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

[The Gator]

Plus Suarez is a horrible, filthy brown person.

I'm not sure why you had to repeat what I said.

It's a shame Suarez had to go and do something so actually heinous that you can't possibly stick up for the guy anymore. I mean biting? WTF?

It took all the fun out of pointing out the root of the distaste the English have for him.

Yup and I still can't wait for him to leave....just not to Arsenal

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Remember when it was suggested that the disparate reaction between John Terry's racism incident and Luis Suarez's racism incident was itself because of racism?

It just seems weird because in the past three weeks or so, I've seen it suggested by both Gareth Bale and Suarez that they had "gentleman's agreements" with their team owners that they'd be allowed to leave if the team didn't make the Champions League. But only Suarez is getting raked over the coals about it.

To be fair, there are some potential distinguishing factors:

1. Suarez made his accusation directly, while we've only heard about it from "Bale's camp."

2. Liverpool has vehemently denied it while Levy and Tottenham have been more quiet about it.

3. Suarez's came second, which might lead to the inference that he's simply playing a game of "me too" (despite Cavani claiming that Suarez had told him of the agreement last year).

It just seems kind of weird to me, though.

I also wonder about the antitrust implications of the supposed agreement between the Glazers and Henry to not sell stars within the EPL. I'm not an English antitrust expert, but that would be illegal in the States.

While I agree with most of what you wrote, I don't think it would be anittrust here in America. If a team has a player that is under a contract for 3 years, they can decide not only that they don't want to sell a player period, but they also have the right to not sell to a direct competitor. They hold all the cards in that situation.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

For 50m and the end of the saga I'd live with him in London.

 

[T Bell]

For 50m and the end of the saga I'd live with him in London.

I don't really want him at Arsenal, and especially for that price. Liverpool's not going to seriously challenge for top 4 this year, and he's a cancer. 50M can go a long way to buying some key pieces that Liverpool still needs to really compete.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Remember when it was suggested that the disparate reaction between John Terry's racism incident and Luis Suarez's racism incident was itself because of racism?

It just seems weird because in the past three weeks or so, I've seen it suggested by both Gareth Bale and Suarez that they had "gentleman's agreements" with their team owners that they'd be allowed to leave if the team didn't make the Champions League. But only Suarez is getting raked over the coals about it.

To be fair, there are some potential distinguishing factors:

1. Suarez made his accusation directly, while we've only heard about it from "Bale's camp."

2. Liverpool has vehemently denied it while Levy and Tottenham have been more quiet about it.

3. Suarez's came second, which might lead to the inference that he's simply playing a game of "me too" (despite Cavani claiming that Suarez had told him of the agreement last year).

It just seems kind of weird to me, though.

I also wonder about the antitrust implications of the supposed agreement between the Glazers and Henry to not sell stars within the EPL. I'm not an English antitrust expert, but that would be illegal in the States.

While I agree with most of what you wrote, I don't think it would be anittrust here in America. If a team has a player that is under a contract for 3 years, they can decide not only that they don't want to sell a player period, but they also have the right to not sell to a direct competitor. They hold all the cards in that situation.

When two independent economic actors agree to take an action, even an action that each independent actor has the right to do individually, it is an antitrust violation. For instance, Exxon has the right to set it's gas price to $3.75/gallon. BP has the right to do the same. But if it can proven that Exxon and BP met and reached an agreement to each set their gas price to $3.75/gallon, that's an antitrust violation.

Similarly, I can decide that I will sell to Cletius and not to Christo. And eephus can decide that he will sell to bentley and not to Christo. But if eephus and I agree to not sell to Christo, that's an antitrust violation.

 

[T Bell]

Remember when it was suggested that the disparate reaction between John Terry's racism incident and Luis Suarez's racism incident was itself because of racism?

It just seems weird because in the past three weeks or so, I've seen it suggested by both Gareth Bale and Suarez that they had "gentleman's agreements" with their team owners that they'd be allowed to leave if the team didn't make the Champions League. But only Suarez is getting raked over the coals about it.

To be fair, there are some potential distinguishing factors:

1. Suarez made his accusation directly, while we've only heard about it from "Bale's camp."

2. Liverpool has vehemently denied it while Levy and Tottenham have been more quiet about it.

3. Suarez's came second, which might lead to the inference that he's simply playing a game of "me too" (despite Cavani claiming that Suarez had told him of the agreement last year).

It just seems kind of weird to me, though.

I also wonder about the antitrust implications of the supposed agreement between the Glazers and Henry to not sell stars within the EPL. I'm not an English antitrust expert, but that would be illegal in the States.

While I agree with most of what you wrote, I don't think it would be anittrust here in America. If a team has a player that is under a contract for 3 years, they can decide not only that they don't want to sell a player period, but they also have the right to not sell to a direct competitor. They hold all the cards in that situation.

When two independent economic actors agree to take an action, even an action that each independent actor has the right to do individually, it is an antitrust violation. For instance, Exxon has the right to set it's gas price to $3.75/gallon. BP has the right to do the same. But if it can proven that Exxon and BP met and reached an agreement to each set their gas price to $3.75/gallon, that's an antitrust violation.

Similarly, I can decide that I will sell to Cletius and not to Christo. And eephus can decide that he will sell to bentley and not to Christo. But if eephus and I agree to not sell to Christo, that's an antitrust violation.

