The TT Football Club

Poisoned Slice

Bionic Poster
Haha yeah, it is a funny one! Can’t be helped now though, but I’m guessing you’ll need to sign someone. What’s more interesting is what does it mean for Mainoo? :unsure: Ugarte and a McTominay/Hjulmand/Gallagher type is more Amorim.

Guess it comes back to what I was saying about managers surprising you, because getting the best out of Mainoo should be one of the top priorities for the new manager. Right now it doesn’t look good, but maybe Amorim has some ideas we haven’t seen yet.

Yes! I think it was Carragher who said Arteta is like Mourinho, which is a bit of a lazy comparison imo. I mentioned last season that I was starting to wonder if it was actually Moyes who had a bigger impact on Arteta than Pep.

Obviously he was at Everton during the best years of his career, Moyes’ team was very organised and physical. It’s a Mourinho hallmark, but Moyes was the same. Interestingly I heard some City fans saying how the whole City 4 CB’s thing was an Arteta thing from his time there. Pep obviously put his twist on it with inverting them into midfield or attack, signed players with technical ability like Gvardiol, Akanji etc.. but the 4 CB’s, more height and physicality thing was an Arteta influence.. which I think he probably got from Moyes.



Amorim at Chelsea? It didn’t interest me much. The system isn’t one that I see being a title challenging one, and the midfield issue was a dealbreaker for me. They’re not really involved in build up, the team is quite direct etc.. under Poch the big issue was Enzo and Caicedo weren’t involved, their only job was to run around like headless chickens putting out fires and covering oceans of space. Which is a total waste of their ability and a non starter when you’ve spent £200m on them.

Just wasn’t a good fit for the squad and the way we want/need to play going forward.
I might have to pull Tony Soprano into a post later now that Ten Hag's ''good ideas'' have finally run out. No doubt, Johnny Sack is complaining about City again. :p

Couldn't agree more on Mainoo, that's what is always on my mind when I'm thinking about the coach. Forgive me for still being like Mike Bassett, a 442 traditionalist, but damn, I've had to do my research on Amorim's 343. I was even checking out the FM downloads for it, how the masters tweak it to make Sporting unbeatable. How Inside forwards > wingers etc Will our wide men succeed? Not like they were succeeding in whatever they were previously doing anyway. Can he get it done at United? Only time will tell, Sir, Please surprise us, Mr. Amorim.

I'm thinking about Star Wars randomly, now that I think about Arteta's dark arts, turns out that he learnt it all under dark Jedi Moyes. Somebody needs to bring that up on Sky next time.
 

Feña14

G.O.A.T.
I might have to pull Tony Soprano into a post later now that Ten Hag's ''good ideas'' have finally run out. No doubt, Johnny Sack is complaining about City again. :p

Couldn't agree more on Mainoo, that's what is always on my mind when I'm thinking about the coach. Forgive me for still being like Mike Bassett, a 442 traditionalist, but damn, I've had to do my research on Amorim's 343. I was even checking out the FM downloads for it, how the masters tweak it to make Sporting unbeatable. How Inside forwards > wingers etc Will our wide men succeed? Not like they were succeeding in whatever they were previously doing anyway. Can he get it done at United? Only time will tell, Sir, Please surprise us, Mr. Amorim.

I'm thinking about Star Wars randomly, now that I think about Arteta's dark arts, turns out that he learnt it all under dark Jedi Moyes. Somebody needs to bring that up on Sky next time.

It’s going to be pretty interesting! Martinez, Dalot and Yoro should be good. Ugarte and Bruno too. Guess the front 3 would be Bruno and Zirkzee behind Hojlund.

Not sure what it means for De Ligt, Mainoo, Amad, Garnacho and Rashford.

I’ve heard people saying he could play Garnacho at wing back, but I quite like the sound of him with Bruno behind the striker. That Marcus Edwards/Goncalves role. A prime Mount would be good for it too. It’s where he played under Tuchel, but obviously injury/form means that’s probably not happening.
 

Gizo

Hall of Fame
I know you're not a fan of Goldbridge, he was saying, ''this isn't some league one managing traveler, Sporting are in the champions league. The fans are not going to applaud and wish him the best like they would if he were leaving Lincoln.''

Yes I can’t stand Goldbridge, although in his favour, I think he is nowhere as bad as complete clowns like Rory Jennings and some of those random fans of various ‘big 6’ clubs that appear far too often on Talksport.

He’s spot on there. Amorim is a legend at Sporting - that 2nd league title last season, without COVID restrictions, with fans in the stadium and with a 100% home record, catapulted his legacy there to a different level.

But it’s possible for the Sporting fans to both acknowledge that, and also be annoyed, completely justifiably IMO, that he is and his key back room staff are leaving at this stage of the season, which looked to have so much promise for them. I don’t see why fans of any club should be happy to lose a successful manager at this stage of a season and after such a strong start. However it would have been ridiculous for any Sporting fan to be annoyed had he left either last summer or next summer.

Anyway I wish him well at Man Utd and really hope he can be the one to make them contenders again. I also hope that this doesn’t massively destabilise and ultimately ruin Sporting’s season (which had the potential to be pretty historic). I’m in Portugal with work and will attend the Braga-Sporting game in November. That will be a completely different proposition now.
 
