Re: ES Soccer Thread
He can't even make the French national team now (he is N°3), and believe me we are thin at his position. Last but not least we are better off without him on the field. I hope Arsenal fans are happy with him, we are not.Originally Posted by Elessar78
Last edited by FrFan; April-18th-2012 at 04:12 PM.
Only dead fishes follow the stream. "Only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned, and the last fish has been caught, we will realize that we can't eat money."
Re: ES Soccer Thread
Personally I think 3 central defenders isn't enough if not one of the full backs can play in the center and the backup for that fullback is quite good. I dont rate Koscielny either which leaves Vermaelen as the only top center back in the club at the moment imo. With his history of injuries, I think having him, Koscielny and Verthongen is a bit weak. I dont really count Mertesacker and Djorou cause playing them is disaster.
In central midfield I think you've got enough depth, not enough quality (like United). Many good players, only Wilshire top class. Alex Song the closest imo, even though Rosicky's really found form the last months and Arteta's been pretty good. If you compare it to the top midfields in Europe though, it's nowhere near the same quality. Not that thats needed to win the premiership, obviously with Uniteds midfield this season, but then you'd at least need to compensate somewhere else.
I agree with you on the wingers. I dont really like Walcott, to inconsistent and lack of end product but on his good days he's immense. The same goes for Gevinho (Walcott a bit better though).
Its as much a gut feeling and based on experience and Arsenals experience and mentality that makes me so sure Arsenal wont be properly challenging for the title coming season, but you're more than welcome to point it out in a year if I'm wrong. I dont necessarily think Chelsea will finish above Arsenal coming season, but if one of them will be challenging for the title I'm sure thats the blue for south London.
United have had a good goalie in VDS for a long time but before that there was a terrible mess in goal for many years, and so was the situation before Christmas this season. I feel our defenders both this season and the past years deserve more credit than our goalie. The central defence has been superb since 06/07 and the biggest reason for our success.
Not so sure Bale will be gone this summer if Spurs dont qualify. Not many clubs can put out that kind of money, and I think Jordi Alba is a more probable left back for Barca this summer than Bale. Bale is no where near where he should be defensively as a full back.
You seem like you watch quite a lot of english soccer. Are many places in and around DC showing the Premiership? Ever been to Emirates/Highbury btw?
Behind Debuchy and Reveillere?
Last edited by Paddis; April-18th-2012 at 04:21 PM.
Re: ES Soccer Thread
Impressive defending by the Blues considering Barcelona had 80% possession.
Re: ES Soccer Thread
okay DCU got robbed. that 2nd goal wasn't offsides was it? what a load of ****!!!!!!!!!
Re: ES Soccer Thread
Exactly, he wasn't even selected for the friendly vs Germany (we won 1-2). He is labelled as the most overrated player of our national team.
Last edited by FrFan; April-19th-2012 at 05:21 AM.
Only dead fishes follow the stream. "Only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned, and the last fish has been caught, we will realize that we can't eat money."
Re: ES Soccer Thread
Yeah I watched that game. Debuchy was especially great going forward with a nice assist on Girouds goal but thats also what you'd expect from someone who's played in midfield before. How would you rate him defensivly as a full back?
Re: ES Soccer Thread
Yes although its hard to believe that Barca can hit bar and post three times and miss at least two sitters next time around without scoring. Good result but its being treated as if they have knocked Barca out over here! still 90+ minutes to go.
"If he has useful players he trains them the right way, and he encourages them to do what they are best at.. ....It's a form of socialism." - Bill Shankly, Scottish Miner, Manager of Liverpool FC
"It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom -- for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself." - Declaration of Scottish Indpendence, Arbroath Abbey, 1314
Re: ES Soccer Thread
Welcome to this place of ours man. But be prepared to have your personal life get messed up. It's quite the addiction. And don't worry at all on your written English. It's far better as it is than a whole bunch of folks on here who's primary language is English. You'll fit in just fine.
100% Scouse, NOT English here. Those heathens just happen to attached to the Independent Peoples Republic. *Smiles.* Liverpool born and bred. (For my sins as you'd doubtless say given your club of choice.).
Joking aside, it's funny how many Scandinavian (which I presume you too are given your location) friends I have who speak better Scouse than me. Their first introduction to England has been through football, and they've naturally picked up the dialect as they've come over for games and expanded their English as they've gone along. *Sidenote* Gota' respect the Hell out of those guys to take the time, effort and no less big financial outlay to follow my team as often as they do every year, domestically and in Europe; from another freaking Country.
