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The 2014-2015 Football Thread
- Thread starter Jaffa Cake
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Blimey - Philipp Lahm's lip prints haven't even been wiped off the World Cup and the new season is already upon us!
Champions League qualifiers are being played this very evening, transfers are flying around all over the place and the world waits with baited breath as Paul McShane prepares to make his European debut.
The draw has been made, and here's what we have to look forward to...
Off you go, chaps.
where you been mate?
and what was up with the scarves at white hart lane?
Btw. Bayern (men) lost its 5th game in a row. I am happy for Freiburg, that after all the sort of bad luck (defeated in late minutes or wrong referee decisions) won against the "almighty" Bayern with 2:1.
PS: I said that in women's CL next year there was Bayern and Wolfsburg, but Frankfurt, if they win this year against PSG. Well, they won with a nice goal in the 92min. with almost like the tip of the toe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIQRbg4lLt0 (PSG had been playing lame all the match through, really their own fault).
The negative part of the win: yet another German national team player had been injured (Simone Laudehr, 87min.!) bend/torn knee strain. It is possible, that she can play in the mid of June, when WC starts, but not sure. Looks, as if there can't be a German (both teams) preparation for a WC without a growing injury list.
Another player withdrew from the list yesterday, because of being pregnant. (After having made a new 3 year contract with PSG, but it seems she even told PSG, that she "in the future" wishes to have a baby. Don't know, if PSG knew it would come this soon and were just nice to her, giving her a new contract or not.)
Heh, that looks rather funny or cute. Playing with the ball and having styled hair. Now I want one of the clubs near the sea having a sea lion playing with a ball.
PS: I said that in women's CL next year there was Bayern and Wolfsburg, but Frankfurt, if they win this year against PSG. Well, they won with a nice goal in the 92min. with almost like the tip of the toe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIQRbg4lLt0 (PSG had been playing lame all the match through, really their own fault).
The negative part of the win: yet another German national team player had been injured (Simone Laudehr, 87min.!) bend/torn knee strain. It is possible, that she can play in the mid of June, when WC starts, but not sure. Looks, as if there can't be a German (both teams) preparation for a WC without a growing injury list.
Another player withdrew from the list yesterday, because of being pregnant. (After having made a new 3 year contract with PSG, but it seems she even told PSG, that she "in the future" wishes to have a baby. Don't know, if PSG knew it would come this soon and were just nice to her, giving her a new contract or not.)
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Heh, that looks rather funny or cute. Playing with the ball and having styled hair. Now I want one of the clubs near the sea having a sea lion playing with a ball.
immedidately thought of Pescara*... but no ball.
*former F1 driver Jarno Trulli's home town side but he doesn't follow football
now i am cheating on this one cos i didn't know about this club before hand(i like to work from prior knowledge). i googled it:
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god, i hope mané stays on jaffa's bench...
where has @Jaffa Cakes been? and what was up with the HCAFC scarves at white hart lane scandal?
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I think you should see what happened two days ago in Polish Ekstraklasa League.
Absolute stunner!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XARivCVlX9s&app=desktop
Absolute stunner!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XARivCVlX9s&app=desktop
Do you guys think David de Gea will go to Madrid? As a casual United fan, it would suck to see him go, but looking at it from his perspective..he'd be able to play with and against some of the best players not in the world, but ever (e.g. messi/ronaldo) Plus he'd have a better lifestyle/be close to family.
I mean, its not like he's playing under Ferguson anymore. Honestly at this point, I think it would be a no brainer to go to Real.
I mean, its not like he's playing under Ferguson anymore. Honestly at this point, I think it would be a no brainer to go to Real.
Seems like its inevitable. Especially with LvG's post-match interview today. He virtually confirmed he would leave.
Thats the problem with having top Spanish players in your squad. They can't seem to resist the homing beacons of Madrid or Barca when the time comes.
Has United's season really been a success? £200m spent and only stumbled on to top 4 with no trophies. Yet everyone seems to be content with that. Even the media.
Everyone seems to be saying next season will be the season but who are they going to buy? Fellaini and Young will be dealt with by the better teams in the league and in Europe. Pogba won't happen, Bale wants to prove himself, Carrick is ageing and becoming injury prone, Rooney is approaching the wrong side of 30. Falcao is all but gone, RvP is all but over, De Gea looks to be headed for the exit. They need at least 4 top-level players, and they're no longer the only ones with money.
Chelsea are in the best position in that they need little if any, Arsenal arguably second. United, Liverpool, and City have a lot of work to do.
Thats the problem with having top Spanish players in your squad. They can't seem to resist the homing beacons of Madrid or Barca when the time comes.
Has United's season really been a success? £200m spent and only stumbled on to top 4 with no trophies. Yet everyone seems to be content with that. Even the media.
Everyone seems to be saying next season will be the season but who are they going to buy? Fellaini and Young will be dealt with by the better teams in the league and in Europe. Pogba won't happen, Bale wants to prove himself, Carrick is ageing and becoming injury prone, Rooney is approaching the wrong side of 30. Falcao is all but gone, RvP is all but over, De Gea looks to be headed for the exit. They need at least 4 top-level players, and they're no longer the only ones with money.
