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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (1 Viewer)

So riding home from work on my bike, I passed by the Oakland Coliseum and there's THOUSANDS of people in Mexico gear... They play Sweden tonight in a friendly.

If I would have known, I would have bought tickets to watch the game. I saw ZERO Sweden fans, and the Mexican fans looked like they had been partying for hours, and this was at 5:30 PM for an 8:15 kickoff kickoff.

Also, it looks like Aguirre (of Atlético) still has the backing of management there, which I think is a good thing.

 
I know you guys really care about "el Tri", but (my boy) Guardado and Márquez won't be playing tonight.

We'll see if México can beat Sweden by more than 3-0.

 
:scared: One of my professors is a huge Arsenal fan.

He's a Brit...I wore an Arsenal hoody to class tonight and he started talking to me about them. We discussed today's Everton game, team's poor performance, etc. It's interesting to get a lifelong fan's take on the team's struggles.

He described Adebayor and van Persie (he kept calling him RVP too) as "one game they're world class, the next they're useless." He was telling me how he would kill for Patrick Vieira in the midfield these days....the team had a real "bite" back when Vieira was around, and they haven't been the same since.

:unsure: no real point, it's always interesting to talk to people in person who actually know what they're talking about. My girlfriend's friend's boyfriend is coming to town from England this weekend....he's a huge Spurs fan...we had a nice talk last summer :yes:

 
What a boring season with Barça running away with it like this.
Except for maybe the Barca fans, right DP?
It is very fun for me.
Me too :lmao: And Pskov makes a good point - Barça haven't been playing boring soccer this season.
Make that 3 (or is it 4?)We may be watching a historic team right now. Just take it in, Z. Record setting pace in La Liga. Messi and Eto'o can't be stopped right now. They might storm right through Champions. Wouldn't you rather see a La Liga team win that than an EPL team, Z?
 
:lmao: One of my professors is a huge Arsenal fan.

He's a Brit...I wore an Arsenal hoody to class tonight and he started talking to me about them. We discussed today's Everton game, team's poor performance, etc. It's interesting to get a lifelong fan's take on the team's struggles.

He described Adebayor and van Persie (he kept calling him RVP too) as "one game they're world class, the next they're useless." He was telling me how he would kill for Patrick Vieira in the midfield these days....the team had a real "bite" back when Vieira was around, and they haven't been the same since.

:lmao: no real point, it's always interesting to talk to people in person who actually know what they're talking about. My girlfriend's friend's boyfriend is coming to town from England this weekend....he's a huge Spurs fan...we had a nice talk last summer :lmao:
I couldn't find that on TV anywhere. How did it go?
 
:lmao: One of my professors is a huge Arsenal fan.

He's a Brit...I wore an Arsenal hoody to class tonight and he started talking to me about them. We discussed today's Everton game, team's poor performance, etc. It's interesting to get a lifelong fan's take on the team's struggles.

He described Adebayor and van Persie (he kept calling him RVP too) as "one game they're world class, the next they're useless." He was telling me how he would kill for Patrick Vieira in the midfield these days....the team had a real "bite" back when Vieira was around, and they haven't been the same since.

:lmao: no real point, it's always interesting to talk to people in person who actually know what they're talking about. My girlfriend's friend's boyfriend is coming to town from England this weekend....he's a huge Spurs fan...we had a nice talk last summer :lmao:
I couldn't find that on TV anywhere. How did it go?
I didn't see it, but he said they played like #### and the articles I read confirmed it. He asked me if I saw how they "got on" today...
 
If it were Liverpool against Barça in the CL final, I'd pull for Liverpool. Otherwise, I'll take the La Liga team. I really don't have a favorite Italian team.

 
BTW, Mexico didn't look very good (although Sweden got lucky on their goal). They missed Márquez's leadership, and there wasn't much of a counterattacking threat, nor much of attack down the flank... two things that Mexico should do well against Sweden.

I thought Mexico would take it 1 or 2 nothing, but it was the other way around. Not a good tune-up for the hexagonal.

