***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (2 Viewers)

[CletiusMaximus]

Welcome back, Champions League

 

[CletiusMaximus]

@CletiusMaximus   - What can you tell me about Tammy Abraham?  With Siggy heading out the door I really hope he is a special talent or Swansea is in serious trouble this year. 

Good Start

 

[roadkill1292]

I have to admit that pro/rel plays a part in managers like De Boer getting canned after four games because there simply wasn't the luxury of time for him to build/coach a team in his style. There has to be a way to incorporate a little time to make big changes while still forcing badly managed teams to pay a price (and allowing successful, striving teams a chance to move up).

 

[El Floppo]

I have to admit that pro/rel plays a part in managers like De Boer getting canned after four games because there simply wasn't the luxury of time for him to build/coach a team in his style. There has to be a way to incorporate a little time to make big changes while still forcing badly managed teams to pay a price (and allowing successful, striving teams a chance to move up).

sucks too- their next 4 games look pretty rough. so whoevers in now, will have a grace period to drop points... points that FdB could have dropped too, but while continuing developing the team. now its a start over.

and fwiw- they were desperately unlucky not to get the win. played well, defended well, developed good chances... just didn't put them away. and gave up a howler. 

 

[berndog]

Good Start

Unfortunately the award is more impressive then his play so far and Swansea has been poor so competition was limited.  He scored a great goal against Palace but has been invisible for large stretches.  He certainly has talent but is a long way from leading Chelsea's line. 

 

[gianmarco]

Just received the itinerary for the London trip in 2 months.  Unfortunately only going to 2 EPL games but they added 1 Championship league game as well:

Saturday 18th November

Arrive into London and be met at Airport by AM Sports Tours staff member

Travel by private coach to Selhurst park

Arrive at the stadium and get in early to soak up the match day atmosphere

Watch Live Premier League action - Crystal Palace vs Everton @ Selhusrt Park

Welcome evening meal in the hotel

Sunday 19th November

Breakfast

Training session with Chelsea Academy staff

Afternoon activity

Sunday Dinner in local restaurant

Monday 20th November

Breakfast

Travel into Central London for the day

Depart for venue for first international friendly match

International Friendly Fixture 1 vs. English opposition

Aftermatch social and dinner with oppositon players, parents and coaches

Tuesday 21st November

Breakfast

Training session with Chelsea FC Academy staff

Travel to Stamford Bridge for a tour at the home of Premier League Champions Chelsea FC

Watch live Championship game - Brentford vs Burton Albion

Evening meal

Wednesday 22nd November

Breakfast

Travel to Windsor for a visit to the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world

Lunch in the wonderful setting of Windsor

Travel to venue for fixture

International Friendly Fixture 2 vs. English opposition

Return to the hotel for evening meal

Thursday 23rd November

Breakfast

Travel into central london for the day. Visit the Tower of London and take the river cruise down the Thames

Free time to explore the city at your leisure

Meet to travel back to hotel

Evening meal at local restaurant Silvermere Inn on the lake

Friday 24th November

Breakfast

Light training session with guest coach

Afternoon group activity

Travel to fixture venue to prepare for game

International Friendly Fixture 3 vs. English opposition

Evening meal

Saturday 25th November

Breakfast

Spend the morning at the famous Portabello road market

Travel over to Wembley stadium

Watch Live Premier League action - Tottenham Hotspurs vs West Brom @ Wembley Stadium

Return to hotel after the game

Farewell evening meal in the hotel

Sunday 26th November

Breakfast in the hotel

Airport transfer based on your flight departure time

Getting so pumped.....

 

[El Floppo]

Just received the itinerary for the London trip in 2 months.  Unfortunately only going to 2 EPL games but they added 1 Championship league game as well:

Getting so pumped.....

amazing. completely jealous... kid is going to have an amazing time playing those games, let alone watching the pros. (or "pros" in the case of that first game).

 

[Sammy3469]

So David Villa recorded a robocall for one of the Dems running in the city council district representing Willet's Point (potential destination of a maybe on the table NYCFC stadium) in tomorrow's Dem primary:

Mr. Moya, a boxing and soccer enthusiast, beamed as he talked about the Spanish soccer star David Villa, who recorded a robocall in Spanish for his campaign. “It’s like if Derek Jeter were calling to baseball fans,” Mr. Moya said.

