The Ongoing Serie A, La Liga, All English Football, Champions League Thread - - - - - - - - - Part 18

[wobbly]

Originally Posted by the_ultimate_evil

Congrats wobbly

But I'm finding the comparisons to the 99 united team from some media pundits extremely laughable.

I haven't seen that, but then I turned over after the celebrations bit so I dunno what they were saying. Agreed though, there's no comparison to be had there, and it is ridiculous if they were saying that.

Originally Posted by Iceman

CONgrats Chelsea!! Flying the flag for the Premier League when everyone else is doing bugger all! Nice one Wobbly were you confident/nervous? I thought it was 50/50 most of the game and any one could have won.

I was fairly confident before the 1st half, not so much at half time, though I think we earned it in the 2nd. Can't say I was nervous though as this was always gonna be a consolation prize. Nice to have won it and all, but I wouldn't have been bawling my eyes out if we hadn't (why grown 'men' do that over a football game is beyond me).

Benfica were the better team early on and I wouldn't have complained if they'd won. Really glad for Torres getting that 1st goal, Ivanovic for getting that super headed winning goal and most of all to Lampard as captain...he doesn't look a player on his way out. 2 amazing shots in that game & a bloody Chelsea hero.

Also I think now is the time to judge Benitez whatever reservations we (inlcuding me) might have had. CL qualification and a European trophy..can't ask any more than that from the situation he inherited. This guy is one of the best managers in European competition. I'm happy for him and would love if he could get another job in the PL, ideally Liverpool!

I've gotten on his back myself while he's been at the club. Didn't want him in the 1st place and I still think sacking RDM was a bloody stupid move. But I will give Rafa his due for taking the flack, dealing with it, and leading us to this win. Overall though...It's kinda easy to forget with this win and the relief of a top 4 spot (virtually) guaranteed, that we were only 4 points off the title race lead when he took over (and will finish considerably further behind now). So as far as the league goes...Well, his record there aint so hot.

That being said though, I think he's earned another shot at a big club. If it's in the PL or anywhere else, and where he won't be walking into a fan base that simply doesn't want him there.

[Iceman]

Who was making these comparisons? Bit strange to to be making that comparison for a team that finished way off the pace in the PL, max 3rd & got knocked out off the CL early! But meaningless comparisons aside, Chelsea can enjoy having both Euro Cups at the same time. Get a photo!

[Hunter Rider]

Originally Posted by Van Petrol

Thanks man. Yeah, I like Wigan and appreciate the fact they try to play attractive football, regardless of whether a club of their stature would be best suited to playing another method in order to get the results to survive.

Good luck this Sunday as well, not only do I want Arsenal to make the CL but Bale may well become more buyable if you prevent Spurs getting the post. Yeah Wigan have certainly shown there is more than one way to approach the PL as a smaller team, although I think their failure to avoid being in the same position every year showed a lack of growth at the club.

No, not at all. I just don't think him joining us would be the most beneficial solution long-term for either party for various reasons.

You feel maybe he's not suited to the style Wenger likes to employ?

Never say never, I guess. With Wilshere, I don't know. If we don't progress in the next few years I wouldn't be surprised to see him agitating for a move.

That would be a disaster given that he's homegrown, I think you'd have to fall out of the CL for him to want a move, he seems more like a leader than a deserter.

I agree. Originally I always thought Vermaelen was the automatic nailed on starter, but for one reason or another he seems to have just gone downhill. Koscielny and Mertesacker complement each other well, and their defensive awareness and understanding is impressive. Koscielny attacks the ball, and makes back when an attack has broken through, and while Mertesacker isn't the paciest player, his reading and positioning is some of the best I've seen. A very underrated defender, imo.

I'm guessing Mertesacker is one of those players with an extra yard in his head as they say, I thought he'd really struggle in the PL but as you say he has clearly been underrated as I think Wenger recently said he was the main man in the back 4, the leader you've been needing back there.

I agree mate. It's going to be a tense 90+ mins for some of us, for sure. Thanks for the support.

I think you are gonna need to beat Newcastle as I expect Spurs to beat Sunderland who are depleted with injuries and suspensions, and are away with nothing to play for.

[Darthphere]

Spurs in talks with David Villa. I would have liked to see him for to Arsenal personally. I think he would've fit in very well there.

[the_ultimate_evil]

Didn't see any of the match last night as I was on a photo shoot.

But just seem it on the news. John terry seriously pulled the same **** as the champions league final. Wasn't even playing but got changed to lift the the cup

Seriously the guy is such an egotistical asshat. Even guys who defended him before have got to see it now.

