***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (12 Viewers)

[CGRdrJoe]

I knew it:

It's been almost two months since Jose Mourinho left Chelsea amid a disastrous run of results but US comedy star Will Ferrell thinks he knows the real reason for the Special One's demise.

Mourinho was sat in the audience at the GQ Awards in September when Ferrell, up on stage, decided to joke about the Portuguese's perceived negative tactics during Chelsea's Premier League title-winning campaign.

"Keep playing defence, man," he told Mourinho. "Seven guys in the box, I love it. I love it."

And speaking on the Men In Blazers TV show, Ferrell -- who is now a part-owner of MLS expansion franchise LAFC -- admitted that he feels partly responsible for Mourinho's subsequent unravelling at Stamford Bridge.

"I feel horribly guilty because I feel like I had a hand in getting Jose Mourinho fired," he said of his GQ comment. "I'm so sorry. I was just trying to make a joke because I really actually admire the guy."

Ferrell also took the opportunity to explain his status as a celebrity Chelsea fan. "I just went to one game and they gave me a scarf and then sent me a jersey," he added.

"I wore the jersey a couple of times and the next thing you know I'm a massive Chelsea fan. That said, I like the colour blue."

 

[Christo]

I knew it:

It's been almost two months since Jose Mourinho left Chelsea amid a disastrous run of results but US comedy star Will Ferrell thinks he knows the real reason for the Special One's demise.

Mourinho was sat in the audience at the GQ Awards in September when Ferrell, up on stage, decided to joke about the Portuguese's perceived negative tactics during Chelsea's Premier League title-winning campaign.

"Keep playing defence, man," he told Mourinho. "Seven guys in the box, I love it. I love it."

And speaking on the Men In Blazers TV show, Ferrell -- who is now a part-owner of MLS expansion franchise LAFC -- admitted that he feels partly responsible for Mourinho's subsequent unravelling at Stamford Bridge.

"I feel horribly guilty because I feel like I had a hand in getting Jose Mourinho fired," he said of his GQ comment. "I'm so sorry. I was just trying to make a joke because I really actually admire the guy."

Ferrell also took the opportunity to explain his status as a celebrity Chelsea fan. "I just went to one game and they gave me a scarf and then sent me a jersey," he added.

"I wore the jersey a couple of times and the next thing you know I'm a massive Chelsea fan. That said, I like the colour blue."

Did he say that in an English accent?

 

[Kafka]

Watched Liverpool- West Ham in a FA Cup match yesterday, and was impressed with the play of LFC's "second string youth" players against a side that was potentially playing their last FA Cup tie in their historic stadium, where the atmosphere was fantastic, & West Ham was all out. Interestingly enough, Klopp said post-game that he was relieved that Pool didn't have to worry about extra Cup games now, & the team could focus on league. No me gusta...since Liverpool is mid-table, wouldn't you think FA Cup would have priority, since PL doesn't seem to take Europa LG serious, & relegation is not a threat? I actually thought this lineup played exceptionally well in terms of off-ball movement & attacking intent & improv; & would think that further advancement in said Cup would benefit them in player development. Colour me confused...aye, Christo?

 

[Sebowski]

Watched Liverpool- West Ham in a FA Cup match yesterday, and was impressed with the play of LFC's "second string youth" players against a side that was potentially playing their last FA Cup tie in their historic stadium, where the atmosphere was fantastic, & West Ham was all out. Interestingly enough, Klopp said post-game that he was relieved that Pool didn't have to worry about extra Cup games now, & the team could focus on league. No me gusta...since Liverpool is mid-table, wouldn't you think FA Cup would have priority, since PL doesn't seem to take Europa LG serious, & relegation is not a threat? I actually thought this lineup played exceptionally well in terms of off-ball movement & attacking intent & improv; & would think that further advancement in said Cup would benefit them in player development. Colour me confused...aye, Christo?

