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

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Bundesliga Winter Break Table

*Bayern München	                13-3-1	42	44:7*Bayer Leverkusen	        10-3-4	33	33:22*Borussia Dortmund	        8-6-3	30	35:20**Eintracht Frankfurt	        9-3-5	30	33:27#SC Freiburg	                7-5-5	26	24:18#FSV Mainz 05	                8-2-7	26	24:21Schalke 04	                7-4-6	25	27:25Borussia Mönchengladbach	6-7-4	25	25:26VfB Stuttgart	                7-4-6	25	21:28Hamburger SV	                7-3-7	24	18:21Hannover 96	                7-2-8	23	32:31Werder Bremen	                6-4-7	22	28:29Fortuna Düsseldorf	        5-6-6	21	20:221. FC Nürnberg	                5-5-7	20	17:22VfL Wolfsburg	                5-4-8	19	17:271899 TSG Hoffenheim	        3-3-11	12	23:41FC Augsburg	                1-6-10	9	12:29SpVgg Greuther Fürth	        1-6-10	9	11:28

* CL Group Stage** CL Playoff Stage# Europa League

At the bottom, does the Bundesliga still use a playoff system for relegation? Trying to find a glimmer of hope for Hoffenheim not to go down.

As near as I can tell, the bottom two teams are automatically relegated and 3rd from the bottom plays the third place Bundesliga2 team in the playoff.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Bundesliga Winter Break Table

*Bayern München	                13-3-1	42	44:7*Bayer Leverkusen	        10-3-4	33	33:22*Borussia Dortmund	        8-6-3	30	35:20**Eintracht Frankfurt	        9-3-5	30	33:27#SC Freiburg	                7-5-5	26	24:18#FSV Mainz 05	                8-2-7	26	24:21Schalke 04	                7-4-6	25	27:25Borussia Mönchengladbach	6-7-4	25	25:26VfB Stuttgart	                7-4-6	25	21:28Hamburger SV	                7-3-7	24	18:21Hannover 96	                7-2-8	23	32:31Werder Bremen	                6-4-7	22	28:29Fortuna Düsseldorf	        5-6-6	21	20:221. FC Nürnberg	                5-5-7	20	17:22VfL Wolfsburg	                5-4-8	19	17:271899 TSG Hoffenheim	        3-3-11	12	23:41FC Augsburg	                1-6-10	9	12:29SpVgg Greuther Fürth	        1-6-10	9	11:28

* CL Group Stage** CL Playoff Stage# Europa League

At the bottom, does the Bundesliga still use a playoff system for relegation? Trying to find a glimmer of hope for Hoffenheim not to go down.

As near as I can tell, the bottom two teams are automatically relegated and 3rd from the bottom plays the third place Bundesliga2 team in the playoff.

Ok that is what I remember as well. Looks like Hoff will be fighting for that 3rd from bottom spot.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Bundesliga Winter Break Table

*Bayern München	                13-3-1	42	44:7*Bayer Leverkusen	        10-3-4	33	33:22*Borussia Dortmund	        8-6-3	30	35:20**Eintracht Frankfurt	        9-3-5	30	33:27#SC Freiburg	                7-5-5	26	24:18#FSV Mainz 05	                8-2-7	26	24:21Schalke 04	                7-4-6	25	27:25Borussia Mönchengladbach	6-7-4	25	25:26VfB Stuttgart	                7-4-6	25	21:28Hamburger SV	                7-3-7	24	18:21Hannover 96	                7-2-8	23	32:31Werder Bremen	                6-4-7	22	28:29Fortuna Düsseldorf	        5-6-6	21	20:221. FC Nürnberg	                5-5-7	20	17:22VfL Wolfsburg	                5-4-8	19	17:271899 TSG Hoffenheim	        3-3-11	12	23:41FC Augsburg	                1-6-10	9	12:29SpVgg Greuther Fürth	        1-6-10	9	11:28

* CL Group Stage** CL Playoff Stage# Europa League

At the bottom, does the Bundesliga still use a playoff system for relegation? Trying to find a glimmer of hope for Hoffenheim not to go down.

As near as I can tell, the bottom two teams are automatically relegated and 3rd from the bottom plays the third place Bundesliga2 team in the playoff.

Correct.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Most likely to be run down: Juve, Bayern, or Barca?

 

[Sebowski]

Most likely to be run down: Juve, Bayern, or Barca?

Juve, but I'd bet none of them are caught.

 

[CBusAlex]

*Bayern München	                13-3-1	42	44:7

Might be time to bump the difficulty up to Professional there, Bayern.

 

[guru_007]

I think BM are most likely to get run down, although I do not think they will either.

Dortmund are a very strong team, and BM has a few frail guys, just a matter of time frankly before Robben and or Ribery go out for a while. Dortmund been unlucky with a few early results, and a few guys injured, I can see them making a strong run before it's all said and done. That lead is pretty steep, don't think they'll make it.

