Barclays Premier League 13/14 Thread Part 'x'

by mystiroakey Wed 12 Feb - 19:23

First topic message reminder :

Not sure what's going to happen in t his game..

More bothered about watching what Ox can do again..

Its not a forgone conclusion for me.

I do think Moyesball is pretty decent against possession teams..

by compelling and rich Thu 13 Feb - 20:26

westisbest wrote:Thats what i would do GSC.

Like i said i would want to play every week.

me too west

unfortunately for the younger generation money and fame is the be all and end all

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Thu 13 Feb - 20:37

I didnt say "idiot, dont take the money", I questioned his ambition as a professional footballer. Granted, I doubt he even knows how to spend the extra £20k a week. If he was a regular at Everton or Liverpool (who I could see taking a punt on him) or even Newcastle, he'd be in the England squad. Between him, Lescott, Micah Richards I think they lack ambition

by westisbest Thu 13 Feb - 20:46

Anybody on here listen to Drive on Talksport?

If so what are your thoughts on Adrian Durham.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Thu 13 Feb - 20:47

westisbest wrote:Anybody on here listen to Drive on Talksport?

If so what are your thoughts on Adrian Durham.

When he wants to, he makes good points.

But I think talksport basically tell him to make silly outlandish statements to attract listeners

by westisbest Thu 13 Feb - 20:50

I don't really like him, but at the same time he's good to listen to.

Even though he thinks he's right all the time.

by GSC Thu 13 Feb - 21:13

And I suppose Messi and Ronaldo play for free?

by compelling and rich Thu 13 Feb - 21:39

GSC wrote:And I suppose Messi and Ronaldo play for free?

no they earn shed loads, mainly down to being ultra professional and striving to become the best footballers they could possibly be. the moneys there for both but for me it was never a driving force of why they are playing. ive never seen a improvement like i did at united with ronaldo, there wasnt much between the ronaldo who started at united and the nani who started at united, but look at the difference now!! all the improvements he made were nothing to do with money, watch any interview about him and his time at united.

by Duty281 Thu 13 Feb - 21:47

I've never said there's anything wrong with moving to a top club, but it's clear that if you haven't played much in the last season and a half, in the case of Jack Rodwell, then you need to move to a lesser club (even if it's just a loan) to get more playing opportunities and build your reputation and ability back up.

One step back for Jack Rodwell would be better in the long-term; as is the situation currently with Adam Johnson.

Or you could, I suppose, sit on the bench for the best years of your career and be happy with that whilst the money piles in, limiting yourself to Carling Cup appearances and sporadic ones in the closing minutes of League and European games. Not going to do your career much good, then again some people do lack ambition.

And using Sterling is a pretty poor example - he's playing and starting quite often for Liverpool.

by NickisBHAFC Thu 13 Feb - 23:26

Sterling has been outstanding. He has to start at the World Cup.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Thu 13 Feb - 23:27

Great, a comparison with Ronaldo and Messi. I did in fact agree with your point, the money is great and I have no qualms with him taking it. I just think it shows a lack of professional ambition. He isnt striving to be the best player he personally can be, nor make any impact in the game. I bet you thats what he dreamt of as a kid and when he was coming through the ranks. Even Rav, who is a tearaway, would have been thinking of moments of glory over dollar dollar bills.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Thu 13 Feb - 23:33

NickisBHAFC wrote:Sterling has been outstanding. He has to start at the World Cup.

Based on a month or two of good form? And that is all its based on as he has not had an international career. Seems unwise. Townsend had to start a few months ago then got injured and people don't care for him any more. Considering the way the team line up, hes not so good that he needs accommodating. Sterling, Rooney, Sturridge and the much maligned Welbeck (another who has proved himself very well for England, almost vital, yet gets slated). Id hate to be the two man midfield behind that.

by NickisBHAFC Thu 13 Feb - 23:44

I have never slated Welbeck. Just with Sterling's run of form at the moment, it would be silly not to start him, as right now he looks like one of the best players in the Prem. Lets not also forget the fact he is only 18!

