Everything Soccer

[NorthDakota]

Dude, this was after a 5-0 VICTORY that put them 3 points clear in the title race.

Not like the Champions League failures are totally his fault. He can't go out there and play for them.

Nah, he is broken. He will never win at City. He couldnt at Bayern. He only could at City with generational talent. He needs to go elsewhere. He has had over a decade of consistent humiliation in UCL.

 

[notredomer23]

City with a done deal for Erling Haaland

 

[CTIDANDREW]

He's starting to sound like Mourinho. In this instance, I find it more depressing.

I think he's just taking the piss.
He is nowhere near Mourinho levels, that is a crazy take.

City are a hated team by the country / continent at large. He is 100% not wrong in that belief. Nine fellow clubs tried to get City kicked out of the PL, for rumors that still have never been proven as fact by anyone or any governing body.
I have just accepted it as a fan, but I'm sure I would feel differently if it was my profession (manager / players) money being spent gets you a seat at the table, but it doesn't guarantee results all one has to do is look at United to see that as a fact.
City before Pep arrived were barely hanging on to a champions league spot, and going in the complete wrong direction as a club.
Pep has turned them into an absolute juggernaut, anyone with two brain cells should be able to realize that more then just money being spent was the cause of that, but people are free to believe what they want.

Liverpool are by no means a well liked team by other fans though, so I don't agree with that from Pep...the media on the other hand sure makes it hard to believe there isn't some type of agenda at times though. Every fan base feels like the persecuted one though, so its nothing new. If it drives Pep and players to continue to strive for league titles then I'm all for it.

As far as the title race, it is far from over. City play at Wolves and then at West Ham over the next six days with no right footed center backs, and no Kyle Walker. Thankfully (because of Spurs) a draw would be fine in one of those fixtures, but far from a guarantee vs two top 10 sides.

 

[Rogue219]

I think he's just taking the piss.
He is nowhere near Mourinho levels, that is a crazy take.

City are a hated team by the country / continent at large. He is 100% not wrong in that belief. Nine fellow clubs tried to get City kicked out of the PL, for rumors that still have never been proven as fact by anyone or any governing body.
I have just accepted it as a fan, but I'm sure I would feel differently if it was my profession (manager / players) money being spent gets you a seat at the table, but it doesn't guarantee results all one has to do is look at United to see that as a fact.
City before Pep arrived were barely hanging on to a champions league spot, and going in the complete wrong direction as a club.
Pep has turned them into an absolute juggernaut, anyone with two brain cells should be able to realize that more then just money being spent was the cause of that, but people are free to believe what they want.

Liverpool are by no means a well liked team by other fans though, so I don't agree with that from Pep...the media on the other hand sure makes it hard to believe there isn't some type of agenda at times though. Every fan base feels like the persecuted one though, so its nothing new. If it drives Pep and players to continue to strive for league titles then I'm all for it.

As far as the title race, it is far from over. City play at Wolves and then at West Ham over the next six days with no right footed center backs, and no Kyle Walker. Thankfully (because of Spurs) a draw would be fine in one of those fixtures, but far from a guarantee vs two top 10 sides.

Crazy are the bizarre post game interviews when things don't go exactly his way. That's Mourinho.

The thing that irritates him the most, I'm guessing, is that for all they win nobody really seems to care or make a big deal about it there outside of their fan base. There were large amounts of empty seats for that match yesterday. Their club has arrived to a point where PSG, Bayern, Juventus have been at for years. You're top dog in your domestic league. You have to win Europe to receive any kind of credit at that point. It's a touch unfair, but going on four leagues in five years when your two predecessors (Mancnini and Pellegrini) had won titles gives it a different vibe than when they won their first in 48 years (on the last day of the season in epic fashion).

They're not interesting to most of the outside world and he realizes this.

 

[Rogue219]

So do you agree that he doesn't look happy in the job right now, or do you disagree with my take because they're still getting the domestic results?

I think he wasn't happy in that moment. They got knocked out of the CL semifinal and Liverpool is going to the final. Most of their league matches are exercises in futility and yesterday was no different. I don't know if he's burned out and unhappy. He's won everything there is to win minus Champions League, but this goes back to his time at Bayern prior to City. He's got a Champions League at Barca with Messi and the peak of that squad that was home grown. I think he is a very intense, competitive person and maybe some of the joy has been zapped out of this. On top of it, he has a team that's been chasing him the last couple of years.

