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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter jpeace121
- Start date
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Really going out on a limb there...
jonessed
Footballguy
You have to play the odds. United gets penalties at home, we have already had two dives, and United is in full whine-mode.Really going out on a limb there...
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Rooney in full White Pele mode today
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
My prediction is that someone will concede a PK and get a red card for breathing on a United player in the box.You have to play the odds. United gets penalties at home, we have already had two dives, and United is in full whine-mode.Really going out on a limb there...
LHUCKS
Footballguy
one of the best games I've seen from him
jonessed
Footballguy
I'm calling it! The counter-jinx is on. Tottenham are back in it!
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Complemented by the Ginger Pirlo
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Well, whether or not you consider the EPL to be the "best" or "most talented" league in the world, you have to admit that the parity among the top 5-7 teams is pretty impressive.
Yeah, ain't no two team league.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Interview with Klinsmann from ESPN.com.
He gives his views on Jozy (pretty clear he thinks Jozy needs to work harder), Landon, the crowded midfield, why qualifying has been tougher than expected, how to best use Johnson and Williams and a few other tidbits.
=========================
Question: Why has the road been so much harder for the U.S. so far than it was in 2008? What has it opened your eyes to about qualifying in this part of the world?
Klinsmann: "Teams in CONCACAF are getting better, and they're all competitive -- there are none you can take lightly. It's a good sign of how the quality of the game has grown within the region. But the situation would be much different going into these final two games in the group stage if we had been able to take at least one point in Jamaica."
Q: The field conditions in Kingston weren't optimal, but what else went wrong in that game? Is there anything you'd do differently?
Klinsmann: "We didn't implement the game plan. If you can't pass or dribble, if there are physical battles, you have to adjust. If you win the one-on-ones, you can start to play the way you want to. A couple of guys had problems with that, and that's why we gave away those cheap free kicks that cost us the game. Also, we had three players [Carlos Bocanegra, Maurice Edu and Clint Dempsey] come in to camp that two days before weren't even under contract with teams. They had no rhythm, no fitness base. It's difficult to go from zero to 100 in a few days. I'm not complaining about it -- I take things the way they are. But it impacts us. Things would have looked different with everyone in a rhythm."
Q: You've often talked about implementing a proactive style of play based on ball possession, playing out of the back, etc. That's not always easy to do on bumpy fields like the one in Jamaica, and like the one you might see in Antigua. Are you prepared to play with a more direct approach if the situation calls for it?
Klinsmann: "You always have to adjust depending on field conditions, weather and opponent. If a situation requires [using] long balls and crosses, we try to do that. What we always want to do is push the back line up higher and high pressure whenever we can. Yes, we want to implement a style that the players and U.S. fans enjoy. But while we go through that process, we need to get results. So if in Antigua we have to send a tall center back up front [to win headers], we're going to. In those games it's not about what systems we play, the tactics. It's about getting the job done. In other games, you can do it by going the technical route."
Q: The U.S. is even on points with Guatemala and Jamaica right now, and with goal differential as the first tiebreaker, scoring will be important in these next two games. That's something this team has struggled with. Where do you expect those goals to come from?
Klinsmann: "I hope they come from all over (laughs). Whoever you put on the field, they have to have that extreme hunger to create chances and score. That's how we measure our players, by their work rate, their toughness, by how much they give to the team. We're extremely happy to have a guy like Herculez Gomez. He has tremendous quality and he sacrifices himself for the team. We were happy he scored that free kick against Jamaica at home.
Q: Jozy Altidore is leading the Dutch league in scoring, but he's hasn't scored for the national team since last year and doesn't seem to be getting much service. What can you do to get him more chances?
Klinsmann: "The Dutch league is very open -- he gets three or four chances a game. In international games, there's less space. It's hard to get chances; you have to create them yourself. Yes, you always want people to feed your strikers who are good at finishing, but on the other hand, when teams are locked in, you have to work, work, work and force your luck, and sooner or later you'll get rewarded for that. I think Jozy can do a lot better, and he knows that.
Q: You were full of praise for Danny Williams after the home win against the Reggae Boyz. Do you now see him as a central midfielder -- the position he plays for Hoffenheim in Germany -- going forward?
