I don’t know who these people are who thought Liverpool wouldn’t be fighting for top four. Missing out on top four is one thing, but not even fighting is another. Liverpool were always going to be fighting for top four. The only two teams who looked like a lock were City and Chelsea, but Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs and United were all around the same level.
I'll see how the Brighton match goes before drawing my conclusions
If we lose, we'll have made a complete pig's ear of our league campaign with unbelievably shit results in the finishing stretch
If we get fourth, we'll have had a good season in the face of a long and exhausting European run, a shallow squad (especially in attack) and unfortunate overlapping injuries in midfield
Bit daft to boil the review of an entire season down to one game, but that's football innit
Wherever we finish, I trust Klopp to make the right signings. We spent crazy money on Van Dijk, but I'm glad we waited now when I was seething at the time. Robertson and Salah (obviously) have been astute as fuck, and Ox was looking in great form before his knee exploded.
Shame about the shortened preseason, feel there's still a shitload of work to do on our conditioning so we can play more of a match at a good level, there always seems to be a period where we're blowing out our arses and plodding about. Hopefully a few signings, a better bench and more luck with injuries can remedy that. I don't expect us to be playing at 100% for 90 minutes in any game, but we can surely do better. And of not, bring in some calmer heads to kill games the way Spurs can when they're not at their best.
If we lose, we'll have made a complete pig's ear of our league campaign with unbelievably shit results in the finishing stretch
If we get fourth, we'll have had a good season in the face of a long and exhausting European run, a shallow squad (especially in attack) and unfortunate overlapping injuries in midfield
Bit daft to boil the review of an entire season down to one game, but that's football innit
Wherever we finish, I trust Klopp to make the right signings. We spent crazy money on Van Dijk, but I'm glad we waited now when I was seething at the time. Robertson and Salah (obviously) have been astute as fuck, and Ox was looking in great form before his knee exploded.
Shame about the shortened preseason, feel there's still a shitload of work to do on our conditioning so we can play more of a match at a good level, there always seems to be a period where we're blowing out our arses and plodding about. Hopefully a few signings, a better bench and more luck with injuries can remedy that. I don't expect us to be playing at 100% for 90 minutes in any game, but we can surely do better. And of not, bring in some calmer heads to kill games the way Spurs can when they're not at their best.
By FlutterPuffs Go To PostAmazing predictions though. Especially on 'Surprising teams'
https://www.premierleague.com/news/446893
No one predicted Chelsea's meltdown, because it didn't seem on the cards.
I didn't even expect Chelsea's meltdown myself. I'm also quite sure people even had Everton finishing above us because of the amount of money they spent during the summer.
By Shanks D Zoro Go To PostI don’t know who these people are who thought Liverpool wouldn’t be fighting for top four. Missing out on top four is one thing, but not even fighting is another. Liverpool were always going to be fighting for top four. The only two teams who looked like a lock were City and Chelsea, but Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs and United were all around the same level.
Either you weren't paying attention in the preseason predictions or you are having selective memory.
Shanks like to have the unpopular opinion. Nothing new here folks.
Do you post on Redcafe btw, Shanks, because i think i know who you might be there ;).
Do you post on Redcafe btw, Shanks, because i think i know who you might be there ;).
Who treats Meier and DC poorly?
We take the piss out of City because they are artificially inflated - but I don't think anyone abuses Meier and DC...they just don't take it personally and fly off the handle. I guess its easier when you're winning.
We take the piss out of City because they are artificially inflated - but I don't think anyone abuses Meier and DC...they just don't take it personally and fly off the handle. I guess its easier when you're winning.
The thing with Everton is the sheer number of flops from one window
Sandro, Sigurdsson, Klaasen, Keane, Rooney
All dreadful, despite Rooney's decent enough goal return. They've been worse than the players they each replaced, never mind their hopes of dovetailing to make the team better than they were with Lukaku
Proper Suarez/Bale'd it
Sandro, Sigurdsson, Klaasen, Keane, Rooney
All dreadful, despite Rooney's decent enough goal return. They've been worse than the players they each replaced, never mind their hopes of dovetailing to make the team better than they were with Lukaku
Proper Suarez/Bale'd it
By batong Go To PostShanks like to have the unpopular opinion. Nothing new here folks.
Do you post on Redcafe btw, Shanks, because i think i know who you might be there ;).
Lol, I am sure I would be banned day one.
I don’t like to have unpopular opinions. I view football my own way, and then the rest of you just happen to be wrong :p. Would be easier if you all just agreed with me first time lol.
Klopp has had a good season, but in the grand scheme of things I just don’t think it is that impressive. He still has a lot of work to do to make Liverpool look good at the back and playing more consistent football.
