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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (5 Viewers)
- Thread starter Ramsay Hunt Experience
- Start date
titusbramble
Footballguy
The problem is that they're doing it on a real quick turn around from the first game, so I don't know how easy it would be to do logistically on that time frame, likely impossible. Of course, the correct play would be to either make the final two legged like it always was, or if it must be over one leg, at a neutral venue
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
I guess it will be Messi because he got his continental title (and dominated the tournament doing it), but I'm still Lewa4Life.
EDIT: This will likely be Lewa's first time in the top 3, which seems insane.
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Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
All these people voting enough for Benz to give him fourth place had better back off my territory.
Desert_Power
Footballguy
Another one for Messi
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
If it's just for 2021, I guess I get it. But I feel bad for Lewa, considering he certainly would have won the 2020 award and I think I'd still give it to him if it were a 20/21 award.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
I kind of want to see Salah win one of these, but it's almost impossible with Egypt and having to get lucky with timing and the competition. I think Zlatan never finished top three for example.
But Lewa not winning one just feels wrong.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
I suppose it will mostly depend on the CL next year. They shouldn't have a shot to consider WC unless they delay the award in 2022.
Salah and Lewa appear to be the favorites at this stage as guys putting up the big numbers for a big time CL contender.
I think his year was last year - when they were cancelled.
If I recall, that was his only CL win.
DJackson10
Footballguy
Didn't realize this was on and got stuck at work till 4. That sucks. Not sure when I'll have time to watch but this happened which is great
Simon Kjaer recognized for saving teammates life gets a Standing Ovation
AAABatteries
Footballguy
I think it could be hugely bad before it gets good. Top of head I'd say 3 of their 4 CBs (Varane, Mcguire and Lindelof) aren't really suited to his style. Neither is Shaw, IMO. He will need to retool the back line completely most likely. As you mention, CR isn't pressing for 45 minutes, much less 90. And I'm not sure how Pogba would take to it. If he does play a 4-3-3 or 4-2-2-2 then he has some bodies with Rashford, Sancho, Greenwood, Bruno but they will have to win games 4-3 it they throw out that current back line. I'm good with it as I hated the style Ole played. I just think they are going to have to turn over half the roster to play that style.
gianmarco
Footballguy
I don't understand why you think Varane wouldn't be a good fit with him, especially when he's considered one of the best CBs in the world.
I assume its a age/injury/fitness issue with Varane.
But, having said that, I don't think the pressing style overly taxes the CBs - using Liverpool as a proxy - they do play a higher line, but its more about positioning than it is about expending a lot of energy.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
As Sinn said, his age and speed. To be fair I didn't watch him a ton with RM but so far in his limited play with United he seems slow. I don't think you can play a super high line with slow CBs like Varane and Mcguire.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
I think Varane will be fine, because he reads the game really well and he seems to be pretty quick (FM22 gives his 16 pace FWIW). Maguire seems an iffy fit to me. Just listening to Rangnick explain his philosophy, he does rely on the backline to react quickly to be able snuff out counters that inevitably arise. I think the system will be a boon for a guy like Wan-Bissaka, who is an excellent defensive fullback with a limited offensive skillset. I think he'll be more effective offensively in the chaos caused by the press and he's just the type of quick solid defensive guy to solve problems when countered.
I raised the question about Ronaldo, but the upside is that he's one of the most clinical goal scorers in history and this is a system that can create chances. Maybe he has to play 2 up top with CR7 partnered with a true pressing forward (Rashford seems to me the best fit there). Maybe he can do CR7 and Cavani for 45 minutes of semi-pressing coupled with fininishing a piece. It should at least be interesting. United have lots of depth, which is useful.
gianmarco
Footballguy
Varane is only 28. He's in his prime/late prime (especially for a position like CB). The injury issue for him this year is a concern, but if/when he's healthy, I don't see how you could ask for much more.
