Poke_4_Life
Footballguy
I was very worried that his last performance would prevent this new contract. So happy to have him at Arsenal.
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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter Ramsay Hunt Experience
- Start date
DJackson10
Footballguy
Timing is definitely an issue for him in terms of support. However I think he did a lot of things and made a lot of comments that also never helped his case either in terms of gaining that support. Besides the diehard Landon fans who got upset if you made any negative comments about him. Back when I first started calling him out I thought I was one of the few who recognized who he truly was. However over the years and the more he did publicly I think more people realized it. What really turned me off finally over the yrs was that 2012 All Star experience. You could tell from his body language and everything he was so jealous he was not the man of the hour to the fans. Should he have been on that Gold Cup squad? Yeah but after the way he handled everything I'd have left him off too. However how I'd handle that would've been to say "There is no player or person that is above this team or organization. We work together and are part of a bigger family that represents an entire nation. We do not conduct the type of behavior nor their unprofessionalism one individual has been displaying through out this process. Simple because they haven't gotten their way. You earn your spot on this roster. We don't care if you are the best player or not your spot is earned not given and no one is entitled to it." Then again I'm one of the few who believes no one is above the game or anything in any sport and no players should be treated differently. If I'm coach or manager I don't care if you are Brady/MJ/Ronaldo/Messi/etc if you are late for practice/training, a game, do something stupid off the field/court/pitch your ### is benched for the next game no matter what. If we lose you can apologize publicly to letting everyone down for being selfish and acting the clown.
DJackson10
Footballguy
According to Vito Angele Ralf Ragnick wants to keep Ibra at club as well as Paolo Maldini. Gazidis has other ideas
It was long though that if and when Ralf Ragnick becomes next MILAN manager both would be gone do to the youth movement and Ragnick would have Maldini's job as well as manager of the club. However he would like both. He wants to keep a few experienced players (Similar to what Maldini and BOban wanted from the start but Elliot and Gazidis had other ideas) such as Ibra but Maldini he feels is too important to Milan to let go. Theres a few rumors non conclusive that Ragnick would want Maldini's input especially the Italian market do to his experience and help him out. Ragnick has already asked to get a scout for U23's players who knows Italy and the young prospects on the Peninsula who has a great relationship with the agents of the scout to help include and offer them to the club. He wants a scout who also understands the Italian market. This is to say Ragnick knows his limitations coming to a new country to Manage and be the director and wants some experience from there to help him. Ragnick has already taken courses in the quarantine downtime on Italian language as well.
It was long though that if and when Ralf Ragnick becomes next MILAN manager both would be gone do to the youth movement and Ragnick would have Maldini's job as well as manager of the club. However he would like both. He wants to keep a few experienced players (Similar to what Maldini and BOban wanted from the start but Elliot and Gazidis had other ideas) such as Ibra but Maldini he feels is too important to Milan to let go. Theres a few rumors non conclusive that Ragnick would want Maldini's input especially the Italian market do to his experience and help him out. Ragnick has already asked to get a scout for U23's players who knows Italy and the young prospects on the Peninsula who has a great relationship with the agents of the scout to help include and offer them to the club. He wants a scout who also understands the Italian market. This is to say Ragnick knows his limitations coming to a new country to Manage and be the director and wants some experience from there to help him. Ragnick has already taken courses in the quarantine downtime on Italian language as well.
DJackson10
Footballguy
B Maverick
Footballguy
I always got the feeling LD thought he had to be the leader, but he didn't know how. So he made it worse when he tried to be. Even in the Fox sports show on Beckham's impact, LD apologize for all that, but I didn't feel it was sincere. That may just be me though.
charvik
Footballguy
DJackson10
Footballguy
Takafusa Kubo has impressed alot on loan this year that 29 clubs including Milan are interesting in signing the young Japaneese Phenom. Milan have also had interest in Cerezo Oshaka MF Jin Nishakawa who has interest in Barcelona after they stumbled upon him when Barca scouted Hiroki Abe who is part of Barca B. Barca had to wait by European Futboll law for Nishikawa to turn 18 which he did in February before permanently making an offer. Not sure if Milan's interest has changed with Ralf Ragnick in charge though he does fit the model of a very young promising player who fills a need
El Floppo
Footballguy
Posted the above in the US thread. Woke up this morning to this opinion piece on Kanye's role at Chelsea in the Guardian near the top of my news feed. Which touches on a bunch of my unformulated thoughts pretty well
####### snooping Google.