And talking of Scandinavian 'Scousers', man could I tell you some tales about one of my all time favourite L'pool players, Koldings very own Jan Molby. Aside from being arguably one of the most successful imports into the English league, given his duration and success at the the very top level, as well as being one of the finest passes of a football I've ever had the privilege to watch live; Rambo was a top, TOP guy. And funny as Hell with it too. From turning over TR7's going the wrong way down a one way street; to lobbing his manhood out in a gay club for the Hell of it and all points inbetween; the man's a complete living legend. And a guy who used to happily converse and drink with fans back in the '80's. Love that man. Mentioning the upcoming cup final below, my older cousin who used to see him in various drinking establishments around town got our tickets for the '86 final by walking up to big Jan's house and asking if he could help the lads out with tickets.
Somehow I don't think I'd get past the gate without being shot if I tried that at Gerrard's today. Changed times, and not for the better in many respects.
In the interests of L'pool/ Utd relations, grins; here's a classic Rambo goal that until recently you'd never of seen if you weren't in the ground that night due to an English TV strike at the time. One of two he got that League Cup tie in a 2-1 L'pool win. (The other being a penalty, another thing he was supreme at. Once saw him bag a hat-trick of pens against Coventry in the Lge Cup. But thats another story.):
Maybe you could have a word with Chelsea's plastic flag waving, low life cretin of a fanbase on just how to conduct yourself during a minutes silence?
After Sunday, May 5th has become even more of a problem than it already was for what's inevitably going to go off away from the pitch.
Scumbags.
With a MASSIVE element of luck thrown in for good measure. With Drogba spending more time on the floor than Heskey ever did, which takes some doing.
I can't see anything else than a Madrid/ Barcelona final after those first legs. Which comes with mixed blessings for me as, as much as I'd be ecstatic to see the rent boys get a serious football lesson out in Catalonia, a meeting of the two Spanish giants will ensure either Guardiola or Mourinho join Paisley as the only Coach/Manager to win 3 European Cups.
Kinda' hoped Bob would stand alone forever on that one, sighs.
Hail.
Last edited by Gibbs Hog Heaven; April-19th-2012 at 05:48 AM.
Re: ES Soccer Thread
Haha, yeah, I know you scouse differ yourself from english. Seen the banners. I am scandinavian you're right about that. Norwegian, but living in Copenhagen Denmark at the moment. Season ticket holder at Old Trafford, and travelling to watch United about 25 times a season. It takes a lot of time and money as you say but that's all about priorities and sacrifices. I've been to Anfield quite a few times now, but never seen United win. Both games this season acctually. Horrendous! Liverpool has just demolished the United midfield for many years at Anfield. Not so much in the two games this season, but especially the times with Mascherano and Alonso were horrible. Scholes aren't fit to play at Anfield and hasn't been for many years and he stared as 1 of 2 in central midfield in all the 3 losses we had in a row.
And yes, Jan Mølby. Spending his days at the center circle. But when you play like that, move like that and look like that you're bound to be a cult hero. The way your cousin got them tickets for the 86 final is a great story. But yeah, times have changed drastically.
Liverpool and Man United are the two biggest clubs by far in Norway so I'm not surprised you've got a lot of scandinavian friends. I think most scandinavians are at a decent english level from young age as we're all such small countries that we really need to be good at more than one language, so when travelling to UK it comes naturally to pick up first a few words and then after a little while parts or the whole accent.
Whould you like Kenny to stay the next season?
Re: ES Soccer Thread
Ahhh, Norwegian, not Danish. Sorry. My bad. But FWIW, I know quite a few of your fellow Countrymen and woman. A good friend Magna's pretty high up in the Oslo police department. So if I ever get into any trouble in Norway, I'm covered, lol. It's funny how football brings so many different cultures and people together who's paths wouldn't normally cross. And how it enriches peoples lives. The police guys for example (there's 3 of them), use their trips watching L'pool as a total relief from the stresses of the job. They come for 3 days or so, totally kick back, have a great time getting blind drunk and forgetting everything in their stressful daily lives. One of my favourite Evans signings in the 90's was a Norwegian. Vegard Heggam. Another in a long line of modern L'pool full backs who was excellent going forward, but couldn't defend to save his life. (Johnson and Enrique being the latest examples.). Like you mentioned about Gareth Bale over the page, he should of been a winger, not a full back.