It's not the way it works in Europe, at least in the footballing context. Teams can refuse to sell to whoever they want. If the player wants to challenge this he usually puts pressure on the clubs through the player association.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Remember when it was suggested that the disparate reaction between John Terry's racism incident and Luis Suarez's racism incident was itself because of racism?

It just seems weird because in the past three weeks or so, I've seen it suggested by both Gareth Bale and Suarez that they had "gentleman's agreements" with their team owners that they'd be allowed to leave if the team didn't make the Champions League. But only Suarez is getting raked over the coals about it.

To be fair, there are some potential distinguishing factors:

1. Suarez made his accusation directly, while we've only heard about it from "Bale's camp."

2. Liverpool has vehemently denied it while Levy and Tottenham have been more quiet about it.

3. Suarez's came second, which might lead to the inference that he's simply playing a game of "me too" (despite Cavani claiming that Suarez had told him of the agreement last year).

It just seems kind of weird to me, though.

I also wonder about the antitrust implications of the supposed agreement between the Glazers and Henry to not sell stars within the EPL. I'm not an English antitrust expert, but that would be illegal in the States.

While I agree with most of what you wrote, I don't think it would be anittrust here in America. If a team has a player that is under a contract for 3 years, they can decide not only that they don't want to sell a player period, but they also have the right to not sell to a direct competitor. They hold all the cards in that situation.

When two independent economic actors agree to take an action, even an action that each independent actor has the right to do individually, it is an antitrust violation. For instance, Exxon has the right to set it's gas price to $3.75/gallon. BP has the right to do the same. But if it can proven that Exxon and BP met and reached an agreement to each set their gas price to $3.75/gallon, that's an antitrust violation.

Similarly, I can decide that I will sell to Cletius and not to Christo. And eephus can decide that he will sell to bentley and not to Christo. But if eephus and I agree to not sell to Christo, that's an antitrust violation.

It's not the way it works in Europe, at least in the footballing context. Teams can refuse to sell to whoever they want. If the player wants to challenge this he usually puts pressure on the clubs through the player association.

Again, that doesn't address the existence of an alleged agreement. Sports teams in the US can sign whatever free agents they want. But when multiple MLB teams decided to NOT sign free agents, and when a court found proof of an agreement between teams to that effect, the teams lost a collusion suit.

 

[T Bell]

Remember when it was suggested that the disparate reaction between John Terry's racism incident and Luis Suarez's racism incident was itself because of racism?

It just seems weird because in the past three weeks or so, I've seen it suggested by both Gareth Bale and Suarez that they had "gentleman's agreements" with their team owners that they'd be allowed to leave if the team didn't make the Champions League. But only Suarez is getting raked over the coals about it.

To be fair, there are some potential distinguishing factors:

1. Suarez made his accusation directly, while we've only heard about it from "Bale's camp."

2. Liverpool has vehemently denied it while Levy and Tottenham have been more quiet about it.

3. Suarez's came second, which might lead to the inference that he's simply playing a game of "me too" (despite Cavani claiming that Suarez had told him of the agreement last year).

It just seems kind of weird to me, though.

I also wonder about the antitrust implications of the supposed agreement between the Glazers and Henry to not sell stars within the EPL. I'm not an English antitrust expert, but that would be illegal in the States.

While I agree with most of what you wrote, I don't think it would be anittrust here in America. If a team has a player that is under a contract for 3 years, they can decide not only that they don't want to sell a player period, but they also have the right to not sell to a direct competitor. They hold all the cards in that situation.

When two independent economic actors agree to take an action, even an action that each independent actor has the right to do individually, it is an antitrust violation. For instance, Exxon has the right to set it's gas price to $3.75/gallon. BP has the right to do the same. But if it can proven that Exxon and BP met and reached an agreement to each set their gas price to $3.75/gallon, that's an antitrust violation.

Similarly, I can decide that I will sell to Cletius and not to Christo. And eephus can decide that he will sell to bentley and not to Christo. But if eephus and I agree to not sell to Christo, that's an antitrust violation.

It's not the way it works in Europe, at least in the footballing context. Teams can refuse to sell to whoever they want. If the player wants to challenge this he usually puts pressure on the clubs through the player association.

Again, that doesn't address the existence of an alleged agreement. Sports teams in the US can sign whatever free agents they want. But when multiple MLB teams decided to NOT sign free agents, and when a court found proof of an agreement between teams to that effect, the teams lost a collusion suit.

Where are you seeing collusion? There have been reported bids between the top English teams all summer, e.g. Rooney to Chelsea, Suarez to Arsenal, etc. If there was collusion, there'd be no bids, right?

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Remember when it was suggested that the disparate reaction between John Terry's racism incident and Luis Suarez's racism incident was itself because of racism?

It just seems weird because in the past three weeks or so, I've seen it suggested by both Gareth Bale and Suarez that they had "gentleman's agreements" with their team owners that they'd be allowed to leave if the team didn't make the Champions League. But only Suarez is getting raked over the coals about it.

To be fair, there are some potential distinguishing factors:

1. Suarez made his accusation directly, while we've only heard about it from "Bale's camp."

2. Liverpool has vehemently denied it while Levy and Tottenham have been more quiet about it.

3. Suarez's came second, which might lead to the inference that he's simply playing a game of "me too" (despite Cavani claiming that Suarez had told him of the agreement last year).

It just seems kind of weird to me, though.

I also wonder about the antitrust implications of the supposed agreement between the Glazers and Henry to not sell stars within the EPL. I'm not an English antitrust expert, but that would be illegal in the States.

