By G-Unit Go To PostI wonder if this Madrid cunts are scared… pulga seems like a nice guy compared to them right now.Lol
Bring it! We are ready for a Spanish final.
We have defeated the champions of England, France and Germany on our road to the final. Hopefully we meet the champions of Italy too.
Top Gossip
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, 32, has opened talks with Turkish club Besiktas over a summer move, according to his agent. (ESPN)
Should Cech quit Stamford Bridge this summer, manager Jose Mourinho could try to sign 28-year-old Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy. (Daily Star)
Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to walk out on Real Madrid - and an announcement on the 30-year-old forward's future could come as soon as this week. (Sun - subscription required)
Southampton have launched a fresh bid to keep England full-back Nathaniel Clyne, 24, out of Manchester United's reach. (Manchester Evening News)
Atletico Madrid are reluctant to sell Chelsea target Antoine Griezmann as they look to strengthen this summer. The France forward, 24, has a buy-out clause set at £43.5m and super-agent Jorge Mendes is understood to be poised to enter negotiations on Chelsea's behalf. (Daily Mail)
Former England midfielder Steven Gerrard, 34, admitted that he lost the "buzz" of playing when he learned he was to have a restricted role at Liverpool. (Times - subscription required)
FC Tokyo and Japan striker Yoshinori Muto, 22, is set to reject a move to Chelsea in favour of a transfer to German club Mainz. (Guardian)
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure, 32, has been urged by team-mate Wilfried Bony not to leave the club, with Inter Milan and Paris St-Germain both possible destinations at the end of the season. (Daily Mirror)
Winger Jordon Ibe, 19, is one of four Liverpool players refusing to sign an improved contract. (Sun - subscription required)
Liverpool have made a tentative approach to AC Milan regarding the availability of 28-year-old forward Jeremy Menez. (Tuttosport - in Italian)
Midfielder Cesc Fabregas says he would would give Chelsea's campaign a "seven or eight" out of 10 after the club secured the Premier League title with four games to spare. (London Evening Standard)
Wednesday's Daily Star back page
Former Arsenal striker Niall Quinn says his former club must sign a world-class defensive midfielder in the mould of Chelsea's Nemanja Matic if they are to have any chance of winning the Premier League next season. (Talksport)
Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson believes the Reds' failure to qualify for the Champions League will see England forward Raheem Sterling, 20, quit the club. (Liverpool Echo)
The agent of Paris St-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 33, has dismissed reports linking the player with a return to AC Milan this summer. (Daily Express)
Hull City's name change saga is set to rumble on through the summer after a Football Association vote on the issue was shelved until at least July. (Hull Daily Mail)
Everton are on the lookout for a new goal threat this summer - but 25-year-old QPR striker Charlie Austin is not among their targets. (Liverpool Echo)
Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk, 23, a target for Sunderland, admits he would consider leaving the Scottish champions this summer. (Sunderland Echo)
Everton defender Phil Jagielka, 32, has labelled 34-year-old John Terry an inspiration after the Chelsea captain's fine season at Stamford Bridge. (Talksport)
Best of social media
Hull City midfielder Robert Snodgrass might be worth a follow on social media if you ever want to have a flutter on the outcome of matches. The Scotland international nailed his prediction for Champions League semi-final second leg between Bayern and Barcelona in a tweet sent before kick-off.
Robert Snodgrass on Twitter
Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was full of praise for Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen after the German pulled off a remarkable stop during Tuesday's night's match, tweeting: "What a save! And credit from the commentators too! It must be good! Haha."
Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has not exactly enjoyed a productive season at Manchester City, featuring in just nine league games, so it's good that he has a few sidelines - such as posing for a photoshoot in Paris.
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere had a message for fans of the club after he made his first outing at Emirates Stadium in six months during Monday night's defeat to Swansea: "So happy to be back on the pitch at The Emirates thanks to all the fans for giving me a warm welcome back!!" he wrote.
And finally
Jack Grealish's meteoric rise at Aston Villa is to be immortalised by author Lee Child in a future instalment of his best-selling Jack Reacher novels. The surname of Grealish, 19, will feature in Child's 21st Reacher story, due for release next year. "It's a great name - and he's a great kid," said Villa fan Child, who has weaved the names of 20 past and present Villa players into his books. (Birmingham Mail)
Winger Jordon Ibe, 19, is one of four Liverpool players refusing to sign an improved contract. (Sun - subscription required)
Former England midfielder Steven Gerrard, 34, admitted that he lost the "buzz" of playing when he learned he was to have a restricted role at Liverpool. (Times - subscription required)
I hope Pogba puts on a special show tomorrow and thus raises that price tag by another 10 million....I don't want him to leave Juve, but if he has to go I want the price to be ridiculous.