 
BTW, Mexico didn't look very good (although Sweden got lucky on their goal). They missed Márquez's leadership, and there wasn't much of a counterattacking threat, nor much of attack down the flank... two things that Mexico should do well against Sweden.I thought Mexico would take it 1 or 2 nothing, but it was the other way around. Not a good tune-up for the hexagonal.
Good. I like a couple of their players (Guardado one of them), but I don't care for the program at all. They always play the US dirty and always have an excuse if they don't win.
 
:lmao: One of my professors is a huge Arsenal fan.

He's a Brit...I wore an Arsenal hoody to class tonight and he started talking to me about them. We discussed today's Everton game, team's poor performance, etc. It's interesting to get a lifelong fan's take on the team's struggles.

He described Adebayor and van Persie (he kept calling him RVP too) as "one game they're world class, the next they're useless." He was telling me how he would kill for Patrick Vieira in the midfield these days....the team had a real "bite" back when Vieira was around, and they haven't been the same since.

:lmao: no real point, it's always interesting to talk to people in person who actually know what they're talking about. My girlfriend's friend's boyfriend is coming to town from England this weekend....he's a huge Spurs fan...we had a nice talk last summer :confused:
I couldn't find that on TV anywhere. How did it go?
I didn't see it, but he said they played like #### and the articles I read confirmed it. He asked me if I saw how they "got on" today...
I only saw the first half, got caught up watching more of City/Newcastle later, but Arsenal controlled the game for the most part in the first half. They just couldn't get any chances in good position against a packed in Everton defense. Everton couldn't mount any attack, but they were dangerous on the counter. It's tough to play @ Everton, especially when they are only using one striker. They put a ton of guys behind the ball, push you to the wings, and are content clearing the ball when they can. Arteta is the only dangerous player with the ball (imo), right now and he wasn't at full strength. I thought for sure once Everton got the lead, Arsenal was dead, but they were able to get one home.City/Newcastle was a much more exciting game to watch. Elano does suck bad. But Robinho, Bellamy, Ireland, SWP and de Jong made for a good, quick, lethal attack. Tons of miscues in the back, nearly cost them the game. Couple of hard/cheap tackles too. Joey Barton hurt himself while stomping his foot into the gound after a mis pass, which I thought was hilarious. Newcastle is reeling right now, between injuries and crap play.

 
:lmao: One of my professors is a huge Arsenal fan.

He's a Brit...I wore an Arsenal hoody to class tonight and he started talking to me about them. We discussed today's Everton game, team's poor performance, etc. It's interesting to get a lifelong fan's take on the team's struggles.

He described Adebayor and van Persie (he kept calling him RVP too) as "one game they're world class, the next they're useless." He was telling me how he would kill for Patrick Vieira in the midfield these days....the team had a real "bite" back when Vieira was around, and they haven't been the same since.

:lmao: no real point, it's always interesting to talk to people in person who actually know what they're talking about. My girlfriend's friend's boyfriend is coming to town from England this weekend....he's a huge Spurs fan...we had a nice talk last summer :thumbup:
I couldn't find that on TV anywhere. How did it go?
I didn't see it, but he said they played like #### and the articles I read confirmed it. He asked me if I saw how they "got on" today...
I only saw the first half, got caught up watching more of City/Newcastle later, but Arsenal controlled the game for the most part in the first half. They just couldn't get any chances in good position against a packed in Everton defense. Everton couldn't mount any attack, but they were dangerous on the counter. It's tough to play @ Everton, especially when they are only using one striker. They put a ton of guys behind the ball, push you to the wings, and are content clearing the ball when they can. Arteta is the only dangerous player with the ball (imo), right now and he wasn't at full strength. I thought for sure once Everton got the lead, Arsenal was dead, but they were able to get one home.City/Newcastle was a much more exciting game to watch. Elano does suck bad. But Robinho, Bellamy, Ireland, SWP and de Jong made for a good, quick, lethal attack. Tons of miscues in the back, nearly cost them the game. Couple of hard/cheap tackles too. Joey Barton hurt himself while stomping his foot into the gound after a mis pass, which I thought was hilarious. Newcastle is reeling right now, between injuries and crap play.
I watched the entire Arsenal/Everton game. Arsenal did not deserve the point, RVP snatched the equalizer at the very end on probably the best service of the game... oddly enough from Djouru. The problem is the same as it has been, the center midfielders don't posses the ball long enough or make the right passes. They started Song along side Diaby in the middle, with Nasri and Denilson on the wings. Nasri was decent, the other 3 were fair at best. Van Persie was putting forth effort up front, but Adebayor seemed to be having one of his 'down' games. The only time his name was called is when he was being flagged for offside on another goal kick or something. However, the service from the midfield was lacking to say the least. The defense had a pretty good game except for the goal. I'm not sure what Djouru was doing on that play... but otherwise, I think he has played well at the back. For subs, Wenger brought on Bendtner and Eboue to play right wing and right back. I would have much rather seen Vela(who may still be ill) or Wilshere(I know he is 17, but he is by far our best play maker from center mid at the moment... give him a few minutes to try). Anyway, Everton played well throughout, although I would be worried about the Cahill injury. He was already playing out of position up front... but seems to be the only one scoring goals for the Blues at the moment.
 