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Feña14

G.O.A.T.
Yes I can’t stand Goldbridge, although in his favour, I think he is nowhere as bad as complete clowns like Rory Jennings and some of those random fans of various ‘big 6’ clubs that appear far too often on Talksport.

He’s spot on there. Amorim is a legend at Sporting - that 2nd league title last season, without COVID restrictions, with fans in the stadium and with a 100% home record, catapulted his legacy there to a different level.

But it’s possible for the Sporting fans to both acknowledge that, and also be annoyed, completely justifiably IMO, that he is and his key back room staff are leaving at this stage of the season, which looked to have so much promise for them. I don’t see why fans of any club should be happy to lose a successful manager at this stage of a season and after such a strong start. However it would have been ridiculous for any Sporting fan to be annoyed had he left either last summer or next summer.

Anyway I wish him well at Man Utd and really hope he can be the one to make them contenders again. I also hope that this doesn’t massively destabilise and ultimately ruin Sporting’s season (which had the potential to be pretty historic). I’m in Portugal with work and will attend the Braga-Sporting game in November. That will be a completely different proposition now.

That is my concern. In the last few days we’ve been hearing how they’re willing to let Gyokeres go for £50m, despite having a €100m release clause. It does sound like it could be a team that will be dismantled in the coming years.

I think they’ve got a good youth department though? Maybe not a total disaster.
 

Poisoned Slice

Bionic Poster
Bruno even getting in on the act with a goal. The one thing I've heard most is ''players are playing with more freedom than I've seen in months.''

Quite clearly, we know which box Ruud has ticked in his football manager tactics.

Creative freedom - YES
Disciplined -
 

Poisoned Slice

Bionic Poster
Timo Werner even getting the Ten Hag out bounce tonight. Still much time for it to go Spursy. Currently, Spurs 2 City 0. The most dangerous score as well. hmmmm

Goldbridge is not well tonight. Yeah, he called in sick, Beth, Ricky and forgive me, I don't know the other guy name, but they were all set to go to the match tonight, but called in real late and had to change plans because United Stand > all.

Back to my boys again. Yes, just a bit of an update to go along with the update earlier.

''BREAKING: Ruben Amorim is set to stay at Sporting until Braga on November 10. Portuguese sources insist an announcement could come as early as tomorrow. Both clubs declined to comment. Also understand that along with Carlos Fernandes, Adélio Cândido and Jorge Vital, sports scientist Paulo Barreira and Emanuel Ferro are expected to join #MUFC with Amorim. Former two have been with him throughout his coaching journey.''
 
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Federer and Del Potro

Bionic Poster
b824b41a92e45a664341514c5d4d270e.gif
 

Fabresque

Legend
Another trophy we can’t win. Bollocks to everyone. We should be prioritizing stuff like this, we can’t win the league and I want some trophies. We haven’t had domestic success in a very long time. Maybe 2018.
 

Feña14

G.O.A.T.
Another trophy we can’t win. Bollocks to everyone. We should be prioritizing stuff like this, we can’t win the league and I want some trophies. We haven’t had domestic success in a very long time. Maybe 2018.

Weird game! Newcastle refused to lose, and Chelsea didn’t want to win.

Not sure what the point of it was? Surely you could’ve just called them up and forfeit the game without needing to fly to the other end of the country? :-D

Think we only made one sub. Nobody wanted to be there.

I know it’s the League Cup and it happens, from what I saw of Man City it looked the same for them too.. but yeah, was strange.
 

Fabresque

Legend
Weird game! Newcastle refused to lose, and Chelsea didn’t want to win.

Not sure what the point of it was? Surely you could’ve just called them up and forfeit the game without needing to fly to the other end of the country? :-D

Think we only made one sub. Nobody wanted to be there.

I know it’s the League Cup and it happens, from what I saw of Man City it looked the same for them too.. but yeah, was strange.
If we truly have “two teams” as I read on Twitter every day, we should be able to still prioritize the cups. We shouldn’t aim to turn into Arsenal or Spurs. Winning is way too important for me and it should be the clubs main priority. End of
 

Feña14

G.O.A.T.
If we truly have “two teams” as I read on Twitter every day, we should be able to still prioritize the cups. We shouldn’t aim to turn into Arsenal or Spurs. Winning is way too important for me and it should be the clubs main priority. End of

Agreed. I mean, these cup games are the only games half the squad plays in. You’d think they would want to have another one, at least.

I believe Disasi and Badiashile received scores of 1.5/10 on some of the neutral rating sites. Get. Rid. I’ve mentioned the centre backs we need, get it done.

Then there’s Felix.. remember that night when the Chelsea fan base was celebrating the Samu deal collapsed and we were getting Felix instead? It was obvious they would have egg in their faces in time. I must admit, I didn’t think that day would come after just a few months. Samu scored a first half hat-trick the other day (y)
 

Fabresque

Legend
Agreed. I mean, these cup games are the only games half the squad plays in. You’d think they would want to have another one, at least.

I believe Disasi and Badiashile received scores of 1.5/10 on some of the neutral rating sites. Get. Rid. I’ve mentioned the centre backs we need, get it done.