While I agree with most of what you wrote, I don't think it would be anittrust here in America. If a team has a player that is under a contract for 3 years, they can decide not only that they don't want to sell a player period, but they also have the right to not sell to a direct competitor. They hold all the cards in that situation.

When two independent economic actors agree to take an action, even an action that each independent actor has the right to do individually, it is an antitrust violation. For instance, Exxon has the right to set it's gas price to $3.75/gallon. BP has the right to do the same. But if it can proven that Exxon and BP met and reached an agreement to each set their gas price to $3.75/gallon, that's an antitrust violation.

Similarly, I can decide that I will sell to Cletius and not to Christo. And eephus can decide that he will sell to bentley and not to Christo. But if eephus and I agree to not sell to Christo, that's an antitrust violation.

It's not the way it works in Europe, at least in the footballing context. Teams can refuse to sell to whoever they want. If the player wants to challenge this he usually puts pressure on the clubs through the player association.

Again, that doesn't address the existence of an alleged agreement. Sports teams in the US can sign whatever free agents they want. But when multiple MLB teams decided to NOT sign free agents, and when a court found proof of an agreement between teams to that effect, the teams lost a collusion suit.

Where are you seeing collusion? There have been reported bids between the top English teams all summer, e.g. Rooney to Chelsea, Suarez to Arsenal, etc. If there was collusion, there'd be no bids, right?

There have been reports that the Glazers and John Henry have "a pact" to not sell Rooney or Suarez to EPL competitors. I'll try to find the news article I first read it in, but they discussed it on Fox Soccer News last night (without any discussion of antitrust implications).

EDIT: This appears to be the first link, from the Mail on Sunday. Note that it is possible this is the reporter's interpretation. The piece is not a paragon of the journalist's craft.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2389073/Wayne-Rooney-Luis-Suarez-London-moves-blocked-US-owners.html

 

[T Bell]

Remember when it was suggested that the disparate reaction between John Terry's racism incident and Luis Suarez's racism incident was itself because of racism?

It just seems weird because in the past three weeks or so, I've seen it suggested by both Gareth Bale and Suarez that they had "gentleman's agreements" with their team owners that they'd be allowed to leave if the team didn't make the Champions League. But only Suarez is getting raked over the coals about it.

To be fair, there are some potential distinguishing factors:

1. Suarez made his accusation directly, while we've only heard about it from "Bale's camp."

2. Liverpool has vehemently denied it while Levy and Tottenham have been more quiet about it.

3. Suarez's came second, which might lead to the inference that he's simply playing a game of "me too" (despite Cavani claiming that Suarez had told him of the agreement last year).

It just seems kind of weird to me, though.

I also wonder about the antitrust implications of the supposed agreement between the Glazers and Henry to not sell stars within the EPL. I'm not an English antitrust expert, but that would be illegal in the States.

While I agree with most of what you wrote, I don't think it would be anittrust here in America. If a team has a player that is under a contract for 3 years, they can decide not only that they don't want to sell a player period, but they also have the right to not sell to a direct competitor. They hold all the cards in that situation.

When two independent economic actors agree to take an action, even an action that each independent actor has the right to do individually, it is an antitrust violation. For instance, Exxon has the right to set it's gas price to $3.75/gallon. BP has the right to do the same. But if it can proven that Exxon and BP met and reached an agreement to each set their gas price to $3.75/gallon, that's an antitrust violation.

Similarly, I can decide that I will sell to Cletius and not to Christo. And eephus can decide that he will sell to bentley and not to Christo. But if eephus and I agree to not sell to Christo, that's an antitrust violation.

It's not the way it works in Europe, at least in the footballing context. Teams can refuse to sell to whoever they want. If the player wants to challenge this he usually puts pressure on the clubs through the player association.

Again, that doesn't address the existence of an alleged agreement. Sports teams in the US can sign whatever free agents they want. But when multiple MLB teams decided to NOT sign free agents, and when a court found proof of an agreement between teams to that effect, the teams lost a collusion suit.

Where are you seeing collusion? There have been reported bids between the top English teams all summer, e.g. Rooney to Chelsea, Suarez to Arsenal, etc. If there was collusion, there'd be no bids, right?

There have been reports that the Glazers and John Henry have "a pact" to not sell Rooney or Suarez to EPL competitors. I'll try to find the news article I first read it in, but they discussed it on Fox Soccer News last night (without any discussion of antitrust implications).

EDIT: This appears to be the first link, from the Mail on Sunday. Note that it is possible this is the reporter's interpretation. The piece is not a paragon of the journalist's craft.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2389073/Wayne-Rooney-Luis-Suarez-London-moves-blocked-US-owners.html

The Daily Mail (aka the "Daily Fail") has a horrible reputation when it comes to rumors. Regardless, how would they ever know about such a pact if it existed given that the people involved wouldn't want to publicly reveal it?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I also wonder about the antitrust implications of the supposed agreement between the Glazers and Henry to not sell stars within the EPL. I'm not an English antitrust expert, but that would be illegal in the States.

An interesting twist I guess is that MANU is publicly traded on the NYSE and LFC (Fenway Sports Group) is domiciled in the US. It might not be English law that applies.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Remember when it was suggested that the disparate reaction between John Terry's racism incident and Luis Suarez's racism incident was itself because of racism?

It just seems weird because in the past three weeks or so, I've seen it suggested by both Gareth Bale and Suarez that they had "gentleman's agreements" with their team owners that they'd be allowed to leave if the team didn't make the Champions League. But only Suarez is getting raked over the coals about it.