The comment made me go look around for stuff on him and I found this. From watching him (which I've seen him some but not an exceptional amount), this seems spot on.
If anything, he seems like the kind of player that Rangnick would want to build around on defense, not get rid of. He just needs to get healthy.
The comment made me go look around for stuff on him and I found this. From watching him (which I've seen him some but not an exceptional amount), this seems spot on.
If anything, he seems like the kind of player that Rangnick would want to build around on defense, not get rid of. He just needs to get healthy.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
MLS has been on TV since 1996. In all those years, across numerous channels, their single most watched game was 3.1 million (which was set all the way back in 1996).
Seeing the below, it is safe to say we are likely to see many more Thanksgiving Day games in the future. The power of the NFL lead in is ridiculous
===============================
2021 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs TV Ratings, Colorado Rapids vs Portland Timbers FC on Fox 7.219 Million viewers!!!
Seeing the below, it is safe to say we are likely to see many more Thanksgiving Day games in the future. The power of the NFL lead in is ridiculous
===============================
2021 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs TV Ratings, Colorado Rapids vs Portland Timbers FC on Fox 7.219 Million viewers!!!
Grant Wahl@GrantWahl
The MLS playoff game between Colorado and Portland on Thanksgiving averaged 1.894 million viewers on FOX and Fox Deportes, not 7.2 million.
It's the 2nd-most viewed MLS game of all time other than MLS Cup finals and All-Star Games (behind only Freddy Adu's debut in 2004).
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Granted some of the attendance stuff is due to Texas pretending Covid does not exist but still great news all the way around @bentley !
==================
[Michael Loré] Austin FC was the only MLS team to sell out 100% of its home matches in 2021, and its average attendance of 20,738 ranked fifth in the league. Also: - No. 2 in sponsorship sales - 96% season ticket renewal for 2022 - 28K season ticket waitlist - Highest merchandise sales in MLS
==================
[Michael Loré] Austin FC was the only MLS team to sell out 100% of its home matches in 2021, and its average attendance of 20,738 ranked fifth in the league. Also: - No. 2 in sponsorship sales - 96% season ticket renewal for 2022 - 28K season ticket waitlist - Highest merchandise sales in MLS
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Here's a fun one:
Liverpool are still top-4, on 27 points, if you count only goals scored or assisted by Salah.
MSFC: 14P 8-3-3 27pts +21 -12 +9
Liverpool are still top-4, on 27 points, if you count only goals scored or assisted by Salah.
MSFC: 14P 8-3-3 27pts +21 -12 +9
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
Wisconsin soccer legend Jesse Marsch has been sacked by RBLeipzig. Sad day. Hope he can catch on somewhere decent. Maybe his old boss Ragnick could use him in Manchester until June.
DJackson10
Footballguy
CletiusMaximus said:
This isn't out of left-field as one may think. THere's been rumors about FC Cincy who has former Union ASGM Chris Albright wanting Union Coach Jim Curtain for their job. Union already told them no and JC doesn't have a clause that could terminate his contract if another club "paid x amount" and FC Cincy accused Union of tampering with a player they ended up not getting that was proven false. However Union Technical director is Ernest Tanner Former Redbull overseer. Marsch and Curtain are great friends.
Say the Union let Curtain go and Bring in Marsch its not out of the blue. It's a step down for Marsch but it's also a move that makes sense. I'm not saying Union should get rid of JC either and he's a local guy. But say they do and Bring in Marsch they run a similar system as the Red Bull organization does and there wouldn't be much bumps in the road. If the Union did Let Curtin go (for a better job if he so chose to leave and he's expressed interest in Europe before), Marsch coming in makes the absolute most sense? Its also not out of the question Union lose Pat Noonen Assistant Manager to a Manager job and maybe if Marsch is looking for Work he and Curtin work together. Dream scenario and not out of a realm.
