The TT Football Club

Happy New Year to all my football amigos. May this be a successful one for all your favorite clubs.

Not sure what to say about 2019. Barcelona have retained the Spanish crown convincingly. But there is a feeling of massive regret. I don't need to tell any of you why...

The biggest positive we can take from that year is that we still have a phenomenon to get us out of trouble often. And he's had such a phenomenal 2019 which featured loads of magical performances that won him a record sixth Ballon d'Or. Gives confidence to everyone associated with Blaugrana that we can still rely on someone who possesses another level of football for a little longer at least. And this year he will have the legendary Pele's goalscoring record for Santos in his sight, another achievement that would cement his place in the highest league of football players.



Most other players are either frustrating regularly or up and down, however I do have to give praise to Ter Stegen who has confirmed once again why he is one of the best goalkeepers, Suárez who still comes up with the goods at least domestically, and De Jong who has settled in well into the midfield despite being the youngest of all players in that position. Griezmann, although not playing as well or scoring as often as everyone would like, gets praise for his work rate and defensive contributions, something that can't be said for Leo and Luis.

Favorite moment of the year is tough to pick. In most other circumstances, Leo's free kick goal against Liverpool, his 600th for Barcelona, would have easily been on top. But after what happened the next week, it's hard to look at that piece of magic without a massive bittersweet feeling...

So I would single out some others. Obviously, winning La Liga is up there, and finally doing it at Camp Nou, after sealing all of our previous five league titles during away games, it gave an extra flavor to the celebrations. Travelling to Manchester for the first time and witnessing us play at the glorious Old Trafford, the place where my mother grew up and fell in love with football, it's something I will not forget. Attending the two wins at the Bernabéu in the same week that also gave us the first lead in the El Clásico head to head in 87 years. First knocking them out of Copa semifinal in midweek, then ending their title chances on the weekend. Right before Ajax did what they did... It was a perfect beginning of spring.

And a pretty special moment in La Liga happened in the away game against Real Betis. Leo completed his hat trick with a ridiculous lob, a moment of brilliance that made the Benito Villamarín crowd applaud and chant his name like Camp Nou does every week. A fitting tribute to the best player this league has ever had.


We enter 2020 with same hopes and same fears we had twelve months ago. There are some new faces that have improved the squad, but there are still the same problems that can play a crucial role in ruining the season. Can the worse performers fix that problem in the upcoming months, or can the MSG trio cover them well enough for trophy success? We'll see...

What stood out for you regarding your club in 2019?

Happy new year to you all. Hoping we can kick if off with a win against the gunners. Anybody else thinking draw? I dunno.

The top Man United doesn't just jump out at me for some reason haha. Hard to think. The win against City might be it. Think that is what convinced me to take it easy on Ole. To actually give him a chance with a few transfer windows. I don't think he is a clueless mug.

Very tired now as well. I'm sure there are other moments. The victory over PSG was nice.

Jose was not amused after Southampton beat Spurs.

"For me the referees are not the referees," he said. "I think the VAR should change their name because Video Assistant Referee is not true.

"It should be VR - Video Referee - because they are the referees. It is strange. You see the refs on the pitch and they are not the refs, they are the assistants.''

Can't argue with that. The question remains, what shall be done? Yeah, tweak tweak, let em tweak.

West Ham 4 Bournemouth 0

Switching between the match and the darts final. Arsenal looks to be playing well.

Matic does have the passing range to cause problems, just not for Arsenal...

Sysyphus said:

Matic does have the passing range to cause problems, just not for Arsenal...

Click to expand...

lol Really should have been 2-0 there. Looks like another one is coming.

Not going to say Arteta revolution or anything extreme. Arsenal's recent history has been defensive issues and we're not doing much to test them out. Struggling to keep up with the speed they are moving the ball. Playing some nice stuff.

''Ozil is working hard.'' hmmmm maybe it is the revolution.

And there it is. 2-0 Arsenal. United exposed and leaves the easy tap in from the corner.

This is like vintage Wengerball before he became specialist voyeur in failure.

Poisoned Slice said:

lol Really should have been 2-0 there. Looks like another one is coming.

Click to expand...

right on

80 million pounds well spent on Maguire.

Even De Gea has become unreliable recently.

Tiki-Taka said:

Happy New Year to all my football amigos. May this be a successful one for all your favorite clubs.

Not sure what to say about 2019. Barcelona have retained the Spanish crown convincingly. But there is a feeling of massive regret. I don't need to tell any of you why...