Would I like Kenny to stay another year?
There's a loaded question. Yes, he deserves at least one more year to turn this around. He walked into the biggest job any L'pool managers undertaken since Shankly completely rebuilt the club back in '59. And as poor as the league forms been, to come out of this season with two of the three domestic trophys has to be seen as a success. You get nothing for finishing fourth. Give me both cups and a 6th/ 7th place finish, as poor as that's been, any day of the week. As much as modern day football is all about money, silverware should always be the bottom line.
All that said, there's been MAJOR question marks on his judgement of players since his return, both his signings and the personnel he continues to send out there. Tactically he's been sadly found wanting on more than one occasion this year. There's been a lot of talk for a long time that most of the signings were Camolli's doing. With Dalglish maybe even forced to play them at times due to the ridiculous amount of money paid. Which in itself is a real worry as the final say should come down to the manager.
Next year's a massive year all round for the manager. Things need to improve dramatically in the league. And the summer should be real interesting to see just what he does do in the transfer market without the Frenchman's influence/ interference. There's still a long way's to go in this rebuild, and a lot of garbage to still move out of the club before we can even begin to think about challenging Utd and Citeh, let alone doing it. (With the greatest of respect Elessar, Arsenal aren't that much closer to challenging those two than we are. IF RVP goes, or spends any time out injured, your in one Hell of a mess.).
God willing he does turn the league form around, as FSG have shown last week with Camoli's axing that they won't stand on ceremony in taking time to make changes when things aren't going well.
As much as I love Dalglish, who means about as much to my City as most any person in history, I personally think Mourinho's the only man that can get Liverpool back to where we so crave to be.
Hopefully King Kenny proves me wrong on that.
Hail.
*Edit* Your a Utd season ticket holder that gets to around 25 games a season huh? Respect man. That's fantastic commitment and support.
Last edited by Gibbs Hog Heaven; April-19th-2012 at 06:56 AM.
Re: ES Soccer Thread
This is a bit funny but I grew up in the neighbour town of Vegard Heggem, he started out his career in the same club I played for when I was a kid and I acctually had his mother as a teacher in school. lol. His career was ruined because of all the injuries which was a massive shame. One of the few players from Norway who had what it takes.
Dalglish sort of came out in defence of Comolli last week and said that he's pointed out every player and Comolli has just gone on and brought them in to the club. I think there are massive question marks on behalf of both those two in the job they've done in the transfer market. Massive fees for a few players I think isnt worth nearly as much and also bringing in a couple of players that I cant really see being good enough if Liverpool wants to get back in the top 4. Jose Enrique is a top signing, especially looking at the price and Suarez is a world class player for less than 20 mill sterling. Great deal as well. The rest I think is pretty poor deals and also players considered what the expected level of a Liverpool player is. Carroll and Henderson are still young so we'll see but I see Henderson more as a squad player than a regular in the years to come.
A big problem and worry for Liverpool at the moment (if the owners dont use rediculus amounts every year) is imo the financial state of the club. Without a new stadium and CL-games they are doomed to struggle with the other top clubs. Arsenal bring in twice the money of Liverpool each home game and United almost the same. City and Chelsea have got owners with the deepest pockets and will also feature in CL (at least City) for the next few years. If Liverpool dont get back up there next season, not only will it be tough to compete financially on transfer fees but also in wages and attracting the best players around if Liverpool are finishing 5-6-7. Liverpool is a massive brand with a great reputation but I think that fades quickly with a lot of youg footballers from the continent and around the world if they cant see Liverpool challenging for the title.