Answer is simple. It's just a stupid canned excuse every English team makes when they lose. Klopp has adjusted quickly.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Watched Liverpool- West Ham in a FA Cup match yesterday, and was impressed with the play of LFC's "second string youth" players against a side that was potentially playing their last FA Cup tie in their historic stadium, where the atmosphere was fantastic, & West Ham was all out. Interestingly enough, Klopp said post-game that he was relieved that Pool didn't have to worry about extra Cup games now, & the team could focus on league. No me gusta...since Liverpool is mid-table, wouldn't you think FA Cup would have priority, since PL doesn't seem to take Europa LG serious, & relegation is not a threat? I actually thought this lineup played exceptionally well in terms of off-ball movement & attacking intent & improv; & would think that further advancement in said Cup would benefit them in player development. Colour me confused...aye, Christo?

Answer is simple. It's just a stupid canned excuse every English team makes when they lose. Klopp has adjusted quickly.

Except that he sent out the 2nd team before he knew he lost the game?

 

[jonessed]

Watched Liverpool- West Ham in a FA Cup match yesterday, and was impressed with the play of LFC's "second string youth" players against a side that was potentially playing their last FA Cup tie in their historic stadium, where the atmosphere was fantastic, & West Ham was all out. Interestingly enough, Klopp said post-game that he was relieved that Pool didn't have to worry about extra Cup games now, & the team could focus on league. No me gusta...since Liverpool is mid-table, wouldn't you think FA Cup would have priority, since PL doesn't seem to take Europa LG serious, & relegation is not a threat? I actually thought this lineup played exceptionally well in terms of off-ball movement & attacking intent & improv; & would think that further advancement in said Cup would benefit them in player development. Colour me confused...aye, Christo?

They have about as much chance at top 4 as Chelsea. I would think that Europa and the FA Cup would be a focus for them, not something to throw away.

 

[El Floppo]

Watched Liverpool- West Ham in a FA Cup match yesterday, and was impressed with the play of LFC's "second string youth" players against a side that was potentially playing their last FA Cup tie in their historic stadium, where the atmosphere was fantastic, & West Ham was all out. Interestingly enough, Klopp said post-game that he was relieved that Pool didn't have to worry about extra Cup games now, & the team could focus on league. No me gusta...since Liverpool is mid-table, wouldn't you think FA Cup would have priority, since PL doesn't seem to take Europa LG serious, & relegation is not a threat? I actually thought this lineup played exceptionally well in terms of off-ball movement & attacking intent & improv; & would think that further advancement in said Cup would benefit them in player development. Colour me confused...aye, Christo?

They have about as much chance at top 4 as Chelsea. I would think that Europa and the FA Cup would be a focus for them, not something to throw away.

agree.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Watched Liverpool- West Ham in a FA Cup match yesterday, and was impressed with the play of LFC's "second string youth" players against a side that was potentially playing their last FA Cup tie in their historic stadium, where the atmosphere was fantastic, & West Ham was all out. Interestingly enough, Klopp said post-game that he was relieved that Pool didn't have to worry about extra Cup games now, & the team could focus on league. No me gusta...since Liverpool is mid-table, wouldn't you think FA Cup would have priority, since PL doesn't seem to take Europa LG serious, & relegation is not a threat? I actually thought this lineup played exceptionally well in terms of off-ball movement & attacking intent & improv; & would think that further advancement in said Cup would benefit them in player development. Colour me confused...aye, Christo?

They have about as much chance at top 4 as Chelsea. I would think that Europa and the FA Cup would be a focus for them, not something to throw away.

agree.

Me too. Didn't understand why he played it that way vs Stoke and West Ham. 12 points out with the way the current team is playing is just hopelessly adrift.

 

[El Floppo]

well... STURRIDGE!

 

[El Floppo]

at least Liverpool isn't Sunderland.

Adam Johnson has pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming.

I'll let RHE tell us what "grooming" is. But personally, I don't take offense to him combing or brushing a child's hair.

 

[roadkill1292]

at least Liverpool isn't Sunderland.

Adam Johnson has pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming.

I'll let RHE tell us what "grooming" is. But personally, I don't take offense to him combing or brushing a child's hair.

I'm gonna miss texting my footy buddy "Sunderland has just subbed in their sex offender!"