I mean.... Thanks Google!
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
I haven’t read the article but I think the consensus is that Kante should be a pure 6, or a Makalele role. Makalele rarely crossed midfield, and it’s probably best that N’golo doesn’t either. They have some personnel problems right now with Jorginho and Hudson-Odom not playing since the restart, which forces s few guys out of position. The fact is that the club still hasn’t bought a player since Lampard was hired, other than making Kovacic’s loan a permanent move and Pulisic’s loan to Dortmund expiring. Presumably, they are approaching this summer window in consultation with Lampard so I would expect the team to reflect his plan a bit better next season.Posted the above in the US thread. Woke up this morning to this opinion piece on Kanye's role at Chelsea in the Guardian near the top of my news feed. Which touches on a bunch of my unformulated thoughts pretty well
####### snooping Google.
I mean.... Thanks Google!
encaitar
Footballguy
Having watched a fair bit of Chelsea this year due to Pulisic I have to say that Kovacic is growing into one of my favorite players. He might be the most underrated midfielder in the world. I would call him Chelsea's POTY if I were given a vote. I think he's gonna be paramount to Chelsea's future success. I like Kante a lot and he's obviously the best ball winning player in the world, but I think Chelsea would be making a mistake if they were playing Kante over Kovacic in the future. Given that I expect one of Mount/RLC/(or Havertz?) to play the forward midfield spot that means that Kante would be taking Kovacic's spot unless he's playing the 6. So, I can understand the consensus on Kante, and as we could see in the second half of yesterday's game... Kante/Kovacic/forward midfielder work well together.
B Maverick
Footballguy
FA Cup Final Four
United (12) v Chelsea (8)
Arsenal (13) v City (6)
and
ESPN will be showing the rest of the matches on ESPN+. Idiots
United (12) v Chelsea (8)
Arsenal (13) v City (6)
and
ESPN will be showing the rest of the matches on ESPN+. Idiots
The Gator
Footballguy
Who are the idiots? ESPN, or the people shelling out for ESPN+?FA Cup Final Four
United (12) v Chelsea (8)
Arsenal (13) v City (6)
and
The Gator
Footballguy
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
At $4.99/month, ESPN+ is a pretty good deal (other than in times of a pandemic.)Who are the idiots? ESPN, or the people shelling out for ESPN+?
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
There was a transfer ban for Lampard’s first summer. Chelsea appealed, but for whatever reason they chose not to seek a stay of the ban pending appeal, which they ultimately won. Then, in the winter window, with the ban rescinded, they didn’t buy anyone, much to the frustration of twitter warriors and Football Manager managers. These two guys are presumably part of Lampard's plan. I guess we’ll see next fall what that means for Kante, Pulisic and others.Timo Warner - $58M
Hakim Ziyech - $44M
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
It’s going to be interesting next season at several positions. I’m not much of a tactics guy and my predictions are almost always wrong, but I hope he can find a way to keep Kante and Kova as regulars on the teamsheet. Perhaps Jorginho is the odd man out. Unfortunately he’s also one of my favorites.
The Gator
Footballguy
All that is true - but Chelsea have spent $100M+ on two players after Lampard was hired.
If those are players Lampard does not want, then that is a separate issue. But you can't say: "The fact is that the club still hasn’t bought a player since Lampard was hired."
B Maverick
Footballguy
I love these headlines "Jadon Sancho move forces Man Utd to sell up to 5 players". On the surface maybe C-19 has caused them to not want to spend. So you read the article:
"In order to raise the funds, Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Alexis Sanchez could all be sold."
They should all be sold anyway. Smalling and Sanchez are out on loan and not helping the team. Jones is injured still/again and not helping the team. Lingard and Pereira are 3rd string players who help the team more when they don't play. FFS sell all of them and buy Sancho. Any United fan that complains needs to get a slap of reality. The bigger problem is finding someone willing to pay for any of them! Smalling looks to be happy and wanted at Roma so they will get something for him. But who wants the rest?
