The TT Football Club

Slice'n'dice · May 1, 2017

Take a bow Emre, what a ****ing goal.

Lucas Leiva now with the same amount of assists as a certain world record transfer breaker and plays defensive midfield or centre back.

Just three more games now. Just hope Coutinho's injury isn't too serious.

Poisoned Slice · May 1, 2017

Random video. One of the hottest studs on Footy this year. Has anybody seen much of him for real?

I see he has only 2 league starts for Juventus so not a lot to go on. He just stood out because he was winning serie a player of the year before he was 20. Quite an accomplishment. Even if it is just a game.

Poisoned Slice · May 1, 2017

Slice'n'dice said:
Take a bow Emre, what a ****ing goal.

Lucas Leiva now with the same amount of assists as a certain world record transfer breaker and plays defensive midfield or centre back.

Just three more games now. Just hope Coutinho's injury isn't too serious.

I think you're there.

Feña14 · May 1, 2017

Slice'n'dice said:
What their fans are going through indeed. Not all that bad really all things considered. Imagine being a Sunderland fan for instance, that is tough times being a football fan. Or Coventry the **** they have had to deal with of late. Or Portsmouth a few years ago. A bit of stagnation and possible finishing outside the top 4 for the first time in in 21 years or however long, really isn't that bad.

Arsenal are in trouble either way either way. Sanchez and Ozil going in the summer, they won't get top 4 next season. Assuming they miss out this season then that's two years outside. Gets tougher and tougher to get back in the more you start to finish outside. If I was an Arsenal fan, I'd probably want another season with a specialist in top 4 to steady the ship. But that's looking at it rationally from the outside. When it's your club and all the emotion involved it's hard to look at it rationally.

What has Luke Shaw done to make Jose Mourinho hate him so much. I know he chose Man Utd over you when you were at Chelsea but come on man. Let it go.

I get what you're saying, but I think different clubs have different ideas of success. When I was young Chelsea were relegated to division 2, won promotion and finished mid table in the old first division in the first 3 years. Those were heady heights! It was a great feeling. Then by the mid 90's we started a run of not finishing outside the top 6 (before last seasons disaster of finishing mid table, which hurt like hell).

What was once a position I could only dream of was an unmitigated disaster. So yeah, the top 4 run of Arsenal is definitely something most clubs could only dream of.. Not really being a credible title challenger for a team who's won so many titles over the years has to be a smack in the face for their fans, I'd imagine.

I agree they're in trouble if Sanchez leaves, and the squad in general isn't up to the challenge. Is that because Wenger has lost it and isn't getting the most out of his players, instilled a culture of failure and individualism (looks like everyone's out for themselves to me). Or are the the people in charge of transfers who've bought in players with those characteristics to blame? I think it's probably a mix of both. As you say, once you're out of the top 4, it's only going to get harder to get back in.

Poisoned Slice · May 1, 2017

Chelsea handled United back in the day before the Roman empire. Gavin Peacock doing the double with 1-0 Chelsea wins, might have been the first premier league season. Memory can only remember so much.

Like the 4-0 fa cup final and King Eric

Still, Kharine >>>>> Bravo.

Slice'n'dice · May 1, 2017

Feña14 said:
I get what you're saying, but I think different clubs have different ideas of success. When I was young Chelsea were relegated to division 2, won promotion and finished mid table in the old first division in the first 3 years. Those were heady heights! It was a great feeling. Then by the mid 90's we started a run of not finishing outside the top 6 (before last seasons disaster of finishing mid table, which hurt like hell).

What was once a position I could only dream of was an unmitigated disaster. So yeah, the top 4 run of Arsenal is definitely something most clubs could only dream of.. Not really being a credible title challenger for a team who's won so many titles over the years has to be a smack in the face for their fans, I'd imagine.

I agree they're in trouble if Sanchez leaves, and the squad in general isn't up to the challenge. Is that because Wenger has lost it and isn't getting the most out of his players, instilled a culture of failure and individualism (looks like everyone's out for themselves to me). Or are the the people in charge of transfers who've bought in players with those characteristics to blame? I think it's probably a mix of both. As you say, once you're out of the top 4, it's only going to get harder to get back in.

