Discussion Football (Soccer) Thread

[stavro#4]

 

[George]

Out of the relegation zone mate? Haven't been following as closely the last few weeks

 

[NarklesHelmet]

Amazing that was Virgil’s first loss at Anfield in 70 games.

Can’t believe the scousers have lost to 2 teams in the relegation zone in consecutive weeks.

I have a Dutch mate who has been talking about Klopp and his “7th year issues” for the past couple of years predicting the same for Liverpool this year (basically that the game style is so taxing, players simply run out of steam after a certain amount of time). Me and my other mates used to laugh at him; he’s looking like Nostradamus so far this year.

Klipperty is looking more and more angry in press conferences too.

 

[George]

Amazing that was Virgil’s first loss at Anfield in 70 games.

Can’t believe the scousers have lost to 2 teams in the relegation zone in consecutive weeks.

I have a Dutch mate who has been talking about Klopp and his “7th year issues” for the past couple of years predicting the same for Liverpool this year (basically that the game style is so taxing, players simply run out of steam after a certain amount of time). Me and my other mates used to laugh at him; he’s looking like Nostradamus so far this year.

Klipperty is looking more and more angry in press conferences too.

I think that 7 year thing is bullshit. We haven't helped him by not investing in the squad at all. Milner starting should never happen in any universe. Henderson is a great leader but not a starter anymore. There's lots of issues.

 

[NarklesHelmet]

I think that 7 year thing is bullshit. We haven't helped him by not investing in the squad at all. Milner starting should never happen in any universe. Henderson is a great leader but not a starter anymore. There's lots of issues.

Yeah, we’ve been laughing at our mate for years.

Although I must say, I follow the Bundesliga closely and they do look similar to the way Dortmund did back then: very leggy.

Would help if the strikers put away their chances too of course. Darwin had to score this 2 gilt-edged chances he had.

 

[George]

Yeah, we’ve been laughing at our mate for years.

Although I must say, I follow the Bundesliga closely and they do look similar to the way Dortmund did back then: very leggy.

Would help if the strikers put away their chances too of course. Darwin had to score this 2 gilt-edged chances he had.

Our issue is depth and especially in midfield. Don't think it has anything to do with workrate or being overworked.

We'll be lucky to make top four - and this year it's essential that we do, given the Bellingham rumours.

I can handle a shit team like Leeds beating us given how many trophies we've won the last few years, but we need to keep an eye on continuously improving the squad.

 

[NarklesHelmet]

Our issue is depth and especially in midfield. Don't think it has anything to do with workrate or being overworked.

We'll be lucky to make top four - and this year it's essential that we do, given the Bellingham rumours.

I can handle a s**t team like Leeds beating us given how many trophies we've won the last few years, but we need to keep an eye on continuously improving the squad.

One leads to the other: tired legs due to lack of depth (incredibly long season last year… unprecedented in fact), leading to subsequent lack of intensity to the press.

I love the way Klopp’s teams play: unbeatable when on and how they manage to keep that intensity up for so long is a credit to Klopp and the team.

Missing Mane too. What a player.

It’s looking like this will be a 2021 season again for the Scousers. Fascinating to see if they can go again next season.

 

[George]

One leads to the other: tired legs due to lack of depth (incredibly long season last year… unprecedented in fact), leading to subsequent lack of intensity to the press.

I love the way Klopp’s teams play: unbeatable when on and how they manage to keep that intensity up for so long is a credit to Klopp and the team.

Missing Mane too. What a player.

It’s looking like this will be a 2021 season again for the Scousers. Fascinating to see if they can go again next season.

I had a feeling from the start that if we kept the same squad they wouldn't be able to keep up this level of intensity forever. We won every trophy, it feels damn good. I can handle a bit of a rebuild now. I just hope for top four so we can bring in some more world class players with the carrot of champions league football.

 

[NarklesHelmet]

I had a feeling from the start that if we kept the same squad they wouldn't be able to keep up this level of intensity forever. We won every trophy, it feels damn good. I can handle a bit of a rebuild now. I just hope for top four so we can bring in some more world class players with the carrot of champions league football.

Honestly, Liverpool have played pretty much the best football I’ve ever seen when they’ve been on these past few years.

The Liverpool City games have been the most intense sports matches I’ve ever watched: the standard, pressing and technique on display out of this world.

I reckon you’re right: too 4 for your lot, then recruit, refresh and re-load again.

Top 4 going to be bloody tough for anyone this year I reckon. I watched Newcastle yesterday and they look really solid. Not sure they’ll get too 4 this year but geez they are not far off.

 

[George]

Honestly, Liverpool have played pretty much the best football I’ve ever seen when they’ve been on these past few years.

The Liverpool City games have been the most intense sports matches I’ve ever watched: the standard, pressing and technique on display out of this world.