 

[Mjolnirs]

I'm watching the Bayern v Bochum match on watchespn ... No announcers is the best way to go.

 

[Jaysus]

at least Liverpool isn't Sunderland.

Adam Johnson has pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming.

I'll let RHE tell us what "grooming" is. But personally, I don't take offense to him combing or brushing a child's hair.

I'm gonna miss texting my footy buddy "Sunderland has just subbed in their sex offender!"

I see not reason to stop doing that... maybe even start doing it more now. ON Thursdays.

 

[El Floppo]

I'm watching the Bayern v Bochum match on watchespn ... No announcers is the best way to go.

I mute all the games I watch... but I miss hearing the sounds of the crowd.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

at least Liverpool isn't Sunderland.

Adam Johnson has pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming.

I'll let RHE tell us what "grooming" is.

I don't know how to take this.

 

[Kafka]

I'm watching the Bayern v Bochum match on watchespn ... No announcers is the best way to go.

I mute all the games I watch... but I miss hearing the sounds of the crowd.

Soooo...basically an Arsenal home game, with or without the mute button?

 

[Christo]

Watched Liverpool- West Ham in a FA Cup match yesterday, and was impressed with the play of LFC's "second string youth" players against a side that was potentially playing their last FA Cup tie in their historic stadium, where the atmosphere was fantastic, & West Ham was all out. Interestingly enough, Klopp said post-game that he was relieved that Pool didn't have to worry about extra Cup games now, & the team could focus on league. No me gusta...since Liverpool is mid-table, wouldn't you think FA Cup would have priority, since PL doesn't seem to take Europa LG serious, & relegation is not a threat? I actually thought this lineup played exceptionally well in terms of off-ball movement & attacking intent & improv; & would think that further advancement in said Cup would benefit them in player development. Colour me confused...aye, Christo?

Forget it, Kafka. It's Liverpool.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Best comment about FSG reversing the Liverpool ticket increase.

Barney Ronay


✔ @barneyronay

Great news. Just need a mass walk-out about getting a new goalkeeper now

 

[Christo]

Come on, Peterborough!

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

at least Liverpool isn't Sunderland.

Adam Johnson has pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming.

I'll let RHE tell us what "grooming" is.

I don't know how to take this.

So apparently "grooming" is approaching minors over the internet with the intent to initiate a sexual relationship.

Adam, why don't you have a seat.

 

[Mjolnirs]

I'm watching the Bayern v Bochum match on watchespn ... No announcers is the best way to go.

I mute all the games I watch... but I miss hearing the sounds of the crowd.

I enjoy hearing the singing and the flow of the crowd with the game.Lewandowski opens the scoring for Bayern. Robben gets slightly clipped and flops hard. PK awarded and red card issued.

Müller has his PK saved. Now every time Robben touches the ball there is loud booing. Good times.

Bayern up 1-0 at the half.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Robben gets slightly clipped and flops hard. PK awarded and red card issued.Müller has his PK saved. Now every time Robben touches the ball there is loud booing.

Inconceivable.

 

[El Floppo]

at least Liverpool isn't Sunderland.

Adam Johnson has pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming.

I'll let RHE tell us what "grooming" is.

I don't know how to take this.

So apparently "grooming" is approaching minors over the internet with the intent to initiate a sexual relationship.

Adam, why don't you have a seat.

thanks gb- you took one on the browser for the team.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Robben gets slightly clipped and flops hard. PK awarded and red card issued.Müller has his PK saved. Now every time Robben touches the ball there is loud booing.

Inconceivable.

I was shocked, shocked I say! that the AR went for it. The ref looked to him before calling it.

 

[Christo]

Taylor!

 

[El Floppo]

Taylor!

andy? roger?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I'm watching the Bayern v Bochum match on watchespn ... No announcers is the best way to go.

ahh .. Herbert Groenemeyer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtd9Bg9S85U

Bocum, Ich komm aus dir, Bochum, Ich hang an dir, gluck auf, Bochum.