To be fair, there are some potential distinguishing factors:

1. Suarez made his accusation directly, while we've only heard about it from "Bale's camp."

2. Liverpool has vehemently denied it while Levy and Tottenham have been more quiet about it.

3. Suarez's came second, which might lead to the inference that he's simply playing a game of "me too" (despite Cavani claiming that Suarez had told him of the agreement last year).

It just seems kind of weird to me, though.

I also wonder about the antitrust implications of the supposed agreement between the Glazers and Henry to not sell stars within the EPL. I'm not an English antitrust expert, but that would be illegal in the States.

4. Soccer fans really just dislike Suarez.

Yeah, this was my initial thought.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Plus Suarez is a horrible, filthy diver.

Good point. Bale definitely isn't filthy.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I also wonder about the antitrust implications of the supposed agreement between the Glazers and Henry to not sell stars within the EPL. I'm not an English antitrust expert, but that would be illegal in the States.

An interesting twist I guess is that MANU is publicly traded on the NYSE and LFC (Fenway Sports Group) is domiciled in the US. It might not be English law that applies.

I thought of that too.

Listen, I agree that we shouldn't take the Daily Mail report on faith. I don't know if it's true or not. I was just surprised because I've seen commentary and articles suggesting that this would be "a great thing" (Lloyd Barker) and a way to "take power back from the players." And I haven't seen anyone suggest the counter-argument that such an agreement, if it actually exists, would be illegal.

Again, I'm not an expert on overseas competition law, but I've dabbled. If anything, EU competition law tends to be a bit more strict from what I've seen.

 

[T Bell]

I also wonder about the antitrust implications of the supposed agreement between the Glazers and Henry to not sell stars within the EPL. I'm not an English antitrust expert, but that would be illegal in the States.

An interesting twist I guess is that MANU is publicly traded on the NYSE and LFC (Fenway Sports Group) is domiciled in the US. It might not be English law that applies.

I thought of that too.

Listen, I agree that we shouldn't take the Daily Mail report on faith. I don't know if it's true or not. I was just surprised because I've seen commentary and articles suggesting that this would be "a great thing" (Lloyd Barker) and a way to "take power back from the players." And I haven't seen anyone suggest the counter-argument that such an agreement, if it actually exists, would be illegal.

Again, I'm not an expert on overseas competition law, but I've dabbled. If anything, EU competition law tends to be a bit more strict from what I've seen.

Sporting leagues are simply different animals than other industries given that they have a combination of common interest as well as competition that other industries don't have. That's the rationale in the US behind anti-trust exemptions for them.

That said, I don't know the rules beyond the understanding that it's perfectly fine for a club to categorically refuse to sell to another club in the league.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Didn't know this is why we never really saw much of him

 

[T Bell]

Gustavo admits to being interested in Arsenal. Hope this happens.

 

[The Gator]

Luiz Gustavo's agent: "No contacts with Arsenal and Chelsea". Napoli get in touch

I like this one better Tinker...he'd fit in too well at Arsenal

 

[T Bell]

Luiz Gustavo's agent: "No contacts with Arsenal and Chelsea". Napoli get in touch

I like this one better Tinker...he'd fit in too well at Arsenal

They can't get in touch with him. That would be tampering. They'd be in touch with Bayern, and he wouldn't necessarily know right away.

Plus, I tend to believe agents least of all when it comes to transfer rumors, etc.

 

[Christo]

Lol Schwarzer. Anyone got a #2 keeper for sale?

Little help.

http://blog.foxsoccer.com/post/57994414695/two-for-one-the-weekends-best-goalkeeper-fails

Looks like the goal the US got against Germany in the friendly earlier this summer.

 

[Christo]

Remember when it was suggested that the disparate reaction between John Terry's racism incident and Luis Suarez's racism incident was itself because of racism?

It just seems weird because in the past three weeks or so, I've seen it suggested by both Gareth Bale and Suarez that they had "gentleman's agreements" with their team owners that they'd be allowed to leave if the team didn't make the Champions League. But only Suarez is getting raked over the coals about it.

To be fair, there are some potential distinguishing factors:

1. Suarez made his accusation directly, while we've only heard about it from "Bale's camp."

2. Liverpool has vehemently denied it while Levy and Tottenham have been more quiet about it.

3. Suarez's came second, which might lead to the inference that he's simply playing a game of "me too" (despite Cavani claiming that Suarez had told him of the agreement last year).

It just seems kind of weird to me, though.

I also wonder about the antitrust implications of the supposed agreement between the Glazers and Henry to not sell stars within the EPL. I'm not an English antitrust expert, but that would be illegal in the States.

And maybe the biting thing makes the Suarez hate a little more intense.

 

[Christo]

Plus Suarez is a horrible, filthy diver.

As opposed to Bale's clean, wholesome diving?

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Remember when it was suggested that the disparate reaction between John Terry's racism incident and Luis Suarez's racism incident was itself because of racism?

It just seems weird because in the past three weeks or so, I've seen it suggested by both Gareth Bale and Suarez that they had "gentleman's agreements" with their team owners that they'd be allowed to leave if the team didn't make the Champions League. But only Suarez is getting raked over the coals about it.

To be fair, there are some potential distinguishing factors:

1. Suarez made his accusation directly, while we've only heard about it from "Bale's camp."

2. Liverpool has vehemently denied it while Levy and Tottenham have been more quiet about it.

3. Suarez's came second, which might lead to the inference that he's simply playing a game of "me too" (despite Cavani claiming that Suarez had told him of the agreement last year).

