Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
'Arry out at QPR. I'm thinking that's going to be his last shot in the EPL.
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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter jpeace121
- Start date
roadkill1292
Footballguy
That's just what I was thinking. Along with how the hot pooty instantly gathered to take his picture and presumably throw themselves at him after he revealed his identity. It's good to be the king.
Eephus
Footballguy
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
He claims its because he needs immediate knee surgery. All the pundits feel its because Fernandes wouldn't spend to bring in still more players in the January window. Hard to know. Seems Harry already had brought in all the usual suspects from his previous spots (I'm pretty sure Nico Krancjar has to be Harry's personal butler now until he finds another job).
In any case, this was the year just about everybody in the media decided that Harry was a fraud. Maybe unfair, but the last thing QPR needed to do was bring in more people.
El Floppo
Footballguy
The Gator
Footballguy
Eephus
Footballguy
He's 67 and it seems like the game has moved on from the traditional English gaffer type (e.g. 'Arry, Big Ron, Colin %^&*@&#33
. Wenger is the oldest manager in the Premiership now but he seems more like the vanguard of the new style manager than a throwback to the old.
charvik
Footballguy
Statsbomb data/rankings through the first part of the season: http://statsbomb.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/finalxgranks.jpg
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
In a very non MLS type signing, Colorado looks like they just landed Juan Rameriz who is a 21 year old AM at Argentinos Juniors.
The rumor is that Colorado paid over $2m in the transfer fee which is something MLS teams have been hesitant to do. There is a ton of South American talent that could fit into the MLS salary structure if they could fund these type of transfer fees.
Colorado's new director of soccer is Claudio Lopez which might help explain this move.
The rumor is that Colorado paid over $2m in the transfer fee which is something MLS teams have been hesitant to do. There is a ton of South American talent that could fit into the MLS salary structure if they could fund these type of transfer fees.
Colorado's new director of soccer is Claudio Lopez which might help explain this move.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
I remember how excited I was when DC United signed Rafael as a young DP in a similarly un-characteristic signing. That didn't work out that well. jI guess Ramirez has played more in the national league, Juniors did get relegated last year.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I don't know this kid, but these are exactly the kind of moves we've all been hoping for, given the pool of talented professionals in SA.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
It is very hard to judge since none of us have seen these kids play.
One positive item, if I read it correctly, was that the kid Colorado signed has appeared for Juniors 81 times already which at least gives him some solid pro experience.
I also noticed that the Rapids signed another Argentine on loan so Lopez might be trying to go that route. It probably helps the initial culture shock when there is at least one other guy you can relate to on the squad.
roadkill1292
Footballguy
Aren't there holes in the South American club structures that MLS can exploit? With so many financial problems in the Brazilian league, for example, isn't there a big pool of talent -- and relatively close by, at least compared to Europe -- that could really lift the level of play here? I read that Brazilians comprised the largest number of foreigners on Chinese club rosters (another bunch with problems, corruption mostly) and I wondered, surely those guys would rather play in the states if the opportunities were there.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
It comes down to the transfer fees. There is a ton of talent all over South America that could fit into MLS nicely from a salary stand point, but the fees sometimes are too high for MLS teams to risk. That is what makes the Rapids signing odd.
If that goes well, I am sure there will be some copy cats in the future that might make the same risk.
Eephus
Footballguy
True but that's an issue faced by all buying clubs.
If the MLS clubs do a good job with scouting and development (and get a bit of luck along the way), signing young Latin Americans could potentially be a profitable sideline if they're eventually able to sell the players on to European clubs. Ramirez at 25 will have better market value than Gerrard at 38.
El Floppo
Footballguy
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
When he was purchased by Sporting Lisbon, it was said to be between a 3.5 and 4.5m fee. I am unsure what Seattle paid to get him initially.
Eephus
Footballguy
B Maverick
Footballguy
Kickoff for United and Cambridge delayed 20 mins due to traffic, major accident preventing cambridge coaches and supporters from getting to Old Trafford.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Well this would simplify things dramatically..............or not :(
Evan Ream @EvanReam Follow
Hearing that MLS is likely adding two DP spots that would have to be under a certain threshold of compensation (750k-1 million) (1/2)
7:18 PM - 31 Jan 2015
Evan Ream @EvanReam Follow
Those two DP spots (probably called something else) would also count as less of a cap hit than a full DP (2/2)
7:19 PM - 31 Jan 2015
Evan Ream @EvanReam Follow
Hearing that MLS is likely adding two DP spots that would have to be under a certain threshold of compensation (750k-1 million) (1/2)
7:18 PM - 31 Jan 2015
Evan Ream @EvanReam Follow
Those two DP spots (probably called something else) would also count as less of a cap hit than a full DP (2/2)
7:19 PM - 31 Jan 2015
El Floppo
Footballguy
B Maverick
Footballguy
glad i set mine with the extra 1.5 hours on it... not sure why but feared United would let this game go on too long and maybe end in PKs.