Anyone watch Law and Order last night?

There were some Russian mobster characters named: Pavlyuchenko, Abramovich, and one of the supporting characters who goes on the witness stand was named Alex Arshavin.

Obviously, someone's a soccer fan.

 
If it were Liverpool against Barça in the CL final, I'd pull for Liverpool. Otherwise, I'll take the La Liga team. I really don't have a favorite Italian team.
That's the way, Z. Nurture that hate! Feed it!BTW, are you ready to change your avatar? I have a feeling we'll be seeing some NACHOS! in the next round. :thumbup:
 
What a boring season with Barça running away with it like this.
Except for maybe the Barca fans, right DP?
It is very fun for me.
Me too :lmao: And Pskov makes a good point - Barça haven't been playing boring soccer this season.
Make that 3 (or is it 4?)We may be watching a historic team right now. Just take it in, Z. Record setting pace in La Liga. Messi and Eto'o can't be stopped right now. They might storm right through Champions. Wouldn't you rather see a La Liga team win that than an EPL team, Z?
Good to see the support for the Blaugrana here. :kicksrock: Hopefully we don't stumble this afternoon vs Espanyol and keep the treble alive.
 
Some good thoughts on Beckham's perspective from a soccernet article:

Story

The end of the affair?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Phil Holland

David Beckham's Major League Soccer marriage appears dangerously close to unravelling into bitter divorce. With non-committal comments from the player, angry accusations from Los Angeles Galaxy and amorous advances from AC Milan seemingly spelling doom for the much-vaunted $125m man, the question is how much will the break-up cost? Well, not quite as much as you may think, with reports in the UK suggesting that Milan could sign Beckham for as little as £4.5m. To understand the valuation we must again dispel the headline-baiting figure which Beckham's management team, 19 Entertainment, used to great effect when announcing his move from Real Madrid to LA in 2007. The widely reported $125m was never his basic salary, rather it was an Enron-esque figure based largely on possible future earnings from sponsorship deals over a five year period. A fee of £4.5m may not be much when compared to the marketing men's blue sky number, but given that the player will be 34 in May, coupled with his largely disappointing impact on MLS and the fact that he could leave Galaxy for free in October thanks to a break clause in his five year contract, £4.5m is actually a good deal for the US club. Particularly when one considers the inevitable angry backlash from Galaxy fans who could be forgiven for feeling more than a little betrayed by Beckham's eyelid fluttering in Italy. It doesn't take a code breaker to read between the lines of Beckham's latest comments to see that what he's really saying to Milan is: ''I'm yours, come and get me." After scoring in the 4-1 win over Bologna, Beckham said: "I can't say what will happen, even if my contract says that I'll be here until March. We'll have to see." An angry reaction from Galaxy fans would be entirely understandable, after all Beckham appears to have said one thing and done another; and angry fans are hardly likely to be lining the streets to buy the latest line of Beckham-branded Galaxy paraphernalia. While sponsorship, marketing and merchandising all play an undeniable role here, for Beckham the ultimate consideration is sporting. He chose to move to the MLS believing his England career was over and decided to accept a new challenge, that of a footballing evangelist. Now, 18 months on from his MLS debut, the possibility of playing in the 2010 World Cup is a very real possibility and having discovered that he is still able to compete in Serie A it would be understandable if his thoughts are turning away from the MLS Cup and towards the Scudetto. However, if Beckham does leave the MLS behind there will an undeniable sense of unfinished business. Don't rule out a return.
I knew when Beckham was coming in to the MLS he thought his international career was over. I don't know why I forgot to consider his resurgence in England a huge reason for him wanting to return to a top flight league like Serie A. It makes sense, and I agree with the writer that if Beckham does stay with Milan that I see him returning to the MLS eventually.
Becks scored AC's lone goal yesterday off a free kick, and was lauded by coach Ancelotti and the tough Italian sports press:
Leading sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport declared him their man of the match, and added: "Beckham almost scored early on, then he found the net with a free-kick. He helps in defence, midfield and in attack.