It just seems kind of weird to me, though.

I also wonder about the antitrust implications of the supposed agreement between the Glazers and Henry to not sell stars within the EPL. I'm not an English antitrust expert, but that would be illegal in the States.

And maybe the biting thing makes the Suarez hate a little more intense.

He's already booed every time he touches the ball by every opposing fanbase. What's going to be really interesting is when he starts getting booed by his own fans.

 

[Christo]

Remember when it was suggested that the disparate reaction between John Terry's racism incident and Luis Suarez's racism incident was itself because of racism?

It just seems weird because in the past three weeks or so, I've seen it suggested by both Gareth Bale and Suarez that they had "gentleman's agreements" with their team owners that they'd be allowed to leave if the team didn't make the Champions League. But only Suarez is getting raked over the coals about it.

To be fair, there are some potential distinguishing factors:

1. Suarez made his accusation directly, while we've only heard about it from "Bale's camp."

2. Liverpool has vehemently denied it while Levy and Tottenham have been more quiet about it.

3. Suarez's came second, which might lead to the inference that he's simply playing a game of "me too" (despite Cavani claiming that Suarez had told him of the agreement last year).

It just seems kind of weird to me, though.

I also wonder about the antitrust implications of the supposed agreement between the Glazers and Henry to not sell stars within the EPL. I'm not an English antitrust expert, but that would be illegal in the States.

While I agree with most of what you wrote, I don't think it would be anittrust here in America. If a team has a player that is under a contract for 3 years, they can decide not only that they don't want to sell a player period, but they also have the right to not sell to a direct competitor. They hold all the cards in that situation.

When two independent economic actors agree to take an action, even an action that each independent actor has the right to do individually, it is an antitrust violation. For instance, Exxon has the right to set it's gas price to $3.75/gallon. BP has the right to do the same. But if it can proven that Exxon and BP met and reached an agreement to each set their gas price to $3.75/gallon, that's an antitrust violation.

Similarly, I can decide that I will sell to Cletius and not to Christo. And eephus can decide that he will sell to bentley and not to Christo. But if eephus and I agree to not sell to Christo, that's an antitrust violation.

Plus, it pisses off Christo. And no one wants that.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Lol Schwarzer. Anyone got a #2 keeper for sale?

Little help.

http://blog.foxsoccer.com/post/57994414695/two-for-one-the-weekends-best-goalkeeper-fails

Looks like the goal the US got against Germany in the friendly earlier this summer.

Both at RFK (different sides of the field, though).

 

[Spartans Rule]

Napoli enter Gustavo chase

come on Rafa....

I think Rafa's got this all figured out. Let Wenger use his haggling skills to get a player's price down to a really nice value, then jump in at the last minute offering a couple million more.

 

[jonessed]

Napoli enter Gustavo chase

come on Rafa....

I think Rafa's got this all figured out. Let Wenger use his haggling skills to get a player's price down to a really nice value, then jump in at the last minute offering a couple million more.

He certainly has Wenger pegged. He has been busting his balls all summer.

 

[T Bell]

Napoli enter Gustavo chase

come on Rafa....

I think Rafa's got this all figured out. Let Wenger use his haggling skills to get a player's price down to a really nice value, then jump in at the last minute offering a couple million more.

He certainly has Wenger pegged. He has been busting his balls all summer.

"All summer"? I count one transfer - Higuain. And there it just looks like Arsenal valued him lower and/or opted out in favor of Suarez. Did I miss something else?

 

[jonessed]

Napoli enter Gustavo chase

come on Rafa....

I think Rafa's got this all figured out. Let Wenger use his haggling skills to get a player's price down to a really nice value, then jump in at the last minute offering a couple million more.

He certainly has Wenger pegged. He has been busting his balls all summer.

"All summer"? I count one transfer - Higuain. And there it just looks like Arsenal valued him lower and/or opted out in favor of Suarez. Did I miss something else?

It was reported they wanted Reina as well and they are going after Gustavo.Liverpool isn't selling Suarez to Arsenal.

 

[The Gator]

Napoli enter Gustavo chase

come on Rafa....

I think Rafa's got this all figured out. Let Wenger use his haggling skills to get a player's price down to a really nice value, then jump in at the last minute offering a couple million more.

He certainly has Wenger pegged. He has been busting his balls all summer.

"All summer"? I count one transfer - Higuain. And there it just looks like Arsenal valued him lower and/or opted out in favor of Suarez. Did I miss something else?

[cheap jab}

Well, when Arsenal haven't spent money on ANYONE, one trasfer target can be considered all summer.

[/cheap jab]



All things pointing towards Gutsy going to Arsenal unless they drag their feet again. Should be a really good signing for you people

 

[Sebowski]

Napoli enter Gustavo chase

come on Rafa....

I think Rafa's got this all figured out. Let Wenger use his haggling skills to get a player's price down to a really nice value, then jump in at the last minute offering a couple million more.

He certainly has Wenger pegged. He has been busting his balls all summer.

"All summer"? I count one transfer - Higuain. And there it just looks like Arsenal valued him lower and/or opted out in favor of Suarez. Did I miss something else?

[cheap jab}

Well, when Arsenal haven't spent money on ANYONE, one trasfer target can be considered all summer.

