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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (8 Viewers)

Great work as always @shader, keep it coming. There's no question you've found your calling, as a Liverpool supporter - putting the Champions League in your pocket and counting transfer window chickens in early November.

It was only 13 months ago that Brendan Rogers was fired, one hour after drawing Everton 1-1. My guess is we'd only have to go back a month or two before that day to find nearly identical comments being written about Rogers that we see here about Kloppo. I won't ever tire of this.

 
The Z Machine said:
@shader, the season is long and full of shadows injuries.
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@The Z Machine...regarding Atletico's recent form, or lack thereof...do you think it has anything to do with Simeone's upcoming contract negotiations, & the persistent links with his old club Internazionale?  From a neutral's perspective, it just seems Atletico's trademark concentration/ "clinical cynicism" seems to be wanting; they are dropping points, lacking discipline, & failing to capitalize on situations in which they normally thrive.  Admittedly, it's a generalization on my part, but their patented "killer instinct" just doesn't seem to be there this year.  Diego's Atletico teams always seem to directly reflect his passion & determination, & that grinta doesn't seem to be at the same level this year.  Is he seriously contemplating Inter?  

*(asking for a dear friend, who happens to sport an avatar of a portly purveyor of puff pastries & pastrami; snugly fit into an Aston Villa(?) jersey)

 
Kafka said:
@The Z Machine...regarding Atletico's recent form, or lack thereof...do you think it has anything to do with Simeone's upcoming contract negotiations, & the persistent links with his old club Internazionale?  From a neutral's perspective, it just seems Atletico's trademark concentration/ "clinical cynicism" seems to be wanting; they are dropping points, lacking discipline, & failing to capitalize on situations in which they normally thrive.  Admittedly, it's a generalization on my part, but their patented "killer instinct" just doesn't seem to be there this year.  Diego's Atletico teams always seem to directly reflect his passion & determination, & that grinta doesn't seem to be at the same level this year.  Is he seriously contemplating Inter?  

*(asking for a dear friend, who happens to sport an avatar of a portly purveyor of puff pastries & pastrami; snugly fit into an Aston Villa(?) jersey)
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Honestly, I dunno.  They are leaking goals more than they have in years past.  Perhaps the switch to a more attacking style, and the emergence of Carrasco (and aging of Tiago and Gabi) is hurting them on the defensive end.  The spacing is a bit less structured than I've seen in the past, although the two goals scored against them this weekend were both penalties.  Savic and Koke have both been sent off recently, but they weren't out there making horror tackles or anything.  In fact, perhaps they are showing a bit less aggression in the tackle than in years past.  Maybe they are getting a little soft on their edges.

Their two losses this season in la liga were both away to quality teams (Sevilla and Real Sociedad).  Sevilla has been pretty good at home, and nearly took out Barça this weekend before they got Messi'd up.

Is he contemplating a move to Inter?  He says he wants to coach there, but will it happen now?  I hope not.

 
The Z Machine said:
Honestly, I dunno.  They are leaking goals more than they have in years past.  Perhaps the switch to a more attacking style, and the emergence of Carrasco (and aging of Tiago and Gabi) is hurting them on the defensive end.  The spacing is a bit less structured than I've seen in the past, although the two goals scored against them this weekend were both penalties.  Savic and Koke have both been sent off recently, but they weren't out there making horror tackles or anything.  In fact, perhaps they are showing a bit less aggression in the tackle than in years past.  Maybe they are getting a little soft on their edges.

Their two losses this season in la liga were both away to quality teams (Sevilla and Real Sociedad).  Sevilla has been pretty good at home, and nearly took out Barça this weekend before they got Messi'd up.

Is he contemplating a move to Inter?  He says he wants to coach there, but will it happen now?  I hope not.
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Grazie.  Like I said, they just seem a bit off to me.  I really hope they find their form, because La Liga is so much better with them threatening Barca & Real at the top.  Did you happen to  catch the Sevilla-Barca game?  Fantastic football.

 
TLEF316 said:
Yeah, I don't get why you ever play fellani when you have Carrick. Although I think the rt.1 plan B role that LVG used him for last year was poor strategy, it at least had some bad logic behind it.

But if you're just looking for a responsible ball mover in the middle of the park, Carrick is a far superior option. And if he's too old to play every game, schneiderlein is a much better player as well.

At this point, I just assume that fellani had a great photographer on the payroll that specializes in  embarrassing pics of managers 
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@B Maverick SUPERLIKES!  this post.

