***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (4 Viewers)

[Sinn Fein]

It is just another example, though, of how dysfunctional Man United is right now - if they do not get top-4 this season, I think they could be in for a bit of a tailspin, because revenues will drop, and they have so much invested in this season alone, I don't know if the Glazer Family Trust is going to spring for another summer of unlimited spending.

 

[Sinn Fein]

You think the FA ever dicked around with SAF?

Isn't it common to wait to finalize a contract until the WP is approved? I seem to recall Suarez didn't officially sign for 3-4 days after he was in Liverpool for this reason.

I would have assumed it was the other way around - the gov't won't issue a WP until the FA signs off on the player.

 

[jonessed]

It is just another example, though, of how dysfunctional Man United is right now - if they do not get top-4 this season, I think they could be in for a bit of a tailspin, because revenues will drop, and they have so much invested in this season alone, I don't know if the Glazer Family Trust is going to spring for another summer of unlimited spending.

They make substantially more money than any other EPL team. It would take a decade of disaster to dent them beyond repair. A few years is nothing.

 

[The Gator]

It is just another example, though, of how dysfunctional Man United is right now - if they do not get top-4 this season, I think they could be in for a bit of a tailspin, because revenues will drop, and they have so much invested in this season alone, I don't know if the Glazer Family Trust is going to spring for another summer of unlimited spending.

They make substantially more money than any other EPL team. It would take a decade of disaster to dent them beyond repair. A few years is nothing.

decade's gotta start somewhere

 

[Sinn Fein]

It is just another example, though, of how dysfunctional Man United is right now - if they do not get top-4 this season, I think they could be in for a bit of a tailspin, because revenues will drop, and they have so much invested in this season alone, I don't know if the Glazer Family Trust is going to spring for another summer of unlimited spending.

They make substantially more money than any other EPL team. It would take a decade of disaster to dent them beyond repair. A few years is nothing.

They make substantially more in revenues - I am not so sure about income and/or cash flow. I know they have a ton of debt they are servicing, the new shirt deal, will be cut by 33% if they miss Champions League this year, the global brand value and merchandise sales will take a hit, if they all of a sudden settle in to a 5-6-7 (or worse) team. And, I think if these acquisitions this summer do not pan out, the Glazers will not be opening the checkbook again next summer, they are desperate not to fall out of the top-4 right now, so they are green-lighting anything LVG puts in front of them. Next summer, will be the time to step back and evaluate - and the leadership team right now does not inspire a lot of confidence...

 

[The Z Machine]

The season is young, SF. I don't think the wheels have fallen off yet.

 

[Sinn Fein]

The season is young, SF. I don't think the wheels have fallen off yet.

Oh, I can dream though, can't I?

Spurs are on top, Red Devils tripping over themselves, Arsenal just lost their best striker, Chelsea may have striker issues (though that impacts my fantasy team), and I can always find something wrong with Liverpool....

 

[CletiusMaximus]

You think the FA ever dicked around with SAF?

Its a pretty odd situation. Plenty of EPL transfers have involved TPO payoffs in the past with no problems, but in this case there's a very odd legal battle between Sporting and Doyen. I don't understand why the FA would hold things up over that.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

The season is young, SF. I don't think the wheels have fallen off yet.

You also didn't think that they wouldn't make Top 4 last season.

 

[jonessed]

The season is young, SF. I don't think the wheels have fallen off yet.

You also didn't think that they wouldn't make Top 4 last season.

It doesn't matter. We are talking about one of the most valuable sports teams in the world.

 

[The Z Machine]

The season is young, SF. I don't think the wheels have fallen off yet.

You also didn't think that they wouldn't make Top 4 last season.

True. And I didn't see Liverpool being in the top 4 either, but they played well and scored a lot of goals last year.But, one year does not make the demise of a franchise like Manchester United. This season is one game old. Let's see it play out some before putting the nails in the Manchester United coffin.

 

[AAABatteries]

The season is young, SF. I don't think the wheels have fallen off yet.

You also didn't think that they wouldn't make Top 4 last season.

True. And I didn't see Liverpool being in the top 4 either, but they played well and scored a lot of goals last year.But, one year does not make the demise of a franchise like Manchester United. This season is one game old. Let's see it play out some before putting the nails in the Manchester United coffin.

