The 2018-2019 Football Thread

[Scepticalscribe]

He must be wearing his lucky waistcoat!

Well, I have an awful lot of time (and respect) for him; irrespective of results, (and yes, they matter, yes, enormously), I like his courtesy, his decency, his dignity, his class, his grace, (sympathising with the players who ha missed penalties against England - that is class), his personal priorities (encouraging a player during the WC to be with his wife who was giving birth), his whole mindset, and his understated classy professionalism.

What a wonderful role model, as a man and as a manager.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Well, I have an awful lot of time (and respect) for him; irrespective of results, (and yes, they matter, yes, enormously), I like his courtesy, his decency, his dignity, his class, his grace, (sympathising with the players who ha missed penalties against England - that is class), his personal priorities (encouraging a player during the WC to be with his wife who was giving birth), his whole mindset, and his understated classy professionalism.

What a wonderful role model, as a man and as a manager.

Agree. But the results are mostly going his way. Like tonight’s excellent 1-3 at the moment. Would be an impressive result at home. Even more so away from home.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Agree. But the results are mostly going his way. Like tonight’s excellent 1-3 at the moment. Would be an impressive result at home. Even more so away from home.

The results are going his way partly because of his intelligent and simpatico man management, (Mr Mourinho, do, please, take note). He has managed to create a passionate and motivated team from these players who will actually play together fairly infrequently.

Reading interviews, it is clear that his players respect, and perhaps, at times, almost revere him; he asks for their input, trains them, motivates them, understands what makes them tick, listens to them, talks to them, gives them responsibility, instructs them, builds up their confidence, but also insists on the best from them - as players and as people - both on and off the pitch (astonishingly, there were no scandals whatsoever during this world cup from the England camp).
[doublepost=1539636253][/doublepost]I have thought that Spain would claw back two at least, - their performance in the second half merited this, at least - but England did exceptionally well to hold out for the win.

 

[Apple fanboy]

The results are going his way partly because of his intelligent and simpatico man management, (Mr Mourinho, do, please, take note). He has managed to create a passionate and motivated team from these players who will actually play together fairly infrequently.

Reading interviews, it is clear that his players respect, and perhaps, at times, almost revere him; he asks for their input, trains them, motivates them, understands what makes them tick, listens to them, talks to them, gives them responsibility, instructs them, builds up their confidence, but also insists on the best from them - as players and as people - both on and off the pitch (astonishingly, there were no scandals whatsoever during this world cup from the England camp).
[doublepost=1539636253][/doublepost]I have thought that Spain would claw back two at least, - their performance in the second half merited this, at least - but England did exceptionally well to hold out for the win.

The results are going his way partly because of his intelligent and simpatico man management, (Mr Mourinho, do, please, take note). He has managed to create a passionate and motivated team from these players who will actually play together fairly infrequently.

Reading interviews, it is clear that his players respect, and perhaps, at times, almost revere him; he asks for their input, trains them, motivates them, understands what makes them tick, listens to them, talks to them, gives them responsibility, instructs them, builds up their confidence, but also insists on the best from them - as players and as people - both on and off the pitch (astonishingly, there were no scandals whatsoever during this world cup from the England camp).
[doublepost=1539636253][/doublepost]I have thought that Spain would claw back two at least, - their performance in the second half merited this, at least - but England did exceptionally well to hold out for the win.

No I enjoyed reading about the football rather than bust ups, wags and drinking by players. We were the better team for it for sure.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

No I enjoyed reading about the football rather than bust ups, wags and drinking by players. We were the better team for it for sure.

He treated his players with respect, and expected this respect from them in return, respect for him, for the jersey, for the competition, for themselves; there were no "in groups" - all were a part of the team.

Wives and partners were respected and included - there were no "wags", or stupid nights out, of fights, or awful behaviour, but families, he team, the country, the jersey, the competition, were all respected.

And they reached the semi-finals. Their best achievement (along with 1990) since 1966.

As I said a few posts ago, Mr Mourinho, if you want to learn how to create a team where people (including stars) play for one another, and play as a unit with a vision they understand, knowing they won't be thrown under the bus if something goes wrong, you could learn from the understated grace, decency, dignity and class - and sheer professionalism - of Gareth Southgate.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

High point of the match - Eric Dier absolutely cleaning out Dirty Ramos with a perfectly legal tackle, for which he was wrongly booked.

A ruthless counterattacking first half from England (the importance of Pickford's distribution cannot be overstated), followed by a desperate late defense. Pickford should probably have been penalized for dragging back an opponent in the box, but got lucky. Dirty Ramos with another trademark late goal but it did not matter.