The biggest positive we can take from that year is that we still have a phenomenon to get us out of trouble often. And he's had such a phenomenal 2019 which featured loads of magical performances that won him a record sixth Ballon d'Or. Gives confidence to everyone associated with Blaugrana that we can still rely on someone who possesses another level of football for a little longer at least. And this year he will have the legendary Pele's goalscoring record for Santos in his sight, another achievement that would cement his place in the highest league of football players.

Most other players are either frustrating regularly or up and down, however I do have to give praise to Ter Stegen who has confirmed once again why he is one of the best goalkeepers, Suárez who still comes up with the goods at least domestically, and De Jong who has settled in well into the midfield despite being the youngest of all players in that position. Griezmann, although not playing as well or scoring as often as everyone would like, gets praise for his work rate and defensive contributions, something that can't be said for Leo and Luis.

Favorite moment of the year is tough to pick. In most other circumstances, Leo's free kick goal against Liverpool, his 600th for Barcelona, would have easily been on top. But after what happened the next week, it's hard to look at that piece of magic without a massive bittersweet feeling...

So I would single out some others. Obviously, winning La Liga is up there, and finally doing it at Camp Nou, after sealing all of our previous five league titles during away games, it gave an extra flavor to the celebrations. Travelling to Manchester for the first time and witnessing us play at the glorious Old Trafford, the place where my mother grew up and fell in love with football, it's something I will not forget. Attending the two wins at the Bernabéu in the same week that also gave us the first lead in the El Clásico head to head in 87 years. First knocking them out of Copa semifinal in midweek, then ending their title chances on the weekend. Right before Ajax did what they did... It was a perfect beginning of spring.

And a pretty special moment in La Liga happened in the away game against Real Betis. Leo completed his hat trick with a ridiculous lob, a moment of brilliance that made the Benito Villamarín crowd applaud and chant his name like Camp Nou does every week. A fitting tribute to the best player this league has ever had.

We enter 2020 with same hopes and same fears we had twelve months ago. There are some new faces that have improved the squad, but there are still the same problems that can play a crucial role in ruining the season. Can the worse performers fix that problem in the upcoming months,

What stood out for you regarding your club in 2019?

Click to expand...

Best of luck to Barca, hope you win it all this year... Except the European Supercup, we'll be waiting there.

Favorite moments were definitely the away wins over PSG and City, and watching our game against Partizan in Belgrade live. Some really nice highlights from United this year, just not so often. But we'll get there eventually.

Cheering on Derby tonight.

A winning start for the United legend. Derby defeats Barnsley 2-1.

"It was so surreal," Derby's Man of the Match Max Bird tells Sky Sports after the game of playing with Rooney. "I'm a Man Utd fan as well so playing alongside one of my heroes was a dream come true."

Bad news for Spurs. Harry Kane out with a torn hamstring.

Rumours have United linked with Grealish and Maddison. We will see about that. Gedson Fernandes now linked with West Ham. Ready to feel the Moyes.

Poisoned Slice said:

Bad news for Spurs. Harry Kane out with a torn hamstring.

Rumours have United linked with Grealish and Maddison. We will see about that. Gedson Fernandes now linked with West Ham. Ready to feel the Moyes.

Click to expand...

I’m no hamstring expert, but a tear is very bad, no?

The article I saw said he would be out for a few weeks. Sounds a bit optimistic to me.

Feña14 said:

I’m no hamstring expert, but a tear is very bad, no?

The article I saw said he would be out for a few weeks. Sounds a bit optimistic to me.

Click to expand...

I'm as much as an expert as you are. Guess it depends on how severe it is. Once you hear torn then you're fearing the worst. It does sound optimistic but sometimes they seem to have more than mere mortals like me. haha I was reading another article and it was maybe taking the full pessimistic approach. It says he won't be back until March at least.

Poisoned Slice said:

I'm as much as an expert as you are. Guess it depends on how severe it is. Once you hear torn then you're fearing the worst. It does sound optimistic but sometimes they seem to have more than mere mortals like me. haha I was reading another article and it was maybe taking the full pessimistic approach. It says he won't be back until March at least.

Click to expand...

March sounds more realistic to me! I mean, a tweak usually takes a few weeks to recover from. A tear sounds more like a few months.

I think Spurs will be ok though, the likes of Man Utd and Chelsea, who they are battling with, are inconsistent. They should be able to stay in touch.

The Wolves Man Utd FA Cup game was such a bore.

Frustrating return to La Liga football. Only a draw against last placed Espanyol, our city rival, while Getafe delivered a lousy performance against Real who beat them 3-0 at Coliseum.

