it is a mystery to me. Likewise, the decision to pair Tosin and Trev.
I also don't understand why Hato has been dropped, but those sorts of decisions happen with under qualified head coaches. We should bring Jose in for the cup final, park the bus, and hope to nick a 1 nil.
29 Apr 2026 19:14:31
Statistically Enzo has been our most creative player this season, whilst only Joao Pedro has carried more threat in front of goal.
I recently said, on here, that I wouldn’t lose too much sleep if we sold him, but is there more of an argument for building the team around him and making sure the new coach has a plan to deploy him in his best position/role?
1.) 29 Apr 2026 20:07:01
J,
I guess that only comes into the equation if he wants to stay with us.
2.) 29 Apr 2026 20:23:34
He wants a new contract. If not, he will be off.
3.) 29 Apr 2026 21:57:13
Tom,
I think he will demand such a high salary; we will have to sell him, which is a shame. However, we can trust our SDs to replace him with the same or better quality of player, maybe not.
4.) 30 Apr 2026 05:15:10
I'm not sure if players think like this, but I can't help but think, if I were developing in this squad, I'd be looking at the Fernandez situation with some concern. World Cup winner, one of the captains, statistically one of the best performers - I'd be asking the question: what hope is there for the rest of us if this guy doesn't get an improved contract?
Naturally, the request from Fernandez and his team needs to be realistic.
No point demanding 400-500k a week and then kicking off when the club declines those terms. But it's a bit of a tight line the club are walking on this one.
5.) 30 Apr 2026 09:04:41
Enzo Fernandez has freely admitted he loved playing for Maresca and attributed his arriving late in the box to finish chances to his 1 to 1 sessions with our former coach. I wouldn't be surprised to see Maresca build his midfield around him when he takes over at Man City.
6.) 30 Apr 2026 09:49:20
I'm sure RM or PSG might have something to say about Greenaway.
7.) 30 Apr 2026 10:11:06
If we cannot keep hold of EF, it doesn't bode well for us being EPL or Champions League challengers any time soon. Would be a further indictment, imho, of Vision 2030. The point is that if a CFC player, first contracted when pretty young on a relatively low, long-term contract, does very well and is on a level with some of the best in Europe, he will almost certainly want wages to improve significantly and be in alignment with what those clubs are giving similar players, or he will want to leave. If that player does not do well, then CFC has a player on their books on a long-term contract they may struggle to shift, and perhaps with a loss, not a profit.
But I do wonder what Caicedo's new contract has meant in terms of higher wages, though. Does anyone know? Certainly, this was for me a good sign, and I would hope that EF might settle for alignment with him - though, equally, he may want more. Then there is Pedro plus Cucurella; we would hope they will stay. And, frankly, Neto has been our only consistently decent standard of winger despite all the comings and goings of wide men in the last few seasons. So, would hope Neto will stay too.
8.) 30 Apr 2026 17:06:16
Depends on the choice of manager and the players he may need for his preferred style of play.
9.) 30 Apr 2026 19:01:39
Tom, the choice of manager may be limited. I'd be surprised if a top coach would want the job working under 5 stooges. I fear we will end up with Silva, a mediocre, mid-table coach, which just sums up our ambitions.
10.) 30 Apr 2026 21:42:43
Whoever takes the job will have their critics.
It seems to be common practice to have a dividing line between coaching and player recruitment. I'm sure whoever takes over as manager will have some input on signings.
28 Apr 2026 12:32:58
Cucurella further linked with a Barcelona return today. Whilst he's one of the best LB's in the league, in the event that we have to settle the books with some high profile sales, I'm not loosing any sleep over his exit. Hato has markedly improved across the course of his first season in the EPL and the likely arrival of Barco offers depth there too.
We won't really know who's available for sale, and who isn't, until the new coach is announced. So many options rumoured, with lots of different potential systems. Some will suit a player like Cucurella, others won't, same can be said of Enzo Fernandez.
1.) 29 Apr 2026 08:23:42
J, if we get Alonso as our manager, I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't sign a CH.
23 Apr 2026 11:49:14
1 year Standard, not bad for a few months' poor work.
22 Apr 2026 18:23:37
There was a break clause, I can safely feel sorry for him again.
14 Apr 2026 15:45:17
I'm sure they won't want to sack him. I'm sure the SDs and everyone else who vouched for his appointment will be desperately pushing for him to be retained. But there's just nothing to cling onto with Rosenior, no light at the end of the tunnel, despite a lack of top level European football qualification.
I don't see the lack of a pre-season as justification for just how badly things have turned out since his appointment.
14 Apr 2026 12:30:34
Tom, I think we'll pick up 8 points between now and the end of the season. That certainly won't be good enough for UCL qualification and might only be good for another trip aboard the Conference League bus! I also don't think it'll be good enough for LR to keep his job.
The FA Cup is about the only thing that could save him, which would be papering over the cracks and this vicious hiring/firing circle will keep on turning.
14 Apr 2026 06:15:13
There's plenty of reports that the owners recognise the less than ideal situation Rosenior finds himself in, having to take over part way through a season, with no pre-season etc. But, if that is recognised, and they do/did genuinely rate him so highly, why put him in that position now? RA was well known for having his patience on a short fuse when it came to form and league position. Managers would often be gone part way through a season. But, at least he recognised that wasn't the time to bring the next permanent manager in, with it often being the experienced Hiddink asked to steady the ship till the end of the season.
Rosenior was on the back foot from the beginning, the fans didn't/don't want him, a fair few of the players probably had to google him when they found out he was going to be head coach, and likely weren't that impressed with what they saw.
But, worst of all, they took him from a decent role, where he was comfortable and doing a good job at his current level, and chucked him into this firestorm. A fast start was never going to be enough for him, he had to be perfect till the end of the season and, obviously, he hasn't been.
They have to stick with him till the end of the season now, but I can't see any sense in him staying on beyond that. The head coach position at Chelsea certainly isn't becoming an easier sale.
12 May 2026 06:29:47
The reports are pretty consistent that there's been zero contact between Liverpool and Alonso, with Ornstein confirming their intention to stick with Slot next season. Crazy decision, for me.
If a bit tentative, Ornstein's report yesterday gave me hope that a deal with Alonso could be done.
It seemed a step up from Si Phillips' earlier reports of contact between the camps. Almost as if we'd agreed to Alonso's conditions, which Phillips reported as potentially lethal sticking points.
Hopefully, your mate is right on all counts, Tom, and Alonso is at the FA Cup final.
11 May 2026 14:21:47
One win in his last seven, two meetings with City, one meeting with Juventus, and airing the dirty laundry in public. I get he'd won the Conference League and CWC, but the Maresca lawn was patchy at best.
In a long list of bad decisions made by BlueCo, parting ways with Maresca is far, far, far from the worst.
11 May 2026 12:13:23
Alonso or Iraola for me, with a slight preference for Alonso.
Jose looks destined for a return to Madrid, but I'd definitely take him over some of the other options! Xx.
09 May 2026 11:41:42
Didn't Felipe Luis move back to Atletico after one season because he was homesick and didn't like life in England?
09 May 2026 08:45:14
He'll have to be the second coming, Tom, because if we appoint him, the majority of fans will see it as more of the same - nothing changing and the ownership accepting we're a mid table club with a mid table coach.
It'll get a very negative response, and he won't just have to start off fantastically well to avoid a toxic atmosphere, he'll have to start that way to get out of what will remain a toxic atmosphere.