The Football Thread.

scrumhalf · June 2022

Winks is Dele Mk2, but with less skill.

Both reached a plateau too young, couldn't maintain it and are now also rans.

Winks couldn't pass forward, Dele couldn't pass without an annoying flick of some kind that gave the ball away.

Sanchez has improved considerably under Conte, though.

menamestom · June 2022

Frustrated by the lack of movement for Man United so far, only players out. Pre season starts next week so would have been good to have a few signings done.

This is how I imagine the Man United negotiations going…..

https://youtu.be/Tt8DoNerIPY

TeleMaster · June 2022

Personally I think that Man UTD isn't the same draw as it was a few years ago. I think that in general it is, but because of no CL football and the lack of direction and disarray, people will prefer to wait until the situation is improved before coming.

You need one amazing season. Finishing 2nd or 3rd, CL qualification at least, maybe winning the Europa Cup, and I think that will really kick start an improvement in fortunes for Man UTD.

guitars4you · June 2022

TeleMaster said:

Personally I think that Man UTD isn't the same draw as it was a few years ago. I think that in general it is, but because of no CL football and the lack of direction and disarray, people will prefer to wait until the situation is improved before coming.

You need one amazing season. Finishing 2nd or 3rd, CL qualification at least, maybe winning the Europa Cup, and I think that will really kick start an improvement in fortunes for Man UTD.

I think it will be a tough fight for MUFC to get 4th this coming season - You have to assume Citeh + LFC will be nailed on for the first two slots - Spurs will/should do better with a full season under Conti - Chelsea maybe a touch uncertain with new owners, changes and the loss of Rudiger and as yet no new players in - But I'd still expect them to be in the first 4 places

I'm guessing a fight for 4th between Arsenal, Chelsea and Man U

TTony · June 2022

scrumhalf said:

Winks is Dele Mk2, but with less skill.

Both reached a plateau too young, couldn't maintain it and are now also rans.

Winks couldn't pass forward, Dele couldn't pass without an annoying flick of some kind that gave the ball away.

Sanchez has improved considerably under Conte, though.

Although both Winks & Dele failed to meet expectations, I think it was for different reasons.

Dele got distracted by "the life". I get the impression that he'd rather enjoy the image that he created on-field, and his off-field profile rather than actually demonstrate how he earned that image in the first place. I'm sure he's enjoying life right now, but that fame passes soon enough when you're no longer an England regular and can't even get a game for Everton. After a free transfer.

Winks, I think, lost confidence when his role got chopped and changed by the different managers. He was quite an active, energetic, forward-looking midfielder (though never a Dele-level goal-scorer), but he's ended up as a sideways passing defensive midfielder who's a bit too prone to the over-ambitious tackle.

Maybe both needed a little more life-coaching ...

menamestom · June 2022

TeleMaster said:

Personally I think that Man UTD isn't the same draw as it was a few years ago. I think that in general it is, but because of no CL football and the lack of direction and disarray, people will prefer to wait until the situation is improved before coming.

I think the fact they are paying shareholders £11m today but can't seem to sign any of the targets says a lot.

Also the fact that Eriksen is currently deciding between Us and Brentford, no disrespect to Brentford, but this is exactly where we are right now. Honestly he'll be better resigning for Brentford IMO.

TeleMaster said:

You need one amazing season. Finishing 2nd or 3rd, CL qualification at least, maybe winning the Europa Cup, and I think that will really kick start an improvement in fortunes for Man UTD.

True but hard to see that happening with the current squad and I'm not sure we will be signing the right players to change that. We don't have the structure, the scouting, the negotiation skills. Ironically Ralf Rangnick might have been able to help there.

CHRISB50 · June 2022

TeleMaster said:

Personally I think that Man UTD isn't the same draw as it was a few years ago. I think that in general it is, but because of no CL football and the lack of direction and disarray, people will prefer to wait until the situation is improved before coming.

You need one amazing season. Finishing 2nd or 3rd, CL qualification at least, maybe winning the Europa Cup, and I think that will really kick start an improvement in fortunes for Man UTD.

They won the Europa League in 2017.
In 17/18 they finished 2nd.
In 19/20 they finished 3rd.
In 20/21 they finished 2nd.

Last season they finished 6th and they're still shit.

I don't understand your logic.

TeleMaster · June 2022

CHRISB50 said:

TeleMaster said:

Personally I think that Man UTD isn't the same draw as it was a few years ago. I think that in general it is, but because of no CL football and the lack of direction and disarray, people will prefer to wait until the situation is improved before coming.

You need one amazing season. Finishing 2nd or 3rd, CL qualification at least, maybe winning the Europa Cup, and I think that will really kick start an improvement in fortunes for Man UTD.

They won the Europa League in 2017.
In 17/18 they finished 2nd.
In 19/20 they finished 3rd.
In 20/21 they finished 2nd.

Last season they finished 6th and they're still shit.

I don't understand your logic.