Last few seasons they have underachieved and it has stagnated. Chances are when he announces he's staying it's not going to get much better for them, but it won't get a lot worse. They're still going to be a good side with plenty of young players. If for instance Sanchez and Ozil leave on the cheap in the summer then all the more reason to keep the guy who has a habit of finding a way to finish 4th to steady the ship. Because even if they get the perfect guy to replace him it's going to take a while to put things in place, it's hard to follow a dynasty like that. Look at Man Utd.

Think it's gone stale and in order to get further they will need someone else ultimately sooner or later, but the board is an issue as well. Thing Wenger's still a good manager though, could see him going to Barcelona to replace Enrique and doing really well, it's just been too long at Arsenal. But they could do a lot worse than a stagnated Wenger.

Poisoned Slice said:
I think you're there.

Three more games, we love to do things the hard way so I'm not counting any chickens yet.

Gizo · May 1, 2017

Feña14 said:
It's been really good from Spurs, I thought the same after what the two Manchester clubs did last summer too. I don't think the wages really mean anything though, personally. If you're paying Kane, Eriksen, Alli etc.. On the value they've shown themselves to be worth over the last few years, it would be the same as the other big clubs.

Kind of like when a team in a North American sports league gets things right with young players on relatively cheap contracts. When it comes time to renegotiate them they're astronomical or they move on to a different team. With there being no salary cap in England they can afford to do that, so yeah, it'll even out before long.

I'm interested to see how they do next year playing at Wembley, where they have an awful record. Their home record is their biggest strength, but it's not likely to be as big of a factor next year.

I disagree there. I think that clubs' wage bills are the most important factor determining success in modern day club football. It's more important than money spent on transfers.

I read that from 2001-2015, 80% of the top 4 places in the Premier League were occupied by clubs that had one of the top 4 wage bills in the country in those respective seasons. That's no surprise at all to me. Obviously Leicester last season and Spurs in both of the last two seasons have defied the laws of gravity to break that rule.

Partially because of Daniel Levy's financial prudence (especially with the new stadium incoming) and partially because of the fact that they generate by far the smallest revenue out of the top 6 clubs, they have to deal with much tighter financial constraints than all their direct rivals.

They missed out on a lot of their major transfer targets last summer because of their strict wage structure. Many pundits and fans felt that their failure to strengthen their squad significantly would cost them a top 4 place. They cannot compete to sign ready made world class players with the other top Premier League clubs, because they just can't offer them the same wages and bonuses. Also because of their lower wage bill they are always far more vulnerable than than those other 5 clubs to losing their star players, with rumours and bigger clubs circling year after year. It was summed up that Spurs pay their players reasonable salaries but that the other top 6 clubs pay their players crazy salaries. However in the realities of modern day football, Spurs are basically underpaying their players, especially for a club that want to compete with the big boys in the Premier League and in the Champions League. They will eventually have to loosen their purse-strings if they want these good times to continue.

Moving on to transfers, they've had a net spend of 16 million euros in the past 5 seasons, the second lowest out of the 20 clubs currently in the Premier League. Man City's net spend in that time has been 501 million euros, Man Utd's 483.7 million, Arsenal's 247.8 million, Liverpool's 173.8 million and Chelsea's 163 million. So there has also been huge gulf there. Even if we ignore player sales and just focus on purchases, they've spend nowhere near as much money as the two Manchester clubs, Chelsea or Liverpool.

As I said before they need to win a trophy sooner rather than later, but they've massively punched above their weight in the league during Pochettino's reign.

Feña14 · May 1, 2017

Slice'n'dice said:
Last few seasons they have underachieved and it has stagnated. Chances are when he announces he's staying it's not going to get much better for them, but it won't get a lot worse. They're still going to be a good side with plenty of young players. If for instance Sanchez and Ozil leave on the cheap in the summer then all the more reason to keep the guy who has a habit of finding a way to finish 4th to steady the ship. Because even if they get the perfect guy to replace him it's going to take a while to put things in place, it's hard to follow a dynasty like that. Look at Man Utd.

