***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (2 Viewers)

[The Gator]

I wonder regarding Bayern beating out United for Thiago whether an important factor was the choice between Pep Guardiola versus David Moyes as manager.

I'd say 92%

Pep had been his coach since he was on the B team, that had to weigh heavily.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I wonder regarding Bayern beating out United for Thiago whether an important factor was the choice between Pep Guardiola versus David Moyes as manager.

Not a done deal.

 

[T Bell]

I wonder regarding Bayern beating out United for Thiago whether an important factor was the choice between Pep Guardiola versus David Moyes as manager.

Not a done deal.

I know. I'm also not bashing on Moyes who I respect.

I'm just pointing out that Moyes is barely in the top 5 in terms of professional profiles of coaches in the PL, especially in the eyes of European players. Even AVB might arguably be regarded as having a more impressive resume than Moyes, though of course Moyes has an advantage when it comes to their respective teams.

This is a position of relative disadvantage in recruiting that United hasn't experienced for 20+ years.

 

[Christo]

17 people in the stands for Panama/Matinique

 

[Sebowski]

I wonder regarding Bayern beating out United for Thiago whether an important factor was the choice between Pep Guardiola versus David Moyes as manager.

I'd say 92%

Pep had been his coach since he was on the B team, that had to weigh heavily.

And when Pep leaves Bayern in 3yrs Thiago can go back to Barca.

 

[Premier]

17 people in the stands for Panama/Matinique

Just brutal to watch. Trying to get into it but this tournament sucks.

 

[Steve Tasker]

How's this for a monkey wrench thrown into transfer rumors - Rooney out for a month with a hamstring injury.

Barcelona's Villa for Rooney deal gets harder every day

The irony about this sort of news is that it could also be an outright lie to use as cover for him not traveling with the team during preseason as they shop him, that is if they've decided to transfer him. In short, it could mean the opposite of what you'd initially suspect, that he's leaving United instead of staying.

The silly season is painful to go through. You never know what is just blantly made up out of the blue either.

Honestly, I've stopped paying attention to it altogether. Let me know when someone has signed a contract and shown up at the team's facility holding a jersey for some paparazzi....

 

[flranger]

I'm already excited about the WC next year.

Time for a sixth title in Brasil.

Time for Germany's 4th.

Brazil's chances are greatly improved as hosts. I'd say the four favorites are Brazil, Spain, Italy and Germany.

I really think the climate could be murder for Germany. My money is on Argentina. I also have Columbia as a semi-finalist dark horse.

Having lived in Germany during two world cup years, I'm sure they view a harsh climate as an advantage. The Germans sincerely believe their training methods and fitness are so superior to the RoW that altitude, severe heat, snow, whatever, gives them an advantage or is at worst a neutral factor.

I thought the heat at RFK really hurt the Germans this summer during the friendly (to the point that their late surge seemed to be tied to being able to sub liberally).

Afterwards, I read an interview with Jermaine Jones. He said that some of his friends from the German team had given him some stink for the Honduras loss and he had told them they had no clue what the weather did to them. He said several people told him after the RFK friendly that they understood better.

It's not that I don't think the Germans are fit. I think they're very fit. But I also think that they press an awful lot. And I think any team that decides to do that five games or so is going to get worn down like the Italians got worn down in the Confed Cup. It's the one thing I disagree with Klinsmann about the American team. I normally love a pressing style, but I wouldn't do it in Brazil.

Not to be snarky, but y'all do understand that while the World Cup is in June of 2014 it will be winter in Brazil, not summer. I can't imagine heat being a major factor (unless there is some other weather factor in Brazil that I'm missing out of). Avg high temp in Sao Paulo in June is 72 with avg low of 56.

 

[T Bell]

I'm already excited about the WC next year.

Time for a sixth title in Brasil.

Time for Germany's 4th.

Brazil's chances are greatly improved as hosts. I'd say the four favorites are Brazil, Spain, Italy and Germany.

I really think the climate could be murder for Germany. My money is on Argentina. I also have Columbia as a semi-finalist dark horse.

Having lived in Germany during two world cup years, I'm sure they view a harsh climate as an advantage. The Germans sincerely believe their training methods and fitness are so superior to the RoW that altitude, severe heat, snow, whatever, gives them an advantage or is at worst a neutral factor.