 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/10/nyregion/hiram-monserrate-moya-city-council-primary.html

 

[El Floppo]

So David Villa recorded a robocall for one of the Dems running in the city council district representing Willet's Point (potential destination of a maybe on the table NYCFC stadium) in tomorrow's Dem primary:

 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/10/nyregion/hiram-monserrate-moya-city-council-primary.html

any update on his health?

 

[Kafka]

Good evening, paisans.  I tried to pm a few of you, but for some reason it wasnt working, so i just put it here.  I have to go away for 30 days, & it doesnt take a genius to figure out why.*  Sadly, my bads puns have to come along with me.   Anyways, im just telling all you "knuckleheads"( @roadkill1292) because you have always been a welcome respite from the tangled webs i weave inside my head, & i thank you for it.   You give me a humorous outlet for my introversion, as well as a forum to discuss this greatest of games.  I dread being away from my wife & children, but they're also why i must do it, as well as for myself.  So, buon fortuna to all of you & your respective clubs (yes, even all you Anglos ) 

Forza Roma!

*because I'm a Roma fan, of course!  What else could it be, amirite?....now if i come out of rehab a Laziale, well, @Ned, you're close enough in proximity, and an archer,  so just shoot me in both eyes.  Seriously.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Good evening, paisans.  I tried to pm a few of you, but for some reason it wasnt working, so i just put it here.  I have to go away for 30 days, & it doesnt take a genius to figure out why.*  Sadly, my bads puns have to come along with me.   Anyways, im just telling all you "knuckleheads"( @roadkill1292) because you have always been a welcome respite from the tangled webs i weave inside my head, & i thank you for it.   You give me a humorous outlet for my introversion, as well as a forum to discuss this greatest of games.  I dread being away from my wife & children, but they're also why i must do it, as well as for myself.  So, buon fortuna to all of you & your respective clubs (yes, even all you Anglos ) 

Forza Roma!

*because I'm a Roma fan, of course!  What else could it be, amirite?....now if i come out of rehab a Laziale, well, @Ned, you're close enough in proximity, and an archer,  so just shoot me in both eyes.  Seriously.

We're here if you need us...get well paisan!

 

[Ned]

Good evening, paisans.  I tried to pm a few of you, but for some reason it wasnt working, so i just put it here.  I have to go away for 30 days, & it doesnt take a genius to figure out why.*  Sadly, my bads puns have to come along with me.   Anyways, im just telling all you "knuckleheads"( @roadkill1292) because you have always been a welcome respite from the tangled webs i weave inside my head, & i thank you for it.   You give me a humorous outlet for my introversion, as well as a forum to discuss this greatest of games.  I dread being away from my wife & children, but they're also why i must do it, as well as for myself.  So, buon fortuna to all of you & your respective clubs (yes, even all you Anglos ) 

Forza Roma!

*because I'm a Roma fan, of course!  What else could it be, amirite?....now if i come out of rehab a Laziale, well, @Ned, you're close enough in proximity, and an archer,  so just shoot me in both eyes.  Seriously.

GL, GB.  You got my number if you and the fam ever need anything. 

 

[gianmarco]

Kafka,

Much love, GB. Highest amount of respect for taking care of yourself as it takes more strength to go the route you are. Best of luck, get well, and eagerly await your return.

Forza Roma.

 

[El Floppo]

Tummy tuck?

All the best, gb Kafka. If you need anything... anything at all... you have neds number. 

All my best for a speedy, happy and healthy return. And yes, if you need anything let me know 

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Good luck @Kafka, happy you are taking care of yourself.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Good evening, paisans.  I tried to pm a few of you, but for some reason it wasnt working, so i just put it here.  I have to go away for 30 days, & it doesnt take a genius to figure out why.*  Sadly, my bads puns have to come along with me.   Anyways, im just telling all you "knuckleheads"( @roadkill1292) because you have always been a welcome respite from the tangled webs i weave inside my head, & i thank you for it.   You give me a humorous outlet for my introversion, as well as a forum to discuss this greatest of games.  I dread being away from my wife & children, but they're also why i must do it, as well as for myself.  So, buon fortuna to all of you & your respective clubs (yes, even all you Anglos ) 

Good luck brother Kafka.  Be strong and try to remember what happens if you flunk out.*

*Lobotomized and seated in the Curva Nord with the others.