Spain are a very good team - better than England - so for England to win this match in Spain is arguably a bigger achievement than anything they did at the World Cup this summer. This result leaves the Nations League group wide open, so an exciting result for a neutral.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

High point of the match - Eric Dier absolutely cleaning out Dirty Ramos with a perfectly legal tackle, for which he was wrongly booked.

A ruthless counterattacking first half from England (the importance of Pickford's distribution cannot be overstated), followed by a desperate late defense. Pickford should probably have been penalized for dragging back an opponent in the box, but got lucky. Dirty Ramos with another trademark late goal but it did not matter.

Spain are a very good team - better than England - so for England to win this match in Spain is arguably a bigger achievement than anything they did at the World Cup this summer. This result leaves the Nations League group wide open, so an exciting result for a neutral.

Agree that Pickford was both excellent and extraordinarily lucky not to have been both penalised and received a card.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Interesting match between France and Germany. Neither of the two penalties should have been given, in my opinion. Germany looked dominant for much of the first half, and created a couple chances.

France grew into the match, however, and it all ended up being pretty tight. France just edged it. Griezmann's headed goal was world class, Hernanfez fired a really flat, fast cross and Griezmann used the pace to beat Neuer.

Bad times for Germany, but they still have a deep talent pool and a young squad.

Agree that Pickford was both excellent and extraordinarily lucky not to have been both penalised and received a card.

The ref's angle on the Pickford scuffle in the box looked not so bad...but when you see the reverse angle it's an obvious foul.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Chelsea, having scored first and reaching half time ahead courtesy of their early lead, conceded two to Manchester United in the second half, but clawed back an equaliser in the sixth minute of extra time.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Another circus around Mourinho. He was provoked, to be sure, but made a bit of an ass of himself as well. Sarri handled the incident professionally. The photo of Marco Ianni taunting Mou is brilliant:

Another ground-out win for Liverpool. At the moment they are miles off the pace in terms of form comapred with Man City and Chelsea. But Mo scored, and that's encouraging.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Another circus around Mourinho. He was provoked, to be sure, but made a bit of an ass of himself as well. Sarri handled the incident professionally. The photo of Marco Ianni taunting Mou is brilliant:

Another ground-out win for Liverpool. At the moment they are miles off the pace in terms of form comapred with Man City and Chelsea. But Mo scored, and that's encouraging.

Agreed; but, in order to be in a position to challenge for the title, Liverpool need to be able to ground out unspectacular wins, as well as winning in style when the team are playing to the best of their abilities.

Those legendary teams of Alex Ferguson won more than their fair share of tedious 1-0 victories en route to trophies and titles - a fact forgotten about during the celebrations.

Actually, I think Sarri handled it extremely well, defusing matters by apologising and accepting blame, when, two were to blame.

As usual, though, Mourinho made the story about himself.

 

[Silencio]

As much as I don't mind piling on Mourinho these days, the behavior of Marco Ianni was bang out of order. Everyone did well to quickly apologize and move on afterwards, though.

In other news, United came soooo close to taking three points at the Bridge, which they never do under the best of circumstances. Seems like the vibes have improved quite a bit, with putative cast-off Anthony Martial on red hot form and apparently interested in signing a new contract whether Mourinho stays or not. There are more stiff tests to come (Juventus on Tuesday night and a run of challenging matches in the league culminated in City away), and I wouldn't be surprised to see everything fall apart again.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

As much as I don't mind piling on Mourinho these days, the behavior of Marco Ianni was bang out of order. Everyone did well to quickly apologize and move on afterwards, though.

In other news, United came soooo close to taking three points at the Bridge, which they never do under the best of circumstances. Seems like the vibes have improved quite a bit, with putative cast-off Anthony Martial on red hot form and apparently interested in signing a new contract whether Mourinho stays or not. There are more stiff tests to come (Juventus on Tuesday night and a run of challenging matches in the league culminated in City away), and I wouldn't be surprised to see everything fall apart again.

As was Mourinho's livid response, and his comments afterwards - making it all about himself, as per usual.

However, I must say that Sarri defused it exceptionally well and handled it graciously and promptly by making an apology, accepting responsibility (Chelsea weren't alone) and obliging Marco Ianni to tender an apology also.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

As much as I don't mind piling on Mourinho these days, the behavior of Marco Ianni was bang out of order. Everyone did well to quickly apologize and move on afterwards, though.

Ianni was clearly to blame for taunting Mourinho, and Sarri handled the incident professionally. As Scepticalscibe mentioned, Mourinho's comments afterwards were classic Mourinho spin, but for once he wasn't the aggressor.

A draw at Chelsea is certainly not a bad result. Juventus should be a much tougher match, however. There is no doubt that Mourinho's squad has the talent to be much further up the table; the question is where he can/will motivate the players and employ them to best effect,.