DJackson10
Footballguy
CletiusMaximus said:
According to Derek Rae per BILD Nagelsman changed the philosophy at RBLeipzig. They weren't playing the Red Bull way anymore according to Twellman. Marsch tried to play Ragnich/His way he was told. On two separate occasions Match day 7 and 10 Jessie went to management and suggested maybe he wasn't the right fit. Naglesman apparently gutted the RBLeipzig club and Marsch was sacked over the phone as he has been in isolation with a covid positive for the last 2 weeks
Rae translation of interview
Taylor Twellmann reporting not sporting director at club from Germany something bigger is going on here
@TaylorTwellman
Oliver has a reputation of being very difficult to work with/for. Nagelsman changed the RB philosophy a bit and so the current group of players at Leipzig wanted to play that way NOT Marsch/Rangnick way. Simple as that. @RBLeipzig_EN
bentley
Footballguy
Thanks man! We are pretty excited about next season already. Hopefully the product on the field gets a little bit closer to the business metrics in 2022.
DJackson10
Footballguy
Also not gonna excuse the loss today for the Union because the frustrating part is we dominated most of todays match with no backline outside of Mbizio and Blake being out plus Bedoya and most of our depth. I do think MLS needs to look at their covid protocol rules. There were reports that a few of the players tested positive but didn't show any symptoms. I think if they went something with pass 2 negatives in a X amount of time you should clear. MLS hasn't changed rules for vaccinations.
Blake apparently had a birthday party several players were at which some speculated was a cause of a positive test. But at this point thats more speculation and what fans are blaming that on.
Either way really proud of the team. Like Curtin said in the postgame it's frustrating to see the Oil Company club advance (Yes he called them that) but the guys today showed they play for the name on front of the kit. Cullin played a hell of a match. A year after selling Brendan Aaronson and Mark McKenzie we made it to Concafe Semi Final (last American Club in the Tourney) and our first, Kacper the Friendly Striker won the Golden boot for the tourney, We secured #2 in the Eastern Conf and got the furthest we've ever been in the playoffs. On top of that a ton of gutty wins and some amazing Goalazoos from Glesnes and the Homegrowns. Andre Blake showed why he's the top keeper in MLS, Bedoya is the heart and soul of the club and everything it represents and the fans in the end showed up and supported till the final seconds of the season. We got some good homegrown who will be forces next year in McGlynn and Paxton Aaronson could be as good as his brother (see a few similarities already). Quinn Sullivan could be a nice piece next year depth wise. We really need another striker or goals coming from some where and I'd like to add a little more depth. Going by Position
Keepers: Set Blake and Bednik with then Matt Freese. Bednik could leave and maybe another keepe
Defense: Mbizo and Powell and Harrel likely to stay with Elliot and Glesnes. Ive heard rumors of Europe calling for Kai Wagner who they could sell and my local guy Matt Real might not be back as he's been in JC's doghouse for a bit. I've heard a rumor or two Elliot could go but I think they keep him unless someone gives an offer they can't refuse. Collin I think is retiring. Stuart Finely the Scot put in a hell of a shift. Look for him to get more playing time next year. Maybe they add someone for depth but a Homegrown I believe was already signed till next year here.
MF: Martinez/Bedoya/Flack/Gasdag/Monteiro?McGlynn/ Aaronson/Fontana/ Possible DeVries. Could see more HGT here. Ishino I think is out. I'd like another playmaker and more help in the back. Bedoya love ya but I think he needs to come off the bench and be a rotation guy next year. more MF help is needed Fontana and Aaronson could push for starting roles and Monteiro seemed to want to leave but no transfer happened over the summer
Strikers: Kacper, Santos, Sullivan, Davo. More depth and firepower here. Sullivan more of a MF/winger but can play up front. Union don't need to get cute nor go DP money but fans dream of a DP striker here. Someone at least to take pressure off Kaceper would be nice.
This club still is good and could do better next year. Hungry group and Union are changing how MLS clubs use their academies. I want another trade all our Picks from Mr Tanner for that sweet allocation money and whatever juicy BS that MLS can give us. We'll be back. Hopefully with Jim Curtin in tow as well.