Then there’s Felix.. remember that night when the Chelsea fan base was celebrating the Samu deal collapsed and we were getting Felix instead? It was obvious they would have egg in their faces in time. I must admit, I didn’t think that day would come after just a few months. Samu scored a first half hat-trick the other day (y)
Disasi probably isn’t good enough for a title winning squad. I still like Badiashile but he’s admittedly limited.

Felix isn’t that good. He’s fine if you plan to build the system around him. Like Havertz. Outside that he’s not great. Omorodion would’ve helped tonight. But he would’ve been good for a while, he’s that “title caliber” player I keep talking about.
 

Poisoned Slice

Bionic Poster
I was just reading about Samu's hat-trick. Yeah, I would be raging if there was a chance to sign him and it didn't happen, especially now that I have first hand experience of what he can do. He's about to enter the elite collection.

samu.jpg
 

Poisoned Slice

Bionic Poster
Erik Ten Hag is probably at an Ibiza water party now. Splashing some cash quite literally. If you've ever been to one of those water parties, then you know it's mental, too mental for me, but I did experience it back in the day.
 

Poisoned Slice

Bionic Poster
Fantasy Premier League reporters.

''So, Eddie, you seem to have a spring in your step this week. Some tasty transfer business to look forward to?

''Ladies and Gentlemen, I will only ever lie to myself, never to you. The reason for this spring in my step is because Erik Ten Hag's chains have been removed, I am free to train the team in my image again. No more protection for Gordon, ya hear me!''

ed.jpg


''Oh, Eddie. You're so cute.''

''Thank you.''
ed.jpg
 

Feña14

G.O.A.T.
Disasi probably isn’t good enough for a title winning squad. I still like Badiashile but he’s admittedly limited.

Felix isn’t that good. He’s fine if you plan to build the system around him. Like Havertz. Outside that he’s not great. Omorodion would’ve helped tonight. But he would’ve been good for a while, he’s that “title caliber” player I keep talking about.

Right now, we have one CB imo. That's Colwill. He's a central CB, excellent ball player.. old fashioned sweeper kind of thing. Badiashile is a poor mans version of him, Disasi is bang average and has the turning radius of a cruise liner trying to navigate a puddle, neither of Fofana's knees work and he plays in excruciating pain, bless him. Tosin was a decent free agent signing, fine in a pinch, but that's it.

We need two centre backs who are nasty, massive, unbeatable in the air, can cover vast areas etc.. Rudiger, Konate, Araujo, VVD, Diomande, Lukeba, Cristhian Mosquera etc.. They should play either side of Colwill. Remember Colwill having to defend those vast areas out wide against Liverpool? Salah couldn't believe his luck. Then Colwill gave away the penalty from it and he had his hands on his knees breathing like he smokes 40 a day. He needs brawn next to him. Like Arsenal for instance, you've got the Rolls Royce in Saliba, but they've given him White/Calafiori/Gabriel next to him to do the dirty work.

The back 4 on paper would be like Diomande, Colwill, Lukeba, Dorgu. In possession it becomes:

Screenshot-2024-10-31-at-01-05-59.png


If you're asking Colwill, Badiashile or Disasi to defend those wide channels, it's over. Lukeba and Diomande do that with their eyes closed.. it also means Lavia and Caicedo don't need to get dragged into those areas to help, so far more secure centrally too.

This also gets us to 7 players 6'2 and above. Improved defensively, won't be losing the physical battle like we do in most games, 100% improvement on set pieces (attacking and defending). Dorgu the full back who can actually play as a 10 etc..

That's where we need to get to in the coming windows if we're serious imo.
 

Feña14

G.O.A.T.
I was just reading about Samu's hat-trick. Yeah, I would be raging if there was a chance to sign him and it didn't happen, especially now that I have first hand experience of what he can do. He's about to enter the elite collection.

samu.jpg

To be fair, the team was called something like STD :-D they're midtable, but i've never heard of them, ground capacity is 8k and most of their players looked like they'd rocked up after working a regular 9-5. Which I guess is why people might have a question mark over Amorim. The overall standard in Portugal is a bit :cool: but hey, you can only beat what's in front of you, right?

It's pretty obvious Samu is way too good to be in Portugal, as is Amorim. But yes, having Samu at the training ground and doing a medical and not signing him was something I said would be an error as bad as letting go of Salah and KDB. Nothing i've seen since has got me changing my mind on that.

Oh and yes, up the keeper! :D I have no idea what's going on there. Hide behind the sofa and hope this Penders kid is as good as advertised in 3 years time, most likely.
 

Gizo

Hall of Fame
If there are 2 clubs that really need to take the League Cup more seriously than anyone else, it is Newcastle (no trophy since 1969) and Tottenham (no trophy since 2008 and widely mocked by everyone in the footballing world for that). I was happy to see them both winning. Tottenham should also really heavily focus on the Europa League as well, both on the trophy front and also given that it's surely their best chance to qualify for the CL next season. With a home QF against Brentford, and IMO no serious chance of qualifying for the CL next season, I think that Newcastle should treat League Cup games as an even bigger priority than Premier League games.