:fro: :censored:

 
speaking of ManU, Roma is again being  linked to Memphis Bleek...I mean Depay...to slide into Salah!'s role when he's away for a month(January)  for AFCON duty.  @ all you ManU masochists, I think I asked this before, but what's the deal Memphis?  Do you think he's salvageable, & just doesn't fit into Mou's system/plans, or has the jump from the Eredvisie to the EPL proved too difficult?  He performed admirably for the Dutch in WC '14, flashing quickness & technical skill, but I've barely seen him play this year.  Roma literally can't afford another blown transfer this winter, so do you fellahs think he could have a positive impact as a winger who'd compliment Dzeko, or is he a lost cause?  Thanks, I'll hang up & listen...

 
Kafka said:
speaking of ManU, Roma is again being  linked to Memphis Bleek...I mean Depay...to slide into Salah!'s role when he's away for a month(January)  for AFCON duty.  @ all you ManU masochists, I think I asked this before, but what's the deal Memphis?  Do you think he's salvageable, & just doesn't fit into Mou's system/plans, or has the jump from the Eredvisie to the EPL proved too difficult?  He performed admirably for the Dutch in WC '14, flashing quickness & technical skill, but I've barely seen him play this year.  Roma literally can't afford another blown transfer this winter, so do you fellahs think he could have a positive impact as a winger who'd compliment Dzeko, or is he a lost cause?  Thanks, I'll hang up & listen...
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I think he is salvageable.  I think he got caught up in the celebrity and the big move away from home and needed to learn to be a professional.  Add the rigidity of LVG and he may have got affected the most.  On top of that both Martial and Rashford came in and had more instant impact meaning he saw less time and probably felt screwed over.  Plus some do have a hard time with the EPL and the lack of space to work and the physicality.  

It may be a case of a fresh start being best.  I think he could still have a spot at United as depth behind Martial on the left.

 
There is a chance that Gerrard, Lampard, Pirlo, Keane and Drogba might all retire in the same year this off season.

That is going to free up a ton of money.  I figure at least 3 of the 5 will likely say good bye.

It will be interesting to see if the teams try and target players like Giovinco, Lodiero and Dos Santos or if they continue to grab the big older names.

 
Can someone please explain the allure of Roberto Martinez as a head coach?  He basically cut Nainggolan from the Belgium team, first saying it was due to injury, & now backtracking & saying Radja has to "earn" his spot. I'll allow for a coach's discretion in his squad selection, but this jack-a-ninny is a joke; basically  destroying Barkley's development, along with Everton 's promising young squad, & now this.  IMO, The one thing Belgium lacks is a steel nerve & spine, & Radja provides that in spades.   These waffle-makers somehow managed to find an actual downgrade for Wilmots. It sucks, because Belgium has the players in place to be a very good team.

 
Kafka said:
Can someone please explain the allure of Roberto Martinez as a head coach?  He basically cut Nainggolan from the Belgium team, first saying it was due to injury, & now backtracking & saying Radja has to "earn" his spot. I'll allow for a coach's discretion in his squad selection, but this jack-a-ninny is a joke; basically  destroying Barkley's development, along with Everton 's promising young squad, & now this.  IMO, The one thing Belgium lacks is a steel nerve & spine, & Radja provides that in spades.   These waffle-makers somehow managed to find an actual downgrade for Wilmots. It sucks, because Belgium has the players in place to be a very good team.
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I agree that Belgium should be challenging for the WC if you look at their talent.  

 
Kafka said:
Can someone please explain the allure of Roberto Martinez as a head coach?  He basically cut Nainggolan from the Belgium team, first saying it was due to injury, & now backtracking & saying Radja has to "earn" his spot. I'll allow for a coach's discretion in his squad selection, but this jack-a-ninny is a joke; basically  destroying Barkley's development, along with Everton 's promising young squad, & now this.  IMO, The one thing Belgium lacks is a steel nerve & spine, & Radja provides that in spades.   These waffle-makers somehow managed to find an actual downgrade for Wilmots. It sucks, because Belgium has the players in place to be a very good team.
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He talks a good game? 

 
Kafka said:
Hmmmm, not sure about that either... as an ESPN "prognosticator" for Euro '12, he picked England to make the final, & declared Joe Hart a better keeper than Buffon.
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But he's smooth and seems intelligent...my guess is he gives fantastic interviews for these jobs...once on the scene is when it goes downhill.  