"In order to raise the funds, Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Alexis Sanchez could all be sold."
They should all be sold anyway. Smalling and Sanchez are out on loan and not helping the team. Jones is injured still/again and not helping the team. Lingard and Pereira are 3rd string players who help the team more when they don't play. FFS sell all of them and buy Sancho. Any United fan that complains needs to get a slap of reality. The bigger problem is finding someone willing to pay for any of them! Smalling looks to be happy and wanted at Roma so they will get something for him. But who wants the rest?
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CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
Sure, those deals are both announced and expected to go through this summer. But in the context of the discussion, which was N'Golo Kante's role under Lampard and whether Lampard is using him correctly, the point stands because neither of those guys are available. This is still 100% Sarri's team - no additions other than Pulisic who was purchased the prior winter when Sarri was still in charge. Sarri was the guy who decided to move N'Golo forward, out of his traditional #6 role. It was discussed ad nauseum last season here and elsewhere.
B Maverick
Footballguy
B Maverick
Footballguy
On a side note, when Norwich is relegated, some EPL teams should be in for Cantwell and Pukki. Watching Cantwell over the weekend, he's got some game to him and should be a good buy.
The Gator
Footballguy
El Floppo
Footballguy
The article I linked talked about Lamps more direct, quick attacking approach which doesn't seem to suit Kante's strengths, as he lacks the killer attacking ball in his arsenal...something Jorginho and Kova both have. I think Adams would be a great addition in that mold!
Mjolnirs
Footballguy
Bundesliga end of season update.
Werder Bremen will play FC Heidenheim for the chance to stay in BL1. They play at Bremen on 7/2 and in Heidenheim on 7/6.
Bremen is an original member of BL1 from 1964, and have only been down once in 1981. So 55 of the last 56 seasons in BL1. Champions in '65, '88, '93 and '04.
Heidenheim have been in BL2 6 seasons, having been promoted from BL3 in 2014.
FC Nürnberg are in the play-off game to try and stay in BL2, their BL3 opponent hasn't been decided yet. Nürnberg were just relegated to BL2 last season.
Bayern München and Bayer Leverkusen play in the DFB Pokal final this Saturday (7/4) at 2pm on ESPN2.
And in other news, Arjen Robben has come out of retirement to play at Groningen next season. His original club.
Werder Bremen will play FC Heidenheim for the chance to stay in BL1. They play at Bremen on 7/2 and in Heidenheim on 7/6.
Bremen is an original member of BL1 from 1964, and have only been down once in 1981. So 55 of the last 56 seasons in BL1. Champions in '65, '88, '93 and '04.
Heidenheim have been in BL2 6 seasons, having been promoted from BL3 in 2014.
FC Nürnberg are in the play-off game to try and stay in BL2, their BL3 opponent hasn't been decided yet. Nürnberg were just relegated to BL2 last season.
Bayern München and Bayer Leverkusen play in the DFB Pokal final this Saturday (7/4) at 2pm on ESPN2.
And in other news, Arjen Robben has come out of retirement to play at Groningen next season. His original club.
mr. furley
Footballguy
@The Gator
can one of you scofflaws point me in the direction of a reputable shop what sells national team jerseys?
specifically looking for a long sleeve Peru white w/ red sash. turning up lots of dodgy looking sites.. most of which sell short sleeve only. some are cotton, some polyester, etc. looking for a trustworthy site that sells the actual team jerseys.
can one of you scofflaws point me in the direction of a reputable shop what sells national team jerseys?
specifically looking for a long sleeve Peru white w/ red sash. turning up lots of dodgy looking sites.. most of which sell short sleeve only. some are cotton, some polyester, etc. looking for a trustworthy site that sells the actual team jerseys.
El Floppo
Footballguy
JaxBill
Footballguy
They had just been bought out by a company in Hong Kong a few weeks ago. The timing is strange.
encaitar
Footballguy
I think it's gonna get really bad unless the UK government steps in. EPL teams should be fine with the massive tv deals and I'd bet most Championship sides can weather through as well, but all the lower tier teams NEED fans in order to support their financials and the longer they are forced to play without them, the more teams we will see fold IMO. This goes for basically every country too.