Villa haven't won a major trophy since the mid 90s, and some of their fans are understandably frustrated with the home defeat to Palace yesterday. Though with a CL campaign this season to continue to look forward to, and a realistic chance at this stage of qualifying again next year (I'd expect the top 4 to be City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea though but maybe a 5th Premier League team will also get in based on the coefficient battle), they have bigger fish to fry this season. Even if their CL campaign basically helps to hinder their Premier League campaign this season and means that they finish 7th or 8th instead of 4th, they need to enjoy and make the most of their CL experience this season.
 

Gizo

Hall of Fame
That is my concern. In the last few days we’ve been hearing how they’re willing to let Gyokeres go for £50m, despite having a €100m release clause. It does sound like it could be a team that will be dismantled in the coming years.

I think they’ve got a good youth department though? Maybe not a total disaster.

Apparently it has been agreed that Amorim will manage Sporting's next 3 matches until the international break (another one of those already - boo !), and then make the move to Man Utd. That includes the CL match at home to City next week, and finally the league game away to Braga which I'll be in the stadium for.

That seems perfectly reasonable to me. I think Sporting were correct to dig their heels in there regarding some sort of notice period, and not let him, plus the 4 coaches and sports scientist that will also make the move to Man Utd, all leave immediately at this stage of the season and create the maximum amount of upheaval.

The club hierachy told Gykores last summer that they'd allow him to leave for €60-70 million at the end of this current season (and not in January), which is also reasonable to me. It would have been ridiculous if they'd lost him last summer after just 1 season. Plus it's good for his development to make the most of the CL games with Sporting this season, and they can't lose him in January if they have a decent shot of retaining their title and are still involved in the CL. If any transfer offers come in for him in January that don't meet his release clause, including from Man Utd, they should instantly reject them.

Apparently Amorim's 3 main transfer targets for Man Utd from Sporting, are Pedro Gonçalves, Gonçalo Inácio and Marcus Edwards. Again, unless Man Utd (or any other club) meet any of their respective release clauses (€80 million for Gonçalves and €60 million for the other two) and it's out of their hands, they should reject any offers for those players in January, but be willing to do business during the summer. Edwards's contact expires in 2026, and a move back to England was always likely in the not too distant future anyway.

Their youth academy continues to be very productive recent years and is definitely one of the best in the world. Even when there have been crises at the club, most notably during the summer of 2018, that has basically been a saving grace for them.
 

Gizo

Hall of Fame
It will be interesting to see where Ten Hag goes next, how long it will be before he returns to football management etc.

Edin Terzic is under pressure at Dortmund, and it might not be that long until that job (which seems like a good fit for him) becomes available. Yes it's a while ago now, but did very nearly take a club with a smaller budget than Burnley to a CL final, after completely outplaying Bayern and then knocking out Real and Juve along the way. Outside England I doubt his stock will be damaged that much following his Man Utd stint, given how much of a general basketcase the club have been for a long time.
 

Feña14

G.O.A.T.
Apparently it has been agreed that Amorim will manage Sporting's next 3 matches until the international break (another one of those already - boo !), and then make the move to Man Utd. That includes the CL match at home to City next week, and finally the league game away to Braga which I'll be in the stadium for.

That seems perfectly reasonable to me. I think Sporting were correct to dig their heels in there regarding some sort of notice period, and not let him, plus the 4 coaches and sports scientist that will also make the move to Man Utd, all leave immediately at this stage of the season and create the maximum amount of upheaval.

The club hierachy told Gykores last summer that they'd allow him to leave for €60-70 million at the end of this current season (and not in January), which is also reasonable to me. It would have been ridiculous if they'd lost him last summer after just 1 season. Plus it's good for his development to make the most of the CL games with Sporting this season, and they can't lose him in January if they have a decent shot of retaining their title and are still involved in the CL. If any transfer offers come in for him in January that don't meet his release clause, including from Man Utd, they should instantly reject them.

Apparently Amorim's 3 main transfer targets for Man Utd from Sporting, are Pedro Gonçalves, Gonçalo Inácio and Marcus Edwards. Again, unless Man Utd (or any other club) meet any of their respective release clauses (€80 million for Gonçalves and €60 million for the other two) and it's out of their hands, they should reject any offers for those players in January, but be willing to do business during the summer. Edwards's contact expires in 2026, and a move back to England was always likely in the not too distant future anyway.

Their youth academy continues to be very productive recent years and is definitely one of the best in the world. Even when there have been crises at the club, most notably during the summer of 2018, that has basically been a saving grace for them.

Ahh yes, another international break! It was only 3 weeks ago that we had a couple of weeks off for meaningless games against Ireland and Greece.. let’s have another couple of weeks to play *checks notes*.. Ireland and Greece again. Genius! :-D

Oh wow, that’s incredible you get to go to the last game! Good job you got tickets already, I imagine they’ll be in short supply now it’s known it will be his last game.

Ahh, interesting list. I wouldn’t have them down as the obvious targets, assuming he’s looking to play in a similar way. I’d have thought a RCB would have been more of a priority, Inacio is a LCB, I think? I’d assume Martinez would be great there. I’d say Hjulmand too. That height and physicality in midfield. Goncalves is great, but I’d have assumed Garnacho would play there. If he doesn’t he’d have to be wing back, which doesn’t feel right.