Give them their fun - until SAF retired they had been waiting 20 years for this.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The season is young, SF. I don't think the wheels have fallen off yet.

You also didn't think that they wouldn't make Top 4 last season.

True. And I didn't see Liverpool being in the top 4 either, but they played well and scored a lot of goals last year.But, one year does not make the demise of a franchise like Manchester United. This season is one game old. Let's see it play out some before putting the nails in the Manchester United coffin.

It is very early obviously but I bet many Man United fans were hoping for 6 points by now instead of the 1 they got when playing Swansea at home and Sunderland away. It is hard to drop points in the EPL with teams like Chelsea and City this year who might have very very strong teams.

 

[Eephus]

Rojo story keeps getting better:

Louis van Gaal’s defensive concerns could deepen after it emerged that the Premier League are yet to sign off on Marcos Rojo’s transfer, partly because of Sporting Lisbon’s involvement with funding group Doyen.

Rojo moved to United for £16million eight days ago but has not yet played for Van Gaal. It had been thought that obtaining a work permit was the only delay in his registration being ratified but Sportsmail understands that the Premier League are still processing the paperwork associated with Doyen’s claim to 75 per cent of the transfer fee.

The delay would need to be overcome by 12pm on Friday if Rojo is to be eligible for the important encounter with Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon. It is uncertain whether that will prove the case.

Eliaquim Mangala's transfer to Citeh took over a month to finalize due to financial complexities involving Sporting and Doyen. Maybe the closing window will accelerate things but it only takes one party to bring things to a grinding halt.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Odds to win it all for P3 teams (via Will Hill):

Leverkeusen: 100/1

Olympiakos: 300/1

CSKA Moscow: 300/1

Ajax: 200/1

Liverpool: 20/1

Sporting CP: 200/1

Bilbao: 50/1

Galatasaray: 150/1

 

[The Gator]

The season is young, SF. I don't think the wheels have fallen off yet.

You also didn't think that they wouldn't make Top 4 last season.

It doesn't matter. We are talking about one of the most valuable sports teams in the world.

"Under O'Leary and assistant Eddie Gray, Leeds never finished outside the top 5 in the Premier League, and secured qualification for both the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Champions League, enjoying cup runs to the semi finals of both competitions.

Under chairman Peter Ridsdale, Leeds had taken out large loans against the prospect of the share of the TV rights and sponsorship revenues from UEFA Champions League qualification and subsequent progress in the competition. However, Leeds narrowly failed to qualify for the Champions League in two successive seasons, and as a consequence did not receive enough income to repay the loans"

This is almost exactly what United are going through. The Glazers have taken money out of United. Not more than they're put in...yet, but they've leveraged United.

It won't take two years, it'll take at least 5 accompanied with spending like they are now. If they miss CL again, 30% If their adidas kit deal is gone. If they miss out again, what do their shares do?

That said, I don't see it, but it's not as far fetched as some think.

One more yer out and I think the Glazers sell while United is still a massive brand. Clear the debt, start over.

 

[The Gator]

Odds to win it all for P3 teams (via Will Hill):

Leverkeusen: 100/1

Olympiakos: 300/1

CSKA Moscow: 300/1

Ajax: 200/1

Liverpool: 20/1

Sporting CP: 200/1

Bilbao: 50/1

Galatasaray: 150/1

*Sebowski doesn't like this*

 

[SmoovySmoov]

The season is young, SF. I don't think the wheels have fallen off yet.

You also didn't think that they wouldn't make Top 4 last season.

It doesn't matter. We are talking about one of the most valuable sports teams in the world.

"Under O'Leary and assistant Eddie Gray, Leeds never finished outside the top 5 in the Premier League, and secured qualification for both the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Champions League, enjoying cup runs to the semi finals of both competitions.Under chairman Peter Ridsdale, Leeds had taken out large loans against the prospect of the share of the TV rights and sponsorship revenues from UEFA Champions League qualification and subsequent progress in the competition. However, Leeds narrowly failed to qualify for the Champions League in two successive seasons, and as a consequence did not receive enough income to repay the loans"

This is almost exactly what United are going through. The Glazers have taken money out of United. Not more than they're put in...yet, but they've leveraged United.

It won't take two years, it'll take at least 5 accompanied with spending like they are now. If they miss CL again, 30% If their adidas kit deal is gone. If they miss out again, what do their shares do?

