PED
Legend
. I'm sure you'll be joining me in hoping that's the case and he's at Arsenal next year
Quoted for truth, I'm tired of acting as a finishing school for the PL elite
The TT Football Club
- Thread starter Ross K
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Quoted for truth, I'm tired of acting as a finishing school for the PL elite
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Quoted for truth, I'm tired of acting as a finishing school for the PL elite
I think Arsenal could of been up there next year, and still could. Podolski and van Persie could be lethal. It's not totally unreasonable to think they could get someone like Eriksen to replace Nasri. M'Vila to bring the steel in midfield. A decent centre back to play with Vermaelen and you'd be tough to beat.
Arsenal could probably get all that for around £40 Million, which isn't really alot to get back up near the top. I've heard £40 Million is what you get for making the Champions League, just spend it for one year to improve the team no end! I'm sure they would make more money than they do now by winning FA Cups, challenging for titles and getting back to the latter stages of the Champions League. It's like an investment that will bring the club and fans huge rewards.
Let's face it, there were times this season when Arsenal looked like they might not qualify this year, even on the last day of the season. That should be a wake up call for the club to spend now, just like it has been for Chelsea after we came 6th.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
It's tough for West Ham, alot of their players this year in the Championship were on the same wages they were in the Premier League. That doesn't leave alot of room to bring in fresh players to try and keep them up this year.
They're going to have to find some real bargains and get a bit creative you'd think.
PED
Legend
“I spoke with Abramovich, he is very simple and loves football,” Hazard said. “We were on the same wavelength, he wants to confirm Chelsea’s position at the top. Chelsea have made a good investment for me but I did not put any pressure on them.”
What a tosser.
I wonder if Red Rom likes being described as simple
I suspect he'll be a success, but I wish he'd give the attitude a rest until he's actually accomplished something.
What a tosser.
I wonder if Red Rom likes being described as simple
I suspect he'll be a success, but I wish he'd give the attitude a rest until he's actually accomplished something.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
“I spoke with Abramovich, he is very simple and loves football,” Hazard said. “We were on the same wavelength, he wants to confirm Chelsea’s position at the top. Chelsea have made a good investment for me but I did not put any pressure on them.”
What a tosser.
I wonder if Red Rom likes being described as simple
I suspect he'll be a success, but I wish he'd give the attitude a rest until he's actually accomplished something.
It's always a fine line with attitude, you're right. Ronaldo was always cocky though and no doubt it played a part in what he's become today. If you have the attitude and fail, you can end up looking foolish. Hopefully Hazard will go down the Ronaldo route.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-0_B_N0Rmw
Here's an incredible video about the Champions League final, neutrals might not be too interested but it's been put together really well. A Man Utd friend of mine showed it to me and even he was close to tears. I'm sure Nick will enjoy it anyway!
You are correct, Gold has indicated a 30m budget, no idea if that is fees and wages/payoffs ubt that should be enough if spent wisely. On the plus side a lot more players have left this summer on frees Faubert, Carew,Green all on good money (for his impact Faubert was on stupidly good prem money let alone championship) a lot more besides (inc that Nouble kid we got from Chelsea, had hopes for him).Still could be worse, we could of given kieron Dyer a new contract, what possesed QPR to do that i have no idea.
I saw that about Barton, it really does seem as if he winds everyone up the wrong way doesn't it.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Barton is a strange one! He's quite intelligent for a footballer and when you hear him speak outside of football, he comes across as really likeable. Whenever he's been on a Question of Sport he's funny, charming, knowledgeable.
Get him on the pitch though and he's trying to break everyones legs! He's got issues.
Get him on the pitch though and he's trying to break everyones legs! He's got issues.
SempreSami
Hall of Fame
Man Utd have agreed a deal for Kagawa. The Premier League should be quite interesting next season provided Chelsea's collective of mega-egos doesn't collapse in on itself.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Great player, but you'd think they will have to change the system to fit him in. He's more of a creative number 10 who likes a free role. Playing him out wide wouldn't allow him to do what he does, not to mention keeping 2 of Nani, Valencia or Young out the side. He certainly can't play in a flat 2 in the centre of midfield either.
You think they might look to get a Martinez, De Rossi, M'Vila type to maybe play along Carrick? Would make the 4-2-3-1 easy to play.
PED
Legend
Interesting thoughts on Hodgson's system, I missed Saturday's game-hoping they can put in a good show next week.