I like Dan, I gave him shit here at times but just as normal banter. He's a great guy on Whatsapp.
I don't know Meier, but disagreeing with him doesn't mean that I don't like him.
edit: Have to agree on Shanks on Liverpool, although they've done well in the CL. 12 draws is a lot.
I don't know Meier, but disagreeing with him doesn't mean that I don't like him.
edit: Have to agree on Shanks on Liverpool, although they've done well in the CL. 12 draws is a lot.
If they win the cl then I'd say Liverpool have really over achieved. If they don't then im with shanks, don't really see how their season vs expectation would be comparable to someone like a Burnley. The same argument you used to rule out pep, I'd level at klopp.
@Shanks
Absolutely incredible season. People will undermine our achievement i think but we have absolutely annihilated literally every team this season, Roma too(in the first leg).
The players have all adapted to a new defensive style and it has worked wonders. Messi as per the norm, has again been the best player in the world. Umtiti is such a great solid player but his contract situation has been the most annoying thing along with Valverdes frustrating ability to not make subs when things are clearly going wrong.
In the champions league our top scorers were Messi with 6, Own Goal with 5 and the rest of the team on 1, that just isn't good enough and Roma showed it wasn't. In the second leg Messi and Suarez didn't get the ball once, Valverde set it up as a "everyone crowd the box and we won't concede 3" tactic. Embarrassing to look back at that game.
The copa del rey. Sensational. 4(?) cup wins in a row is incredible, the same "useless" cup madrid fans make a big deal about when its the only thing they win or when Bale scores that Bartra goal to beat us etc. Beating a strong Sevilla side with ease in the final
Overall, domestic double, ALMOST unbeaten (still games left) and a MASSIVE choke vs Roma in the CL. Its no Pep season but it ranks really highly, especially if we finish unbeaten.
Iniesta has left us with a very successful season and has left as a god
Absolutely incredible season. People will undermine our achievement i think but we have absolutely annihilated literally every team this season, Roma too(in the first leg).
The players have all adapted to a new defensive style and it has worked wonders. Messi as per the norm, has again been the best player in the world. Umtiti is such a great solid player but his contract situation has been the most annoying thing along with Valverdes frustrating ability to not make subs when things are clearly going wrong.
In the champions league our top scorers were Messi with 6, Own Goal with 5 and the rest of the team on 1, that just isn't good enough and Roma showed it wasn't. In the second leg Messi and Suarez didn't get the ball once, Valverde set it up as a "everyone crowd the box and we won't concede 3" tactic. Embarrassing to look back at that game.
The copa del rey. Sensational. 4(?) cup wins in a row is incredible, the same "useless" cup madrid fans make a big deal about when its the only thing they win or when Bale scores that Bartra goal to beat us etc. Beating a strong Sevilla side with ease in the final
Overall, domestic double, ALMOST unbeaten (still games left) and a MASSIVE choke vs Roma in the CL. Its no Pep season but it ranks really highly, especially if we finish unbeaten.
Iniesta has left us with a very successful season and has left as a god
I agree FF, if I'm honest and really assess the whole season Messi has been the best player on the planet. Going unbeaten will be an incredible feat think in time people will forget about the roma loss and it will go down as one of the best for barca in recent times (well after peps barca)
Glad you are happy FF. A lot if things to still work obviously, especially the Messi dependence. I hope you got unbeaten. Would be an incredible achievement.
By Kidjr Go To PostIf they win the cl then I'd say Liverpool have really over achieved. If they don't then im with shanks, don't really see how their season vs expectation would be comparable to someone like a Burnley. The same argument you used to rule out pep, I'd level at klopp.
So you're saying only winning the CL final can be said to be overachieving it, but not the act of reaching it and being the top scorers in the competition (especially since we have not being in the competition for three years), can't be argued in the same vain.
Im sorry Kid, but that argument just doesnt hold up, especially as we're not here to win things. Winning isnt important, remember?
By Shanks D Zoro Go To PostCrazy that Barca are gonna go unbeaten, but it seems not many people are talking about it.
By FootbalIFan Go To PostAbsolutely incredible season. People will undermine our achievement i think but we have absolutely annihilated literally every team this season, Roma too(in the first leg).I think people overlook it (unconsciously, in most cases) for a few reasons: (1) the ignominious collapse in the champions league, practically gifting a third consecutive trophy to Madrid, (2) the fact that Messi has had so many ineffably successful seasons that people have become inured to it and see this as an "average" Messi season, and (3) the style of play, because Valverde's approach isn't as interesting or dynamic as most people have come to expect from Barcelona. It could also be that the club has been so successful for so long that everyone has come to almost expect it (similar to point 2 above). I think you'd see the same response if Juve accomplished it again in the Abyss or if Bayern achieved it in the Bundeslikeanyonegivesafuckaboutthisliga.