Blake apparently had a birthday party several players were at which some speculated was a cause of a positive test. But at this point thats more speculation and what fans are blaming that on.
Either way really proud of the team. Like Curtin said in the postgame it's frustrating to see the Oil Company club advance (Yes he called them that) but the guys today showed they play for the name on front of the kit. Cullin played a hell of a match. A year after selling Brendan Aaronson and Mark McKenzie we made it to Concafe Semi Final (last American Club in the Tourney) and our first, Kacper the Friendly Striker won the Golden boot for the tourney, We secured #2 in the Eastern Conf and got the furthest we've ever been in the playoffs. On top of that a ton of gutty wins and some amazing Goalazoos from Glesnes and the Homegrowns. Andre Blake showed why he's the top keeper in MLS, Bedoya is the heart and soul of the club and everything it represents and the fans in the end showed up and supported till the final seconds of the season. We got some good homegrown who will be forces next year in McGlynn and Paxton Aaronson could be as good as his brother (see a few similarities already). Quinn Sullivan could be a nice piece next year depth wise. We really need another striker or goals coming from some where and I'd like to add a little more depth. Going by Position
Keepers: Set Blake and Bednik with then Matt Freese. Bednik could leave and maybe another keepe
Defense: Mbizo and Powell and Harrel likely to stay with Elliot and Glesnes. Ive heard rumors of Europe calling for Kai Wagner who they could sell and my local guy Matt Real might not be back as he's been in JC's doghouse for a bit. I've heard a rumor or two Elliot could go but I think they keep him unless someone gives an offer they can't refuse. Collin I think is retiring. Stuart Finely the Scot put in a hell of a shift. Look for him to get more playing time next year. Maybe they add someone for depth but a Homegrown I believe was already signed till next year here.
MF: Martinez/Bedoya/Flack/Gasdag/Monteiro?McGlynn/ Aaronson/Fontana/ Possible DeVries. Could see more HGT here. Ishino I think is out. I'd like another playmaker and more help in the back. Bedoya love ya but I think he needs to come off the bench and be a rotation guy next year. more MF help is needed Fontana and Aaronson could push for starting roles and Monteiro seemed to want to leave but no transfer happened over the summer
Strikers: Kacper, Santos, Sullivan, Davo. More depth and firepower here. Sullivan more of a MF/winger but can play up front. Union don't need to get cute nor go DP money but fans dream of a DP striker here. Someone at least to take pressure off Kaceper would be nice.
This club still is good and could do better next year. Hungry group and Union are changing how MLS clubs use their academies. I want another trade all our Picks from Mr Tanner for that sweet allocation money and whatever juicy BS that MLS can give us. We'll be back. Hopefully with Jim Curtin in tow as well.
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
B Maverick
Footballguy
Report: USMNT, MLS legend Chris Armas set to join Manchester United coaching staff
USMNT and MLS legend Chris Armas is set to join the coaching staff at Manchester United, according to a report.
Armas, 49, will join the coaching staff of United’s new interim boss Ralf Rangnick, as it is expected he will become an assistant coach.
Per the report from ESPN’s Taylor Twellman, Armas has been granted a work permit and will travel to England in the next few days to take up the position.
It is believed that Armas and Rangnick have been very close for many years, as the duo formed a relationship when Chris Armas was the New York Red Bulls assistant coach and head coach.
Big moment for American coaches
Fresh from the news that Jesse Marsch was fired by RB Leipzig after a disastrous first few months in charge of the Bundesliga club, this news about Armas heading to United will boost the profile of Americans coaches in Europe.
Marsch knew Rangnick well and coached the New York, Salzburg and Leipzig Red Bull teams, as well as totally buying in to Rangnick’s playing style and club philosophy.
