Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Anyone heard anything about Arsenal's interest in Mohamed Diame? Saw something on Twitter today that seemed to indicate they were ramping up their interest in him.
It's one of about 15-20 players they're linked to this transfer window. It's all speculation. What I'm most worried about is that they resign Theo Walcott and then call it a day.Anyone heard anything about Arsenal's interest in Mohamed Diame? Saw something on Twitter today that seemed to indicate they were ramping up their interest in him.
Well, that's what I meant....has anyone seen anything detailed?Also, have I mentioned how much I enjoy cup football?It's one of about 15-20 players they're linked to this transfer window. It's all speculation. What I'm most worried about is that they resign Theo Walcott and then call it a day.Anyone heard anything about Arsenal's interest in Mohamed Diame? Saw something on Twitter today that seemed to indicate they were ramping up their interest in him.
He's just been a name mentioned, and I follow Arsenal closely - they're "my" team. The hot names at the moment are M'Vila (again), David Villa (which I think is a dumb move, given his age), and Adrian Lopez (who seems too similar to Giroud and not much of an improvement). Zaha is apparently on hold because Palace wants to keep him for the rest of the season and/or receive multiple PL level squad players to help them get promotion. They've mentioned Nani but that's fantasy - too expensive and I think there'd be a revolt by Gooners if they did more business with United after selling them RVP.In short, as usual I have no clue what they're going to do.Well, that's what I meant....has anyone seen anything detailed?Also, have I mentioned how much I enjoy cup football?It's one of about 15-20 players they're linked to this transfer window. It's all speculation. What I'm most worried about is that they resign Theo Walcott and then call it a day.Anyone heard anything about Arsenal's interest in Mohamed Diame? Saw something on Twitter today that seemed to indicate they were ramping up their interest in him.
I agree with your comment insofar as there will be suspicions and accusations of fraud, but I disagree that means FFP has no teeth and that the EPL clubs will necessarily be penalized because they are more trustworthy than other leagues (my words). I also disagree that FFP depends entirely on accurate accounting. Besiktas is currently under a 2 year UEFA ban due to FFP violation for being late on payments to players and staff.There's no question that FFP is good for the big clubs. But I disagree that it will maintain the "status quo", as it is already affecting team behavior. I don't think there's any way Chelsea would be in a position to potentially lose Lampard and Cole if not for concerns regarding their salaries.That's a tad patronizing, isn't it? I explained why I thought FFP was BS. I've got a perfectly good understanding of the difference between what FFP aims for and what a salary cap does. In short, I explained the weaknesses, and you accused me of ignorance without addressing what I said. I'll let that speak for itself.I don't understand the "fairy tale" comment, but have noted in the past that many comments here indicate a misunderstanding of the goals of FFP. It is not intended to create a US-style salary cap or parity among teams. That has never been the goal of FFP and would not make sense given the realities of European football clubs, which have always been leagues of have and have-nots. Several teams have already been banned from UEFA competitions and winners purses have been withheld, which in my opinion is a demonstration of real teeth. Malaga will be hurting severely if they qualify for CL and can't take part due to FFP sanctions.Calling it "financial fair play" probably misleads people in to thinking it's about leveling the playing field, but it's really about finanical responsibility - making sure clubs pay their players, stay out of debt and ultimately keep from going under like Rangers.
