Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Haha, I don't think he'd like only having two strikers to work with! Even with van Persie, Rooney, Hernandez and Welbeck, he's looking at Lewandowski and Falcao this summer.
The TT Football Club
- Thread starter Ross K
- Start date
Haha, I don't think he'd like only having two strikers to work with! Even with van Persie, Rooney, Hernandez and Welbeck, he's looking at Lewandowski and Falcao this summer.
It would really be interesting if Fergie goes... who'd replace him?... Moyes? (who despite all the praise has won exactly nothing ever as far as I can recall)... would Mourinho come into the frame?... who of the world's great coaches would be under consideration. Whoever it is, that would be one incredibly hard act to follow.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Mourinho won't, the likes of Bobby Charlton and the people with a say at Man Utd wouldn't want the baggage that comes with Mourinho. That seems to be the only thing that people question about Chelsea bringing him back, and we're not exactly known for being angels. If Chelsea have a few reservations, you can be sure Man Utd do!
I think it will be Moyes, but Klopp would be better. I think it's the ideal club for Klopp, he's never going to manage a team like Madrid or Chelsea. Who does that really leave? Barcelona, Munich, City, PSG? I think Man Utd would be his choice.
Talking of Mourinho, further to the discussion some of us were having last week, I was reading this yesterday from Guillem Ballegue...
http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,,12087_8695444,00.html
http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,,12087_8695444,00.html
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Yeah, i'm really not sure how to judge his time in Madrid. Personally, I don't think he had the right kind of players. Mourinho's teams are just that, they are all close to each other and the team spirit is part of what makes them win things. In Madrid, everyone was out for themselves. He told the story about Essien inviting everyone to his birthday party, only Mourinho and a few of the fringe players turned up for him. It sounds like a horrible place to manage and play.
I also have to ask, how good are the players he had to work with? They certainly aren't bad, but are they better individually than Barcelona, Munich, even Chelsea who won the competition they all want in Madrid last year? Are Benzema and Higuain that great? Is Ozil better than Messi, Mata, Bale etc..? Di Maria was a flop before Mourinho even got there. Arbeloa, Pepe, is Casillas really that good these days? I can name a handful of keepers who i'd rate higher than him.
A La Liga title, a couple of Spanish cups, a handful of Champions League semi's. To me, with what he had to work with, it seems about right.
Cesc Fabregas
Legend
If Moyes is the United manager next season and Mourinho the Chelsea manager put money on Chelsea or City winning the league.
Mourinho's behaviour this last week has been outrageous even for his own standards. Recent polls show that about 90% of fans are convinced he is deliberately trying to be sacked. His strategy of developping a tribal mentality with a tight knit group of players that become blindly loyal and highly motivated, has completely failed. Players are fed up with him, just like everybody else. He was loudly booed in the last game at Bernabeu and I suppose he will be booed even louder tonight against Malaga. The press have turned to calling the president a wimp for putting up with so much nonsense.
Paul Parker had a pretty critical piece on his return to Chelsea yesterday:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs...rything-wrong-chelsea-approach-121911002.html
Paul Parker had a pretty critical piece on his return to Chelsea yesterday:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs...rything-wrong-chelsea-approach-121911002.html
Excellent link Ben.
Casillas, whilst not in his prime anymore (When he was clearly the best keeper with Buffon) is still one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Mourinho actually refuses to play him. Even guys like Iniesta have called him out for not using Casillas. I think he made two of the most insane saves I've ever seen last season.
If you can only names a couple of keepers ahead of him then he's clearly not doing bad.
Mourinho wasn't given the 2000-04 squad with the likes of Carlos, Hierro, Salgado, Makelele, Flavio, Zidane, Ronaldo, Figo, Raul, Helguera, Guti. He was given Ronaldo. Except for Casillas, no other player would get in the starting lineup from this current Madrid squad to their squad of 2003.
Alex Fergusson is a genius. Man Utd will never be the same. I feel Mourinho is probably the only guy who is confident enough to step into such a position given what the last guy did. Fergusson retired with a team for now and the future.
SempreSami
Hall of Fame
Imagine if Moyes was a smokescreen for United nicking Mourinho and Chelsea ended up with Avram Grant.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Yeah, they don't seem to be missing Casillas all that much though! Lopez has been really good, whenever i've seen him play this season. That was a great signing I think.
Some priceless quotes here from a giant of British football who will never be bettered surely. My favs being his Cantona comments, Keane and Anzhagi/Italians remarks.
ON ERIC CANTONA
"If ever there was one player, anywhere in the world, that was made for Manchester United, it was Cantona. He swaggered in, stuck his chest out, raised his head and surveyed everything as though he were asking: 'I'm Cantona. How big are you? Are you big enough for me?'"