Sebowski
Footballguy
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I posted this in the other thread, it is very cool.
The Stache might be one of the least appreciated Yanks abroad by US fans ever.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
That's fantastic. Would never have guessed he was so well thought of by Anderlechtians.
Eephus
Footballguy
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
Surely its just a matter of time until we see Pep sporting a massive hipster beard. Lenny Kravitz scarf
B Maverick
Footballguy
3-0 United moves on. Manchester that is.....
El Floppo
Footballguy
B Maverick
Footballguy
Parts of it.
Like the first five mins where MU tried to give it away and CU hit the post.
United's goals were nice.
T Bell
Footballguy
No it's not. Harry's dug himself a hole, is out of ideas, didn't have a pile of transfers he could make, so he ejected. He apparently had knee surgery 2-3 years ago and didn't miss a beat.
I'd be surprised if he got another PL gig after this. Crazy to think that he was getting serenaded with "Harry for England" chants just three years ago.
Last edited by a moderator:
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
T Bell
Footballguy
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
wdcrob, you will like this interview. Nobody does being a #### better than Arena 
A few good minutes with Bruce ArenaBy Steven Goff February 3 at 10:13 PM
Your club, the Los Angeles Galaxy, played Georgetown University in a scrimmage Tuesday morning after visiting President Obama on Monday. How did the game go?
“It was alright. It made the trip worthwhile because visiting the White House is something we obviously want to do but it is also difficult because of the schedule. So this worked out great: We fulfilled our obligations with the White House and, in terms of training, we still made a little something out of the trip.”
Did you have any small talk with Obama?
“A little bit.”
What did you discuss?
“I don’t think these are things we make public. It was a private conversation with the President of the United States of America.”
It’s not like you’re talking nuclear strategy concerning the Iranians …
“We might have. It was a very nice, special conversation.”
Surely he shared his opinion about the expansion draft …
“Yes. He had a lot to say about it, actually. He is befuddled by the fact we don’t have more rounds in the supplemental draft.”
How was Georgetown’s artificial turf football/lacrosse field – better or worse than in Seattle?
“Better. I don’t know why because the climate is more extreme here in D.C. with the heat and cold, snow. I was impressed with Georgetown given it was below freezing; it could’ve been slippery, and it never was.”
The Galaxy won 2-1?
“It was one hell of a match.”
Do you think a terrific result like this against teenagers foretells another championship season?
“It tells us everything. It tells us we would be one of the top 10 teams in college soccer.”
With more than 30 players in training camp, you have got to make a few roster decisions soon …
“I would like to, but I don’t know the roster sizes. I don’t know the salary cap. I don’t know anything. It’s a guessing game until the collective bargaining agreement talks are resolved.”
Are you looking to make additional acquisitions?
“We’ll add some more players at some point, either before the season or later.”
At this point, what do you think you need?
“Somebody to possibly make our team better.”
Really? Huh. Maybe you could sign a neutral player, someone who neither helps your team nor hurts it.
“We have plenty of those right now. From what I could tell against Georgetown, we even have one or two who aren’t neutral and are more on the other team than ours.”
Well, veteran defender Dan Gargan did play for Georgetown many years ago …
“It looked like he did today, as well.”
Would you say you are in the hunt for another player of prominence?
“Anyone who can help us. Whether he fits that definition or not, we think he will be an important player. If we find the right player, we will try to bring him in.”
Since you are in Washington, any chance you have had a friendly conversation with Freddy Adu, who is out of contract and training on his own in Maryland?
“I have not. I don’t think he is a target for us at the moment.”
You do, however, share the same agent, Richard Motzkin. And you have looked into an Adu trial with the Galaxy in past years. Has his name come up this winter?
“Freddy Adu’s name always comes up. He has come up for the last 10 years. He will not be on trial with the L.A. Galaxy.”
So what are your thoughts on the labor talks? The sides met again Tuesday in Washington. Two of your players were there.
“It doesn’t look like they are making a whole lot of progress, from what I can tell.”