Juve seems to be the only club in Italy still buying and not selling. They have the most formidable side, Inter will fall by the way side soon enough, Napoli can only rely on Cavani and Hamsik so much before they struggle to score. AC Milan too far back already and probably going to be further weakened in the second half of the year.

 

[Sebowski]

I was watching Sky Sports last night and they are saying Balotelli is gone during the window with Milan the favorite. This is great news for all the Tevez owners out there.

 

[Sebowski]

This would be totally super awesome.

Ba sends out Arsenal signalDecember 17, 2012RECOMMEND83TWEET6EMAILPRINTBy ESPN staffNewcastle striker Demba Ba has issued a come-and-get-me plea to Arsenal, amid speculation that the north London club are set to take advantage of a release clause in the player's contract.GettyImagesDemba Ba has had a superb season so far• Blog: Newcastle go down fighting• Blog: Show the spirit of ReadingBa, 27, had a clause put into his contract when he signed for the club in the summer of 2011 that allows him to leave St James' Park for just £7.5 million.Newcastle are determined to keep hold of their in-form striker, who has hit 11 goals this season, however, they have yet to tie him down to a new deal.The contract situation has led to a whole host of clubs being linked with the player ever since he arrived in the north-east, including the Gunners, who are looking to bolster their frontline in January.While Ba admits there is so far no truth behind the rumours that he will move to the Emirates Stadium, the Senegal international has hinted that he would be more than open to such a deal."I have nothing to say about those speculations [with Arsenal]. Nothing has happened," Ba told Canal+."The media know Arsenal need another striker and they know about my release clause. They need to make their own mind up about it."Arsenal are one of those teams who makes you dream".

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

This would be totally super awesome.

Ba sends out Arsenal signalDecember 17, 2012RECOMMEND83TWEET6EMAILPRINTBy ESPN staffNewcastle striker Demba Ba has issued a come-and-get-me plea to Arsenal, amid speculation that the north London club are set to take advantage of a release clause in the player's contract.GettyImagesDemba Ba has had a superb season so far• Blog: Newcastle go down fighting• Blog: Show the spirit of ReadingBa, 27, had a clause put into his contract when he signed for the club in the summer of 2011 that allows him to leave St James' Park for just £7.5 million.Newcastle are determined to keep hold of their in-form striker, who has hit 11 goals this season, however, they have yet to tie him down to a new deal.The contract situation has led to a whole host of clubs being linked with the player ever since he arrived in the north-east, including the Gunners, who are looking to bolster their frontline in January.While Ba admits there is so far no truth behind the rumours that he will move to the Emirates Stadium, the Senegal international has hinted that he would be more than open to such a deal."I have nothing to say about those speculations [with Arsenal]. Nothing has happened," Ba told Canal+."The media know Arsenal need another striker and they know about my release clause. They need to make their own mind up about it."Arsenal are one of those teams who makes you dream".

I keep hearing Liverpool as well. Either would make sense. As would Spurs, really. It would be insane to not try to get that caliber of player for that price. That's 25% less than Arsenal paid for Gervinho.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I was watching Sky Sports last night and they are saying Balotelli is gone during the window with Milan the favorite. This is great news for all the Tevez owners out there.

Or Dzeko owners.Where's the guy who rated Mario as one of the strikers who was better than Rooney? I think I read that Mario scores every 512 minutes for City.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

David Villa has also been rumored to Pool and City, and Sanchez to Pool. I think the former is a bit more likely, although there has to be some concern as to who is going to score goals besides Messi. Sanchez and Pedro have 1 goal between them in 25 games this year.

And Aguero's been rumored to be headed out of City, although who knows.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

David Villa has also been rumored to Pool and City, and Sanchez to Pool. I think the former is a bit more likely, although there has to be some concern as to who is going to score goals besides Messi. Sanchez and Pedro have 1 goal between them in 25 games this year.And Aguero's been rumored to be headed out of City, although who knows.

I think Barca is insane to look to unload Villa. He's been way more productive on a per minute basis than Pedro or Sanchez. That's despite likely not being quite 100% and completely sublimating his game to the team. Barca is great, but Villa is the one guy most capable of a moment of brilliance to break a team down if Messi can't get it going.If Villa is available and Arsenal doesn't bid, I'm going to slash Wenger's parka.

 

[jonessed]

This would be totally super awesome.

Ba sends out Arsenal signalDecember 17, 2012RECOMMEND83TWEET6EMAILPRINTBy ESPN staffNewcastle striker Demba Ba has issued a come-and-get-me plea to Arsenal, amid speculation that the north London club are set to take advantage of a release clause in the player's contract.GettyImagesDemba Ba has had a superb season so far• Blog: Newcastle go down fighting• Blog: Show the spirit of ReadingBa, 27, had a clause put into his contract when he signed for the club in the summer of 2011 that allows him to leave St James' Park for just £7.5 million.Newcastle are determined to keep hold of their in-form striker, who has hit 11 goals this season, however, they have yet to tie him down to a new deal.The contract situation has led to a whole host of clubs being linked with the player ever since he arrived in the north-east, including the Gunners, who are looking to bolster their frontline in January.While Ba admits there is so far no truth behind the rumours that he will move to the Emirates Stadium, the Senegal international has hinted that he would be more than open to such a deal."I have nothing to say about those speculations [with Arsenal]. Nothing has happened," Ba told Canal+."The media know Arsenal need another striker and they know about my release clause. They need to make their own mind up about it."Arsenal are one of those teams who makes you dream".