Chelsea are in the best position in that they need little if any, Arsenal arguably second. United, Liverpool, and City have a lot of work to do.
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Do you work for the BBC? Every time they mention Memphis they inflate the price, waiting for the record fee headline.
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Seems De Gea's penis is pointing to Madrid. If the figures quoted are correct, keep him for the season then let him go on a free.
As for Manchester United, expected 3rd at the start of the season but given the injuries plus playing RVP and Falcao for too long, 4th is a decent result. Easily deserve a top 4 finish. The good luck thing is nonsense from the media; Chelsea won 3 matches because the keepers threw away the games but we are supposed to ignore it and just look at the start of the season.
Also decent from Arsenal given their walking wounded.Next season:
Manchester United plan to bring in at least 4 or 5 players - RB, CB, CM, WF, STK - they already have 1. Of course, they may have to find a keeper - good with his feet. I expect them to work on finishing teams; the midfield better with the final pass - spotting it/quicker playing it - and someone deadlier on the end. With a new RB and CB they will work on making sure the keeper isn't player of the year
. I also expect them to work on stamina, the FA Cup game v Arsenal and the match yesterday highlighted it; had the 1st half in the cup and 60 minutes on Sunday then the legs started to go. As for being content; the general passing, possession, and team spirit have improved to a high level, and I'm confident they will add the players to have a faster team with stronger defence and better strike force. Who will be signed? I don't know and neither do the UK Press since Moyes left. Manchester United aren't the only ones with money but they have it and are more decisive with LVG.
Rest of the season; hope they play the juniors.
Cheers,
OW
Nope. It's common knowledge. £150m last summer and £50m or so the previous. Doubt you bought Depay for £15m either.
There's a lot of players to be bought but I guess having CL football will increase your bargaining power now.
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Fair enough, I thought you were using the 200 as the figure for last summer.
The amount for Memphis from the Netherlands is Euros 27.5m plus maximum bonuses of Euro 4.5m.
CL - they have to get through the qualifier.
Cheers,
OW
The amount for Memphis from the Netherlands is Euros 27.5m plus maximum bonuses of Euro 4.5m.
CL - they have to get through the qualifier.
Cheers,
OW
Liverpool were lucky they had Suarez, Everton were lucky Manchester United had Moyes, Chelsea are lucky Manchester United aren't two years down the road, everyone else is lucky Liverpool have Brendan Rodgers - Brendan Rodgers, Sterling is lucky he doesn't feel bullied..oh..wait...
I'm beginning to think Man Utd are simply predestined for eternal success, given the way they've bounced back from the departure of Ferg despite minimal contributions from a litany of expensive players. Sometimes they play terribly, sometimes they play brilliantly. But they always win (and by that I mean they win trophies or finish in the top four - which is arguably the third biggest "trophy" an English team can win behind the league and Champions League itself).
Liverpool, on the other hand - I fear the door to success is permanently shut until someone above them collapses. Football turned into a money game and Liverpool lost years ago. FFP has simply locked the winners in at the top forever. Liverpool is no longer a club where big players want to go.
Still, if it wasn't for de Gea Man Utd would be fifth, despite Liverpool's bungling. But it's a moot point.
These two don't make any sense. Chelsea have won the league with Fergie in charge and were superior last season despite undergoing a rebuild. Also Liverpool almost won it with Brendan in charge last season.
Liverpool's players let them down. All the investment failed to provide a return and their best forward was out for most of the season.
Chelsea did the best business, followed by S'oton, then Arsenal.
United are lucky because they can pay stupendous money and get away with it. Pumping £60m out for a player, paying him £280k/w (give or take), paying another £260k/w and then benching both for large parts of the season epitomises the contemporary United. Throw money at the problem.
Starting to make Chelsea and City look like penny pinchers which i didn't think was even possible.
Interesting thing is despite the outlay, Young, Fellaini and De Gea have been your best players by a mile. Especially De Gea who has almost singlehandedly dragged you into 4th place.
People saying De Gea for Bale is a good deal is confusing to me. If De Gea leaves then United really are in trouble...unless they land Cech or Lloris. Valdes is past his sell-by date. And Phil Jones thinks this is good defending.
This summer should be fun and painful to watch at the same time. Other leagues/clubs now know 2 out of the top 4 are there for the taking and more importantly...are desperate.
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I think Man U have won 4th rather than earned 4th, despite De Gea's heroics between the sticks.
As sad as it is, Southampton were never going to be in the mix towards the end of the season, Spurs are, well, Spurs, and Liverpool replaced one of the worlds best finishers with this guy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui43ITOnF7E
As sad as it is, Southampton were never going to be in the mix towards the end of the season, Spurs are, well, Spurs, and Liverpool replaced one of the worlds best finishers with this guy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui43ITOnF7E
Funny how match winning/saving saves by Courtois and Hart are ignored.
Liverpool:
Important transfer window after their Spurs summer. Slight improvement on goals conceded but you'd think they'll be looking at competition for Mignolet and a CB. Obviously at least one 20 goals striker; seems Benteke is the latest link - a step up. Also a midfielder or two. Big players, change the manager. Then again, names is for tombstones; it's how a player performs on the pitch.