Think it's gone stale and in order to get further they will need someone else ultimately sooner or later, but the board is an issue as well. Thing Wenger's still a good manager though, could see him going to Barcelona to replace Enrique and doing really well, it's just been too long at Arsenal. But they could do a lot worse than a stagnated Wenger.

Three more games, we love to do things the hard way so I'm not counting any chickens yet.

I think stagnated is the right word, yeah. You hear leaks coming out about how the training is a bit outdated, it's almost like they're playing the game on and off the field like it's 2004 still.

I've mentioned cricket before, our ODI side was abysmal for years. After the debacle of the World Cup the management said enough is enough and totally changed the culture, coaching, bought in the right players etc.. Now we're arguably the most exciting side in the world and favourites for the Champions Trophy next month.

A change is needed at Arsenal if they want to do something similar, but as you say, the question is when the right time for it is. With international sport you can do it in 4 year cycles around World Cups. Bit more tricky in domestic competitions when every season matters.

Poisoned Slice · May 2, 2017

I had a look back. It was actually the second premier league season. Close enough.

TheAssassin · May 2, 2017

Madrid derby time! These two will meet in the CL for a fourth consecutive season. Must be one of the longest streaks.

Poisoned Slice · May 2, 2017

Ronny getting it done once again. Dazzling.

Real have not allowed Atletico to do anything in this match. Smothered.

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil · May 2, 2017

I am going to be sick.

Juventus the only ones now that can prevent the horror.

InsideOut900 · May 2, 2017

Haha, what a superb performance.

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil said:
Juventus the only ones now that can prevent the horror.

You don't like beautiful, offensive football man?

TheAssassin · May 2, 2017

He only had two Champions League goals this season before the quarterfinal.

Now he has ten.

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil · May 2, 2017

InsideOut900 said:
Haha, what a superb performance.

You don't like beautiful, offensive football man?

I do, but Barcelona and Dortmund lost in the quarterfinals.

On a serious note Real were fantastic today. I just wouldn't like to see their current squad being the first ever to defend CL. Far better teams, Real's and others, failed to do that IMO. The mug draw of last season and recent circus against Bayern just adds salt to the wound.

Tiki-Taka · May 2, 2017

I have called them not very impressive throughout the entire season but here is a fun fact - Real have scored in every game this season. The last team to keep a clean sheet against them is Man City, 1st leg of the last season's CL semifinal. So they are now on a run of a full year of consistent scoring. Got to admire that.

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil said:
I do, but Barcelona and Dortmund lost in the quarterfinals.

On a serious note Real were fantastic today. I just wouldn't like to see their current squad being the first ever to defend CL. Far better teams, Real's and others, failed to do that IMO. The mug draw of last season and recent circus against Bayern just adds salt to the wound.

That's true. Apart from that dreadful scenario, I bet the Ronaldo hype would resurface again, and these three CL games could win him the Ballon d'Or, which would tie Messi for most awards, despite Messi's constantly good performances. Talk about lack of justice.

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil · May 2, 2017

Tiki-Taka said:
I have called them not very impressive throughout the entire season but here is a fun fact - Real have scored in every game this season. The last team to keep a clean sheet against them is Man City, 1st leg of the last season's CL semifinal. So they are now on a run of a full year of consistent scoring. Got to admire that.

That's true. Apart from that dreadful scenario, I bet the Ronaldo hype would resurface again, and these three CL games could win him the Ballon d'Or, which would tie Messi for most awards, despite Messi's constantly good performances. Talk about lack of justice.

Only an idiot would consider them to be in the same league. For anyone with just a little bit of brain Messi ended that debate a long time ago.

TheAssassin · May 2, 2017

Tiki-Taka said:
That's true. Apart from that dreadful scenario, I bet the Ronaldo hype would resurface again, and these three CL games could win him the Ballon d'Or, which would tie Messi for most awards, despite Messi's constantly good performances. Talk about lack of justice.

Messi won that award back in 2012 when Barcelona only won the cup. His numbers back then were record breaking though.

I'd still say he has the edge for this year, even if Ronaldo wins both La Liga and the CL. Personally I do hope Messi finishes with more individual honors. Cristiano is an absolute goal machine but Messi is that as well, while offering more outside of that.