Maybe Edwards, Inacio and Goncalves are his players and they’re more for building culture. His generals kind of thing. Mourinho and Conte have done that over the years, which I suppose speeds up the transition.
 

Poisoned Slice

Bionic Poster
I'm glad the new boss is not being forced into a match against Chelsea with one day training or something. That does sound very Man Utd-esque, thankfully, cooler heads have prevailed this time. Unless the story changes again today and he's in early. Once again, I wouldn't expect it.

Yeah, maybe he will change his style, he's flexible, a people person, I enjoy hearing things like this. I'm like Roy Keane when he's watching Cole Palmer. Inacio can be our Ricardo Carvalho. I'll take that. We could really use a Paulo Ferreira. Vitor Baia can stay put, but is there another Petr Cech around these days? I'd like to find him. Still, when I read about how Amorim changed from 2 at the back to 3 after losing his first two games as a manager, so it's hard to imagine a drastic change.

Imagining reborn Rashford as left wingback might give me nightmares, I'm ready for them. Actual nightmares, then some dreamy stuff on the pitch. Just out of interest, I was looking at an Amorim predicted 11 for players we currently have. No Rashford, hmmmm, I don't know about anything. It's just so hard to imagine Rashford out of the team, ya know. But then again, if this is all real change then you would expect some real change, no. The report seems to believe Rashford and Garnacho fighting over a spot, so that is kind of similar, although not really since Rashford was usually favored over everybody.

I was reading about the targets. Yeah, it says United have been following Inacio , Diomande, Hjulmand, Edwards, Goncalves and Gyokores long time, baby, but the three Gizo mentioned are said to be the three he wants United to sign. Best of luck, boss.
 
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Gizo

Hall of Fame
Ahh yes, another international break! It was only 3 weeks ago that we had a couple of weeks off for meaningless games against Ireland and Greece.. let’s have another couple of weeks to play *checks notes*.. Ireland and Greece again. Genius! :-D

Oh wow, that’s incredible you get to go to the last game! Good job you got tickets already, I imagine they’ll be in short supply now it’s known it will be his last game.

Ahh, interesting list. I wouldn’t have them down as the obvious targets, assuming he’s looking to play in a similar way. I’d have thought a RCB would have been more of a priority, Inacio is a LCB, I think? I’d assume Martinez would be great there. I’d say Hjulmand too. That height and physicality in midfield. Goncalves is great, but I’d have assumed Garnacho would play there. If he doesn’t he’d have to be wing back, which doesn’t feel right.

Maybe Edwards, Inacio and Goncalves are his players and they’re more for building culture. His generals kind of thing. Mourinho and Conte have done that over the years, which I suppose speeds up the transition.

I remember international breaks could be a big enough pain in football manager (even when you are in charge of both a club and country), let alone in real life ! From September-November, it feels like there is another international break around the corner every 5 minutes.

It's incredibly difficult to get tickets for Braga matches vs. any of the big 3 or Guimarães unless you're a club member (for the rest of the matches that are not close to sold out it's a breeze). But thankfully one of my work colleagues is a member and so has sorted out my ticket. On a side note, I'd highly recommend the stadium tour at Braga, given how unique it is.

I personally think that Gyokeres, Diomande (who filled the right centre back position last season before moving to the middle slot this season after Coates left) and Hjulmand would make more sense squad-wise, than Gonçalves, Inácio and Edwards. But the latter 3 would be easier and cheaper to prize away. Both Gonçalves and Inácio have a very close relationship with Amorim. Amorim helped Gonçalves really kick on career-wise and improve significantly as a player, and brought Inácio through from the youth academy and made him a first team regular.

I would be concerned if Man Utd and Amorim want to go for too many Sporting players though, even without considering the recent Ten Hag experience. 2-3 seems perfectly fine, but any more than that seems like desperation, laziness and a stunted vision for the future.

Practically every talented player at each of the Portuguese big 3 is linked with a transfer to about 600 clubs during every transfer window, so it's incredibly difficult to know with transfer rumours there are genuine or not. When Ezequiel Garay was at Benfica it was said that he was on the verge of joining Man Utd during about 5 transfer windows in a row. But apparently Liverpool are seriously interested in Hjulmand as well - he's the sort of player that they need.
 
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Poisoned Slice

Bionic Poster
From football 365. I thought this was amusing.

''A week in April that began with Ruben Amorim as the leading contender to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager ended with him apologising to Sporting Lisbon and their fans for attending a meeting in London with West Ham prior to them dropping two points against Porto in the race for the Portuguese title.

All’s well that ends well, though. Sporting won Liga Portugal by 10 points, Liverpool are title contenders having instead opted for Arne Slot and West Ham’s Amorim alternative Julen Lopetegui masterminded the victory (with a VAR helping hand) over Manchester United that was the nail in Erik ten Hag’s coffin and put Amorim on the verge of realising his Premier League destiny at Old Trafford.''
 

Gizo

Hall of Fame
Enjoy the game, Gizo. I'm sure it will be emotional.