I keep hearing Liverpool as well. Either would make sense. As would Spurs, really. It would be insane to not try to get that caliber of player for that price. That's 25% less than Arsenal paid for Gervinho.

I don't believe anyone will sign him for a long-term deal due to his degenerative knee problems. There have been several clubs interested in the past, but he has a tendency to fail physicals. Newcastle took a flier on him and it paid off.I imagine a team will take him on a year-to-year basis, but I don't know if he wants that.

 

[El Floppo]

Felliani could get clipped for up to 9 games. Yowch.

anybody know why the loony wheels fell off there? is Felliani a Ramsey fan? obviously a Shawcross hater.oops... not 9- 3 games:

Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has been banned for three matches after he and his club accepted the Football Association's charge of violent conduct for his headbutt on Stoke's Ryan Shawcross.Fellaini will miss games against West Ham United, Wigan Athletic and Chelsea over the Christmas period as a result.The Belgium international was charged retrospectively for his headbutt on Shawcross in the 59th minute of the 1-1 draw between Stoke and Everton at the Britannia Stadium as the incident was not picked up by the match officials.Everton manager David Moyes had previously indicated that the club would accept any punishment given after the game and said the 25-year-old's actions were "not acceptable".Fellaini had already expressed regret over his actions, saying on the club's official website: "I apologise completely to Ryan Shawcross, my team-mates and to our fans at the game."There was a lot of pushing and pulling going on inside the Stoke penalty area and I didn't feel I was getting any protection from the officials. Nevertheless I know I shouldn't have done what I did."I have also apologised to the manager and the staff. I have no excuses, I was disappointed with the way I was being treated and I lost my temper, which was unprofessional of me."There were two further incidents during the game involving Fellaini and Shawcross, but referee Mark Halsey confirmed he had seen them during the match and did not deem them to be violent conduct.

 

[The Gator]

David Villa has also been rumored to Pool and City, and Sanchez to Pool. I think the former is a bit more likely, although there has to be some concern as to who is going to score goals besides Messi. Sanchez and Pedro have 1 goal between them in 25 games this year.

Goals in Liverpool? yesplease

 

[guru_007]

David Villa has also been rumored to Pool and City, and Sanchez to Pool. I think the former is a bit more likely, although there has to be some concern as to who is going to score goals besides Messi. Sanchez and Pedro have 1 goal between them in 25 games this year.And Aguero's been rumored to be headed out of City, although who knows.

I think Barca is insane to look to unload Villa. He's been way more productive on a per minute basis than Pedro or Sanchez. That's despite likely not being quite 100% and completely sublimating his game to the team. Barca is great, but Villa is the one guy most capable of a moment of brilliance to break a team down if Messi can't get it going.If Villa is available and Arsenal doesn't bid, I'm going to slash Wenger's parka.

Every striker in Europe has been rumored going to Liverpool or Man CityAs good as Villa is, Barca has to have some fiscal responsibility and if they can get a nice return on him, they would be dealing from a position of strength.If I were a betting man, I'd be all over Arsenal today.And as far as transfer markets, Liverpool need a striker, and they will get one. I actually think they get Ba, as I think the Ba for Carroll swap would make a good deal of sense for both clubs.I really, really do not think Ballotelli moves to Milan. If he does, it would need be pennies on the dollar. WTH would want that nutcase? I think City would be happy just to be relieved of needing to pay his wages. I also have a sneaking suspicion a guy like Hulk moves to the EPL. I don't think this Zenit experiment has worked out all that well for anyone involved.

 

[The Gator]

Felliani could get clipped for up to 9 games. Yowch.

anybody know why the loony wheels fell off there? is Felliani a Ramsey fan? obviously a Shawcross hater.

Got tired of being grabbed bear hugged by Shawcross.

 

[El Floppo]

I've watched some Spurs games, including over the weekend, and in general wow does Dempsey look lost.

Over the weekend, he had none of the usually swagger on the ball (the rare times he'd actually get the ball) and would just knock it away in two or three touches... and usually useless short balls. Looking at him, it seems like he's either lost all confidence and is just trying to not #### up OR his coach has lost confidence in him and is ordering him to get the ball to his teammates as fast as he can and not #### up. Shame- hope he integrates better in the 2nd half of the season.

 

[El Floppo]

Felliani could get clipped for up to 9 games. Yowch.

anybody know why the loony wheels fell off there? is Felliani a Ramsey fan? obviously a Shawcross hater.

Got tired of being grabbed bear hugged by Shawcross.

Seems like that's every game in the EPL for guys like him... not sure why this one set him off.

 

[The Gator]

Felliani could get clipped for up to 9 games. Yowch.

anybody know why the loony wheels fell off there? is Felliani a Ramsey fan? obviously a Shawcross hater.