ON WINNING THE EUROPEAN CUP IN 1999
(Speaking after Roy Keane's inspired performance in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League against Juventus after receiving a booking which meant he would miss the final)
"It was the most emphatic display of selflessness I have seen on a football field. Pounding over every blade of grass, competing if he would rather die of exhaustion than lose, he inspired all around him. I felt such an honour to be associated with such a player."
(Ferguson's half-time team-talk during the 1999 European Cup final with Bayern Munich)
"At the end of this game, the European Cup will be only six feet away from you, and you’ll not even able to touch it if we lose. And for many of you, that will be the closest you will ever get. Don’t you dare come back in here without giving your all."
(After United won with two dramatic goals in stoppage time)
"I can't believe it. I can't believe it. Football. Bloody hell."
ON ARSENE WENGER AND ARSENAL
"They say he's an intelligent man, right? Speaks five languages. I've got a 15-year-old boy from the Ivory Coast who speaks five languages!"
"He's a novice and should keep his opinions to Japanese football."
ON DENNIS WISE
"He could start a row in an empty house."
ON JOSE MOURINHO
"He was certainly full of it, calling me 'Boss' and 'Big Man' when we had our post-match drink after the first leg. But it would help if his greetings were accompanied by a decent glass of wine. What he gave me was paint-stripper."
ON RETIRED ITALIAN STRIKER FILIPPO INZAGHI
"Inzaghi was born in an offside position."
ON THE ITALIANS
"When an Italian tells me it's pasta on the plate, I check under the sauce to make sure. They are the inventors of the smokescreen."
ON RYAN GIGGS
"The first time I saw him, he was 13 and just floated over the ground like a cocker spaniel chasing a piece of paper in the wind."
ON ERIC CANTONA
"If ever there was one player, anywhere in the world, that was made for Manchester United, it was Cantona. He swaggered in, stuck his chest out, raised his head and surveyed everything as though he were asking: 'I'm Cantona. How big are you? Are you big enough for me?'"
ON WINNING THE EUROPEAN CUP IN 1999
(Speaking after Roy Keane's inspired performance in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League against Juventus after receiving a booking which meant he would miss the final)
"It was the most emphatic display of selflessness I have seen on a football field. Pounding over every blade of grass, competing if he would rather die of exhaustion than lose, he inspired all around him. I felt such an honour to be associated with such a player."
(Ferguson's half-time team-talk during the 1999 European Cup final with Bayern Munich)
"At the end of this game, the European Cup will be only six feet away from you, and you’ll not even able to touch it if we lose. And for many of you, that will be the closest you will ever get. Don’t you dare come back in here without giving your all."
(After United won with two dramatic goals in stoppage time)
"I can't believe it. I can't believe it. Football. Bloody hell."
ON ARSENE WENGER AND ARSENAL
"They say he's an intelligent man, right? Speaks five languages. I've got a 15-year-old boy from the Ivory Coast who speaks five languages!"
"He's a novice and should keep his opinions to Japanese football."
ON DENNIS WISE
"He could start a row in an empty house."
ON JOSE MOURINHO
"He was certainly full of it, calling me 'Boss' and 'Big Man' when we had our post-match drink after the first leg. But it would help if his greetings were accompanied by a decent glass of wine. What he gave me was paint-stripper."
ON RETIRED ITALIAN STRIKER FILIPPO INZAGHI
"Inzaghi was born in an offside position."
ON THE ITALIANS
"When an Italian tells me it's pasta on the plate, I check under the sauce to make sure. They are the inventors of the smokescreen."
ON RYAN GIGGS
"The first time I saw him, he was 13 and just floated over the ground like a cocker spaniel chasing a piece of paper in the wind."
Casillas is still a better shot stopper. I don't understand why you wouldn't play him; He's a Madrid legend, pretty much irreplaceable.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Yeah it's a strange one, not playing him. I think it was some sort of punishment at first, apparently he's known for leaking things to the press and they were saying Mourinho saw it as damaging to the team. Lopez is a great alternative though. Having had Hilario and Turnbull as backup for the last few years, I know i'd be glad having someone like that backing Cech up
Yeah it's a strange one, not playing him. I think it was some sort of punishment at first, apparently he's known for leaking things to the press and they were saying Mourinho saw it as damaging to the team. Lopez is a great alternative though. Having had Hilario and Turnbull as backup for the last few years, I know i'd be glad having someone like that backing Cech up
Rumour has it Iker is off to Arsenal, yeah he's married to a sports journalist, and yes he is known for leaking things. But he also happens to be the guy who keeps the peace between Barca and Madrid.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
That's probably why Mourinho has taken a disliking to him, he's known for hating Barcelona
I think Hazard had an injury. He's had one for the last week and was a doubt for the game, so i'm not too upset about that one. Taking Oscar off and putting Benayoun on though? That was just, weird.