Besiktas (and Malaga) are great examples of what I'm talking about. Those are obvious problems, but not of teams bringing in "too much" outside cash, but of not having enough. Identifying such clubs has never been much of a problem - usually they're the ones with players complaining, right. It's also not a coincidence that those clubs have little political clout within Europe overall, so UEFA is more than happy to "get tough" with them and make examples of them. It's the ones who never have a problem meeting payroll, no matter how much they spend (e.g. Chelsea and Man City), who are the reason for FFP. In response to FFP, City signed a 400M pound sponsorship deal with Etihad, which is owned by the same Qatari investment company affiliated with Sheikh Mansour. It's way "above market", in other words it's a sweetheart deal meant to get around the FFP limitations. I haven't heard a peep out of the FA or UEFA about it. This is what I'm talking about. Until they can close these loopholes (and what will undoubtedly be dozens of variations of such loopholes), FFP will be toothless. Worse, clubs like mine (Arsenal) or the German clubs who want to honor it through solid financial practices are only punishing themselves in the meantime by holding themselves back competitively. Moroever, I can easily see these oil-rich clubs deciding that it's worth it to clean up on silverware for a few years, eat their FFP sanctions, and then start all over again.I agree with your comment insofar as there will be suspicions and accusations of fraud, but I disagree that means FFP has no teeth and that the EPL clubs will necessarily be penalized because they are more trustworthy than other leagues (my words). I also disagree that FFP depends entirely on accurate accounting. Besiktas is currently under a 2 year UEFA ban due to FFP violation for being late on payments to players and staff.There's no question that FFP is good for the big clubs. But I disagree that it will maintain the "status quo", as it is already affecting team behavior. I don't think there's any way Chelsea would be in a position to potentially lose Lampard and Cole if not for concerns regarding their salaries.That's a tad patronizing, isn't it? I explained why I thought FFP was BS. I've got a perfectly good understanding of the difference between what FFP aims for and what a salary cap does. In short, I explained the weaknesses, and you accused me of ignorance without addressing what I said. I'll let that speak for itself.I don't understand the "fairy tale" comment, but have noted in the past that many comments here indicate a misunderstanding of the goals of FFP. It is not intended to create a US-style salary cap or parity among teams. That has never been the goal of FFP and would not make sense given the realities of European football clubs, which have always been leagues of have and have-nots. Several teams have already been banned from UEFA competitions and winners purses have been withheld, which in my opinion is a demonstration of real teeth. Malaga will be hurting severely if they qualify for CL and can't take part due to FFP sanctions.Calling it "financial fair play" probably misleads people in to thinking it's about leveling the playing field, but it's really about finanical responsibility - making sure clubs pay their players, stay out of debt and ultimately keep from going under like Rangers.
I think our disagreement is minor, but it is illustrated by the bolded sentence above. Many fans wrongly think the purpose of FFP is to bring the big-spending clubs down to earth. That's not the case. They do expect to reign in runaway wages and transfer fees, but that will also benefit big clubs as expeditures are tied to income. Arsenal have for years favored financial stability and profit-taking over spending. I'm sure they would continue to remain one of the most profitable clubs in Europe, regardless of FFP.Besiktas (and Malaga) are great examples of what I'm talking about. Those are obvious problems, but not of teams bringing in "too much" outside cash, but of not having enough. Identifying such clubs has never been much of a problem - usually they're the ones with players complaining, right. It's also not a coincidence that those clubs have little political clout within Europe overall, so UEFA is more than happy to "get tough" with them and make examples of them. It's the ones who never have a problem meeting payroll, no matter how much they spend (e.g. Chelsea and Man City), who are the reason for FFP. In response to FFP, City signed a 400M pound sponsorship deal with Etihad, which is owned by the same Qatari investment company affiliated with Sheikh Mansour. It's way "above market", in other words it's a sweetheart deal meant to get around the FFP limitations. I haven't heard a peep out of the FA or UEFA about it. This is what I'm talking about.I agree with your comment insofar as there will be suspicions and accusations of fraud, but I disagree that means FFP has no teeth and that the EPL clubs will necessarily be penalized because they are more trustworthy than other leagues (my words). I also disagree that FFP depends entirely on accurate accounting. Besiktas is currently under a 2 year UEFA ban due to FFP violation for being late on payments to players and staff.There's no question that FFP is good for the big clubs. But I disagree that it will maintain the "status quo", as it is already affecting team behavior. I don't think there's any way Chelsea would be in a position to potentially lose Lampard and Cole if not for concerns regarding their salaries.That's a tad patronizing, isn't it? I explained why I thought FFP was BS. I've got a perfectly good understanding of the difference between what FFP aims for and what a salary cap does. In short, I explained the weaknesses, and you accused me of ignorance without addressing what I said. I'll let that speak for itself.I don't understand the "fairy tale" comment, but have noted in the past that many comments here indicate a misunderstanding of the goals of FFP. It is not intended to create a US-style salary cap or parity among teams. That has never been the goal of FFP and would not make sense given the realities of European football clubs, which have always been leagues of have and have-nots. Several teams have already been banned from UEFA competitions and winners purses have been withheld, which in my opinion is a demonstration of real teeth. Malaga will be hurting severely if they qualify for CL and can't take part due to FFP sanctions.Calling it "financial fair play" probably misleads people in to thinking it's about leveling the playing field, but it's really about finanical responsibility - making sure clubs pay their players, stay out of debt and ultimately keep from going under like Rangers.
