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Around SBN: L'Equipe Claims He's Coming To Chelsea On Five Year Deal

EPL Summer Thread - The One Where Arsenal Sells Everyone

Nasri maybe off to City, United and now Chelsea. Fabregas probably off to Barcelona, although Real may be trying to stir shit up. Clichy probably off to City, although Liverpool still lurk. Arshavin out of favor, Bendtner out of favor, Denilson out of favor. Good luck Arsene.

11 months ago Tiny LiamP 350 comments 4 recs  | 

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El Mundo say Barça offered £34m for Cesc, but only £29 cash, because they believe Arsenal owe them £6m for Toral + Bellerín.

by sprite on Jul 2, 2011 12:23 PM CDT reply actions  

heh

that it does

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 4, 2011 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hey RC ...

What do you think about the Milner to Liverpool rumors? At first I was like – pffft – but the more I think about it, its not unpossible. He would need to be promised mucho PT tho’ – since that’s the only solid reason I can see for him wanting to leave City.

by shroomer on Jul 2, 2011 3:42 PM CDT reply actions  

Milner

Hadn’t heard that one. I liked him when he was at Villa.

"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."

-- RevHaloFan

by RCCook on Jul 3, 2011 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

Journos gonna journo.

Outside of Nasri/Fabregas/Clichy, anything else like this is just typical jump-to-conclusions BS.

The Arshavin thing probably has legs to it though, as he’s been frustratingly inconsistent and I imagine they’d be willing to let him and his wages go.

by LiamP on Jul 2, 2011 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

Just you watch

come early August Arsene will have missed out on at least five signings by less than a million euros. It will be so exciting.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 2, 2011 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'm really not.

I’ve said this before, but Arsenal were proper rivals back in the Keown/Vieira/Petit/Keane/Neville/Van Nistelrooy days. I’d love for the rivalry to get back to where it was, and you losing your best players isn’t going to help that.

I also have a soft spot for Arsene.

by LiamP on Jul 2, 2011 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

i might lose my shit if we get theo

Rangers finish 85-77, four games behind the A's. Red Sox beat the Braves in the World Series.

Let’s hope I’m wrong.

by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2011 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions

by Mr. Abe Froman on Jul 3, 2011 1:04 AM CDT up reply actions  

That's the name that excites you ?

Amongst Sanchez, Pastore, Neymar, etc?

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 3, 2011 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions  

its one of many names that excites me.

neymar looks more and more like an impossibility, but pastore and sanchez would be very quality additions.

but man, do i love me some theo.

Rangers finish 85-77, four games behind the A's. Red Sox beat the Braves in the World Series.

Let’s hope I’m wrong.

by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2011 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions

by Mr. Abe Froman on Jul 4, 2011 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

Awesome. The Telegraph has this now.
Van Persie’s apparent unhappiness is understood to be more tactical, with the player’s camp keen to remind senior figures of his importance alongside Fabregas and Nasri, but confirmed interest in the Dutchman from a leading club could lead to another unwanted saga.

x

by sprite on Jul 2, 2011 9:27 PM CDT reply actions  

To be honest

I think I’d be tempted to do the same thing if I’m him. Yes, he trusts Wenger’s intent, vision, bla bla. But just in case the stubbornness comes out later in the summer and Arsene thinks about saying ‘screw it, I’ve got better players on my bench than I’d have to pay $14 million to add in this market,’ this could give him a little bump in the more aggressive direction.

One other thing, and they’re obviously not enough on the same page for this to be the case, but if, say, Fabregas and Clichy wound up being the only guys to leave, some of these rival top six clubs are going to spend a lot of fruitless time trying to pick apart Arsenal while actual transfers are going on elsewhere.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 2, 2011 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

Is this normal ?

This is the first year I’ve really followed transfers after the season and all this talk of so and so being upset is insane

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Jul 2, 2011 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

This is definitely not normal

You have to think the collapse in the 2nd half and Arsene’s refusal to buy took it’s toll on the players. I mean when you see City and United spend like they do and then watch Chelsea get Torres + Luiz and Liverpool get Carroll + Suarez in January while you bring in nobody..it’s disheartening.

by sprite on Jul 2, 2011 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

I could easily see this happening

Arsene convinces Cesc and co.(not Clichy because of the suck factor) to stay and buys a defender nobody’s heard of and calls the transfer window a success.

by sprite on Jul 2, 2011 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

x
Arsene convinces Cesc and co.(not Clichy because of the suck factor) to stay

Bitch you made fun of me like two days ago for suggesting that.

by LiamP on Jul 2, 2011 11:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

Blue Moon has a resident Arsenal fan - he lays out the Nasri scenario like this ...
Wenger would not sell to Fergie, I really think you guys underestimate how much wenger dislikes fergie and specially fergies bitches like hughes, pulis and mcleesh. He will try to talk to him this week, if it doesnt work he will be a city player. You can say many thins about Wenger, but he is very very strong minded, and if he decides something…no one can change his opinion. Also you guys forget the respect aspect between wenger and nasri….he may wanna leave. But Wenger is a god in France and Nasri will not openly disrespect him by insisting on United move. thats my opinion anyway
Nasri is strong minded, but before he came to arsenal he had a reputation of being a troublemaker. He left Marseille under bad circumstances after just signing a new contract. He then fell out with henry and galas in euro 2008, then he didn’t get the call up for 2010 world cup because of his behaviour in 2008. I just don’t think he want to go to a public war with Wenger as his stock will fall even further down in France. But on the other hand word in france is nasri is friends with gervinho and rates him highly and wenger will use the fabregas money on benzema who is very good friends with nasri with benzema. And wenger will hope that will convince himto stay and say I will build the team around you. The way Wenger has been talking he seems very dismissive of nasri going anywhere

sound reasonable?

by shroomer on Jul 3, 2011 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

Van Persie, Gervinho, Nasri, Benzema

I’m not quite sure how you make that work. If you play, say, a 433 with Nasri in midfield, I’d think you’re putting way too much pressure on the other two midfielders. If you play a 4141, 442, anything like that with Van Persie underneath Benzema and Nasri wide, you’re still way too light in the middle third. I don’t think those players all work on the field together unless you’re behind late.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 4, 2011 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Gervinho serves as depth?

Song/Wilshere/Diaby (or Ramsey, ideally) – Nasri/Benzema/RVP? RVP used to play wide right in a 4-3-3 anyway.

by LiamP on Jul 4, 2011 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah, but

unless guys are injured (I guess that’s almost likely at Arsenal) he’s already said that he’s not going to be happy on the bench, and he’s supposed to be the glue in this scenario. I would think it would be pretty easy to do the math as these guys are being recruited.

And yeah Ramsey rather than Diaby in the middle, though I’m not sure that either he or Wilshere is quite ready to take on a primary playmaking role for a world class team.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 4, 2011 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

Honestly, if Fabregas goes I could easily see Nasri following him out the door.

Meaning you’d have some variation of Gervinho/RVP/Walcott + Benzema if you sign him up front.

by LiamP on Jul 4, 2011 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think that's

way, way more likely, though if you’re Benzema why would you go to Arsenal in that instance unless a good playmaker is signed?

by Brett Perryman on Jul 4, 2011 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

Honestly, if I'm Benzema I don't move at all.

Presently he’s only behind Higuain on the depth chart, and he’s making huge wages in Madrid. He’d have to take a pay cut and move to England (although London’s only a step down in terms of climate).

by LiamP on Jul 4, 2011 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

Rightfully so

And if he gets 25 for a player in his last year that’s intent on moving on, you have to accept and move on

It would take a bid of around £25m for Wenger to sanction selling the Frenchman to one of Arsenal’s direct rivals. United have made their interest clear, while Manchester City and Chelsea are paying close attention to developments and may enter the bidding should other potential deals fall through.

The problem is obviously reinvesting that money. If you sell Nasri for 25 and buy Mata for 22, awesome. But there is no reason to believe that money is going to be used to strengthen the squad. And that’s the reason this whole “exodus” is happening.

by sprite on Jul 4, 2011 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

reportedly for 7mil

more than i had read many expected arsenal to get for him

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Jul 4, 2011 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah

On the other hand if Wenger doesn’t buy-and it looks like he won’t- Gibbs and Traore has potential for disaster.

by sprite on Jul 4, 2011 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Gibbs

Is it just the injury history you’re worried about? Because I don’t think he’s that bad defensively.

by LiamP on Jul 4, 2011 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

That's what I'd be worried about

As I mention below, some think he’d like to put Vermaelen out there. That’s obviously a whole other dynamic from these fast guys and I guess it would depend on matchups. But with Gibbs specifically, yeah, I think you have to be terrified if you don’t have cover for Gibbs one way or another.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 4, 2011 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions  

because i am curious

why is he unwilling to spend?