 
Kafka said:
Can someone please explain the allure of Roberto Martinez as a head coach?  He basically cut Nainggolan from the Belgium team, first saying it was due to injury, & now backtracking & saying Radja has to "earn" his spot. I'll allow for a coach's discretion in his squad selection, but this jack-a-ninny is a joke; basically  destroying Barkley's development, along with Everton 's promising young squad, & now this.  IMO, The one thing Belgium lacks is a steel nerve & spine, & Radja provides that in spades.   These waffle-makers somehow managed to find an actual downgrade for Wilmots. It sucks, because Belgium has the players in place to be a very good team.
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I just heard a long discussion of this on SiriusXMFC this morning.  Radja is apparently a bit of a lockerroom problem.  Wilmots allowed him to smoke on his hotel balcony at the Euros this summer.  Robbie wanted that to stop and there was some friction.  Of course Radja was one of Belgium's best players, and would seem kind of tailor made now that Martinez is playing a back three with the Red Devils. 

I made fun of the Martinez hiring at the time.  I do think he's a fraud.  But it's not uncommon for a new manager to come in and pick a conflict with one of the better players to "show who's boss."

 
When they sat the fro they played great, fast, free flowing futbol with de Bryune, Hazard, Lukaku, etc.  

Put Fro in the game he gets booked and slows it all down.  

 
Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
I just heard a long discussion of this on SiriusXMFC this morning.  Radja is apparently a bit of a lockerroom problem.  Wilmots allowed him to smoke on his hotel balcony at the Euros this summer.  Robbie wanted that to stop and there was some friction.  Of course Radja was one of Belgium's best players, and would seem kind of tailor made now that Martinez is playing a back three with the Red Devils. 

I made fun of the Martinez hiring at the time.  I do think he's a fraud.  But it's not uncommon for a new manager to come in and pick a conflict with one of the better players to "show who's boss."
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HOW DARE YOU!  Relaxing with a ###### on the balcony, & now all of a sudden you're scorned, & not NT team material?  You're better than this, Scooby...our culture as a whole has moved on from such bigotry, try & keep up.

 
Kafka said:
HOW DARE YOU!  Relaxing with a ###### on the balcony, & now all of a sudden you're scorned, & not NT team material?  You're better than this, Scooby...our culture as a whole has moved on from such bigotry, try & keep up.
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Hey, I think Pirlo should be allowed a smoke and a fine Barolo on the field.  But nobody asks me to manage any national teams. 

 
B Maverick said:
When they sat the fro they played great, fast, free flowing futbol with de Bryune, Hazard, Lukaku, etc.  

Put Fro in the game he gets booked and slows it all down.  
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You might have single-handedly made Fellaini a cult hero on this board, & for this, I thank you, good sir.

 
Italy's new coach Ventura supposedly trying out a new 4-2-4 formation, as opposed to Conte's 3-5-2.  This will be the first time Ventura can truly implement his vision, as before he had to integrate Conte's tactics due to the short transformational period.  He has also included a lot more youth, which is usually anathema to any Azzuri NT.   I cannot wait to see a DeRossi/Veratti double-pivot, especially because of all the wide winger talent available.  This is normally the exception to the rule in Italy, where play is usually concentrated through slow & gradual built-up play through the middle. I know you all are just as excited as me, especially with the Lichtenstein Leviathan next up on the schedule.

 
Kafka said:
Italy's new coach Ventura supposedly trying out a new 4-2-4 formation, as opposed to Conte's 3-5-2.  This will be the first time Ventura can truly implement his vision, as before he had to integrate Conte's tactics due to the short transformational period.  He has also included a lot more youth, which is usually anathema to any Azzuri NT.   I cannot wait to see a DeRossi/Veratti double-pivot, especially because of all the wide winger talent available.  This is normally the exception to the rule in Italy, where play is usually concentrated through slow & gradual built-up play through the middle. I know you all are just as excited as me, especially with the Lichtenstein Leviathan next up on the schedule.
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I see he didn't overlook Giovinco's nice season.

 
El Floppo said:
I see he didn't overlook Giovinco's nice season.
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I see your point, & you are correct.  It's total bull#### that he doesn't even get a look.  Just same old stupid "Well, he plays in lesser league, so...". He's arguably been one of the top ten (offensive) performing Italians in any league, but it reverts back to the "Ol' Boys Network".  Damn you, Floppo...I finally find something positive in Gli Azzurri's prospective future,  & you rip it away.  You are 100℅ right, though.

 
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