By flinbad the flailer Go To PostI think people overlook it (unconsciously, in most cases) for a few reasons: (1) the ignominious collapse in the champions league, practically gifting a third consecutive trophy to Madrid, (2) the fact that Messi has had so many ineffably successful seasons that people have become inured to it and see this as an "average" Messi season, and (3) the style of play, because Valverde's approach isn't as interesting or dynamic as most people have come to expect from Barcelona. It could also be that the club has been so successful for so long that everyone has come to almost expect it (similar to point 2 above). I think you'd see the same response if Juve accomplished it again in the Abyss or if Bayern achieved it in the Bundeslikeanyonegivesafuckaboutthisliga.Can't forget the lenience from the men in black and white in Lolliga this season as well. So many shades of pink thrown from the refs, not enough blood has been shed.
By batong Go To PostCan't forget the lenience from the men in black and white in Lolliga this season as well. So many shades of pink thrown from the refs, not enough blood has been shed.That's a given in these shite leagues with little-to-no credibility. The same can be said several times over for the fucking Abyss.
Also, to respond to the other topic:
While I adore Klopp and would love to see Liverpool smash Madrid in the final, what they've accomplished in the league isn't worthy of a manager of the year trophy.
Pep deserves it, and it isn't even close. Don't reduce it to the money; look at the trash Mourinho produced this season or that City has in previous seasons and that argument disintegrates. The distance between City and everyone else is, frankly, embarrassing to every other club that is ever mentioned as a potential contender.
I think if Liverpool get top 4 they’ve had a great season. Winning CL qual against a Chelsea side which decimated the league last year all the while making a CL final and improving the side exponentially with the likes of Salah, VVD and Robertson makes for a really successful season.
Not that Klopp should win MOTY. Pep > Dyche > Rafa/Hughton > Wagner first, arguably Hodgson as well.
And Poch is so good that people see Spurs not doing better than they are as underwhelming.
Not that Klopp should win MOTY. Pep > Dyche > Rafa/Hughton > Wagner first, arguably Hodgson as well.
And Poch is so good that people see Spurs not doing better than they are as underwhelming.
By the way, you cunts should slither out of your footyhole and join Shanks and I in reading Karl Relevant-as-ever Marx over in this cool thread created by everyone's favorite Slaenter: http://slaent.com/thread/1294564/
By flinbad the flailer Go To PostBy the way, you cunts should slither out of your footyhole and join Shanks and I in reading Karl Relevant-as-ever Marx over in this cool thread created by everyone's favorite Slaenter: http://slaent.com/thread/1294564/Havent open my kindle 'Das Kapital' in 123 days (give or take) :(
By flinbad the flailer Go To PostBy the way, you cunts should slither out of your footyhole and join Shanks and I in reading Karl Relevant-as-ever Marx over in this cool thread created by everyone's favorite Slaenter: http://slaent.com/thread/1294564/
Been talking to wooden about it because i know he’s a big nabokov fan, but just started reading lolita.
Fuck it feels bad laughing so much at this. What a writer.
By flinbad the flailer Go To PostBy the way, you cunts should slither out of your footyhole and join Shanks and I in reading Karl Relevant-as-ever Marx over in this cool thread created by everyone's favorite Slaenter: http://slaent.com/thread/1294564/Bought the book, will start tomorrow
By batong Go To PostHavent open my kindle 'Das Kapital' in 123 days (give or take) :(Haven't opened my physical copies of any of the three volumes in a few years, which is part of why I wanted to start the reading group.
I don't know that, even if the group is successful, we'll ever attempt Capital in its entirety - even one of the volumes. I suspect we'll do better with smaller, more easily digestible works, or with passages and excerpts from the giant tomes. Which may provide just the inspiration you need to return to dat big boy.
By n8 dogg Go To PostBeen talking to wooden about it because i know he’s a big nabokov fan, but just started reading lolita.I keep saying I'll return to Nabokov some day, but there are so many other Russian authors I'd rather read. Talented writer, but he was a dick, and I don't find his subject matter nearly as interesting as any of his Russian forebears.
Fuck it feels bad laughing so much at this. What a writer.
By FlutterPuffs Go To PostBought the book, will start tomorrowOh, bb!
By FootbalIFan Go To PostHi n8 hope you are well, feels like i havent seen you in months
I’m good man. Same old me, less gordito.