Benatia's tendency to pressure up the pitch, and his general lack of awareness when applying the offside trap is what cost bayern dearly in these two legs. Really strange performances by Benatia, I guess he will settle in his second season.
By Eike Go To PostBenatia's tendency to pressure up the pitch, and his general lack of awareness when applying the offside trap is what cost bayern dearly in these two legs. Really strange performances by Benatia, I guess he will settle in his second season.
Pep killed him, he was godly last year.
I will need to watch the game for real in a bit, but based on what I was able to see, Benatia was the general culprit for the goals - combined with Neuer showing himself to be wholly overrated with the second failure to guard the near post. That addresses the defensive sense.
Offensively, Lewa and Müller were mostly wasteful, and only really Thiago had a worthwhile effect on the game until Schweinsteiger actually managed to push himself into being useful. Rode apparently did far better than Lahm - strong indicator of where Lahm should be on the pitch. That, and Rafinha was exceptionally poor moving forward, which was expected.
If we put Lahm back, changed our traditional defensive strategy, incorporate the right combination of our great midfield players, and make good signings for the final third of our lineup (second striker, wingers, attacking midfielder), I really think the team would be phenomenal. Our biggest issues are the overly high line, too similar of styles in the midfield, and an exhausted and limited attacking style (lately, since we've had a lack of outside play and creativity). Fix those a bit, we'd be back to business.
Offensively, Lewa and Müller were mostly wasteful, and only really Thiago had a worthwhile effect on the game until Schweinsteiger actually managed to push himself into being useful. Rode apparently did far better than Lahm - strong indicator of where Lahm should be on the pitch. That, and Rafinha was exceptionally poor moving forward, which was expected.
If we put Lahm back, changed our traditional defensive strategy, incorporate the right combination of our great midfield players, and make good signings for the final third of our lineup (second striker, wingers, attacking midfielder), I really think the team would be phenomenal. Our biggest issues are the overly high line, too similar of styles in the midfield, and an exhausted and limited attacking style (lately, since we've had a lack of outside play and creativity). Fix those a bit, we'd be back to business.
By Shanks D Zoro Go To PostPep killed him, he was godly last year.
I feel his decision making is spotty, but maybe guardiolas system has something to do with that. I mean Bernat should have immediately shuffled over to cover for Benatia, seeing as Messi was central.
By wedward Go To PostIt's going to be a long summer for Liverpool.
If Rodgers & Liverpool don't resolve the bulk of it by early July, then year, one long summer.
I am of the opinion that the Atletico tie is going to go their way, If we manage a draw it would fantastic.
By Eike Go To PostBenatia's tendency to pressure up the pitch, and his general lack of awareness when applying the offside trap is what cost bayern dearly in these two legs. Really strange performances by Benatia, I guess he will settle in his second season.Sounds like he will fit right in at PSG along with the other useless defenders.
Brazilians don't know how to defend. but somehow they get sold for ridiculous prices.
I wonder how LvG's experiences with the PL born in our team will affect his purchases, took fucking ages for some of this lot to get the philosophy and some still suck at it.
I remember him saying the way the games played here doesnt exactly help players learn it.
I remember him saying the way the games played here doesnt exactly help players learn it.
By Lunatic Go To PostSounds like he will fit right in at PSG along with the other useless defenders.Benatia is French though.
Brazilians don't know how to defend. but somehow they get sold for ridiculous prices.
What he should be concerned with is how loaded the national side are with youth at his position.
By Eike Go To PostI thought Benatia hailed from northern africa.
By GQman2121 Go To PostBenatia is French though.opps
What he should be concerned with is how loaded the national side are with youth at his position.
Thought he was Brazilian by his style of abandoning his position.
Sorry not sorry Pele.
By Mr Cola Go To PostI wonder how LvG's experiences with the PL born in our team will affect his purchases, took fucking ages for some of this lot to get the philosophy and some still suck at it.
I remember him saying the way the games played here doesnt exactly help players learn it.
LVG raises an excellent point. At youth levels in england the game used and still is to some extent biased toward physical attributes instead of mental and technical ability. This I think hurts Pep at Bayern as well, he brought in Thiago and Bernat, uses rafinha a lot etc because their backrounds in football education more align with his barcelona team. Technique and mental speed can get you very far in football. Being the strongest, tallest and even fastest is never enough.
That is not to say there aren't technically gifted players in england, there are. But it seems that they lack mental speed, the quick decision making and vision sometimes required to get the ball to the desired player or area.
