Football 2011-2012

[kaosmark2]

That 3rd Athletic goal was just funny. Free-kick for Evra playing with one-boot on, then they play it quickly and score while Evra's still complaining. Very amusing.

Also, didn't people also comment a few days ago about how the weaker teams in La Liga are far too weak to compete with prem teams?

Edited March 8, 2012 by kaosmark2

[strummer77]

Also, didn't people also comment a few days ago about how the weaker teams in La Liga are far too weak to compete with prem teams?

[strummer77]

An interesting story

http://www.mirrorfoo...icle875336.html

Its wierd at this stage of his career I thought fowler would have played for free if given the chance. I mean he is so wealthy that £1000 a week would not make much more of a dent on his overall wealth than £100.

[pink_triangle]

The thing is I would consider blackpool giving him a game as a favour. I wouldn't take him at wrexham and we are 3 leagues lower. I think there are several footballers in the leagues playing for free, with the aim of winning a contract. I don't really see this as much different.

[strummer77]

The thing is I would consider blackpool giving him a game as a favour. I wouldn't take him at wrexham and we are 3 leagues lower. I think there are several footballers in the leagues playing for free, with the aim of winning a contract. I don't really see this as much different.

Edited March 8, 2012 by strummer77

[thetime]

He can probably still do a decent job at Wrexham, he's only 34. Just an old 34 because he basically got crippled. I'd like him there because I have a soft spot for them.

Those players playing for free (if there are some) aren't playing for fun though, they are playing to win an reasonably lucrative contract. I suppose in Fowler's mind he doesn't need to do that, and he shouldn't feel obliged to. I doubt he wants much, I think he would have taken a low offer but he doesn't want a chairman taking advantage of that fact either. But this is a lot more than about money it seems, more about principle. The principle being the owner has given him a really shit offer. Holloway didn't sound overly pleased by it either, I think they both wanted to work with each other.

He's had a laugh about it on here anyway. Made me chuckle:

https://twitter.com/#!/Robbie9Fowler

[pink_triangle]

He can probably still do a decent job at Wrexham, he's only 34. Just an old 34 because he basically got crippled. I'd like him there because I have a soft spot for them.

Those players playing for free (if there are some) aren't playing for fun though, they are playing to win an reasonably lucrative contract. I suppose in Fowler's mind he doesn't need to do that, and he shouldn't feel obliged to. I doubt he wants much, I think he would have taken a low offer but he doesn't want a chairman taking advantage of that fact either. But this is a lot more than about money it seems, more about principle. The principle being the owner has given him a really shit offer. Holloway didn't sound overly pleased by it either, I think they both wanted to work with each other.

He's had a laugh about it on here anyway. Made me chuckle:

https://twitter.com/...!/Robbie9Fowler

[The Nal]

That 3rd Athletic goal was just funny. Free-kick for Evra playing with one-boot on, then they play it quickly and score while Evra's still complaining. Very amusing.

[pink_triangle]

Worst defending Ive ever seen from a Utd defence for that goal.

Yeah that was me and Ill stand by it. Bilbao couldn't have played any better and Utd couldn't have played any worse. And still only lost by a goal.

Edited March 9, 2012 by pink_triangle

[eFestivals]

another one from the missus (/me ducks and runs away ) ....

Luis Suarez has his post-football career already lined up, as the next singer with Queen when they fall back on using Freddie Mercury impersonators.

[thetime]

People need to realise the premier league is not as good as sky make out!!!

Exciting yes, best league in world? Dont be daft.

[The Nal]

Bilbao have drawn against barcelona (a team who have twice played man u on the park) this season. I dont think they need to be at their best to be competitive against any premiership side.

[thetime]

Barca have drawn with a few teams this season away from home and have been absolutely terrible a few times. Bilbao have only won 9 games. Ive watched them a few times, not bad and they clearly have a couple of very good players but most teams, both in Spain and the Premiership, would have beaten Utd last night. 3-2 was a great result considering.

I agree though, theres a huge decline in standard in the Premiership in general but I still think its a a better league across all 20 teams than La Liga.

[pink_triangle]

I agree though, theres a huge decline in standard in the Premiership in general but I still think its a a better league across all 20 teams than La Liga.

[The Nal]

Isnt european football the only way to judge?

Spain could have 5 in cl/el, england could have 0.

Edited March 9, 2012 by The Nal

[pink_triangle]

Oh they're shocking yeah but they usually are. Sunderland a few years back and Derby are two of the worst teams I've ever seen in a top division.

[The Nal]

I think last season the standard at the bottom was better. Its not just the teams are shocking but the likes of wigan, bolton, wolves, blackburn have no potential to really improve. Look at the league below at west ham, southampton, middlesbrough, (possibly birmingham) are bigger clubs and would make the league stronger.

[pink_triangle]

With the exception of Blackburn. Are the owners not gazzilionaires?

[The Nal]

Even Fergie has got injured for Utd this season

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oqr-CfbPcJI&feature=player_embedded#!

[eFestivals]

Even Fergie has got injured for Utd this season

surely that's just fergie keying in how many extra minutes he wants added on to try to ensure the Utd win, no different to the norm?

[The Nal]

surely that's just fergie keying in how many extra minutes he wants added on to try to ensure the Utd win, no different to the norm?

[kaosmark2]

In general, yes and no. Bilbao clearly have much better ball control and tekkers than any English team. The young Utd players really struggled against that style of play last night. A lot of English teams do. Its difficult to learn to play against that style. Bilbaos 2nd goal was absolutely fantastic by the way.

But skill isn't everything. Look at Nani, all the skill in the world and still very frustrating to watch. Compare that to Roy Keane. Hardly Ronaldinho in terms of skill and finesse but obviously an incredible player.

Take Chelsea, Utd and Liverpool when they have had mature and experienced teams and faced quality Spanish opposition over the last few years. All three have beaten Barca (who weren't as good as they are now granted) and Liverpool hammered Madrid. That was down to organisation and experience and good players in key areas - Essien, Alonso, Scholes etc. They didn't "out skill" them. They just knew how to play them. Same when Inter beat Barca under Mourinho and Milan drawing with Barca earlier this season.

[The Nal]

On the flipside, at the Emirates, Arsenal have beaten Barca through positive, attractive play. Not over two legs mind, but they still have.

[eFestivals]

the Utd team of the late 60s

If they were as great as you like to believe they'd have won more than they did.

(yes, I know there's good reasons why they didn't, but that doesn't change good to great).

[kaosmark2]

Thats true. An exception though I think. They were annihilated in the Nou Camp.