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

[Short Corner]

CRonaldo now with 25 made pks in a row? That's pretty good, gotta be the best pk shooter out there, no?

 

[jonessed]

Wow - big advantage to Bayern at home in the final. Neuer was big.

They are missing some players, but Chelsea is going to have to handle Ivanovic and Terry definitely out and Luiz and Cahill injured. Luiz might be back, but Cahill just did his hamstring. I don't see how he can be back.

 

[guru_007]

CRonaldo now with 25 made pks in a row? That's pretty good, gotta be the best pk shooter out there, no?

Major jinx right there.RM deserved to get booted, #### them. I played BM to advance at ht for a nice price.....but really wish someone had kicked in a goal before pk's.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

I would have liked to see RM go through, but I will take Ramos being the goat of RM.

Fixed

 

[Native]

Will any Bayern players miss the final due to cards?

EDIT: Nevermind I found it: Badstuber, Luiz Gustavo, and Alaba

Missed the match today

 

[Spartans Rule]

Interesting looking back... with all the studs that missed their PKs, the first guy Bayern sent up in the shootout was 19-year-old left back David Alaba and he nailed his. Good for him.

 

[Spartans Rule]

I hate the yellow card accumulation rules for cup finals...

It does kind of ruin it a bit. Seems like semi-finals and finals should be judged independently.

I think FIFA handles this slightly differently in its tournaments - wiping the slate clean at some point in the knock out stages.

Yeah, they do. UEFA should really follow suit there.Yellow cards are just a fact of life for defenders in the knockout stages of the Champions League. If you're going to chase around the likes of Messi, Ronaldo and Robben game after game, you're going to have to make some tough challenges. Silly to gut both teams' defenses for the final, although it could make the game more entertaining.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Danny Williams hurt his shoulder and is out likely 6 weeks. I will remove Williams from my US roster stand by list on my next update.

 

[CGRdrJoe]

I just realized that I took Monday off and the city/united game is Monday

 

[Mjolnirs]

Just got back in from the VH show. What a day!

My buddy and I stopped in Columbia at a Soccer pub to watch the match and the place was SRO so we left at halftime and ended up at a Buffalo Wild Wings. There were maybe 3 other customers in the place so we picked a prime spot for the second half. As the match progressed I began to pace around the bar since I could see the match on several TVs. I was a freaking wreck and pretty much provided entertainment for the staff and other customers.

It's amazing how high I felt after Real missed their first two PKs to how low I felt when Bayern reciprocated. :X : back to

 

[NewlyRetired]

Just got back in from the VH show. What a day!My buddy and I stopped in Columbia at a Soccer pub to watch the match and the place was SRO so we left at halftime and ended up at a Buffalo Wild Wings. There were maybe 3 other customers in the place so we picked a prime spot for the second half. As the match progressed I began to pace around the bar since I could see the match on several TVs. I was a freaking wreck and pretty much provided entertainment for the staff and other customers.It's amazing how high I felt after Real missed their first two PKs to how low I felt when Bayern reciprocated. :X : back to

 

[PIK95]

Fenway Liverpool Roma pre sale just dropped!

3287916

[URL="http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ticketing/footballatfenway.jsp"]http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ticketing/footballatfenway.jsp[/URL]

 

[The Z Machine]

Pep will announce tomorrow whether he will continue as the Barça manager. Mourinho says he will continue at Real, but he's a liar and a scallywag, so who knows if some Suadi prince wants to pay him a ransom to coach in the EPL again.

As for me, I'm pleased that both Real Madrid and Barcelona won't win a Champion's League title this year. I don't really have a preference of Chelsea or Bayern, so I may not even watch the final. Usually the semi-finals are better anyway.

As for my Atleti, they're up 4-2 on Valecia right now. But they'll have to keep Valencia out of the net today, and we all know that Atlético's defense can be porous at times. I would have been much happier if they had taken it 4-1 at home in the first leg. Hopefully I'll actually get to watch the game... we'll see. Stupid work!

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Fenway Liverpool Roma pre sale just dropped!

3287916

[URL="http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ticketing/footballatfenway.jsp"]http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ticketing/footballatfenway.jsp[/URL]

Still waiting for an announcement they will play at Soldier Field. If that turns out to be just a rumor, I will be pissed.

 

[PIK95]

Fenway Liverpool Roma pre sale just dropped!

3287916

[URL="http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ticketing/footballatfenway.jsp"]http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ticketing/footballatfenway.jsp[/URL]

Still waiting for an announcement they will play at Soldier Field. If that turns out to be just a rumor, I will be pissed.