[/cheap jab]

Douchè

 

[El Floppo]

Here's the squad for Wednesday's friendly against Bosnia-Herzogovinia and it includes a Tim Ream sighting. I'm interested to see if he starts Cameron in the middle or at right back where he has been playing in the preseason with Stoke.

GOALKEEPERS (3): Cody Cropper (Southampton), Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton)

DEFENDERS (7): John Anthony Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders FC), Michael Orozco Fiscal (Puebla), Michael Parkhurst (Augsburg), Tim Ream (Bolton Wanderers)

MIDFIELDERS (8)): Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Roma), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Jermaine Jones (Schalke), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht), Danny Williams (Reading)

FORWARDS (5): Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders FC), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Bobby Wood (1860 Munich)

I'm torn about a direction or this game... either play the best 11 and get them more time together in an away game, or experiement with the new guys. I guess half of one, six dozen of the other ultimately.

Hopefully we'll get to see Brooks and Johannson play. Also would like to see Wood. I'm married and fat, so yeah...

Also interested in seeing Bradley pair up with Mix.

The rest of these guys are known quantities at this point- just how they play in different combinations is of interest to me.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Johannson won't play because his FIFA paperwork hasn't been approved yet. He's been brought in to get the feel for camp. Brooks should play. I'd expect Wood to maybe get a very short cameo.

I think this is a good chance to mix some B team players (Mix, Corona, Bedoya, Cameron at CB) in with some of the A team stalwarts.

 

[Sebowski]

Johannson won't play because his FIFA paperwork hasn't been approved yet. He's been brought in to get the feel for camp. Brooks should play. I'd expect Wood to maybe get a very short cameo.

I think this is a good chance to mix some B team players (Mix, Corona, Bedoya, Cameron at CB) in with some of the A team stalwarts.

I also wouldn't mind seeing a little formation tweak. No one on this roster can really play right behind a sole striker like Dempsey or Donovan has been doing (though I don't know anything at all about Bobby Wood).

Fiscal just withdrew with an injury, so I think Brooks falls right into the starting lineup along side Cameron.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Somewhat late to be bringing this up, but I'm much more upset that Arsenal never even tried to challenge Dortmund for Pierre Emerick Aubemeyang (who Klopp got for a tidy 13 million euros) than I am that they lost out on Higuain for 40 million euros. He was second only to Ibra in goals in Ligue 1 last year. I'm pretty certain he'll score more goals in all competitions than Higuain will this year.

And I thought this before Aubemeyang scored a hat trick in his Bundesliga debut last weekend.

 

[T Bell]

Somewhat late to be bringing this up, but I'm much more upset that Arsenal never even tried to challenge Dortmund for Pierre Emerick Aubemeyang (who Klopp got for a tidy 13 million euros) than I am that they lost out on Higuain for 40 million euros. He was second only to Ibra in goals in Ligue 1 last year. I'm pretty certain he'll score more goals in all competitions than Higuain will this year.

And I thought this before Aubemeyang scored a hat trick in his Bundesliga debut last weekend.

Top goalscorers in Ligue 1 are not necessarily that impressive. Both Chamakh and Giroud came to Arsenal the years after they were top scorers. Wenger would have gotten raked across the coals for dipping into the French league once again getting PEA when Higuain and the others were still potential targets.

PEA looks good, but he's young and developing and Arsenal need a top striker in his prime.

 

[guru_007]

Yeah, I'm not sure Aubemeyang was a top priority for Arsenal either. He looked great past weekend, best player on the field, but he's pretty much another Walcott, who they just made a pretty substantial financial commitment to.

He fits it's great with Dortmund though. Holy #### those wings were flying through Augsburg defense. Reus was also pretty good.

Their central midfield was lacking, will be interesting to how Mkhitaryan fills in.

Kinda pissed I missed the Schalke/Hamburger game. Wasn't feeling well, and lots of goals in that one.

 

[Sebowski]

Somewhat late to be bringing this up, but I'm much more upset that Arsenal never even tried to challenge Dortmund for Pierre Emerick Aubemeyang (who Klopp got for a tidy 13 million euros) than I am that they lost out on Higuain for 40 million euros. He was second only to Ibra in goals in Ligue 1 last year. I'm pretty certain he'll score more goals in all competitions than Higuain will this year.

And I thought this before Aubemeyang scored a hat trick in his Bundesliga debut last weekend.

I don't understand why they didn't enter the Lewandowski bidding. Sure, he said he wants to go to Bayern, but no one else even tried. That is kind of weird. It is a worth a shot just to make sure Bayern end up paying a fair price. And maybe you woo him along he way.

 

[T Bell]

Somewhat late to be bringing this up, but I'm much more upset that Arsenal never even tried to challenge Dortmund for Pierre Emerick Aubemeyang (who Klopp got for a tidy 13 million euros) than I am that they lost out on Higuain for 40 million euros. He was second only to Ibra in goals in Ligue 1 last year. I'm pretty certain he'll score more goals in all competitions than Higuain will this year.

And I thought this before Aubemeyang scored a hat trick in his Bundesliga debut last weekend.

I don't understand why they didn't enter the Lewandowski bidding. Sure, he said he wants to go to Bayern, but no one else even tried. That is kind of weird. It is a worth a shot just to make sure Bayern end up paying a fair price. And maybe you woo him along he way.

I had the same thought, but of all the big name strikers out there this summer he's probably the least talented, and I get the impression that Dortmund want to keep him around this year because they don't have a ready alternative, and they want/need to compete. In other words, there's multiple obstacles here aside from his desire to go to Bayern.