Got tired of being grabbed bear hugged by Shawcross.

Seems like that's every game in the EPL for guys like him... not sure why this one set him off.

I blame Stoke

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I think BM are most likely to get run down, although I do not think they will either.Dortmund are a very strong team, and BM has a few frail guys, just a matter of time frankly before Robben and or Ribery go out for a while. Dortmund been unlucky with a few early results, and a few guys injured, I can see them making a strong run before it's all said and done. That lead is pretty steep, don't think they'll make it.Juve seems to be the only club in Italy still buying and not selling. They have the most formidable side, Inter will fall by the way side soon enough, Napoli can only rely on Cavani and Hamsik so much before they struggle to score. AC Milan too far back already and probably going to be further weakened in the second half of the year.

Bayern added depth across the board this summer and will be better equipped to deal with injuries and suspensions than they were last season. Shaqiri has already filled in very well for Robben and kroos is getting more minutes and playing more forward. They also added Javi Martinez. With Mueller playing better they have plenty of depth in that role. They also added depth up front with Mandzukic and at the back with dante. (I've only seen CL games, not Bundesliga, but have a good friend who is a Bayern fanatic and sends me lengthy updates regarding the team).

 

[Good Posting Judge]

We should do some sort of "Which striker ends up where?" pool.

 

[The Gator]

Re: Liverpool striking options.

I think the Sturridge rumors are the ones I like best. I think he fits Rodgers system and will be played up top in the middle like he prefers. Also, it will piss off Chelsea fans when he goes to Liverpool and does well, especially since Rafa was in charge at the time of the move.

Send Torres for 50M

Torres fails to impress

Rafa joins and sends Sturridge to Liverpool

Sturrige does well and Torres is sold for a loss

Merry Christmas to me

 

[boubucarow]

Comcast finally adds BEiN English although only in SD (to go with BEiN Spanish in SD) but of course they eliminate GOLTV completely ending my ability to watch Dortmund each week.

 

[Mjolnirs]

I think BM are most likely to get run down, although I do not think they will either.

Dortmund are a very strong team, and BM has a few frail guys, just a matter of time frankly before Robben and or Ribery go out for a while.

In all compettions Bayern are 20-4-2 69:15 and due to injuries Robben and Ribery have been on the field together in only 4 matches. The injury that hurt them the most was when Alaba was out. He and Ribery have a great understanding of each other and are super dangerous down the left side.

 

[The Gator]

Comcast finally adds BEiN English although only in SD (to go with BEiN Spanish in SD) but of course they eliminate GOLTV completely ending my ability to watch Dortmund each week.

Dish has BEiN listed as SD but the actual channel is in HD. Also, besides Hudson and Tyler, BEiN's announcer is one of my favorites. GB him for broadcasting in his second language, but his enunciation and descriptions are highlarious sometimes.

 

[guru_007]

Well, according to this link odds on Sturridge signing at Pool are quite good.....but then again, Liverpool seem to be the favorites to also sign Ba, Shane Long, and Fernando Llorente

fun to look at, even a Joey Barton market out there

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Re: Liverpool striking options. I think the Sturridge rumors are the ones I like best. I think he fits Rodgers system and will be played up top in the middle like he prefers. Also, it will piss off Chelsea fans when he goes to Liverpool and does well, especially since Rafa was in charge at the time of the move. Send Torres for 50M Torres fails to impressRafa joins and sends Sturridge to LiverpoolSturrige does well and Torres is sold for a loss Merry Christmas to me

I think Sturridge is a poor fit for Liverpool. Suarez is already a somewhat selfish striker (nothing wrong with that if you have the goods, and Suarez does). Suarez is capable of the killer ball, but he's not always making the percentage pass in the area. Sturridge is an exceptionally selfish striker. The guy will score goals, because he'll shoot with any chance. Or half-chance. Or quarter-chance. Or whenever he has the ball within 25 yards of the goal. On the right team, I don't think that's always a bad thing (Defoe is the same, but striker-starved Spurs probably need that). I don't see how Rodgers could run his system with both Suarez and Sturridge. You'd have all this lovely ball movement only to have it stop when it reached a forward. Now, maybe Suarez would adapt his style. But some of the other (in Villa's case, pricier) options seem like a better fit to me.

 

[The Gator]

Re: Liverpool striking options. I think the Sturridge rumors are the ones I like best. I think he fits Rodgers system and will be played up top in the middle like he prefers. Also, it will piss off Chelsea fans when he goes to Liverpool and does well, especially since Rafa was in charge at the time of the move. Send Torres for 50M Torres fails to impressRafa joins and sends Sturridge to LiverpoolSturrige does well and Torres is sold for a loss Merry Christmas to me

I think Sturridge is a poor fit for Liverpool. Suarez is already a somewhat selfish striker (nothing wrong with that if you have the goods, and Suarez does). Suarez is capable of the killer ball, but he's not always making the percentage pass in the area. Sturridge is an exceptionally selfish striker. The guy will score goals, because he'll shoot with any chance. Or half-chance. Or quarter-chance. Or whenever he has the ball within 25 yards of the goal. On the right team, I don't think that's always a bad thing (Defoe is the same, but striker-starved Spurs probably need that). I don't see how Rodgers could run his system with both Suarez and Sturridge. You'd have all this lovely ball movement only to have it stop when it reached a forward. Now, maybe Suarez would adapt his style. But some of the other (in Villa's case, pricier) options seem like a better fit to me.