I got sweet seats for Fenway!

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Fenway Liverpool Roma pre sale just dropped!

3287916

[URL="http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ticketing/footballatfenway.jsp"]http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ticketing/footballatfenway.jsp[/URL]

Still waiting for an announcement they will play at Soldier Field. If that turns out to be just a rumor, I will be pissed.

I got sweet seats for Fenway!

Just too far for me in Tennessee. Chicago, I can do.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Interesting how much a possible MLS team in Minnesota got wrapped up in the stadium debate

An amendment to kill the Vikings’ right to bring in a Major League Soccer team to Minnesota in the first 5 years of operation was struck down by the finance committee yesterday, leaving the door open for the possibility of a soccer team owned by the Wilfs.  A new downtown Minneapolis stadium for the Vikings got one step further to reality on Wednesday as the bill passed the finance committee 9-5 yesterday after nearly six hours of discussion.The Stadium deal that looked dead earlier last week, sprang to life again last when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Pittsburgh Steelers President Art Rooney II and NFL vice president of operations Eric Grubman, met with Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton and other key legislative leaders last Friday, April 20. Since that meeting and a renewed bipartisan promise, the stadium bill seems to have taken to life again passing through several key committees.The latest hurdle was the finance committee who tacked on “racino” as another funding mechanism which was looked at as a deal killer by Senator Julie Rosen, (R-Fairmont) sponsor of the stadium bill in the state Senate. That amendment was proposed by Sen. Sean Nienow, (R-Cambridge) who called racino a “proven, across-the-nation funding mechanism” instead of counting on tax revenue from electronic pull-tabs, which he said was based on “fairies and foo-foo dust.”Nienow made the comment even though many experts including a top executive from the Goldman Sachs Group had testified that the projected electronic pull tab numbers estimated in the bill were solid and conservative if anything.Rosen and others backing her bill had worked hard with charitable gambling to get the bill this far. Racino has been controversial in the past as it allows slots machines to be placed at horse racing tracks in the state. Racino has never been approved because of opposition from tribal casinos and there’s no reason to believe the amendment won’t bog down the stadium bill which is now expected to hit the floor of the senate.The controversial racino amendment of senator Nienow’s wasn’t the only part of the stadium bill he tried to tack on yesterday. Another proposal of the Cambridge representative was to kill the Major League Soccer component to the stadium bill.As it stands now, the proposal calls for the Vikings to have rights to a MLS team for 5 years. That portion of the bill was clarified yesterday via Twitter to IMS by the Vikings’ Jeff Anderson who is Director of Corporate Communications for the Vikings. He stated that the five-year period when the Vikings would have exclusive rights to bring in an MLS team to play at the new stadium rent free, would start from the date that the first NFL game is played in the new facility.While Nienow had no problem with the Vikings bringing in and operating an MLS team he did have an issue with what he called “a state sanctioned monopoly (that) would let them operate with no rent.”“I actually think it’s a great deal,” said Rosen, who seemed to share the same sentiments as most finance committee members. “If they want to bring in a Major League Soccer team and they want to put in a retractable roof and make that investment, that’s their responsibility and their cost. For them to take a leap of faith and want to bring in a soccer team, develop a fan base that’s going to generate revenue … why would we not want to give them an opportunity to do that?”The proposed and defeated amendment tipped off nearly 30 minutes of discussion about MLS to Minnesota and some of the components of the Vikings’ rights to bring a team to the state.Lester Bagley, vice president of public affairs for the Vikings, made it very clear that the team would not be interested in bringing MLS to Minnesota if they were not afforded the opportunity to play dates in the new stadium, rent free.  He also said they have had a number of conversations with the league.“The agreement that has been negotiated separately with state leaders, the city and the team, over a period of several weeks and months included this opportunity to try to secure for Minnesota a Major League Soccer franchise,” said Bagley. “We have a 5-year window according to the legislation.”Bagley also said the Vikings would pay all the game-day related costs of hosting MLS games at the stadium but expected the rent-free portion of the agreement to be ongoing.The Vikings vice president of public affairs also said that there is tremendous economic activity in MLS with 18 home games and average crowds of 17,000. He said it would cost the Vikings $30 to 40 million to acquire the franchise. (MLS commissioner Don Garber has stated the next franchise would most likely go for between $70-90 million. The Montreal Impact purchased their franchise 3 years ago for $40 million.)Finance committee chair Claire Robling seemed to ask the probing question of the day that drew chuckles even from Bagley. “Mr. Bagley, since a lot of people like to see soccer played outside would that mean that you might, at your expense, put on a retractable roof.” (Laughter)Bagley answered, “Madam chairman, I think that is something that we have discussed.” The Vikings spokesperson then carefully avoided the question by speaking to the contributions that team will be making to the cost of construction and maintenance of the stadium.Finance committee member Terri Bonoff of Minneapolis sounded quite enthusiastic about an MLS team and even seemed a bit knowledgeable about the sport. “I see a huge opportunity for us and I’m excited about that opportunity,” said Bonoff. “I hope when you pursue the soccer team you will strongly consider the retractable roof.”