"If all (Milan's players) battled like he does, Milan probably would not be looking up at Juve and Inter.''
 
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UEFA announces 2011 and 2012 final venues

London's Wembley Stadium and the Fussball Arena München will host the 2011 and 2012 UEFA Champions League finals, with Dublin's Lansdowne Road and Bucharest's National Stadium the venues for the 2011 and 2012 UEFA Europa League showcases.

The 2010/11 UEFA Champions League will conclude with a final at the new Wembley, with the same season seeing the first major UEFA final in the Republic of Ireland, with the UEFA Europa League decider taking place at the new Lansdowne Road which is currently under construction.

The following year will see the UEFA Champions League final take place at the Fussball Arena München, while the UEFA Europa League final will be the first major club final to be staged in the Romanian capital in the new National Stadium.
Bundesliga second half starts back up on Friday
The Bundesliga has again achieved a top result in terms of international TV presence. The top clash between Hamburger SV and FC Bayern will be live on TV in 170 countries. Pay TV broadcaster Premiere, ARD and T-Home will broadcast live in Germany on Friday evening.

"The great demand not only gives proof of the attractivity of German professional football, but also of the great work which the DFL subsidiaries DFL Sports Enterprises, together with their current partners in international marketing, and Sportcast in the TV production do", says Christian Seifert, DFL Chief Executive Officer.

Four foreign TV stations on site

Sportcast provides the live pictures as well as commentary in English and Spanish, which is sent to the worldwide TV partners via satellite.

Additionally four foreign TV stations -- Canal+ (France), Telenet (Belgium), Viasat (Scandinavia) and Sport1 (Netherlands) -- will report directly from the stadium with their own reporters.
Hoffenheim’s fairytale season under threat

Hoffenheim’s fairytale debut season could be under threat when the Bundesliga resumes after a six-week break, the shock leaders having being hit by injury and suspension at the same time as Bayern Munich found top gear.

Hoffenheim, who lead Bayern on goal difference, host Energie Cottbus on Saturday but will be without Vedad Ibisevic, the league’s top scorer with 18 goals, for the rest of the season with a ruptured cruciate ligament.

Ibisevic will hope fellow strikers Demba Ba, Chinedu Obasi and Boubacar Sanogo, brought in on loan from Werder Bremen this week, can fill his shoes.

Obasi also misses out against Cottbus due to a thigh injury while midfielder Carlos Eduardo is suspended for two matches after a punch-up with Hamburg’s Ivica Olic in a friendly.

Bayern and Hoffenheim have 35 points from 17 games with Hertha Berlin third on 33, ahead of Hamburg on goal difference.

Klinsmann’s side travel to Hamburg with no major injury concerns and in the knowledge their last league defeat was back in September.
 
"If all (Milan's players) battled like he does, Milan probably would not be looking up at Juve and Inter.''
I guess if you ever wanted to know a way to make David Beckham's work rate look good, now you know. Play him in the same midfield with Pirlo and Ronaldinho (2009 version).
 
Great match between Bayern and Hamburg today. Hamburg won 1:0 and temporarily jumped to the top of the table.

Hamburg hit the post at least twice, Toni had a goal called back on a really bad call for Bayern and Landon played the last 15 minutes with some decent touches. The action was top notch for the entire 90 minutes and Rensing and Rost combined for 13 saves.