TheAssassin · May 2, 2017

But it just wouldn't be right if I didn't mention Ronnie's numbers in the biggest competition in football after what he did tonight.

The first player in history to score back-to-back hat-tricks in the Champions League KO stages.

His Champions League record for Real Madrid:

86 games
88 goals
23 assists

CL Records:
Most goals: 103
Most home goals: 54
Most away goals: 47
Most KO stage goals: 52
Most assists: 31

He has 10+ Champions League goals in 6 consecutive seasons

11/12 = 10
12/13 = 12
13/14 = 17
14/15 = 10
15/16 = 16
16/17 = 10

47th hat-trick

There are debates about some goal he scored 7 years ago. Assuming it was his, that boy Ronaldo has achieved an incredible milestone, for which he only needed 389 games...

Gizo · May 2, 2017

I despise Real Madrid and the thought of them defending their champions league title is just horrible to manage, but they were excellent today. I have said that that they haven't really had a clear vision under Zidane, but they have relied on big performances from their best players in important circumstances, whether it has been Ronaldo, Ramos, Marcelo, Casemiro etc. But boy is this strategy working.

During Florentino Perez's first reign at the club, they had a star studded first XI with numerous galaticos, but they lacked strength in depth and their squad was less balanced. Now they have much better strength in depth with close to 2 good players in nearly every position, and a better balance.

CRonaldo is just scarily good. One of the most technically complete players that has ever lived, combined with insane athleticism and physical conditioning (his combination of speed, fitness and strength is insane) and an unrelenting work ethic and desire to keep on improving and breaking records. It's safe to say that the 94 million euros that RM paid to buy him from Man Utd has been a complete bargain.

Feña14 · May 2, 2017

Gizo said:
I despise Real Madrid and the thought of them defending their champions league title is just horrible to manage, but they were excellent today. I have said that that they haven't really had a clear vision under Zidane, but they have relied on big performances from their best players in important circumstances, whether it has been Ronaldo, Ramos, Marcelo, Casemiro etc. But boy is this strategy working.

During Florentino Perez's first reign at the club, they had a star studded first XI with numerous galaticos, but they lacked strength in depth and their squad was less balanced. Now they have much better strength in depth with close to 2 good players in nearly every position, and a better balance.

CRonaldo is just scarily good. One of the most technically complete players that has ever lived, combined with insane athleticism and physical conditioning (his combination of speed, fitness and strength is insane) and an unrelenting work ethic and desire to keep on improving and breaking records. It's safe to say that the 94 million euros that RM paid to buy him from Man Utd has been a complete bargain.

Get ready for the summer, it's elections time again!

I'm guessing they'll bring in a couple of Galacticos.

TheAssassin · May 3, 2017

Feña14 said:
I'm guessing they'll bring in a couple of Galacticos.

I am not sure about that. Last summer the only thing Real did was triggering the buy back clause for Morata. No other buys. Look at them now. They could win the league and defend the Champions League. That's potentially one of the best ever seasons in club's history. Zidane has used the great depth of the squad by doing some solid rotation throughout the season. Even Ronaldo was subbed off or completely left out in some games. Maybe that freshness has helped him go on a great scoring run recently.

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Poisoned Slice · May 3, 2017

Poor Atletico brought down to their real level once. Many levels below Real. I fancy something like 9-0 first leg if they happen to draw each other again next year.

Gap keeps increasing.

If Griezmann is worth 150 million then Ronaldo is worth 500 million.

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil · May 3, 2017

Wouldn't surprise me if we actually spent that amount on the guy. Give me Lukaku over him, he is scoring regularly in the EPL already while not playing for one of the best teams.

Despite the big importance of this Europa League, the transfer window can't come soon enough.

Poisoned Slice · May 3, 2017

haha same here. Wouldn't surprise me either.

I got a bit carried away there. Was listening to them talking after the match last night and they went into the what is a player worth discussion. Wasn't actually 500. I think it was Owen Hargreaves that said 300 if Griezmann is 150, but I get their point. These games are when you need your big players to show up.