That said, I don't see it, but it's not as far fetched as some think.

One more yer out and I think the Glazers sell while United is still a massive brand. Clear the debt, start over.

Agreed. I didn't mean that to say that United are going to completely fall off the map forever. But I don't think they make the Champions League next season, and from there.......

 

[The Gator]

That's also the reason why they're spending like this, because they know the need to get back in. Why would arguably the best coach ever NOT get backing like this when he was there? Because the Glazers had a cash cow when SAF was running it.

 

[bentley]

Odds to win it all for P3 teams (via Will Hill):

Leverkeusen: 100/1

Olympiakos: 300/1

CSKA Moscow: 300/1

Ajax: 200/1

Liverpool: 20/1

Sporting CP: 200/1

Bilbao: 50/1

Galatasaray: 150/1

Curious about who sebowski thinks is better. Saying they are the best team in pot 3 is something different than saying they belong somewhere else.

 

[jonessed]

Liverpool fans

I hate United too, but I still like to keep in touch with reality.

 

[Sebowski]

Odds to win it all for P3 teams (via Will Hill):

Leverkeusen: 100/1

Olympiakos: 300/1

CSKA Moscow: 300/1

Ajax: 200/1

Liverpool: 20/1

Sporting CP: 200/1

Bilbao: 50/1

Galatasaray: 150/1

*Sebowski doesn't like this*

Meh. Odds are always skewed towards the hipster teams. Lots of dead money coming in on them.

We'll just have to see how the games shake out. We'll know a lot more after the draw.

 

[Sebowski]

Liverpool fans

I hate United too, but I still like to keep in touch with reality.

They could get back, they could keep falling. I don't see how either is a forgone conclusion. A lot more competition these days. Especially when a sugar daddy comes along and buys HAMMERS!!!!!.

 

[Eephus]

I don't think the Leeds example is that relevant. LUFC never had the revenue streams or brand equity that MUFC has. The Glazers are heavily leveraged but they always have been. They still have the option to sell and even at their worst, it won't be at fire sale prices like Leeds did.

There are hundreds of international clubs, large and small (including Leeds today) that are closer to financial ruin than MUFC.

 

[Eephus]

Odds to win it all for P3 teams (via Will Hill):

Leverkeusen: 100/1

Olympiakos: 300/1

CSKA Moscow: 300/1

Ajax: 200/1

Liverpool: 20/1

Sporting CP: 200/1

Bilbao: 50/1

Galatasaray: 150/1

*Sebowski doesn't like this*

Meh. Odds are always skewed towards the hipster teams. Lots of dead money coming in on them.

We'll just have to see how the games shake out. We'll know a lot more after the draw.

Wm. Hill is an English book. A local team will always draw more action.

Bet Akbar Bet in Ankara is only offering 100/1 on Galatasaray.

 

[AAABatteries]

One more yer out and I think the Glazers sell while United is still a massive brand. Clear the debt, start over.

This is what will happen - I'm surprised it hasn't happened already. Some sheik or another crazy mob-tied Russian will buy them.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Odds to win it all for P3 teams (via Will Hill):

Leverkeusen: 100/1

Olympiakos: 300/1

CSKA Moscow: 300/1

Ajax: 200/1

Liverpool: 20/1

Sporting CP: 200/1

Bilbao: 50/1

Galatasaray: 150/1

*Sebowski doesn't like this*

Meh. Odds are always skewed towards the hipster teams. Lots of dead money coming in on them.

We'll just have to see how the games shake out. We'll know a lot more after the draw.

Somewhat true. If a team's getting a lot of action, the books aren't going to mitigate their liability by lowering the odds in case they do come through. That said, Pool opened in May between 20/1 and 30/1 across the board, so it's not like they were bet down from 100/1 or something.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Odds to win it all for P3 teams (via Will Hill):

Leverkeusen: 100/1

Olympiakos: 300/1

CSKA Moscow: 300/1

Ajax: 200/1

Liverpool: 20/1

Sporting CP: 200/1

Bilbao: 50/1

Galatasaray: 150/1

*Sebowski doesn't like this*

Meh. Odds are always skewed towards the hipster teams. Lots of dead money coming in on them.

We'll just have to see how the games shake out. We'll know a lot more after the draw.