 

[El Floppo]

Good luck brother Kafka.  Be strong and try to remember what happens if you flunk out.*

*Lobotomized and seated in the Curva Nord with the others.

Serie b, imo

 

[Sammy3469]

any update on his health?

He started training again, so maybe this weekend.  Ring and Herrera are arguably more important and Pirlo did a Pirlo against the Timbers.

 

[AAABatteries]

Good luck @Kafka - you got this.

 

[AAABatteries]

All the best, gb Kafka. If you need anything... anything at all... you have neds number.

 

[NewlyRetired]

@Kafka

il mio amico, cordiali saluti

 

[Sammy3469]

Good luck @Kafka

 

[Tom Hagen]

I always enjoy Kafka's posts. I rarely understand them, but I always enjoy them.

Good luck @Kafka

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Be well @Kafka

I'm sorry if my puns drove you to addiction.  When the going gets tough just remember it could be worse  You could have signed Gervinho  

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Wow, you're taking this Totti retirement even worse than I thought, @Kafka  All kidding aside, get well soon and I look forward to your posts when you return.  Take care.

 

[Sebowski]

Good evening, paisans.  I tried to pm a few of you, but for some reason it wasnt working, so i just put it here.  I have to go away for 30 days, & it doesnt take a genius to figure out why.*  Sadly, my bads puns have to come along with me.   Anyways, im just telling all you "knuckleheads"( @roadkill1292) because you have always been a welcome respite from the tangled webs i weave inside my head, & i thank you for it.   You give me a humorous outlet for my introversion, as well as a forum to discuss this greatest of games.  I dread being away from my wife & children, but they're also why i must do it, as well as for myself.  So, buon fortuna to all of you & your respective clubs (yes, even all you Anglos ) 

Forza Roma!

*because I'm a Roma fan, of course!  What else could it be, amirite?....now if i come out of rehab a Laziale, well, @Ned, you're close enough in proximity, and an archer,  so just shoot me in both eyes.  Seriously.

WRONG THREAD! 

 

[roadkill1292]

Well, this thread has taken a major downturn overnight. Good luck and get well, @Kafka. Will be looking forward to your return. Hope the people at your facility let you watch Southampton not score again Saturday morning.

Have to ask, though. Does a love for Serie Ahh drive one to drinking or does heavy drinking cause one to love Italian footy?

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Well, this thread has taken a major downturn overnight. Good luck and get well, @Kafka. Will be looking forward to your return. Hope the people at your facility let you watch Southampton not score again Saturday morning.

Pretty sure extreme therapies such as shock therapy, lobotomies, and exposure to Southampton games were banned in the mid 20th century. 

 

[gianmarco]

Pretty sure extreme therapies such as shock therapy, lobotomies, and forced exposure to Southampton games were banned in the mid 20th century. 

FYP

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

To be fair, there were times when Southampton exposure was shown to have clinical value.

 

[Christo]

Time to hang your boots up, 

 

[Poke_4_Life]

Thoughts and prayers @Kafka.

You will be missed, but the rest of us degenerates will be here when you return.

 

[Christo]

To be fair, there were times when Southampton exposure was shown to have clinical value.

Bumfuzzled how he never got more England caps.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Today, we're all Roma. Forza Fazio!

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Good point here regarding the newer Nike shirts - they're all the same.

 

[roadkill1292]

To be fair, there were times when Southampton exposure was shown to have clinical value.

That second one, with the multiple flicks, including the back heel, has been one of my all-time favorite clips for a while. And, yes, they all seemed to be done in slow motion. 

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Good point here regarding the newer Nike shirts - they're all the same.

It's at least a little less noticeable with the club kits than the international kits.  It kills me to see the US, England, Portugal, etc all running out with the same style.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

That second one, with the multiple flicks, including the back heel, has been one of my all-time favorite clips for a while. And, yes, they all seemed to be done in slow motion. 