Haven't watched a full game with this Monaco yet. Probably haven't watched a full game since they played United. Henry might have been playing then.

Excited for this one later.

Slice'n'dice · May 3, 2017

You'd seriously have Lukaku over Griezmann? He is not in the same league, very good player but Griezmann has to much more to his game. Also Lukaku is much less a Mourinho striker than he looks, he's not really a target man, not great in the air, hold up play is so-so. Not that Griezmann is in any way shape or form but he is a proper world class player. Contributes so much more while scoring similar numbers.

Didn't see the game yesterday and I'm guessing Griezmann had a bad game from those comments? But look at Lukaku in virtually any big game against a top side this season. You'll have a hard time finding him.

Poisoned Slice · May 3, 2017

Slice'n'dice said:
You'd seriously have Lukaku over Griezmann? He is not in the same league, very good player but Griezmann has to much more to his game. Also Lukaku is much less a Mourinho striker than he looks, he's not really a target man, not great in the air, hold up play is so-so. Not that Griezmann is in any way shape or form but he is a proper world class player. Contributes so much more while scoring similar numbers.

Didn't see the game yesterday and I'm guessing Griezmann had a bad game from those comments? But look at Lukaku in virtually any big game against a top side this season. You'll have a hard time finding him.

I'm not sold on Lukaku.

Griezmann is just easy to point fingers at because he is world class, but it wasn't all due to him. I'd see Ronaldo struggle with teammates that didn't seem up to the job or not being good enough to do the job. One of the most one-sided games I've seen lately, at least for this stage of the competition.

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil · May 3, 2017

Entire Atletico had a bad game, can't just fault Griezmann for what happened last night. I just chose Lukaku because he is scoring a lot in our league and there were rumors about his transfer as well. Not as much as Griezmann who the media has been transferring throughout this entire season but still he was mentioned. And I can't even think of many other strikers who are available and can honestly give a big boost for the next seasons, since Ibra will probably never play again.

Tiki-Taka · May 3, 2017

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil said:
Entire Atletico had a bad game, can't just fault Griezmann for what happened last night. I just chose Lukaku because he is scoring a lot in our league and there were rumors about his transfer as well. Not as much as Griezmann who the media has been transferring throughout this entire season but still he was mentioned. And I can't even think of many other strikers who are available and can honestly give a big boost for the next seasons, since Ibra will probably never play again.

The sooner your squad does something great the better. This Europa League would be a good start. Manchester United aren't in the highest league anymore and are forced to overpay and give very high wages to attract players IMO. Not that they are bothered by that, I am sure they can afford a Pogba like transfer every season but it's not a nice reflection on them, especially because that club was never known for spending sprees during Sir Alex's years and were still massively successful.

TheAssassin · May 3, 2017

Oh my, Ajax just demolished Lyon 4-1 in Amsterdam, the 1st leg of the Europa League semifinal. So fluid and beautiful. I know that is to be expected from the Dutch sides but still that was gorgeous. Cruyff would have been proud of that if he witnessed it.

Slice'n'dice · May 3, 2017

Tiki-Taka said:
The sooner your squad does something great the better. This Europa League would be a good start. Manchester United aren't in the highest league anymore and are forced to overpay and give very high wages to attract players IMO. Not that they are bothered by that, I am sure they can afford a Pogba like transfer every season but it's not a nice reflection on them, especially because that club was never known for spending sprees during Sir Alex's years and were still massively successful.

They did spend pretty big back then though too. Not on the scale of nowadays but they were always one of the bigger spenders. Especially before Chelsea came along with all their money. They will likely still keep spending this sort of money as long as they have Mourinho even if they do start having that kind of success, Jose's not one for developing youngsters.

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil said:
Entire Atletico had a bad game, can't just fault Griezmann for what happened last night. I just chose Lukaku because he is scoring a lot in our league and there were rumors about his transfer as well. Not as much as Griezmann who the media has been transferring throughout this entire season but still he was mentioned. And I can't even think of many other strikers who are available and can honestly give a big boost for the next seasons, since Ibra will probably never play again.

What about Diego Costa? I know he's playing for the side that will win the league but the guy's a sanke has no loyalties, he'll follow the money.his head was turned by China earlier and we all know Man Utd have plenty of money. Perfect Mourinho striker too unlike Griezmann and Lukaku.