Thanks. I hope it’s far better than the Juve-Napoli borefest that I had to sit through in September (literally one of the worst matches I’ve ever seen in person). That made me hate Juve even more than I already did previously !

Who’d have thought that I’d be far more entertained watching Blackburn and Bristol City the week before.

Back on Amorim, while his 3-4-3 formation has been a staple of his time at Sporting, he has still adapted and changed things within that framework over time, in terms of how attacking or pragmatic his set-up has been. Sporting had a poor 2022/2023 season under him, finishing 4th and failing to win either domestic cup as a consolation prize (they struggled after losing Palhinha, Nunes and Sarabia in one go). But then the next season they were far more attack minded (of course the signings of Gyokeres, Hjulmand and Trincão were a huge success), and really began to control games, suffocating opponents including Benfica and Porto at times with wave after wave of high tempo attacks. It can't be emphasised enough just how big a mess the club was before he took-over.

And Gyokeres and Hjulmand are said to be unhappy with Amorim, after he personally persuaded them both to stay for one more season during the summer (as a sort of 'last dance' pledge before all departing for bigger and better things next summer), only to then leave himself after just one third of the season. And to be honest they are right to feel annoyed there. Maybe that's a major reason why neither of them are reported to be among Amorim's top 3 transfer targets from his soon to be former club, as he knows it will be more difficult to persuade them to rejoin forces with him again at Man Utd. If Arsenal, Liverpool etc. are genuinely interested in either player, they could have the advantage there.
 
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Feña14

G.O.A.T.
Thanks. I hope it’s far better than the Juve-Napoli borefest that I had to sit through in September (literally one of the worst matches I’ve ever seen in person). That made me hate Juve even more than I already did previously !

Who’d have thought that I’d be far more entertained watching Blackburn and Bristol City the week before.

Back on Amorim, while his 3-4-3 formation has been a staple of his time at Sporting, he has still adapted and changed things within that framework over time, in terms of how attacking or pragmatic his set-up has been. Sporting had a poor 2022/2023 season under him, finishing 4th and failing to win either domestic cup as a consolation prize (they struggled after losing Palhinha, Nunes and Sarabia in one go). But then the next season they were far more attack minded (of course the signings of Gyokeres, Hjulmand and Trincão were a huge success), and really began to control games, suffocating opponents including Benfica and Porto at times with wave after wave of high tempo attacks. It can't be emphasised enough just how big a mess the club was before he took-over.

And Gyokeres and Hjulmand are said to be unhappy with Amorim, after he personally persuaded them both to stay for one more season during the summer (as a sort of 'last dance' pledge before all departing for bigger and better things next summer), only to then leave himself after just one third of the season. And to be honest they are right to feel annoyed there. Maybe that's a major reason why neither of them are reported to be among Amorim's top 3 transfer targets from his soon to be former club, as he knows it will be more difficult to persuade them to rejoin forces with him again at Man Utd. If Arsenal, Liverpool etc. are genuinely interested in either player, they could have the advantage there.

We’re lucky to have our very own Portuguese football expert at this time!

Funny you mention Braga, I was open to going to Braga when the Conference League draw was made. The loser in Braga v Servette would’ve played Chelsea, and I thought 3-4 days around that would be nice. Braga won 2-1 though, so it was never more than just an idea.

Quickly on Servette, they’ve kind of become our little brothers in some weird way. Everytime we play their social media is posting bizarre clips of viral dances or things supporting us. I suppose that’s not unusual, you do hear about weird club pairings following each other or sharing traditions. Things like Man City and the Poznan. But yes, it’s always funny when they post something.

516-ECCB5-E6-B9-4840-8-CD7-6-ED60623-A9-AE.jpg


Goncalves would be interesting, as @Poisoned Slice mentioned with Rashford, the wingers is the one area I’m really not sure about. There is no natural fit for Rashford, Amad and Garnacho. We had a bit of that with Tuchel, he came in and Ziyech, Pulisic and Werner didn’t really have anywhere to play. I think Garnacho would be great as a number 10, but if he’s looking at Goncalves, maybe he doesn’t think so.

As for Gyokeres, it does seem everybody is after him! For Man Utd, you’d like to think Amorim would want to try and turn Hojlund into him. I’m not interested in him at Chelsea too much, despite being linked and him being incredible.. he’s like the fully evolved version of Jackson, who I believe is well on his way to getting there. Gyokeres is well rounded, just like Jackson. But I’d prefer a striker who’s dominant in the box. A Haaland, Duran, Samu, Delap type, personally.
 

Gizo

Hall of Fame
We’re lucky to have our very own Portuguese football expert at this time!

Funny you mention Braga, I was open to going to Braga when the Conference League draw was made. The loser in Braga v Servette would’ve played Chelsea, and I thought 3-4 days around that would be nice. Braga won 2-1 though, so it was never more than just an idea.

Quickly on Servette, they’ve kind of become our little brothers in some weird way. Everytime we play their social media is posting bizarre clips of viral dances or things supporting us. I suppose that’s not unusual, you do hear about weird club pairings following each other or sharing traditions. Things like Man City and the Poznan. But yes, it’s always funny when they post something.

