The Football Thread.

Hattigol · August 2023

RaymondLin said:

I think Kane leaving could be a good thing. Postecoglou loves a rebuild, and now without his talisman, his biggest star, he has a free hit this year. People weren't expecting him to challenge for the title or even top 4 this year and now the expectations is likely even lower so the pressure is less, relatively speaking.

Yeah. Spurs fans will simply shrug their shoulders when they're mid-table and say 'c'est la vie'. Pretty sure that's right.

TeleMaster · August 2023

tony99 said:

TeleMaster said:

Gerrard would've excelled in this Liverpool team. If anything, the poor squad around him held HIM back, not the other way round. FSG got it wrong with managerial appointments until Klopp came on board and the board backed him with the likes of VVD, Salah, Firminho, Mane, Trent, Allison etc who were brought in after he left.

That's a great little example of how much Liverpool's board do indeed back the manager; a good couple of hundred million in just those few names alone. And yet somehow you see loads of Liverpool fans and journalists buying into this narrative that they don't spend; it's ridiculous.

Great points there Tele.

Thanks mate.

Hattigol · August 2023

tony99 said:

TeleMaster said:

Gerrard would've excelled in this Liverpool team. If anything, the poor squad around him held HIM back, not the other way round. FSG got it wrong with managerial appointments until Klopp came on board and the board backed him with the likes of VVD, Salah, Firminho, Mane, Trent, Allison etc who were brought in after he left.

That's a great little example of how much Liverpool's board do indeed back the manager; a good couple of hundred million in just those few names alone. And yet somehow you see loads of Liverpool fans and journalists buying into this narrative that they don't spend; it's ridiculous.

Great points there Tele.

Remember Klopp sounding off about other teams spending way too much on transfer fees?

Shortly before he paid a world record fee for a defender.

And then a world record fee for a keeper.

And if Caicedo decides to join them, a world record fee for a midfielder.

But hey, who's counting...

Rocker · August 2023

TeleMaster said:

Gerrard would've excelled in this Liverpool team. If anything, the poor squad around him held HIM back, not the other way round. FSG got it wrong with managerial appointments until Klopp came on board and the board backed him with the likes of VVD, Salah, Firminho, Mane, Trent, Allison etc who were brought in after he left. These players weren't hamstrung by Gerrard, they never played with him. He was never the issue at Liverpool, he made everyone play better from what I can see.

I am not commenting on the Liverpool team but pointing out what might prove to be a parallel in the case of Spurs. You might remember the time that Stevie G was injured, the Liverpool team played well without him. At least as good as when he was on the pitch. I recall that Henderson thrived when the responsibility of controlling the midfield area fell on his shoulders. Henderson was always a good player, one who gave his all in the Liverpool shirt, but his confidence was boosted when he had to step up as it were. I think the same might happen for Spurs now that Kane has departed. I agree with you about the Liverpool Board buying well but that is an entirely separate issue.

TTony · August 2023

Rocker said:

I think the same might happen for Spurs now that Kane has departed.

Trouble is ... there are so many changes at Spurs compared to last season, not just Kane leaving, that means any attempt at trying to say X happened (or didn't) because of Kane leaving will be impossible to substantiate.

About half the likely starting 11 is new (either new transfers-in, returning loanees or returning from injury), the manager is new, and the style of football will be completely different.

How would HK perform in the 23/24Spurs? He'd score lots of goals, just like he did in the 22/23Spurs, and the 21/22Spurs, and the ...

axisus · August 2023

Congrats to Kane on his first trophy.
Hey, it's inevitable I'm just jumping the gun a bit.

Seriously, although I don't like Bayern, and I don't like a one horse race league, I hope that Harry does really well out there.

bit worried that the Prem is heading towards a one horse league ...

axisus · August 2023

As a Man U fan, it pains me to see City doing so well these past seasons (not as bad a Liverpool doing well I guess!). Although in all fairness they have had decades of rubbish seasons so one can hardly begrudge them.

One thing I will say though, since they got money they have recruited top notch players, either very very good or Pep improves them.

Since Man U lost Fergie, the recruitment has been very poor in comparison. We have bought many expensive average players and then stuck with them. The club has spent a lot of money but not really had ambition. I do feel that they are on the up though Ten Hag absolutely feels like the manager we have spent a decade looking for.

RaymondLin · August 2023

axisus said:

As a Man U fan, it pains me to see City doing so well these past seasons (not as bad a Liverpool doing well I guess!). Although in all fairness they have had decades of rubbish seasons so one can hardly begrudge them.

One thing I will say though, since they got money they have recruited top notch players, either very very good or Pep improves them.

Since Man U lost Fergie, the recruitment has been very poor in comparison. We have bought many expensive average players and then stuck with them. The club has spent a lot of money but not really had ambition. I do feel that they are on the up though Ten Hag absolutely feels like the manager we have spent a decade looking for.