Townsend at this rate, might not even board the plane to Brazil.

by Duty281 Thu 13 Feb - 23:52

Sterling will no doubt fizzle out in form before June. Oh how I wish Theo could play.

So it's either Sterling or Townsend. Maybe Wilshere. Rooney as a surprise option? Henderson's not playing too badly this season. Redmond or Berahino as rank outsiders.

I personally hope we *scratches neck nervously* start Milner.

He's not been in bad form this season.

by GSC Thu 13 Feb - 23:52

I'd much rather have Sterling than the striker turned winger turned distance runner

by NickisBHAFC Thu 13 Feb - 23:59

Yeah Walcott would be perfect, but if Sterling keeps up his fine form, which im sure we all do, then it would be a no brainer to start him surely?

As for the Strikers i would take 4 they would be

Rooney
Sturridge
Wellbeck
Carroll or Lambert

by Duty281 Fri 14 Feb - 0:09

Yeah if Raheem keeps it up..no brainer.

Roy does like a gamble - he picked the Ox against the French at the first game of Euro 2012, disregarding any possible lack of experience.

He may very well do a similar thing against the Italians this year; if you're going to get at Italy anywhere then it's going to be wide and with pace.

by NickisBHAFC Fri 14 Feb - 0:12

And what a fine job the Ox did IMO. Giving a youngster a first start or with lack of experience can go one or 2 ways.

by Duty281 Fri 14 Feb - 0:24

And that's just why Roy may exercise caution.

It's a very winnable first game though, and arguably easier than Uruguay.

by Roller_Coaster Fri 14 Feb - 9:15

Ignoring the money (which I admit would almost be impossible in the real world with thousands of pounds a day on offer), do you think you would learn more playing/training with/against the players at a City or Chelsea day in, day out but not playing a game once a week or (and I genuinely mean no disrespect here) day in day out with say Norwich or a Sunderland and a game every week, but only every so often a game against the big boys?

I think you'd learn more at City.

Granted, I do think that is only reasonable for, say, a year or 2 (at say 21/22 years old) to assess whether you really think you can break through but then if you don't see the likelihood of a breakthrough take the perceived step down to a club that you will get a game at. Put into practise what you have learned as you get games and if you do it well enough one of the other big clubs (or even the same one, Matic @ Chelsea?) might come for you knowing what a player you are.

by Guest Fri 14 Feb - 10:39

westisbest wrote:Anybody on here listen to Drive on Talksport?

If so what are your thoughts on Adrian Durham.

Can't stand the idiot but Darren Gough makes him sound like a genius. As already stated Durham is there to make outlandish statements designed to get people to ring a premium rate line and vent their spleen.

However, he did amuse me yesterday when he said "Man City have Yaya Toure, Liverpool have Haha Toure."

by NickisBHAFC Fri 14 Feb - 13:01

Yeah Adrian Durham is an idiot. How the bloke is still in a job is beyond me.

by Guest Fri 14 Feb - 13:10

NickisBHAFC wrote:Yeah Adrian Durham is an idiot. How the bloke is still in a job is beyond me.

Listen to the callers and you'll understand why.

It infuriates me that unlike Stan Collymore, he'll change his opinion on an issue just to get callers in. For all Stan's faults, he generally sticks to his guns however wildly misfiring they may be.

Still can't understand why Alan Brazil has the morning slot though, he's hopeless and now they're signing up Stuart Pearce. Gotta love Psycho, but I don't think he's radio pundit material.

by Guest Fri 14 Feb - 14:46

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26188451

Jose ramping up the mind games by suggesting Wenger is "a specialist in failure."