I am a little shocked to see a championship side be one of the first to go though. Maybe the new sale actually hurts in this case? Buying a club and then immediately losing $100M or so might be the problem here.
JaxBill
Footballguy
encaitar
Footballguy
Holy ####. $65! I wouldn't give someone $5 for that lunch box. That is highway robbery at its finest right there.
El Floppo
Footballguy
El Floppo
Footballguy
B Maverick
Footballguy
EPL race for CL and Europa just got interesting.....
3 points separate 3rd and 6th. Plus City's impending Ban might make 3, 4, 5 all CL spots meaning 6-8 gets Europa (Arsenal and Tottenham currently)
Leicester - Palace, Arsenal, Bournemouth, Sheffield, Tottenham, Man United
Chelsea - Watford, Palance, Sheffield, Norwich, Liverpool, Wolves
United - Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Southampton, Palace, West Ham, Leicester
Wolves - Arsenal, Sheffield, Everton, Burnley, Palace, Chelsea
Plus United v Chelsea in the FA Cup on 7/19.
3 points separate 3rd and 6th. Plus City's impending Ban might make 3, 4, 5 all CL spots meaning 6-8 gets Europa (Arsenal and Tottenham currently)
Leicester - Palace, Arsenal, Bournemouth, Sheffield, Tottenham, Man United
Chelsea - Watford, Palance, Sheffield, Norwich, Liverpool, Wolves
United - Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Southampton, Palace, West Ham, Leicester
Wolves - Arsenal, Sheffield, Everton, Burnley, Palace, Chelsea
Plus United v Chelsea in the FA Cup on 7/19.
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
If Champions League qualification for Chelsea comes down to that final game against Wolves, I'm going to need to take a day (or two) off work and just sit on my couch with a bottle all day.
The Gator
Footballguy
DJackson10
Footballguy
Maxi
@MaaxiAngelo
Salzburg manager, Jesse Marsch, used nine different formations up until the Christmas break - depending on scorelines, quality-difference, etc - to manipulate the games to how Salzburg wants them to be played instead of letting the opposition decide. This guy will be a great one.
@MaaxiAngelo
Salzburg manager, Jesse Marsch, used nine different formations up until the Christmas break - depending on scorelines, quality-difference, etc - to manipulate the games to how Salzburg wants them to be played instead of letting the opposition decide. This guy will be a great one.
bentley
Footballguy
JaxBill
Footballguy
@FusaroESPN: BREAKING: Sources confirm to ESPN that @MLS will announce that @FCDallas has withdrawn from the #MLSisBack tournament. The entire traveling party of the team has been quarantined for 7 days following the positive coronavirus tests for 10 players and 1 coach, last week.
JaxBill
Footballguy
Meanwhile a different MLS problem
@GlennCrooks: #NYCFC CEO Brad Sims on where his team will play home games after #MLSisBack: "Neither the Yankees nor Mets have told us anything definitively. We’re anticipating that’s going to be challenging. We’re engaged with #MLS on alternative places to play."
@GlennCrooks: #NYCFC CEO Brad Sims on where his team will play home games after #MLSisBack: "Neither the Yankees nor Mets have told us anything definitively. We’re anticipating that’s going to be challenging. We’re engaged with #MLS on alternative places to play."
DJackson10
Footballguy
El Floppo
Footballguy
El Floppo
Footballguy
B Maverick
Footballguy
Sounds like his wife is going through a difficult pregnancy and he doesn't want to be away.
With each postponned game, I feel less likely MLS will have anything going this season.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Chicago/Nashville tonight postponed. I just don't see how they get through this tournament but I imagine they will do their best.
B Maverick
Footballguy
So all the July 15 EPL games are being moved to the Peacock streaming service and do not appear to be on NBCSports networks. Sounds like it will be free to watch in support of the services launch, but if you aren't streaming why would you sign up? While American sports struggle to get playing, you are going to make it harder to watch your games?