[chamber-music]

If the Chelsea fans have got any class they will show Rafa a bit of respect now.

Originally Posted by spidey-dude

JT is still a full kit wanker

I wasn't surprised. Typical scumbag Terry glory hunting move.

Originally Posted by Darthphere

Spurs in talks with David Villa. I would have liked to see him for to Arsenal personally. I think he would've fit in very well there.

I never understand why good players choose Spurs over Arsenal. They both have the same kind of wage structure I think so it can't be about the money.

I think its because Wenger and the board don't kiss players ass like Daniel Levy and co at Tottenham do.

Its lame when players looking for at clubs say they didn't feel wanted as much at one club or another. Shut up you pampered needy little b**** your getting played millions to play for a top club with regualr first team football and your whining because a manager or chief executive isn't rolling out the red carpet and telling your so great

[spidey-dude]

probable 3rd place and a European trophy? RAFA OUT!!!!

Think Brendan deserves more time and wouldnt want him out.... for anyone but Rafa that is

[Brian Braddock]

Not entirely convined by our current manager tbh; very good with a soundbite or philosophical quote [that's he's nicked from a book beforehand - hence the David Brent comparisons] but I've yet to see anything indicating that we're on the right path.

I will say though that the s**t Rafa's had to put up with from the majority of Chelsea fans and selected journo's since his appointment has been nothing short of disgraceful. The only reason I wanted Chelsea to win last night was so the guy would finally get some recognition for the sterling work he's done but even last night and this morning I'm hearing Chelsea fans and journo's refusing to give him any plaudits. FFS, it took Ronnie Irani [A Manchester United fan no less] to stick up for him this morning on Alan Brazil's programme, when he was getting absolutely slated.

I absolutely love Rafa and I hope he walks into a cracking managerial spot;

[spidey-dude]

highest ammount of goals in the prem era? (sure I read that somewhere) he does have us playing wonderful football at times.... but then again so did Kenny

completely agree with you regarding Rafa


Lampard given a new contract! GOOD the guy deserves it, crazy that they were going to let him go

[Iceman]

Just heard a rumour abour Rooney going to Newcastle lol. Surely not.

[Iceman]

Originally Posted by Brian Braddock

Not entirely convined by our current manager tbh; very good with a soundbite or philosophical quote [that's he's nicked from a book beforehand - hence the David Brent comparisons] but I've yet to see anything indicating that we're on the right path.

I will say though that the s**t Rafa's had to put up with from the majority of Chelsea fans and selected journo's since his appointment has been nothing short of disgraceful. The only reason I wanted Chelsea to win last night was so the guy would finally get some recognition for the sterling work he's done but even last night and this morning I'm hearing Chelsea fans and journo's refusing to give him any plaudits. FFS, it took Ronnie Irani [A Manchester United fan no less] to stick up for him this morning on Alan Brazil's programme, when he was getting absolutely slated.

I absolutely love Rafa and I hope he walks into a cracking managerial spot;

Rafa's already proven himself before this season. I can see why Chelseas fans were on his back when he was first appointed but now they should give him the respect he deserves for his results this season. Quite pathetic if they don't. I want him back managing a top 7 Premier League team, ideally Liverpool. Although Everton might have a spot open...

[chamber-music]

Looks like David Beckham is the latest to join the retirement bandwagon.

[Iceman]

Bandwagon lol, he is 38! Fair play to him, great career, could have probably been greater still in a different set of circumstances. At least he was a good lad throughout and one of the only guys who was proud to play for England despite all the stick he received at various times in his career. Good luck to him.

[spidey-dude]

not many former United player that I actually like but Becks is one of them.... even have a Beckham shirt believe it or not (not a united one obviously!... a Milan one)

so whats that now? Carra, Fergie, Scholes, Ballack and Becks..... oh and Mickey Mous...errrm Owen too

[Darthphere]

I think Giggs retires and takes up a coaching position under Moyes.

[Iceman]

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/foot...l-8619425.html

Becks' retirement statement in case interested.

[Darthphere]

Kind of disappointing from an outsider's perspective that he didn't get one last call up from Capello and Hodgson and **** even Pearce for Team GB just because he was playing in MLS.

[spidey-dude]

yeah ****ing annoying he didn't get Team GB... but I think the blame is with Hodgson not Pearce, if Uncle Woy wasn't being egotistical and just called up Micah Richards then Kelly could have been in Team GB instead of wastign time going with England (woulda been better for Martin) and then there would have been one more over age slot left...