Suarez has kind of been forced to play that way. With Sturrige I believe they'd play Suarez wide left and Sterling wide right. Now, Suarez is played up top with little support, so he takes all those half chances. I think he'd do well as a creative type with more support in front of him. Liverpool suffer from too much ball movement, not enough action. I'd welcome another guy who can get into position to be selfish and take shots.

 

[berndog]

I've watched some Spurs games, including over the weekend, and in general wow does Dempsey look lost. Over the weekend, he had none of the usually swagger on the ball (the rare times he'd actually get the ball) and would just knock it away in two or three touches... and usually useless short balls. Looking at him, it seems like he's either lost all confidence and is just trying to not #### up OR his coach has lost confidence in him and is ordering him to get the ball to his teammates as fast as he can and not #### up. Shame- hope he integrates better in the 2nd half of the season.

After watching about 15 minutes of the first half my wife asked why Dempsey wasn't playing.

 

[jonessed]

I've watched some Spurs games, including over the weekend, and in general wow does Dempsey look lost. Over the weekend, he had none of the usually swagger on the ball (the rare times he'd actually get the ball) and would just knock it away in two or three touches... and usually useless short balls. Looking at him, it seems like he's either lost all confidence and is just trying to not #### up OR his coach has lost confidence in him and is ordering him to get the ball to his teammates as fast as he can and not #### up. Shame- hope he integrates better in the 2nd half of the season.

After watching about 15 minutes of the first half my wife asked why Dempsey wasn't playing.

He started poorly, but with the exception of the Swansea game has been steadily improving. I think he needs more time.

 

[Christo]

MOSCOW -- Fans of two-time defending Russian champion Zenit St. Petersburg are calling for non-white and gay players to be excluded from the team.

Landscrona, the largest Zenit fan club, released a manifesto Monday demanding the club field an all-white, heterosexual team. It added that "dark-skinned players are all but forced down Zenit's throat now, which only brings out a negative reaction" and said gay players were "unworthy of our great city."

The club quickly sought to distance itself from the fans. Without directly referring to their manifesto, Zenit's coach, Luciano Spalletti, said in remarks posted on the club's website that "tolerance for me is most of all the ability to understand and accept differences."

"Furthermore, being tolerant means that you fight against any kind of stupidity," he added.

The club, which is owned by state-controlled natural gas giant Gazprom, also told the R-Sport news agency it picked players on athletic ability alone, insisting that "the team's policy is aimed at development and integration into the world soccer community, and holds no archaic views."

Zenit were the only topflight Russian team never to have signed a minority until this summer, when they acquired Brazilian striker Hulk and Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel for 80 million euros ($105 million). French midfielder Yann M'Vila declined a move to the club in August after receiving death threats.

"I can personally assure you that I will do everything I can to help those who seek to explain to people what tolerance is, and the need to respect other cultures and traditions," Spalletti said. "I think that Zenit has proven through its work that the club understands what tolerance is, and what it means to have tolerant behavior. The team has gathered players from different countries and ethnic groups who work together to achieve a common goal, and work well."

The fan club insisted that "we are not racists and for us the absence of black Zenit players is just an important tradition that underlines the team's identity and nothing more."

Russia has struggled to deal with racism and violence at its stadiums as it prepares to host the World Cup in 2018. Black players are frequently the targets of monkey chants, and some, including Anzhi Makhachkala's Robert Carlos and Christopher Samba, have had bananas thrown at them by fans.

Officials have at times shown little enthusiasm for targeting racism. When Lokomotiv Moscow fans held up a banner in 2010 thanking an English team for signing their black striker Peter Odemwingie with a picture of a banana, the head of Russia's World Cup bid awkwardly claimed they were referencing a quaint, little-used Russian expression meaning "to fail an exam."

Zenit's fans have long been the country's most problematic. **** Advocaat, the team's former Dutch manager, once admitted that "the fans don't like black players" and that it would be "impossible" for Zenit to sign one.

Several black players have also singled out Zenit's fans as particularly racist. Former Russian top scorer Vagner Love told a Brazilian newspaper in April that Zenit is "the most racist team in Russia" and the only one whose fans had abused him in his seven years playing for CSKA Moscow.

Five years earlier, Krylya Sovetov Samara's former Cameroon international Serge Branco told a local newspaper that Zenit's management were "the real racists" for not combatting the problem, adding that "in a civilized country they'd smack them down to the third division for their fans' behavior."