Klinsmann: "It's been a challenge having four or five defensive-minded midfielders. That's why we often end up playing three of them, because they're good. But they aren't playmakers. They're not going to get in the box and win you a penalty. I knew that Danny's best role was as a No. 6. That's where he broke though over the last year in the Bundesliga. So while you're trying to find the best guy for every position, when you have very good players who play similar roles you have to improvise. I'd rather have three high-end wingers instead of five quality No. 6's." [laughs]
Q: Do you see Michael Bradley as a No. 6?
Klinsmann: "No, I see Michael and Jermaine [Jones] as No. 8's, guys who can go both directions. But if you play, for instance, a 4-4-2 with Landon [Donovan] on the right and Brek [shea] on the left, then you can only have two in the middle. With Danny, Michael, Jermaine, Kyle [beckerman] and Mo [Edu], we have five options."
Q: Eric Lichaj has started Aston Villa's last three Premier League games, and 12 of 15 dating to last season. But he hasn't been in camp with the U.S. since you've been the coach. How close is he to getting a call-up?
Klinsmann: "Eric has always been on our list and the more he plays, the closer he gets. Right now it's not the right time to bring in a bunch of new players. Every coach wants to see young players coming through the system, and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing Eric for myself, with the group. 2013 will be a big year with qualification and also the Gold Cup. We'll have to build two rosters. Hopefully there's an opportunity for Eric coming up in the near future if he keeps starting at Aston Villa."
Q: You did name Joshua Gatt, an uncapped player from Molde in Norway, to your last roster before he withdrew with an injury. Are you saying you're less willing to take chances like that now, heading into the final two group games?
Klinsmann: "If a player at maybe a smaller club gives a specific edge for a specific game based on their characteristics, you can make some exceptions. We thought Josh Gatt, with his speed, could have helped us against Jamaica. The same as the players, we as coaches have to adjust."
Q: Landon Donovan is still perhaps the highest-profile American player, but he's talked about possibly leaving soccer altogether on several occasions recently. When did you last speak to him? How does he fit into your plans between now and 2014?
Klinsmann: "The last time we spoke was in Mexico [a 1-0 U.S. win in August]. You try to get a feel for a player, but those are things players have to work out for themselves. I hope his goal is still 2014 [World Cup]. He has many thoughts, about going back to Europe maybe, after his good experiences with Everton, but he's old enough to make his own decisions."
Q: What's the latest regarding Stuart Holden?
Klinsmann: "I spoke to Stuart a couple of weeks ago. He told me he hopes to be back in training in October. We always stay connected -- he's such a good kid, and we all just hope he's back on track because he gives everything he has to the program."
Q: Fabian Johnson scored last weekend for Hoffenheim; he clearly has the ability to attack. Might you move him into midfield at some point?
Klinsmann: "Having Fabian at left back is outstanding because he plays a position where we were lacking in the past. He's one of the best left backs in Germany. Now people are noticing it because he's starting to score goals. [As for] playing him further up the field, we don't have another left back with the same quality for how we play, and again, we have so many midfielders that we'll keep him there for right now."
Q: You clearly favor a rather progressive approach with your players. In what ways have you tried to help them improve individually?
Klinsmann: We simply want to empower them. We try to give them tools to do that, to get an extra 5 to 10 percent out of them. It's a holistic approach: We're trying to make them understand that they are responsible for everything. You are the one that decides if you're going to have a glass of wine or if you'd rather drink water. You decide how you live your life, if your Twitter messages are appropriate or not. I can tell them that Jamaica will battle and foul and be physical, but I can't go on the field. I tell them every time we get together that [2014] is their World Cup. I've played in mine."
He gives his views on Jozy (pretty clear he thinks Jozy needs to work harder), Landon, the crowded midfield, why qualifying has been tougher than expected, how to best use Johnson and Williams and a few other tidbits.
=========================
Question: Why has the road been so much harder for the U.S. so far than it was in 2008? What has it opened your eyes to about qualifying in this part of the world?
Klinsmann: "Teams in CONCACAF are getting better, and they're all competitive -- there are none you can take lightly. It's a good sign of how the quality of the game has grown within the region. But the situation would be much different going into these final two games in the group stage if we had been able to take at least one point in Jamaica."
Q: The field conditions in Kingston weren't optimal, but what else went wrong in that game? Is there anything you'd do differently?