 
Atlético continues to screw themselves. They appear to have zero confidence right now. They were in 3rd place 6 games ago... since then, they've gone into the crapper.

Playing against a decent team in Valladolid, they lost 2-1. The goal "they" scored was an own goal gift from Valladolid. After playing most of the game tied, Pernía proceeded to give up a clear penalty in the 79th minute. God what a dumb play.

I think Aguirre is gonna have to have a realtor on retainer, because he is not long for Madrid, although the fault wasn't really his. The players are playing poorly and stupidly. There is no leadership and the team is falling apart. There are rumors that Forlán wants to leave.

Ugh.

 
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Chelsea got screwed today against Liverpool. The ref made an awful decision and sent Lampard off like 15 minutes into the 2nd half. Torres scored 2 late goals.

It was such a bad call. Lampard got all of the ball and Alonso ran into his foot.

 
Chelsea got screwed today against Liverpool. The ref made an awful decision and sent Lampard off like 15 minutes into the 2nd half. Torres scored 2 late goals. It was such a bad call. Lampard got all of the ball and Alonso ran into his foot.
This was a terrible call. There were several questionable cards given out against Barcelona today. Luckily, Messi overcame them for another Barca win.
 
Chelsea got screwed today against Liverpool. The ref made an awful decision and sent Lampard off like 15 minutes into the 2nd half. Torres scored 2 late goals. It was such a bad call. Lampard got all of the ball and Alonso ran into his foot.
watching the super+ show on FSC there were a ton of terrible calls in the EPL this weekend. Lampards red, a couple PKs in other games, the yellow for diving on gerrard for LP.But all in all there was some good games played.
 
Monday, February 2, 2009

Keane makes way to London to make Spurs return

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Soccernet saff

Liverpool striker Robbie Keane is making his way to London to undergo a medical after Tottenham Hotspur agreed a £15m transfer fee to take him back to White Hart Lane.

The Republic of Ireland international joined Liverpool for £20m in the summer but he has been unable to establish himself in the starting eleven under manager Rafael Benitez and wasn't even on the bench for Sunday's top of the table clash with Chelsea at Anfield.

Their had been reports of swap deal, with Spurs winger Aaron Lennon heading to Anfield, but the two clubs have settled on a cash-only deal.

At lunchtime Liverpool confirmed that Keane was on his way to London for a medical with Tottenham ahead of possible return to the club he scored 15 Premier League goals for last season.

A spokesperson for the Anfield clubs siad: "We've allowed Robbie to talk to Spurs but we've not yet finalised a deal with them for the player."
LinkEverything I've read about this situation seems to point at Benitez mis-using Keene to get back at manager Rick Parry. Allegedly Benitez was told that if Pool signed Keene there would still be enough money to get Gareth Barry as well. Obviously this didn't happen, so rumors have been bouncing around that Benitez has been leaving him out more because of spite than poor form (which I tend to agree with because he was benched and then left out of the squad entirely after regaining his touch in December). I just feel for Keene. He signed with his favorite club and was extremely excited about playing there. I don't buy the whole he couldn't coexist with Torres line of thought, Keene and Berbatov worked well at Tottenham. Ugh.

More and more Benitez aggravates me. I never understood why Benitez wanted to bring Barry in to begin with, the central midfield was already crowded with Gerrard, Alonso and Mascherono. When there was speculation to sell Alonso I was getting pissed, he truly is a great player. Not to mention Benitez attempting mind games through the press and falling flat on his face.

There is clearly a lot of discontinuity at the top for Liverpool, the two co-owners hate each other, can't agree on anything, one wants to keep Ricky Parry, the other doesn't, Rick Parry and Benitez don't agree on anything. Its all a huge mess, its amazing that Liverpool players can even focus on games.

 
No tears spilled over Chelsea getting screwed this weekend, absolutely awful officiating. They made mention that the ref who officiate the game had already handed out 4 red cards this year, and Lampard's red was a brutal call. There were a bunch of poor cards given out in that game, really detracted from the play.

I was pulling for a draw, but frankly, a Liverpool win was probably an even better result. Riera is a nightmare out there, I can't believe in a million years Benitez would favor him over Keane. And I've been banging this drum for awhile now, but Kuyt is not very good either. In my eyes, Chelsea is a better side than Liverpool and worry more about them catching up with United.

