The Ultimate Football Thread 2013-2014 Vol. 4 EPL, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A etc

[eiddyfouw]

Manchester United are like the Lakers of the 2014 campaign. Except Mike D'antoni is not stupid enough to continuously blow steam up the Laker nation's poopshoot like Moyes is idiodically trying to do in Manchester.

Does Moyes not realize "we played well, we grew into the game, and we were very much in the game except for the 3 times the opponents hit the back of the net" is not a valid excuse this far along in the season.

View media item 863723

1 shot on target. 1. ONE. The entire game.

Tell me, where does playing well, and growing into a game fit in to ONE shot on target?!?!?

Let alone De Gea pickin the ball out of the old onion bag 3 times.

 

[fear the ibis]

Isn't or wasn't a some point in time Tevez the "people's champ" or is it Kun?

I don't know many but the Argentinians I know are much bigger Aguero fans than Messi. And some think the NT is better without him.

 

[Kimchi Papi]

When you break down what's being done tactically on the pitch, it looks bad for Moyes. You don't have to be a professional pundit to see that. Even worse are his post games comments & that nervous smile of his. Someone at United really has to sit him down & watch these interviews with him to point these things out because really it's cringe worthy. One can't possibly have watched the games & make those comments.

The other thing I neglected to mention (albeit woefully) is that Argentines think Messi should've delivered a WC victory by now. As the 2 other NTers mentioned, he never played for one of the domestic clubs so he doesn't carry favor or is celebrated quite like Teves or Auguero.

The sad thing is that Argentina's had some flawed teams over the years & they still do. The lack the type of defensive right now that would enable them to be considered heavy favorites but they have enough offensive power that could carry them. It's up to Sabella to really come up with a good tactical game plan that can propel this team in the WC this summer.

I think Argentina is a dark horse to win the WC though...

 

[Trey Bantz]

Being Argentinian I can say that there has always been kind of a disconnect with Messi as opposed to the other players who we personally witnessed grow into their own on home soil like Tevez, Aguero, and even Higuain. It also doesn't help that he's always the only player in the starting XI who keeps his mouth closed during the national anthem before games. Yet to say that we would be better off without him is downright foolish and ridiculous.

 

[steamin beamin]

I BEEN saying that Arsenal needs to hire new doctors, therapists, nutritionists, strength and conditioning trainers!

For years the English National Team has used Arsenal's medics its given them a false sense of security and shielded them from criticism. Too many players are rushed back and suffer setbacks in training, i don't even believe a player is really back until they step on the pitch for a month straight.

 

[ROYGBiV]

Being Argentinian I can say that there has always been kind of a disconnect with Messi as opposed to the other players who we personally witnessed grow into their own on home soil like Tevez, Aguero, and even Higuain. It also doesn't help that he's always the only player in the starting XI who keeps his mouth closed during the national anthem before games. Yet to say that we would be better off without him is downright foolish and ridiculous.

The **** is wrong with this man? 

 

[AZwildcats]

I've noticed it before too, he keeps his mouth shut during the anthem. I don't sing the Sudanese/American anthems myself

 

[Coupé It]

Good news for many of ya'll. It's from ESPNFC tho.

Sources: Board turning against Moyes

Key Manchester United boardroom figures have now turned against David Moyes, as the prospect of the manager getting sacked has been properly raised for the first time, club sources have told ESPN.


John Berry/Getty Images
David Moyes' job hangs in the balance after revelations that the Glazer family, owners of Man United, are now open to the idea of a change of manager.
The Glazer family owners are now more open to the idea of a change of manager, although they presently remain behind Moyes, but the next week could prove decisive, sources said. Over that time, United must overturn a 2-0 deficit in the Champions League against Olympiakos, before facing an awkward trip to West Ham United and then a potentially daunting second derby of the season against Manchester City.