Klinsmann: "We didn't implement the game plan. If you can't pass or dribble, if there are physical battles, you have to adjust. If you win the one-on-ones, you can start to play the way you want to. A couple of guys had problems with that, and that's why we gave away those cheap free kicks that cost us the game. Also, we had three players [Carlos Bocanegra, Maurice Edu and Clint Dempsey] come in to camp that two days before weren't even under contract with teams. They had no rhythm, no fitness base. It's difficult to go from zero to 100 in a few days. I'm not complaining about it -- I take things the way they are. But it impacts us. Things would have looked different with everyone in a rhythm."
Q: You've often talked about implementing a proactive style of play based on ball possession, playing out of the back, etc. That's not always easy to do on bumpy fields like the one in Jamaica, and like the one you might see in Antigua. Are you prepared to play with a more direct approach if the situation calls for it?
Klinsmann: "You always have to adjust depending on field conditions, weather and opponent. If a situation requires [using] long balls and crosses, we try to do that. What we always want to do is push the back line up higher and high pressure whenever we can. Yes, we want to implement a style that the players and U.S. fans enjoy. But while we go through that process, we need to get results. So if in Antigua we have to send a tall center back up front [to win headers], we're going to. In those games it's not about what systems we play, the tactics. It's about getting the job done. In other games, you can do it by going the technical route."
Q: The U.S. is even on points with Guatemala and Jamaica right now, and with goal differential as the first tiebreaker, scoring will be important in these next two games. That's something this team has struggled with. Where do you expect those goals to come from?
Klinsmann: "I hope they come from all over (laughs). Whoever you put on the field, they have to have that extreme hunger to create chances and score. That's how we measure our players, by their work rate, their toughness, by how much they give to the team. We're extremely happy to have a guy like Herculez Gomez. He has tremendous quality and he sacrifices himself for the team. We were happy he scored that free kick against Jamaica at home.
Q: Jozy Altidore is leading the Dutch league in scoring, but he's hasn't scored for the national team since last year and doesn't seem to be getting much service. What can you do to get him more chances?
Klinsmann: "The Dutch league is very open -- he gets three or four chances a game. In international games, there's less space. It's hard to get chances; you have to create them yourself. Yes, you always want people to feed your strikers who are good at finishing, but on the other hand, when teams are locked in, you have to work, work, work and force your luck, and sooner or later you'll get rewarded for that. I think Jozy can do a lot better, and he knows that.
Q: You were full of praise for Danny Williams after the home win against the Reggae Boyz. Do you now see him as a central midfielder -- the position he plays for Hoffenheim in Germany -- going forward?
Klinsmann: "It's been a challenge having four or five defensive-minded midfielders. That's why we often end up playing three of them, because they're good. But they aren't playmakers. They're not going to get in the box and win you a penalty. I knew that Danny's best role was as a No. 6. That's where he broke though over the last year in the Bundesliga. So while you're trying to find the best guy for every position, when you have very good players who play similar roles you have to improvise. I'd rather have three high-end wingers instead of five quality No. 6's." [laughs]
Q: Do you see Michael Bradley as a No. 6?
Klinsmann: "No, I see Michael and Jermaine [Jones] as No. 8's, guys who can go both directions. But if you play, for instance, a 4-4-2 with Landon [Donovan] on the right and Brek [shea] on the left, then you can only have two in the middle. With Danny, Michael, Jermaine, Kyle [beckerman] and Mo [Edu], we have five options."
Q: Eric Lichaj has started Aston Villa's last three Premier League games, and 12 of 15 dating to last season. But he hasn't been in camp with the U.S. since you've been the coach. How close is he to getting a call-up?
Klinsmann: "Eric has always been on our list and the more he plays, the closer he gets. Right now it's not the right time to bring in a bunch of new players. Every coach wants to see young players coming through the system, and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing Eric for myself, with the group. 2013 will be a big year with qualification and also the Gold Cup. We'll have to build two rosters. Hopefully there's an opportunity for Eric coming up in the near future if he keeps starting at Aston Villa."
Q: You did name Joshua Gatt, an uncapped player from Molde in Norway, to your last roster before he withdrew with an injury. Are you saying you're less willing to take chances like that now, heading into the final two group games?
Klinsmann: "If a player at maybe a smaller club gives a specific edge for a specific game based on their characteristics, you can make some exceptions. We thought Josh Gatt, with his speed, could have helped us against Jamaica. The same as the players, we as coaches have to adjust."
Q: Landon Donovan is still perhaps the highest-profile American player, but he's talked about possibly leaving soccer altogether on several occasions recently. When did you last speak to him? How does he fit into your plans between now and 2014?