Benatia was godly last year
In Roma
Big clubs list for next year
Gervinho
Totti
Klose
Medel
Hernanes
Menez
Mexes
Diego Lopez
De Sanctis
De Rossi
Albiol
Koulibaly
Inler
Callejon
Salah
In Roma
Big clubs list for next year
Gervinho
Totti
Klose
Medel
Hernanes
Menez
Mexes
Diego Lopez
De Sanctis
De Rossi
Albiol
Koulibaly
Inler
Callejon
Salah
Brazil's most expensive World Cup stadium is now used as a parking lot
http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2015/05/11/405955547/brazils-world-cup-legacy-includes-550m-stadium-turned-parking-lot
Lol, Bayern trending number 1 on twitter, a ton of posts regarding the fan humility and respectability despite losing. A real shame a lot of the other big clubs have more aggressive and rude fan bases. Still, I'm glad I know some of the good ones here at the least.
But I mean, is this a surprise to ANYONE?
By Phlebas Go To Posthttp://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2015/05/11/405955547/brazils-world-cup-legacy-includes-550m-stadium-turned-parking-lotI thought that stadium was kind of nice.
But I mean, is this a surprise to ANYONE?
By Elchele Go To PostPep can fuck off
Bring me ten Hag/Ancelotti
How many titles did you win?
Pep just needs to calm the fuck down with his experimental formations. It's a shame that Robben and Ribery are injured, but for the love of God, Pep, just pick a side and play them in their positions. 4-3-1-2/4-2-3-1, perhaps?
a Barce v Real final is meh
superior Europa League once again providing the fresh, exciting match-ups
superior Europa League once again providing the fresh, exciting match-ups
By Elchele Go To PostPep can fuck offOk, let's approach this differently this time.
Bring me ten Hag/Ancelotti
If Pep conceded that his defensive strategy needs work and then fixes that, would he become more tolerable to you?
Or, what tactically would make him moderately acceptable from your perspective?
I'm not saying I don't like him and that I couldn't accept ten Hag, but I do want to know what gets you to want the team to lose just because of him.
Edit: Also, are you ready for us to sell Götze or do you want to give him a chance? Personally, I align with what Hamann said recently, that he's not really in the mentality of the club - better in a more "harmonious atmosphere."
Thus, he'd probably be poor with United as well, but I think we should probably move on and recognize him as a failed purchase. Then we can pick up a different attacking midfielder. De Bruyne is easily my favorite option.
By Lambda Go To Posta Barce v Real final is meh
superior Europa League once again providing the fresh, exciting match-ups
Barcelona vs Juventus sounds better.
As for EL, it has been an underrated tournament for a while now.
By Probity Go To PostOk, let's approach this differently this time.You basically are asking Pep to stop being himself. It's not going to happen.
If Pep conceded that his defensive strategy needs work and then fixes that, would he become more tolerable to you?
Or, what tactically would make him moderately acceptable from your perspective?
I'm not saying I don't like him and that I couldn't accept ten Hag, but I do want to know what gets you to want the team to lose just because of him.
Edit: Also, are you ready for us to sell Götze or do you want to give him a chance? Personally, I align with what Hamann said recently, that he's not really in the mentality of the club - better in a more "harmonious atmosphere."
Thus, he'd probably be poor with United as well, but I think we should probably move on and recognize him as a failed purchase. Then we can pick up a different attacking midfielder. De Bruyne is easily my favorite option.
Just watched Alien for the first time
Great film, shame I already knew about most of the big scenes
Audio mix was a little weird and some of the effects seem to have had much more work put into them than others.
Great film, shame I already knew about most of the big scenes
Audio mix was a little weird and some of the effects seem to have had much more work put into them than others.
By Elchele Go To PostYou basically are asking Pep to stop being himself. It's not going to happen.You're right I guess, but I still don't support your whole thing about hating him enough to want us to lose. I do understand though, and respect your reasoning for it I guess.
I'm watching the game now, formally, and I'll probably make my little notes like normal. At this point though, Benatia really needs to realize he's a defender. I don't know how he used to play, but he's pushing up way too far and leaving too much open space the way he's played this game.
Rafinha is poor. So completely and totally average, with no significant skill in attack.
The team so far has tried too many weird and risky long balls and chipped passes. Sometimes it worked, a lot of times we lost the ball and looked dumb. Don't know what Pep was going for there.
Benatia was inconsistent here. He's pressing up higher and making some good tackles, but in the first Neymar goal particularly, he wasn't marking well enough and letting balls get played.
Fuck, Ter Stegen was sensational in saving Müller's header. Bernat playing much smarter this game, even if he wasn't as helpful as he could have been going forward.
I was wrong, Rafinha is not average, he is a liability with a terrible attitude.