ManU is riding a 13 game clean sheet streak, and are starting to get healthy. Rooney should be back in a week or two, Brown is getting there, Rio is rounding into form, hopefully Evra will not be out too much longer, as they obviously miss his play against the top flight teams, and don't trust Rafael enough just yet. Vidic is playing brilliantly, and in my mind is the mvp of the team to date this year. He will be out in the first CL leg against Inter, and that is a bit troubling.

Man City with yet another transfer, grabbing Shay Given. I guess the price was right, I've always felt Given to be a tad overrated. City was the most active, with the biggest signings during the January transfer, although they failed to sign the star player they desired.

 
Monday, February 2, 2009

Keane makes way to London to make Spurs return

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Soccernet saff

Liverpool striker Robbie Keane is making his way to London to undergo a medical after Tottenham Hotspur agreed a £15m transfer fee to take him back to White Hart Lane.

The Republic of Ireland international joined Liverpool for £20m in the summer but he has been unable to establish himself in the starting eleven under manager Rafael Benitez and wasn't even on the bench for Sunday's top of the table clash with Chelsea at Anfield.

Their had been reports of swap deal, with Spurs winger Aaron Lennon heading to Anfield, but the two clubs have settled on a cash-only deal.

At lunchtime Liverpool confirmed that Keane was on his way to London for a medical with Tottenham ahead of possible return to the club he scored 15 Premier League goals for last season.

A spokesperson for the Anfield clubs siad: "We've allowed Robbie to talk to Spurs but we've not yet finalised a deal with them for the player."
LinkEverything I've read about this situation seems to point at Benitez mis-using Keene to get back at manager Rick Parry. Allegedly Benitez was told that if Pool signed Keene there would still be enough money to get Gareth Barry as well. Obviously this didn't happen, so rumors have been bouncing around that Benitez has been leaving him out more because of spite than poor form (which I tend to agree with because he was benched and then left out of the squad entirely after regaining his touch in December). I just feel for Keene. He signed with his favorite club and was extremely excited about playing there. I don't buy the whole he couldn't coexist with Torres line of thought, Keene and Berbatov worked well at Tottenham. Ugh.

More and more Benitez aggravates me. I never understood why Benitez wanted to bring Barry in to begin with, the central midfield was already crowded with Gerrard, Alonso and Mascherono. When there was speculation to sell Alonso I was getting pissed, he truly is a great player. Not to mention Benitez attempting mind games through the press and falling flat on his face.

There is clearly a lot of discontinuity at the top for Liverpool, the two co-owners hate each other, can't agree on anything, one wants to keep Ricky Parry, the other doesn't, Rick Parry and Benitez don't agree on anything. Its all a huge mess, its amazing that Liverpool players can even focus on games.
I never got Rafa's infatuation for Barry either
 
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle5627871.ece

Why Rafa Benitez is on the rack

Like Forrest Gump, the Hollywood character with an unwitting influence upon important moments of history, “Isobel from Bury” might go down as a key figure in the 2008-09 title race. Her question to an Ask The Manager feature in Manchester United’s official magazine was what prompted Sir Alex Ferguson to suggest Liverpool “will get nervous” when trying to secure their first championship in 19 years. This, in turn, provoked what will always be remembered as Rafa’s Rant. The Premier League has not been the same since Rafael Benitez, cheeks the colour of sangria, eyes wider than paella pans, launched a televised attack on Ferguson. Before last night’s match against Everton, United had taken charge, winning 12 points to Liverpool’s three in the 22 days since El Rant was delivered. Liverpool have free-fallen from first to fourth.

Words in press conferences are not stray passes or mistimed tackles. You cannot get out a tactics board and show them directly leading to bad results. But competing involves the display of strength as well as the actual exercising of it and impressions count.

Benitez’s tirade made Liverpool suddenly look embattled: away supporters had something to shout about and anxieties among their own followers increased. These things affect football matches: the stands at Anfield, in the closing stages of a tight game, are far jumpier than at Old Trafford in similar circumstances. Atmospheres influence players.