The rumor is that, despite his toxic departure from Real Madrid, Florentino Perez is personally fond of Mourinho and would not be against him returning. The hapless turncoat Lopetegui will be fired soon, so there will be an opening....sounds unlikely, but there are few high-profile managers free at the moment...

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Ianni was clearly to blame for taunting Mourinho, and Sarri handled the incident professionally. As Scepticalscibe mentioned, Mourinho's comments afterwards were classic Mourinho spin, but for once he wasn't the aggressor.

A draw at Chelsea is certainly not a bad result. Juventus should be a much tougher match, however. There is no doubt that Mourinho's squad has the talent to be much further up the table; the question is where he can/will motivate the players and employ them to best effect,.

The rumor is that, despite his toxic departure from Real Madrid, Florentino Perez is personally fond of Mourinho and would not be against him returning. The hapless turncoat Lopetegui will be fired soon, so there will be an opening....sounds unlikely, but there are few high-profile managers free at the moment...

I've read rumours - in a number of different articles - that Lopetegui (well, after the manner of his departure from the managing the Spanish national side last summer I doubt that there will be much residual sympathy for him) will be fired in the near future, and that Real Madrid would not be averse to Mourinho's return.

The fact that Mourinho himself felt obliged to make a statement (cited in today's Guardian) to the effect that he will see out his Manchester United contract suggests to me that there may well have been some truth in the fact that Real Madrid made overtures to him.

Mind you, other articles attempted to pour cold water on suggestions that Saudi business interests with links to the Saudi Royal Family (in pretty hot water diplomatically and otherwise these days for different reasons) had approached the Glazers offering to buy out their interest in Manchester United.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Damn.

Arsenal trailing by one goal to nil against Leicester, a goal score on the half hour.

Edit: And pulled one back (thank you, Ōzil) just before half time.

 

[Alphazoid]

Surprising captain's performance from Özil after a difficult start.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Surprising captain's performance from Özil after a difficult start.

Actually, an excellent performance from Ōzil after an underwhelming start.

And an Arsenal victory, beating Leicester 3-1 comfortably enough in the end.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Emery is on the right track. If he keeps the team winning like this it will be a remarkably successful transition from the Wenger era, the exact opposite of the post-Ferguson years at Man United.

Still to early to judge of course, but so far so good.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Emery is on the right track. If he keeps the team winning like this it will be a remarkably successful transition from the Wenger era, the exact opposite of the post-Ferguson years at Man United.

Still to early to judge of course, but so far so good.

The big difference being Wenger stayed too long and handed over a team not used to winning.
Ferguson built several teams, and although they weren’t his best team, they were still very much considered a top team when he left.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Emery is on the right track. If he keeps the team winning like this it will be a remarkably successful transition from the Wenger era, the exact opposite of the post-Ferguson years at Man United.

Still to early to judge of course, but so far so good.

Agreed.

The big difference being Wenger stayed too long and handed over a team not used to winning.
Ferguson built several teams, and although they weren’t his best team, they were still very much considered a top team when he left.

No.

Wenger failed to address defensive frailties and problems; however, his teams always had the potential to perform well in attack.

Thus far, I am impressed with what Emery has managed to communicate to - and achieve with - his team.

But yes, early days yet.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

The big difference being Wenger stayed too long and handed over a team not used to winning.
Ferguson built several teams, and although they weren’t his best team, they were still very much considered a top team when he left.

Man Utd were gifted one of the best managers ever to work within the English game, but the post-Ferguson years demonstrate just how much of that success really did come down to Ferguson himself. Without him they are just another rich club who hired Mourinho.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Man Utd were gifted one of the best managers ever to work within the English game, but the post-Ferguson years demonstrate just how much of that success really did come down to Ferguson himself. Without him they are just another rich club who hired Mourinho.

Correct.

And the two really troubling things about Mourinho - apart form his corrosively negative and extraordinarily egotistical personality - are his inability to craft a team from some supremely talented individuals, and his inability to bring out the best - or to develop - the incredible talent at his disposal.

Players rarely emerge from a period of time under Mourinho better players, more developed more confident, than they were when they first joined whatever team Mourinho was managing at that time.

The World Cup gave us several examples of players who thrived when playing under someone other than him.

 

[Silencio]

Poor lineup from Mourinho, Matic left totally exposed in midfield. Whither Fred, Pereira, Herrera, etc?

Pogba incredibly unlucky to not score that equalizer, though.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

I was going to say that Mourinho, even now, seems to be able to get a result in the big matches. Didn't happen against Juve though.

It's easy to slam Mourinho, and I think he deserves it, but the fact remains that this is only partially his fault. Man Utd have all the money they need to win trophies, but they've spent it terribly and built...what?....with it.

Meanwhile, Klopp faces a winnable but by no means easy match in the CL today. Injuries in the squad, Fabinho gets his second start.