The Ongoing Serie A, La Liga, All English Football, Champions League Thread - Part 4

[Van Petrol]

Last I heard VDS was actually thinking of sticking around one more year.

Really? They asked him recently in a post match interview (think it was after knocking us out in the FA cup) whether he could be persuaded to stick around for one more year, to which he said no.

I'm thinking it's Maarten Stekelenburg from Ajax.

 

[Darthphere]

Really? They asked him recently in a post match interview (think it was after knocking us out in the FA cup) whether he could be persuaded to stick around for one more year, to which he said no.

I'm thinking it's Maarten Stekelenburg from Ajax.

Martin Tyler mentioned something about reports during the Schalke match. Maybe he just ran out of things to talk about.

 

[Hunter Rider]

No it's true, VDS did an interview with Sky before the Shalke match, and when asked if he would consider staying on another year he coyly smiled and said "Next question."

Personally I am praying he does stay on as other than Neuer I am not really impressed by our supposed options for his replacement.

 

[Iceman]

didnt know you were in a wheelchair lee - would be great atmosphere in london though, i went into town for our 2007 final and the walkabout at Temple was only letting in Liverpool fans, probably about 3-5000 there, was fantastic atmosphere for a bar

they must have made a killing by making it reds only and ignoring their capacity - i seem to remember they had a deal on drinks too

3-5k at Temple Walkabout, that's crazy!! I know it's a big place but ****!

Great vid Van, I think people when hyping Messi as the best ever really forget just what a player Zizou was. The things for me that seperates him from the rest is firstly you always knew when he was on the pitch, he didn't shy away like so many. Secondly I think he could hack it in any league, stick Messi in the Premier League and I doubt you'd see 50 goals a eason, stick Zidane in Wigan Athletic and he'd have them flying. Even when he had an average match he was still head and shoulders above the rest.

Yeah, Messi hasn't been around long enough to be the best player ever. He isn't even the undisputed best player of today with Ronaldo as competition (although I rate Messi higher). Zidane was outstanding over a long career & was the best player amongst greats. Messi is certainly on the right track though and once he's had 5 or 6 more seasons like this one (plus maybe doing something with Argentina) he can start looking at that top dog spot.

Zidane in the Invincibles?...Now that would have been something!

They wouldn't be able to get away with calling themselves the mere 'Invincibles' anymore. It would have to be something like the Immortals.

 

[Harry_Lime02]

I'm thinking it's Maarten Stekelenburg from Ajax.

That would make sense. He's already filled VDS' shoes for Ajax and for the Netherlands, why not Man United too?

 

[Darthphere]

No it's true, VDS did an interview with Sky before the Shalke match, and when asked if he would consider staying on another year he coyly smiled and said "Next question."

Personally I am praying he does stay on as other than Neuer I am not really impressed by our supposed options for his replacement.

 

[Hunter Rider]

Not to mention...Zidane was an amazing leader and probably the greatest header man in the game's history

I can only really recall 3 headers, Zidane was not really known for his aerial abilities.

 

[Darthphere]

I recall more headers to the chest than goals.

 

[Van Petrol]

I can only really recall 3 headers, Zidane was not really known for his aerial abilities.

I recall more headers to the chest than goals.

I think that may have been what Poeman was referring to.

 

[Van Petrol]

No it's true, VDS did an interview with Sky before the Shalke match, and when asked if he would consider staying on another year he coyly smiled and said "Next question."

Personally I am praying he does stay on as other than Neuer I am not really impressed by our supposed options for his replacement.

Interesting. Well, let's see how it goes then.

 

[Van Petrol]

They wouldn't be able to get away with calling themselves the mere 'Invincibles' anymore. It would have to be something like the Immortals.

Haha! I like it!

 

[Hunter Rider]

I think that may have been what Poeman was referring to.

Ohhhhhh!

Interesting. Well, let's see how it goes then.

The thing is that it's an issue that we will have to address sooner rather than later, and as I say, there is very little out there in the keeper stakes.

 

[Van Petrol]

Ohhhhhh!

The thing is that it's an issue that we will have to address sooner rather than later, and as I say, there is very little out there in the keeper stakes.

I know what you mean. Neuer is probably the best thing out there right now. But I agree, in saying that he is Bayern bound.

 

[Hunter Rider]

Some good news, Vermaelen and Fletcher had successful run outs for the reserves tonight.

I know what you mean. Neuer is probably the best thing out there right now. But I agree, in saying that he is Bayern bound.

I think after Neuer the gap drops off, and you have Lloris, De Gea and Stekelenburg.

De Gea - Too young and average distribution

Lloris - Struggles with crosses

Stekelenburg - All round workmanlike

 

[Van Petrol]

Hmmm...I've heard our summer transfer list consists of a goalkeeper, central defender, winger and striker. Apparently all but the winger were being looked at in January, but Wenger decided to carry on as we were.

 

[Van Petrol]

Some good news, Vermaelen and Fletcher had successful run outs for the reserves tonight.

Yeah, good stuff!

I think after Neuer the gap drops off, and you have Lloris, De Gea and Stekelenburg.

De Gea - Too young and average distribution

Lloris - Struggles with crosses

Stekelenburg - All round workmanlike

I agree. I really think we'd have made a real push for Neuer, if it hadn't been for the emergence of Szczesny this season.