Wm. Hill is an English book. A local team will always draw more action.

Bet Akbar Bet in Ankara is only offering 100/1 on Galatasaray.

Everything's online now, and gambling's legal (I think?) across all/most of Europe.

On the flip side, if anyone liked any of the other teams as much as Liverpool, they would've been bet down by now.

 

[The Gator]

Liverpool fans

I hate United too, but I still like to keep in touch with reality.

What happens if they miss the CL again? 75M/year kit deal turns into 50M, 30M missed out again from CL money, less likely to sign top players(still will, just not as easily) Chevy turns into Kia

Rooney will be 30, RVP 32, Fletcher 31, Carrick 56. Another 150M needed just to stay within reach of the top 4.

Rinse and repeat.

Like I said, they won't do a Leeds and be drooping in two years, because of their size it'll take minimum of 5 to 7. I don't see the Glazers hanging in past 2 years, though. Sell while they're still huge and United will be back

 

[The Gator]

Liverpool fans

I hate United too, but I still like to keep in touch with reality.

They could get back, they could keep falling. I don't see how either is a forgone conclusion. A lot more competition these days. Especially when a sugar daddy comes along and buys HAMMERS!!!!!.

With them getting Olympic Stadium, they could be the next "I'M AN OIL GUY AND WANT TO BUY A PL TEAM" team

 

[The Gator]

I don't think the Leeds example is that relevant. LUFC never had the revenue streams or brand equity that MUFC has. The Glazers are heavily leveraged but they always have been. They still have the option to sell and even at their worst, it won't be at fire sale prices like Leeds did.

There are hundreds of international clubs, large and small (including Leeds today) that are closer to financial ruin than MUFC.

I only mentioned it because of the extreme similarities of the paths taken. The Glazers will sell long before they have a chance to ruin United enough.

 

[Eephus]

Liverpool fans

I hate United too, but I still like to keep in touch with reality.

They could get back, they could keep falling. I don't see how either is a forgone conclusion. A lot more competition these days. Especially when a sugar daddy comes along and buys HAMMERS!!!!!.

West Ham's move to the Olympic Stadium is going to be very interesting. The lease terms don't seem that bad but the club will have to pay for some of the conversion costs. They've also been a yo-yo club during the Premier League era. A team like the Irons doesn't have a huge margin for error. A bad couple of months at a crucial time and they could find themselves in the nicest and emptiest stadium in the Championship.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

This is a very cursory opinion, but to me it seems like MU's mess has been a perfect storm of SAF leaving, United needing a fair amount of reinforcements/quality to replace older players, and Woodward's ineptitude. Perhaps most of all. Any one of those things on its own seems like it could be overcome with United's deep coffers.

 

[AAABatteries]

Odds to win it all for P3 teams (via Will Hill):

Leverkeusen: 100/1

Olympiakos: 300/1

CSKA Moscow: 300/1

Ajax: 200/1

Liverpool: 20/1

Sporting CP: 200/1

Bilbao: 50/1

Galatasaray: 150/1

Interesting - 20/1 for Pool? Honestly, that's what I would expect to see for the lower end pot 1 teams. Unless they get a favorable draw I would think that goes down. (Or is that up? I'm not good at odds).

 

[Eephus]

Odds to win it all for P3 teams (via Will Hill):

Leverkeusen: 100/1

Olympiakos: 300/1

CSKA Moscow: 300/1

Ajax: 200/1

Liverpool: 20/1

Sporting CP: 200/1

Bilbao: 50/1

Galatasaray: 150/1

*Sebowski doesn't like this*

Meh. Odds are always skewed towards the hipster teams. Lots of dead money coming in on them.

We'll just have to see how the games shake out. We'll know a lot more after the draw.

Somewhat true. If a team's getting a lot of action, the books aren't going to mitigate their liability by lowering the odds in case they do come through. That said, Pool opened in May between 20/1 and 30/1 across the board, so it's not like they were bet down from 100/1 or something.

Pot 3 & 4 teams are sucker bets to win it all. You'd be better off dumping ice on your head and donating your wager to charity.

 

[AAABatteries]

I don't think the Leeds example is that relevant. LUFC never had the revenue streams or brand equity that MUFC has. The Glazers are heavily leveraged but they always have been. They still have the option to sell and even at their worst, it won't be at fire sale prices like Leeds did.