"If you're going to play for him you've got to put a shift in and perform, work to a system and be tight defensively," the Fulham midfielder Simon Davies said after his side had beaten a technically more accomplished Shakhtar Donetsk in the Uefa Cup. "What you get after that is a bonus. We work on it every day. Every day in training is geared towards team shape."
That can, Davies admitted, be dull, and the suspicion is that one of the reasons Hodgson's time at Liverpool was so disappointing is that bigger names were reluctant to knuckle down to repetitive work. Davies admitted it took a little while for Fulham's players to be converted, before the results convinced them
"If you're going to play for him you've got to put a shift in and perform, work to a system and be tight defensively," the Fulham midfielder Simon Davies said after his side had beaten a technically more accomplished Shakhtar Donetsk in the Uefa Cup. "What you get after that is a bonus. We work on it every day. Every day in training is geared towards team shape."
That can, Davies admitted, be dull, and the suspicion is that one of the reasons Hodgson's time at Liverpool was so disappointing is that bigger names were reluctant to knuckle down to repetitive work. Davies admitted it took a little while for Fulham's players to be converted, before the results convinced them
So after weeks of wholly uncharacteristic silence, Redknapp is opening his trap again rather widely and is in full flow spouting insulting nonsense. The latest morsel of wisdom being the Champions League is overrated... WTF?!:evil:
How this well known opportunist, chronic excuse maker and user of the media has the effrontery to demand a new 3-4 year contract after the incredibly costly failure to qualify for the CL in the most dismal of circumstances (and lets not forget he was actively courting the English job too), well, it's beyond me. :shock:
Along with the majority of Spurs fans, I'd imagine, I'm hoping and preying that Levy's rumoured displeasure with HR (and they are meant to be holding 'show-down' contract issues this week), will lead to Redknapp being given the elbow. It does look to me like HR - no doubt with the encouragement of his new agent - Rooney's management team - has decided to start blabbing again in the press as some form of strategy.
3-4 year contract?!
Over to Mr Levy then...
How this well known opportunist, chronic excuse maker and user of the media has the effrontery to demand a new 3-4 year contract after the incredibly costly failure to qualify for the CL in the most dismal of circumstances (and lets not forget he was actively courting the English job too), well, it's beyond me. :shock:
Along with the majority of Spurs fans, I'd imagine, I'm hoping and preying that Levy's rumoured displeasure with HR (and they are meant to be holding 'show-down' contract issues this week), will lead to Redknapp being given the elbow. It does look to me like HR - no doubt with the encouragement of his new agent - Rooney's management team - has decided to start blabbing again in the press as some form of strategy.
3-4 year contract?!
Over to Mr Levy then...
So after weeks of wholly uncharacteristic silence, Redknapp is opening his trap again rather widely and is in full flow spouting insulting nonsense. The latest morsel of wisdom being the Champions League is overrated... WTF?!:evil:
How this well known opportunist, chronic excuse maker and user of the media has the effrontery to demand a new 3-4 year contract after the incredibly costly failure to qualify for the CL in the most dismal of circumstances (and lets not forget he was actively courting the English job too), well, it's beyond me. :shock:
Along with the majority of Spurs fans, I'd imagine, I'm hoping and preying that Levy's rumoured displeasure with HR (and they are meant to be holding 'show-down' contract issues this week), will lead to Redknapp being given the elbow. It does look to me like HR - no doubt with the encouragement of his new agent - Rooney's management team - has decided to start blabbing again in the press as some form of strategy.
3-4 year contract?!
Over to Mr Levy then...
I've always lliked the way he used the press, I can remember seeing one "off camera" moment related by another press man around Jan last year when he wanted Parker, it was said he spoke to a friend of his (i think he was his ghost writer on his autobiography) you should ask me about these players. That way, he's not "tapping them up".For someone who claims to be so unintelligent he's a smart chap who knows how the system works.
4 more years!! :twisted:
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Looks like Di Matteo could be getting the job afterall!
To of already wrapped up Marin, Hazard and Hulk is pretty much done too, to get the manager sorted aswell so soon is great. Now all that's left to do is to get rid of a few more players, bring in a right back and a central midfielder or two and we're in great shape.
To of already wrapped up Marin, Hazard and Hulk is pretty much done too, to get the manager sorted aswell so soon is great. Now all that's left to do is to get rid of a few more players, bring in a right back and a central midfielder or two and we're in great shape.
^ Good news there Fena. He obviously has earned his shot. Best of luck to him.
Will be so interesting to see if Rodgers can make it work at Liverpool. Ditto Lambert at at Villa. I'm a fan of both.
A bit of an "in the know" rumour here (okay, usually this forum stuff is BLX but it has been correct on a few occasions)... Redknapp will be sacked come Monday.