It's to be hoped Rodgers is astute enough not to get embroiled in any of this nonsense

by Guest Fri 14 Feb - 15:39

Mourinho. There are two ways to view his latest comment. 1) It is a fair comment based on fact 2) The manner in which it was delivered was incredibly rude and insulting. Wenger's comments were incredibly level headed and respectful. Wenger gave honest answers without disrespecting anyone.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26188451

by CFCNick Fri 14 Feb - 15:57

Yeah but Wenger is a loser with a capital "L". So there. Smile

*why is there no sticking out tongue or raspberry smiley?

by J.Benson II Fri 14 Feb - 16:10

I like Wenger but the guy is a total beta compared to guys like Mourinho and Fergie.

Laugh

by Guest Fri 14 Feb - 16:20

Mourinho could have a field day with Moyes if he so wished. The fact that he hasn't suggests he doesn't see Man Utd as a threat (& he doesn't have any scheduled matches remaining with them this season). So far his "special" comments have been reserved for Wenger and Pellegrini, but his comments on Wenger are bordering on the malicious. Yet he still has a point on Wengers lack of success over the past 8 years.

by nasisillmatic Fri 14 Feb - 16:33

If I was Wenger I'd take it as a compliment. He clearly sees Arsenal as a threat for the title.

by Lumbering_Jack Fri 14 Feb - 18:50

I really like Jose. Football fans in general are a bit precious when it comes to these apparent insults. Yet some are happy for referees to be verbally abused.

Live and let live I say. Makes it more interesting.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Fri 14 Feb - 19:03

Jose doesnt attack United due to his respect, maybe friendship, for Fergie.

by The Special Juan Fri 14 Feb - 19:08

Rene lasted long, didn't he?

by Guest Fri 14 Feb - 19:13

Felix Magath apparently rolling up at Fulham.

by Ent Fri 14 Feb - 19:14

Yeah a bit of a shock that, he was just starting to turn them round IMO.

by Guest Fri 14 Feb - 19:15

Fulham currently have two first team managers. It's strange that as soon as Meulensteen gets his Fulham team to begin to play good football - draw at Man Utd, injury time loss to Liverpool at home - he gets sacked. Well at least Fulham have sealed one relegation spot and this highlights just how good a chairman that the British establishment appeared to hate - Al Fayad was.

ps I feel sorry for Olly; Fulham have had two manager changes this season while all Olly wants at his beloved Norwich is one manager change.

pps Why didn't Fulham go for Malky Mackay?

by GSC Fri 14 Feb - 19:25

Jose loves his mind games but this one may have overstepped the mark.

by Guest Fri 14 Feb - 19:55

Fulham's owner has no idea what he's doing. Embarrassing. Jol should never have gone, he would of got them to safety, even if it wasn't pretty. For me, it's about time Fulham went down anyway, mediocre club that show no ambition or progression in this league. Awful ground too.

As for Jose, I find him entertaining. He's doing anything he can to disrupt the opposition, fair play to him. At least he brings some life & action to the party, don't tell me people would rather Mourinho not be here & us having to listen to dire Moyes talking about luck.

by westisbest Fri 14 Feb - 19:59

Not the best ground.

But one of my favourite away days.

Some good pubs.

Been twice and had a good time.

Still think Fulham will scrape over the line.

by Guest Fri 14 Feb - 20:02

I'm probably in the minority here but I find all this "mind games" bollox just that.

Like something one manager says about another and/or team has any real bearing. Entertaining to a degree I suppose but nonsense nonetheless.

by Bull Fri 14 Feb - 20:05

Fulham have apparently hired a dictator. Wink

by Guest Fri 14 Feb - 20:12

Bull wrote:Fulham have apparently hired a dictator.

Yea, I have just seen that - apparently his players used to call him "Saddam" after Mr Hussein formerly of Iraq. I am not sure how well that type of approach will go down with the current Fulham squad.

Muelensteen has gone down fighting - saying that the Chairman has lost his head (fear and panic), that he wasn't given enough time, and that the performances at Old Trafford and at home to Liverpool was showing the fans what he was trying to achieve. I think him getting rid of Berbatov during the January window was an indication of him not tolerating prima donnas & stamping his authority on the team Fergusson style.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26200035

by Fernando Fri 14 Feb - 20:16

Feel sorry for Rene seemed to be starting to turn things around at Fulham. point at OT & nearly one vs Liverpool. Mitroglou could make a big difference for him.