 

[Eephus]

IN before this thread gets moved to the Soccer Forum

 

[Christo]

Maybe we could offer to buy the soccer forum. I'm good for $5.73.

 

[waiver wire]

does anyone here know of a good epl podcast to subscribe to ?

 

[Sebowski]

does anyone here know of a good epl podcast to subscribe to ?

Try the soccer sub forum

 

[Jaysus]

does anyone here know of a good epl podcast to subscribe to ?

Does TalkSport have one?UPDATE: I just checked, they have a ton of them. Check out Drive time.

 

[Worm]

Anyone here have season tickets/attend a lot of USL games? Curious as to the quality / atmosphere.

Didn't get a chance to get to any Charlotte Independence matches last season but looking forward to going to some this upcoming year.

 

[Jaysus]

Anyone here have season tickets/attend a lot of USL games? Curious as to the quality / atmosphere.

Didn't get a chance to get to any Charlotte Independence matches last season but looking forward to going to some this upcoming year.

USL are the only pro games I go to

It really is a fun event for the family, my wife even suggests that we go sometimes (and she has a hard time tolerating soccer). I am worried about this season though, HCI is playing all of their home games in minor league baseball stadiums, a handful of which will be 40+ minutes away.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Anyone here have season tickets/attend a lot of USL games? Curious as to the quality / atmosphere.

Didn't get a chance to get to any Charlotte Independence matches last season but looking forward to going to some this upcoming year.

Quality is hard to describe because it is very personal..

If you are the type of fan who can't watch an MLS game because it is not like watching Barca play, then you won't enjoy the USL.

But if you are just a fan of the sport and understand that you are watching a 3rd division level soccer, you can adjust accordingly.

It really is all about expectations. There are no Zlatan's hidden in the USL

The atmosphere varies greatly across the league. Charlotte draws smaller than average crowd sizes but from some clips I have seen the small supporter group is pretty lively. I think they averaged under 2k last year but I am not that familiar with their stadium situation down there.

Charlotte is affiliated with the Colorado Rapids (or at least they were, I know these things change over time)

 

[Jaysus]

P.S. I also watch USL live streams on YouTube

 

[NewlyRetired]

This was well done. Clever video on MLS announcing the All Star opponent this year

https://twitter.com/MLS/status/697835015380439040

 

[Kafka]

NYC Mayor Bill DiBlasio touts Napoli to beat Juventus this Sat because Juve are now "toothless" since Pirlo no longer plays in Turin, but rather in NY. God bless him for his shout out to #PirloNY#...I mean Serie A. Still, that's pretty cool...can't wait for Saturday, regardless of the fact that both squads are a pezzo di merda...(sourgrapes)

 

[Kafka]

This was well done. Clever video on MLS announcing the All Star opponent this year

https://twitter.com/MLS/status/697835015380439040

This year, I vow to shirk my xenophobia, & follow these Americans & their football league more intently.signed,

A Benedict Arnold

 

[NewlyRetired]

MIAMI (AFP) - Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, Paris Saint Germain's Qatari owners and a Chinese group are among investors looking at purchasing a majority stake in David Beckham's Major League Soccer (MLS) team, the Miami Herald reported.

Citing an unnamed source close to the negotiations, the newspaper said Beckham has been around the world in the past six months seeking partners to invest US$300 million (S$416.15 million) for stadium construction and players for the planned Miami club.

While the former England captain might not be the majority partner in the team, it has been his face that has sparked the project since its inception, when he selected Miami as the place for the discounted expansion team available to him as part of his playing contract with the MLS Los Angeles Galaxy.


The report said there has been "vast interest" in backing Beckham, including from Russian businessman Abramovich, an unnamed Chinese group, some US financiers and two Middle East groups, one of them being Qatar Sports Investments, which owns the French league champions for whom Beckham played in 2013.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is hoping to close a deal by the end of the month on a land purchase that would be the site of the team's 25,000-seat stadium. His group spoke to city leaders on zoning and construction issues on Wednesday.


The ownership investment is expected to be completed before the end of the month because the Miami team must have ownership and funding in place to complete the stadium deal.