I reckon you’re right: too 4 for your lot, then recruit, refresh and re-load again.

Top 4 going to be bloody tough for anyone this year I reckon. I watched Newcastle yesterday and they look really solid. Not sure they’ll get too 4 this year but geez they are not far off.

Eddie Howe deserves a lot of respect. He's really got them humming.

I just hold out hope for a bit of a run that will secure us CL football. City will win the league, don't worry about Arsenal. Think that spots 2,3,4 are up for grabs after City take 1st.

Lots of respect if you were a City fan before they were good.

 

[NarklesHelmet]

Eddie Howe deserves a lot of respect. He's really got them humming.

I just hold out hope for a bit of a run that will secure us CL football. City will win the league, don't worry about Arsenal. Think that spots 2,3,4 are up for grabs after City take 1st.

Lots of respect if you were a City fan before they were good.

On City fans, my age (early 40s) I know none outside of Manchester. Ones my age and older in Manchester are very rusted on, I’ve met some great ones over the years, remarkably similar to Saints fans with their humour etc. due to winning nothing for ages.

I have a friend from Manchester who teaches and now thinks he sees with the young people it’s starting to turn finally so there are as many/more young Mancs supporting City. They’ll also no doubt be picking up young fans from outside Manchester since they started winning. That’s the way it always is, kids like the winning teams.

Care in point, 3 of my best friends where I live here in Sweden are 40+ Year old English guys. None are from Liverpool but all became fans from when they were winning when they were young.

Liverpool support base in Scandinavia is massive as well.

 

[austinnn]

It's going to be fascinating to see what happens with Liverpool in the next year or so.

In a way it's very similar to what we went through with the Saints in 2011: it feels like the end of an era in some ways - which is a bit it sad because it feels like we just got started - but a lot of players are coming to the final phase of their careers and although the club's tried to replace them, so far it's not gelling. Of course he deserves credit for persevering with Jones, Carvalho and Elliott but they are still young and there's no real guarantee that they have the quality that a team looking to be in the title race till the very end needs.

We've had problems with our midfield for years and been very successful circumnavigating it with an an attacking backline and a deep forward 3, but Mané is gone now, and Firmino and Salah haven't been prolific for years and backline seem exhausted. Then of course there is the horrific injury run to contend with plus the fact that we've been competing at the highest level consistently since 2017. Last season we were involved with for competitions till the very end, played a huge number of games and the summer break was too short.

City deserves a huge amount of credit for doing the same thing and still being so consistent, but they play a less exhausting style of football and they weren't involved in all four competitions till the very end, just the two most important ones.

The fascinating thing will be what happens with the management: Has Klopp got enough tickets credits in the bank to give the owners patience, or will they do what so many top teams do, especially the likes Chelsea and Manchester United, and look for the quick fix? It's easy to be Mentality Monsters when you just keep winning and ride the momentum, but with the failures stacking up, is doubt starting to creep into the players' minds? Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk have huge amount of pressure on them now that they didn't previously have.

Stick or twist? Ride it out and back your team to capitalise on their class and experience or clear the decks and start fresh.

We went through something similar at St Kilda in 2012 and starting fresh didn't work out for us so I'm happy to write the year off as a fan, but the owners?

As George says, the CL is necessary next season that should be our focus, as well as trying to win it again this year.

 

[TheOsprey]

If you are a good enough manager that at the top level you are measured across multiple 7 year cycles then you are obviously doing a good job. Minimum 14 years top level management, but prob 21 for that to be tested and proven.

Klopp makes it very difficult to dislike Liverpool. He’d be an excellent guy to play for. The players would run through walls for him.

 

[TheOsprey]

It's going to be fascinating to see what happens with Liverpool in the next year or so.

In a way it's very similar to what we went through with the Saints in 2011: it feels like the end of an era in some ways - which is a bit it sad because it feels like we just got started - but a lot of players are coming to the final phase of their careers and although the club's tried to replace them, so far it's not gelling. Of course he deserves credit for persevering with Jones, Carvalho and Elliott but they are still young and there's no real guarantee that they have the quality that a team looking to be in the title race till the very end needs.

We've had problems with our midfield for years and been very successful circumnavigating it with an an attacking backline and a deep forward 3, but Mané is gone now, and Firmino and Salah haven't been prolific for years and backline seem exhausted. Then of course there is the horrific injury run to contend with plus the fact that we've been competing at the highest level consistently since 2017. Last season we were involved with for competitions till the very end, played a huge number of games and the summer break was too short.

City deserves a huge amount of credit for doing the same thing and still being so consistent, but they play a less exhausting style of football and they weren't involved in all four competitions till the very end, just the two most important ones.

The fascinating thing will be what happens with the management: Has Klopp got enough tickets credits in the bank to give the owners patience, or will they do what so many top teams do, especially the likes Chelsea and Manchester United, and look for the quick fix? It's easy to be Mentality Monsters when you just keep winning and ride the momentum, but with the failures stacking up, is doubt starting to creep into the players' minds? Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk have huge amount of pressure on them now that they didn't previously have.