Mourinho wise i don't care what he says. When he stops moving around every 2-3 years & balances a wage book whilst building a stadium and not spending 40-50m each window ill take his comments seriously.

by Marky Fri 14 Feb - 20:31

Michael Jackson statue lasted longer at Fulham than last 4 managers. #FACT

The writing was on the wall for Rene when Fulham only managed a draw at Old Trafford Wink

Anyway, what goes around comes around, Rene wasn't so fussed about the owners hiring and firing when they sacked Jol and gave him the job.

by GSC Fri 14 Feb - 20:36

It's strange. Khans made all the right noises about rebuilding in the NFL. PL threat of relegation seems to send owners off the deep end

by Ent Fri 14 Feb - 20:38

Fernando wrote:Feel sorry for Rene seemed to be starting to turn things around at Fulham. point at OT & nearly one vs Liverpool. Mitroglou could make a big difference for him.

Mourinho wise i don't care what he says. When he stops moving around every 2-3 years & balances a wage book whilst building a stadium and not spending 40-50m each window ill take his comments seriously.

I'd take a guy who's won leagues and cups in 4 countries and the cl with 2 different clubs quite seriously tbh.

by GSC Fri 14 Feb - 20:46

It's a valid point tbf though. Wengers built, Jose takes short term, "win now" jobs where he has the resources to win big. Easier to succeed when you focus solely on the short term

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Fri 14 Feb - 20:47

Is Rene Meulensteen the unluckiest manager in football? Anzhi first now this. I'd imagine that Curbs will sue the club for him.

Mourinho should be happily ignored. Did wonders at Porto, but since then hes had more money than Arsene Wenger could refuse to spend. Very good manager, but a swine who hasn't heard head nor tails of longevity and won't be considered a great until he does

by Ent Fri 14 Feb - 20:53

Dolphin Ziggler wrote:Is Rene Meulensteen the unluckiest manager in football? Anzhi first now this. I'd imagine that Curbs will sue the club for him.

Mourinho should be happily ignored. Did wonders at Porto, but since then hes had more money than Arsene Wenger could refuse to spend. Very good manager, but a swine who hasn't heard head nor tails of longevity and won't be considered a great until he does

He's already great tbh.

Didn't spend a bomb at Porto or inter - remember they got £40 million plus eto for ibra.

Left Porto and inter for bigger jobs after winning the cl, got sacked by Chelsea and Madrid - where exactly was he meant to do this long term project? 3 of these clubs are European where the president etc are the ones who control it long term.

For all this chat of wengers long term success he won most of his pots in his first 5 years with arsenal.

I'm no means a mega fan of mourinho but he deserves some respect for his achievements instead of the absolute nonsense people spout.

by GSC Fri 14 Feb - 20:56

Mourinho had a talented but aging squad at Inter. He did little for the long term

by Ent Fri 14 Feb - 21:01

GSC wrote:Mourinho had a talented but aging squad at Inter. He did little for the long term

He won them a first cl in 40 years.

I think the average age of them players he signed was 26 and under 30 but lucio who didn't cost a bomb.

Inters squad was already quite old when he took over.

Left Madrid with a fairly decent squad in their mid 20s.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Fri 14 Feb - 21:14

He gets jobs where talent is high and money flows, he gets success but brings unrest and generally leaves a job needing to be done by the next manager. Hasnt ever shown any talents of rebuilding new teams like Wenger, Fergie or other greats.

Its not like he got sacked unfairly, he was a swine and clubs wanted rid. Its why United didnt want him - they have a certain international reputation to uphold. Fergie was a bit of a git, but he was high on the clubs image and traditions. Mourinho cared little for the club outside of his role.

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