[chamber-music]

I wouldn't lose any sleep about being called up to any of those losing sides anyway.

Beckham is rich enough to buy his own club.

[Van Petrol]

Beckham has had a marvellous career, probably one of, if not the best dead ball specialists I've ever seen. Enjoy your retirement David and best of luck.

[Two-Face]

Originally Posted by chamber-music

I wouldn't lose any sleep about being called up to any of those losing sides anyway.

Beckham is rich enough to buy his own club.

Imagine he did buy MUFC, fans would go nuts in a good way of course.


But I don't think he's that rich to pay off £400m+ debt.

[Van Petrol]

Originally Posted by Hunter Rider

Good luck this Sunday as well, not only do I want Arsenal to make the CL but Bale may well become more buyable if you prevent Spurs getting the post. Yeah Wigan have certainly shown there is more than one way to approach the PL as a smaller team, although I think their failure to avoid being in the same position every year showed a lack of growth at the club.

Thanks mate. If we do miss out out on the CL, I'd hope we'd react how Bayern did when they missed out a couple of years back. Sadly though it wil probably just give them more justification not to spend and invest in the team. Haha, that's funny actually, as Spurs seem to improve and improve every time they miss out out, whereas we just seem to decline and decline, despite qualiyfying. Very true regarding Wigan.

You feel maybe he's not suited to the style Wenger likes to employ?

No, not at all. The potential problems I'm referring to are the ones that are of the off the field type of nature, if you get my drift.

That would be a disaster given that he's homegrown, I think you'd have to fall out of the CL for him to want a move, he seems more like a leader than a deserter.

I agree in some ways, but if the club aren't meeting you halfway and showing the will and determination to grow and improve, 9 times out of 10 the player probably feels, what's the point?

I'm guessing Mertesacker is one of those players with an extra yard in his head as they say, I thought he'd really struggle in the PL but as you say he has clearly been underrated as I think Wenger recently said he was the main man in the back 4, the leader you've been needing back there.

Yeah, I was quite worried when we originally signed him, but after watching him play consistently, he really has impressed me.

I think you are gonna need to beat Newcastle as I expect Spurs to beat Sunderland who are depleted with injuries and suspensions, and are away with nothing to play for.

I agree completely.

Originally Posted by Darthphere

Spurs in talks with David Villa. I would have liked to see him for to Arsenal personally. I think he would've fit in very well there.

Classic Spurs following our trail again, lol.


Also, good to see Lamps get another year, he's more than worthy of it, imo.

[Hunter Rider]

Becks is a class act, he's a one off in many ways and never should have played anywhere but Manchester United. Great career and has deserved every accolade he's gotten, good luck in retirement Becks.

[Darthphere]

Originally Posted by Two-Face

Imagine he did buy MUFC, fans would go nuts in a good way of course.


But I don't think he's that rich to pay off £400m+ debt.

Which reminds me, whats going on with FC United? Seems like a lot of the Glazers hate has died down over the last couple of years.

[Hunter Rider]

Originally Posted by Van Petrol

Thanks mate. If we do miss out out on the CL, I'd hope we'd react how Bayern did when they missed out a couple of years back. Sadly though it wil probably just give them more justification not to spend and invest in the team. Haha, that's funny actually, as Spurs seem to improve and improve every time they miss out out, whereas we just seem to decline and decline, despite qualiyfying. Very true regarding Wigan.

That is a worry for sure but I get the feeling the way your defense has been sorted out will set the base for Wenger to get in some extra quality in attack this summer regardless. Spus are a strange one, they've brought in a lot of solid players but have not had a settled striker for ages, in truth I agree with the sentiment that without Bale they'd be battling for 6th. It will be interesting to see if Wigan can bounce back, especially if Martinez is leaving.

No, not at all. The potential problems I'm referring to are the ones that are of the off the field type of nature, if you get my drift.

Ah I see, that seems to have settled since his son was born in fairness but if you also mean his fitness due to his habits then yes I can see your point.

I agree in some ways, but if the club aren't meeting you halfway and showing the will and determination to grow and improve, 9 times out of 10 the player probably feels, what's the point?

That is true but there are those exceptions like Shearer, where local icon status and love of the hometown club trumps everything, Wilshire seems to me to be in that mold.

Yeah, I was quite worried when we originally signed him, but after watching him play consistently, he really has impressed me.

Do you feel you are set now defensively? Is Djourou still at the club?

I agree completely.

What starting line-up do you want to see on Sunday?