By Lambda Go To Posta Barce v Real final is meh
superior Europa League once again providing the fresh, exciting match-ups
Sevilla are going to win it twice in a row, something no CL team have ever done
pls
By nate Go To PostSevilla are going to win it twice in a row, something no CL team have ever done
pls
They've already won it back to back - in 06 and 07 when it was the UEFA Cup.
By Probity Go To PostOk, let's approach this differently this time.
If Pep conceded that his defensive strategy needs work and then fixes that, would he become more tolerable to you?
Or, what tactically would make him moderately acceptable from your perspective?
I'm not saying I don't like him and that I couldn't accept ten Hag, but I do want to know what gets you to want the team to lose just because of him.
He has no idea, and most people do not, how difficult it to win trophies. Especially at the highest level, how are people faulting pep for players making individual mistakes.
Leg 1: Neuer throws ball to bernat, while his defense was not set. Did not have to do that at all, it was 0-0.
Leg 1: Bernat does not cover for boateng, leaving him one-on-one with Messi
Leg 1: 3rd goal can be down to Guardiola, because they could have decided to leave it at 2-0 and close ranks.
Leg 2: Benatia decides to help Schweinsteiger compete for a header with Messi. Leaving suarez all alone in the centre.
In the first leg, he tried a man-to-man system. It failed, he adjusted it and Bayern grew to dominate the game until Neuer threw it away. Lewandowski could also have scored in that game.
At 2-0, without an away goal. You have 2 choices, either protect yourself from more damage, and hope to score 3 goals against barcelona to win it, or try to nick an away goal give yourself a bigger chance.
At home, you went up 1-0. Conceded 2 goals. Scored another 2 which won you the game but not the tie. You created many more chances, and could have been up 3-0 within 20minutes if your players could finish. We played a terrible game defensively at times today, you just did not take advantage.
And most importantly you were missing your most influential players. Robben and Ribery. Did guardiola have a hand in your loss over the two legs. Yes. Is he 100% guilty that his players can not finish some excellent chances. No. The blame has to be shared. You won the league. The most important trophy for a lot of fans. No team can continuously win the treble every year. Every fanbase wants their team to win everything all the time, and it is impossible. You ask too much.
We still may end up trophy-less this season, but I still would say it was an enjoyable season.
Wonder who these 4 players supposedly are
Sterling is the only one with a questionable contract situation who who will have better clubs with higher wages than us after him.
Can see Arsenal being interested in Ibe, but I doubt he'd play much.
Sterling is the only one with a questionable contract situation who who will have better clubs with higher wages than us after him.
Can see Arsenal being interested in Ibe, but I doubt he'd play much.
Müller and Lewandowski really were quite wasteful. Thiago makes a great run and then Müller fucks it up.
And Benatia leaving a massive hole for Suarez to run through, fucking ridiculous. Then Neuer guarding the goal extremely poorly on the second goal too. There wasn't even anywhere else for Neymar to shoot and he still managed to score. Neuer was literally right there. Unbelievable. We really gave up a great chance with this game.
And Benatia leaving a massive hole for Suarez to run through, fucking ridiculous. Then Neuer guarding the goal extremely poorly on the second goal too. There wasn't even anywhere else for Neymar to shoot and he still managed to score. Neuer was literally right there. Unbelievable. We really gave up a great chance with this game.
By Hitch Go To PostJust watched Alien for the first timeWhat a time to be Hitch.
Great film, shame I already knew about most of the big scenes
Audio mix was a little weird and some of the effects seem to have had much more work put into them than others.
By Hitch Go To PostWonder who these 4 players supposedly areIbe, Sterling, Johnson & Sturridge.
Sterling is the only one with a questionable contract situation who who will have better clubs with higher wages than us after him.
Can see Arsenal being interested in Ibe, but I doubt he'd play much.
By Scum Go To PostWhat a time to be Hitch.
Ibe, Sterling, Johnson & Sturridge.
Johnson can do one, and Sturridge only signed an extension last August iirc. And imagine Sturridge asking for more money after the season he's had.
By Hitch Go To PostJohnson can do one, and Sturridge only signed an extension last August iirc. And imagine Sturridge asking for more money after the season he's had.
Coutinho signed, Hendogod is signed.
Maybe Flanno?
:(
By Coldnoodle Go To PostCoutinho signed, Hendogod is signed.They're probably including Flanagan because of the reports from a few months ago about him wanting better wages than £40kpw
Maybe Flanno?
:(
He almost literally doesn't have a leg to stand on though
Imagine living in a favela and seeing how much money they wasted on World Cup infrastructure with no long term plan
By Hitch Go To PostImagine living in a favela and seeing how much money they wasted on World Cup infrastructure with no long term planthey should've continued the riots as soon as the world cup ended tbh