I thought the heat at RFK really hurt the Germans this summer during the friendly (to the point that their late surge seemed to be tied to being able to sub liberally).

Afterwards, I read an interview with Jermaine Jones. He said that some of his friends from the German team had given him some stink for the Honduras loss and he had told them they had no clue what the weather did to them. He said several people told him after the RFK friendly that they understood better.

It's not that I don't think the Germans are fit. I think they're very fit. But I also think that they press an awful lot. And I think any team that decides to do that five games or so is going to get worn down like the Italians got worn down in the Confed Cup. It's the one thing I disagree with Klinsmann about the American team. I normally love a pressing style, but I wouldn't do it in Brazil.

Not to be snarky, but y'all do understand that while the World Cup is in June of 2014 it will be winter in Brazil, not summer. I can't imagine heat being a major factor (unless there is some other weather factor in Brazil that I'm missing out of). Avg high temp in Sao Paulo in June is 72 with avg low of 56.

They're a lot closer to the equator than the Euros are. The seasons mean a tad less there.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Brazil is a big place. RIo and Sao Paulo might not be bad, but the "winter" weather for some of the Confed Cup games last month in Recife and Salvador was in the high 80s with 70% plus humidity. Prandelli definitely thinks the weather will be a factor.

 

[Christo]

Hmm, I don't know. That was a close call on the penalty.

 

[Christo]

Oh Canada!

 

[Steve Tasker]

Canada is genuinely kicking Mexico's ### here.

 

[ffldrew]

sleazy dive by Fabian

 

[T Bell]

BS penalty awarded to Mexico. They're up 2-0 now and look confident.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Not to be snarky, but y'all do understand that while the World Cup is in June of 2014 it will be winter in Brazil, not summer. I can't imagine heat being a major factor (unless there is some other weather factor in Brazil that I'm missing out of). Avg high temp in Sao Paulo in June is 72 with avg low of 56.

That's true, but the Confed Cup was played the same time of year as the WC will be. So, where it was warm for the matches this June, it will most likely be warm next June.

 

[Native]

Real signed a u-21 spanish player whose name I can't pronounce for 38m euros! Not chump change!

 

[Ignoramus]

http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1497067/concacaf-confirms-belize-players-rejected-bribes-fix-match

Belize players rejected Gold Cup bribes

CONCACAF has confirmed that two Belize players were offered bribes to throw their opening match of the Gold Cup against the United States...

A plan so stupid, I know Aaron Hernandez is somehow involved.This would be like someone bribing Tim to "throw" a FF League.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Mundo Deportivo (via Barcastuff) saying that Pep wants to use a 3-4-3 next year.

 

[Slapdash]

Real signed a u-21 spanish player whose name I can't pronounce for 38m euros! Not chump change!

He is actually 23. They had to pay his 30 million buyout clause from Real Sociedad plus the VAT. RM is stacking up the young Spanish talent this summer. Gotta figure someone like Xabi Alonso is on his way out though.

 

[guru_007]

I love the 3-4-3. Quite a number of teams in Serie A have started using it, or a modified 3-4-1-2 and I think it opens up the game wonderfully.

I also think it is better suited for teams without two strong central defenders. It seems to me that there are a ton more available, talented wide and attacking players these days then there are central defenders.

 

[Slapdash]

Chelsea loaned out 21 year old DM Oriol Romeu to Valencia for the year.

Do the Chelseaguys think he has a future with them?

 

[Slapdash]

I love the 3-4-3. Quite a number of teams in Serie A have started using it, or a modified 3-4-1-2 and I think it opens up the game wonderfully.

I also think it is better suited for teams without two strong central defenders. It seems to me that there are a ton more available, talented wide and attacking players these days then there are central defenders.

I like the 3-4-3 at times, but don't see how it fits Bayern's talent. I guess if it isn't broke, break it anyways.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Real signed a u-21 spanish player whose name I can't pronounce for 38m euros! Not chump change!

He is actually 23. They had to pay his 30 million buyout clause from Real Sociedad plus the VAT. RM is stacking up the young Spanish talent this summer. Gotta figure someone like Xabi Alonso is on his way out though.

I assume this is Illaramendi (be kind, I'm going by memory on the spelling here)? Yet another "Arsenal target" who goes somewhere else. But hey, we're the clear leaders in singing the French U-20 team.

 

[Native]

Chelsea loaned out 21 year old DM Oriol Romeu to Valencia for the year.