Slice'n'dice · May 3, 2017

TheAssassin said:
Oh my, Ajax just demolished Lyon 4-1 in Amsterdam, the 1st leg of the Europa League semifinal. So fluid and beautiful. I know that is to be expected from the Dutch sides but still that was gorgeous. Cruyff would have been proud of that if he witnessed it.

What's that? Man Utd's easy draw evaporated even further? Wow! If Mourinho fails to win you the Europa League now he really is done.

Slice'n'dice · May 3, 2017

Apparently they are considering changing the format of penalty shootouts so that it's basically like a tie break. Trialling it at the under 17 Euros apparently.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39798344

So yeah, that's a thing.

TheAssassin · May 3, 2017

Slice'n'dice said:
What's that? Man Utd's easy draw evaporated even further? Wow! If Mourinho fails to win you the Europa League now he really is done.

Come on buddy, quality football outside of Sevilla and England does exist in this competition. If you don't rate any of the other sides I see no point of talking about the draw evaporating.

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil · May 3, 2017

Slice'n'dice said:
What about Diego Costa? I know he's playing for the side that will win the league but the guy's a sanke has no loyalties, he'll follow the money.his head was turned by China earlier and we all know Man Utd have plenty of money. Perfect Mourinho striker too unlike Griezmann and Lukaku.

Yuck. Even the fans of his club wouldn't try to defend his regular dirty work. He can join Oscar and Pelle in that money league.

Maybe Morata or Belotti will be available.

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil · May 3, 2017

Two Dani Alves assists, two Higuain goals. Juve already have one leg in the final.

Poisoned Slice · May 3, 2017

Slice'n'dice said:
Apparently they are considering changing the format of penalty shootouts so that it's basically like a tie break. Trialling it at the under 17 Euros apparently.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39798344

So yeah, that's a thing.

Sudden death right from the beginning. I like it.

Tiki-Taka · May 3, 2017

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil said:
Two Dani Alves assists, two Higuain goals. Juve already have one leg in the final.

So the final will have the team with most finals won against the team with most finals lost.

Such a well organized side, Juventus. We couldn't score in either leg, and now they held the best attack of this season, at their home. I really really hope they deny Real as well but I am not optimistic about that at all.

Poisoned Slice · May 3, 2017

Tiki-Taka said:
So the final will have the team with most finals won against the team with most finals lost.

Such a well organized side, Juventus. We couldn't score in either leg, and now they held the best attack of this season, at their home. I really really hope they deny Real as well but I am not optimistic about that at all.

Do you regret getting rid of Dani Alves?

Tiki-Taka · May 3, 2017

Poisoned Slice said:
Do you regret getting rid of Dani Alves?

Definitely, especially since our defense has been shaky. The breakup was kind of ugly so that makes it even sadder. He was hardly ever exposed or anything while playing for Barcelona and he was here for eight years. Still one of the best right backs in Europe.

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil · May 3, 2017

Tiki-Taka said:
So the final will have the team with most finals won against the team with most finals lost.

Such a well organized side, Juventus. We couldn't score in either leg, and now they held the best attack of this season, at their home. I really really hope they deny Real as well but I am not optimistic about that at all.

Don't underestimate the CL curse though.

They are, very complete as well, all areas covered. Only Real and Bayern can say the same, everyone else has a weakness somewhere.

TheAssassin · May 3, 2017

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil said:
Don't underestimate the CL curse though.

They are, very complete as well, all areas covered. Only Real and Bayern can say the same, everyone else has a weakness somewhere.

It could be a wonderful final IMO. Real looking to end that curse, win La Duodecima and (if they don't choke in Spain) their first league-Champions League double since 1958, Juventus going for their first Champions League since 1996 and possibly their first ever treble (they will seal Serie A and then play Coppa Italia final against Lazio).

What would I give for the European Super Cup to be between Real and Man United. Going to be played in Skopje and that is one of the vacation/honeymoon locations for me this summer. Haven't attended any competitive game from either club yet so this would be brilliant.