There are hundreds of international clubs, large and small (including Leeds today) that are closer to financial ruin than MUFC.

I only mentioned it because of the extreme similarities of the paths taken. The Glazers will sell long before they have a chance to ruin United enough.

How many years did Pool go without CL?

 

[The Gator]

Odds to win it all for P3 teams (via Will Hill):

Leverkeusen: 100/1

Olympiakos: 300/1

CSKA Moscow: 300/1

Ajax: 200/1

Liverpool: 20/1

Sporting CP: 200/1

Bilbao: 50/1

Galatasaray: 150/1

Interesting - 20/1 for Pool? Honestly, that's what I would expect to see for the lower end pot 1 teams. Unless they get a favorable draw I would think that goes down. (Or is that up? I'm not good at odds).

If I'm honest, I hope Liverpool get 4th in the group and focus on retaining a top four spot next season. They aren't going to win it, one extra home game in the knockout round isn't much. Liverpool need consistent CL from here on out.

PS, I'll forget I typed this tomorrow when they get drawn in an easy group and I think they can win it

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Odds to win it all for P3 teams (via Will Hill):

Leverkeusen: 100/1

Olympiakos: 300/1

CSKA Moscow: 300/1

Ajax: 200/1

Liverpool: 20/1

Sporting CP: 200/1

Bilbao: 50/1

Galatasaray: 150/1

Interesting - 20/1 for Pool? Honestly, that's what I would expect to see for the lower end pot 1 teams. Unless they get a favorable draw I would think that goes down. (Or is that up? I'm not good at odds).

Odds to win it all for P3 teams (via Will Hill):

Leverkeusen: 100/1

Olympiakos: 300/1

CSKA Moscow: 300/1

Ajax: 200/1

Liverpool: 20/1

Sporting CP: 200/1

Bilbao: 50/1

Galatasaray: 150/1

*Sebowski doesn't like this*

Meh. Odds are always skewed towards the hipster teams. Lots of dead money coming in on them.

We'll just have to see how the games shake out. We'll know a lot more after the draw.

Somewhat true. If a team's getting a lot of action, the books aren't going to mitigate their liability by lowering the odds in case they do come through. That said, Pool opened in May between 20/1 and 30/1 across the board, so it's not like they were bet down from 100/1 or something.

Pot 3 & 4 teams are sucker bets to win it all. You'd be better off dumping ice on your head and donating your wager to charity.

If Greece can win the Euros, you don't think Olympiakos could snag it at least once if you play the CL 300 times? (That's a lot of schedule congestion)

(I bet City 12/1)

 

[Eephus]

This is a very cursory opinion, but to me it seems like MU's mess has been a perfect storm of SAF leaving, United needing a fair amount of reinforcements/quality to replace older players, and Woodward's ineptitude. Perhaps most of all. Any one of those things on its own seems like it could be overcome with United's deep coffers.

Woodward has done well on the commercial side. I realize the buck stops with him but he seems like too convenient a scapegoat for supporters who hate all things Glazer.

The drying up of their academy pipeline also hurt, particularly at the same time their senior squad was growing old. But I think youths go in cycles and it only takes 1-2 strong academy products to make the whole setup look good. They still have a well funded and organized academy that's able to attract young talent from all over the country.

 

[The Gator]

I don't think the Leeds example is that relevant. LUFC never had the revenue streams or brand equity that MUFC has. The Glazers are heavily leveraged but they always have been. They still have the option to sell and even at their worst, it won't be at fire sale prices like Leeds did.

There are hundreds of international clubs, large and small (including Leeds today) that are closer to financial ruin than MUFC.

I only mentioned it because of the extreme similarities of the paths taken. The Glazers will sell long before they have a chance to ruin United enough.

How many years did Pool go without CL?

5ish?

KEY POINT- They didn't have a positive net spend when they went out iirc. That did two things, kept them afloat a little AND THEY STILL ALOMST WENT INTO ADMINISTRATION. United had a positive net spend before they were out and now another one. Again, they can afford to do that for now....

That's why I mention the prolonged absence for United has to be accompanied by silly spending. As GPJ said, it's a crazy perfect storm...if they miss out again, they have to spend another 150+M just to be in the conversation of top 4. They have nobody they can sell for a profit or to help fund young players. Then they miss out again and the huge money signings they made want out for less then what United paid. One of the best things that happened for Liverpool was Torres turning in a transfer request. Yes, they overpaid for Carroll, but still pocketed 15M, offloaded wages long enough for Saint John Henry to come in...

i need another drink

 

[Eephus]

Odds to win it all for P3 teams (via Will Hill):

Leverkeusen: 100/1

Olympiakos: 300/1

CSKA Moscow: 300/1

Ajax: 200/1

Liverpool: 20/1

Sporting CP: 200/1

Bilbao: 50/1

Galatasaray: 150/1

Interesting - 20/1 for Pool? Honestly, that's what I would expect to see for the lower end pot 1 teams. Unless they get a favorable draw I would think that goes down. (Or is that up? I'm not good at odds).

Odds to win it all for P3 teams (via Will Hill):

Leverkeusen: 100/1

Olympiakos: 300/1

CSKA Moscow: 300/1

Ajax: 200/1

Liverpool: 20/1

Sporting CP: 200/1

Bilbao: 50/1

Galatasaray: 150/1

*Sebowski doesn't like this*

Meh. Odds are always skewed towards the hipster teams. Lots of dead money coming in on them.

We'll just have to see how the games shake out. We'll know a lot more after the draw.

Somewhat true. If a team's getting a lot of action, the books aren't going to mitigate their liability by lowering the odds in case they do come through. That said, Pool opened in May between 20/1 and 30/1 across the board, so it's not like they were bet down from 100/1 or something.

Pot 3 & 4 teams are sucker bets to win it all. You'd be better off dumping ice on your head and donating your wager to charity.

If Greece can win the Euros, you don't think Olympiakos could snag it at least once if you play the CL 300 times? (That's a lot of schedule congestion)

(I bet City 12/1)

A 16 team tournament with three single elimination knockout rounds is a lot more conducive to upsets than home & home matches in the Champions League.

 

[Slapdash]

Jpeace>hey

Can we change the thread title to ***Official Liverpool FC Discussion Thread***?

TIA

 

[The Gator]

Jpeace>hey

Can we change the thread title to ***Official Liverpool FC Discussion Thread***?

TIA

This is Untied hour, guy

 

[AAABatteries]

I have a backup plan if United go in to administration or get relegated.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/F.C._United_of_Manchester

 

[The Gator]

I have a backup plan if United go in to administration or get relegated.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/F.C._United_of_Manchester

 

[The Gator]

Slappy, if it makes you feel better I LOVE the Rayo Vallecano stadium #wall. Watching the Vallecano/Atletico game now...

Eta, the bird on field for the pregame...

 

[NewlyRetired]

http://www.espnfc.com/league-name/story/2007430/headline

English newspapers are reporting that Chelsea's star striker Diego Costa has injured his hamstring and could be out of action for up to six weeks.

Costa pulled up sore in training on Wednesday and is in doubt for Saturday's clash away at Everton.

Chelsea are waiting for further assessment on the injury before making a call on how long the Brazilian-born Spanish international may be out.

 

[Sebowski]

http://www.espnfc.com/league-name/story/2007430/headline

English newspapers are reporting that Chelsea's star striker Diego Costa has injured his hamstring and could be out of action for up to six weeks.

Costa pulled up sore in training on Wednesday and is in doubt for Saturday's clash away at Everton.

Chelsea are waiting for further assessment on the injury before making a call on how long the Brazilian-born Spanish international may be out.

He'll be fine to start and put in 3 minutes tops until he needs a sub.

 

[El Floppo]

Slappy, if it makes you feel better I LOVE the Rayo Vallecano stadium #wall. Watching the Vallecano/Atletico game now...

Eta, the bird on field for the pregame...

 

[The Z Machine]

http://www.espnfc.com/league-name/story/2007430/headline

English newspapers are reporting that Chelsea's star striker Diego Costa has injured his hamstring and could be out of action for up to six weeks.

Costa pulled up sore in training on Wednesday and is in doubt for Saturday's clash away at Everton.

Chelsea are waiting for further assessment on the injury before making a call on how long the Brazilian-born Spanish international may be out.

He'll be fine to start and put in 3 minutes tops until he needs a sub.

That might have cost Atlético their first champion's league title and given la décima to Real. They needed that sub late in the game and didn't have it.