As expected, very aggressive from our opponents, who "for some reason" love to be like that against Barca but don't show that often against others. Calleri committed nearly ten fouls and guess what, he didn't even get a yellow. They ended up scoring from their only threat in the first half through Lopez's header. Barcelona dominated the first period in terms of possession, nearly having 90% of the ball, but didn't create much.

Suarez, who kept Lopez onside for Espanyol's opening goal, was responsible for the second half turnaround. He brilliantly connected with Alba's cross and sent the ball into the near corner first time for the equalizer early in the second half, while his outside of the foot cross found second half substitute Vidal, who headed it nicely into the top of the goal. Unfortunately, Luis didn't score a goal that would have sealed the game, shooting straight into Diego Lopez after Leo's amazing run and pass.

As soon as I praised De Jong who was so comfortable on the ball, he committed two stupid fouls in a short period of time. First a "professional foul", bringing the opponent down in order to deny Espanyol a counter attack, then being dispossessed in our half and pulling the shirt with the same intention, which got him a second yellow card. The game became more open with both sides threatening, and their second half substitute Wu scored with two minutes of normal time left after Vargas' pass split our defense.

The derby was an interesting one when looking at the two managers. Valverde played in Espanyol, who named one of the gates after him, while Espanyol are now coached by one and only Abelardo, one of the better center backs Barcelona had. Love for him and all, but I hope they go down. Every season there is something infuriating about their presence, and their really aggressive attitude constantly on display in derbies are the last straw.

With half a season/19 games gone, it's dead even at the top of the table. Barcelona and Real Madrid with 40 points. Atletico and Sevilla follow closely in 3rd and 4th, also even at 35 points.

Not enjoying this, although the previous two seasons when Barca had a noticeable lead in the table at the same stage have spoiled us a bit. Still, Zidane has had way too many close calls going in his favor during his few years of management that I am concerned whether he will steal this race like he did in 2017. Considering he stated several times that La Liga is priority rather than Champions League this year, Barcelona better take that as a warning and improve in the second half of the season.

Next week will feature a joke of a new format of our Supercopa. Not only will we not be playing it in Spain, but four teams will be involved. You thought it's the usual league champion vs cup champion showdown? Think again. 2nd and 3rd in the league will participate too. Liga champions Barca will play Atletico in one semifinal while Copa champions Valencia will play Real in the other. I just want this to be over soon. What used to be such an eventful two legged tie that opened every new La Liga season has turned into... I don't know how to call it.

One eye on the trip to Valencia at the end of January as far as most of Blaugrana are concerned. It's one of crucial games for Barca in this really tight race, and getting a wanted result at Mestalla can be a turning point for the better...

It was funny. I got a taxi earlier tonight and he was one of the talkative types. Sometimes you get a guy and he has been working all day, thinking life sucks. That is also cool with me. But anyway, he asks what I was doing tonight. I told him I was watching the United match. Then he asks, what the bleep is going on with your team? Before answering himself. I was amused. Turns out he is a Liverpool man as well, in love with Klopp. (and why not?)

He says the element of surprise is gone and we will not beat City again. Only time will tell.

Raiola and Lingard hooking up according to the news. This could be a good one. Get him out of here.

Breaking news. Lingard signs new 65million 4-year deal with the possibility of one-year extension if he gets 2 assists during the season.

I'm all for defending the players. But there comes a time when enough is enough. He's pretty useless, you can't use the ''he makes everybody around him play better'' quip either.

Maddison in no rush to leave Leicester AKA increase your bid to 100 million. You're not getting him cheaper than Maguire.

Poisoned Slice said:

Maddison in no rush to leave Leicester AKA increase your bid to 100 million. You're not getting him cheaper than Maguire.

Click to expand...

I think Maddison wants Champions League football.


Hence why he’s staying at Leicester

Poisoned Slice said:

It was funny. I got a taxi earlier tonight and he was one of the talkative types. Sometimes you get a guy and he has been working all day, thinking life sucks. That is also cool with me. But anyway, he asks what I was doing tonight. I told him I was watching the United match. Then he asks, what the bleep is going on with your team? Before answering himself. I was amused. Turns out he is a Liverpool man as well, in love with Klopp. (and why not?)

He says the element of surprise is gone and we will not beat City again. Only time will tell.

Click to expand...

Taxi guy to be hired as next United analyst after this shambolic performance he predicted.

Federer and Del Potro said:

Taxi guy to be hired as next United analyst after this shambolic performance he predicted.