516-ECCB5-E6-B9-4840-8-CD7-6-ED60623-A9-AE.jpg


Goncalves would be interesting, as @Poisoned Slice mentioned with Rashford, the wingers is the one area I’m really not sure about. There is no natural fit for Rashford, Amad and Garnacho. We had a bit of that with Tuchel, he came in and Ziyech, Pulisic and Werner didn’t really have anywhere to play. I think Garnacho would be great as a number 10, but if he’s looking at Goncalves, maybe he doesn’t think so.

As for Gyokeres, it does seem everybody is after him! For Man Utd, you’d like to think Amorim would want to try and turn Hojlund into him. I’m not interested in him at Chelsea too much, despite being linked and him being incredible.. he’s like the fully evolved version of Jackson, who I believe is well on his way to getting there. Gyokeres is well rounded, just like Jackson. But I’d prefer a striker who’s dominant in the box. A Haaland, Duran, Samu, Delap type, personally.

That's interesting about Servette ! It's nice to see those links between different clubs, including unexpected ones.

Out of the big Premier League clubs, I think that Arsenal is probably the best fit all things considered for Gyokeres and that he could do well there, but it remains to be seen if they'll made formal bid. I agree that Chelsea don't need him and that he wouldn't be as well suited there. I typically find it more difficult to predict whether forwards / attacking players will do well when making a big step up to a much stronger league, or even just when moving a similar strength league with noticeably different characteristics, compared to defensive players. One of my frustrations as a Blackburn fan, is continually finding effective forwards and goal-scorers, but messing things up in other areas of the pitch would should be theoretically easier to sort out, and so therefore failing to ever break into the Championship top 6.

I'm a big fan of Garnacho, thought that he ended last season in an excellent form, and was looking forward to seeing him continuing his progress this season before being frustrated by Ten Hag continually benching him. I'm still hoping Amorim can help him continue to develop and improve. Just as Mourinho realised that he didn't need Deco as he had Joe Cole at Chelsea, maybe Amorim will realise that he doesn't need Gonçalves as he has Garnacho ! Gonçalves could be to him what Niko Kranjcar was to Harry Redknapp though !
 

Feña14

G.O.A.T.
That's interesting about Servette ! It's nice to see those links between different clubs, including unexpected ones.

Out of the big Premier League clubs, I think that Arsenal is probably the best fit all things considered for Gyokeres and that he could do well there, but it remains to be seen if they'll made formal bid. I agree that Chelsea don't need him and that he wouldn't be as well suited there. I typically find it more difficult to predict whether forwards / attacking players will do well when making a big step up to a much stronger league, or even just when moving a similar strength league with noticeably different characteristics, compared to defensive players. One of my frustrations as a Blackburn fan, is continually finding effective forwards and goal-scorers, but messing things up in other areas of the pitch would should be theoretically easier to sort out, and so therefore failing to ever break into the Championship top 6.

I'm a big fan of Garnacho, thought that he ended last season in an excellent form, and was looking forward to seeing him continuing his progress this season before being frustrated by Ten Hag continually benching him. I'm still hoping Amorim can help him continue to develop and improve. Just as Mourinho realised that he didn't need Deco as he had Joe Cole at Chelsea, maybe Amorim will realise that he doesn't need Gonçalves as he has Garnacho ! Gonçalves could be to him what Niko Kranjcar was to Harry Redknapp though !

Totally agree on forwards being hard to judge. It does seem to be a running joke that fans mock us about. Costa was good for a couple of years, but we’re still searching for the Drogba replacement. Torres, Higuain, Morata, Pato, Werner +10 others.. all failed.

I can understand why rival fans started mocking Jackson straight away, there were times he deserved it and it’s easy to think he’ll just be the latest in a long line of failures. I don’t believe that’s the case though. Even now I think he’s incredible, but he’s still only 50% of the way towards what he can be. I don’t think I’ve seen a number 9 trouble VVD/Konate and Gabriel/Saliba as much as he has over the last 18 months.

Maybe you think the same, I noticed he’s in your FPL team. I was hoping next time he puts up a 17 pointer I’ll be catching you up, but you’ve cancelled that one out :-D

Arsenal would make sense for Gyokeres. I think any club would make sense, to be honest. There are a few minor things that concern me slightly, he’s seemingly a non factor in the air (strange for a big, strapping lad) and he’s a little slow to get his shot off. But those are minor quibbles, he’ll score goals wherever he goes.
 

Fabresque

Legend
We’re lucky to have our very own Portuguese football expert at this time!

Funny you mention Braga, I was open to going to Braga when the Conference League draw was made. The loser in Braga v Servette would’ve played Chelsea, and I thought 3-4 days around that would be nice. Braga won 2-1 though, so it was never more than just an idea.

Quickly on Servette, they’ve kind of become our little brothers in some weird way. Everytime we play their social media is posting bizarre clips of viral dances or things supporting us. I suppose that’s not unusual, you do hear about weird club pairings following each other or sharing traditions. Things like Man City and the Poznan. But yes, it’s always funny when they post something.