The third goal is totally underrated as a set piece.  Has the ball rolled to him, casually flicks it up, and volleys it where the spiders lay their eggs.  

 

[Poke_4_Life]

Good point here regarding the newer Nike shirts - they're all the same.

It's at least a little less noticeable with the club kits than the international kits.  It kills me to see the US, England, Portugal, etc all running out with the same style.

I hate NIKE for this...  but these are 3rd kits.  How often do they get worn?  A few times per season?

 

[Ned]

Good point here regarding the newer Nike shirts - they're all the same.

It's at least a little less noticeable with the club kits than the international kits.  It kills me to see the US, England, Portugal, etc all running out with the same style.

I hate NIKE for this...  but these are 3rd kits.  How often do they get worn?  A few times per season?

Its' nothing new.  They did this last year too.   

 

[NewlyRetired]

speaking of kits, this is funny.

Montpellier had a ton of shirts produced to sell to fans.   The shirt makers spelled the clubs name wrong as Montpelier, so the president of the club is sending all the shirts to Montpelier, Vermont

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

NOOOOO!

Julie Stewart-Binks-RHE leaving soccer coverage to go to Barstool Sports.

 

[Jaysus]

crap, did I miss my chance to call Kafka a quitter?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

NOOOOO!

Julie Stewart-Binks-RHE leaving soccer coverage to go to Barstool Sports.

Sad, but there is a silver lining here: “We are going to build programming around Julie ..."

I don't know what that means, but its pretty hot.

 

[El Floppo]

Time to hang your boots up, 

It's like the ghost of lothar matheus-

 

[charvik]

All the best brother Kafka! I have experience of this from my family. Don't hesitate reaching out.

Forza Roma!

 

[The Z Machine]

Bummer that @Kafka has left the building.  Roma is playing my boys right now.  I rather like the Roma midfielders but only Dzeko seems to be a real threat up top.  Atlético has a strong (although uncreative and lacking dribbling attackers) midfield quartet today.  I have to think that Thomas will leave and Carrasco will come on in the second half.

 

[roadkill1292]

Nico Morales writes for The Ringer and had an interesting comment about Liverpool not really helping themselves very much should they sign van Dijk. Because Klopp's attacking system exposes CBs so much, that a lot of his qualities will be underutilized. 

For all the qualities someone like Van Dijk possesses—pace, strength, aerial ability, and an impressive composure on the ball—the addition of the Dutchman would do little to quell Liverpool’s concession of chances. He might help them handle a few more counterattacks per season, but in the end he’ll likely end up taking the same abuse that Lovren or Klavan are subjected to week in and week out.

Lovren came over from the same club as Van Dijk, and he looked like a top-level defender at Southampton, but the Saints use a far less aggressive defensive pressing style than Liverpool—one that’s mainly focused on moving the opposition into the least dangerous areas of the pitch—so it creates layers of safety for its defenders.

Incidentally, one of our auditors was standing over my shoulder while I was looking for a report yesterday and as I was clicking through the folders, I caught myself saying, "like dis, like dis, like dis, like dis" and then when I located the file, I went "goal!" He had the good graces to laugh but I don't think he really understood.

 

[El Floppo]

Nico Morales writes for The Ringer and had an interesting comment about Liverpool not really helping themselves very much should they sign van Dijk. Because Klopp's attacking system exposes CBs so much, that a lot of his qualities will be underutilized. 

Incidentally, one of our auditors was standing over my shoulder while I was looking for a report yesterday and as I was clicking through the folders, I caught myself saying, "like dis, like dis, like dis, like dis" and then when I located the file, I went "goal!" He had the good graces to laugh but I don't think he really understood.

 

 

[charvik]

Nico Morales writes for The Ringer and had an interesting comment about Liverpool not really helping themselves very much should they sign van Dijk. Because Klopp's attacking system exposes CBs so much, that a lot of his qualities will be underutilized. 

I don't think he's needed for his physical abilities as much as he is needed for his ability to actually use his vocal cords. Oh, and I believe his neck vertebrae aren't fused either, so he might be able to turn his head once in a while.