It seems like every so often he gets asked a question in a presser and starts rambling about Liverpool. I guess it's fine because they're the only thing remotely close to being relevant considering United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs have not been able to challenge this lot since he's been there. He's had one club in England challenge him. I found that response to the particular question yesterday to be pretty odd. I wasn't alone.

If he's unhappy there, where is he going to find happiness is my question.

 

[fightingirish26]

I sure am glad someone reminds us several times a day how little they care about city

 

[Rogue219]

I sure am glad someone reminds us several times a day how little they care about city

Yeah, fuck it, I keep forgetting what i'm not allowed to talk about in this thread. Jesus Christ.

Let's churn some dialogue on Crystal Palace during the college football offseason. That'll pump your engines.

Au revoir

 

[CTIDANDREW]

I sure am glad someone reminds us several times a day how little they care about city

Yeah, I mean I don't even know how to respond anymore.
People don't care about City yet rival fans spend their time talking about City on an American college football sub forum.

As far as empty seats at games, City is still a Manchester Club at heart.
I've had the good fortune of being at the Etihad, and can confirm that first hand.
There are not a bunch of plastic bandwagon fans that come into town, and go to the matches as a tourist attraction.
If that means they have a few hundred open seats from time to time, then so be it.
They have one the largest fanbases in the country the club resides within, and that is fine with me.
City don't need a bunch of fanboys who just follow the club because of marketable superstars and increase social medial footprints to make me feel good about the club.

 

[Rogue219]

Yeah, I mean I don't even know how to respond anymore.
People don't care about city yet rival fans spend their time talking about City on an American college football sub forum.

As far as empty seats at games, City is still a Manchester Club at heart.
I've had the good fortune of being at the Etihad, and can confirm that first hand.
There are not a bunch of plastic bandwagon fans that come into town, and go to the matches as a tourist attraction.
If that means they have a few hundred open seats from time to time, then so be it.
They have one the largest fanbases in the country the club resides within, and that is fine with me.
City don't need a bunch of fanboys who just follow the club because of marketable superstars and increase social medial footprints to make me feel good about the club.

They're in a title race but we can't talk about it. In a soccer thread.

I don't understand this board. It's for the best maybe.

 

[fightingirish26]

They're in a title race but we can't talk about it. In a soccer thread.

I don't understand this board. It's for the best maybe.

*nvm*

 

[NorthDakota]

I think he's just taking the piss.
He is nowhere near Mourinho levels, that is a crazy take.

City are a hated team by the country / continent at large. He is 100% not wrong in that belief. Nine fellow clubs tried to get City kicked out of the PL, for rumors that still have never been proven as fact by anyone or any governing body.
I have just accepted it as a fan, but I'm sure I would feel differently if it was my profession (manager / players) money being spent gets you a seat at the table, but it doesn't guarantee results all one has to do is look at United to see that as a fact.
City before Pep arrived were barely hanging on to a champions league spot, and going in the complete wrong direction as a club.
Pep has turned them into an absolute juggernaut, anyone with two brain cells should be able to realize that more then just money being spent was the cause of that, but people are free to believe what they want.

Liverpool are by no means a well liked team by other fans though, so I don't agree with that from Pep...the media on the other hand sure makes it hard to believe there isn't some type of agenda at times though. Every fan base feels like the persecuted one though, so its nothing new. If it drives Pep and players to continue to strive for league titles then I'm all for it.

As far as the title race, it is far from over. City play at Wolves and then at West Ham over the next six days with no right footed center backs, and no Kyle Walker. Thankfully (because of Spurs) a draw would be fine in one of those fixtures, but far from a guarantee vs two top 10 sides.

City is the least likable club in the world. Pep is great at crashing and burning in knockout football. No one has ever accomplished so little in the Champions League with so much talent at his disposal than Pep.

 

[CTIDANDREW]

They're in a title race but we can't talk about it. In a soccer thread.

I don't understand this board. It's for the best maybe.

It's all good man. I appreciate your perspective on Liverpool as I don't support them / follow them. I'm all for European soccer fans in America, and the more banter the more fun in my opinion. I think the hatred for City goes a little too far in England and abroad but nothing I can control.

I just find it funny you state nobody cares about City (paraphrasing) yet run on here after they are knocked out of the champions league to talk about it, or comment on them multiple times a month. It just seems odd...again I just find it all funny.

Enjoy the champions league final, and the title run in. Liverpool are a historically great side, and if City slip up and give them the chance to take the title they will have earned it.