Re England V France, what are ppl's predictions?
Will be so interesting to see if Rodgers can make it work at Liverpool. Ditto Lambert at at Villa. I'm a fan of both.
A bit of an "in the know" rumour here (okay, usually this forum stuff is BLX but it has been correct on a few occasions)... Redknapp will be sacked come Monday.
Re England V France, what are ppl's predictions?
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Hopefully he does well, having Hazard, Marin, Hulk and whoever else comes should be a big help!
Interesting about Redknapp, a month or two ago he was being linked with England and Spurs seemed to be doing everything they could to keep him. Hopefully he can make it past monday, Di Matteo might not be in place by then and Abramovich might look to get him :neutral:
Predictions for England and France.. 3-0 France for me.
forthegame
Hall of Fame
Good start to the Euros, wife is going off her head with all the sport on the tele haha.....should of seen her face when I told her there are two Wimbledon's this year
France v England 2-2
That's just epic!
Breaker
Legend
Good start to the Euros, wife is going off her head with all the sport on the tele haha.....should of seen her face when I told her there are two Wimbledon's this year
France v England 2-2
Haha Euros Wimbledon Olympics then it's over just in time for the start of the domestic leagues again! Can't get much better for sport
PED
Legend
I'm going with 2-1 France over England.
I guess Portugal decide to wait until the last 10 minutes to actually start playing today. Glad Germany pulled through. They looked pretty sluggish overall.
If RvP stays, it appears he'll get a steady supply of cross from the left from Poldi.
Frustrating that Portugal took so long to come out and play - when they did they actually looked very tasty.
Even more frustrating watching the Dutch. Such quality players (thought Sneijder was superb) but they couldn't convert their chances.
England V France... optimistic I realize but I'll go for a score-draw.
Anyhow, I'm starting to enjoy these Euros.
Even more frustrating watching the Dutch. Such quality players (thought Sneijder was superb) but they couldn't convert their chances.
England V France... optimistic I realize but I'll go for a score-draw.
Anyhow, I'm starting to enjoy these Euros.
PED
Legend
Too right, I think Holland had 28 shots on target vs 6 for Denmark. They took their chance but frustrating when defense rules the day-like Fed vs Djokovic yesterday.
Nice to see Fed go for it but just couldn't hit through him.
Nole's defense is just amazing, not just getting to shots but what he can do with a 2hbh taken at full stretch.....
Nani did cause some problems in the last 10 minutes; the whole show would have been much better without that fussy french ref who stopped play time after time after time.
Nice to see Fed go for it but just couldn't hit through him.
Nole's defense is just amazing, not just getting to shots but what he can do with a 2hbh taken at full stretch.....
Nani did cause some problems in the last 10 minutes; the whole show would have been much better without that fussy french ref who stopped play time after time after time.
Here are some interesting thoughts from Hoddle re the Ox (he should play), Welbeck/Carroll (the latter shouldn't play), the similarity between England and Chelsea, etc.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/eu...ddle-Give-The-Ox-chance-impact-Owen-1998.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/eu...ddle-Give-The-Ox-chance-impact-Owen-1998.html
crosscourt
Professional
France 1 - 1 England
So far no team looks particularly well balanced. It will be interesting to see Spain play Italy this evening.
CC
So far no team looks particularly well balanced. It will be interesting to see Spain play Italy this evening.
CC
crosscourt
Professional
I thouht Spain looked a lot better once Torres came on. They had better shape and looked better set up to score. Of course the poor guy then missed two good chances...
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Pretty standard then! You'd think he would be one of the luckiest strikers to of ever played the game, to have Fabregas, Silva, Iniesta and Xavi behind him for Spain and the possibility of Mata, Hazard and Hulk creating for him at Chelsea next year...
You'd of thought it almost impossible for him not to be racking up the goals.
Fascinating and kind of Grandmaster chess-like to watch the forward-less Spain and the 5-man midfield or whatever it was Italy did. The key thing for me was - and this never seems to happen with England - is on a basic level the system etc wasn't this fixed limiting thing as the players were just so good.
No longer much of a Serie A/Italy watcher, I was surprised and very impressed with Italy - an absolute template of what England should probably aspire to re pressing further up, keeping shape, not being too wasteful in possession, and still having some offensive threat.
RE Spain, I know I'm maybe in a minority around here, but I love their possession-based, fluid football, and I think reports of their demise are a little premature and they are still the team to beat. That said, I agree with remarks above, and Torres has to take these chances.