El Rant was followed by public posturing over a new contract, a denunciation of Everton, a strange outpouring about a “crazy, crazy” match at Wigan and a row with Tottenham over their interest in Robbie Keane, now at the point of departure from Anfield after being left out of the squad to face Chelsea. Benitez, with each eruption, appears to spend a little of the credit he has built up with Liverpool fans. Some who defended his attack on Ferguson doubt his temperament now. There was unprecedented booing of the Spaniard when he substituted Steven Gerrard at the JJB Stadium and he is having to appeal for patience. “They have to stay with the team and the manager picks the team. Everybody is in the same boat. So we cannot criticise and complain every day, because we have to go together,” he said.

Benitez denies he is feeling the pressure

There are no cracks in Benitez's master plan

Can Liverpool bounce back from meltdown?

In losing his cool before the cameras, Benitez ignored one of the tenets of his predecessor. Gerard Houllier once lectured a Uefa elite coaches forum on “the most important five minutes of a manager’s week”. These, said Houllier, are the ones a boss spends talking on television: in modern football everybody involved in a club — directors, players, players’ wives, journalists, supporters — watches the pre-match and post-match interviews and what is conveyed there sets that club’s mood. Soundbites, in Houllier’s view, should be flavoured with calm authority. From Benitez there is too much.

Jan 9 Benitez launches into a long rant against Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson, asking why he wasn’t punished for ‘killing referees’

Jan 10 Liverpool struggle to draw 0-0 at Stoke. The next day United crush Chelsea to close the gap on Liverpool to five points

Jan 14 Benitez speculates on the ‘influence’ David Gill, United’s chief executive, has as a member of the FA Board. United beat Wigan 1-0

Jan 17 United go top by beating Bolton 1-0. Benitez accuses his own board of pushing defender Daniel Agger towards the exit before Liverpool draw with Everton 1-1

Jan 25 Liverpool come from behind to draw 1-1 with Everton in the FA Cup

Jan 28 A day after United hammer West Brom 5-0, Liverpool are held 1-1 at Wigan

 
First off, :goodposting: for the Reds yesterday. Warms the heart to see El Nino back in form.

Lots of news as the transfer deadline approaches:

Arshavin looks to be a Gunner soon, terms have been agreed to

Keane has been sold back to Spurs

Dos Santos was on his way to Pompey, but failed a medical

Dacourt has signed a loan deal with Fulham

Quaresma apparently is in London speaking with Spurs

The FA has agreed to conditionally extend the transfer deadline due to the record-setting snowfall they're experiencing in England. Should be a couple more hours of big news.

 
Arshavin deal is done, only thing left is for him to negotiate how much it will take for him to buy out his Zenit contract. Rumor is he will wear #13 at Arsenal.

Also, rumors are floating that Man City have made an 11th hour play for van Persie, in the neighborhood of £42m. :goodposting:

 
Arshavin deal is done, only thing left is for him to negotiate how much it will take for him to buy out his Zenit contract. Rumor is he will wear #13 at Arsenal.



Also, rumors are floating that Man City have made an 11th hour play for van Persie, in the neighborhood of £42m. :own3d:
Arsenal will need to be in some serious, serious financial trouble that we don't know about for this to happen....
 
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Another rumor....Chelsea have scooped Spurs and swooped in to sign Quaresma. Nothing official on that yet. Rumor is coming from Portuguese press.

Arshavin has passed his medical, his dealings with Zenit are the only thing left for that deal to be done.

City throwing money around left and right, they had a £8m bid from Newcastle United for midfielder Michael Johnson rejected.

ETA: Other outlets are now substantiating the Quaresma to Chelsea reports.

 
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Steve Tasker for Prez said:
jpeace121 said:
Arshavin deal is done, only thing left is for him to negotiate how much it will take for him to buy out his Zenit contract. Rumor is he will wear #13 at Arsenal.



Also, rumors are floating that Man City have made an 11th hour play for van Persie, in the neighborhood of £42m. :goodposting:
Arsenal will need to be in some serious, serious financial trouble that we don't know about for this to happen....
Maybe... but there are rumors that if they do not make the Champions league, it would be hard to resign RVP to a new contract anyway. It may make sense to get something(quite substantial) for him now.
 

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