The TT Football Club

[Cesc Fabregas]

Originally Posted by Feña14

So Sneijder is willing to take a paycut, to £200,000 a week! That's very kind of him

He must really want that Man Utd move.

I'm not convinced he's what they need. They need a CM and Sneijder is pretty greedy, I could see him and Rooney clashing which would be funny.

[Feña14]

Originally Posted by Cesc Fabregas

I'm not convinced he's what they need. They need a CM and Sneijder is pretty greedy, I could see him and Rooney clashing which would be funny.

That's true, from what i've heard Sneijder is a bit of a difficult character, he would probably struggle a bit with Ferguson if he didn't tone it down a bit, but the manager is pretty good at getting players into line.

Have you heard about Arsenal looking to get Hazard to replace Fabregas/Nasri? He could potentially be as good as Messi or Ronaldo in 2-3 years I think.

[Cesc Fabregas]

Originally Posted by Feña14

That's true, from what i've heard Sneijder is a bit of a difficult character, he would probably struggle a bit with Ferguson if he didn't tone it down a bit, but the manager is pretty good at getting players into line.

Have you heard about Arsenal looking to get Hazard to replace Fabregas/Nasri? He could potentially be as good as Messi or Ronaldo in 2-3 years I think.

Yeah, Hazard would be the dream. I think Lille want 30 million euros which we can afford now! Heard we're after Lucho Gonzalez aswell, he would strenghten the midfield.

[Feña14]

Originally Posted by Cesc Fabregas

Yeah, Hazard would be the dream. I think Lille want 30 million euros which we can afford now! Heard we're after Lucho Gonzalez aswell, he would strenghten the midfield.

He would yeah. I think Hazard would be an upgrade on Nasri, maybe get M'Vila to be a rock in midfield and let Wilshere play his game, and the rest on Cahill maybe.

Arsenal could come out of the sale of Fabregas and Nasri alot stronger for it.

[Ross K]

It has been very interesting being in Spain over the last few weeks. I tell you, forget the small time rivalries of Arsenal V Spurs, Liverpool V Everton, AC V Inter, Rangers V Celtic, Lazio V Roma, etc, etc. Nothing is of the same vast proportions, influence, and has the general feel of two bitterly opposed 'nations' going to war... I'm referring of course to Barca and Real.

Being close to Barcelona, it was amazing to see how everything revolved around the game and how everyone, entire families, just flocks to the bars to watch the game - and this despite the matches being on late pm time. In terms of impact and atmosphere, I suppose you might compare it to, say, those very rare occasions here in England when the national team has progressed relatively far in the World Cup or Euros (okay, long memory needed! ), but you'd need to times that by a multiple number. Anyhow, a fantastic unique vibe in Spain to be sure, and one I'm glad to have been much closer to having experienced this a bit years back when I was a kid (and it must be said: when Barca were nothing but mediocre.)

BTW, when you're watching Barca and RM play, and when they aren't play-acting or remonstrating the whole time, wo - when these teams actually get busy on the football front, you can't help but think - ah, now this is football!

BTW2, Although I didn't dare let out any hint of pleasure, it was great to see Marcello giving Fabregas a little welcome back to Spanish football!

[PED]

Originally Posted by Ross K

BTW2, Although I didn't dare let out any hint of pleasure, it was great to see Marcello giving Fabregas a little welcome back to Spanish football!

I think Arsene slipped Marcello a fiver before the game

[PureAlph4]

Originally Posted by Ross K

BTW, when you're watching Barca and RM play, and when they aren't play-acting or remonstrating the whole time, wo - when these teams actually get busy on the football front, you can't help but think - ah, now this is football!

Agree. Over the past season I've felt the quality of El Clasico (notwithstanding Jose's spoiling tactics) eclipses the showpiece ties in English football. I suppose in theory it's not surprising due to the slightly higher concentration of talent accumulated at the two clubs.

However, still believe the Prem is a better league. Is it healthy that the third most likely team to win the title (based on the median of betting exchange bid-offer spreads) in Spain is priced at 230 (Valencia) and fourth at 400 (Malaga), compared to 4.25 (City) and 14.75 (Arsenal) in England?

Re Arsenal, a lot of media outlets are reporting on Everton's perilous financial situation, and bankers' demands for the sale of players (as recounted by their chairman). Although they would never let three starters go, I would be happy were Wenger to try to take advantage of this by bidding GBP 45m for Arteta, Fellaini and Jagielka. Two experienced 29 year olds with something to prove, and a 23 year old who could add physicality and the ability to dominate to our midfield.