 

 

[Sebowski]

Pep will announce tomorrow whether he will continue as the Barça manager. Mourinho says he will continue at Real, but he's a liar and a scallywag, so who knows if some Suadi prince wants to pay him a ransom to coach in the EPL again.

As for me, I'm pleased that both Real Madrid and Barcelona won't win a Champion's League title this year. I don't really have a preference of Chelsea or Bayern, so I may not even watch the final. Usually the semi-finals are better anyway.

Isn't that like not watching the Super Bowl?

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Pep to leave Barca?

Pep Guardiola is set to part company with Barcelona at the end of the season, according to reports on Thursday evening.

Guardiola's future has been the subject of conjecture following a disappointing week for Barcelona, during which their 2-1 defeat in El Clasico propelled Real Madrid toward the Liga title.

Barca then followed that result with a 3-2 aggregate loss to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals, meaning their remaining focus is now on the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao on May 25.

Guardiola has been on a rolling contract at the Camp Nou since taking over from Frank Rijkaard in 2008, and, with the 2011-12 season drawing to a close, speculation has ignited over whether he will commit to fresh terms.

The latest reports suggest the 41-year-old will not extend his stay with the Spanish club, amid suggestions he is keen to take a year out from football, such is the intensity of leading Barcelona.

A press conference is scheduled for Friday when Guardiola is expected to confirm the news, which will likely be followed by a string of reports proposing potential replacements for the hugely successful coach, with Athletic's Marcelo Bielsa mooted as a contender.

Guardiola has won three successive La Liga titles since being handed the reins, while he lifted the Champions League trophy in 2009 and 2011, subsequently winning the FIFA Club World Cup on two occasions also.

Liverpool FC to the white courtesy phone, please.ETA - I Hippled.

 

[Slapdash]

Pep to leave Barca?

Pep Guardiola is set to part company with Barcelona at the end of the season, according to reports on Thursday evening.

Guardiola's future has been the subject of conjecture following a disappointing week for Barcelona, during which their 2-1 defeat in El Clasico propelled Real Madrid toward the Liga title.

Barca then followed that result with a 3-2 aggregate loss to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals, meaning their remaining focus is now on the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao on May 25.

Guardiola has been on a rolling contract at the Camp Nou since taking over from Frank Rijkaard in 2008, and, with the 2011-12 season drawing to a close, speculation has ignited over whether he will commit to fresh terms.

The latest reports suggest the 41-year-old will not extend his stay with the Spanish club, amid suggestions he is keen to take a year out from football, such is the intensity of leading Barcelona.

A press conference is scheduled for Friday when Guardiola is expected to confirm the news, which will likely be followed by a string of reports proposing potential replacements for the hugely successful coach, with Athletic's Marcelo Bielsa mooted as a contender.

Guardiola has won three successive La Liga titles since being handed the reins, while he lifted the Champions League trophy in 2009 and 2011, subsequently winning the FIFA Club World Cup on two occasions also.

Liverpool FC to the white courtesy phone, please.ETA - I Hippled.

It will really suck if he leaves but I don't see him moving over to England if he does. It is the stress that is getting to him.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

It will really suck if he leaves but I don't see him moving over to England if he does. It is the stress that is getting to him.

A man can dream.

 

[Slapdash]

It will really suck if he leaves but I don't see him moving over to England if he does. It is the stress that is getting to him.

A man can dream.

True....I've been dreaming he will actually pin a long term contract at Barcelona. But he really seems to take his job much more seriously than most managers and put a lot of work in. I just can't imagine he would leave after losing like this.

 

[The Z Machine]

Pep will announce tomorrow whether he will continue as the Barça manager. Mourinho says he will continue at Real, but he's a liar and a scallywag, so who knows if some Suadi prince wants to pay him a ransom to coach in the EPL again.