The Europa League was 5 years ago and a whole different team ago, as was that 2nd place finish. Their subsequent (I notice you left out the 6th place the following year) finishes were completely unconvincing and they scraped into the top four while other teams were also poor, and spent the the whole of 19/20 and 20/21 threatening to sack their manager for poor performances. They went out of the CL in 2017/18 in the second round, 2018/19 in the QF, in 2020/21 in the group stage and this year in the second round.

A season of attractive football, managerial stability, convincing performances, a trophy, or multiple long trophy runs and a league position that feels deserved would do wonders for the confidence of the team, and make them attractive for players who would normally jump at the chance to join them. Have they had that in any of the seasons you mentioned? Even when they won the Europa league? Were any of those seasons 'amazing'? Nope.

If you only look at the league position and don't bother to look at the bigger picture I understand why someone might feel confused, but when you do the logic is pretty much sound.

guitars4you · June 2022

So Wayne's on his way - Was it the fear of DCFC playing Leicester in a pre-season friendly and a potential re-match of the WAGS

Timing was impeccable - The day the ground is purchased by a local business developer and a potential rescue package nearly in place

To be fair to Wayne, he could have walked months ago - It wasn't his hassle - I dare say he has learnt a lot during such an experience and an experience the likes of Pep and Clop will never encounter - Great credibility to him for sticking it out as long as he did

swiller · June 2022

Newcastle fan here and newish to forum. So joining in and like a bit of footy banter. Father was a geordie, summer hols up there with his sister in late 70s, spanish city, tynemouth etc. Wallsend pedigree. Its in the blood.

So .. Good NUFC buy today for 22 yr old dutch Lille defender Sven Botman. right position to strengthen imho.

Bruno Guimarães one of best signings in recent premiership history this year. 24, hungry to be an NUFC ledge. Amazing reader of other players. Defensive midfielder, but not afraid to sprint into the pen area when its safe to do so. He has banged 5 in from 17 games for the toon and captained brazil u23 olympic squad 2020.

I have reservations about trippier signing in his attitude long term, but he looked fine for the few games he played and hit the net.

Howe done a great job of going for fundamental basics first . Duty, morale, motivation, responsibility etc. With not many changes of players that were all seen to be a sack of shit under bruce. Toon are v v v happy with him and not since rafa/bobby/keegan has there been a well deserved sense of optimism in the fans.

Think we float with man u , spurs, the arse etc next season, so upper mid table. Cant wait for the Man U games next season. Simply a battle of all the basics i mentioned howe has got right, and exactly the opposite in Man U.

and yup...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk87a7r0V60&t=25s

Howay the lads.

tony99 · June 2022

swiller said:

Newcastle fan here and newish to forum. So joining in and like a bit of footy banter. Father was a geordie, summer hols up there with his sister in late 70s, spanish city, tynemouth etc. Wallsend pedigree. Its in the blood.

So .. Good NUFC buy today for 22 yr old dutch Lille defender Sven Botman. right position to strengthen imho.

Bruno Guimarães one of best signings in recent premiership history this year. 24, hungry to be an NUFC ledge. Amazing reader of other players. Defensive midfielder, but not afraid to sprint into the pen area when its safe to do so. He has banged 5 in from 17 games for the toon and captained brazil u23 olympic squad 2020.

I have reservations about trippier signing in his attitude long term, but he looked fine for the few games he played and hit the net.

Howe done a great job of going for fundamental basics first . Duty, morale, motivation, responsibility etc. With not many changes of players that were all seen to be a sack of shit under bruce. Toon are v v v happy with him and not since rafa/bobby/keegan has there been a well deserved sense of optimism in the fans.

Think we float with man u , spurs, the arse etc next season, so upper mid table. Cant wait for the Man U games next season. Simply a battle of all the basics i mentioned howe has got right, and exactly the opposite in Man U.

and yup...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk87a7r0V60&t=25s

Howay the lads.

Howay man. You're a canny lad.

TTony · June 2022

Just what is going on at WHL towers this window??

[edit]
Though I still see no news or even rumours about Ndombelazygit's exit.

TeleMaster · June 2022

TTony said:

Just what is going on at WHL towers this window??

[edit]
Though I still see no news or even rumours about Ndombelazygit's exit.

I hope he stays there for decades. Yours, West Ham Fans.

guitars4you · July 2022

scrumhalf · July 2022

I don't think Conte will let him get away with stuff like that. If you're on the ground you're not running, and if you're not running you're not playing.

We don't have the greatest track record of expensive signings in recent years, hopefully Paratici and Conte will slay that particular dragon.

TTony · July 2022

Eriksen to Man Utd?

Not sure I like that ... he could make quite a positive difference there.

TeleMaster · July 2022

Spurs are doing well in this window. They're backing Conte and they mean business.

guitars4you · July 2022

TTony said:

Eriksen to Man Utd?

Not sure I like that ... he could make quite a positive difference there.