Zenit's fans have also come under the spotlight recently after one of them threw a firecracker that injured Dinamo Moscow's goalkeeper during a match in November. Prime minister Dmitry Medvedev, himself a Zenit fan, called for violent spectators to be banned for life from attending matches. Parliament has drafted a bill that would ban hooligans for a year.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1268282/zenit-st.-petersburg-fans-demanding-all-white,-non-gay-team?cc=5901

 

[guru_007]

Walcott is so ####### awful.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

MOSCOW -- Fans of two-time defending Russian champion Zenit St. Petersburg are calling for non-white and gay players to be excluded from the team.

Landscrona, the largest Zenit fan club, released a manifesto Monday demanding the club field an all-white, heterosexual team. It added that "dark-skinned players are all but forced down Zenit's throat now, which only brings out a negative reaction" and said gay players were "unworthy of our great city."

The club quickly sought to distance itself from the fans. Without directly referring to their manifesto, Zenit's coach, Luciano Spalletti, said in remarks posted on the club's website that "tolerance for me is most of all the ability to understand and accept differences."

"Furthermore, being tolerant means that you fight against any kind of stupidity," he added.

The club, which is owned by state-controlled natural gas giant Gazprom, also told the R-Sport news agency it picked players on athletic ability alone, insisting that "the team's policy is aimed at development and integration into the world soccer community, and holds no archaic views."

Zenit were the only topflight Russian team never to have signed a minority until this summer, when they acquired Brazilian striker Hulk and Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel for 80 million euros ($105 million). French midfielder Yann M'Vila declined a move to the club in August after receiving death threats.

"I can personally assure you that I will do everything I can to help those who seek to explain to people what tolerance is, and the need to respect other cultures and traditions," Spalletti said. "I think that Zenit has proven through its work that the club understands what tolerance is, and what it means to have tolerant behavior. The team has gathered players from different countries and ethnic groups who work together to achieve a common goal, and work well."

The fan club insisted that "we are not racists and for us the absence of black Zenit players is just an important tradition that underlines the team's identity and nothing more."

Russia has struggled to deal with racism and violence at its stadiums as it prepares to host the World Cup in 2018. Black players are frequently the targets of monkey chants, and some, including Anzhi Makhachkala's Robert Carlos and Christopher Samba, have had bananas thrown at them by fans.

Officials have at times shown little enthusiasm for targeting racism. When Lokomotiv Moscow fans held up a banner in 2010 thanking an English team for signing their black striker Peter Odemwingie with a picture of a banana, the head of Russia's World Cup bid awkwardly claimed they were referencing a quaint, little-used Russian expression meaning "to fail an exam."

Zenit's fans have long been the country's most problematic. **** Advocaat, the team's former Dutch manager, once admitted that "the fans don't like black players" and that it would be "impossible" for Zenit to sign one.

Several black players have also singled out Zenit's fans as particularly racist. Former Russian top scorer Vagner Love told a Brazilian newspaper in April that Zenit is "the most racist team in Russia" and the only one whose fans had abused him in his seven years playing for CSKA Moscow.

Five years earlier, Krylya Sovetov Samara's former Cameroon international Serge Branco told a local newspaper that Zenit's management were "the real racists" for not combatting the problem, adding that "in a civilized country they'd smack them down to the third division for their fans' behavior."

Zenit's fans have also come under the spotlight recently after one of them threw a firecracker that injured Dinamo Moscow's goalkeeper during a match in November. Prime minister Dmitry Medvedev, himself a Zenit fan, called for violent spectators to be banned for life from attending matches. Parliament has drafted a bill that would ban hooligans for a year.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1268282/zenit-st.-petersburg-fans-demanding-all-white,-non-gay-team?cc=5901

Ugh. I hope Witsel and Hulk leave.

 

[guru_007]

Arsenal can get 7-8 today if they want to

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

MOSCOW -- Fans of two-time defending Russian champion Zenit St. Petersburg are calling for non-white and gay players to be excluded from the team.

Landscrona, the largest Zenit fan club, released a manifesto Monday demanding the club field an all-white, heterosexual team. It added that "dark-skinned players are all but forced down Zenit's throat now, which only brings out a negative reaction" and said gay players were "unworthy of our great city."

The club quickly sought to distance itself from the fans. Without directly referring to their manifesto, Zenit's coach, Luciano Spalletti, said in remarks posted on the club's website that "tolerance for me is most of all the ability to understand and accept differences."

"Furthermore, being tolerant means that you fight against any kind of stupidity," he added.

The club, which is owned by state-controlled natural gas giant Gazprom, also told the R-Sport news agency it picked players on athletic ability alone, insisting that "the team's policy is aimed at development and integration into the world soccer community, and holds no archaic views."

Zenit were the only topflight Russian team never to have signed a minority until this summer, when they acquired Brazilian striker Hulk and Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel for 80 million euros ($105 million). French midfielder Yann M'Vila declined a move to the club in August after receiving death threats.

"I can personally assure you that I will do everything I can to help those who seek to explain to people what tolerance is, and the need to respect other cultures and traditions," Spalletti said. "I think that Zenit has proven through its work that the club understands what tolerance is, and what it means to have tolerant behavior. The team has gathered players from different countries and ethnic groups who work together to achieve a common goal, and work well."