After all the predicted exits are completed, we'll have wiped the best part of GBP 500k a week from our wage bill, so plenty of capacity to sign established names.

[Dave M]

I agree with you Ross, when they play the football is of a different class.In fact it's nearly as good as WHU v Spurs at the Boleyn!
Jose does seem to be loosing the plot a bit lately, pressure starting to get to him?Or is it no more than there was at Chelsea i'm just noticing it now?

[Feña14]

Originally Posted by Dave M

I agree with you Ross, when they play the football is of a different class.In fact it's nearly as good as WHU v Spurs at the Boleyn!
Jose does seem to be loosing the plot a bit lately, pressure starting to get to him?Or is it no more than there was at Chelsea i'm just noticing it now?

I think he was always a bit off the wall, but when he went to Spain he found just how good Barcelona actually are. He's doing everything he can, both on and off the pitch to take them out their comfort zone. You see players like Villa fighting at the end of games between the two sides, which is probably what Mourinho wants. Unfortunateley, even when they're out of their comfort zone, Barcelona are still too good for him

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by Feña14

I think he was always a bit off the wall, but when he went to Spain he found just how good Barcelona actually are. He's doing everything he can, both on and off the pitch to take them out their comfort zone. You see players like Villa fighting at the end of games between the two sides, which is probably what Mourinho wants. Unfortunateley, even when they're out of their comfort zone, Barcelona are still too good for him

Yeah, I'm with you totally Fena. It's a shame as he is undoubtedly phenomenally gifted at his job, and you can also see he inspires enormous devotion from his teams (see Schneider's speech at that awards evening, or the footage of JM and Matterazzi saying goodbye after winning the Champions League.) But it seems his brilliance is becoming usurped by his darkness or whatever... I mean, what was this nonsense about (see below link)? And check out his ridiculous provocative expression at the end trying to goad a reaction... I have to say, ever since his Chelsea days when he first went beserk away at Barca in the Champion's League and began the 'conspiracy' theorizing which of course he has kept up as a matter of routine, I have wondered if he is seriously mentally a little unhinged ... I know I'd be having to face Barca!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olelvRKSpG8

[Ross K]

Still catching up with football news having been away. Came across this, which I find this interesting...


“Chelsea are a big concern for me. The new manager and his new backroom team are relatively inexperienced. I worry for Chelsea.


“I just didn’t see any sense in getting rid of the previous manager. I thought Ancelotti was a good *manager, tried and tested at the highest level.

“The guy they have got in now is untried. Being successful in Portugal, where I worked for two years, isn’t the biggest of deals. The way they have got it set up at Porto – from the president down – they are more or less guaranteed success every year there.”

Souness also feels the fact that Villas-Boas never played the game professionally, as well as his relative managerial inexperience, will see him struggle to control the Chelsea dressing room.

“The guy never played the game. I don’t think he’s been around top players all his life and he’s not got that experience,” said Souness.

“Nothing prepares you for management at the highest level.

“The reason I think Chelsea will have difficulty this year is because he’s going to take a year to find out exactly what it’s all about in England. When you look at what they had last year with Ancelotti, he has been around the block many times and won everything as a player and manager.


“ I thought he was a perfect fit for them.”


Whether or not he's ultimately right, we obviously don't know yet (though I agree with sentiments about Ancelotti), but good to see one of these highly paid pundits/experts, etc actually come down off the fence and actually express a strong viewpoint.

[PED]

Suarez is something else Glad he didn't start the game.

Our problem was not so much the defense today, we created nothing at all, disappointed in Ramsey and will be glad to get Wilshire back.

After watching Nasri play, Mancini will probably drop his bid to 10 mil.

Walcott did not do much and there was never anyone in the box when the crosses come in. Still not a complete disaster though

[Feña14]

It will be interesting to see if that was Kalou's last game for Chelsea. With them saying they want to bring 3 players in before the end of the month, and Mata looks close, being hauled off after half an hour isn't a good sign for Kalou, especially when you have to move players on before you can bring another foreign player into the squad.

[NickC]

Originally Posted by PureAlph4

Re Arsenal, a lot of media outlets are reporting on Everton's perilous financial situation, and bankers' demands for the sale of players (as recounted by their chairman). Although they would never let three starters go, I would be happy were Wenger to try to take advantage of this by bidding GBP 45m for Arteta, Fellaini and Jagielka. Two experienced 29 year olds with something to prove, and a 23 year old who could add physicality and the ability to dominate to our midfield.