Until they can close these loopholes (and what will undoubtedly be dozens of variations of such loopholes), FFP will be toothless. Worse, clubs like mine (Arsenal) or the German clubs who want to honor it through solid financial practices are only punishing themselves in the meantime by holding themselves back competitively. Moroever, I can easily see these oil-rich clubs deciding that it's worth it to clean up on silverware for a few years, eat their FFP sanctions, and then start all over again.
We're saying the same thing.I think our disagreement is minor, but it is illustrated by the bolded sentence above. Many fans wrongly think the purpose of FFP is to bring the big-spending clubs down to earth. That's not the case. They do expect to reign in runaway wages and transfer fees, but that will also benefit big clubs as expeditures are tied to income. Arsenal have for years favored financial stability and profit-taking over spending. I'm sure they would continue to remain one of the most profitable clubs in Europe, regardless of FFP.Besiktas (and Malaga) are great examples of what I'm talking about. Those are obvious problems, but not of teams bringing in "too much" outside cash, but of not having enough. Identifying such clubs has never been much of a problem - usually they're the ones with players complaining, right. It's also not a coincidence that those clubs have little political clout within Europe overall, so UEFA is more than happy to "get tough" with them and make examples of them. It's the ones who never have a problem meeting payroll, no matter how much they spend (e.g. Chelsea and Man City), who are the reason for FFP. In response to FFP, City signed a 400M pound sponsorship deal with Etihad, which is owned by the same Qatari investment company affiliated with Sheikh Mansour. It's way "above market", in other words it's a sweetheart deal meant to get around the FFP limitations. I haven't heard a peep out of the FA or UEFA about it. This is what I'm talking about.I agree with your comment insofar as there will be suspicions and accusations of fraud, but I disagree that means FFP has no teeth and that the EPL clubs will necessarily be penalized because they are more trustworthy than other leagues (my words). I also disagree that FFP depends entirely on accurate accounting. Besiktas is currently under a 2 year UEFA ban due to FFP violation for being late on payments to players and staff.There's no question that FFP is good for the big clubs. But I disagree that it will maintain the "status quo", as it is already affecting team behavior. I don't think there's any way Chelsea would be in a position to potentially lose Lampard and Cole if not for concerns regarding their salaries.That's a tad patronizing, isn't it? I explained why I thought FFP was BS. I've got a perfectly good understanding of the difference between what FFP aims for and what a salary cap does. In short, I explained the weaknesses, and you accused me of ignorance without addressing what I said. I'll let that speak for itself.I don't understand the "fairy tale" comment, but have noted in the past that many comments here indicate a misunderstanding of the goals of FFP. It is not intended to create a US-style salary cap or parity among teams. That has never been the goal of FFP and would not make sense given the realities of European football clubs, which have always been leagues of have and have-nots. Several teams have already been banned from UEFA competitions and winners purses have been withheld, which in my opinion is a demonstration of real teeth. Malaga will be hurting severely if they qualify for CL and can't take part due to FFP sanctions.Calling it "financial fair play" probably misleads people in to thinking it's about leveling the playing field, but it's really about finanical responsibility - making sure clubs pay their players, stay out of debt and ultimately keep from going under like Rangers.
Until they can close these loopholes (and what will undoubtedly be dozens of variations of such loopholes), FFP will be toothless. Worse, clubs like mine (Arsenal) or the German clubs who want to honor it through solid financial practices are only punishing themselves in the meantime by holding themselves back competitively. Moroever, I can easily see these oil-rich clubs deciding that it's worth it to clean up on silverware for a few years, eat their FFP sanctions, and then start all over again.
Random Tidbits
*Robbie Keane looks to have turned down a loan with EPL and also signed a 2 year extension with the Galaxy
*NY continues their overhaul by trading Joel Lindpare to Chicago for an international slot. This is the 14th player NY has removed from last seasons roster.
*Zusi will be training with West Ham next week and Sean Johnson has returned from a 3 week training period with Stoke and Everton.
He's lost a step, but he's been the heart and soul of that team since coming in. But given their form in that stretch, maybe that's not a great thing.They have certainly been busy so farINRandom Tidbits
*Robbie Keane looks to have turned down a loan with EPL and also signed a 2 year extension with the Galaxy
*NY continues their overhaul by trading Joel Lindpare to Chicago for an international slot. This is the 14th player NY has removed from last seasons roster.