The report said Beckham is being selective about a partner because he wants one with a football background and the background and finances to bring top talent to Miami, much the way MLS club New York City is co-owned by English Premier League side Manchester City.

Once he has his financial backers and stadium deal, MLS owners must give final approval for the team, which is projected to join the league for the 2018 campaign.

 

[roadkill1292]

Sunderland cuts their sex offender.

 

[Kafka]

Sunderland cuts their sex offender.

Hopefully, Sunderland have groomed someone to fill that hole left by johnson.

 

[El Floppo]

Sunderland cuts their sex offender.

Hopefully, Sunderland have groomed someone to fill that hole left by johnson.

nice.

 

[El Floppo]

btw- he was their bes

MIAMI (AFP) - Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, Paris Saint Germain's Qatari owners and a Chinese group are among investors looking at purchasing a majority stake in David Beckham's Major League Soccer (MLS) team, the Miami Herald reported.

Citing an unnamed source close to the negotiations, the newspaper said Beckham has been around the world in the past six months seeking partners to invest US$300 million (S$416.15 million) for stadium construction and players for the planned Miami club.

While the former England captain might not be the majority partner in the team, it has been his face that has sparked the project since its inception, when he selected Miami as the place for the discounted expansion team available to him as part of his playing contract with the MLS Los Angeles Galaxy.


The report said there has been "vast interest" in backing Beckham, including from Russian businessman Abramovich, an unnamed Chinese group, some US financiers and two Middle East groups, one of them being Qatar Sports Investments, which owns the French league champions for whom Beckham played in 2013.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is hoping to close a deal by the end of the month on a land purchase that would be the site of the team's 25,000-seat stadium. His group spoke to city leaders on zoning and construction issues on Wednesday.


The ownership investment is expected to be completed before the end of the month because the Miami team must have ownership and funding in place to complete the stadium deal.

The report said Beckham is being selective about a partner because he wants one with a football background and the background and finances to bring top talent to Miami, much the way MLS club New York City is co-owned by English Premier League side Manchester City.

Once he has his financial backers and stadium deal, MLS owners must give final approval for the team, which is projected to join the league for the 2018 campaign.

that's a motley crew of duccats.

 

[Kafka]

btw- he was their bes

MIAMI (AFP) - Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, Paris Saint Germain's Qatari owners and a Chinese group are among investors looking at purchasing a majority stake in David Beckham's Major League Soccer (MLS) team, the Miami Herald reported.

Citing an unnamed source close to the negotiations, the newspaper said Beckham has been around the world in the past six months seeking partners to invest US$300 million (S$416.15 million) for stadium construction and players for the planned Miami club.

While the former England captain might not be the majority partner in the team, it has been his face that has sparked the project since its inception, when he selected Miami as the place for the discounted expansion team available to him as part of his playing contract with the MLS Los Angeles Galaxy.

The report said there has been "vast interest" in backing Beckham, including from Russian businessman Abramovich, an unnamed Chinese group, some US financiers and two Middle East groups, one of them being Qatar Sports Investments, which owns the French league champions for whom Beckham played in 2013.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is hoping to close a deal by the end of the month on a land purchase that would be the site of the team's 25,000-seat stadium. His group spoke to city leaders on zoning and construction issues on Wednesday.

The ownership investment is expected to be completed before the end of the month because the Miami team must have ownership and funding in place to complete the stadium deal.

The report said Beckham is being selective about a partner because he wants one with a football background and the background and finances to bring top talent to Miami, much the way MLS club New York City is co-owned by English Premier League side Manchester City.

Once he has his financial backers and stadium deal, MLS owners must give final approval for the team, which is projected to join the league for the 2018 campaign.

that's a motley crew of duccats.

The Chinese have just exploded onto the international soccer scene as of late. It's going to be interesting to see to what extent this new dynamic impacts all the top leagues. Modern players also seem to be more prone to follow the $ than the glory (i.e.-titles, CL, etc...)

 

[El Floppo]

remember when aging stars went to the J-League?