While qualification for the quarter-finals of the Champions League would be seen as a huge positive and possibly change the entire dynamic of his job, an elimination followed by poor performances in the two games after that could well bring the pressure to breaking point. The Glazers are said to have become very "nervous" about the nature of recent performances, let alone the results, with a nadir coming in the 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool. Some United officials now openly maintain that a managerial change is needed.

Old Trafford sources also state it has been noted that Alex Ferguson is no longer so vocally backing Moyes at boardroom level, although the former manager is not said to have turned against his replacement. It is also believed Moyes retains the backing of Bobby Charlton.

Doubt, however, has increased at virtually every level of the club. Despite the poverty of recent performances, sources state that one of the most influential factors now has been financial concerns. A number of recently signed-up sponsors and commercial partners have reportedly let it be known to the club that they are less than enthused with now being linked to failure, especially since they specifically came on board because of the reputation for extreme success.

This is said to have most unnerved the hierarchy, and long-term damage to United as a "brand" could be the clinching point in any decision. While the club have long planned for a season out of the Champions League - and that was known to be one initial reason behind the previously unwavering support for Moyes - any extra negative effect on commercial revenue would be viewed with utmost seriousness.

Sources also state Louis van Gaal would be interested in a potential summer move to Old Trafford, and that the Dutch coach is a little less intent on the Tottenham Hotspur job than he was a few weeks ago. Spurs had felt that Van Gaal's appointment after the World Cup was virtually certain, but it is now more open-ended.

 

[eiddyfouw]

Good lookin out on posting that article....


"Doubt, however, has increased at virtually every level of the club. Despite the poverty of recent performances, sources state that one of the most influential factors now has been financial concerns. A number of recently signed-up sponsors and commercial partners have reportedly let it be known to the club that they are less than enthused with now being linked to failure, especially since they specifically came on board because of the reputation for extreme success.

This is said to have most unnerved the hierarchy, and long-term damage to United as a "brand" could be the clinching point in any decision. While the club have long planned for a season out of the Champions League - and that was known to be one initial reason behind the previously unwavering support for Moyes - any extra negative effect on commercial revenue would be viewed with utmost seriousness."

Said it before, and I'll say it again. United is a massive commercial machine that HAS to win, because of contractual obligations.

Thank God the Glazers are finally starting to see something.

200m kitty, and the first purchase should be a new manager.

 

[captaincrown3]

I can't believe I'm cheering for us to get blown out. Please pour it on 0-4. Good riddance moyes.

 

[eiddyfouw]

I can't believe I'm cheering for us to get blown out. Please pour it on 0-4. Good riddance moyes.

It's the only way

I hope we get PUMMELLED in CL, and Citeh racks up at least 5 goals.

That will ensure that David Moyes' next job will be managing someone like Fulham.

 

[Beans]

Read an article at the weekend saying how dumb it was for united to hire a manager without any formal interview. Never got to even ask what his plans/tactics were, just appointed him because SAF gave the ok.


Has anyone watched the Thierry Henry doc on Netflix? Watching it now

 

[MetalMario]

apparently AVB to manage Zenit now

 

[angliatzj]

if we fail to advance in the ucl, moyes needs to go. even if we beat city 15-0. 

OLYMPIAKOS.... REALLY *************?!?!

 

[eiddyfouw]

Liverpool got the same number of penalties at Old Trafford in 77 minutes yesterday as United have had at Anfield in 83 years.

Moyes just keeps surprising us every week.

 

[eiddyfouw]

apparently AVB to manage Zenit now

Now, that is interesting.

I truly hope that AVB can turn his career around.

 

[angliatzj]

shame. AVB really seemed to be promising coming up with porto. i wonder if he had gotten a 2-3 year leash, allow him to implement his system bring in the players he wants, how he would have done. 

but the prem has chewed and spat out many promising managers before him.

 

[eiddyfouw]

shame. AVB really seemed to be promising coming up with porto. i wonder if he had gotten a 2-3 year leash, allow him to implement his system bring in the players he wants, how he would have done. 

but the prem has chewed and spat out many promising managers before him.