*Zusi will be training with West Ham next week and Sean Johnson has returned from a 3 week training period with Stoke and Everton.He's lost a step, but he's been the heart and soul of that team since coming in. But given their form in that stretch, maybe that's not a great thing.
Yeah, wtf did Chicago give up?The longer we don't get a Beckham, Henri, etc. the more pissed I'm going to get.Hey Andy- explain this "internatonal slot" to me.
You had Quaxitackiatocmoc- stop yer belly-achin'.And you're getting a very good pro in Lindpere.Yeah, wtf did Chicago give up?The longer we don't get a Beckham, Henri, etc. the more pissed I'm going to get.Hey Andy- explain this "internatonal slot" to me.
Not Hugo?We were considering two Aztec sounding names for our babies the other day: Xocolatl and Crisantemoc
Very simple. Each MLS team starts with 8 international slots (think of the old days in Serie A where you could only have 3 foreign players, it is similar to that). Only difference in MLS is that you can trade your slots so that means some teams will have more than 8, some teams will have less.Hey Andy- explain this "internatonal slot" to me.
I'm not Andy but ill give it a shot. Each MLS team generally has 8 international player roster spots. Players that aren't either US citizens or hold a green card take up international slots. These slots can be used as tradable commodities within the league. So without regard to other slots that may or may not have been involved in prior deals, NY traded Lindpere to Chicago for one of Chicago's slots, so for at least this season, NY can field 9 int'l players and Chicago can only field 7.The length of time NY holds this slot is negotiated as part of the trade. Most times the slot is traded for one season, but it can be longer. Real Salt Lake once traded an international slot permanently.ETA - Andy beat me by one minuteHey Andy- explain this "internatonal slot" to me.

Xtapolapocetl down?We were considering two Aztec sounding names for our babies the other day: Xocolatl and Crisantemoc
Good triviaReal Salt Lake once traded an international slot permanently.
. I never knew this. I wonder if they made this trade expecting the rules to eventually change (which I think they will in the next CBA).Rafa Marquez Z Machine has a nice ring to it. You could have Cobi Jones be the god father.Xtapolapocetl down?We were considering two Aztec sounding names for our babies the other day: Xocolatl and Crisantemoc
I was mistaken - RSL actually traded two spots permanently, back in 2004 and 2005. We've had at least one new CBA since then so I think those spots are goneGood triviaReal Salt Lake once traded an international slot permanently.. I never knew this. I wonder if they made this trade expecting the rules to eventually change (which I think they will in the next CBA).
That's cool as long as you are OK with people calling them Xoc and Cris.We were considering two Aztec sounding names for our babies the other day: Xocolatl and Crisantemoc
Kinda sucks to be a footballer with Zizou as your father. I think you'd want to get a job about as far away from that as possible, like marine biologist or something.Three of Zidane's sons are in the Real Madrid youth system. The oldest, Enzo, (17) uses his mothers last name of Fernandez. Enzo could represent either Spain or France if he is good enough.
Enzo is said to be an excellent player in Madrid's youth system. I know nothing of the two younger sons. There is a 4th brother as well I think but he does not play at this level from what I can gather.Kinda sucks to be a footballer with Zizou as your father. I think you'd want to get a job about as far away from that as possible, like marine biologist or something.Three of Zidane's sons are in the Real Madrid youth system. The oldest, Enzo, (17) uses his mothers last name of Fernandez. Enzo could represent either Spain or France if he is good enough.
Maybe that's why he took his Mother's nameKinda sucks to be a footballer with Zizou as your father. I think you'd want to get a job about as far away from that as possible, like marine biologist or something.Three of Zidane's sons are in the Real Madrid youth system. The oldest, Enzo, (17) uses his mothers last name of Fernandez. Enzo could represent either Spain or France if he is good enough.
Having that lineage can be an advantage though. Definitely get some extra looks.And it's 2-2. What a game.What a turnaround for Arsenal. Fantastic volley from Gibbs to make it 2-1.
Their defense is just awful. People keep talking about DM and how Arteta isn't good enough there, but I just think their back four have been pretty bad a lot this year, and in any combination of CB's you like between Mertesacker, Vermaelen and Koscielny. Gibbs is getting notorious for mental errors at LB, and even Sagna has had his moments. Frustrating.And it's 2-2. What a game.What a turnaround for Arsenal. Fantastic volley from Gibbs to make it 2-1.