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 4, 2011 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

"We don't buy superstars, we make them"

basically what it boils down to. Also not wanting to go over 90k a week for any player as he wants Arsenal run like a business from the financial aspect. That’s a big handicap. I think I saw the other day that Arsenal have the fifth highest wages in the EPL. That just won’t get it done.

by sprite on Jul 4, 2011 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

The good thing is that Arsene seems to have come to the realization that he has to pay for young talent too now.

Arsenal matched the buyout for Jones and offered him higher wages than United. Even though they didn’t get him, that’s at least a step in the right direction.

by LiamP on Jul 5, 2011 1:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

I've read that

he likes Vermaelen out there as cover for Gibbs. That could be fine if he buys an entire new central defense pair, which also seems doubtful.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 4, 2011 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

Tevez

Now he wants to leave (again).

by LiamP on Jul 4, 2011 4:11 PM CDT reply actions  

Since he went nutz last Winter ...

City’s attitude I think has been ‘fine.’ You and your dirtbag agent try to find us a deal and we’ll transfer you off. I don’t think this changes that stance in any way – Mancini even said supposedly that they tried to arrange something with Inter and Eto’o this summer. I guess Tevez is saying he’ll retire if City don’t eat sh!t and find a low-ball deal for him as some kind of strongarm tactic. If he’s committed to that then I guess he’ll stay in Argentina for a window or two until somebody creates a deal and buys him from City.

BTW, the ‘family’ stuff is a simple lie concocted by his agent that even a dolt like Tevez can parrot repeatedly to the soccer press. He spent a holiday in Tenerife last Winter lying on top of a teenaged Argie TV star while all the soccer columnists were lamenting the pain this ultra-sensitive man feels when separated from his family. The equivalent of MY moaning about wanting to be near his family in Cali while lying on top of Mylie Cyrus in Cancun.

BTW, notice the timing – right at the crux of the transfer window when players are weighing which teams are the most attractive he poisons City’s stature in the market with this bombshell. Last Winter, when City was gaining historical club table momentum and most vulnerable to inner turmoil affecting the success of the season he drops his initial bombshell. He’s a loyal dolt to a sinister effing agent. Can’t wait for him to be gone, but definitely not before we get considerable value for him. Let him rot in Argie for all I care.

Having said all that – if he still ends up in the first 11 when the season starts at least we know he’ll play hard and score goals. Which I think is perfectly fine with most City fans. They know what the deal is with him.

[heh – this news appears to have crashed the Blue Moon forum’s website]

by shroomer on Jul 4, 2011 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

xx
I guess Tevez is saying he’ll retire if City don’t eat sh!t and find a low-ball deal for him as some kind of strongarm tactic.

has anyone ever (actually) done this?

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 4, 2011 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think my favorite

kind of BS summer transfer story is the one with a headline like this:

Arsenal, Tottenham devastated as [insert mid-lower table EPL club] swoop with [insert way too much money] bid for [insert crappy 26-year-old English player].

by Brett Perryman on Jul 4, 2011 5:33 PM CDT reply actions  

per the daily mirror:
Andre Villas-Boas is eyeing up a move for Real Madrid defender Pepe as the first brick in his Stamford Bridge revolution

i reallyreallyreally dont think jose sells him, but this would make me more than happy.

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 5, 2011 7:37 AM CDT reply actions  

are you a blues fan?

Rangers finish 85-77, four games behind the A's. Red Sox beat the Braves in the World Series.

Let’s hope I’m wrong.

by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2011 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions

by Mr. Abe Froman on Jul 5, 2011 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions  

barca

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 5, 2011 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

i see. youre not happy he goes to chelsea, youre happy he leaves la liga

Rangers finish 85-77, four games behind the A's. Red Sox beat the Braves in the World Series.

Let’s hope I’m wrong.

by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2011 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions

by Mr. Abe Froman on Jul 5, 2011 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

yup

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 5, 2011 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

Fabio Coentrao to Madrid is apparently done.

Gosh, I bet they love having two really really good left backs.

i tell the truth; i lie a lot

by jonthefon on Jul 5, 2011 8:12 AM CDT reply actions  

30M Euros

Pending Coentrao actually agreeing to personal terms.

by Outworlder47 on Jul 5, 2011 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions  

I loved watching Coentrao at the World Cup last year

He partners so well with Ronaldo that if I were a Barca fan I’d be shaking in my boots right now. I only wish that he had stayed at Benfica so we could have a better shot at regaining the title against a vulnerable Porto side. We’d better spend that 30M to put Nuno Gomes in a time machine.

by naropean on Jul 5, 2011 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions  

shaking in my boots?

uhhhh what?

really?

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 5, 2011 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions  

even if barca doesnt bring in cesc, sanchez, etc

i am not going to be shaking in my boots. not having puyol last year was a huge thing

now if someone gets hurt (messi, CR9, etc) that changes everything, but even if barca and RM played w/o both of those guys, i still think barca = a better team

i am curious to see if the special one parks the bus more often next year…

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 5, 2011 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions  

He linked up well with Di Maria at Benfica too.

Still don’t understand the signing. Marcelo was great last year and unless they plan on starting both (which forward do you bench in that case?), this seems like a waste of money.

by LiamP on Jul 5, 2011 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

i wonder if jose just trolls la liga by parking the bus for some ungodly portion of games

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 5, 2011 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

Heh

Sounds like me on FM when Madrid come with a bid for one of my star players:

Me: “Seriously, you guys want Pjanic? Don’t you already have three other world-class attacking mids?”

The Special One: “Yeah, but you know how Perez is. I keep telling him we can’t enter the senior team and the B team in the Champions League, but he’s convinced Platini is going to make an exception. Anyway, Pjanic? We’re willing to pay €45 million. That’s more than Roman paid for Essien.”

Me: “€45 million? Shit, Jose, you drive a hard bargain, but I can’t pass that up. Yeah, I’ll have to buy a replacement for Pjanic, but that’ll only cost me like €12 million. And with the money left over, I can sign those two U20 prospects I was looking at, plus that 18-year-old Brazilian left back, with enough left over to buy the rest of Central Africa.”

Jose: “So, more wine?”

Yes, I need help. :)

"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."

-- RevHaloFan

by RCCook on Jul 5, 2011 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

i really need to start playing FM

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 5, 2011 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions  

i started and then stopped

it was so time consuming i got busy and never got back to playing
thinking of trying out the ipad version

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Jul 5, 2011 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

now that is somethign i would check out

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 5, 2011 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions  

That sounds dangerous.

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 5, 2011 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

It's not bad

way less time consuming but still too much so to play too often

by Brett Perryman on Jul 5, 2011 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

im reccing this

because I play way too much FM myself

Hup Holland Hup

by Martijn1309 on Jul 5, 2011 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

LOL

I only brought it up because Madrid did just pay me €45 million for Pjanic.

Hated to see Pjanic go, but he’s almost 30 now, and his “backup” this past season was my second-best scorer, so it seemed like a good time to cash in. I wish I could join him. Madrid is paying Mourinho five times what I’m making at Lyon. I’ve won three European Cups in eight seasons- c’est beaucoup de merde!

"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."