 

[NewlyRetired]

btw- he was their bes

MIAMI (AFP) - Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, Paris Saint Germain's Qatari owners and a Chinese group are among investors looking at purchasing a majority stake in David Beckham's Major League Soccer (MLS) team, the Miami Herald reported.

Citing an unnamed source close to the negotiations, the newspaper said Beckham has been around the world in the past six months seeking partners to invest US$300 million (S$416.15 million) for stadium construction and players for the planned Miami club.

While the former England captain might not be the majority partner in the team, it has been his face that has sparked the project since its inception, when he selected Miami as the place for the discounted expansion team available to him as part of his playing contract with the MLS Los Angeles Galaxy.

The report said there has been "vast interest" in backing Beckham, including from Russian businessman Abramovich, an unnamed Chinese group, some US financiers and two Middle East groups, one of them being Qatar Sports Investments, which owns the French league champions for whom Beckham played in 2013.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is hoping to close a deal by the end of the month on a land purchase that would be the site of the team's 25,000-seat stadium. His group spoke to city leaders on zoning and construction issues on Wednesday.

The ownership investment is expected to be completed before the end of the month because the Miami team must have ownership and funding in place to complete the stadium deal.

The report said Beckham is being selective about a partner because he wants one with a football background and the background and finances to bring top talent to Miami, much the way MLS club New York City is co-owned by English Premier League side Manchester City.

Once he has his financial backers and stadium deal, MLS owners must give final approval for the team, which is projected to join the league for the 2018 campaign.

that's a motley crew of duccats.

The Chinese have just exploded onto the international soccer scene as of late. It's going to be interesting to see to what extent this new dynamic impacts all the top leagues. Modern players also seem to be more prone to follow the $ than the glory (i.e.-titles, CL, etc...)

I don't think modern players are any different than any other era in terms of chasing the money.

 

[Kafka]

remember when aging stars went to the J-League?

yes, but don't you think the age of quality players signing up, seems to be trending down ?...ETA-horribly worded, but the gist is there?...

 

[Kafka]

btw- he was their bes

MIAMI (AFP) - Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, Paris Saint Germain's Qatari owners and a Chinese group are among investors looking at purchasing a majority stake in David Beckham's Major League Soccer (MLS) team, the Miami Herald reported.

Citing an unnamed source close to the negotiations, the newspaper said Beckham has been around the world in the past six months seeking partners to invest US$300 million (S$416.15 million) for stadium construction and players for the planned Miami club.

While the former England captain might not be the majority partner in the team, it has been his face that has sparked the project since its inception, when he selected Miami as the place for the discounted expansion team available to him as part of his playing contract with the MLS Los Angeles Galaxy.

The report said there has been "vast interest" in backing Beckham, including from Russian businessman Abramovich, an unnamed Chinese group, some US financiers and two Middle East groups, one of them being Qatar Sports Investments, which owns the French league champions for whom Beckham played in 2013.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is hoping to close a deal by the end of the month on a land purchase that would be the site of the team's 25,000-seat stadium. His group spoke to city leaders on zoning and construction issues on Wednesday.

The ownership investment is expected to be completed before the end of the month because the Miami team must have ownership and funding in place to complete the stadium deal.

The report said Beckham is being selective about a partner because he wants one with a football background and the background and finances to bring top talent to Miami, much the way MLS club New York City is co-owned by English Premier League side Manchester City.

Once he has his financial backers and stadium deal, MLS owners must give final approval for the team, which is projected to join the league for the 2018 campaign.

that's a motley crew of duccats.

The Chinese have just exploded onto the international soccer scene as of late. It's going to be interesting to see to what extent this new dynamic impacts all the top leagues. Modern players also seem to be more prone to follow the $ than the glory (i.e.-titles, CL, etc...)

I don't think modern players are any different than any other era in terms of chasing the money.

I concede the point, it just seems suddenly different to me.

 

[El Floppo]

I hear your point, Kafka... and the money being shoved into these guys' pockets now is waaaaay more than ever before.

but yeah- there's always been (in my time following) a league or two that payed the most, which is where the players all migrated.

Japan, Germany, Italy, NASL, England, China... Russia next? etc, etc