Do the Chelseaguys think he has a future with them?

No future with Chelsea IMO. Former Barca youth player who Chelsea picked up but hasnt really had the chance to stand out. Hes a DM without much flair. He'll be buried behind Ramires, Mikel, Luiz and possibly De Rossi (if he joins from Roma).

 

[Slapdash]

Real signed a u-21 spanish player whose name I can't pronounce for 38m euros! Not chump change!

He is actually 23. They had to pay his 30 million buyout clause from Real Sociedad plus the VAT. RM is stacking up the young Spanish talent this summer. Gotta figure someone like Xabi Alonso is on his way out though.

I assume this is Illaramendi (be kind, I'm going by memory on the spelling here)? Yet another "Arsenal target" who goes somewhere else. But hey, we're the clear leaders in singing the French U-20 team.

Illarramendi, yes.

So far, it looks like Arsenal is going to spend another window on the sidelines. I see the English press is pretty heavy on rumors of a Cesc return though.

 

[Slapdash]

Chelsea loaned out 21 year old DM Oriol Romeu to Valencia for the year.

Do the Chelseaguys think he has a future with them?

No future with Chelsea IMO. Former Barca youth player who Chelsea picked up but hasnt really had the chance to stand out. Hes a DM without much flair. He'll be buried behind Ramires, Mikel, Luiz and possibly De Rossi (if he joins from Roma).

That's what I figured. Seems like that injury has set him back. He was always a promsing looking player, hopefully he gets back on track in Spain.

 

[Native]

Chelsea loaned out 21 year old DM Oriol Romeu to Valencia for the year.

Do the Chelseaguys think he has a future with them?

No future with Chelsea IMO. Former Barca youth player who Chelsea picked up but hasnt really had the chance to stand out. Hes a DM without much flair. He'll be buried behind Ramires, Mikel, Luiz and possibly De Rossi (if he joins from Roma).

That's what I figured. Seems like that injury has set him back. He was always a promsing looking player, hopefully he gets back on track in Spain.

Theres a contingent within the Chelsea fan base who thinks hes better than Mikel (who I personally dont rate), but the majority feel hed be a downgrade given his minimal influene in a midfield role.

 

[T Bell]

Illarramendi, yes.

So far, it looks like Arsenal is going to spend another window on the sidelines. I see the English press is pretty heavy on rumors of a Cesc return though.

Again? This was the rumor two weeks ago (also to United) but it died down.

I'd love Cesc back at the Arsenal, but with them apparently aiming to spend 50M on striker and a holding midfielder, I don't see where they'd even have enough to get Cesc too even if they felt they needed him.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Punched tickets on Juve -125, Madrid +140, and United +260.

 

[T Bell]

I wonder regarding Bayern beating out United for Thiago whether an important factor was the choice between Pep Guardiola versus David Moyes as manager.

Not a done deal.

I know. I'm also not bashing on Moyes who I respect.

I'm just pointing out that Moyes is barely in the top 5 in terms of professional profiles of coaches in the PL, especially in the eyes of European players. Even AVB might arguably be regarded as having a more impressive resume than Moyes, though of course Moyes has an advantage when it comes to their respective teams.

This is a position of relative disadvantage in recruiting that United hasn't experienced for 20+ years.

Luke Shaw snubs United (and Chelsea too) and opts to stay with Southampton. Just sayin'.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Illarramendi, yes.

So far, it looks like Arsenal is going to spend another window on the sidelines. I see the English press is pretty heavy on rumors of a Cesc return though.

In fairness, 39 million is insane. I wouldn't have paid that for him either.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I wonder regarding Bayern beating out United for Thiago whether an important factor was the choice between Pep Guardiola versus David Moyes as manager.

Not a done deal.

I know. I'm also not bashing on Moyes who I respect.

I'm just pointing out that Moyes is barely in the top 5 in terms of professional profiles of coaches in the PL, especially in the eyes of European players. Even AVB might arguably be regarded as having a more impressive resume than Moyes, though of course Moyes has an advantage when it comes to their respective teams.

This is a position of relative disadvantage in recruiting that United hasn't experienced for 20+ years.

Luke Shaw snubs United (and Chelsea too) and opts to stay with Southampton. Just sayin'.

Luke Shaw is still a teenager and will start with the Saints. He'd have no such guarantee with a big club. I don't think his decision would have been different with Sir Alex.

