Football The 2013 / 2014 Season Thread

[DaGaffer]

It's been a very long time since I've been excited about England as a national team and I'm not about to start now.

In other news: apparently Pochettino is a done deal, to be announced later today or tomorrow.

They've got good players, best in a while. But...not enough time together, an unimaginative manager, a tough group, and the conditions are against them; probably more than any of the other European teams.

My bet is Brazil v. Argentina in the final. And don't be surprised if there are some big scalps in the group stage; Chile could send Spain or Holland packing, and Ghana could easily produce a shock in Group G (because Portugal ain't all that, Ronaldo aside).

 

[ileks]

Agreed. I think people are seriously underestimating the conditions in Brazil. All the teams in England's group are better set up for Brazil in June.

Yep.

My money's on Spain now. Chasing the ball around for 90 minutes is going to be a nightmare for most teams if the heat/humidity is too high.

 

[miri]

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/may/27/yaya-toure--honour-to-play-for-psg-manchester-city

Hahahahaha. What a shameless cunt. If I was a City fan my reaction would be 'off you fuck then'.

 

[DaGaffer]

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/may/27/yaya-toure--honour-to-play-for-psg-manchester-city

Hahahahaha. What a shameless cunt. If I was a City fan my reaction would be 'off you fuck then'.

Totally. Unfortunately he's also their best player. By miles. I also think even PSG would struggle to give him a pay rise given their FFP issues and the French tax situation. Can they afford two Zlatan-level wages?

 

[miri]

They also don't need him really, their midfield is already outstanding. But yep, you're right, can't see it happening.

 

[soze]

Is the Beckam law still a thing in Spain? 10% rather than 40-50% tax is a massive draw.

 

[DaGaffer]

Is the Beckam law still a thing in Spain? 10% rather than 40-50% tax is a massive draw.

No, it was repealed a few years ago.

 

[caLLous]

Pochettino it is then.

 

[megadave]

Hope Saints don't get torn apart now. I never like seeing teams knocking on the top 4's door getting picked apart by the top, aka Man Utd's business plan for the last decade.

 

[Billargh]

That's absolutely what's going to happen though.

 

[Scouse]

Hope Saints don't get torn apart now. I never like seeing teams knocking on the top 4's door getting picked apart by the top, aka Man Utd's business plan for the last decade.

They're not knocking on the top 4's door. They're camping in their garden like crusty trespassers.

They can't afford to knock on the door.

 

[Billargh]

They're not knocking on the top 4's door. They're camping in their garden like crusty trespassers.

They can't afford to knock on the door.

Bit like your lot for a while if you discount this season?

 

[Lethul]

Hope Saints don't get torn apart now. I never like seeing teams knocking on the top 4's door getting picked apart by the top, aka Man Utd's business plan for the last decade.

Not every team can buy every AM in Europe just so other teams cant buy them. Some teams have to have a bit more tactics in the buying.

 

[Scouse]

Bit like your lot for a while if you discount this season?

Still can't afford it.

We just lucked in with Suarez being unexpectedly amazing for twenty million quid

 

[Ch3tan]

Still can't afford it.

We just lucked in with Suarez being unexpectedly amazing for twenty million quid

This is your chance though, spend on the right three or four players now and you might just stay a challenger. If you sell core players now or don't buy well then the chance will pass you by.

 

[CorNokZ]

They also don't need him really, their midfield is already outstanding. But yep, you're right, can't see it happening.

Yes, City would easily have won the league without Yaya. LOL

 

[Scouse]

This is your chance though, spend on the right three or four players now and you might just stay a challenger. If you sell core players now or don't buy well then the chance will pass you by.

Agree completely. Which is why I'm a bit pissed off we don't have Lallana in the bag already. It feels like last summer, when we didn't buy anyone and then ended up spunking a wad on the frankly overrated Sakho at the last moment to placate the fans.

"Major signing" my ass.

 

[Ch3tan]

I honestly think the saints contingent were waiting in pochtinnos move before talking to any clubs. He may well go in for them.

 

[Scouse]

I honestly think the saints contingent were waiting in pochtinnos move before talking to any clubs. He may well go in for them.

Yeah thought that too. But if he wants Champion's League then LFC is the place for him to go. He'll play with some top players up front, his England captain behind him and teammates all around him.

Tottingham? Another year of over priced obscurity if you ask me...

 

[caLLous]

...if you ask me...

Luckily, nobody did.

If Pochettino can get the best out of Soldado and Lamela I see no reason at all why we can't be banging on the door of a positive, double-digit goal difference.

 

[Scouse]

Luckily, nobody did.

If Pochettino can get the best out of Soldado and Lamela I see no reason at all why we can't be banging on the door of a positive, double-digit goal difference.

I agree. But Lallana specifically said he wanted Champion's League football. He's guaranteed that this season with LFC. Spurs is just a sideways step at the moment with no guarantees...

 

[caLLous]

I've heard about 15 different stories since it was made official. Lallana is coming to us, Rodriguez is coming to us, Poch has £50m to spend, Poch has £30m (plus any proceeds from player sales) to spend, there was a clause that said he couldn't sign any Saints players (which I find unlikely because he resigned) etc etc etc. It's all just lol until the dust has settled. Whatever though, it's an exciting development. It remains to be seen how somebody like Adebayor reacts to the regime but I'm actually looking forward to watching us play next season.

 

[miri]

Yes, City would easily have won the league without Yaya. LOL

? I was talking about PSG not needing him.

 

[Raven]

PSG wont be able to buy him without ignoring the UEFA restrictions. 50 mil NET isn't it? They already spent 40 on sideshow bob. If they want to buy Toure they will have to sell.

 

[CorNokZ]

? I was talking about PSG not needing him.

Oh nvm then mate

 

[miri]

 

[Scouse]

Topped the fair play league again...

 

[caLLous]

Good things come your way when your players don't try to eat people.

 

[Embattle]

Probably would top of the intentional diving championships as well or perhaps the best at amature dramatics.

 

[Scouse]

Probably would top of the intentional diving championships as well or perhaps the best at amature dramatics.

That's mourhino's coaching style, not ours