Click to expand...

The taxi driver should replace Solskjaer, who can then start driving the taxi. Ole's at the wheel, indeed.

Federer and Del Potro said:

Taxi guy to be hired as next United analyst after this shambolic performance he predicted.

Click to expand...

Indeed. lol

The night wasn't a total waste. My mate did make me a nice dinner. Last time I was down there was the win against Tottenham so was thinking this could be the lucky house. Yeah, that thought was quickly kicked in the balls once the match started.

Feña14 said:

The taxi driver should replace Solskjaer, who can then start driving the taxi. Ole's at the wheel, indeed.

Click to expand...

I was with a guy on Saturday and he had the Chelsea anniversary shirt on. He's all like, put your hand up to Bob Marley and tell us what you really think of Ole being at the wheel. The conversation quickly turned when he showed me his new watch that is also a weed grinder. I was getitng ready to give the ol he needs time speech. Thank goodness the topic changed.

Poisoned Slice said:

Indeed. lol

The night wasn't a total waste. My mate did make me a nice dinner. Last time I was down there was the win against Tottenham so was thinking this could be the lucky house. Yeah, that thought was quickly kicked in the balls once the match started.



I was with a guy on Saturday and he had the Chelsea anniversary shirt on. He's all like, put your hand up to Bob Marley and tell us what you really think of Ole being at the wheel. The conversation quickly turned when he showed me his new watch that is also a weed grinder. I was getitng ready to give the ol he needs time speech. Thank goodness the topic changed.

Click to expand...

Haha! You’ve had a run in with a few characters this week, by the sounds on things

How did the anniversary shirt look in the flesh? It looks good on pictures and on TV, but it’s hard to know for sure. The sponsor being in blue to match the shirt is a bit... different. You can’t really see it at a distance, but I’m guessing it might look strange up close.

Feña14 said:

Haha! You’ve had a run in with a few characters this week, by the sounds on things

How did the anniversary shirt look in the flesh? It looks good on pictures and on TV, but it’s hard to know for sure. The sponsor being in blue to match the shirt is a bit... different. You can’t really see it at a distance, but I’m guessing it might look strange up close.

Click to expand...

I think the shirt looks lovely. After he asked the Ole question, we moved on and then it didn't take long to start talking football again. Still a big lover of Mourinho, winning is the most important thing. United should have backed Mourinho. etc etc You're Man Utd and now you're looking to buy people that can't even get on Newcastle's bench. Yeah, he had his fun. Still undecided on Lamps. haha

Sorry, Ole. I thought this was hilarious.

The boys gave their best, we were just unlucky, am proud of the lads.

Kroos' goal from the corner was a joke of an error from Jaume have no idea why he's playing instead of Cillessen.

Not to get the hopes up ladies and gentlemen. United are apparently closing in on Bruno Fernandes. Claims to be serious this time.

''The situation has changed since last summer''

Wow, somebody actually caught on that our midfield is lacking quality. Yeah, who knew?

Sporting really needs the money. Their chiefs are at United offices now according to one of them.

We shall see. We have so many different channels reporting on it now. I'm tempted to get my hopes up.

He's been the captain of that United team I posted in here not so long ago so obviously he has been a huge success in the game world.

Please sign. I'm feeling really hyped now.

Hyped.

'Brunoooooooooooo'

So, is he going to be meh or is he going to be another United flop?

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil said:

So, is he going to be meh or is he going to be another United flop?

Click to expand...

He's going to be sensational. This is the new era of United transfer business.

So is Neymar ever coming back to Barcelona or what? We kind of need him. Before champions league would have been good.

Uh huh uh huh. yeah , I know, it's not the premier league.

Bruno Fernandes this season:
• 14 games
• 13 goal involvements

Lingard & Pereira combined over the last two seasons:
• 78 games
• 13 goal involvement

Nice easy win over Norwich. Rashford celebrates his 200th appearance for the club with another brace.

Southampton avenge the recent 0-9 loss by beating Leicester at King Power Stadium.

Really poor mistakes and those little VAR interventions in the super cup semifinal a couple of days ago resulted in a 2-3 loss to Atletico Madrid in Jeddah. Can't be bothered to talk about it to be honest...

Now two teams who weren't even supposed to be part of this competition will play for the trophy. Instead of Barcelona vs Valencia as it should have been, it's the Madrid derby on Sunday. Going in the right direction as far as ruining the game is concerned. Can't wait to see us organize La Liga games in America or China in the near future. Why play it on our grounds...