As for me, I'm pleased that both Real Madrid and Barcelona won't win a Champion's League title this year. I don't really have a preference of Chelsea or Bayern, so I may not even watch the final. Usually the semi-finals are better anyway.

Isn't that like not watching the Super Bowl?

touché

 

[The Z Machine]

Stupid me organized a meeting at 4:00. I'll miss the second half of the Atleti game. Currently it's 0-0, which bodes well for my boys. I liked the way they played in the last 10 minutes of the first half.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Fun little interview with Andrew Luck focusing on his enjoyment of soccer

 

[The Z Machine]

My boys won 1-0 in Valencia to advance to the Europa League Final in Bucharest. The won the Europa League in 2010 on the backs of Forlán and Kun Agüero. This time they play Athletic and a Fernando Llorente that looks unstoppable. Should be a fun game in Bucharest. There's a lot of history between the two clubs.

 

[jonessed]

Pep to leave Barca?

Pep Guardiola is set to part company with Barcelona at the end of the season, according to reports on Thursday evening.

Guardiola's future has been the subject of conjecture following a disappointing week for Barcelona, during which their 2-1 defeat in El Clasico propelled Real Madrid toward the Liga title.

Barca then followed that result with a 3-2 aggregate loss to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals, meaning their remaining focus is now on the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao on May 25.

Guardiola has been on a rolling contract at the Camp Nou since taking over from Frank Rijkaard in 2008, and, with the 2011-12 season drawing to a close, speculation has ignited over whether he will commit to fresh terms.

The latest reports suggest the 41-year-old will not extend his stay with the Spanish club, amid suggestions he is keen to take a year out from football, such is the intensity of leading Barcelona.

A press conference is scheduled for Friday when Guardiola is expected to confirm the news, which will likely be followed by a string of reports proposing potential replacements for the hugely successful coach, with Athletic's Marcelo Bielsa mooted as a contender.

Guardiola has won three successive La Liga titles since being handed the reins, while he lifted the Champions League trophy in 2009 and 2011, subsequently winning the FIFA Club World Cup on two occasions also.

Liverpool FC to the white courtesy phone, please.ETA - I Hippled.

It will really suck if he leaves but I don't see him moving over to England if he does. It is the stress that is getting to him.

He seems pretty adamant about taking a year off and he comes across a pretty straight shooter on these matters. There's clearly a reason why he has been doing these 12 month contracts with Barcelona.

 

[PIK95]

I actually have eight extra club seats for Liverpool-Roma I picked up by accident if anyone is looking. I just gotta ask my players that I coach first but I assume I'll have some good ones left.

 

[NewlyRetired]

This looks like it will be nice for you Liverpool fans.

Liverpool FC is set to become the first football club in the world to give fans a truly unique insight into what goes on behind the scenes with the announcement today that it has teamed up with FOX Soccer to participate in a groundbreaking new documentary series.As part of the project, which begins filming in May, Liverpool will open its doors for unprecedented insider access, as FOX Soccer and LFC partner to bring viewers a six-episode documentary entitled, 'Our Liverpool: Never Walk Alone'.This original series, a first for any broadcaster in the world of football, is being produced by FOX Soccer and will provide over 100 million viewers a groundbreaking look at one of sport's most historic clubs in the world's most watched football league."This is going to be a truly remarkable series for every football fan on earth, watching the inner workings of one of the world's truly great clubs, and seeing things no one outside the inner sanctum has seen or experienced before," insists FOX Sports Media Group Chairman and CEO David Hill. "Liverpool FC is cherished by its community and hundreds of millions of fans worldwide. Working with a team so unique, and wrapped in so much history, is a natural fit for a project of this magnitude and uniqueness.""I am delighted that David Hill, David Nathanson and the team at Fox are producing this unique series," enthused Club Chairman Tom Werner. "I expect that it will be compelling programming as Liverpool will provide unprecedented access. This will be an amazing opportunity for our fans to see a new side of the Club and for us to reach out to many more potential supporters around the world who will come to understand what makes Liverpool FC so special."Working directly with Liverpool's ownership and management, FOX Soccer has gained exclusive and unprecedented access to one of the most influential clubs in global sport - including taking cameras inside the Anfield and Melwood dressing rooms to show fans the players and manager at work. 'Our Liverpool: Never Walk Alone' will begin deep inside the club at the tail end of the 2011-2012 campaign, a rollercoaster season that could end with the club adding an eighth FA Cup trophy at Wembley in May to the eighth League Cup that was won at the same venue in February.Episodes continue through the club's July tour of North America, with FOX Soccer's production crew following the team on and off the field as Liverpool prepare for the new Barclays Premier League season and contest the first few matches of its 2012-2013 campaign. Throughout this journey, Liverpool's unique traditions will be highlighted, along with the club's unparalleled history, and its heartfelt place in the fabric of the local community."Anyone who supports, plays for, or works at this football club knows how unique and special it is and how much it means to so many," claims Liverpool Managing Director Ian Ayre. "This project creates a fantastic opportunity to allow people across the world to have a glimpse of the inner workings of the club following the lives of our staff, our players and our fans, all of whom make up everything that is Liverpool Football Club."The series will be led by multiple Emmy award-winning producer Scott Boggins (formerly of HBO's groundbreaking '24/7' series) and is set to air globally in autumn 2012. Boggins' expertise from his time at HBO will add a unique aesthetic to 'Our Liverpool: Never Walk Alone'. Through five seasons, HBO's '24/7' has earned 33 Emmy nominations, winning 14 times. Boggins' most recent work includes around-the-clock access to boxing title bouts including Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz (2011) and Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton (2009). Boggins was also responsible for the '24/7' coverage of the National Hockey League's Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins clash in the build-up to the 2011 NHL Winter Classic. His portfolio also includes '24/7' work centred upon NASCAR driver and legend Jimmie Johnson and additional boxing projects featuring Joe Calzaghe and Roy Jones Jr."Our goal is to capture the essence of what it means to be a part of Liverpool Football Club in an authentic manner, and no producer has more experience with this style of story-telling than Scott Boggins," believes FOX Soccer General Manager David Nathanson. "Scott's body of work is remarkable, giving fans a true peek behind the curtain into the lives of sport's biggest teams, athletes and coaches. Scott has proven his ability to capture these inner workings in a truly organic manner, and now he has the opportunity to tell Liverpool FC's rich story to a global audience."