As for the equaliser, yes it was offside. I don't know if it's because of the sheer number of games, but we've had so many poor decisions go against us lately that i'm not too disappointed about another one going against us. It's starting to feel normal, which is sad, but there you go.
Better second half from Spurs and could have even nicked in at the end but we always looked under threat with Chelsea having such excellent and in form players.
Best game Ade has had for us this season. You can't help but think if he had played like that through the season it would have helped slightly. Overall cannot grumble but now it is out of our hands and back to Chelsea and Arsenal to slip up and for us to win our last games.
Whatever happens though, I'm really looking forward to seeing what AVB can do with some extra summer additions and a year under his belt at WHL.
Best game Ade has had for us this season. You can't help but think if he had played like that through the season it would have helped slightly. Overall cannot grumble but now it is out of our hands and back to Chelsea and Arsenal to slip up and for us to win our last games.
Whatever happens though, I'm really looking forward to seeing what AVB can do with some extra summer additions and a year under his belt at WHL.
norbac
Legend
That's probably why Mourinho has taken a disliking to him, he's known for hating Barcelona
I think Hazard had an injury. He's had one for the last week and was a doubt for the game, so i'm not too upset about that one. Taking Oscar off and putting Benayoun on though? That was just, weird.
As for the equaliser, yes it was offside. I don't know if it's because of the sheer number of games, but we've had so many poor decisions go against us lately that i'm not too disappointed about another one going against us. It's starting to feel normal, which is sad, but there you go.
Oh, didn't know about Hazard's injury. Yeah, Benayoun sub was very weird.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
I think it might be a calf injury, not entirely sure. He was our most dangerous player so it was a shame to see him go off though.
I see Moyes is set to be announced as the Man Utd manager tomorrow, I can see Baines and Fellaini following him too.
You answered your own question: he's irreplaceable. He knows that, and has used that to his advantage, which is why he's in Mou's doghouse. He's been leaking things to the media since day one which isn't good (it's never good to circumvent your boss) and he's put up a massive stink about not playing. Is he one of the best in the world? Absolutely. But he got injured, and the player brought to replace his presence in net has been playing out of his mind from the first day at training. He wants to be able to use his leverage with the fans, the media and the club hierarchy to walk straight back into the XI without having to work for it. It doesn't matter if you're Messi or playing for a pub team - if there's a guy who's in better form than you in your spot and you aren't fighting to regain your spot, you're not going to play.
What the hell? Rooney?! Really?
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
That's what they're saying! Check the articles in tomorrows papers, i've chosen this one as the photoshop picture of Rooney is hilarious. I think they've put his head on Mata when he was celebrating his goal at the weekend, if I was Mata, i'd sue
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...naldo-nears-return-Alex-Ferguson-retires.html
That's what they're saying! Check the articles in tomorrows papers, i've chosen this one as the photoshop picture of Rooney is hilarious. I think they've put his head on Mata when he was celebrating his goal at the weekend, if I was Mata, i'd sue
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...naldo-nears-return-Alex-Ferguson-retires.html
That's absurd - we don't need Rooney. Would he be nice to have? Sure, but I'd prefer a defensive midfielder, a center back (because let's be honest - Luiz isn't going to play center half anymore, he's a midfielder) and a replacement for when Ashley Cole calls it a day after next season.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Especially when the price mentioned is £25 Million, that's what Dortmund want for Lewandowski! He's alot younger, and imo, better than Rooney.
I'd take that deal! Although Rooney can play a number of positions through the middle unlike Lweandowski who can only score (which is a great thing).
I wonder why United don't play him as a false 9, it seems he does well every time he plays that role for England or United.
Madrid don't need Rooney, they've got Benzema who plays the role of physical striker and Ozil plays the false 9/supporting striker. I could only see Madrid getting Rooney if they decided to switch up to a more direct style of play with the midfielders providing the width and playing a central 3 or a central 2 with a supporting trequartista.
If Ancelotti gets named manager I could actually see him doing that....if he tries to implement the same christmas-tree formation he installed at Chelsea.
Benzema
Ozil-Rooney
Alonso-Khedira-Sahin
Marcelo-Varane-Ramos-Arbeloa
Not bad, I could see it work.
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BlackSilver
Semi-Pro
Great moment from Ronaldinho:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOIc_Ia7boY&feature=player_embedded
Here Lucio murdering his opponent and so throwing by the window São Paulo chances
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG3uORQ1V8c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOIc_Ia7boY&feature=player_embedded
Here Lucio murdering his opponent and so throwing by the window São Paulo chances
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG3uORQ1V8c
norbac
Legend
I'm expecting a lot of change in Madrid for next season.