Armas was Marsch’s assistant coach during his impressive spell in charge of the New York Red Bulls (they won the Supporters’ Shield in 2015 and then in 2018 when Armas took over from Marsch) and this hire suggests Rangnick is already calling plenty of shots when it comes to the future coaching philosophy and direction at Manchester United.
What could future of United look like?
It seems very likely that United will now be closely linked with the Red Bull family of clubs. At least loosely.
Rangnick has been the key man across the Red Bull family of clubs and other than Liverpool buying plenty of players from Leipzig and Salzburg in recent years, the RB group has had no real connection to the Premier League.
Until now.
Leipzig, New York and Salzburg all have a clear playing style and direction and this would be a very good thing for United to tap in to with Rangnick around.
This is also a huge opportunity for Armas who has been out of work since being fired by Toronto FC earlier this year, but there’s no doubting he is a well-respected coach in the American soccer community and is obviously highly thought of by Rangnick too.
Armas knows Rangnick’s style of play well and it will be intriguing to see how United fare in the coming months.
USMNT and MLS legend Chris Armas is set to join the coaching staff at Manchester United, according to a report.
Armas, 49, will join the coaching staff of United’s new interim boss Ralf Rangnick, as it is expected he will become an assistant coach.
Per the report from ESPN’s Taylor Twellman, Armas has been granted a work permit and will travel to England in the next few days to take up the position.
It is believed that Armas and Rangnick have been very close for many years, as the duo formed a relationship when Chris Armas was the New York Red Bulls assistant coach and head coach.
Big moment for American coaches
Fresh from the news that Jesse Marsch was fired by RB Leipzig after a disastrous first few months in charge of the Bundesliga club, this news about Armas heading to United will boost the profile of Americans coaches in Europe.
Marsch knew Rangnick well and coached the New York, Salzburg and Leipzig Red Bull teams, as well as totally buying in to Rangnick’s playing style and club philosophy.
Armas was Marsch’s assistant coach during his impressive spell in charge of the New York Red Bulls (they won the Supporters’ Shield in 2015 and then in 2018 when Armas took over from Marsch) and this hire suggests Rangnick is already calling plenty of shots when it comes to the future coaching philosophy and direction at Manchester United.
What could future of United look like?
It seems very likely that United will now be closely linked with the Red Bull family of clubs. At least loosely.
Rangnick has been the key man across the Red Bull family of clubs and other than Liverpool buying plenty of players from Leipzig and Salzburg in recent years, the RB group has had no real connection to the Premier League.
Until now.
Leipzig, New York and Salzburg all have a clear playing style and direction and this would be a very good thing for United to tap in to with Rangnick around.
This is also a huge opportunity for Armas who has been out of work since being fired by Toronto FC earlier this year, but there’s no doubting he is a well-respected coach in the American soccer community and is obviously highly thought of by Rangnick too.
Armas knows Rangnick’s style of play well and it will be intriguing to see how United fare in the coming months.
El Floppo
Footballguy
B Maverick
Footballguy
Any Americans playing on Arsenal or Everton?
This was a post about Manchester United.
Right Thread!!
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
AAABatteries
Footballguy
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
McBokonon
Footballguy
From the comments
Interesting to me but maybe old news to many of you.
How One Man’s Bad Math Helped Ruin Decades Of English Soccer
The key to winning more matches seemed to be as simple as cutting down on your passing and possession time, and getting the ball downfield as quickly as possible instead. The long ball was Reep’s secret weapon.
“Not more than three passes,” Reep admonished during a 1993 interview with the BBC. “If a team tries to play football and keeps it down to not more than three passes, it will have a much higher chance of winning matches. Passing for the sake of passing can be disastrous.”
This was it: Maybe the first case in history of an actionable sports strategy derived from next-level data collection, such as it was. And Reep got more than a few important folks to listen to his ideas, too. It took him a few decades of preaching, but Reep’s recommended playing style was adopted to instant success by Wimbledon F.C. in the 1980s, and then reached the highest echelons of English soccer — channeled as it was through the combination of England manager Graham Taylor and Football Association coaching director Charles Hughes, each of whom believed in hoofing the ball up the pitch and chasing it down (and now seemed to have the data to back up their intuition). The long ball was suddenly England’s official footballing policy.