-- RevHaloFan

by RCCook on Jul 5, 2011 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

I tried playing as Lyon

All my players kept getting injured all the time and everyone was all pissy

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Jul 5, 2011 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'm playing as Maidenhead (ha!) originally from Conference South

Got FM 2011 and am now borderline obsessed. I originally played with Benfica on a demo version, but when I bought it I switched to Maidenhead and have found it immensely satisfying getting them to an EPL title (and the Champions League final—lost in a close one, at least score wise, to Barcelona). Just my 2 cents on not playing with an already established team.

by naropean on Jul 5, 2011 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

xx
2049: Twitter Talk: AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato is on a list of alternative options in case Barcelona can’t sign Udinese attacker Alexis Sanchez.

i assume this would be as part of the payback for the ibra deal? (they still owe 23 or 24mm i think)

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 5, 2011 3:16 PM CDT reply actions  

i liked this article from espn

Summer clearance sale at Arsenal

I probably should have seen this conflagration looming long ago, as such a diaspora of talent doesn’t happen overnight. But I had been blinded by drinking from the Arsene Wenger Well of Youthful Optimism. The kids will grow up, I told myself. The refs let Stoke manhandle us, I rationalized. Denilson, Tomas Rosicky, Manuel Almunia and Sasquatch are the answer, I fantasized. I let myself get taken in by a script every bit as imaginative as “Transformers 3”: Contend until February, collapse from March until May. Then point to a young but talented squad that just needs a bit more experience before it brings Europe to its knees.

Lather, rinse, repeat.
I’ve come to think of Fabregas as a gorgeous but crazy girlfriend. On one hand, she’s bright and beautiful, and having her on your arm makes you the envy of all who pass. On the other, she’s still carrying a torch for her ex, won’t stop talking about him, and you recently saw a photo on Facebook of her wearing his shirt. Arsenal fans are now into the second summer of Fabregas’ discontent, and nothing that Wenger could do was going to make him happy. It’s not enough that the Frenchman had protected and prodded Cesc into being the world-class player that he is today, or that he made him captain at a mere 21 years old. The siren song of Barcelona had grown too loud, and I, for one, am ready to say “hasta nunca.” O Captain! My captain! Good riddance.
This whole water torture of will-he-or-won’t-he would be less painful if he had simply announced his intentions, LeBron-like, in a “I’ve decided to take my talents to Catalonia” ESPN special this summer rather than letting his disillusionment with Arsenal become a festering, yearlong distraction.

heh

Arsenal is rapidly feeling like a finishing school for young talent — enjoy your college years before you go out into the real world. Have a summer fling with the Gunners; just don’t take them home to meet your parents. At least Cesc is lucky in knowing that there’s a club that still wants him and, more importantly, is willing to pay the ransom to win him back. Andrei Arshavin and Rosicky can only dream about such a circumstance.


Though I have to blame Wenger for the self-perpetuating culture of “It’s Not Our Fault, Blame Everyone Else” that permeates the Gunners with every defeat or disappointment, I also accept that there’s no better steward for the club. While it’s never good to begin a transfer period seeing your best players parading their wares in the shop window, there’s still plenty of time to build a better, tougher Arsenal, one that will be able to preserve 4-0 and 3-1 leads against Newcastle and Spurs.

But if Arsenal doesn’t get it done in the new season, the players won’t be the only ones clamoring for a change. I wonder whether Wenger understands that vultures will eat anything that is dying.

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 6, 2011 9:09 AM CDT reply actions  

posted so much bc i know it is blocked at a lot of workplaces

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 6, 2011 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions  

Meh, I don't think it's a very good article.

It’s just an aimless rant which tells us nothing people don’t already know or perceive of Arsenal, and finishes on that damn annoying argument that somehow Arsenal should try to get “tougher” in a physical sense (gotta buy big bruising centre-halves!!!!), in order to be able to win the league.

i tell the truth; i lie a lot

by jonthefon on Jul 6, 2011 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions  

well as someone who doenst know a ton about arsenal

it helped?

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 6, 2011 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions  

also, charlie adam to liverpool = official

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 6, 2011 9:20 AM CDT reply actions  

Yep

Just posted on the LFC website. Welcome to Anfield, Charlie!

"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."

-- RevHaloFan

by RCCook on Jul 6, 2011 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions  

Adam

Various sites reporting the deal was £8-9 million, plus Danny Wilson and Jonjo Shelvey joining Blackpool on loan for a season.

"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."

-- RevHaloFan

by RCCook on Jul 6, 2011 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions  

all I know about this guy is the youtube clips - fast, penetrating runner

not much evidence on youtube that he plays the Arsenal tictac style of ball possession tho’

by shroomer on Jul 6, 2011 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

People that watch Lille say he's going to be a steal

And RC said he’ll be a good fit in the last thread. I’ll take it at this point.

by sprite on Jul 6, 2011 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

From the few clips I saw one player comparison that entered my mind was Benayoun.

And, IMO, Benayoun is up there with players like Nasri as far as scary guys with sudden slice-and-dice potential is concerned. Be interesting to see how he turns out.

BTW, I’m surprised Mata isn’t in bed with you guys – such a perfect match.

by shroomer on Jul 6, 2011 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Mata

wage cap probably standing in his way, that and everyone wanting out.

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Jul 6, 2011 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

Mata.

If Nasri does end up leaving, you almost have to sign someone like Mata.

by LiamP on Jul 6, 2011 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

Stefan Savic

Didn’t know a thing about him beyond the England/Montenegro highlights before today. But a Partizan Belgrade fan linked a full match at youtube, which I just watched.

I can see why Wenger was interested but eventually never followed thru and bagged him. He has all the qualities an Arsenal defender needs skill/ball possession-wise but doesn’t have an obvious standout high ceiling like Wenger is probably sifting thru prospects looking for. I can also see why Mancini is interested and DID bag him. He has the shape discipline and conservative defensive-mindness Mancini loves to see from his D-men.

Looks very coachable and tactics-savvy. The game I watched was about a Europa league group stage level match, and he was the beast on the field physically – yet never even came close to committing one freakin’ foul. He’s a simple good judgement machine, the linchpin of Partizan’s ultra-aggressive offsides trap game. He plays simple one and two touch balls, never hoofs – looks for a teammate to hit even under intense pressure. He made one jumping/twisting chest trap on a 50-yard hoof over his shoulder that any player would be proud to execute – a real WOW moment. Conserves his energy nicely with poise and efficiency.

I think within a year he could be ensconced into that tier of City defenders below Kompany that fanz trust to play solid – like Lescott, Zabba, Richards and, we hope, Clichy. He’s already above Kolarov and Kolo in my mind reliability-wise – we’ll see. Here’s a pic of him and Clichy.

For Mancini’s City he’s a good sign. Can see why Wenger passed on him tho’.

by shroomer on Jul 6, 2011 4:24 PM CDT reply actions  

Hope Messi isn't hurt too bad.

Should be 1-0 Columbia at HT. Missed open nets hurt.

by shroomer on Jul 6, 2011 8:46 PM CDT reply actions  

Damn completely forgot that was on

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Jul 6, 2011 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

Didn't miss much.

Argentina were incredibly disjointed again. Pastore, for some reason, can’t buy a game.

by LiamP on Jul 6, 2011 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah started flipping between it and ranger game

Didn’t look like a good match

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Jul 6, 2011 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

Is it actually reasonable to make the argument

that Messi ought not to be considered one of the absolute greats until he does pears with his national team? He certainly gets a lot from being in the Barcelona system, although of course he needs to be at a certain level to perform the way he does.

i tell the truth; i lie a lot

by jonthefon on Jul 6, 2011 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions  

Think it just shows you how important Xavi and Iniesta are to Messi's success.

It’s ridiculous to play a Mascherano/Cambiasso/Banega midfield against clubs like Bolivia or Colombia. That’s a trio all of whom love to sit deep, and only one of whom (Banega) has the passing range needed to supply the front 3. None of those 3 can supplement attacking movements, so they’re relying on the front 3 without providing them proper distribution or providing them sufficient support from midfield. It’s just not a logical lineup selection. They need to grow some balls and drop either Mascherano or Cambiasso for Pastore.

by LiamP on Jul 6, 2011 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

...I hope they keep doing it.

I dislike Argentina :/

I blame the English media for brainwashing, but that team annoys me in general.

i tell the truth; i lie a lot

by jonthefon on Jul 6, 2011 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

Boo.

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 7, 2011 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions  

i agree they are quite important

but like you said, its not like the tactics of ARG are really HELPING messi which is what really confuses me.

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 7, 2011 7:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

Hargreaves videos

Solid

http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/868374-owen-hargreaves-launches-youtube-fitness-video-series-to-find-new-club

Now Hargreaves may not be proclaiming to be as ‘cool’, ‘clean’, ’fresh’, and ‘good looking’ as Owen, but he certainly shows he can still dance on a treadmill and go past cones like they were inanimate objects.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 6, 2011 11:15 PM CDT reply actions  

So apparently people are really bad at translating things.