As a coach, you are tight with players but work for management. That’s a unique situation.
“I am in a very unique situation. I am uniquely positioned to know absolutely nothing.”
Are you pessimistic about the season starting on time?
“If I had to bet on it, I would bet it would start on time, but you never know. Hopefully they make progress.”
The players’ central argument is for free agency. Should they have it, just as other U.S. pro sports leagues do?
“I don’t know the legalities and labor law in single entity. I don’t know if it would allow for it. … I have an opinion but my opinion doesn’t matter. The only opinions that matter belong to the owners. I’m not even going to touch that one.”
Has the possibility of a work stoppage caused a distraction in training camp?
“No. In all honesty, the players have had a pretty good attitude. As they get closer to the opening part of the season, if they haven’t made any progress, I imagine it could become a distraction.”
Steven Gerrard arrives in July. You have experience integrating players into the lineup in the middle of the season. What do you expect this time?
“My sense is, although nothing like this is ever easy, he is as well-suited for this kind of transition as basically any player we’ve had. He is a tremendous professional. He understands what he is getting into. I think he is going to handle it well.”
Now that the league has expanded the playoff field to 12 (out of 20 this season), does it further diminish the regular season?
“There are a lot of ways to look at it. If you are going to have playoffs, the more the merrier. I wouldn’t even mind having all 20 teams in the playoffs, to be honest with you. It wouldn’t bother me at all.”
But doesn’t that defeat the purpose of a regular season?
“In some ways, it does. But teams that do well in the regular season do have some advantages in the playoffs — home field, byes. So you do play for something.”
How would you assess the national team right now?
“Well, in terms of wins and losses, I don’t think that part is important, as much as whether there is a plan in place and is it working.”
And is it working?
“Ask the coach; that is his job. I’ve learned from my experiences that you, as the coach, are the only one who really knows, even though everyone else thinks they do.”
MLS Commissioner Don Garber fined you $20,000 last summer for comments you made on this very platform. He was at the White House with you and the Galaxy. What is your relationship with him these days?
“We talk.”
Did you ever pay that fine?
“I don’t discuss my financial status. It’s not public information.”
Your club, the Los Angeles Galaxy, played Georgetown University in a scrimmage Tuesday morning after visiting President Obama on Monday. How did the game go?
“It was alright. It made the trip worthwhile because visiting the White House is something we obviously want to do but it is also difficult because of the schedule. So this worked out great: We fulfilled our obligations with the White House and, in terms of training, we still made a little something out of the trip.”
Did you have any small talk with Obama?
“A little bit.”
What did you discuss?
“I don’t think these are things we make public. It was a private conversation with the President of the United States of America.”
It’s not like you’re talking nuclear strategy concerning the Iranians …
“We might have. It was a very nice, special conversation.”
Surely he shared his opinion about the expansion draft …
“Yes. He had a lot to say about it, actually. He is befuddled by the fact we don’t have more rounds in the supplemental draft.”
How was Georgetown’s artificial turf football/lacrosse field – better or worse than in Seattle?
“Better. I don’t know why because the climate is more extreme here in D.C. with the heat and cold, snow. I was impressed with Georgetown given it was below freezing; it could’ve been slippery, and it never was.”
The Galaxy won 2-1?
“It was one hell of a match.”
Do you think a terrific result like this against teenagers foretells another championship season?
“It tells us everything. It tells us we would be one of the top 10 teams in college soccer.”
With more than 30 players in training camp, you have got to make a few roster decisions soon …
“I would like to, but I don’t know the roster sizes. I don’t know the salary cap. I don’t know anything. It’s a guessing game until the collective bargaining agreement talks are resolved.”
Are you looking to make additional acquisitions?
“We’ll add some more players at some point, either before the season or later.”
At this point, what do you think you need?
“Somebody to possibly make our team better.”
Really? Huh. Maybe you could sign a neutral player, someone who neither helps your team nor hurts it.
“We have plenty of those right now. From what I could tell against Georgetown, we even have one or two who aren’t neutral and are more on the other team than ours.”
Well, veteran defender Dan Gargan did play for Georgetown many years ago …
“It looked like he did today, as well.”
Would you say you are in the hunt for another player of prominence?
“Anyone who can help us. Whether he fits that definition or not, we think he will be an important player. If we find the right player, we will try to bring him in.”
Since you are in Washington, any chance you have had a friendly conversation with Freddy Adu, who is out of contract and training on his own in Maryland?