 

[The Gator]

I actually have eight extra club seats for Liverpool-Roma I picked up by accident if anyone is looking. I just gotta ask my players that I coach first but I assume I'll have some good ones left.

 

[Slapdash]

Pep to leave Barca?

Pep Guardiola is set to part company with Barcelona at the end of the season, according to reports on Thursday evening.

Guardiola's future has been the subject of conjecture following a disappointing week for Barcelona, during which their 2-1 defeat in El Clasico propelled Real Madrid toward the Liga title.

Barca then followed that result with a 3-2 aggregate loss to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals, meaning their remaining focus is now on the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao on May 25.

Guardiola has been on a rolling contract at the Camp Nou since taking over from Frank Rijkaard in 2008, and, with the 2011-12 season drawing to a close, speculation has ignited over whether he will commit to fresh terms.

The latest reports suggest the 41-year-old will not extend his stay with the Spanish club, amid suggestions he is keen to take a year out from football, such is the intensity of leading Barcelona.

A press conference is scheduled for Friday when Guardiola is expected to confirm the news, which will likely be followed by a string of reports proposing potential replacements for the hugely successful coach, with Athletic's Marcelo Bielsa mooted as a contender.

Guardiola has won three successive La Liga titles since being handed the reins, while he lifted the Champions League trophy in 2009 and 2011, subsequently winning the FIFA Club World Cup on two occasions also.

Liverpool FC to the white courtesy phone, please.ETA - I Hippled.

It will really suck if he leaves but I don't see him moving over to England if he does. It is the stress that is getting to him.

He seems pretty adamant about taking a year off and he comes across a pretty straight shooter on these matters. There's clearly a reason why he has been doing these 12 month contracts with Barcelona.

Yeah, I'll take him at his word that it has to do with the stress. He looks like he has aged in four years more than most presidents do. I take some comfort that Tito is taking a step up to head coach; it has been obvious to me that Pep has been increasing his involvment in managing the squad this year.

Wire: GUARDIOLA EXPLAINS REASONS FOR BARCA DEPARTURE

April 27 (Press Association) -- Barcelona coach Pep

Guardiola today announced he would be standing down at the end

of the season to "recharge his batteries" with his assistant

Tito Vilanova confirmed as his replacement.

Guardiola, who has presided over a period of unprecedented

success at the Nou Camp - the club have claimed 13 trophies in

his four years at the helm, admitted he has been pondering his

future for some time.

At a press conference, he said: "I would like you to

understand that this is not an easy decision for me. But I would

like to explain my reasons for this decision.

"I have always wanted short-term contracts. Four years is

an eternity as Barca coach. In the month of October I announced

to the president and to the sporting director that I thought my

spell was coming to an end.