The fan club insisted that "we are not racists and for us the absence of black Zenit players is just an important tradition that underlines the team's identity and nothing more."

Russia has struggled to deal with racism and violence at its stadiums as it prepares to host the World Cup in 2018. Black players are frequently the targets of monkey chants, and some, including Anzhi Makhachkala's Robert Carlos and Christopher Samba, have had bananas thrown at them by fans.

Officials have at times shown little enthusiasm for targeting racism. When Lokomotiv Moscow fans held up a banner in 2010 thanking an English team for signing their black striker Peter Odemwingie with a picture of a banana, the head of Russia's World Cup bid awkwardly claimed they were referencing a quaint, little-used Russian expression meaning "to fail an exam."

Zenit's fans have long been the country's most problematic. **** Advocaat, the team's former Dutch manager, once admitted that "the fans don't like black players" and that it would be "impossible" for Zenit to sign one.

Several black players have also singled out Zenit's fans as particularly racist. Former Russian top scorer Vagner Love told a Brazilian newspaper in April that Zenit is "the most racist team in Russia" and the only one whose fans had abused him in his seven years playing for CSKA Moscow.

Five years earlier, Krylya Sovetov Samara's former Cameroon international Serge Branco told a local newspaper that Zenit's management were "the real racists" for not combatting the problem, adding that "in a civilized country they'd smack them down to the third division for their fans' behavior."

Zenit's fans have also come under the spotlight recently after one of them threw a firecracker that injured Dinamo Moscow's goalkeeper during a match in November. Prime minister Dmitry Medvedev, himself a Zenit fan, called for violent spectators to be banned for life from attending matches. Parliament has drafted a bill that would ban hooligans for a year.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1268282/zenit-st.-petersburg-fans-demanding-all-white,-non-gay-team?cc=5901

Ugh. I hope Witsel and Hulk leave.

I didn't think you could transfer between associations twice in the same calendar year.

 

[The Gator]

Reading/Arsenal playing without keepers today?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

MOSCOW -- Fans of two-time defending Russian champion Zenit St. Petersburg are calling for non-white and gay players to be excluded from the team.

Landscrona, the largest Zenit fan club, released a manifesto Monday demanding the club field an all-white, heterosexual team. It added that "dark-skinned players are all but forced down Zenit's throat now, which only brings out a negative reaction" and said gay players were "unworthy of our great city."

The club quickly sought to distance itself from the fans. Without directly referring to their manifesto, Zenit's coach, Luciano Spalletti, said in remarks posted on the club's website that "tolerance for me is most of all the ability to understand and accept differences."

"Furthermore, being tolerant means that you fight against any kind of stupidity," he added.

The club, which is owned by state-controlled natural gas giant Gazprom, also told the R-Sport news agency it picked players on athletic ability alone, insisting that "the team's policy is aimed at development and integration into the world soccer community, and holds no archaic views."

Zenit were the only topflight Russian team never to have signed a minority until this summer, when they acquired Brazilian striker Hulk and Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel for 80 million euros ($105 million). French midfielder Yann M'Vila declined a move to the club in August after receiving death threats.

"I can personally assure you that I will do everything I can to help those who seek to explain to people what tolerance is, and the need to respect other cultures and traditions," Spalletti said. "I think that Zenit has proven through its work that the club understands what tolerance is, and what it means to have tolerant behavior. The team has gathered players from different countries and ethnic groups who work together to achieve a common goal, and work well."

The fan club insisted that "we are not racists and for us the absence of black Zenit players is just an important tradition that underlines the team's identity and nothing more."

Russia has struggled to deal with racism and violence at its stadiums as it prepares to host the World Cup in 2018. Black players are frequently the targets of monkey chants, and some, including Anzhi Makhachkala's Robert Carlos and Christopher Samba, have had bananas thrown at them by fans.

Officials have at times shown little enthusiasm for targeting racism. When Lokomotiv Moscow fans held up a banner in 2010 thanking an English team for signing their black striker Peter Odemwingie with a picture of a banana, the head of Russia's World Cup bid awkwardly claimed they were referencing a quaint, little-used Russian expression meaning "to fail an exam."

Zenit's fans have long been the country's most problematic. **** Advocaat, the team's former Dutch manager, once admitted that "the fans don't like black players" and that it would be "impossible" for Zenit to sign one.

Several black players have also singled out Zenit's fans as particularly racist. Former Russian top scorer Vagner Love told a Brazilian newspaper in April that Zenit is "the most racist team in Russia" and the only one whose fans had abused him in his seven years playing for CSKA Moscow.

Five years earlier, Krylya Sovetov Samara's former Cameroon international Serge Branco told a local newspaper that Zenit's management were "the real racists" for not combatting the problem, adding that "in a civilized country they'd smack them down to the third division for their fans' behavior."