“I have not. I don’t think he is a target for us at the moment.”
You do, however, share the same agent, Richard Motzkin. And you have looked into an Adu trial with the Galaxy in past years. Has his name come up this winter?
“Freddy Adu’s name always comes up. He has come up for the last 10 years. He will not be on trial with the L.A. Galaxy.”
So what are your thoughts on the labor talks? The sides met again Tuesday in Washington. Two of your players were there.
“It doesn’t look like they are making a whole lot of progress, from what I can tell.”
As a coach, you are tight with players but work for management. That’s a unique situation.
“I am in a very unique situation. I am uniquely positioned to know absolutely nothing.”
Are you pessimistic about the season starting on time?
“If I had to bet on it, I would bet it would start on time, but you never know. Hopefully they make progress.”
The players’ central argument is for free agency. Should they have it, just as other U.S. pro sports leagues do?
“I don’t know the legalities and labor law in single entity. I don’t know if it would allow for it. … I have an opinion but my opinion doesn’t matter. The only opinions that matter belong to the owners. I’m not even going to touch that one.”
Has the possibility of a work stoppage caused a distraction in training camp?
“No. In all honesty, the players have had a pretty good attitude. As they get closer to the opening part of the season, if they haven’t made any progress, I imagine it could become a distraction.”
Steven Gerrard arrives in July. You have experience integrating players into the lineup in the middle of the season. What do you expect this time?
“My sense is, although nothing like this is ever easy, he is as well-suited for this kind of transition as basically any player we’ve had. He is a tremendous professional. He understands what he is getting into. I think he is going to handle it well.”
Now that the league has expanded the playoff field to 12 (out of 20 this season), does it further diminish the regular season?
“There are a lot of ways to look at it. If you are going to have playoffs, the more the merrier. I wouldn’t even mind having all 20 teams in the playoffs, to be honest with you. It wouldn’t bother me at all.”
But doesn’t that defeat the purpose of a regular season?
“In some ways, it does. But teams that do well in the regular season do have some advantages in the playoffs — home field, byes. So you do play for something.”
How would you assess the national team right now?
“Well, in terms of wins and losses, I don’t think that part is important, as much as whether there is a plan in place and is it working.”
And is it working?
“Ask the coach; that is his job. I’ve learned from my experiences that you, as the coach, are the only one who really knows, even though everyone else thinks they do.”
MLS Commissioner Don Garber fined you $20,000 last summer for comments you made on this very platform. He was at the White House with you and the Galaxy. What is your relationship with him these days?
“We talk.”
Did you ever pay that fine?
“I don’t discuss my financial status. It’s not public information.”
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
It probably says something really bad about me, but I do love Arena. He reminds me a lot of Popovich.
Last edited by a moderator:
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
This was my favorite exchange
At this point, what do you think you need?
“Somebody to possibly make our team better.”
Really? Huh. Maybe you could sign a neutral player, someone who neither helps your team nor hurts it.
“We have plenty of those right now. From what I could tell against Georgetown, we even have one or two who aren’t neutral and are more on the other team than ours.”
Well, veteran defender Dan Gargan did play for Georgetown many years ago …
“It looked like he did today, as well.”
At this point, what do you think you need?
“Somebody to possibly make our team better.”
Really? Huh. Maybe you could sign a neutral player, someone who neither helps your team nor hurts it.
“We have plenty of those right now. From what I could tell against Georgetown, we even have one or two who aren’t neutral and are more on the other team than ours.”
Well, veteran defender Dan Gargan did play for Georgetown many years ago …
“It looked like he did today, as well.”
Jaysus
Good times!
2 AFCON questions:
1: has there been any reported cases of Ebola related to the tourney?
2: Would Toure have killed the keeper if he hit him with this shot? link
1: has there been any reported cases of Ebola related to the tourney?
2: Would Toure have killed the keeper if he hit him with this shot? link
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
Dortmund have lost again, this time to FC Augsburg. Unable to equalize despite being up a man over the last 30 minutes at Westfallenstadion. The starting lineup and top subs still reads like a big money team of superstars, but they are buried in last place. If Dortmund is relegated, expect a number of these guys to be available in the summer, assuming anyone wants them - Reus, Hummels, Gundogan, Schmelzer, Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang, Kagawa, Immobile ...
Sebowski
Footballguy
And that hipster coach of theirs too. He has to get fired ASAP, doesn't he? Crazy that he can orchestrate such a fall yet he will land a big job as soon as he is available.
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
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