Tiki-Taka said:

Really poor mistakes and those little VAR interventions in the super cup semifinal a couple of days ago resulted in a 2-3 loss to Atletico Madrid in Jeddah. Can't be bothered to talk about it to be honest...

Now two teams who weren't even supposed to be part of this competition will play for the trophy. Instead of Barcelona vs Valencia as it should have been, it's the Madrid derby on Sunday. Going in the right direction as far as ruining the game is concerned. Can't wait to see us organize La Liga games in America or China in the near future. Why play it on our grounds...

Click to expand...

Xavi taking over as manager, by the sounds of it?

Poor mans Lampard as a player, wonder if it will be the same in the managerial stakes

Feña14 said:

Xavi taking over as manager, by the sounds of it?

Poor mans Lampard as a player, wonder if it will be the same in the managerial stakes

Click to expand...

His current club Al-Sadd confirmed negotiations are in progress. He will inform Abidal and Grau about his decision soon. It would be like a belated new year holiday present seeing the back of Valverde in the coming days. Worst case scenario is he remains until the summer and Xavi gets offered a two year deal then.

Everything would be perfect with Xavi in charge. The grass in particular.

Tiki-Taka said:

His current club Al-Sadd confirmed negotiations are in progress. He will inform Abidal and Grau about his decision soon. It would be like a belated new year holiday present seeing the back of Valverde in the coming days. Worst case scenario is he remains until the summer and Xavi gets offered a two year deal then.

Everything would be perfect with Xavi in charge. The grass in particular.

Click to expand...

From what I’ve read, he has not done a good job as manager with Al-Sadd. Hopefully it will be different with Barca.

Tiki-Taka said:

His current club Al-Sadd confirmed negotiations are in progress. He will inform Abidal and Grau about his decision soon. It would be like a belated new year holiday present seeing the back of Valverde in the coming days. Worst case scenario is he remains until the summer and Xavi gets offered a two year deal then.

Everything would be perfect with Xavi in charge. The grass in particular.

Click to expand...

You’ve been saying for awhile how you want a managerial change, hopefully it won’t be long to wait now

Fingers crossed he’s more of a Lampard than a Solskjaer in terms of competence

Feña14 said:

Poor mans Lampard as a player

Click to expand...

I just googled Lampard vs Xavi and it seems most would disagree with you. Their styles were apparently very different from each other.

That's just one of his occasional teases, we go back and forth every once in a while. Xavi is obviously up there with any midfielder.

Lampard is one of the best opponents Barcelona faced on the continental stage in modern times though...

FRV2 said:

From what I’ve read, he has not done a good job as manager with Al-Sadd. Hopefully it will be different with Barca.

Click to expand...

Maybe, I didn't track his progress there. He hasn't been there for a full year anyway. My main concern is that he hasn't gained much experience yet. Even Pep didn't appear out of nowhere. He coached Barcelona B team for a year before succeeding Rijkaard.

Tiki-Taka said:

That's just one of his occasional teases. We both know Xavi is up there with any midfielder.

Lampard is one of the best opponents Barcelona faced on the continental stage in modern times though...

Maybe, I didn't track his progress there. He hasn't been there for a full year anyway. My main concern is that he hasn't gained much experience yet. Even Pep didn't appear out of nowhere. He coached Barcelona B team for a year before succeeding Rijkaard.

Click to expand...

Of course! You know something is wrong if I stop teasing

Iniesta is the best midfielder of his generation imo.

Tiki-Taka said:

That's just one of his occasional teases. We both know Xavi is up there with any midfielder.

Lampard is one of the best opponents Barcelona faced on the continental stage in modern times though...

Maybe, I didn't track his progress there. He hasn't been there for a full year anyway. My main concern is that he hasn't gained much experience yet. Even Pep didn't appear out of nowhere. He coached Barcelona B team for a year before succeeding Rijkaard.

Click to expand...

Yes, they are throwing Xavi to the wolves out of desperation to replace Valverde. But I don’t think they will replace him before the end of the season.

Barcelona needs some serious Messi magic if they want to win the champions league. It will be extremely tough (like always, but more so this year with how average most of the club is playing). I can’t believe they choked like that last year.

Just started watching soccer recently. It is very hard to follow, perhaps the hardest of any sport I’ve tried to follow ever. Too many good players and I don’t know what position does what. When I watch a Barcelona game m, I pay attention to two things: 1. Where is Messi? 2. Where is the ball.

Even for new football fans who find it hard to follow, last year's choke at Anfield was unbelievable...