 

[fightingirish26]

City is the least likable club in the world. Pep is great at crashing and burning in knockout football. No one has ever accomplished so little in the Champions League with so much talent at his disposal than Pep.

Oh no, a nazi dislikes my club

 

[Rogue219]

If you don't see the irony in going on and on about city's irrelevance that's on you. To act like you don't care is LOL funny.




But if you're leaving this thread for good hallelujah, years in the making that.

I find them relevant. They're not going anywhere. People in England don't seem to care, though.

Yeah, get rid of someone on a message board that posts in threads. Brilliant.

 

[Rogue219]

It's all good man. I appreciate your perspective on Liverpool as I don't support them / follow them. I'm all for European soccer fans in America, and the more banter the more fun in my opinion. I think the hatred for City goes a little too far in England and abroad but nothing I can control.

I just find it funny you state nobody cares about City (paraphrasing) yet run on here after they are knocked out of the champions league to talk about it, or comment on them multiple times a month. It just seems odd...again I just find it all funny.

Enjoy the champions league final, and the title run in. Liverpool are a historically great side, and if City slip up and give them the chance to take the title they will have earned it.

It's a perspective from over there that's widely shared. What gets people's interests in the end? Teams ending title droughts, underdogs, etc. It's not really a story anymore, is it?

For me, there aren't many other teams that are relevant and worth discussing. United just turned in one of their worst performances in the post Fergie Era. Arsenal? Spurs? Chelsea are sort of interesting off the field.

Someone let me know what I can post about and where. Evidently my fucking off has been "years in the making."

 

[Rogue219]

I didn't injure him, I'm just posting it.

Achilles. Surgery today it appears.

 

[CTIDANDREW]

It's a perspective from over there that's widely shared. What gets people's interests in the end? Teams ending title droughts, underdogs, etc. It's not really a story anymore, is it?

For me, there aren't many other teams that are relevant and worth discussing. United just turned in one of their worst performances in the post Fergie Era. Arsenal? Spurs? Chelsea are sort of interesting off the field.

Someone let me know what I can post about and where. Evidently my fucking off has been "years in the making."

I just don't really see it that way. I get plenty of texts about City from rival supporting friends whenever City drop points in the league, or get knocked out of champions league. Their games get plenty of viewers globally, and domestically. Grealish goes from the darling of English soccer at the Euro's to being booed at every away ground in the PL because he made a great career move for himself. I could give another 5-10 examples, but I'm not going to bore everyone to death. I think we're just going to have to agree to disagree.

City by no means have the footprint that United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea or probably even Spurs have globally.

The question I have is...why should City fans / supporters care about that though? United have billions of fans all over the world, that probably couldn't even find Manchester on a map, does that make their club better then City? That is not really for me or anyone to decide. I'm perfectly fine with City staying a more grounded domestically centered club that just tries to win trophies for as long as they're financially backed to do so. I could care less if they have a few hundred seats open for PL games, or thousands when they play a domestic cup game on a Tuesday night in February.

 

[Rogue219]

I just don't really see it that way. I get plenty of texts about City from rival supporting friends whenever City drop points in the league, or get knocked out of champions league. Their games get plenty of viewers globally, and domestically. Grealish goes from the darling of English soccer at the Euro's to being booed at every away ground in the PL because he made a great career move for himself. I could give another 5-10 examples, but I'm not going to bore everyone to death. I think we're just going to have to agree to disagree.

City by no means have the footprint that United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea or probably even Spurs have globally.

The question I have is...why should City fans / supporters care about that though? United have billions of fans all over the world, that probably couldn't even find Manchester on a map, does that make their club better then City? That is not really for me or anyone to decide. I'm perfectly fine with City staying a more grounded domestically centered club that just tries to win trophies for as long as they're financially backed to do so. I could care less if they have a few hundred seats open for PL games, or thousands when they play a domestic cup game on a Tuesday night in February.

Okay, but the texts between you and your friends is a small part of the total view. That's relative. They've come to a place where when they drop points and don't win Champions League, it's a story. In that respect, I think they are relevant, but over there there is a pereception that their success is expected. They also share town with United, and that's a lot different than sharing town with say, Everton. Two very successful clubs, one present and one past, in Manchester.

I don't blame Grealish for going to City. It isn't his fault who paid what for him, this that and the other. Milner gets booed at City and he left on a free transfer. They didn't want him back. It's puzzling but it's sort of what people do, this side of the pond and that.