Wonder who Everton - who seem to have been forgotten about amidst all the Fergie quitting/Moyes to Utd and Jose to Chelsea etc hoopla - have in mind then? Be interesting to see if they follow in the footsteps of, say, Swansea and Southampton, and go a bit adventurous and innovative. A real opportunity methinks.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
I think it might be time for Martinez, it will be interesting to see how he does with the players they have though, the squad doesn't seem like it's built to play the way he likes to.
I consider Lewandowski and RVP the best goal scorers not named Messi, Ronaldo or Falcao. I don't understand Chelsea going in for Rooney. Good news for Utd and Moyes, if Ronaldo does come back to Man Utd (Ronaldo and RVP would pretty much guarantee Man Utd the league next year).
Jimbo, Moyes worked with Everton and transformed them to a relegation-bound team to now a team pushing for Europe. That's worth something I guess. I remember back in 2002 it was Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool the top 4 clubs; Liverpool aren't even the best team in Liverpool (lol) anymore. Never thought I'd see Spurs and Everton step up like they did back in the day. Won't include Man City as they bought the league.
Well I'm sure if he comes the director will give him some money to spend, albeit not much. Everton generally have no budget to work with, but if United take some of his backroom staff and players (Baines, Felliani) I think Kenwright will be able to spare a few pounds.
jimbo333
Hall of Fame
You sound like an Arsenal fan, inferring winning doesn't matter lol
Also Spurs can't even get into the Champions league, if they can't get there with Bale, then when will they do it? (Sorry Ross).
Anyway, lets look at Liverpool and Everton's record while Moyes has been in charge, to compare who is the best club in liverpool over recent years.
Liverpool won: 1 FA Cup, 2 league Cups, 1 European Cup, 1 Charity Shield, 1 Super Cup.
Everton won: nothing
I have total respect for Moyes, seemingly a really good bloke (and respect Fergie for that matter actually, as he did everything within his power to win, which is exactly what you want from your football manager. The only reason I didn't like him was because he was Utd's manager), but lets see how he does next year. He sure won't have the influence over refs and other team manager's that Fergie had.
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Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Hard to argue with that, i'd probably put Cavani in there somewhere too. I think with Rooney asking to leave, most papers just put 2 and 2 together and decided to link him with Chelsea, i'm not sure if there is anything real to it. When he asked to leave a few years ago his agent spoke with Chelsea as he was interested in what playing in London brings, you can pretty much go unrecognised walking around the city and I think that appealed to him.
I'm sure the club would prefer Falcao, Cavani or Lewandowski, so maybe he's a back up if those don't happen.
It will be interesting. He's done fairly well at Wigan through not spending alot. He certainly won't have alot of money at Everton, but I could see them sliding down the table with Martinez as manager.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Lewandowski to Bayern Munich looks like it's happening then. After not paying much attention to Cavani when his representatives contacted the club, it looks like Falcao is the only option left.
He's probably the best of the 3 and I hope it happens, it's just a bit worrying how we seem to of put all our eggs in the one basket.
He's probably the best of the 3 and I hope it happens, it's just a bit worrying how we seem to of put all our eggs in the one basket.
SempreSami
Hall of Fame
Wouldn't call Özil a false 9, he rarely scores!
Cesc Fabregas
Legend
Looks like Pellegrini to City next season. Great appointment by them, he's an amazing manager far better than Mancini.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Can you imagine, Moyes, Pellegrini, Wenger, Mourinho and AVB fighting for the title? It doesn't seem right. I can see an Arsenal or Chelsea getting the title next year.
Cesc Fabregas
Legend
Chelsea I could see winning the league, not sure about us.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
May I be the first to wish Tottenham luck in the Europa League next season
What a game that was, Lampard was just, out of this world. When we were a man down he was putting out fires all over the place. When things were back on an even footing, he was the one who took it on himself to get us that top 4 spot and win the game. What was so impressive about the performance was that we had lost our captain to a horrible injury and our star player in Mata was dead on his feet.
At the end of the day, we got the top 4 spot, Lampard is the highest scorer in Chelsea history, life is good! Enjoy the pics.
What a game that was, Lampard was just, out of this world. When we were a man down he was putting out fires all over the place. When things were back on an even footing, he was the one who took it on himself to get us that top 4 spot and win the game. What was so impressive about the performance was that we had lost our captain to a horrible injury and our star player in Mata was dead on his feet.
At the end of the day, we got the top 4 spot, Lampard is the highest scorer in Chelsea history, life is good! Enjoy the pics.