A quote from Dani Alves on the Cesc affair has been translated as either: “If you see a train passing by, you would want to sit in the business class”, which is sort of douchey but not all that douchey compared to: “Arsenal are tourist class. Barcelona are in business class and any player would want to join us”.

Wut.

i tell the truth; i lie a lot

by jonthefon on Jul 7, 2011 5:57 AM CDT reply actions  

is it cunt-ish?

yes.

is it true?
uhhh…yes.

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 7, 2011 7:34 AM CDT up reply actions  

from an arsenal forums (from me googleing the quote)
what a top draw cvnt. What hurts most of all is its true

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 7, 2011 7:41 AM CDT up reply actions  

Villa is tourist class.

Barcelona and Arsenal are close enough that they’d both be considered business class, only if you fly with Barcelona, you get a much better form of business class.

Semantics of course but he’s pretty wrong. Should’ve just said that Barcelona is first class.

i tell the truth; i lie a lot

by jonthefon on Jul 7, 2011 7:47 AM CDT up reply actions  

really?

i mean i am not the biggest villa fan, but he is pretty damn solid still

(also, really they are not in the same class — barca won more trophies last year alone than arsenal has won in how many years? …come on now.)

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 7, 2011 7:51 AM CDT up reply actions  

I'm talking about Aston Villa...

Anyway, Arsenal is a side which is capable of genuinely contending for one of the best domestic leagues in the world, and for the best club competition in the world. Must I remind you that they weren’t too far off stealing that UCL tie from Barcelona. Ignoring butterfly effects and all, I bet Van Persie would have buried the opportunity given to him by Wilshere near the end, instead of miscontrolling it like Bendtner had.

Yes, Barcelona is a superb team who might or might not be the greater club side ever (I waver here, but I’m generally skeptical of it because they seem to always react fucking petulantly and bitch and whine when another side decides to play them differently to the way they’d prefer to play, instead of just continuing to do what they’re extremely good at, likely still winning easily as a result.) But I don’t think it’s ludicrous to say that they’re at completely opposite ends of a particular class.

i tell the truth; i lie a lot

by jonthefon on Jul 7, 2011 8:09 AM CDT up reply actions  

i feel better lol

contending != winning

…just saying.

the current barca team is ONE OF the best clubs ever (i understand not liking them off of the field, or on it in some cases, but look at the results and one must think that is the case…)

at the end of the day arsenal has not won a trophy since 05 (community shield), has not won the CL ever, has won the EPL 3x since 1997,

meanwhile since 1997, ManUnited has won the EPL 4x since 2006, has won the CL once, has won the community shield 3x since 07, has won the league cup 3x since 05

i am sorry, but they are simply NOT on the same level at all in regard to what he is talking about…

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 7, 2011 8:21 AM CDT up reply actions  

Obviously we have different definitions of what "class" is in this sense.

I consider teams to be of a certain class if there’s a non-whimsical chance of a team in a certain class beating one of its peers, even if that possibility borders on the improbable and likely relies on luck.

In that case, I’m fine with putting Barcelona ahead of everyone but not completely out of sight, with Real Madrid following a fair bit behind, then United and Chelsea, then a group of teams which might include Arsenal, Citeh, Inter, and possibly Milan, Dortmund and Bayern. They’re all in the same class to me. Yeah, I’m being extra-cynical about Barca but

i tell the truth; i lie a lot

by jonthefon on Jul 7, 2011 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

ok i understand that

the main difference is that inter+milan have both actually won things in the last few year while arsenal/city really havent…

idk i understand what you are saying i guess, but to me barca/RM/ManUnited/Chelsea are a cut above Arsenal (aNd its not really that close)

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 7, 2011 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions  

But Arsenal have as much or more history

to go along with prime placement in London when it comes to recruiting talent. This recent stretch with Arsene hasn’t worked out in terms of championships, but they’ve still been a very competitive team.

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 7, 2011 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions  

i agree

history + competitive = important

they are on the second tier imho but do not sniff the top tier

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 7, 2011 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions  

You're reliance on championships for this

is making you look stupid. Arsenal have a much harder road to a domestic championship than Barca, which in turn affects the ease at which they could win a CL.

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 7, 2011 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions  

at this moment in time, it is true.

at this moment in time, it is cuntish.

this could change tomorrow.

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 7, 2011 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions  

It will only stop being cuntish when it's laughably wrong.

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 7, 2011 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions  

not as long as a ton of ppl

2 years and change (when i started watching futbol outside of world cups)

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 7, 2011 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions  

I see you've decided to go full cunt.

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 7, 2011 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions  

IS IT NOT TRUE?

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 7, 2011 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions  

(fwiw, i didnt put barca in a top tier by itself

i included RM, ManUtd, chelsea, etc)

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 7, 2011 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

Aren't you a Texas Longhorn fan?

Shouldn’t you know better than to go full cunt?

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 7, 2011 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

i admitted first off it was cuntish!

that said, it is also a true statement…

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 7, 2011 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions  

It's a true statement at this moment in time.

Who knows how long it will hold for. That’s why you don’t make cuntish statements when you’re on top.

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 7, 2011 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions  

i dont disagree with that one bit.

see horns130 lol

i am aware how quickly the shit can hit the fan

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 7, 2011 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions  

So then don't bloody defend it.

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 7, 2011 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions  

im not TRYING to defend it

i am saying it is true at the moment

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 7, 2011 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions  

im not saying it ok, or that he should say it more/again

i am saying it is the truth
and i am saying that shit can hit the fan quickly and things change

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 7, 2011 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

and yes he should have just said barca is first class

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 7, 2011 7:51 AM CDT up reply actions  

For right now and the near future? Yes.

But part of the reason you shouldn’t be a cunt is that these things don’t last forever.

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 7, 2011 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions  

this is true

do you disagree with the truth of what he is saying though?

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 7, 2011 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions  

Good lord

I saw 30+ new comments and thought transferings had been done. Not so much

by sprite on Jul 7, 2011 9:45 AM CDT reply actions  

Sorry.

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 7, 2011 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions  

We could just post pictures of Cheryl Cole

down here at the bottom so as not to disappoint the others that this happens to?

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 7, 2011 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions  

heh

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 7, 2011 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

.

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 7, 2011 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions  

Heh

I keep coming in here, whether there are new posts or not, just to look at her. So pretty.

"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."

-- RevHaloFan

by RCCook on Jul 8, 2011 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

x

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 8, 2011 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yes, please

Moar Cheryl Cole pics.

"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."

-- RevHaloFan

by RCCook on Jul 7, 2011 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions  

Even in a pub in Liverpool

and in the stands at Goodison, I’ve never heard so many utterances of cunt. Not sure whether to be impressed or not

What's the rumpus?

by Hypo-Luxa on Jul 8, 2011 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

people here are not exactly...fans...of barca lol

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 8, 2011 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions  

I wonder why

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Jul 8, 2011 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions  

envy!

of course.

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 8, 2011 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions  

I was a fan of Barca

during the Dutch Revolution, but man they’ve become something that I hate in different clubs around the world. It isn’t so much the team, but the system they exist in.

I just don’t watch La Liga anymore. I know I’m missing out watching some great football, but it just isn’t exciting when you know the outcome of the season before the first ball is kicked.

What's the rumpus?

by Hypo-Luxa on Jul 8, 2011 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

heh

la liga has 5 winners since 92, EPL has 4 lol since 94

since 02, la liga has had 3 diff teams win (valencia 2x), same as EPL (arsenal in 03)

that said, la liga is set up for only RM/barca future due to TV deals and the financial advantage they get from that

la liga = higher quality (cream at the top)
EPL = more competitive

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 8, 2011 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions  

That's what I'm saying

Barca and La Liga as a whole has become just too predictable. Again I have a mild interest in the league, so the pull isn’t as great for me as it is for EPL, Bundesliga, SerieA, and Ligue1

La Liga is almost to the degree of Celtic-Rangers in Scotland.

And my team in England is never going to challenge for the league again and every season is not a battle for winning, but rather a battle for survival. So comparing the two isn’t applicable to me. But it is an interesting parallel.