The problem with United, besides overpay for average players with top dollar, is the team is made up of players from several managers. Pep didn't win in his first season, Klopp didn't win in his first season. United, with whoever is in charge, has to put together a team with players bought by other managers. Even the current United team might not be the true ETH form yet.

TeleMaster · August 2023

Okay. It's officially a curse.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66489307 ;

wibble · August 2023

Well that was a nice start to the season, Tonali was impressive.

joneve · August 2023

wibble said:

Well that was a nice start to the season, Tonali was impressive.

Looked very sharp (as did the whole team tbf)

was pleased with the second half performance Forest put in against Arsenal. Our goal was an absolute counter attack masterclass, but of course didn’t get a mention on MOTD. Had that been City, they’d still be talking about it.

If we can get a few more signings in to help the depth, I think we’ll be ok this season.

MagicPigDetective · August 2023

From a Liverpool perspective, it was clear to all a midfield rebuild was required. It started well, with Milner, Ox, Keita moving on, two excellent signings came in early. However, I don’t think losing Fabinho and Henderson was part of the plan. So now, the defensive midfield position is very under manned, with only Bajetic as a specialist. Without strength/depth in this position the defence is going to be horribly exposed. So there’s some desperation from the club to sign a DM, and it’s not going well! Just hope it gets sorted eventually. Until then we might score a few, but concede a lot too.

A new centre back is also needed to cover for Virgil and Konate, as Matip is getting on and often injured and Gomez has the odd nightmare game. Right back also needed when Trent is in midfield.

axisus · August 2023

MagicPigDetective said:

From a Liverpool perspective, it was clear to all a midfield rebuild was required. It started well, with Milner, Ox, Keita moving on, two excellent signings came in early. However, I don’t think losing Fabinho and Henderson was part of the plan. So now, the defensive midfield position is very under manned, with only Bajetic as a specialist. Without strength/depth in this position the defence is going to be horribly exposed. So there’s some desperation from the club to sign a DM, and it’s not going well! Just hope it gets sorted eventually. Until then we might score a few, but concede a lot too.

A new centre back is also needed to cover for Virgil and Konate, as Matip is getting on and often injured and Gomez has the odd nightmare game. Right back also needed when Trent is in midfield.

The strange world of football. Liverpool burned very brightly for a couple of seasons but seem to have burned out. I can't see them getting back to that place, and I think that team won less that it should have.

Hattigol · August 2023

MagicPigDetective said:

From a Liverpool perspective, it was clear to all a midfield rebuild was required. It started well, with Milner, Ox, Keita moving on, two excellent signings came in early. However, I don’t think losing Fabinho and Henderson was part of the plan. So now, the defensive midfield position is very under manned, with only Bajetic as a specialist. Without strength/depth in this position the defence is going to be horribly exposed. So there’s some desperation from the club to sign a DM, and it’s not going well! Just hope it gets sorted eventually. Until then we might score a few, but concede a lot too.

A new centre back is also needed to cover for Virgil and Konate, as Matip is getting on and often injured and Gomez has the odd nightmare game. Right back also needed when Trent is in midfield playing at right back.

FTFY

guitars4you · August 2023

Newcastle looked awesome and relentless
Villa were not out of it at 2-1 and did okay- But then Newcastle just turned it on
And looked nice n easy on the eye

Lestratcaster · August 2023

Relieved to start the season off with a win but we were made to work hard for it. Saka's goal was sensational. Proving last season wasn't just a one-off. I don't like this inverted full-back thing though, Partey belongs in midfield with Rice and not as a right back who tucks in when we have the ball. He's not got the pace to deal with quick and tricky wingers (like for the Forest consolation goal with Elanga's run).

And we still need that proven goalscorer up front. Nketiah is off the mark already but I can't see him getting into the Haaland/Kane figures.

Also good to get Raya in to push Ramsdale cos he can't get a bit too comfortable knowing he's gonna play each week even if he makes errors and stuff.

TeleMaster · August 2023

Neymar looks like he's off to Saudi now!

DrCornelius · August 2023

TeleMaster said:

Neymar looks like he's off to Saudi now!

One of the greediest players of modern times off to the greed league shock

tony99 · August 2023

DrCornelius said:

TeleMaster said:

Neymar looks like he's off to Saudi now!

One of the greediest players of modern times off to the greed league shock

He's coming to the Prem?!?!

joneve · August 2023

Lestratcaster said:

Relieved to start the season off with a win but we were made to work hard for it. Saka's goal was sensational. Proving last season wasn't just a one-off. I don't like this inverted full-back thing though, Partey belongs in midfield with Rice and not as a right back who tucks in when we have the ball. He's not got the pace to deal with quick and tricky wingers (like for the Forest consolation goal with Elanga's run).