 

[Darthphere]

John McEnroe heads it into the back of the net.

[YT]A_M1AeNhibc[/YT]

WHAT DO YOU MEAN I WAS OFFSIDE?!

 

[Hunter Rider]

Hmmm...I've heard our summer transfer list consists of a goalkeeper, central defender, winger and striker. Apparently all but the winger were being looked at in January, but Wenger decided to carry on as we were.

Any ideas on names? I've seen articles today linking you to Benzema and Podolski.

Yeah, good stuff!

Neither are expected to play on Sunday but it's a good start for both.

I agree. I really think we'd have made a real push for Neuer, if it hadn't been for the emergence of Szczesny this season.

At one point I thought you were sure to get Lloris, but then Szcezesny came to the fore, I think it will be interesting to see how he does with a stronger CB pairing in front of him.

 

[Hunter Rider]

Arsenal Ready to Make Record Breaking Move for £22.5m Real Madrid Striker Karim Benzema

Liverpool Plot Summer Move to Sign £10m Rated QPR Playmaker Adel Taarabt

AC Milan Set to Complete £15m Signing of Liverpool Star Aquilani

Arsenal Prepare £15m Move for German International Lukas Podolski

Real Madrid Plan £25m Bid For Manchester United Star Nani

Liverpool Target Signing Of £15m Olympique Lyon Playmaker Pjanic

 

[Van Petrol]

Any ideas on names? I've seen articles today linking you to Benzema and Podolski.

What I've heard:

• As regards to a goalkeeper we enquired about Buffon and were looking at Stekelenburg. However, with the emergence of Szczesny I think we're trying to find an older experienced keeper. One who could give us a few good years of quality service, and one who Szczesny can learn from, which has seemingly crossed Stekelenburg of the list.

• As regards to a defender we're looking at Angelo Ogbonna at Torino, but Wenger ideally wants Jan Vertonghen from Ajax. Vermaelen's former defensive partner at Ajax, and his current one for country I believe along with Kompany.

• As for wingers, the array consists of Santi Cazorla from Villareal, Hulk from Porto and Eden Hazard

• As for the striker, it's either Benzema, who's name keep cropping up in the media, Falcao from Porto, or Kevin Gameiro from FC Lorient.

Neither are expected to play on Sunday but it's a good start for both.

Yeah. I can't wait to have the Verminator back!

At one point I thought you were sure to get Lloris, but then Szcezesny came to the fore, I think it will be interesting to see how he does with a stronger CB pairing in front of him.

Yeah, I agree. Szczesny is getting a lot of stick for our performance against Bolton at the weekend. But I feel a huge majority of our downfall was down to the defence rather than the keeper.

 

[B]

Ronaldo not happy with red card

Barcelona make Mourinho complaint

Both Mourinho & Ronaldo, in my opinion, have valid points. It seems everytime Barcelona come up against an actual good side there always seems to be some sort of red card or controversial decision that always seems to go in their favour.

It is more than likely just a massive coincidence, that being said, refs need to clamp down on Barcelona's ability to get away with just about anything. I still find it amazing that none of the Barcelona players were punished during or after the Arsenal game because the conduct of some of their players in that match was a disgrace, I mean you cannot even push your opponent let alone grab them by the throat.

Row continues as Real Madrid accuse Barcelona

Tit for tat it seems, both complaints are quite silly if you ask me.

Arsenal Ready to Make Record Breaking Move for £22.5m Real Madrid Striker Karim Benzema

Arsenal Prepare £15m Move for German International Lukas Podolski

Real Madrid Plan £25m Bid For Manchester United Star Nani

I don't understand why Benzema's name continues to pop up in transfer news.. especally now when hes actually been getting in the team & been in better form.

I'm 99% sure I've seen a quote from Podolski that confirmed his intention to stay at Koln for at least 1 more season.. so I'd say this story is BS.

Real Madrid can piss off, unless they're gonna give us Ronaldo back. We shouldn't be interested in selling Nani for £25m considering how much he has contributed to the team this season. £50m & we'll think about it.

 

[Van Petrol]

I don't understand why Benzema's name continues to pop up in transfer news.. especally now when hes actually been getting in the team & been in better form.

I agree. Though I reckon we're at least keeping an eye on his situation in case Real decide to buy another striker in the summer, and Higuian seems to be the main preferred option in the Real set-up.

I'm 99% sure I've seen a quote from Podolski that confirmed his intention to stay at Koln for at least 1 more season.. so I'd say this story is BS.

Agreed.

 

[Darthphere]

More Barca/Madrid drama, apparently Busquets called Marcelo "mono" which is Spanish for monkey. Wow.

 

[Dr Lee]

nothing Barca do can surprise me anymore.... you see that the 'tackle' that got Pepe sent off and whoever it was he 'gravely injured' (If the rolling about in the dirt was any indication) contained no contact at all???

Barca (Minus Messi when he behaves) are nothing but cheating scum... Hope Real come out and thrash them in the next leg...

 

[B]

I agree. Though I reckon we're at least keeping an eye on his situation in case Real decide to buy another striker in the summer, and Higuian seems to be the main preferred option in the Real set-up.

This is another thing I don't understand, how Benzema has been overlooked at times or Higuian being prefared to Benzema. In my opinion anyway, Benzema is a far more well rounded striker. He'd be a great addition to any aspiring Champions League team.