By n8 dogg Go To PostI think if Liverpool get top 4 they’ve had a great season. Winning CL qual against a Chelsea side which decimated the league last year all the while making a CL final and improving the side exponentially with the likes of Salah, VVD and Robertson makes for a really successful season.
Not that Klopp should win MOTY. Pep > Dyche > Rafa/Hughton > Wagner first, arguably Hodgson as well.
And Poch is so good that people see Spurs not doing better than they are as underwhelming.
Yeah, my post which kicked off this convo didn’t have Klopp as MOTY. I didn’t include Wagner, but Dyche is my MOTY, and I even put Benitez ahead of Klopp as well. Shanks just thinks “5th best” is too much recognition for big Jürgs.
By JesalR Go To Posthttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13JFTiCRlvF1nwJ-GDBiC5TaBwu7K23c7mR_pxROpmuM/edit?usp=sharingMy predictions are godlike
Your 17/18 predictions
By Auto Simeone Go To PostMy predictions are godlikeYep, good job 👍🏼
By n8 dogg Go To PostI’m good man. Same old me, less gordito.Oh nice.
I am losing weight as i type this(taking a poo and releasing around 200 grams)
Well I didn't completely embrass myself.
That comes later claiming Manchester City is a bore and won't score a lot after watching them in the first two matches.
That comes later claiming Manchester City is a bore and won't score a lot after watching them in the first two matches.
Whilst my strategy of predicting the exact same results as last season did not pay off, I'd like to think I deserve partial credit for predicting peace in North Korea
By n8 dogg Go To PostBeen talking to wooden about it because i know he’s a big nabokov fan, but just started reading lolita.QVT is smiling in the post-forum world, N8 (og football GAFer).
Fuck it feels bad laughing so much at this. What a writer.
Im proud of you.
Keep seeing Mina on loan rumours. Is he that shit that Barca loans him out six months after you bought him?
Why are there so many rumours about Allegri leaving Juventus? I don't mean why is he going to Arsenal, but more generally why would he leave to any club when he's already super successful and capable of challenging for major honours?
By sohois Go To PostWhy are there so many rumours about Allegri leaving Juventus? I don't mean why is he going to Arsenal, but more generally why would he leave to any club when he's already super successful and capable of challenging for major honours?
People said the same about Pep and Conte.
I don’t think there are any problems with the club, but personal challenges and the fact that Italy is a country with over the top football coverage might lead him to want to go to Arsenal.
By sohois Go To PostWeep, you girls. My penis has given you up. Now it penetrates men’s behinds. Goodbye, wondrous femininity
VII.12.35 (Vico d’ Eumachia, small room of a possible brothel); 2145: Gaius Valerius Venustus, soldier of the 1st praetorian cohort, in the century of Rufus, screwer of women
VIII.2 (in the basilica); 1882: The one who buggers a fire burns his penis
Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it
Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it
By sohois Go To PostWeep, you girls. My penis has given you up. Now it penetrates men’s behinds. Goodbye, wondrous femininityLmao
Brilliant. History keeps on repeating itself. You would almost believe these to be visible in a trashy bar toilet in modern day Londonium.
By sohois Go To PostWhy are there so many rumours about Allegri leaving Juventus? I don't mean why is he going to Arsenal, but more generally why would he leave to any club when he's already super successful and capable of challenging for major honours?A few reasons. First and foremost, it's been 4 years, so he's nearing what could be considered the natural expiration date for a manager at a top club these days. With the exception of Simeone I can't think of many others that lasted this long in recent times. Moreover, with the likes of Buffon and Lichtsteiner (and possibly Barzagli) leaving, everybody's talking about the "end of a cycle". And since Allegri is part of it ... Then there's the whole philosophical debate of whether he's achieved all he could've, should Juve try something different in their endless quest for CL glory, etc.
Also, a very vocal minority of Juve fans is very much against Allegri, because they think he should have our squad playing "much better football". Same goes for the italian press. Allegri, with his shrug-it-off attitude, has managed to deflect a lot of bullshit coming his way over the years. The feeling is that he's finally had enough, and some of his latest interviews suggest the same. Personally, I think he's just venting and has every right to. Not a month goes by without some sort of "Allegri has alienated player X" rumor appearing. First it was Dybala, then Higuain, lately Benatia ... All absolute trash, as it turns out, but I can see how even someone as measured as Allegri might start considering alternatives in such a climate.
However, he not once said he's leaving, in fact he keeps saying the exact opposite, as does our management. Unless something unexpected happens at the usual meeting between Allegri and Marotta / Agnelli at the end of the season, I think he's staying. If he leaves, it'll be his decision.
By n8 dogg Go To PostFortune and Mushroom saying arse to win the league lolI always predict Arse to win the league.