And Pescara shuts out Fiorentina @ Fiorentina. Crazy day in the Serie A.10 man Samp come down from 0-1 to win 2-1 @ Juve![]()
Diaby looked like a beast for a couple games earlier. He has never been the picture of consistency, but he will certainly help with the midfield.Their defense is just awful. People keep talking about DM and how Arteta isn't good enough there, but I just think their back four have been pretty bad a lot this year, and in any combination of CB's you like between Mertesacker, Vermaelen and Koscielny. Gibbs is getting notorious for mental errors at LB, and even Sagna has had his moments. Frustrating.And it's 2-2. What a game.What a turnaround for Arsenal. Fantastic volley from Gibbs to make it 2-1.
Diaby's a stud. His problem is that he's healthy for 3-5 games, and then is injured for three months. Rinse, repeat. I'm about ready to write him off. But yes, he's a first class talent and is great at linking up the defense with the attack, including by dribbling through the midfield.Diaby looked like a beast for a couple games earlier. He has never been the picture of consistency, but he will certainly help with the midfield.Their defense is just awful. People keep talking about DM and how Arteta isn't good enough there, but I just think their back four have been pretty bad a lot this year, and in any combination of CB's you like between Mertesacker, Vermaelen and Koscielny. Gibbs is getting notorious for mental errors at LB, and even Sagna has had his moments. Frustrating.And it's 2-2. What a game.What a turnaround for Arsenal. Fantastic volley from Gibbs to make it 2-1.
I imagine it can be kind of rough. Cruyff's son Jordi played for Barcelona for a while and was a productive player. However, I think the fans' opinion of his play was affected by the fact he wasn't as good as his father.'T Bell said:Kinda sucks to be a footballer with Zizou as your father. I think you'd want to get a job about as far away from that as possible, like marine biologist or something.'NewlyRetired said:Three of Zidane's sons are in the Real Madrid youth system. The oldest, Enzo, (17) uses his mothers last name of Fernandez. Enzo could represent either Spain or France if he is good enough.
Alright, Gator. What's the bet. Rest of the EPL season. No Cups or friendlies. No calendar year. We can bet again next season if you like. Anyone want to help with the O/U?'guru_007 said:Sturridge - 1
I imagine it can be kind of rough. Cruyff's son Jordi played for Barcelona for a while and was a productive player. However, I think the fans' opinion of his play was affected by the fact he wasn't as good as his father.'T Bell said:Kinda sucks to be a footballer with Zizou as your father. I think you'd want to get a job about as far away from that as possible, like marine biologist or something.'NewlyRetired said:Three of Zidane's sons are in the Real Madrid youth system. The oldest, Enzo, (17) uses his mothers last name of Fernandez. Enzo could represent either Spain or France if he is good enough.
That's what I mean. No matter how good you are, you're going to be compared to an all-time great. Even if he's the best player on his team, his father was arguably the best player of his (very good) generation. You'll never match up.This is not news.Suarez cheating against Mansfield Town![]()
No way. Bad no-call by the ref, but not cheating.Suarez cheating against Mansfield Town![]()
About what we expected. Some comments1) Surprised no Jones. I figured with his suspension he would be at camp2) Not sure I like Bruin over Sappong. 3) Where is Nick Rimando? He has been the US number 3 keeper for a while now. Of this group, I figure Zusi, EJ, Gonzo, and maybe Beckerman might be considered for the qualifiers.January USMNT Camp Cupcake rosterU.S. ROSTER BY POSITION – Detailed RosterGOALKEEPERS (3): Tally Hall (Houston Dynamo), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire)DEFENDERS (9): Steven Beitashour (San Jose Earthquakes), Tony Beltran (Real Salt Lake), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), A.J. DeLaGarza (LA Galaxy), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Connor Lade (New York Red Bulls), Alfredo Morales (Hertha Berlin), Justin Morrow (San Jose Earthquakes), Jeff Parke (Philadelphia Union)MIDFIELDERS (8): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (out of contract), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Benny Feilhaber (Sporting Kansas City), Joshua Gatt (Molde), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)FORWARDS (5): Juan Agudelo (Chivas USA), Will Bruin (Houston Dynamo), Edson Buddle (Colorado Rapids), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
It's only cheating if you're caught?No way. Bad no-call by the ref, but not cheating.Suarez cheating against Mansfield Town![]()
It wasn't deliberate imoIt's only cheating if you're caught?No way. Bad no-call by the ref, but not cheating.Suarez cheating against Mansfield Town![]()