Zenit's fans have also come under the spotlight recently after one of them threw a firecracker that injured Dinamo Moscow's goalkeeper during a match in November. Prime minister Dmitry Medvedev, himself a Zenit fan, called for violent spectators to be banned for life from attending matches. Parliament has drafted a bill that would ban hooligans for a year.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1268282/zenit-st.-petersburg-fans-demanding-all-white,-non-gay-team?cc=5901

Ugh. I hope Witsel and Hulk leave.

I didn't think you could transfer between associations twice in the same calendar year.

I think there's a UEFA rule that allows up to 3 teams to hold a player's registration in a season, but the player can only actually suit up for 2 teams. Hulk has played for Porto and Zenit this season so he can't play for another UEFA team, but could technically transfer to one. With his salary, I don't think that's likely. I expect he could go play in Brazil (or MLS) but am not certain on that.

 

[Spartans Rule]

The fan club insisted that "we are not racists and for us the absence of black Zenit players is just an important tradition that underlines the team's identity and nothing more."

Do they have any idea how ridiculous this sounds?We're not racist, it's just that racism is an important tradition for us.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Re: Liverpool striking options. I think the Sturridge rumors are the ones I like best. I think he fits Rodgers system and will be played up top in the middle like he prefers. Also, it will piss off Chelsea fans when he goes to Liverpool and does well, especially since Rafa was in charge at the time of the move. Send Torres for 50M Torres fails to impressRafa joins and sends Sturridge to LiverpoolSturrige does well and Torres is sold for a loss Merry Christmas to me

This is the one that I have been wanting, as well. It feels about 3 seasons now that I have been wanting Sturridge. He seems to just languish on the bench there, and scores every time I see him on the field. The Liverpool message boards seem to hate him, but I think he would be a great pickup.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Santi Claus!

 

[Steve Tasker]

Walcott is so ####### awful.

I really don't get the Walcott hate. He wasn't on the top of his game today, but I think he's been great in calendar 2012. The team would be foolish to let him go, IMO, and he should be a regular fixture in the starting lineup. I don't know if he's got long-term potential in the central striker role, but I'd like to see him get a shot.

 

[NewlyRetired]

NY signed Juninho today. Key component is that it is not a DP signing which makes this worth the gamble IMO.

HARRISON, NJ (Dec. 17, 2012) – The New York Red Bulls announced today that they have signed Brazilian star midfielder Juninho. He will be officially added to the team’s roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate. Juninho, a former Brazilian International who was a member of the 2006 FIFA World Cup squad, comes to New York from Brazilian First Division side, Vasco da Gama.“Juninho is a world class player who our Global Sporting Director, Gerard Houllier, and I have known and admired for many years,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh. “Aside from being a top dead ball specialist and a tremendous talent, Juninho is a fantastic professional both on and off the field. He is in great physical shape and we think he can make a positive impact for us in 2013.”In his second and recent stint at Vasco da Gama, Juninho played 50 games since 2011 and recorded 14 goals. Prior to that, Juninho was with Qatari club Al-Gharafa, helping his team take home the league title and winning the Player of the Year honors.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I have to say, I really like NY's offseason so far.

Out:

Trade Le Toux who never fit in

Fired Backe

Tossed the cancer in Marquez

In:

Olave

Espindola

Juninho

and they still have an open DP slot. If they fill the DP slot with a Lampard/Kaka level player and McCallister works out as a coach, this is going to be one of the better off seasons the team has ever had.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The US's January plans are firming up.

The US will play Canada in Houston on January 29th. This game follows a training camp for MLS and Scandinavian players.

 

[guru_007]

Walcott is so ####### awful.

I really don't get the Walcott hate. He wasn't on the top of his game today, but I think he's been great in calendar 2012. The team would be foolish to let him go, IMO, and he should be a regular fixture in the starting lineup. I don't know if he's got long-term potential in the central striker role, but I'd like to see him get a shot.

When I posted that, he was through on a clear 1v1 against the gk, with not a defender within 15 yards of him, and he kicked the ball into the gk. He played no part of Arsenal's first four goals, and scored a relatively meaningless one with no pressure on. He comes up small in big games. He is a one trick pony, fast. He's fine for Arsenal, hope they keep him.

 

[El Floppo]

I have to say, I really like NY's offseason so far. Out:Trade Le Toux who never fit inFired BackeTossed the cancer in MarquezIn:OlaveEspindolaJuninhoand they still have an open DP slot. If they fill the DP slot with a Lampard/Kaka level player and McCallister works out as a coach, this is going to be one of the better off seasons the team has ever had.

A real question to me is- how much money are those three getting and will there be enough for enough quality role players.But yeah- eben without a DP, thats aome great moves and *whar looks like* a great team. Built to win now.

 

[El Floppo]

The US's January plans are firming up. The US will play Canada in Houston on January 29th. This game follows a training camp for MLS and Scandinavian players.

Whens the first hex game?

 

[NewlyRetired]

The US's January plans are firming up. The US will play Canada in Houston on January 29th. This game follows a training camp for MLS and Scandinavian players.

Whens the first hex game?

8 days after the Canada game in Honduras. February 6th, 3:00pm eastern start time.