I was a genuine believer in AVB at Spurs. I thought there wasn't a hungrier Chairman than Levy, and that would be a great combo. When 7 players came in, I thought they were AVB's choice, and that he and Levy were really gunning for it. Always said it's risky to bring in 70% of a starting line up into a team in one year, but hey, it showed intent.

It's a shame that wasn't the case...

 

[Coupé It]

I got faith in AVB. No manager was saving that crummy squad.

With the new Nike and Chevrolet deal breaking record advertisment dollars, they won't stand for Moyes one bit. I agree.

 

[mastamind89]

I BEEN saying that Arsenal needs to hire new doctors, therapists, nutritionists, strength and conditioning trainers!

This should have happened years ago smh. To why it took so long...there's a handful of mismanagement that goes on in the club.

Couldnt make it happen at Chelsea and Spurs....well at least now AVB will have Hulk on his team.

 

[abovelegit1]

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That is amazing.

I don't know many but the Argentinians I know are much bigger Aguero fans than Messi. And some think the NT is better without him.

I'd love to hear the reasoning behind why they think they'd better off without the best player in the world and someone who has 20 in his last 23 or so games for the NT, and led WCQ in goals + assists. The Argentinians you know may just be dumb as dirt.


Some of the criticism Messi is gets is really quite absurd. Does it really matter if he doesn't sing the anthem? I'm sure he isn't the only one, and regardless, he proved his patriotism when he chose Argentina over Spain. Perhaps he should have gone with the latter.

I think Argentina is a dark horse to win the WC though...

Argentina lack the defense and central midfield talent to really stand out as a contender, but a dark horse is fair considering the attack. That said, they are being way overvalued by the bookies right now, imo. I'd say France is a good shout as dark horse - 26/1 right now which is way long for a team that talented and balanced.
Regardless, they're going to be a force for a long time. The defensive and midfield talent coming through is insane: Digne, Varane, Laporte, Mangala, Zouma, Pogba, Kondogbia, Griezmann, Rabiot etc. are all U23. :x

 

[ROYGBiV]

Man hope Gala can take it today. Drogba with the brace.

 

[abovelegit1]

This should have happened years ago smh. To why it took so long...there's a handful of mismanagement that goes on in the club.

Couldnt make it happen at Chelsea and Spurs....well at least now AVB will have Hulk on his team.

Been a problem for years now - reckon it's cost them a trophy or two over the past decade or so. I recall Barça's fitness team criticizing Arsenal's training and medical staff/methods when Cesc rejoined the club and had his medicals. I suppose something was off.



Not sure why AvB thinks Zenit is the place to further his career, but there's little upside there, imo. They finish first or second every year, so unless he thinks he can do something in the CL, it may just be about the money. Spurs should never have replaced him midseason. He was tactically naive at times, but at least he had real ideas. Sherwood just seems like a regular bloke you'd find in a pub.
I argued it then, but it was foolish to assume they could replace a match winner like Bale - regardless of what kind of fee they brought in. Quality must be replaced with quality; they'd have been better off using that fee on 2 or 3 players rather than 6 or 7.

 

[Kimchi Papi]

It will be interesting to see what team Ancelotti fields today given the aggregate score & the need to rest key players ahead of the Clasico. I'm looking to see the likes of Jese, Isco, Illarramendi, & hopefully Morata. Is Casemiro still on the squad?

Other news -

- Bayern is trying to close a deal to acquire Draxler but also allow him to stay with Shalke through 2015.

- The London Telegraph has tracked $2m paid by a Qatari firm to the family members of Senior FIFA official Jack Warner just after the Qatari bid was finalized.

- @ AVB & Zenit... Those kits are great but he basically got banished to Siberia...

- Ibra got 2 PSG chefs fired for having a repetitive menu & not having a pasta station.

 

[ROYGBiV]

No way that Ibra news is real lol