Poisoned Slice · May 3, 2017

I'm just hoping Juventus don't bend over in the final. Don't think they will, but Real are just that good.

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil · May 3, 2017

TheAssassin said:
It could be a wonderful final IMO. Real looking to end that curse, win La Duodecima and (if they don't choke in Spain) their first league-Champions League double since 1958, Juventus going for their first Champions League since 1996 and possibly their first ever treble (they will seal Serie A and then play Coppa Italia final against Lazio).

What would I give for the European Super Cup to be between Real and Man United. Going to be played in Skopje and that is one of the vacation/honeymoon locations for me this summer. Haven't attended any competitive game from either club yet so this would be brilliant.

I see similarities between Juve's run and the one of Arsenal back in 2005-06. The Gunners only conceded two goals in the competition going into the final and none in the knockout stages. Juventus so far have conceded only two goals and still none in the knockout stages. Juve's run without conceding is shorter but maybe more impressive since they held MSN and Barcelona in both games and Monaco, the team who has over 100 goals this season, more than anyone else, at Monaco's ground. It would be the ultimate test to deny Madrid, the team that nobody kept a clean sheet against this season. I am sure Juve won't bend over or anything but past history of the clubs doesn't make me optimistic. Plus offside rules don't apply for Real so that's another thing Juve has to worry about.

Don't jinx it, I am having ideas about it since Skopje isn't too far from my city.

Slice'n'dice · May 3, 2017

So Juventus against Real Madrid. Should be a pretty good final in truth. Backing Juve all the way though.

TheAssassin said:
Come on buddy, quality football outside of Sevilla and England does exist in this competition. If you don't rate any of the other sides I see no point of talking about the draw evaporating.

I don't rate mid-table Spanish teams as indicator of a strong line up for a European Semi-Final. Nor do I think a team of kids from what is now a pretty poor league no matter how technically good some of the players are, are strong finalists. Frankly a team in fourth place in another fairly poor quality of League being another one. Everyone but Man Utd fans can see that this is not a great standard of semi-finals.

You got lucky, just accept it and enjoy it.

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil said:
Yuck. Even the fans of his club wouldn't try to defend his regular dirty work. He can join Oscar and Pelle in that money league.

Maybe Morata or Belotti will be available.

Oh no doubt he's a horrible *******. He's a terrific player though. Having nasty players is not necessarily a bad thing anyway, it's quite useful actually, you've had your fair share in the past. One of the problems I have with the current Liverpool team is they are a bit too nice. A few more pricks would be helpful.

Poisoned Slice · May 3, 2017

Herrera is a great pr1ck.

Feña14 · May 3, 2017

TheAssassin said:
I am not sure about that. Last summer the only thing Real did was triggering the buy back clause for Morata. No other buys. Look at them now. They could win the league and defend the Champions League. That's potentially one of the best ever seasons in club's history. Zidane has used the great depth of the squad by doing some solid rotation throughout the season. Even Ronaldo was subbed off or completely left out in some games. Maybe that freshness has helped him go on a great scoring run recently.

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Totally agree, but I don't think that will stop them this summer. They seem to be after some combination of De Gea, Mbappe, Hazard and pretty much any other big name player going.

I could understand a new keeper, maybe a striker as Benzema looks like he might leave.

TheAssassin · May 3, 2017

Poisoned Slice said:
Herrera is a great pr1ck.

#FutureCaptain

Feña14 said:
Totally agree, but I don't think that will stop them this summer. They seem to be after some combination of De Gea, Mbappe, Hazard and pretty much any other big name player going.

I could understand a new keeper, maybe a striker as Benzema looks like he might leave.

Yeah, that's Real, only going for the best players. Mbappe replacing Benzema would be epic, that kid has crazy potential. Personally I'd like De Gea and Hazard to stay, they are one of the biggest EPL stars and now that league needs more of them, not less. It just wouldn't be good if all the best quality is in only 3-4 clubs in Europe. Biggest competitions could become monotonous in the future for that reason and nobody wants that.