If I was Wenger I'd up that to 60-65 million for those three plus Jack Rodwell and Tim Howard. If Arsenal did that coupled with the fact that the M'Villa deal is supposedly signed and sealed then Arsenal would be instant title contenders, if not a realistic shot at winning the whole thing. The season is still young enough that Arsneal could potentially work their way back from their sluggish start. They still need Cahill though, their defense sucks and Wenger is in denial if he's not looking for a center back.


I see that Mata's move to Chelsea is official. Excellent signing, but who'll play on the other wing? Surely not Malouda, or Anelka for that matter. Chelsea could do well with Hazard, not that it'll ever happen, but that would be sweet.



And did anyone see the U-20 World Cup final last night? Brazil's third goal was absurd. Portugal's right winger who scored their second was great, he has some incredible pace off the counter attack, and a good shot too.

[Feña14]

Originally Posted by NickC

If I was Wenger I'd up that to 60-65 million for those three plus Jack Rodwell and Tim Howard. If Arsenal did that coupled with the fact that the M'Villa deal is supposedly signed and sealed then Arsenal would be instant title contenders, if not a realistic shot at winning the whole thing. The season is still young enough that Arsneal could potentially work their way back from their sluggish start. They still need Cahill though, their defense sucks and Wenger is in denial if he's not looking for a center back.


I see that Mata's move to Chelsea is official. Excellent signing, but who'll play on the other wing? Surely not Malouda, or Anelka for that matter. Chelsea could do well with Hazard, not that it'll ever happen, but that would be sweet.
....

I think Everton would have to accept a big money bid for their players, they've in a bit of trouble financially and they could use the income.

I think Sturridge and Malouda will be fighting for the other wing, but as you say, another out and out winger would ideally take it. Hazard would be my choice too, but I think it's a bit late now with only a week or so left in the transfer window. I can see Mata playing on the right, which will no doubt help Bosingwa. He's a great wing back who's very dangerous, the problem is that he usually has a striker trying to play the winger position in front of him. Down the left Cole and Malouda have worked really well with each other, from the moment Malouda came in. Having a winger who knows what he's doing will no doubt help Bosingwa. That's what i've been saying about it being a position Chelsea really needed to buy in, not only do you get a pacey player who can hug the touch line, it also gives the midfield more space to work in, and also the attack minded right back.

[bezs]

Valencia getting ripped apart again

[PED]

Looks like Ross and I have a real battle on our hands: both of our teams are fighting for the honor of the worst club in North London.

Arsenal have no midfield and it appears that Spurs don't either.

Did VdV forgot how to pass accurately over the summer break, he gave the ball away so many times.

[PaulFCB]

Arsenal lost players, hardly made any transfers in the last decade and lost promising youngsters on the way. They usually had those half-squads half injured by mid-season. If Arsenal thinks he can rebuild the Untouchables again then he's just a moron, but in the end, Arsene is no Arsenal, even though the guys been over there since the beginning of time......while.......
Tottenham spent enough to finance a new stadium...

You can draw your own conclusions upon what North London team sux more .

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by PED

Looks like Ross and I have a real battle on our hands: both of our teams are fighting for the honor of the worst club in North London.

Arsenal have no midfield and it appears that Spurs don't either.

Did VdV forgot how to pass accurately over the summer break, he gave the ball away so many times.

And to think that Brad F was actually having a good game and keeping Man U out until that 1st goal... "Shakes head."

I'd be tempted to say that it's no big deal (and no disgrace) losing away to Man U, if it wasn't for the wholly unsettling and unending saga of Modric. Plus Spurs really do need some new signings... it's all well and good talking of how we were on the verge of getting Mata, or how we shall get Emmanuel A or Diarra or whoever, but nobody really has come in yet, and that window is shutting fast. Thus far then at least, Spurs' 'transfer policy' for this season looks like a total failure.

[crosscourt]

I was at the game last night and Tottenham played well at times. They were in the match for the first 30 mins, and then again for 10 mins after half-time. What was really stunning about the match was the speed it was played at -- particularly the first half. If either side is still playing like that in March it will be miraculous. Tottenham looked a very fit and very strong side but were playing some youngsters and a couple of players out of position. The odds were against them. Once United committed Tottenham's midfield to that area of the pitch United were much the better side and really battered them for the last half-hour. If Anderson has his breakthrough season it could be another very good year for United.