By Kariya
These two don't make any sense. Chelsea have won the league with Fergie in charge and were superior last season despite undergoing a rebuild. Also Liverpool almost won it with Brendan in charge last season.
There is truth to the team building cycle; when the strength of a team heading up to their peak is very close to a team nearer the back end of the cycle, we get a good competition then for a short period the circumstances will be beneficial for the team on the up. I think it is pushing it, daft, to call it luck, which was my point in response to the post I quoted.
Brendan in charge; Suarez.
Liverpool's players let them down. All the investment failed to provide a return and their best forward was out for most of the season.
Lucky for them Pochettino played a clueless Lamela - though the player may have just twigged - and Southampton's small squad tired.
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United are lucky because they can pay stupendous money and get away with it. Pumping £60m out for a player, paying him £280k/w (give or take), paying another £260k/w and then benching both for large parts of the season epitomises the contemporary United. Throw money at the problem.
Not the Club's hard work over the years, it's lucky old United - found a pot at the end of the rainbow. Di Maria started the season, played well, was injured, robbed, struggled to get back - his form not justifying a starting place, and ill. Falcao was a gamble that hasn't paid - though his attitude has been very good. It's funny, around the time Ferguson left everyone was harping on about how Manchester United had to spend big, they do and get accused of throwing money at the problem; which is something Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, and even Spurs and Arsenal would never do.
Starting to make Chelsea and City look like penny pinchers which i didn't think was even possible.
It's okay, Platini is about to help them.
Interesting thing is despite the outlay, Young, Fellaini and De Gea have been your best players by a mile. Especially De Gea who has almost singlehandedly dragged you into 4th place.
Fair play to Young and Fellaini for getting their heads down. Of course the Club threw money at them. Others who have jackets lined with gold who played well for most of their games include Smalling, Shaw, Herrera and Mata - the last two forming a fine partnership.
People saying De Gea for Bale is a good deal is confusing to me. If De Gea leaves then United really are in trouble...unless they land Cech or Lloris. Valdes is past his sell-by date. And Phil Jones thinks this is good defending.
Carvajal plus Bale would be okay.
De Gea would be a loss, but I expect the defence in front of the keeper to be better next season. Cech could do a Van der Sar - imagine LVG will want him to work on his feet. Lloris does the sweeping but has his Barthez moments and would cost too much. Valdes was poor in the U21 game I saw - I haven't seen a game where he has impressed - and is likely to have trouble with crosses; but he's good with his feet. They may try shopping in Germany - Leno etc. Phil Jones needs to tame his inner Park.This summer should be fun and painful to watch at the same time. Other leagues/clubs now know 2 out of the top 4 are there for the taking and more importantly...are desperate.
The price is always inflated when Manchester United knock on the door.
Cheers,
OW
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Well, I'd say neither Courtois or Hart have been Chelsea's or City's best players, where De Gea has probably been Man U's
De Gea - pure defence - he is.
Courtois - through Chelsea's performance drop in the second half of the season, I think he is up there.
They have all won points, even Mignolet. Accounting for the points maybe Manchester City finish third, maybe Courtois plus the three opposition keeper screw ups mean Arsenal are Champions. They do a table adjusted for ref decisions, there's probably someone mad enough to calculate and post a keeper version.
Cheers,
OW
Courtois - through Chelsea's performance drop in the second half of the season, I think he is up there.
They have all won points, even Mignolet. Accounting for the points maybe Manchester City finish third, maybe Courtois plus the three opposition keeper screw ups mean Arsenal are Champions. They do a table adjusted for ref decisions, there's probably someone mad enough to calculate and post a keeper version.
Cheers,
OW
what a stupid thing to say, the point im making is this years united might be top 4 but it aint much better then last years.
OW, anything substantial to DiMaria4sale rumors? Hear quite a lot of Munich fans talking about him. Didn't really follow his campaign but he had a good start at United, no? Fantasy wise at least. They'd love to see him coming to Bayern. I'm partial, but would be nice to see him in Germany after all.
united have been very fortunate to say anything else would be the words of a stupid funboy
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well said his arrogance blinds him
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well said his arrogance blinds him
twietee,
Di Maria; I don't know. PSG seem to be most mentioned. With Robben and Ribery over 30, maybe Bayern are looking to get one or two players used to the team before the old hands leave; Hazard, Di Maria, and now Sterling have been linked.
Manchester United are clearly a much better team than they were last season. As for fortunate, they are no more fortunate than any of the other top 6 sides - you can point the stick at all of them.
If you want to continue with the insults, I'm happy to trade.
Di Maria; I don't know. PSG seem to be most mentioned. With Robben and Ribery over 30, maybe Bayern are looking to get one or two players used to the team before the old hands leave; Hazard, Di Maria, and now Sterling have been linked.
Manchester United are clearly a much better team than they were last season. As for fortunate, they are no more fortunate than any of the other top 6 sides - you can point the stick at all of them.
If you want to continue with the insults, I'm happy to trade.
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