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil said:
I see similarities between Juve's run and the one of Arsenal back in 2005-06. The Gunners only conceded two goals in the competition going into the final and none in the knockout stages. Juventus so far have conceded only two goals and still none in the knockout stages. Juve's run without conceding is shorter but maybe more impressive since they held MSN and Barcelona in both games and Monaco, the team who has over 100 goals this season, more than anyone else, at Monaco's ground. It would be the ultimate test to deny Madrid, the team that nobody kept a clean sheet against this season. I am sure Juve won't bend over or anything but past history of the clubs doesn't make me optimistic. Plus offside rules don't apply for Real so that's another thing Juve has to worry about.

Don't jinx it, I am having ideas about it since Skopje isn't too far from my city.

When you think about it, Pogba (and Manchester United) will be trolled pretty hard if Juventus win the Champions League less than a year after he left, and winning Europa League wouldn't make it any easier. Some of his Facebook posts have trolling pics from Juve supporters in the comments. The EL logo dabbing made me laugh when I first saw it.

Slice'n'dice said:
I don't rate mid-table Spanish teams as indicator of a strong line up for a European Semi-Final. Nor do I think a team of kids from what is now a pretty poor league no matter how technically good some of the players are, are strong finalists. Frankly a team in fourth place in another fairly poor quality of League being another one.

Everyone but Man Utd fans can see that this is not a great standard of semi-finals. You got lucky, just accept it and enjoy it.

It's not the Champions League, it's the Europa League. You have to lower the standards. Fourth in France is the highest place for EL qualification, any higher and you're going to CL. After all, Lyon descended from CL group stages to here, while the French league leaders played a CL semifinal tonight. Better continental contribution this year than Germany, as well as Italy and England (unless Juve and Man United respectively go all the way, then it's not). I do think it would have looked better if there was Bilbao instead of Celta and Roma/Tottenham instead of Ajax (even though there are some compliments I can give to Celta and Ajax

) so in that sense the draw turned out easier than it could have been. But this is a second tier competition. Second tier teams from best leagues and best teams from second tier leagues are here, sometimes combined with some huge team that underachieved and ended up playing on Thursdays as a punishment. More variety, more unpredictability. Can you answer this, would you have called the draw weak if there were teams like Benfica, Porto, Sporting, Shakhtar, PSV, Basel or Fener in these last few stages (semi/quarter) instead of the ones that have been there this season (Schalke, Anderlecht, Besiktas, Ajax, Lyon, Celta, Genk)?

I totally admit there is a part of me that might be trying to make it sound like Manchester have a tougher task than they really do and that there is easily an excuse for not winning it, but it's not a formality either. This is 90% Manchester United's fault for hardly ever giving confidence though. A trophy and a half and a long unbeaten run in the league are probably the only positives. Comical wastefulness and now injury issues means it's getting quite complicated. Do you have a prediction for the 1st leg played in Celta since we've been talking about EL many times now?

Feña14 · May 3, 2017

TheAssassin said:
Yeah, that's Real, only going for the best players. Mbappe replacing Benzema would be epic, that kid has crazy potential. Personally I'd like De Gea and Hazard to stay, they are one of the biggest EPL stars and now that league needs more of them, not less. It just wouldn't be good if all the best quality is in only 3-4 clubs in Europe. Biggest competitions could become monotonous in the future for that reason and nobody wants that.

Yeah I could see Mbappe at Real Madrid. It would be a shame to not see him develop a bit more first, but he fits the high profile signing and it's a huge upgrade over Morata, so it does make some sense.

I'm not really sure where the Hazard rumours come from. He's a quiet family man and seems to be enjoying himself on and off the pitch in England, in contrast to Costa (and Courtois) who both seem to miss the Madrid social circles. Wouldn't be a huge shock to see both of them leave this summer, although a return to either Madrid side looks unlikely for Costa.

Gizo · May 3, 2017

Another reason to want Juve to win the CL other than stopping RM is for the legend that is Gigi Buffon to finally get his hands on this trophy. That would complete his set of career achievements nicely.

Their 2-6 record in European Cup/CL finals sticks out, losing their last 4 finals, while RM have won their last 7 major European finals. A club the size of Juve, who have been so dominant historically in a world class league Serie A, only winning the CL twice in their history just isn't right.

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