What's the rumpus?

by Hypo-Luxa on Jul 8, 2011 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions  

yet...EPL isnt?

look at te winners…

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 8, 2011 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

You tit.

It’s about the margin of victory. Last year, 1-2-3 went 96-92-71. Year before that, 1st and 2nd were separated by 3 points. 2nd and 3rd? 25 points. Barca had 99 fucking points that year. The year before that, 87-78-70.

In England, the same teams might be winning it but there are many more teams nipping at the heels of the top teams, and it’s not immediately a two horse race. If you don’t see how La Liga isn’t a fancier Scottish Premier League, you’re blind.

by LiamP on Jul 8, 2011 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

(im not serious, nor am i blind)

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 8, 2011 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'm with you on the Barca Dutch

I became a huge fan of Patrick Kluivert after the 98 World Cup and followed him to support Barcelona for awhile. Now…it’s harder for me to root for really strong teams. Being a Rangers fan has made me distrust winning. I switched over to Atletico a few years ago, and they’ve suited me much better.

by naropean on Jul 8, 2011 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

My problem with this group

and guys like Xavi in particular (and bear in mind, I don’t have a long history to draw on) is that there seems to be an attitude among them that because they are so good, they don’t owe anyone respect and that because of what they’ve achieved internationally and with their club, they can behave however they care to with no consequences. The way they treat officials is disgraceful, and to me the guys like Xavi are at the center of that. Same with the lack of respect they continue to show Arsenal or anyone else who doesn’t give them whatever they want.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 8, 2011 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

All this talk about Barca being cunts (they are, obviously) and noone's going to mention this?

Seriously. There’s just no justifying that. It’s the ultimate insult to Fabregas’ current club.

by LiamP on Jul 8, 2011 11:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

have i ever TRIED to justify it?

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 8, 2011 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Heh

That’s Reina on the left. Trying to weaken a league rival- I like it!

"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."

-- RevHaloFan

by RCCook on Jul 9, 2011 1:11 AM CDT up reply actions  

You know, I actually kind of like Reina but I was wondering what the fuck he was thinking there.

His ties to Barca are obvious but he no longer plays for them. The only thing more ridiculous than a Barca player playing forcing the shirt on someone who doesn’t play for the club is someone who has no role at the club doing it.

by LiamP on Jul 9, 2011 1:22 AM CDT up reply actions  

all these new posts and no cheryl cole pics?

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Jul 9, 2011 7:25 AM CDT up reply actions  

hey i am with you 100% on it being a cunt move

to introduce ANY club shirt at a World Cup event = a cunt move

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 9, 2011 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah, that's kind of what I meant

we’ve sort of all come to an agreement that it was a sorry move so no need to debate it further.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 9, 2011 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

I actually like them.

My first soccer jersey was a knockoff Ronaldinho Barca jersey.

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 8, 2011 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

xx
08.35 Maxwell and Eric Abidal will be used by Barca as makewights in a deal for Cesc Fabregas, according to the Metro.

horseshit.

if abidal goes in this deal, or ANY other i will be flat out shocked after last year and how well he played/how important he was to the team

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 8, 2011 7:40 AM CDT reply actions  

xx
10.52 Roma target Bojan Krkic says a decision has been made on his future but refused to reveal where it lies.

The Barca striker said: "People have been discussing my future for days. At the moment I still can’t say anything, but we’re certainly very close to the right moment. I was nine when I first dreamt of playing for Barcelona and it is an objective that I will have forever. However, this is not only dependant on me and there are other marvellous roads to go down, roads full of dreams."

i am still sad he is leaving.

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 8, 2011 7:42 AM CDT reply actions  

When you guys hear somebody is offered 5M/yr ...

do you guys divide by 52 [weeks in a year] or 40 [length of EPL season] to guesstimate the weekly salary? What is the convention? IOW … does a guy making 5M a year make 100K/wk or 120/wk in your mind?

by shroomer on Jul 8, 2011 3:32 PM CDT reply actions  

pffft, I don't know

but when discussing Nasri’s situation different sources keep switching back and forth between /yr and /wk paychecks. Kinda confusing … so you’re saying dividing by the # of weeks in the EPL season is the normal convention, eh?

by shroomer on Jul 8, 2011 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

Going by these Copa games..

Vidal looks more like a player than Sanchez

by sprite on Jul 8, 2011 6:03 PM CDT reply actions  

Sanchez is dropping really deep at times.

Don’t quite understand it. Vidal’s a great prospect though.

by LiamP on Jul 8, 2011 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yay
Arsenal have confirmed to the BBC that Manuel Almunia and Nicklas Bendtner are in talks over transfers.

by sprite on Jul 9, 2011 10:30 AM CDT reply actions  

I think

getting Almunia and his salary out of there would make me even happier than if they actually get someone to pay something for Denilson. At least in Denilson’s case there is some potential that a light could come on.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 9, 2011 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

Just speculation right now

But it could possibly happen. I guess they want him as a foil for Kagawa and/or Barrios with Lewandoski being the 4th striker. With the supporting cast plus the defenses in the Bundesliga, Bendtner could definitely do well.

Dortmund, though, are still not out of the woods with their financial issues and they didn’t get much for Sahin. So I really doubt this will happen for 9 mill.

Also seen rumors of them going for Rovers’ N’Zonzi, which is not likely either, but who knows

What's the rumpus?

by Hypo-Luxa on Jul 11, 2011 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

now..THIS is a move that worries me
16.22: Here’s another massive Manchester City rumour: Goal.com is claiming Real Madrid have offered €28 million cash as well as (yes, as well as) Gonzalo Higuain or Karim Benzema for Carlos Tevez. If this is true, it’ll be worth keeping your ears open for the sound of Roberto Mancini snapping Jose Mourinho’s hand off.

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 9, 2011 1:40 PM CDT reply actions  

xx
16.25: …and from the same story, it’s claimed Madrid could still sign Emmanuel Adebayor as well. City must be shaking with excitement. Perhaps Madrid will make a bid for Craig Bellamy, Jo, Roque Santa Cruz and Wayne Bridge, too.

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 9, 2011 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Women's WC

Anybody watching this? I caught the England-France game earlier today, and it was pretty darned entertaining. France won on PK’s.

"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."

-- RevHaloFan

by RCCook on Jul 9, 2011 2:23 PM CDT reply actions  

The REAL miracle of the Braseel v Paraguay result is ...

that Roque Santa Cruciate Ligament might have displayed some transfer value.

by shroomer on Jul 9, 2011 4:04 PM CDT reply actions  

Fleeting

I hope Rovers don’t try and sign him again. His loan spell was disastrous, and I don’ see a resurgence in form for our lot if he is brought in.

I know that Rovers have Benjani’s worthless corpse alongside Jason “Traffic Cone” Roberts as our dynamic duo, but Roque isn’t the answer.

Yeah, well at least I'm housebroken.

by HypoLuxa on Jul 9, 2011 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

French scout on Gervinho

Relatively positive review:

Who does he play like?
That’s a difficult one. Not Theo Walcott, that’s for sure. He’s much more of a finisher than Walcott. In a way, he’s not that dissimilar to Mamadou Niang when he was at Marseille: he would play on the left and cut in to score his goals, but he never liked to play through the middle. In terms of current Premier League players, it’s tough: maybe Dirk Kuyt, in terms of finishing, but he has more pace. Like Kuyt, you can always see with Gervinho why the coach has picked him. He makes things happen.

This guy thinks that wide forward is his natural position, more than as a central striker or pure winger. This and the prospect of having multiple kids in the middle seems like it may cement Arsenal sticking with the 4-3-3 for a while longer. I’d been pondering (particularly after the way Van Persie was used late in the season), assuming Fabregas leaves, whether they might shift to something where RVP plays more of a 10 role, but it wouldn’t appear that that’s the plan.

Also, on Hazard:

I think Arsenal would have to improve dramatically to get Hazard. He’s a very confident guy and for me, Arsenal would have to show him that they are better than fourth in the Premier League if they want to sign him. Hazard has said he prefers Spain anyway. It’s been reported that he supports Real Madrid, and is on Barcelona’s reserve list of targets, so those two would have first choice on him. Lille would never consider selling both players this summer anyway, and at the moment, I would say Gervinho is more suited to Arsenal’s level than Hazard.

