Yeah, one other thing I meant to say about Alonso. Whether we reinforce that position or not (I think we should/will - we have had no injury concerns), Alonso has earned the right to start int hat position until he is dethroned. And that includes Champions League. He has played against some of the best right sided players and usually shuts them all down.
Hmm, would he do that in the not-last game of the season? I saw the wave, but I just thought he knew someone in the crowd. I wouldnt be surprised if he moved, either. Would be great if he stayed and we reinforced anyway. Why wasnt Michy even on the bench!?
i saw that wave and almost commented at the time. it was certainly strange and looked like a possible goodbye to me. of course we could all be reading more into it than it warrants but that's certainly not his normal celebration. it's a shame, he's got a few more years of top class in him if he wants it. though i imagine, it's hard to turn down being set for life if the rumors are true. we'll have to wait and see what happens. he certainly looked up for this past game though.
It used to be 10. I looked it up and it appears Ivan made 13 league appearances before leaving so he'll collect his third medal. Since the Russian league ends on the 21st it would be nice if he had a seat in the stands for the Final and a spot on a bus for a parade in the event we take care of business.
He's has improved as the season progressed and while we do need depth behind him I'd look more for a bench player than someone to come in and force him to bench.
noodles wouldn't be a bad wingback option honeslty. though i'm in for someone more proven as well. and noodles has to recover first anyway.
That he wasn't necessarily first choice at his loan club is problematic....but I agree, wingback suits him much better than fullback.
yea agreed Nice, Rahmen's failings as a LB could be an asset as a LWB. that's the thought there. working with Conte could help him a lot as well. not saying he's THE solution either. just a possible one that wouldn't cost money and has some merits worth thinking about. we know he's quick and athletic and likes getting down and putting in crosses. as for Kenedy, i'm not sure what his future is, but i still see him as a good option for an inverted RF. the question mark being at what level of course.
Unlike Jose, Conte will give him a legitimate look. Amazing how he had the know-how to take two deadline day signings (Luiz, Alonso) and someone who has been stuck in loan limbo (Victor) to transform our defense entirely.. I have pretty high hopes for what he'll be able to accomplish this summer in terms of getting who he really wants as well as what he sees in players we do have that no one else does.
"Chelsea manager Antonio Conte told me that he wants his team to be very defensive, but I am a rather offensive full back," he told German newspaper Ruhr Nachrichten. "So I would have had very little playing time. Conte advised me to leave on loan. We will see what happens after this season." I think they're probably fine.