A large part of me was hoping he'd stay at Brentford - They backed him when no other team had the guts to take him on - Now he has proved he still has the legs he is wanted again - Can't blame Eriksen for the move - Possibly the closest thing we have to Modric in the PL

TTony · July 2022

guitars4you said:

Now he has proved he still has the legs

The legs weren't the problem

Agree with you though - Brentford were just his ticket back in. Would have loved him back at Spurs, but hard to see where he'd fit in.

Can't see where Richarlison fits in either. £60m is a lot to pay for a bench seat.

TeleMaster · July 2022

guitars4you said:

TTony said:

Eriksen to Man Utd?

Not sure I like that ... he could make quite a positive difference there.

Possibly the closest thing we have to Modric in the PL

Harry Maguire.

guitars4you · July 2022

Where next for Poch - I like the guy - I suppose PSG is a hiding to nothing - Don't win the CL and you are history - Long may it remain that way !!!!!!!!

Long shot - If Arteta does not have a strong start then that is an option - Likewise for Eddie at Newcastle - I sure the Newcastle owners can afford him, but at the moment they can only offer potential and I suspect it will be a while before even a CL place is possible - Assume that Conti and TT are set for a while at Spurs and Chelsea

TTony · July 2022

guitars4you said:

Where next for Poch

The beach, most likely.

I'm guessing Conte will last the season at Spurs provided that there's a realistic chance of winning something worthwhile. With the backing he's received, that's a realistic expectation.

("winning" here probably means at least 2nd in the premier league, and/or winning the FA Cup, and/or a decent CL run).

If we get to Easter-ish, and those aren't going to happen, then who knows. Conte could walk, leaving an empty seat.

Poch back to Spurs would be welcomed.

stufisher · July 2022

So, Twatter and Twatini aren't guilty eh?
What a feqqin farce.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62081675

axisus · July 2022

stufisher said:

So, Twatter and Twatini aren't guilty eh?
What a feqqin farce.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62081675

At the end of the day they were cleared by a court so I guess we have to respect that. The whole thing did put arch twat Blatter out of the job so it did serve the purpose of doing the whole world a massive favour.

axisus · July 2022

I am soooo excited for the new season! Having said that, I was last year but Man U (my team) were utter sh*te!

I feel confident that ten Hag is the man for the job for us, but I have no idea how the season will pan out. I'm hoping that our underperforming players will find their form. Sancho, Rashford, Fernando and a few others have the makings of very good players on paper. Can Erik get them playing again?

Ronaldo - great player, club legend, but honestly I don't mind if he goes. He was our best player last year by a mile but he isn't exactly the future. I think we need to build a team that doesn't rely on an old man who doesn't track back. I just hope he doesn't stay in the prem!

Not sure how Man C with Haarland can't win the prem though ...

TeleMaster · July 2022

axisus said:

stufisher said:

So, Twatter and Twatini aren't guilty eh?
What a feqqin farce.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62081675

At the end of the day they were cleared by a court so I guess we have to respect that. The whole thing did put arch twat Blatter out of the job so it did serve the purpose of doing the whole world a massive favour.

Maybe for a different thread in P&E but, sometimes the judge, the jury and the defendant walk out hand in hand. And not every decision of every court should be respected without question. Just saying.

TTony · July 2022

axisus said:

Can Erik get them playing again?

That will be the difference between ManU finishing top4 (as the squad suggests they should be able to) and not-top-4 (as actual performance of the "team" has demonstrated).

Can his methods and personality transfer from the relatively small and low-pressure world of Ajax, and work in a very different environment, with the much bigger egos, of ManU?

guitars4you · July 2022

axisus said:

I am soooo excited for the new season! Having said that, I was last year but Man U (my team) were utter sh*te!

I feel confident that ten Hag is the man for the job for us, but I have no idea how the season will pan out. I'm hoping that our underperforming players will find their form. Sancho, Rashford, Fernando and a few others have the makings of very good players on paper. Can Erik get them playing again?

Ronaldo - great player, club legend, but honestly I don't mind if he goes. He was our best player last year by a mile but he isn't exactly the future. I think we need to build a team that doesn't rely on an old man who doesn't track back. I just hope he doesn't stay in the prem!

Not sure how Man C with Haarland can't win the prem though ...

As though they need him to win the PL - I'm sure he could win the golden boot award - But he is hopefully a key asset towards their dreams of the CL - With 2 lads from Leeds now in the Citeh team I wish them luck

Man U appear to be struggling to get new players signed - Yet I'm not sure that is a big issue - They don't have a poor squad etc - IMO it is more to do with attitude, commitment, style of play and a game plan - Maybe 2 key players can help with that but as you say, Sancho, Bruno and Rashford need to start turning on the tap - With a WC only weeks away, then these guys need to quickly show form or have the autumn off - But surely that is what a good manager is about - Transforming potential into reality - Not all about spend spend spend - That is almost vulgar despite it delivery Citeh and co the titles

DesVegas · July 2022

Great win by Liverpool in the Charity Shield today, man city didn't go and collect their losers medals. Bless em x

axisus · July 2022

DesVegas said:

Great win by Liverpool in the Charity Shield today, man city didn't go and collect their losers medals. Bless em x

Glad to see city lose

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