 

[Slapdash]

Illarramendi, yes.

So far, it looks like Arsenal is going to spend another window on the sidelines. I see the English press is pretty heavy on rumors of a Cesc return though.

In fairness, 39 million is insane. I wouldn't have paid that for him either.

Yeah, I agree.

Most transfer prices are though.

 

[T Bell]

I wonder regarding Bayern beating out United for Thiago whether an important factor was the choice between Pep Guardiola versus David Moyes as manager.

Not a done deal.

I know. I'm also not bashing on Moyes who I respect.

I'm just pointing out that Moyes is barely in the top 5 in terms of professional profiles of coaches in the PL, especially in the eyes of European players. Even AVB might arguably be regarded as having a more impressive resume than Moyes, though of course Moyes has an advantage when it comes to their respective teams.

This is a position of relative disadvantage in recruiting that United hasn't experienced for 20+ years.

Luke Shaw snubs United (and Chelsea too) and opts to stay with Southampton. Just sayin'.

Luke Shaw is still a teenager and will start with the Saints. He'd have no such guarantee with a big club. I don't think his decision would have been different with Sir Alex.

Southampton does have an excellent youth system and is of course a PL club, however United signs teens all the time, and they're one of the handful of world class clubs that not only develops them but also gives them actual opportunities to get into the first team.

It's just one data point, but I definitely have a tougher time envisioning him turning down SAF on the phone. I'm just monitoring this.

Like it or not, SAF was an era at United, and that era is finished. What exactly the future holds remains to be seen, but I really doubt SAF's retirement will have no impact on that club.

 

[The Gator]

lol

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Chelsea loaned out 21 year old DM Oriol Romeu to Valencia for the year.

Do the Chelseaguys think he has a future with them?

No future with Chelsea IMO. Former Barca youth player who Chelsea picked up but hasnt really had the chance to stand out. Hes a DM without much flair. He'll be buried behind Ramires, Mikel, Luiz and possibly De Rossi (if he joins from Roma).

That's what I figured. Seems like that injury has set him back. He was always a promsing looking player, hopefully he gets back on track in Spain.

Theres a contingent within the Chelsea fan base who thinks hes better than Mikel (who I personally dont rate), but the majority feel hed be a downgrade given his minimal influene in a midfield role.

I thought he had a few really good looks before the injury. League Cup game I think. RDM seemed to be ready to give him some play. I still have hope for him at CFC, but it is pretty crowded back there this season so a good loan is great news. Hope he gets some good minutes in Spain.

For what its worth btw, I don't see DL4 as a DM - strictly a CB for me - but we don't really know how Jose is going to play it.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I wonder regarding Bayern beating out United for Thiago whether an important factor was the choice between Pep Guardiola versus David Moyes as manager.

Not a done deal.

I know. I'm also not bashing on Moyes who I respect.

I'm just pointing out that Moyes is barely in the top 5 in terms of professional profiles of coaches in the PL, especially in the eyes of European players. Even AVB might arguably be regarded as having a more impressive resume than Moyes, though of course Moyes has an advantage when it comes to their respective teams.

This is a position of relative disadvantage in recruiting that United hasn't experienced for 20+ years.

Luke Shaw snubs United (and Chelsea too) and opts to stay with Southampton. Just sayin'.

Luke Shaw is still a teenager and will start with the Saints. He'd have no such guarantee with a big club. I don't think his decision would have been different with Sir Alex.

Yeah, he's going to be 23 when that contract ends and then primed to move to a bigger club. Seems like a win/win for Shaw and our beloved Southampton.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

lol

The popular press would have Rooney more of a wantaway than an exit door I'd say.

 

[Slapdash]

Chelsea loaned out 21 year old DM Oriol Romeu to Valencia for the year.

Do the Chelseaguys think he has a future with them?

No future with Chelsea IMO. Former Barca youth player who Chelsea picked up but hasnt really had the chance to stand out. Hes a DM without much flair. He'll be buried behind Ramires, Mikel, Luiz and possibly De Rossi (if he joins from Roma).

That's what I figured. Seems like that injury has set him back. He was always a promsing looking player, hopefully he gets back on track in Spain.

Theres a contingent within the Chelsea fan base who thinks hes better than Mikel (who I personally dont rate), but the majority feel hed be a downgrade given his minimal influene in a midfield role.