No longer much of a Serie A/Italy watcher, I was surprised and very impressed with Italy - an absolute template of what England should probably aspire to re pressing further up, keeping shape, not being too wasteful in possession, and still having some offensive threat.
RE Spain, I know I'm maybe in a minority around here, but I love their possession-based, fluid football, and I think reports of their demise are a little premature and they are still the team to beat. That said, I agree with remarks above, and Torres has to take these chances.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
I don't like it personally, but i'm sure most people do. They seem to be the majority of peoples second favourite team.
Italy have good players, they're technically pretty decent. English players don't really have the technical ability that the other Countries manage to produce. That probably has alot to do with players seemingly going into meltdown if you ask them to play a different formation!
Yesterday for instance, Italy put De Rossi as a sweeper almost and he was brilliant. Bosingwa played in central defence at the Nou Camp and held his own against the best team in the World. Can you imagine us asking our attacking right back, Glen Johnson to play centre back?
Peters
Professional
It's because it's drummed into our kids at a very young age to play at 100MPH and in a rigid way. Coaches only want tough tacklers at the back and kids who sprint really fast at the other end (or lanky lads who can get their heads on to long balls).
No dynamism or patience is introduced and the same habits stick for life. Occasionally, a player will buck the system and have some unique skills but generally it's all down to youth development and coaching techniques.
Although, there is talk of reducing pitch sizes for youngsters and new coaching techniques. But it's about 10-20 years too late for this generation.
crosscourt
Professional
I like Spain too. I do though feel that their lack of goal scoring forwards is a problem. I would start with Torres.
Re Later this afternoon, I'm wondering (hoping) Young and Welbeck get a chance to get into the game a bit, Chamberlain too. I'm a Young fan and think he has some real quality. You don't really expect Gerrard to be doing much aside from covering and cutting out along with Parker, so, hard to see goal threats coming from other areas.
Anyhow, bring it on... and I'm not working later, so - perfect!... as I said on the other thread: "Come on you roast beefs!"
Anyhow, bring it on... and I'm not working later, so - perfect!... as I said on the other thread: "Come on you roast beefs!"
Have to say it, this was better than anticipated, a lot better and more interesting, subtle, daring even (so surprised Ox actually played from start) from Hodgson and the team. All right, we're not Brazil, but more times than I can recall with Fabio, we were stringing some nice passing sequences together, we had much better possession of the ball and didn't just lose it instantly the whole time, I thought Ox, Welbeck and Young were really interestingly and effectively utilized, plus we did indeed have far more cohesion, shape and better organization.
BTW, Was that ref half-French or something? LOL!
BTW, Was that ref half-French or something? LOL!
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
?????? Watching a different game to me, looked good defensively, although french attack was turd. The odd few cohesive passing sequences, yes a couple, come on ross we lost the ball like we always do, welbeck did nothing, oxy had a few runs them lost the ball, we looked laboured in the sun, young hardly touched the ball, our foreward thinking backs hardly got over the half way line.......it was painful in the main, ok I'd be happy if I was blackburn going to old trafford and getting ten behind the ball and holding out for a draw, good job we scored first cos if we don't we'll be out very quickly chasing the game.
Well, I don't agree. No, I don't think we're brilliant now and we'll win the Euros - ho, ho. But it was more than encouraging imo. BTW, Did you see Viera on TV pantsing it at half-time saying we were tactically much better and bossing it for 30 minutes? I also think you're possibly slightly underestimating France, who with Nasri and Riberry were causing me to do my own pantsing everytime they were on the edge of our box!
Anyhow, I thought a draw with a quality France side was a fair result - and as someone haunted by England under Cappello, that's not so bad.
PED
Legend
Ballack was commentating on American TV and he was damning in his description-he accused them of parking the bus and tbh, he's right.
However, that's a point won against a tough team so I'll take it.
Not sure if it was the players today or Roy's system limiting them. Not really impressed with Welbeck or Milner today. Benzema is scary within 20 yards of goal-makes me glad Wayne will be back soon.
Big gap between Gerrard and Parker(shielded well) and the other midfield and seemed to give France plenty of space.
I hope from an entertainment standpoint, they'll open it up more against the others.
It was like watching Gilles Simon in the FO, effective but not really exciting. Still, one point is better than none
However, that's a point won against a tough team so I'll take it.
Not sure if it was the players today or Roy's system limiting them. Not really impressed with Welbeck or Milner today. Benzema is scary within 20 yards of goal-makes me glad Wayne will be back soon.
Big gap between Gerrard and Parker(shielded well) and the other midfield and seemed to give France plenty of space.
