Van Gaal v Mourinho: Master v Apprentice (feat. Feliks)

Amazing start for your story.
Very nice idea, and great updates.
Good luck to both of you

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Even as the title-defending manager, Jose Mourinho will know that making no changes to his squad will spell danger for Chelsea Football Club. Constantly adding valuable and exceptional players is key to being a dynamic club and as such Mourinho should have some prime players lined up to join the London side. Here's 7 of the very best that could join Chelsea.

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Could the Colombian come back to redeem himself?

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Honourable Mention - Radamel Falcao

He had a shocker of a season at Manchester United but Chelsea of all teams know just how good he can be, harking back to the 2012 Europa League final when the Colombian striker kicked a stunning hat trick to seal the trophy for Atletico Madrid. Since injuring his knee before the World Cup however, Falcao has fallen off the pace completely and now needs a fresh start away from United and AS Monaco. Chelsea looms as an unlikely destination but with the departure of Drogba, anything is possible.

6. Antoine Griezmann

A very unlikely pick-up for Chelsea in more ways than one but Griezmann would be an outstanding transfer if it did happen. He only signed for Atletico Madrid last season however, for £24m, and therefore would cost a substantial amount more for Chelsea to sign him, considering his great start to life in Madrid. Moreover, his left wing would already be taken by Eden Hazard, forcing one of them to move - which is itself unlikely. Griezmann would be an unlikely target, but a good one nonetheless.

Expected Price - £30-40 million

5. Ricardo Rodriguez

Another signing that Chelsea probably don't necessarily 'need', considering the sterling form of their full backs Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta, but the fact of the matter is Chelsea lack a young, exciting full back for the future and really need another Ashley Cole. Ivanovic isn't getting any younger, or skilled, and with Azpilicueta being a natural right back this could mean a move for one of the world's best young left backs in Ricardo Rodriguez. He's believed to have a release fee clause of around the £23m mark which is a fair valuation of a rising star at Wolfsburg. Not very likely but again, like Griezmann, would be class.

Expected Price - £20-25 million

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Rodriguez has earned his keep with quality form for Wolfsburg

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4. Asmir Begovic

Petr Cech is all but gone, with the Chelsea legend reportedly miffed at his lack of gametime last season, and in the best interest of both him and the club it's probably best he left. This, along with the January departure of Mark Schwarzer, leaves a hole on the bench to be potentially filled by Stoke's Asmir Begovic. The underrated Bosnian has had a few good seasons with the Potters and probably deserves more than a reserved seat on the Stamford Bridge bench, but a spot in a title winning squad is hard to turn down. Could well be on his way in the coming weeks if Cech does go.

Expected Price - £5-10 million

3. Paul Pogba

Bigger clubs than Chelsea have their eye on the talented French youngster after an eye-opening 2014/15 campaign with Juventus. If Mourinho can pay the reported £60m+ pricetag, he'll have to fend off Real Madrid and Barcelona as well because young Pogba is a wanted man. Would be a brilliant signing and one for well into the future as well, with his long shots being a particular feature, and an XI with Costa, Hazard, Fabregas and Pogba would be simply devastating to watch.

Expected Price - £50-70 million

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Pogba is attracting the ire of multiple clubs

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2. Gonzalo Higuain

The ex-Real striker has continued his form at Napoli, becoming one of Europe's top strikers and with the decline of Falcao he has a genuine claim to being one of the top 4 in the world, along with Suarez, Aguero and Lewandowski. He could add a wealth of experience to the Chelsea squad, including 3 La Liga titles and a World Cup final, and would form a lethal striker partnership with the more creative Diego Costa. Higuain would cost big bucks but could be worth it with the 20+ goals he'd bring.

Expected Price - £40-50 million

1. John Stones

The number one player Chelsea need to sign is John Stones, Everton centre back. He has proven himself to be a fantastic prospect, capable of performing in the Premier League now, and Chelsea fans everywhere are calling for his signature. A level-headed, 6 foot 2 inch, homegrown centre back. Sound familiar? One of Stones' only potential pitfalls will be the shoes he will need to fill, the biggest shoes of all - John Terry's - but he is a player with a lot of potential, and if anyone can go on to become the next great defender at Stamford Bridge, it's John Stones.

Expected Price - £25-35 million

Could Terry be looking at his replacement?

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Mourinho in charge at Chelsea... this story is so unrealistic!

Memphis signs off on his new contract with Louis van Gaal

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Dutch livewire Memphis has officially joined Manchester United on a 4 year deal first morning. United’s first signing of the season joined from PSV Eindhoven for a reported £26m after signing off on his terms on the 8th of May. The Dutchman has asked to be referred to as ‘Memphis,’ dropping his family name of Depay. After a stellar season at PSV in which he netted 22 goals in just 30 games, much is expected of the 21 year old who is capable playing on the wing or up front. Many United fans have compared Memphis to United icon Cristiano Ronaldo in his early seasons due to his ability on the ball, speed, goal scoring ability, and total self-confidence. After confirming the signing, van Gaal revealed that “United were forced” to sign Memphis after the young Dutchman reportedly had offers from Tottenham, Liverpool, and PSG on the table. Memphis has stated his desire to work with his compatriot, Louis van Gaal, was a major influence in his decision to pick United following the strong relationship they built during the 2014 World Cup in the Netherlands camp. Memphis revealed his delight on signing for United in an interview with MUTV:

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“This is a dream come true for me; to play for the biggest club in the world and also to have the chance to work with someone who I believe is the best manager in the world, Louis van Gaal. I have great belief in my ability and I work hard to strive to achieve my dreams.” - Memphis

"...Tonight, the Olympiastadion will be the centre of Europe. One team will leave Berlin the treble winner, one will have to remain content with the domestic double. Two managers in their first season in change of their respective clubs, silencing their early season critics. One of the greatest midfielders of his generation in his farewell game, against the best of the next generation. The most clinical forward combination in Spanish football history, against a legendary keeper. Whichever you want to look at it, whichever subplot you prefer, the UEFA Champions Final between FC Barcelona and Juventus this evening will be gripping entertainment.

Let's go through the starting line-ups."


"For Barcelona, we have ter Stegen in goals, given the nod ahead of Claudio Bravo, and then the classic defensive four - Alves, Pique, Mascherano and Alba. Sergio Busquets will sit in front of them, assisting Rakitic and Iniesta in midfield - Xavi will sit on the bench in his final game for Barca. And there's no prizes for guessing the front 3 - Lionel Messi on the right, Neymar on the left, and Luis Suarez up front."


"And now the underdogs, Juventus. Gianluigi Buffon will start in goals as he's done for 14 years, with Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci and Patrice Evra to be his defensive four. Andrea Pirlo, playing his last game for Juventus, will be the defensive midfielder in a 4-4-2 narrow diamond, with the centre mids being Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba. Arturo Vidal will play high up the pitch in an attacking midfield role and then Tevez and Morata will start at the front."


"...Messi switches the play to Jordi Alba on the edge of the area, he plays it first time to Neymar in the box! Neymar squares up Barzagli, he plays it short to Iniesta who’s broken into the box at pace! He only has one to beat! He squares it to Rakitić with only Buffon in his way! Goal! Ivan Rakitić with the goal after just 3 minutes played. That’s Barcelona’s first shot! Juventus with a terrible start now have it all to do."


"...Marchisio with a an ingenious backheel has put Lichtsteiner in down the right! He rolls it to Tevez! Tevez on the half turn! ter Stegen parries! Morata is all alone! Goal! A simple tap in for the former Real Madrid man has the Italians level! Perfect positioning from Morata! The man who was told he wasn’t good enough for Madrid now has a Champions League Final goal to his name as the Juve fans go crazy!"


"...Rakitić brings the ball forward from his own half. He finds Messi on halfway, Messi has space to run into. Messi. Messi beats his man on the edge of the area, he shoots! Buffon saves! It’s fallen straight to Suárez! He buries it into the open net! Barcelona have the lead again minutes after going level! The vaults the advertising boarding and celebrates in front of the Barca fans behind the goal! It’s Suárez‘s goal, but Messi deserves most of the credit."


"...Piqué heads the ball clear of his penalty area. Juve have committed bodies forward. Messi plays it to Neymar, he’s onside! Neymar’s one on one with Pogba! He plays is to Pedro. Pedro comes back inside, plays it back to Neymar! Pogba is all at sea! Neymar takes a touch! He shoots! Goal! Straight into the far corner! That will do it! Barcelona are kings of Europe once again!"

@Murtagh: Thanks mate! Really appreciate it!

@Griffo: Looks like it'll be van Gaal next IRL....

screw Barca damn it

Amazing update on the CL final
Memphis really comes from a great season, wow. I hope he does well for you.

I wonder if the CL final update was done only to spice up the thread with another great update or it'll have a direct effect on the updates in you two's stock. Looking great so far.

Great update on the Champions League Final, some great detail already!

United Finalise Pre-season Fixtures

Manchester United will compete in the 2015 International Champions Cup on the West Coast of the United States as presented by Aon for 14 days. Over the 2 weeks, United will play 4 matches in 4 different stadiums.

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United's first match will see them face MLS side, Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on July 14th.

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On July 18th, United will travel to Arizona to play Sporting Kansas City at the University of Phoenix Stadium.

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United then travel to California to face their first of two European heavyweight opponents. Current UEFA Champions League holders, FC Barcelona will surely be a strong test for Manchester United when they meet on July 22nd.

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Finally, a match against Paris Saint-Germain at the iconic Rose Bowl will conclude the ICC in the U.S.A when they and United meet on July 26th.

Those graphics are lovely!

Chelsea FC will be off to Australia for their pre-season tour, commencing on the 8th of July 2015 with 5 games across 3 cities as part of the International Champions Cup. Teams as varied as FC Porto and Brisbane Roar will be their opponents in a tour that is expected to draw bumper crowds.

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Chelsea's pre-season kicks off against one of Australia's biggest clubs, Melbourne Victory, at one of the world's best stadiums. The Melbourne Cricket Ground should see close to 80,000 pack the stands to watch the Premier League winners on the 8th of July.

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Brisbane Roar are the next hosts, with Chelsea travelling 1600 kilometres north to play at Suncorp Stadium on the 11th of July. The Roar are one of Australia's most successful sides and the clash should be a good one.

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Sydney FC and Chelsea FC can draw a lot of comparisons, being the biggest clubs in the biggest cities of their respective countries and having a reputation for being a bit 'classier' than their competition. Australia's 'Bling FC' take on the Blues on the 15th of July in a big match at ANZ Stadium.

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Chelsea's first European opponents are Spanish heavyweight Atletico de Madrid, with the two clubs travelling to Melbourne to start the official International Champions Cup on the 19th of July. An even bigger crowd than the earlier MCG match is expected as Fernando Torres faces his old club.

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The last date on the tour is the 22nd of July, where ANZ Stadium lays host to another thrilling game between FC Porto and Chelsea. The Portuguese outfit should be a good challenge for Chelsea heading into the season.

Interesting pre season's for both clubs. Love the graphics by the way guys A+ presentation!

Love the story although I hope you both fight either for relegation or for the second place behind the mighty Arsenal ;-)