I thought he had a few really good looks before the injury. League Cup game I think. RDM seemed to be ready to give him some play. I still have hope for him at CFC, but it is pretty crowded back there this season so a good loan is great news. Hope he gets some good minutes in Spain.

For what its worth btw, I don't see DL4 as a DM - strictly a CB for me - but we don't really know how Jose is going to play it.

I would guess Jose uses him like Pepe. Normally used as CB but at times, usually against Barcelona, he would play between the backline and Alonso/Khedira.

 

[Slapdash]

Yikes.

http://www.marca.com/2013/07/11/en/football/barcelona/1373554920.html

Cardoner said that he was very surprised when he heard the statements: “I heard a clip on the radio and later I saw the whole thing and I didn’t understand it. I guess there will be an explanation about what he’s said because the relationship with us, and I’m not just talking about myself, but also about the president, has always been good. We’ve never used Tito’s illness against him and anyone who did so would be a pretty horrible person”.

http://as.com/diarioas/2013/07/12/english/1373641823_461676.html

There is the denial Pep was asking for from the club's board...

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

For those of us who are pathetic enough to follow the USMNT's youth propspects, you might remember some confusion over why Junior Flores never played for the U-17 team.

I can't really clear that up, but Steve Goff had a short piece on Flores and two other "DC raised" players (the others being the kid with Arsenal and C.J. Sapong). Flores had a goal in two assists for Dortmund in a recent friendly (the same one where Mkhixqxbzzy scored?) and has been asked to stay with the reserves instead of going to the U-19s. And Dortmund is apparently petitioning for an early work permit when he turns 17. Certainly sounds like the hottest US prospect in a long time.

 

[The Gator]

FWIW, it looks like the Jaguars owner Shad Khan is supposedly buying Fulham.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000217045/article/report-jaguars-shad-khan-in-talks-to-buy-fulham-fc

Done deal...the Stache buys Fulham

 

[Good Posting Judge]

How many EPL teams are owned by actual E's?

 

[T Bell]

How many EPL teams are owned by actual E's?

Not many these days. I think the "biggest" clubs that are English owned are Tottenham and Everton.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I'm gonna show my age (or ignorance) here. Can someone explain how a Honduras player standing 3 yards offside directly in front of the goal is "passive"? It doesn't even get a mention from announcers anymore. The goalscorer was onside but the offside player was directly in the play, charging toward goal.

 

[T Bell]

I'm gonna show my age (or ignorance) here. Can someone explain how a Honduras player standing 3 yards offside directly in front of the goal is "passive"? It doesn't even get a mention from announcers anymore. The goalscorer was onside but the offside player was directly in the play, charging toward goal.

I don't like it either. If the keeper has to account for you on the final ball, I don't see how you're not affecting the scoring play.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I'm gonna show my age (or ignorance) here. Can someone explain how a Honduras player standing 3 yards offside directly in front of the goal is "passive"? It doesn't even get a mention from announcers anymore. The goalscorer was onside but the offside player was directly in the play, charging toward goal.

I think this would have been called offside before the July 1 rule change. Now, the passive player is only offside if he touches the ball or directly screens the keeper.

I'm reasonably certain the US goal that was called back against Italy in the 2006 World Cup would be a goal now.

 

[guru_007]

It appears the loss of Jozy has really dampened the AZAlkmaar attack. They scored 7 in their last match and just put in their 6th in the 64' today.

And a good showing by Eephus' pride and joy AFC Wimbledon against a very game United club. United of Manchester that is.

I kinda like these club friendlies in the offseason. The other day Swansea thrashed some lower dutch side 10-0...putting in most of their a-team for the first half

 

[T Bell]

Real signed a u-21 spanish player whose name I can't pronounce for 38m euros! Not chump change!

He is actually 23. They had to pay his 30 million buyout clause from Real Sociedad plus the VAT. RM is stacking up the young Spanish talent this summer. Gotta figure someone like Xabi Alonso is on his way out though.

I assume this is Illaramendi (be kind, I'm going by memory on the spelling here)? Yet another "Arsenal target" who goes somewhere else. But hey, we're the clear leaders in singing the French U-20 team.

It's a pretty inflated price.

£34M for a certainly promising and talented and relatively unproven player who hasn't even really broken into the Spain side is crazy. That's about what the price tag was for Cesc Fabregas two years ago. Crazy.