I hope from an entertainment standpoint, they'll open it up more against the others.
It was like watching Gilles Simon in the FO, effective but not really exciting. Still, one point is better than none
Giroud & Vertonghen
On a different topic, I note that Arsenal are said to be rapidly closing in on Giroud - who would be another fine signing to compliment Podolski. Whilst Spurs, incredibly, STILL haven't signed Vertonghen (or anyone, not even a tea-lady or a car-park attendant ).
What with the rumoured major dischord between Redknapp and Levy and the strong possibility Levy will actually replace HR shortly, well, maybe that's why it's delayed thus - though it has been the longest, most boring transfer story in Spurs' history!
Anyhow, he must be good because Ericksen, his team-mate, called him "the best player in Holland." (Not much to live up to then LOL!...)
Nice bit of business for Arsenal though, if it gets completed.
On a different topic, I note that Arsenal are said to be rapidly closing in on Giroud - who would be another fine signing to compliment Podolski. Whilst Spurs, incredibly, STILL haven't signed Vertonghen (or anyone, not even a tea-lady or a car-park attendant
). What with the rumoured major dischord between Redknapp and Levy and the strong possibility Levy will actually replace HR shortly, well, maybe that's why it's delayed thus - though it has been the longest, most boring transfer story in Spurs' history!
Anyhow, he must be good because Ericksen, his team-mate, called him "the best player in Holland." (Not much to live up to then LOL!...)
Nice bit of business for Arsenal though, if it gets completed.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Looks like the Hulk deal could be off afterall! Instead moving for Falcao. They're around the same price, but i'd probably prefer Falcao. We are doing ok for wide players, Marin, Mata, Hazard, Sturridge, de Bruyne.
Maybe it makes more sense to get a top class striker and get a cheaper wide player, someone like Schurrle.
Maybe it makes more sense to get a top class striker and get a cheaper wide player, someone like Schurrle.
SempreSami
Hall of Fame
Atleti prolly wouldn't be willing to sell Falcao for any less than what they paid for him.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Very true, wasn't it £32 Million? Porto want £38 Million for Hulk it seems. I'm guessing around £40 Million would be enough to convince them to sell.
It would be a real risk putting all our faith in Torres, only for him to fail again. With Mata and Hazard creating chances, if he's not putting them away things could unravel pretty quickly as he's the only real centre forward at the club.
I think it just comes down to where the money will be spent, spend big on a winger and get a back up striker (Ba maybe) or get Falcao and spend less on a wide player (Schurrle possibly).
It needs to be sorted quick you'd of thought, a midfielder to replace Essien and a right back for Bosingwa haven't even been looked into yet it seems.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Commentators speculating on how Poland will stop Arshavin.
That's easy enough: put an arsenal shirt on him
Seriously though, if you pay a guy around 100K # per week, you think he might put out some kind of effort. I guess he's playing for his next contract.
Haha! That's pretty funny
Maybe you can have him back and give him a Russia shirt to put on under his Arsenal one. He seems to love the Euro's for some reason, he was amazing in 2008 aswell.
Commentators speculating on how Poland will stop Arshavin.
That's easy enough: put an arsenal shirt on him
Haha, that's the best joke I've heard today.
Have to say, I really wanted him at Spurs a few years back (and posted in this very thread about it IIRC). But his time at Arsenal showed him to be only very occasionally superb (like against Liverpool), and most frequently inconsequential.
Hmm, how weird it is that every Euro's he plays so well eh?
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Haha, that's the best joke I've heard today.
Have to say, I really wanted him at Spurs a few years back (and posted in this very thread about it IIRC). But his time at Arsenal showed him to be only very occasionally superb (like against Liverpool), and most frequently inconsequential.
Hmm, how weird it is that every Euro's he plays so well eh?
Have you heard all the rumours about Redknapp leaving?
He's come out with a statement flat out saying it's all lies, but something seems to be happening.
How odd (cue X-Files theme music)... Earlier I spent at least ten minutes making a post up about this topic and then posted it - or so I thought. I now see it never got posted at all... spooky.:shock:
Yes, it's what I was tipped off about last week and then tipped you all off about... Levy wants him gone after the disasters of post-February and the multi-level failings that have now materialized. HR wants 3-4-year contract (or says he does - of course he'd far prefer to manage England, Chelsea or anyone else he fancies in his inimitable opportunistic way). Both are in something of an attritional battle. But FWIW, I can't quite see him quitting as he'd surely lose compensation money. But however it comes about exactly, surely (please God!) his time is very nearly up now!:twisted:
