the 370Z.com OFFICIAL football (soccer) thread

[phelan]

to quote arseblogger:

Despite times being quiet column inches need to be filled and we’ve got our first ‘Cesc to Barcelona’ story of the season in The Sun. £35m and we’re ‘reluctant’ sellers, apparently. Meh. Here’s a revolutionary idea, why don’t we keep our best players and add some better players to the squad? I know, it’s crazy, but it just might work. Every player has fallen under scrutiny in the last few weeks but anyone who thinks we’d be taking any other than a step backwards – regardless of who the replacement might be – by selling Cesc is bonkers, in my opinion.

Yes, yes it is, but if he goes, he goes. Huge fan of El Capitan, but with 35m in funds plus a nice transfer kitty from Silent Stan we'll be fine in rebuilding...again.

I call into question the source, and I still think there is some hope that Cesc will leave when he actually wins a trophy for the club. I can't help but think he wants to leave the club something to remember him by, and with Wenger relenting that he will buy this summer, this could be it.

Then again, same tune, different year, right?

[Jon@AAMComp]

If Inter take him for £35 million, that'd be a steal. And out of the two sides, I'd say Inter need a young, quality midfielder more than Barcelona. At 23, it's a frightening prospect pairing Fabregas with Sneijder and Eto'o at Inter. He would bring youth, creativity and more quality to Inter's starting 11 over Pandev or Cambiasso, in my opinion.

As far as the Captain's armband, I think it goes to Vermalen or Nasri, based on the work they put in each and every match. Nasri has performed superbly for his club this season, and I think he deserves to captain his own team.





More Champions league action today, El Clasico part 3. Madrid coming in as favorites for this game, with the win in the Copa del Rey, putting 6 goals past Valencia this weekend, and playing at the Bernabeau, the momentum is clearly with the home side. But you can never rule out Barcelona, even without Iniesta. An added boost for Barcelona, Carles Puyol is returning to the starting lineup. I think Madrid may be able to eke one out today. Barcelona will probably play for a draw to keep the series neutral and attack during the second leg at Camp Nou.

Thoughts?

[Red370]

Originally Posted by phelan

to quote arseblogger:



Yes, yes it is, but if he goes, he goes. Huge fan of El Capitan, but with 35m in funds plus a nice transfer kitty from Silent Stan we'll be fine in rebuilding...again.

I call into question the source, and I still think there is some hope that Cesc will leave when he actually wins a trophy for the club. I can't help but think he wants to leave the club something to remember him by, and with Wenger relenting that he will buy this summer, this could be it.

Then again, same tune, different year, right?

Dont get me wrong, I'd love to hold onto him, but I cant help but feel, judging by his quotes in the spanish press (misquoted or not) and his on field performances of late, it just seems like he isnt playing with the effortless gusto he used to have, the part of his game that I used to love. With the constant tapping up, I just think hes starting to become a detriment to the unity of the team honestly. Cesc will bring 35 Million easy, if Barca cannot afford it, Real or Inter will. With claims of 40 million to spend, coupled with what he would bring it, its close to 80 million, we can add MINIMUM of 3 WORLD CLASS players.

First things first, Verms needs a reliable RCB (someone who stays consistently healthy, Djou isnt the answer) to pair with. We need steel in the middle, STEEL. Clichy and Gibbs can get the job done on the left and Sagna is as consistent as anyone on the right, they do not need replacing. We'll also need a replacement for the spanish magic man himself, I think a Kaka + Cash from Real would be nice, although not likely to happen (although he seems a wantaway). I want Montolivo. And Phe, you might disagree, but I think Gourcuff would be an excellent addition. Hell, I'd even love a direct swap for Sneijder @ Inter, I hear they're quite keen on Fab.

Lastly, RvP has been carrying ALL of the workload up top, ALL OF IT. Since he found form, he hasnt dipped, guy has been working hard and getting bags of goals. However, IMHO, hes being overtaxed up top and needs another prolific scorer to help shoulder the burden. I honestly think someone like Gyan or Darren Bent would compliment the team (EPL experience and excellent goal poachers). I also have a huge appreciation for Ashley Young, one of the most consistent wingers i've seen in the game today.

Goalkeeper is a toss up, Pollock has been great, but we need cover for the inevitable departure of Almunia, Neuer? Stekelenberg? Buffon?

[Red370]

Nasri is also a good candidate for the band, I think AW might use it to lure him into another contract.

[phelan]

Originally Posted by Jon@AAMComp

If Inter take him for £35 million, that'd be a steal. And out of the two sides, I'd say Inter need a young, quality midfielder more than Barcelona. At 23, it's a frightening prospect pairing Fabregas with Sneijder and Eto'o at Inter. He would bring youth, creativity and more quality to Inter's starting 11 over Pandev or Cambiasso, in my opinion.


Thoughts?

Sneijder will not be there if Fabregas goes. Inter will probably sell to Manchester United if they can get Cesc.

Originally Posted by Red370

Dont get me wrong, I'd love to hold onto him, but I cant help but feel, judging by his quotes in the spanish press (misquoted or not) and his on field performances of late, it just seems like he isnt playing with the effortless gusto he used to have, the part of his game that I used to love. With the constant tapping up, I just think hes starting to become a detriment to the unity of the team honestly. Cesc will bring 35 Million easy, if Barca cannot afford it, Real or Inter will. With claims of 40 million to spend, coupled with what he would bring it, its close to 80 million, we can add MINIMUM of 3 WORLD CLASS players.

First things first, Verms needs a reliable RCB (someone who stays consistently healthy, Djou isnt the answer) to pair with. We need steel in the middle, STEEL. Clichy and Gibbs can get the job done on the left and Sagna is as consistent as anyone on the right, they do not need replacing. We'll also need a replacement for the spanish magic man himself, I think a Kaka + Cash from Real would be nice, although not likely to happen (although he seems a wantaway). I want Montolivo. And Phe, you might disagree, but I think Gourcuff would be an excellent addition. Hell, I'd even love a direct swap for Sneijder @ Inter, I hear they're quite keen on Fab.

Lastly, RvP has been carrying ALL of the workload up top, ALL OF IT. Since he found form, he hasnt dipped, guy has been working hard and getting bags of goals. However, IMHO, hes being overtaxed up top and needs another prolific scorer to help shoulder the burden. I honestly think someone like Gyan or Darren Bent would compliment the team (EPL experience and excellent goal poachers). I also have a huge appreciation for Ashley Young, one of the most consistent wingers i've seen in the game today.

Goalkeeper is a toss up, Pollock has been great, but we need cover for the inevitable departure of Almunia, Neuer? Stekelenberg? Buffon?

1. I think he's still hobbled by his hamstring injury, and the trophyless drought and his 'I want to go home' saga is wearing him down. Keep in mind that he also had no break whatsoever, aside from injury team, due to his national obligations. He's put in 300 games in the red and white at such a young age, and remains loyal and respectful to the club. But you're right, he doesn't have the same zeal about his play this season. Would love to see him next year, but it's a long shot at this point.

2. Cahill / Jagielka + defensive midfielder. We cannot put Wilshere in Song's position if our Cameroonian enforcer goes down. Wilshere is agile, tough as nails, and has the aura, but he does NOT have the size or strength to do the job right. I hate to be clichéd but we could really use a Makalele on this squad to cover our arse when Song is out. I actually DO agree with you Red, Montolivo AND Gourcuff would give us ample cover. But who would drop those inch perfect passes to RvP next year? I just don't see ANYBODY outside of Fab and the Barca XI who can do that. To lose Fabregas means we will need better wing play to get crosses in, and better strike play as well. It's no understatement that Fabregas is our lynchpin, if he goes, we have to fix a lot of things. I also worry that RvP has often praised his near telepathic connection with Cesc, without his midfield support, will he still be effective?

3. We need ONE good fox in the box - Miyaichi is too young, and is a winger anyway, but what about Wenger's vaunted 'Theo can be a central striker' theory? Let's try it. Theo has the ridiculous pace to do it. Add in a solid goal scorer in Chamakh if he recovers his confidence and we'll be fine. Would like some cover after we lose Bendtner though. I would still try to get Hazard too, as I think Arshavin actually might bolt back to Zenit.

4. Neuer is going to Bayern. Best chance would be Stekelenburg. But then Szczesny WILL leave Arsenal. I really, really don't want that. So I think no buys in the GK position.


I can't even predict a starting XI next year aside from the following:
.....................Szczesny
....Sagna.....Cahill.....Vermaelen.....Clichy (really really don't see him leaving Arsenal)
...............Song.......Wilshere
......................Nasri???
.......(???).......van Persie........(???)

[Jon@AAMComp]

If anyone is interested, you can listen to the entire Clasico match live on BBC Radio. Link:

BBC - Radio 5 live

[phelan]

Benzema AND Adebayor on the bench. Di Maria up top, with Ozil and Ronaldo in support.

Any predictions? I've actually got an inkling on a 0-0 draw, with both teams really, REALLY pissed off at each other, and a nasty, contentious, and sometimes ugly affair. Copa del Rey style haha

EDIT: ooh, Mascherano is playing....I might have to think 1-0 to Real now just for that.


EDIT AGAIN: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA a red card for a sub GK during half time, now a red card for Pepe for a POSSIBLE yellow card offense, but never red. WAY TO GO BARCELONA. KEEP CROWDING THAT REF!

Alves leaves on a stretcher then comes back on. Mourinho in the stands. LOL. What a farce of a game! We could use some new conductors right now!!

[batman_4]

Madrid's defense blew! IMO i feel Ramos and Marcelo are not consistent and both especially Ramos have anger issues. Carvalho IMO puts in some Smarts w/his experience but also looses his cool.

And i know Kaka and Higuain are coming back but wtf seriously? This is a BIG game with a lot of pressure and it tends to happen Di Maria and Ozil completely shut down for long periods of time IMO......the way Kaka and Higuain played this past weekend IMO they deserved a change......AND THEY CAN keep a cool head in games like these.

anybody else feel this or am i just being biased cuz im a Kaka fan?


OK done lol.....Forza Milan!!!

[Red370]

Referees once again, ruin a match. Why send the man off when the match was flowing so well? a yellow cardable offense yes, but straight red? never. Suddenly i'm having flashbacks...

[phelan]

Red, if that was a match that was 'flowing'...I have no idea what you called the Arsenal / Barca 1st leg. That was possibly one of the most pig-ugly, stop/start, angry matches I've ever seen. Disgusting.

[Red370]

Originally Posted by phelan

Red, if that was a match that was 'flowing'...I have no idea what you called the Arsenal / Barca 1st leg. That was possibly one of the most pig-ugly, stop/start, angry matches I've ever seen. Disgusting.

Both teams attacked, ugly challenges were all over yes, but a straight red man? seriously? why the fvck dont referees allow the matches to finish with even numbers? a full side against Barca is a struggle, 10 men pretty much gifts them the match.

[phelan]

lol dude, i wasn't criticizing the red card at all. read my post beforehand, the ref got wound up like all hell and gave the red when he should have pulled the yellow. it was absolutely ridiculous, and yes barca smelled blood after pepe got sent off. best part? alves off on a stretcher, returns seconds later. wtf??? stupid dani alves!

did madrid really attack? i mean..barca had 70+% OF POSSESSION. all of madrid's attacks petered out as ronaldo couldn't hit a free kick to save his life, and adebayor will be better remembered for smacking...er...someone in the face.

ugly, ugly, ugly. thank goodness for messi providing that OMGWTFNOWAY goal to make it 2 to the visitors.

still, for the ref -
SAME OLD BARCA, ALWAYS CHEATING!

[Jon@AAMComp]

Originally Posted by batman_4

Madrid's defense blew! IMO i feel Ramos and Marcelo are not consistent and both especially Ramos have anger issues. Carvalho IMO puts in some Smarts w/his experience but also looses his cool.

And i know Kaka and Higuain are coming back but wtf seriously? This is a BIG game with a lot of pressure and it tends to happen Di Maria and Ozil completely shut down for long periods of time IMO......the way Kaka and Higuain played this past weekend IMO they deserved a change......AND THEY CAN keep a cool head in games like these.

anybody else feel this or am i just being biased cuz im a Kaka fan?


OK done lol.....Forza Milan!!!

Carvalho is probably Madrid's best defender, we were still wishing we had him at Chelsea, but David Luiz has stepped up. You're right about Sergio Ramos though, he tends to be hit or miss, and Marcelo can be caught ball watching a lot. Shame Pepe was sent off, because he hassled Barca's midfield the entire game during the Copa del Rey final. I think Higuain and Kaka should have started. Love Özil to death, but Kaka has more experience in Europe, and in Clasico's for that matter, and probably would have been a better choice, with Özil coming in off the bench as a substitute.

I feel Mourinho was trying the tactic that won against Barca with Inter, which was being willing to concede possession, keep the shape, and try to hit on the counter attack. During the first half, Barca seemed to be playing for the second half by keeping the score 0-0 until halftime, and when the chances come, cut the tired legs of the Madrid defense and finish, and they did.

This next leg at the Camp Nou is going to be a Barcelona keep away, but Madrid HAVE to leave it all on the field. Instead of playing for a counter attack, I would attack Barca straight up and test their back four right away. Iniesta should be back, which is bad news for Madrid as they needed to win this first leg. Conceding two away goals and having to play Barcelona at home is asking a lot of any team, but Madrid have to play as if their lives depended on it.

Originally Posted by phelan

still, for the ref -
SAME OLD BARCA, ALWAYS CHEATING!

In regards to this, I'm sure if you guys remember, but we were sent on our way by Barcelona and questionable officiating 2 seasons ago when they went on to win the Champions League. Didier Drogba is remembered for calling the officiating a f*cking disgrace, and it was. I feel Arsenal were cheated as well in their match with Barca this season.





Anything can happen, but it looks to be a rematch of Barca and Manchester United in the final at Wembley, in which case immediately I'd become a Barcelona supporter.

[batman_4]

^ its going to REALLY tough for Madrid nxt week. No Pepe....which is the ONLY thing IMO that makes Barca work harder. Di Maria and Ozil (both great players) need to be on the bench as well....they just don't have the experience.

i also agree PHELAN.....everytime Barca feel pressured by any team and fouls come up they SWARM the red like little ANTS and majority of the time a red card follows.

[batman_4]

I would have liked to have seen Mou vs Ferguson but 98% sure it won't happen.