Klinsmann: "The last time we spoke was in Mexico [a 1-0 U.S. win in August]. You try to get a feel for a player, but those are things players have to work out for themselves. I hope his goal is still 2014 [World Cup]. He has many thoughts, about going back to Europe maybe, after his good experiences with Everton, but he's old enough to make his own decisions."
Q: What's the latest regarding Stuart Holden?
Klinsmann: "I spoke to Stuart a couple of weeks ago. He told me he hopes to be back in training in October. We always stay connected -- he's such a good kid, and we all just hope he's back on track because he gives everything he has to the program."
Q: Fabian Johnson scored last weekend for Hoffenheim; he clearly has the ability to attack. Might you move him into midfield at some point?
Klinsmann: "Having Fabian at left back is outstanding because he plays a position where we were lacking in the past. He's one of the best left backs in Germany. Now people are noticing it because he's starting to score goals. [As for] playing him further up the field, we don't have another left back with the same quality for how we play, and again, we have so many midfielders that we'll keep him there for right now."
Q: You clearly favor a rather progressive approach with your players. In what ways have you tried to help them improve individually?
Klinsmann: We simply want to empower them. We try to give them tools to do that, to get an extra 5 to 10 percent out of them. It's a holistic approach: We're trying to make them understand that they are responsible for everything. You are the one that decides if you're going to have a glass of wine or if you'd rather drink water. You decide how you live your life, if your Twitter messages are appropriate or not. I can tell them that Jamaica will battle and foul and be physical, but I can't go on the field. I tell them every time we get together that [2014] is their World Cup. I've played in mine."
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Bradley is not on the game day roster for Roma again today.
This leaves Bradley now only one game left in Serie A to get some playing time before the two crucial US qualifiers.
=================
Cameron has been getting some playing time at right back for Stoke and from reports has done pretty well. He is an extremely versatile player which should make him very rosterable for the US for the next couple of years.
==================
Here is a clip of Zusi's first goal last night. The finish is more impressive on the replay when you can see his run to find space and the tough ball he handled one time.
http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-09-28-skc-v-chi/highlights?videoID=201557
This leaves Bradley now only one game left in Serie A to get some playing time before the two crucial US qualifiers.
=================
Cameron has been getting some playing time at right back for Stoke and from reports has done pretty well. He is an extremely versatile player which should make him very rosterable for the US for the next couple of years.
==================
Here is a clip of Zusi's first goal last night. The finish is more impressive on the replay when you can see his run to find space and the tough ball he handled one time.
http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-09-28-skc-v-chi/highlights?videoID=201557
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Good Posting Judge
Footballguy
Sevilla, Valencia, Atletico and Malaga would all more than hold their own in the top of half of the EPL.Have had a few hours to decompress....and just an awful loss today. It's blatantly obvious that United's defense is beyond dreadful right now. Rio is okay, but no way he is a world class cb any longer, nor really close. His weaknesses can often be covered when they have another viable cb back there, but they don't right now. Evans is really a nice complimentary player, a guy that can play in Cup ties, or maybe come on late or some spot play when necessary, but by no means is he a starting cb on a top tier team. Evra and Rafael are fine to bring into the attack, but are often out of position, in particular Rafael.
And Carrick is absolutely ####### useless.
It was pretty plain that starting Scholes, Giggs and Carrick against a younger, faster, team was not a favorable situation and Spurs was able to take advantage. All three of their goals were on the break, against older, slower legs. I understand SAF easing Rooney back into the lineup, and to be perfectly honest, he did not look all that great in midweek vs Newcastle, but today he was great. I loved the way he and Kagawa were linking up just outside the box. RvP was subpar today, but I cant expect him to be great every time out. I really think if SAF didn't start Rooney, he should have put Anderson or Cleverly out there in some matter...instead of Carrick please for the love of God. Fletcher back in the fold is going to be nice too, but my God this team needs a defense.
Hats off to Spurs today, especially withstanding the United surge during the last 20-30 minutes. They had their lapses, but really held their form well. What's with Huddlestone's hair?
This loss was disappointing for sure, but hopefully it will show the deficiencies in the back that need be addressed. Smalling is not the answer, nor is Jones. It's going to be a tough 2 months without Vidic.
And Juve, my God, may as well just send them the trophy already, no one is gonna touch that team.
PSG looked good, they are getting better every week.
Watched a ton of soccer today. Love Saturdays.
And Carrick is absolutely ####### useless.
