Futbol 2013-2014

[surfer]

Laudrup sacked at Swansea. I heard the rumors, but I didn't expect them to actually do it. I think they might end up regretting that.

[roger.haddad.]

Agreed, they weren't exactly flying high but now they have a big headache going into the latter part of the season.

[surfer]

You could say he's been stung by the injuries, and probably "the Europa Effect". Personally I blame Chico Flores for everything.

(I hope they dont get relegated, they're my favorite team to root for outside of Spurs)

[Antoine]

http://www.empireofsoccer.com/look-inco ... ity-22820/

[surfer]

Interesting article on Laudrup, specifically, and EPL managers, generally. Goes completely against the accepted opinion that seems endemic to EPL fans almost across the board (Chelsea excepted, perhaps out of necessity), that all managers need(ed) more time, and that they should be hired with long-term progress in mind. This article takes the opposite view: "Time wouldn't have helped Michael Laudrup at Swansea. If anything, more time would have made things worse." Its an interesting viewpoint, I dont know if I agree with it (about Laudrup), but it makes me rethink the commonly accepted view of fans of the top 7-9 teams. That they all need a young manager who is going to grow old with them and provide them with stability and tactical continuity and an identity. Maybe that's all a mirage caused by the Wenger / SAF influence. Definitely something for Spurs post-AVB, Liverpool with Rodgers, and especially United fans with Moyes to think about.

http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/espnfcuni ... 28?cc=5901

"We have got it wrong. Time is not a guarantee of success. It is a promise of failure."

[surfer]

Strootman, undoubtly the bargain of the last transfer window.

Holy shit, did you see that strike against Napoli today? Looked like Gareth Bale

[roger.haddad.]

That Napoli/Roma game was fantastic. Still blows my mind that Gervinho is doing so well there. And yeah, that Strootman goal was unreal.

[surfer]

Just when you think you've seen everything.

[surfer]

#tearsforpiers is trending, ha

[roger.haddad.]

LOL #tearsforpiers

What a game. Really makes me wish they'd have gotten a result at West Brom last week but even so, just unreal.

Suarez's 2 near-goals were prob better than any of the real ones.

I also loved seeing Stevie shoulder check Wilshire after their little collision in the first half.

YNWA

[roger.haddad.]

I will say though, I think this game is testament to how vital Flamini has been to Arsenal this season. He's pretty much the only player on the team with any balls and I think the battle in the middle would have been quite different if he was in it. Same for Ramsey too. The more I see Wilshire play the more I think he's gonna keep his shitty attitude and weak mentality instead of becoming a truly great player. Hopefully I'm wrong cause I think he's done really well, we'll have to see. I guess it worked for Rooney to an extent so who knows.

[surfer]

Suarez' first goal might have been the goal of the year if it went in. The prospect of going to Anfield terrifies me.

The most surprising part of the Arsenal side of things was Ozil's flaccid performance. He seems totally content to jog at half-pace around the pitch unbothered by all the activity around him.

I feel like teams are just lining up to punch United in the crotch for past woes. "Havent won at Old Trafford since King George? Take THAT" I mean FULHAM. DARREN BENT. jesus.

Spurs beat Everton to keep their faint CL hopes alive. Very impotent offensive performance (1 shot on goal delivered from a quickly taken free kick), but a solid defensive performance. Now we have some fairly easy fixtures leading into March's maelstrom.

[roger.haddad.]

I feel like as much as I keep writing off Spurs based entirely on the beginning of the season they just refuse to go away. They just keep in there, I always forget that they're what, 3 points off 4th? Whether Liverpool gets UCL next season or not I've still enjoyed watching. This season has in my mind been a fantastic one so far. Just need LFC to stay in the 3-4 range and I'm on cloud 9. Someone wrote a piece about if Liverpool are title contenders now, and obviously not, but it's just great seeing the top of the table so tight. Maybe seeing United fail week-in-week-out is adding to the enjoyment a little too, if only because of having to endure people I know saying how much they "like winning", lol.

[Antoine]

Guardiola training sessions at barca b: https://www.dropbox.com/s/im7hpknif18ps ... ssions.pdf

[Antoine]

[surfer]

Oh my, not again

[roger.haddad.]

Crazy game and obviously I'm relieved with the final result, but for God's sake get Kolo a warm place on that bench.

[surfer]

Fulham, what are you doing? <shakes head>

Nice win Roger, critical points rescued there. Wouldve been nice to gain some ground though.

[roger.haddad.]

This is pretty much the kind of game [win] that Liverpool has failed to win for so long, if they can make a habit of not losing after crushing teams they'll get a lot higher in the table in time.

Wonder what the Arsenal camp is sounding like right now, and how Newcastle are enjoying the money they didn't use to replace their best player. But I'm sure you're not too concerned with that are you, Surfer?

[surfer]

Newcastle are enjoying the money they didn't use to replace their best player. But I'm sure you're not too concerned with that are you, Surfer?

I am glad our owner isnt Mike "Commitment To Mediocrity" Ashley. I'm convinced they sold Cabaye not only because they made a huge profit, but also to guarantee that they wont have to bother with Europe next year. "The goal's midtable boys, let's not get too ambitious!"