"The main reason why I have taken this decision is because

four years is many years.

"I have given everything and I have nothing left and need

to recharge my batteries.

"The demands have been great and I have not been able to

rest much. I have to recover and the only way I can do that is

by distancing myself. Otherwise, we would have ended up damaging

each other.

"I know that I'm leaving the best place to work in. I am

very satisfied with the result we have achieved. I have had the

great privilege of coaching fantastic players. I want to thank

them."

 

[The Z Machine]

I'm surprised Pep hasn't announced a one year contract with an Abu Dhabi team.

 

[Slapdash]

I'm surprised Pep hasn't announced a one year contract with an Abu Dhabi team.

 

[The Z Machine]

I'm surprised Pep hasn't announced a one year contract with an Abu Dhabi team.

Low stress, high €

 

[Slapdash]

I'm surprised Pep hasn't announced a one year contract with an Abu Dhabi team.

Low stress, high €

I could see that happening eventually and would much prefer it to him joining up in England. I think Qatar is more likely since he played there and the club is close with them. But I don't think it was ever the plan for him to take another role right away.

 

[Native]

I love these videos.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Enjoy it now. In three weeks time they won't have anything to celebrate!

 

[jonessed]

I'm surprised Pep hasn't announced a one year contract with an Abu Dhabi team.

Low stress, high €

I could see that happening eventually and would much prefer it to him joining up in England. I think Qatar is more likely since he played there and the club is close with them. But I don't think it was ever the plan for him to take another role right away.

He actually seems keen on coaching a premier league squad and living in England. I expect that's where his next move will be.Abramovich has made no bones that he has wanted Pep for years and will pay and do anything to get him. I imagine that will be his next stop.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Pep not interested in Chelsea

Pep Guardiola has distanced himself from the vacant Chelsea job after confirming that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season.

The Spaniard’s decision to announce his resignation as Blaugrana boss has increased speculation that he will take over as manager of the Premier League club next season, but the 41-year-old insists that he wants to take a break from football.

"I never met with Roman Abramovich nor any Chelsea representative. I'm not interesting in coaching now," he told reporters.

"My desire is to make other things, maybe sometime in the future I will go back to a bench, but I don't know at the moment.

"I don't have anything to prove, I'm not interested in proving myself abroad and will go away from football at the moment."

Guardiola's apparent non-interest in the job at Stamford Bridge may strengthen current interim boss Roberto Di Matteo's own claim to the Chelsea hotseat.

The Italian has turned Chelsea’s season around since taking over from the sacked Andre Villas-Boas until the end of the season, overseeing the knocking-out of Barcelona to reach the Champions League final and also securing a spot in the FA Cup final.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Liverpool FC to the white courtesy phone, please.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Good for Pep. Life > work.

 

[Steve Tasker]

NACHOS

 

[Christo]

NACHOS!

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Pep not interested in Chelsea

Pep Guardiola has distanced himself from the vacant Chelsea job after confirming that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season.

The Spaniard’s decision to announce his resignation as Blaugrana boss has increased speculation that he will take over as manager of the Premier League club next season, but the 41-year-old insists that he wants to take a break from football.

"I never met with Roman Abramovich nor any Chelsea representative. I'm not interesting in coaching now," he told reporters.

"My desire is to make other things, maybe sometime in the future I will go back to a bench, but I don't know at the moment.

"I don't have anything to prove, I'm not interested in proving myself abroad and will go away from football at the moment."

Guardiola's apparent non-interest in the job at Stamford Bridge may strengthen current interim boss Roberto Di Matteo's own claim to the Chelsea hotseat.

The Italian has turned Chelsea’s season around since taking over from the sacked Andre Villas-Boas until the end of the season, overseeing the knocking-out of Barcelona to reach the Champions League final and also securing a spot in the FA Cup final.

Google News reveals no Elvis Costello references were made in regards to this story.

 

[Christo]

Hey, No. 12. I want to introduce you to Robin Van Persie. He's pretty good. Mark him next time.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Wigan flat out fighting for their lives.

 

[Native]

OOOOH fighting words!

BTW Chelsea signed Marko Marin from Bremen today. His hghlights look good but do you know anything about him from the Bundesliga?

 

[guru_007]

Goals on Sunday gonna be about 3 hours long tomorrow.

 

[((Morpheus))]

newcastle... oof

 

[Christo]

Arsene, you're a %^&*@!!

You're a %^&*@!!

You're a %^&*@!!

The entire game