I don’t think that comment changes my previously stated odds of right around 0% that Hazard goes to Arsenal any time soon.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 9, 2011 4:12 PM CDT reply actions  

Good read on Gervinho. Most people seem to think it's a great signing

That last line in the Hazard quote hurts though. I still think they have a good shot at him but it just shows how drastically the perception of Arsenal has changed in the last few years.

by sprite on Jul 10, 2011 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

Not to defend City or anything, but

how exactly is it any of this guy’s business whether they decide to sell him Boateng as a means to balance their spending? For one thing, I don’t think that one roster slot and 15-20 million for him is going to be the difference in them achieving whatever the fair play standards are going to be.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/933293/bayern-munich-chief-feels-manchester-city-may-face-european-exile?cc=5901

However, although the player has already agreed the terms of a contract with Bayern, it appears a deal remains nowhere near complete.

“They are using a tactic I’ve never seen,” Rummenigge said. “They don’t respond, even if we try to contact them.”

City have already signed two defenders in the transfer window, Stefan Savic and Gael Clichy, and Rummenigge added: "I think they are going to have 48 players under contract but according to Financial Fair Play they can have only 25.

“According to their last balance sheet, if I’m correct, they’re down £127 million. Maybe they still have a trick up their sleeves but I’m not sure that they will be permitted to play in the Champions League.”

Did City agree to sell and then renig or something? Otherwise, seems like this is just another guy trying to strong-arm because someone won’t sell him a player he wants.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 9, 2011 4:22 PM CDT reply actions  

John Henry's response to that on Twitter
John_W_Henry John W. Henry

@E_Z1ya How much was the losing bid?

Giggle.

by LiamP on Jul 9, 2011 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

Heh

Love that he owns my club. Couldn’t be more different than BMFF, Sr.

"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."

-- RevHaloFan

by RCCook on Jul 10, 2011 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions  

Bugger.
@DuncanCastles Duncan Castles
Nasri agrees £185,000 weekly wage with Man City. Fee not fixed yet, but Arsenal’s asking price €25m.

Reporter from The Times. No idea if it’s true or not but it wouldn’t surprise me at all.

by LiamP on Jul 9, 2011 10:18 PM CDT reply actions  

25mill?

That’s a very expensive Fuck You to Wenger. Do your lot really need Nasri at 25 mill?

Yeah, well at least I'm housebroken.

by HypoLuxa on Jul 10, 2011 2:14 AM CDT up reply actions  

Well everyone, except for maybe Spurs, (both City and United) could use a playmaker...

I wonder who City shunts out side out of Silva and Nasri if the transfer happens. I don’t think Mancini is the type who would play 4-1-4-1.

i tell the truth; i lie a lot

by jonthefon on Jul 10, 2011 4:28 AM CDT up reply actions  

Nasri

I don’t doubt Nasri’d be a good pick up. But for 25 mill? Just seems like putting a little more stock in him than he’s worth at the moment.

Yeah, well at least I'm housebroken.

by HypoLuxa on Jul 10, 2011 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

Understatement.

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 10, 2011 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

Especially with just one year left on his deal.

It makes sense to ask for the moon if you’re selling one of your better players to a fellow title contender though.

by LiamP on Jul 10, 2011 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

Agreed

And I know this is just rumour, but still the way the market’s been going you never know

Yeah, well at least I'm housebroken.

by HypoLuxa on Jul 10, 2011 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

185???

More than double what we’re offering. City flexing nuts again.

by sprite on Jul 10, 2011 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions  

US Women won I guess ...

I quit watching when the red card was issued. Have to go back and watch what I missed when the replay gets put up at ESPN3.

by shroomer on Jul 10, 2011 2:12 PM CDT reply actions  

You missed an epic game

One of the most exciting I’ve ever seen.

Not mediocre. Right about average

by trza on Jul 11, 2011 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions  

Unreal

Rapinoe’s cross was a thing of beauty.

Not mediocre. Right about average

by trza on Jul 11, 2011 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions  

Oops. via Graham
I haven’t thought about [staying] at all because [not letting me go] would definitely not be good for anyone. I have already told the chairman that last summer he said we would find a mutually satisfactory agreement if a club like Chelsea came in. I hope that eventually he will understand the situation and that we will reach an agreement and go our separate ways in an appropriate manner.

A lot has been published in the press about the meeting with Levy, who gave the public a twisted account of what happened. I must say that I am genuinely disappointed about what Levy said to me. He didn’t care about what I was telling him. It all only convinced me further that I was right to consider moving on to another club.

I reminded the chairman of our gentleman’s agreement when we were in Dubrovnik last summer and I agreed a contract extension with Tottenham. At that time, I had an open chat with Levy – that if a bigger club came in with a concrete offer, we would consider it and agree the best solution for all concerned.

The chairman said, ‘Okay, we’ll sit and talk [about any offers]‘. Now Levy doesn’t want to talk to me and said there is no possibility that I can leave Spurs. He threatened me – he said if I didn’t accept the club’s stance, they would make me sit on the bench or in the stands.

-Luka Modric

ESPN

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 10, 2011 9:08 PM CDT reply actions  

i dont even know what to think of this
08.32: Roberto Carlos has revealed he is trying to convince Neymar to shun Chelsea and Real Madrid in favour of a shock move to Russia. ‘’I told him about Anzhi’s project and about the terms Suleyman Kerimov is ready to offer,‘’ he said. ’’He really could sign for us, because no other club has an effect on Neymar like Anzhi! Now everthing is up to him.’’

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 11, 2011 7:05 AM CDT reply actions  

that douchebag

Rangers finish 85-77, four games behind the A's. Red Sox beat the Braves in the World Series.

Let’s hope I’m wrong.

by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2011 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions

by Mr. Abe Froman on Jul 11, 2011 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

Wenger presser this morning

Says Nasri and Cesc are staying, confirms the Gervinho signing and says he’s not in the market for LB. Could be posturing but if you take the comments at face value, it’s hard to see them spending much on any other signings. Not good.

by sprite on Jul 11, 2011 9:43 AM CDT reply actions  

So Wengery

“Will he stay? I say yes. Will he sign a contract? I hope yes” Was there more than that?

by sprite on Jul 11, 2011 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions  

x

“I hope [Nasri will say] yes, but I am not the only one to decide,”

by LiamP on Jul 11, 2011 11:17 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

Meh

If he doesn’t think he’ll sign, he’ll sell him.

by sprite on Jul 11, 2011 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

Listening to the whole press conference

he had no interest in actually answering anything about those situations. Even the Fabregas part I’m not going to put a lot of stock into.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 11, 2011 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

so... Sam Allardyce

blams margaret thatcher for englands football shortcomings.

Rangers finish 85-77, four games behind the A's. Red Sox beat the Braves in the World Series.

Let’s hope I’m wrong.

by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2011 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions

by Mr. Abe Froman on Jul 11, 2011 9:53 AM CDT reply actions  

A big fat bloke

Complaining that kids are too fat these days because of Thatcher. Plus a manager who willfully and regularly employs a boring and unimaginative product on the field complaining about how the game has become boring and unimaginative.

So glad to be rid of that tosser

What's the rumpus?

by Hypo-Luxa on Jul 11, 2011 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

what would be more shocking

tevez to brazil?

21.22 Reports from Brazil suggest that Corinthians, a former employer, have bid £35 million for Carlos Tevez. From Twitter: “EXCLUSIVO: #Corinthians faz proposta para recontratar #Tevez”. We’ll see.

or neymar to russia?

heh

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 11, 2011 3:41 PM CDT reply actions  

SAF says

Nasri is going to someone other than United. I guess the city rumors could have been true, then.

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/Samir-Nasri-leaving-Arsenal-but-not-for-Manchester-United-claims-Alex-Ferguson-article764535.html

Or maybe Chelsea decided they would pay up for midfield help.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 11, 2011 5:29 PM CDT reply actions  

Wenger has indicated he may keep the player for the final year of his contract, and thus risk losing him for nothing in 12 months’ time.

‘That is his decision,’ said Ferguson. ‘He is the manager. If he stands by that decision, it is a brave one. I don’t know if the (Arsenal) directors will enjoy that one, but it is possible.
‘Maybe he will have to stay.’

by sprite on Jul 11, 2011 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

This may mean
“That is all I can tell you. I think that he has agreed to go somewhere else.”