 

[Sebowski]

Somewhat late to be bringing this up, but I'm much more upset that Arsenal never even tried to challenge Dortmund for Pierre Emerick Aubemeyang (who Klopp got for a tidy 13 million euros) than I am that they lost out on Higuain for 40 million euros. He was second only to Ibra in goals in Ligue 1 last year. I'm pretty certain he'll score more goals in all competitions than Higuain will this year.

And I thought this before Aubemeyang scored a hat trick in his Bundesliga debut last weekend.

I don't understand why they didn't enter the Lewandowski bidding. Sure, he said he wants to go to Bayern, but no one else even tried. That is kind of weird. It is a worth a shot just to make sure Bayern end up paying a fair price. And maybe you woo him along he way.

I had the same thought, but of all the big name strikers out there this summer he's probably the least talented, and I get the impression that Dortmund want to keep him around this year because they don't have a ready alternative, and they want/need to compete. In other words, there's multiple obstacles here aside from his desire to go to Bayern.

I disagree on his talent. Also, I think Dortmund would have seriously considered selling to anyone other than their only competitor in Germany. He has essentially been on the market since May. There would have been plenty of time for Dortmund to spend that money on his replacement. They just were holding firm so he wouldn't go up the road.

 

[T Bell]

Somewhat late to be bringing this up, but I'm much more upset that Arsenal never even tried to challenge Dortmund for Pierre Emerick Aubemeyang (who Klopp got for a tidy 13 million euros) than I am that they lost out on Higuain for 40 million euros. He was second only to Ibra in goals in Ligue 1 last year. I'm pretty certain he'll score more goals in all competitions than Higuain will this year.

And I thought this before Aubemeyang scored a hat trick in his Bundesliga debut last weekend.

I don't understand why they didn't enter the Lewandowski bidding. Sure, he said he wants to go to Bayern, but no one else even tried. That is kind of weird. It is a worth a shot just to make sure Bayern end up paying a fair price. And maybe you woo him along he way.

I had the same thought, but of all the big name strikers out there this summer he's probably the least talented, and I get the impression that Dortmund want to keep him around this year because they don't have a ready alternative, and they want/need to compete. In other words, there's multiple obstacles here aside from his desire to go to Bayern.

I disagree on his talent. Also, I think Dortmund would have seriously considered selling to anyone other than their only competitor in Germany. He has essentially been on the market since May. There would have been plenty of time for Dortmund to spend that money on his replacement. They just were holding firm so he wouldn't go up the road.

Where would you rank him then among Jovetic, Rooney, Higuain, Suarez, Falcao, and Cavani? It's not a put down on him to rank him last, but I just don't find him as explosive as those other guys, or able to create as much on his own. In terms of style, he seems most like Jovetic, but I think Jovetic is more athletic.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Somewhat late to be bringing this up, but I'm much more upset that Arsenal never even tried to challenge Dortmund for Pierre Emerick Aubemeyang (who Klopp got for a tidy 13 million euros) than I am that they lost out on Higuain for 40 million euros. He was second only to Ibra in goals in Ligue 1 last year. I'm pretty certain he'll score more goals in all competitions than Higuain will this year.

And I thought this before Aubemeyang scored a hat trick in his Bundesliga debut last weekend.

I don't understand why they didn't enter the Lewandowski bidding. Sure, he said he wants to go to Bayern, but no one else even tried. That is kind of weird. It is a worth a shot just to make sure Bayern end up paying a fair price. And maybe you woo him along he way.

I had the same thought, but of all the big name strikers out there this summer he's probably the least talented, and I get the impression that Dortmund want to keep him around this year because they don't have a ready alternative, and they want/need to compete. In other words, there's multiple obstacles here aside from his desire to go to Bayern.

I disagree on his talent. Also, I think Dortmund would have seriously considered selling to anyone other than their only competitor in Germany. He has essentially been on the market since May. There would have been plenty of time for Dortmund to spend that money on his replacement. They just were holding firm so he wouldn't go up the road.

Where would you rank him then among Jovetic, Rooney, Higuain, Suarez, Falcao, and Cavani? It's not a put down on him to rank him last, but I just don't find him as explosive as those other guys, or able to create as much on his own. In terms of style, he seems most like Jovetic, but I think Jovetic is more athletic.

He's way ahead of Jovetic at least. Jovetic has never scored more than 20 goals in a season. He's never scored more than 14 in a top league. And it's not as if he's a prolific assist guy. His high is 7. Lewandowski has been every bit as productive as Higuain, who's numbers may be inflated by some of the best service in Europe. And he's been as productive as Rooney for the last two years (and is 3 years younger).

 

[Bonzai]

Somewhat late to be bringing this up, but I'm much more upset that Arsenal never even tried to challenge Dortmund for Pierre Emerick Aubemeyang (who Klopp got for a tidy 13 million euros) than I am that they lost out on Higuain for 40 million euros. He was second only to Ibra in goals in Ligue 1 last year. I'm pretty certain he'll score more goals in all competitions than Higuain will this year.

And I thought this before Aubemeyang scored a hat trick in his Bundesliga debut last weekend.

I don't understand why they didn't enter the Lewandowski bidding. Sure, he said he wants to go to Bayern, but no one else even tried. That is kind of weird. It is a worth a shot just to make sure Bayern end up paying a fair price. And maybe you woo him along he way.