And we still need that proven goalscorer up front. Nketiah is off the mark already but I can't see him getting into the Haaland/Kane figures.

Also good to get Raya in to push Ramsdale cos he can't get a bit too comfortable knowing he's gonna play each week even if he makes errors and stuff.

We proper had you rattled in the last 20 mins which was pleasing to see (much improved on last season at the Emirates). Whilst both goals were superb, the deflection on the first mis-footed Turner (who was superb all game), which was unfortunate and you just don’t stop shots like one Saka produced; but MGW should have hoofed it clear about 5 seconds before Saka took possession. All if’s and buts, however, pleasing overall. Play like that against the Blunts on Friday and I think we’ll be ok.

sev112 · August 2023

Getting fed up with transfers, managers just buying people to cover up their inadequate coaching and tactics

About time that limits placed on number of players one can buy I believe but of course while lots of people make lots of money then nothing will change and we'll continue our march to S&G

Maybe the team that comes first can buy 1 player, and the ones that come 20th can buy 20 if they want to

TTony · August 2023

sev112 said:

Getting fed up with transfers, managers just buying people to cover up their inadequate coaching and tactics

About time that limits placed on number of players one can buy I believe but of course while lots of people make lots of money then nothing will change and we'll continue our march to S&G

Maybe the team that comes first can buy 1 player, and the ones that come 20th can buy 20 if they want to

There should be some sort of rules that teams can only spend a certain proportion of their revenues, so that there's fair play with the financials as well as on the pitch ...

sev112 · August 2023

More about MCity not realising that selling Gundogun and Mahrez, probably Silva and Palmer, with a constantly broken D Bruyne, and then just throwing money at West Ham for Paquetta

swiller · August 2023

As a NUFC fan, i was worried that we might suffer from high expectations this season, complacency dip because we achieved so much after years of under performance. We wouldnt be the first and still i worry of not doing top 6. But if there was a performance to null my worries, it was that one yesterday. Pretty much last season with knobs on.

Our bench looks very healthy in midfield and attack.

Very much looking forward to Man City next saturday in their yard. Not expecting to win unless haaland is off form, but if we play like that, think it could be a hell of a game, as should liverpool at st james the week after.

Shrews · August 2023

Klopp may have been banking on the lad from Brighton going there, but he's gone to Chelsea instead for a British transfer record of... wait for it... 115million.

Great business for Brighton

joneve · August 2023

swiller said:

As a NUFC fan, i was worried that we might suffer from high expectations this season, complacency dip because we achieved so much after years of under performance. We wouldnt be the first and still i worry of not doing top 6. But if there was a performance to null my worries, it was that one yesterday. Pretty much last season with knobs on.

Our bench looks very healthy in midfield and attack.

Very much looking forward to Man City next saturday in their yard. Not expecting to win unless haaland is off form, but if we play like that, think it could be a hell of a game, as should liverpool at st james the week after.

Got to hand it to Newcastle - they've done absolute wonders with the shoestring budget they've working with

tony99 · August 2023

Shrews said:

Klopp may have been banking on the lad from Brighton going there, but he's gone to Chelsea instead for a British transfer record of... wait for it... 115million.

Great business for Brighton

BBC comments section says it was just a ruse by liverpool to get chelsea to pay more; it was a bold strategy but it looks to have paid off.

joneve · August 2023

tony99 said:

Shrews said:

Klopp may have been banking on the lad from Brighton going there, but he's gone to Chelsea instead for a British transfer record of... wait for it... 115million.

Great business for Brighton

BBC comments section says it was just a ruse by liverpool to get chelsea to pay more; it was a bold strategy but it looks to have paid off.

Otherwise known as the "Eni Aluko strategy".

Also, one good season in the Prem and you're worth £115m now?

By that logic, if Gibbs-White, Brennan Johnson and Danilo all have standout seasons, Forest will be about £300m better off next July. Can't wait.

thecolourbox · August 2023

joneve said:

tony99 said:

Shrews said:

Klopp may have been banking on the lad from Brighton going there, but he's gone to Chelsea instead for a British transfer record of... wait for it... 115million.

Great business for Brighton

BBC comments section says it was just a ruse by liverpool to get chelsea to pay more; it was a bold strategy but it looks to have paid off.

Otherwise known as the "Eni Aluko strategy".

Also, one good season in the Prem and you're worth £115m now?

By that logic, if Gibbs-White, Brennan Johnson and Danilo all have standout seasons, Forest will be about £300m better off next July. Can't wait.

Also known as the Eni More For Eni More strategy

TTony · August 2023

joneve said:

Also, one good season in the Prem and you're worth £115m now?

I just can't understand that valuation.

Keep going back to Maddison at £40m. Proven PL and international player with plenty of goals and assists (2 already this season) to his name.

So, to my mind, Caicedo is perhaps worth £25m for his potential. £115m is madness.

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