’I’ve offered you all I’m going to offer you. If you want to finish third with City, take the extra 30k.’

by Brett Perryman on Jul 11, 2011 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

That's why I would be fairly comfortable with swapping Tevez for Kun ...

after all the agents are done haggling. Dude’s pretty opportunistic, young, good technique. Should be able to net 15+ in the EPL – makes the loss of Tevez’ 20-30 less painful. City could do worse.

by shroomer on Jul 11, 2011 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

True, but there's one problem for your system.

You’d be relying heavily on Dzeko and Balotelli (to an extent). Tevez is able to play the lone striker role, whereas Aguero can’t.

by LiamP on Jul 11, 2011 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

IDK, not really reading those reports ...

but I saw a headline or something that said his agent confirms contact. I guess the crux of the biscuit is whether City would give a cut rate to see him out of Europe. Maybe. City could ask for a % of future transfer fees or something, protect themselves from a quick turnaround back to the EPL or something. Sound legal?

by shroomer on Jul 11, 2011 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hypothetically Corinthians would only sell him for around or above the same price

he was bought right?

I don’t know what percentage a ‘typical’ sell-on fee entails…is it 10%? 15%? I’ve heard of 20% for some players who were initially bought very cheap as prospects, but that probably wouldn’t be agreeable in Tevez’s case since Corinthians would probably want to avoid a big loss in selling him back to Europe.

i tell the truth; i lie a lot

by jonthefon on Jul 12, 2011 7:25 AM CDT up reply actions  

Wenger interview after the presser
You seem to be in a similar situation with Samir Nasri?
No. Samir’s situation is clear for me

He definitely stays, come what may?
He stays.

So if a club comes in with a big offer, knowing that he’s in the final year of his contract, you will say, “You’re staying…”
I’ve just told you that we are in a position where we can say “No”.

And you will, in the case of Samir?

We will.

You think that it is worth more to have Samir for one more season and risk losing him on a Bosman free next summer than to cash in now?

Yes.

That could be construed as a £20m gamble?
[Smiling.] You are the same people who reproach me for not spending money and now you reproach me for wanting to spend it! It is in the interests of the club. Fábregas is in no man’s land … Imagine the worst situation, that we lose Fábregas and Nasri; you cannot convince people that you are ambitious after that. And even if you lose Nasri, to find the same quality player, you have to spend again the same amount of money because you cannot say you lose the player and you do not replace him. And the other clubs who come to take him have scouts all over the world as well but if they come to us for our player …

full transcript here

by sprite on Jul 11, 2011 9:07 PM CDT reply actions  

I was thinking about Arsenal keeping Nasri ...

though the odds are already high that they’ll qualify for the CL this August, they would be a little higher if Nasri was on the field in those games. And if he plays all year for Arsenal, the odds of requalifying for CL are higher also. Might make enough sense financially to actually keep him rather than sell him CL-wise.

by shroomer on Jul 11, 2011 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

I guess so, but I doubt he's thinking about the CL money. I'm hoping he holds true to this because he's absolutely right.
Imagine the worst situation, that we lose Fábregas and Nasri; you cannot convince people that you are ambitious after that.

by sprite on Jul 11, 2011 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

xx
12.49 Hamburg have confirmed their interest in Arsenal’s Nicklas Bendtner but fellow Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund have quashed speculation they are chasing the striker.

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 12, 2011 6:57 AM CDT reply actions  

Yeah, I hope Argentina gets cold-cocked now

that the media’s deciding to get all uppity about destroying a mediocre Costa Rice team after previously overreacting to their drab start.

Still, Argentina has so many freaking good midfield and attacking players that it seems pretty much a case of finding the right guys to fit in…and once they do, Messi pears everyone.

i tell the truth; i lie a lot

by jonthefon on Jul 12, 2011 7:16 AM CDT reply actions  

pepe staying at RM for 5? years

expect to see a lot of him next year

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 12, 2011 1:23 PM CDT reply actions  

heh
19.21 BREAKING: We understand that Man City have rejected a £35m bid from Corinthians for captain Carlos Tevez because they are holding out for a £50m fee.

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 12, 2011 1:54 PM CDT reply actions  

I find it hard to believe

Corinthians have 35m to spend for a player. The Brazilian league is not the most money’d hence why they have to sell their players so cheaply.

What's the rumpus?

by Hypo-Luxa on Jul 12, 2011 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

50m..

Fabregas>Tevez ∴Fabregas=55m.

by sprite on Jul 12, 2011 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

wait, you think fabregas > Tevez?

hmmm is this the view that most ppl have?

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 13, 2011 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yes.

Not mediocre. Right about average

by trza on Jul 13, 2011 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions  

This article is becoming an annual tradition

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/933925/man-united’s-sir-alex-ferguson-praises-growth-of-game-in-mls?cc=5901

I found this statement in the article to be quite disingenuous, though:

Major League Soccer, which has expanded to 18 teams for this season and will add another in 2013, is enjoying its highest average attendances ever at 17,297. It means that it terms of fans at games MLS has overtaken Ice Hockey as the fourth most popular sport in the United States.

16 home games versus 41 is not apples to apples.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 12, 2011 3:53 PM CDT reply actions  

Also

You’re averaging that over the 18 most popular cities, not the 30. Take the 18 best attended NHL arenas, and I’d guess that they’d out-average MLS even over 41 games. Still, I guess the main point is that it’s good that the league is hanging in there.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 12, 2011 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

MLS is gagging for legitimacy

So they’ll cherry pick anything for a good light.

I tried once again this year to latch onto MLS, and I just can’t do it. There have been some wonder goals and some damned exciting plays, but overall the product is still second rate. It’s akin to watching Colombian or Ecuadorian soccer. Everything about it is second rate…players, ref’s, fans, everything.

But I’m glad the MLS is there for my kids to watch if they ever want to. I’ll take mine to every single game if they want and I’ll make sure to roll my eyes where they can’t see me

What's the rumpus?

by Hypo-Luxa on Jul 12, 2011 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

They are doing pretty awesome in the Northwest

That Portland/Seattle game had an insane atmosphere. But the product is still lacking like you said.

by sprite on Jul 12, 2011 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

That Portland crowd looked awesome

I like fc Dallas games but there’s no questinoning that it’s nowhere near the level of the euro leagues
It’s way more physicalnand mch less skill but it’s getting better

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Jul 12, 2011 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah,

I saw some of that. It looked really cool outside of Seattle’s awful kits.

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 12, 2011 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

Portland

I do want to go there and see a game. Looks like a fantastic atmosphere

What's the rumpus?

by Hypo-Luxa on Jul 13, 2011 8:16 AM CDT up reply actions  

Ha

My exact reaction was “did they just reprint last year’s article”?

Not mediocre. Right about average

by trza on Jul 13, 2011 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions  

This sounds just like something Wilshere would say

Wilshere tells Fabregas: Be a man and stay

“Loyalty is a big part of football and it shows if you are a real man or not,” said the 19-year-old. "There have been a few players who have shown Arsenal great loyalty and hopefully we will get a few more like that. Then we will see if we can get a trophy or not.

“If you are loyal, it means you are a real man. We have got loyalty at Arsenal and players have shown that in the past – Cesc showed that last year and hopefully a few more players will show it this year.”

by Brett Perryman on Jul 12, 2011 8:21 PM CDT reply actions  

FWIW - kinda interesting, different strokes-wise ...

James Milner mentioned in an interview today that Clichy has been surprised at the full-speed tackling that goes on in City workouts vs Arsenal’s more careful workout policy. And several players have noted Clichy’s speed and stamina in interviews.

by shroomer on Jul 12, 2011 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

That sounds

very much in line with Mancini’s and Wenger’s reputations.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 12, 2011 11:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

x
And several players have noted Clichy’s speed and stamina in interviews.

Unfortunately, those are not two areas that have been questioned with Clichy.

by LiamP on Jul 13, 2011 12:22 AM CDT up reply actions  

You should hold onto that quote

And bring it out when Wilshere is tempted by Chelsea/ManU/Blackburn(hah) and he tries to maneuver is way out of the club. Wilshere’s quotes are noble, but they’re tinged with naivete and youth. He’ll be another big money player that’ll move to wherever the money is. Just the way it goes

What's the rumpus?

by Hypo-Luxa on Jul 13, 2011 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions  

Preseason

Nice to wake up this morning and have a live Liverpool friendly on FSC to watch while getting ready for work. Got to see Poulsen(!) and N’gog score before heading in to the office…

"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."