The trouble was, Reep’s theory was based on a fatally flawed premise…
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El Floppo
Footballguy
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Yeah, this was discussed in Soccernomics and has been a feature on 538 for years now. The interesting part about it now, of course, is that we can all agree that while Reep's conclusion was wrong, his observation was correct. Which has led to the popularity of counter-pressing in the modern game.
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
El Floppo
Footballguy
DJackson10
Footballguy
Kevin Kinkead of Crossing Broad got the scoop on the Milan outbreak. Apparently it wasn't because of a rumored parted. Both Mbazio and Monterio player internationally during the break and both had a match with their African National teams in South America (covid19 and Omicron hotspot) 2 weeks ago. They believe those were one case. Also a players family significant other or child may have had it. There is numerous factors to it and apparently from what KK gathered there was no definite reason and it was just a bad timing incident.
Ernest Tanner Union Technical director said a Striker is on their shopping list in the next Mercado. Someone who makes sense and fits. Cautioned against a high DP player saying moves like that on a club like ours could cause tension in the locker room and doesn't want to mess with the dynamic in the dressing room that much.
Ernest Tanner Union Technical director said a Striker is on their shopping list in the next Mercado. Someone who makes sense and fits. Cautioned against a high DP player saying moves like that on a club like ours could cause tension in the locker room and doesn't want to mess with the dynamic in the dressing room that much.
DJackson10
Footballguy
As for the more popular club worldwide Milan are out of Champions League and Europe now can focus on the league. Was nice to be back in the champions league but its frustrating knowing we got screwed out of points do to poor officiating and one of those officials actually got suspended by UEFA/FIFA for how bad he was with the Milan/Porto Match. However we just aren't made to go through yet. The fact we had a chance to win today and go through just based on the outcome of Athleti/Porto match is pretty frustrating. Curva Sud and supporters were amazing through the match.
However now we can focus on the league with numerous injuries the less matches played now is probably better till we have more appropriate depth. Get back next year and we can hopefully get further.
However now we can focus on the league with numerous injuries the less matches played now is probably better till we have more appropriate depth. Get back next year and we can hopefully get further.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
El Floppo
Footballguy
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Also, I'm not really sure Atleti should go through. They have been not great all season, particularly on defense. Grizzy scores when he wants to...
DJackson10
Footballguy
Yeah I've been watching on and off their matches on ESPN+ (especially at work when its boring and I got time) and watching their CL matches they are leaking goals and not as good defensively. Very very Streaky club this year. I'm cool with AM going through I love Simone and his emotion is what I want as a manager and how I'd be on the touchline anyway.
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Follow-up report from NYT:
Truth Is Elusive in Attack on a French Soccer Star
The assault of a top women’s player made headlines, with masked men, a metal bar and the arrest of a teammate. But weeks later, new details suggest the original story might have been wrong.
McBokonon
Footballguy
So, Ipswich Town sacked Paul Cook after a pretty disheartening run of form. They’re not completely out of it but they weren’t improving. That said, I think maybe it was unrealistic to think Ipswich Town would just waltz into the Championship but that seems like what supporters were expecting.
Anyway, Frank Lampard is one of the main names being mentioned to take over
Slightly scary situation - one of the players training today for the ECL match then tested positiveSpurs up to a reported 16 players and staff positive for COVID.
Europa Conference League game still likely tomorrow, but weekend game v Brighton is a doubt.
I really hope there are no lingering effects here. But Spurs should just forfeit the ECL match and shut things down for a week or so.
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
What's the likelihood the FA suspends Spurs weekend league game against B&HA? It seems like a very difficult situation for the league to decide when and where to draw the line. Whichever way they go, multiple parties will undoubtedly feel aggrieved.