516-ECCB5-E6-B9-4840-8-CD7-6-ED60623-A9-AE.jpg


Goncalves would be interesting, as @Poisoned Slice mentioned with Rashford, the wingers is the one area I’m really not sure about. There is no natural fit for Rashford, Amad and Garnacho. We had a bit of that with Tuchel, he came in and Ziyech, Pulisic and Werner didn’t really have anywhere to play. I think Garnacho would be great as a number 10, but if he’s looking at Goncalves, maybe he doesn’t think so.

As for Gyokeres, it does seem everybody is after him! For Man Utd, you’d like to think Amorim would want to try and turn Hojlund into him. I’m not interested in him at Chelsea too much, despite being linked and him being incredible.. he’s like the fully evolved version of Jackson, who I believe is well on his way to getting there. Gyokeres is well rounded, just like Jackson. But I’d prefer a striker who’s dominant in the box. A Haaland, Duran, Samu, Delap type, personally.
They always post stuff like that, it’s pretty funny. They’re getting clicks off Chelsea but fair play to them.

I still remember the start of the season when (I think) Steau Bucharest qualified for the UCL and posted a hilarious video.
 

Feña14

G.O.A.T.
They always post stuff like that, it’s pretty funny. They’re getting clicks off Chelsea but fair play to them.

I still remember the start of the season when (I think) Steau Bucharest qualified for the UCL and posted a hilarious video.

Was that the one with Mr Bean on the plane where he was flashing his first class (Champions League) boarding pass to all of us peasants in the Europa/Conference? :-D
 

Poisoned Slice

Bionic Poster
Bro, your manager is named after a sandwich with sauerkraut on it. My manager shares a name with the fella who founded Ferrari. Levels innit.

Who ya backing? :p

Ferrari-Enzo.jpg

640px-Katz%27s_Deli_-_Lunch.jpg
I'm starving at the minute and that looks lovely, probably mentioned this before, as long as there are no mushrooms on things, I'm usually willing to give it a go. I haven't had a reuben sandwich before (I haven't been in a Ferrari either.) We've come full circle. Reminds me of when Roy Keane talked about prawn sandwiches, now we've got the reuben sandwich brigade.
 

Feña14

G.O.A.T.
I'm starving at the minute and that looks lovely, probably mentioned this before, as long as there are no mushrooms on things, I'm usually willing to give it a go. I haven't had a reuben sandwich before (I haven't been in a Ferrari either.) We've come full circle. Reminds me of when Roy Keane talked about prawn sandwiches, now we've got the reuben sandwich brigade.

I’m with you on that, big no to mushrooms.

Haha yeah, can’t say I’ve ever had one either. I’ve had a corned beef sandwich at Katz in NY, which was amazing. I think it’s similar, but has cheese, sauerkraut, and that sauce people put on prawn cocktails in the 70’s :-D sounds a bit grim, but each to their own!

It’s almost that time of week again.. how’s the FPL team looking? I made my 2 free subs on Sunday night.. go big or go home (y)
 
I'm starving at the minute and that looks lovely, probably mentioned this before, as long as there are no mushrooms on things, I'm usually willing to give it a go. I haven't had a reuben sandwich before (I haven't been in a Ferrari either.) We've come full circle. Reminds me of when Roy Keane talked about prawn sandwiches, now we've got the reuben sandwich brigade.
Come on prosciutto e funghi is such a classic pizza type.
 

Fabresque

Legend
Was that the one with Mr Bean on the plane where he was flashing his first class (Champions League) boarding pass to all of us peasants in the Europa/Conference? :-D
Yessir.

Can you believe they only made like 20 or so Mr Bean episodes? I felt like they made thousands lol.
 

Feña14

G.O.A.T.
Yessir.

Can you believe they only made like 20 or so Mr Bean episodes? I felt like they made thousands lol.

So true!

Maybe it’s because we were kids. Could probably watch the same episode 6 times and not remember anything.

On the subject of Mr Bean. We’re receiving live pictures of @Poisoned Slice Waiting waiting outside OT waiting for his Reuben sandwich. Current ETA? 23rd November.

time-late.gif


“I’m open to the Man Utd job, but I’d like to stay at Sporting for a few more games. I’ve taken winning for granted, and I’d like to experience it a couple more times before moving to Manchester.” - Ruben Amorim.
 

Poisoned Slice

Bionic Poster
It's all official now. Ruben Amorim announced as new Manchester United manager, oops, getting that wrong again, our new head coach. Yeah, the first time we've had the head coach title at Man Utd, Yeah, I know, semantics, Lex, but still worth a mention to keep things right. His duties begin November `11th.

I’m with you on that, big no to mushrooms.

Haha yeah, can’t say I’ve ever had one either. I’ve had a corned beef sandwich at Katz in NY, which was amazing. I think it’s similar, but has cheese, sauerkraut, and that sauce people put on prawn cocktails in the 70’s :-D sounds a bit grim, but each to their own!

It’s almost that time of week again.. how’s the FPL team looking? I made my 2 free subs on Sunday night.. go big or go home (y)
That's where I'd have to improve, I never leave myself in position to make more than one free sub, maybe I've got it to 2 once in history, so hoping the replacements can do something. Cost myself 12 points this week. Still holding on to Luis Diaz, he did contribute vs Arsenal, but I need my big guns out there every week.
 
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