It was pretty plain that starting Scholes, Giggs and Carrick against a younger, faster, team was not a favorable situation and Spurs was able to take advantage. All three of their goals were on the break, against older, slower legs. I understand SAF easing Rooney back into the lineup, and to be perfectly honest, he did not look all that great in midweek vs Newcastle, but today he was great. I loved the way he and Kagawa were linking up just outside the box. RvP was subpar today, but I cant expect him to be great every time out. I really think if SAF didn't start Rooney, he should have put Anderson or Cleverly out there in some matter...instead of Carrick please for the love of God. Fletcher back in the fold is going to be nice too, but my God this team needs a defense.
Hats off to Spurs today, especially withstanding the United surge during the last 20-30 minutes. They had their lapses, but really held their form well. What's with Huddlestone's hair?
This loss was disappointing for sure, but hopefully it will show the deficiencies in the back that need be addressed. Smalling is not the answer, nor is Jones. It's going to be a tough 2 months without Vidic.
And Juve, my God, may as well just send them the trophy already, no one is gonna touch that team.
PSG looked good, they are getting better every week.
Watched a ton of soccer today. Love Saturdays.
Good Posting Judge
Footballguy
Got juve at +130 to win the title. Easy money.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Holy smokes was Henry in the mood tonight for NY. He had three assists and then this sweet "I am simply better than you will ever dream of being" goal with so much class and arrogance mixed in.
http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-09-29-ny-v-tor/highlights?videoID=201673
http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-09-29-ny-v-tor/highlights?videoID=201673
Good Posting Judge
Footballguy
Barca got lucky today. Cesc was fortunate to draw a red via simulation after being "head-butt", and a handball went uncalled against Thiago in the build-up to the equalizer. Lucky to get three points, Sevilla played really well and didn't back down once they scored.
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LHUCKS
Footballguy
sellout crowd...nice
NY doesn't have the varied culture and number of activities that the left coast enjoys.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Jozy scored again today in a 3-3 draw for AZ Alkmaar. That is 8 goals in the first 7 league games this year.
Good Posting Judge
Footballguy
Eindhoven had two dudes score hat tricks, thanks to a red, including Jurgen Locadia scoring three in the span of 11 minutes.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
That goal was sick.'NewlyRetired said:
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
He certainly is not scoring tap ins. So many good goals this year from him but this was probably the best. God how I would love to see him turn and do this to Concacaf defenders. About 1 minute in. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjjLthoOkS8
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Damn. Very impressive.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
My boys came through again, and this time without Falcao. They're in second after 6 games with only one draw. If Barça would just drop a few points...
LHUCKS
Footballguy
Ummm....that was some Messi #### right there."You can't do that in the international game."- Klinsman
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Good Posting Judge
Footballguy
Barca's schedule is pretty easy after this week (@ Benfica, Clasico at home), and the international break. They have Celtic twice in UCL play, and a relatively easy slate in league play in November until the away game to Levante. But if they can come away with some points next weekend, I think they'll be able to keep building their lead throughout the next month while Iniesta, Pique, etc. all get healthy.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Not to poop in the punchbowl, but Jozy appeared to be responsible for the the third opposition goal by just standing around on a corner kick (which is why Jozy appeared extremely pissed at himself at the final whistle).
Also Jozy might have 20 goals by now if he were playing against AZ's defense. They're pretty shambolic.
Also Jozy might have 20 goals by now if he were playing against AZ's defense. They're pretty shambolic.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
I'm trying to recall a better goal by an American. Dempsey's volley in the CL vs Juve is up there, but it's more of a pure strike and based on the situation. What goals are my aging brain forgetting?'El Floppo said:
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
What's amazing is that I can only say with confidence that Jozy's goal was among the best 3 goals of the weekend. I'm not sure where I'd place it among Henry's and Demba Ba's absurd first time volley on a ball directly over his shoulder against Reading. I think I like Ba's best.
Moe.
Footballguy
Are you talking about the chip? I think that was the Europa League, and I'm also not convinved that it was intentional. I think Jozy's was way better.
Good Posting Judge
Footballguy
They need to add some help in the winter, for sure. I think Pique is back soon.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Geez... my brain is aging. For some reason I recalled it as a volley straight off the pass. Still a nice goal though.
jonessed
Footballguy
The volley or the hand of Ba?
LHUCKS
Footballguy
the one from this past weekend
Which one?
LHUCKS
Footballguy
The one that was apparently better than Jozy's.
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