I had the same thought, but of all the big name strikers out there this summer he's probably the least talented, and I get the impression that Dortmund want to keep him around this year because they don't have a ready alternative, and they want/need to compete. In other words, there's multiple obstacles here aside from his desire to go to Bayern.

I disagree on his talent. Also, I think Dortmund would have seriously considered selling to anyone other than their only competitor in Germany. He has essentially been on the market since May. There would have been plenty of time for Dortmund to spend that money on his replacement. They just were holding firm so he wouldn't go up the road.

Where would you rank him then among Jovetic, Rooney, Higuain, Suarez, Falcao, and Cavani? It's not a put down on him to rank him last, but I just don't find him as explosive as those other guys, or able to create as much on his own. In terms of style, he seems most like Jovetic, but I think Jovetic is more athletic.

Really? Falcao probably for sure. I might take him over any of those other guys.

 

[Slapdash]

Somewhat late to be bringing this up, but I'm much more upset that Arsenal never even tried to challenge Dortmund for Pierre Emerick Aubemeyang (who Klopp got for a tidy 13 million euros) than I am that they lost out on Higuain for 40 million euros. He was second only to Ibra in goals in Ligue 1 last year. I'm pretty certain he'll score more goals in all competitions than Higuain will this year.

And I thought this before Aubemeyang scored a hat trick in his Bundesliga debut last weekend.

I don't understand why they didn't enter the Lewandowski bidding. Sure, he said he wants to go to Bayern, but no one else even tried. That is kind of weird. It is a worth a shot just to make sure Bayern end up paying a fair price. And maybe you woo him along he way.

I had the same thought, but of all the big name strikers out there this summer he's probably the least talented, and I get the impression that Dortmund want to keep him around this year because they don't have a ready alternative, and they want/need to compete. In other words, there's multiple obstacles here aside from his desire to go to Bayern.

I disagree on his talent. Also, I think Dortmund would have seriously considered selling to anyone other than their only competitor in Germany. He has essentially been on the market since May. There would have been plenty of time for Dortmund to spend that money on his replacement. They just were holding firm so he wouldn't go up the road.

Where would you rank him then among Jovetic, Rooney, Higuain, Suarez, Falcao, and Cavani? It's not a put down on him to rank him last, but I just don't find him as explosive as those other guys, or able to create as much on his own. In terms of style, he seems most like Jovetic, but I think Jovetic is more athletic.

About even with Cavani behind Falcao.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Arsenal should just sign Messi.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Somewhat late to be bringing this up, but I'm much more upset that Arsenal never even tried to challenge Dortmund for Pierre Emerick Aubemeyang (who Klopp got for a tidy 13 million euros) than I am that they lost out on Higuain for 40 million euros. He was second only to Ibra in goals in Ligue 1 last year. I'm pretty certain he'll score more goals in all competitions than Higuain will this year.

And I thought this before Aubemeyang scored a hat trick in his Bundesliga debut last weekend.

I don't understand why they didn't enter the Lewandowski bidding. Sure, he said he wants to go to Bayern, but no one else even tried. That is kind of weird. It is a worth a shot just to make sure Bayern end up paying a fair price. And maybe you woo him along he way.

The only reasonable explanation is that Lewandowski has indeed made very clear to all interested parties that he only has eyes for Bayern. I'm not a judge of talent but everything I've read puts him at the top of the class for strikers, at least from the perspective of an EPL club.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

There have been a number of good articles on Michael Bradley in the last year, but this is my favorite, reprinted at Deadspin courtesy of Howler.

http://deadspin.com/americas-most-important-soccer-player-conquers-the-old-1113369327

 

[Sebowski]

There have been a number of good articles on Michael Bradley in the last year, but this is my favorite, reprinted at Deadspin courtesy of Howler.

http://deadspin.com/americas-most-important-soccer-player-conquers-the-old-1113369327

That is a long one. I'll have to get back to it. I was reading a different one the other day and the majority of the comments section was talking about how he will lose minutes this year. That he, De Rossi, Strootman, and Florenzi are all going for two spots and that Bradley is at the end of that line.

Can anyone shed any light on this? Guru?

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

There have been a number of good articles on Michael Bradley in the last year, but this is my favorite, reprinted at Deadspin courtesy of Howler.

http://deadspin.com/americas-most-important-soccer-player-conquers-the-old-1113369327

Thanks for posting RHE. Good read and the author really knows his stuff -- it sounded a lot like the better conversation about Bradley and the Nats that I've heard here.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

There have been a number of good articles on Michael Bradley in the last year, but this is my favorite, reprinted at Deadspin courtesy of Howler.

http://deadspin.com/americas-most-important-soccer-player-conquers-the-old-1113369327

That is a long one. I'll have to get back to it. I was reading a different one the other day and the majority of the comments section was talking about how he will lose minutes this year. That he, De Rossi, Strootman, and Florenzi are all going for two spots and that Bradley is at the end of that line.

Can anyone shed any light on this? Guru?

Greg Seltzer, who runs no short corners, has said that Roma turned down an approach from Everton and that Rudy Garcia has fallen in love with Bradley because he covers more ground than the others in that list. I do think Roma's midfield will be a horses for courses type of situation. Florenzi is a pure attacking mid and isn't someone I expect to compete with Bradley (he seems to compete with Pjanic if Pjanic stays). Strootman is nominally the same type of box to box to guy, but he's tended to play forward of Bradley. Who knows with De Rossi. He's better than Bradley at his best, but he's been madly inconsistent the past two seasons.