Stick or twist? Ride it out and back your team to capitalise on their class and experience or clear the decks and start fresh.

We went through something similar at St Kilda in 2012 and starting fresh didn't work out for us so I'm happy to write the year off as a fan, but the owners?

As George says, the CL is necessary next season that should be our focus, as well as trying to win it again this year.

Klopp has enough credits in the bank to leave when he wants to leave IMO.

He should be given time to rebuild if his heart is in it and he is up for that.

He’s 55, could have 15 years left. I wouldn’t be surprised if he chose to go manage another club in Europe that has a list ready to challenge for honours though.

 

[stavro#4]

Out of the relegation zone mate? Haven't been following as closely the last few weeks

15th.

I’d be worried about your mob. Look toast. Like it’s all just too much.

If Newcastle throw even more money at it. It will be a closed shop for you blokes (top 4)

 

[Joffaboy]

15th.

I’d be worried about your mob. Look toast. Like it’s all just too much.

If Newcastle throw even more money at it. It will be a closed shop for you blokes (top 4)

Hate that Leeds has struggled for nearly 30 years. Was on a par with Liverpool and Man U in the 70's, won the first two championships with Cantana, them oblivion for the past 30 years.

 

[George]

15th.

I’d be worried about your mob. Look toast. Like it’s all just too much.

If Newcastle throw even more money at it. It will be a closed shop for you blokes (top 4)

I think it's expected, nobody can play to the level Klopp wants for that length of time without rotating the squad or adding depth. We have neither.

Glaringly obvious what we need to improve, up to the tightarse owners to do something now.

 

[stavro#4]

Hate that Leeds has struggled for nearly 30 years. Was on a par with Liverpool and Man U in the 70's, won the first two championships with Cantana, them oblivion for the past 30 years.

We/Leeds are the last true untapped giant.

Someone who has aspiration and genuine desire to create a behemoth will eventually come along.

 

[NarklesHelmet]

Liverpool vs Real Madrid, what a tie:

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63541411

 

[George]

Liverpool vs Real Madrid, what a tie:

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63541411

Time for some revenge

 

[TheOsprey]

Hope Liverpool smash Real.

Man Utd v Barcelona in the Diddy cup should be watchable too

Also looking forward to PSG v Bayern - hopefully Bayern win.

 

[George]

Yes please

Liverpool approached by eighth-richest man in world with takeover bid

Mukesh Ambani will have to fight off interest from other parties from the Middle East and the USA with Liverpool's current owners FSG having been swamped with offers

www.mirror.co.uk

 

[lewdogs]

Jeez the World Cup is shaping up to be pretty amazingly bad. The fan accomodation sounds appalling, shipping containers where the AC barely works.

And to think this World Cup could have been in Australia. Just sad.

 

[Verdun]

On City fans, my age (early 40s) I know none outside of Manchester. Ones my age and older in Manchester are very rusted on, I’ve met some great ones over the years, remarkably similar to Saints fans with their humour etc. due to winning nothing for ages.

I have a friend from Manchester who teaches and now thinks he sees with the young people it’s starting to turn finally so there are as many/more young Mancs supporting City. They’ll also no doubt be picking up young fans from outside Manchester since they started winning. That’s the way it always is, kids like the winning teams.

Care in point, 3 of my best friends where I live here in Sweden are 40+ Year old English guys. None are from Liverpool but all became fans from when they were winning when they were young.

Liverpool support base in Scandinavia is massive as well.

I may have stated before but I started supporting City in the 70's / 80's when they were shiiiiite. I was a kid who was playing a lot of soccer and liked the color of their kit......remember the FA Cup in 1981 it finished 1-1 against Tottenham and then Tottenham won the 'replay'. 2010 anyone? One of my best mates is a huuuge Tottenham supporter and always brings up Ossie Ardiles and that final.

My 15 year old son has benefited from being a Man City supporter, no one believes I have always gone for them. He loves the big Norwegian.

Hope the Saints have a similar rise, we may need some investment.

 

[pebblesofsand]

Jeez the World Cup is shaping up to be pretty amazingly bad. The fan accomodation sounds appalling, shipping containers where the AC barely works.

And to think this World Cup could have been in Australia. Just sad.

You've got to give the Qatari's some credit though - when the choice was between drinking Budweiser or not drinking beer at all they've made the correct decision.

But then again Budweiser clearly doesn't have that special sort of spiritually aware alcohol that goes into champagne wine and whiskey!!!

"Friday’s statement from FIFA said non-alcoholic beer will still be sold at the eight stadiums, while champagne, wine, whiskey and other alcohol will be served in the luxury hospitality areas of the arenas."