Re: ES Soccer Thread
Pretty much agree with all of that. Save for Henderson who looks like he's stepped up three leagues over night. He's shown virtually nothing you can work with, and has looked horrid since the get-go. He'd look out fo place in the Championship. He'd be gone tomorrow if it were up to me. As for Kenny's signings to date, Downing's shown enough at times to be given another year. But he needs to get some consistency. He was shocking at Wembley again last Saturday. Although Kenny playing both 'wide' players inside leaving the team so narrow didn't help matters. Even more bizarre with Carroll out there at 6 foot odd and nobody wide to supply him. Carroll's overall game has improved tenfold as the season's gone on. He's more aware of what's around him, and his first touch and control is massively improved from when he signed. But his finishing is still shocking. And that's what he's paid to do. I wouldn't off-load him just yet. But he'd be on a very short leash. Adam's got worse as the season's gone on. We knew he never had any pace to start with, but when his passing went to ****, his whole game fell apart and he just went around hacking people down. I wouldn't be sorry to see him go. Enrique, up to the past few months, is the one real success. But like Johnson on the other side, defensively he's woeful. The amount of times both get caught the wrong side of their man, for experienced players, is absolutely criminal. Suarez is the enigma. World class technical ability. League Two finishing ability more often than not. The amount of chances he creates for himself, then blows, really has to be seen to be believed. I really like the guy, and stood fully behind him through the racism B/S; but it's got to the point where your asking if we can afford to carry such a luxury at this stage of the rebuild when his end product is far from always there.
The transfer policy of younger, (supposed) quality players has been right. But the club's judgement of the quality of those players and the profligacy of wasting massive amounts of the owners money hasn't been. And, taking Kenny on face value, if he was the one behind the signings, and he's not just saying that for Camoli's benefit; then that leaves another major question mark against him this go-around.
The ground issue has gone suspiciously quiet. FSG made a big song and dance about looking into all possibilities, but nothing since. And as you quite rightly pointed out, it's imperative it happens sooner rather than later. Aside from that, things have improved dramatically financially. When they bought out the other two clowns, the debt was completely wiped out. And for the first time in living memory, the clubs potential commercially is finally being maximized. The new kit deal with Warrior sports (don't ask) is another example being it's the biggest in Egnlish history (Or at least till' Utd renew with Nike); with Liverpool having full rights to leisure and training wear. Throw in the big ass deal with Standard Charter, along with smaller deals, and the clubs as solvent as it's been for a long time.
So it's not an undue worry financially. But many more years out of the Champions League and it sure as heck will become one.
As a sidenote, oh how we laughed and mocked at our 'friends' down the East Lancs through those glorious 26 years Utd went between Championships.
22 years in, and as far away now as at any other time since #18; Liverpool may very well dwarf that period.
That said, we've still won more trophy's over the past two decades than anyone else bar Utd and Arsenal (who we can equal over the coming months with a cup and charity shield victory); with potentially another two this year. All in a period when we've struggled by our own exceptionally high standards.
So I guess I shouldn't complain that much.
Hail.
Last edited by Gibbs Hog Heaven; April-19th-2012 at 09:29 AM.
Re: ES Soccer Thread
Debuchy is very promising, don't forget that he is a former right-winger also, that makes him even more valuable. I think if he keeps on improving he will be the right anchor of our defense for years to come. Valencia and Bayern Munich are interested in him, the Germans probably think he'll be the next Willy Sagnol. I wish Nicolas Nkoulou was French, this guy is going to be a beast.
Last edited by FrFan; April-19th-2012 at 09:58 AM.
Only dead fishes follow the stream. "Only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned, and the last fish has been caught, we will realize that we can't eat money."
Re: ES Soccer Thread
So wait we got another Man United supporter in here? SWEET!!
---
Sidenote: so I was at the DCU game last night(My friends and I got invited down to the supporter section by Barra Brava). So in all honestly we probably should have creamed Montreal. The draw honestly felt like a loss. The first half we didn't hold on to the ball at all. Our defense was pathetic on Montreal goal(left a mile for the crosser and the player in the box. You could have gone for coffee and come back to score with that defending). The second half DCU started to look go and really attack. The DCU goal 30 yds out was so awkward the stadium reaction was delayed. Everyone was like "wait we scored? Oh AWESOME!!" lol. I thought we pulled it out at the end but of course with any dramatic goal you immediately look for a offside and of course it was. Still fun to get back up to RFK, drink lots of beer, and watch the Red&Black.
Re: ES Soccer Thread
Damn, you were probably standing very close to me. I was in the front row of the Barra section waving one of those huge flags.
You are right, I definitely had a delayed reaction when we scored the first goal. I thought it was in the side netting.
On the second goal I literally jumped out of my shoe and started celebrating before starting a "**** you ref" chant
Last edited by Skinz4Life12; April-19th-2012 at 11:17 AM.
There are currently 3 users browsing this thread. (2 members and 1 guests)
View Profile
View Forum Posts
View Forum Threads
Show All Albums
Visit Homepage
View Friends
Reply With Quote