-- RevHaloFan

by RCCook on Jul 13, 2011 8:44 AM CDT reply actions  

TONS of smoke about Sneijder going to United now

Would be my least preferred choice compared to Nasri or Modric…really not sure about this one.

by LiamP on Jul 13, 2011 11:03 AM CDT via mobile reply actions  

Why is that?

Assuming it’s because Modric and Nasri are proven performers in the EPL? On the other hand, both seem less fit/more susceptible to injury than Sneijder.

Not mediocre. Right about average

by trza on Jul 13, 2011 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions  

x

Younger, quicker, cheaper (wage wise), more motivated, prem experience, and I don’t think Sneijder is capable of playing in a midfield 2 in the prem.

by LiamP on Jul 13, 2011 11:54 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

What's up with ManU having all this $$$?

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 13, 2011 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

I don't mean this in a bratty 'Chelsea should get everybody' way,

but it seemed like they were going the cheaper route for the past few years, but now they’ve been associated with quite a few big names. Has some large debt been paid off now or some such?

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 13, 2011 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

is the CR7 money actually out there this year? lol

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 13, 2011 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

err CR9

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 13, 2011 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

Supposedly this money's been available for a couple of years.

Now that guys like Scholes, VDS, Neville, Hargreaves, Brown, O’Shea, etc. are off the books, they have some room (and the need) to add players/salary.

by LiamP on Jul 13, 2011 2:11 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

Ah, ok.

That makes sense, but I’m impressed with the self-discipline.

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 13, 2011 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

It's interesting.

The three most promising academy/reserve players that United have are all midfield players (Ravel Morrison, Paul Pogba, Ryan Tunnicliffe). I think part of the reason SAF hasn’t splashed on a big name young CM is because those 3 are the most talented youth players we’ve had since Rossi & Pique (Morrison and Pogba in particular are special talents) and he wants to give them a shot down the line.

by LiamP on Jul 13, 2011 3:35 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

curious

it was before my time, but why was pique sold? end of contract?

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 13, 2011 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Wanted to start, couldn't get ahead of Rio/Vidic

Barca came in and SAF couldn’t deny him a move back home.

by LiamP on Jul 13, 2011 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Breaking News

Xavi is still a cunt.

Now back to your regularly scheduled muppetry.

by sprite on Jul 13, 2011 3:12 PM CDT reply actions  

what happened now?

or nothing new?

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 13, 2011 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

xx
“A mutual respect should stand between the two clubs”, the manager said. “Xavi has been very disrespectful to Arsenal football club.”

heh

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 13, 2011 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

saw the Malaysia game highlights

the solid back on those uniforms is a saving grace – tolerable from a distance, still yech up close tho

by shroomer on Jul 13, 2011 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

Once they started sweating

they turned into the old Mavericks trashbag uniforms. They’re pretty awful. Ramsey and Nasri looked good. The defense looked shaky as always. Denilson got subbed off after 20 minutes and stormed off the pitch. Probably played his last game at Arsenal. Yay.

Oh, and we found Wenger’s Malaysian twin

by sprite on Jul 13, 2011 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

Downing

Fee agreed with Villa, per the official LFC website. Soccernet’s reporting around 20 million.

"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."

-- RevHaloFan

by RCCook on Jul 13, 2011 7:17 PM CDT reply actions  

Part of me is laughing all the way to the bank.

Villa needs to spend the 36 million in transfer fees they’ve earned this summer though, otherwise they’re real relegation candidates.

i tell the truth; i lie a lot

by jonthefon on Jul 13, 2011 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah

That’s more than I think he’s worth, but he’s a solid player, and seems fairly consistent and durable. As long as he puts the ball on Carroll’s noggin regularly, I’ll be happy.

"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."

-- RevHaloFan

by RCCook on Jul 13, 2011 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

Who the hell starts for you at this point?

Lucas/Meireles/Gerrard – Downing/Carroll/Suarez?

by LiamP on Jul 13, 2011 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeesh, then Kuyt, Henderson, Adam all come off the bench...

Liverpool looks kinda stacked.

i tell the truth; i lie a lot

by jonthefon on Jul 13, 2011 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

LFC

I’d imagine the front six is pretty much what Liam said, with Kuyt, Henderson, Adam, Maxi, and possibly Aquilani behind them. Not bad.

"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."

-- RevHaloFan

by RCCook on Jul 13, 2011 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

Seriously

I read N’Zogbia and Given.

by LiamP on Jul 13, 2011 11:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

Those two are pretty much the only guys what I've seen being linked to Villa.

Seems like Given is pretty much a done deal, and N’Zogbia a 50-50 chance once Dave Whelan stops being a dick. Villa was also supposedly the favourite for Scott Parker for a short amount of time, but then Spurs and Chelsea started being talked about so that’s the end of that rumour.

And of course if Houllier had stayed you know there’d be a couple of random French youngsters that nobody’s heard of, but he ain’t :(

i tell the truth; i lie a lot

by jonthefon on Jul 14, 2011 1:45 AM CDT up reply actions  

Clint Dempsey advertises Negro modelo?

When did that start?

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Jul 13, 2011 8:09 PM CDT reply actions  

Rafael.

I don’t think he’s as dirty as you make him out to be.

by LiamP on Jul 14, 2011 1:26 AM CDT up reply actions  

xx
13.10: Real Madrid will sign Emmanuel Adebayor now and Neymar in January, Marca says.

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 14, 2011 7:26 AM CDT reply actions  

Marca.

i tell the truth; i lie a lot

by jonthefon on Jul 14, 2011 7:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

believe me, i know.

accidently i left off my big “lol” after the quote

i bet the article has now been updated to say they are buying cesc, pastore, modric and getting van der sar to un-retire and back up iker — all by the end of the week!

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 14, 2011 7:47 AM CDT up reply actions  

lolwut
14.27: Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis wants some filthy lucre if Marek Hamsik – who has attracted the interest of AC Milan and Manchester City – is to leave. "The indecent proposal would have to be of €100 million, otherwise he will be staying here," he said.

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 AM CDT reply actions  

Yeah

Is he saying that if some team offers that amount, that they not only get to sign Hamsik, but get to have sex with him for one night?

"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."

-- RevHaloFan

by RCCook on Jul 14, 2011 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions  

Galliani with AC Milan

Said if it’s 35-40mill then he’d be leaving Hamsik alone.

I don’t know about ManCity’s motives. Knowing them 35-40mill wouldn’t be a problem

What's the rumpus?

by Hypo-Luxa on Jul 14, 2011 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

The cryptic Blue Moon ITK guy has finally come out of his shell ...

FWIW, he sez … City and ManU have major creative MF holes needing to be filled. Nasri wants one of them. ManU tradition cred doesn’t seem to be influencing him so SAF stopped coming after him hoping that Nasri-to-City momentum would lessen the pressure City is putting towards the acquisition of Sneijder and allow ManU to seal that deal. What’s holding everything up is Arsene Wenger’s “Nasri stays” stance. It’s making Nasri nervous because NOW is when the market appreciates his talents the most due to the MF holes at City and ManU. It’s also driving up ManU’s price for Sneijder because City will compete for him until they get Nasri.

He also sez we’re going ‘balls to the wall’ for Aguero and that our final two targets will be a backup goalie and another CB – which explains the Seb Coates rumors being stirred up by City casting its CB net about.

by shroomer on Jul 14, 2011 1:27 PM CDT reply actions  

Backup GK

You guys can have Brad Jones!

"Napoli batting regularly in Arlington will be the biggest explosion in the American Southwest since Robert Oppenheimer tested the Manahttan Project."

-- RevHaloFan

by RCCook on Jul 14, 2011 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

Why isn't ManU pursuing Modric?

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 14, 2011 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

They might be for all we know.

Modric has made it clear he wants to stay in London, so Chelsea are clear favorites.

by LiamP on Jul 14, 2011 5:27 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

Backup GK

What’s become of Shay Given? Or are they looking for a backup to their backup?

Not mediocre. Right about average

by trza on Jul 14, 2011 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions  

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