The question, however, is does Pep care? Keep in mind where he's come from. Barca. Bayern. Big clubs that have tremendous support. I think in many ways he wants that for City too. What manager wouldn't? Epsecially one who has brought that much success to their club as he has in terms of trophies won. Listen, I wouldn't trade places with United or any of the three team in London for all the Bruno's Pizza in South Bend right now. I consider City a big club. You'd be kind of weird not to.

At any rate, I'm not supposed to be talking about soccer in a soccer thread, so I'd better let it go before I get banned.

 

[Rogue219]

Pogba likely destinations include PSG, Juve and Real.

Probably good for City that he's looking to go abroad, although a motivated Pogba on top of Haaland = game over for a while in England. That's the big question with Pogba, though.

 

[dublinirish]

Pogba likely destinations include PSG, Juve and Real.

Probably good for City that he's looking to go abroad, although a motivated Pogba on top of Haaland = game over for a while in England. That's the big question with Pogba, though.

this exists?

 

[IHateMarkMay]

this exists?

On the France team mainly. However, he'll have moments where he's motivated on United and it's a thing of beauty.

Not to worry, he'll easily lose possession five minutes later in midfield that leads to a good chance for the opposing team.

 

[Rogue219]

LOL. I had to check since I got curious.

2018-19 maybe?

 

[CTIDANDREW]

I didn't injure him, I'm just posting it.

Achilles. Surgery today it appears.

Will be interesting to see if this brings John Brooks back into USMNT contention.

CCV will almost certainly be called up for the next camp after an impressive season with Celtic.
He is a right footed CB, that can help with this loss.

Not going to mince words though, Miles was going to be one of the first names on the team sheet in Qatar.
This fuck*ng sucks

 

[Rogue219]

Will be interesting to see if this brings John Brooks back into USMNT contention.

CCV will almost certainly be called up for the next camp after an impressive season with Celtic.
He is a right footed CB, that can help with this loss.

Not going to mince words though, Miles was going to be one of the first names on the team sheet in Qatar.
This fuck*ng sucks

Footy on turf. No thanks, man.

 

[phillyirish]

Haaland to City is huge. That’s the one position they could use a boost, and they are getting maybe the greatest transfer deal since Lewandowski moved to Bayern on a free. Really was hoping he’d end up in Spain.

 

[Rogue219]

Haaland to City is huge. That’s the one position they could use a boost, and they are getting maybe the greatest transfer deal since Lewandowski moved to Bayern on a free. Really was hoping he’d end up in Spain.

£63m is an absolute steal. I assume there are other clauses in there where BVB gets paid out as he achieves things at City? If not, this is crazy.

He was always going to City because it was his pop's team. The fact they're utterly loaded is a bonus.

 

[phillyirish]

£63m is an absolute steal. I assume there are other clauses in there where BVB gets paid out as he achieves things at City? If not, this is crazy.

He was always going to City because it was his pop's team. The fact they're utterly loaded is a bonus.

I dont think so. Its a release clause. So basically any team has the right to buy him for that value if Haaland chooses to sign a deal with them.

 

[Rogue219]

I dont think so. Its a release clause. So basically any team has the right to buy him for that value if Haaland chooses to sign a deal with them.

That's below market value for the player in question and then some. Part of the deal, I've read, is the fee has to be paid all at once instead of installments.

I"m probably not supposed to be discussing this, but I'm going to drop a tactical question here: Does City then move to a 4-2-3-1?

 

[CTIDANDREW]

That's below market value for the player in question and then some. Part of the deal, I've read, is the fee has to be paid all at once instead of installments.

I"m probably not supposed to be discussing this, but I'm going to drop a tactical question here: Does City then move to a 4-2-3-1?

I would be shocked if Pep plays with two 6's / Pivots.
It would be against his entire philosophy

However, if City lose Raheem, Jesus, and possibly even Bernardo this summer as has been rumored they may need to alter their 4-3-3 structure, because of the lack of 4-5 wingers who can play 60+ games in a season.

 

[Rogue219]

I would be shocked if Pep plays with two 6's / Pivots.
It would be against his entire philosophy

However, if City lose Raheem, Jesus, and possibly even Bernardo this summer as has been rumored they may need to alter their 4-3-3 structure, because of the lack of 4-5 wingers who can play 60+ games in a season.

All that I've seen of this kid is he has to play up top in the center. Can't stick him on either wing.

The Jesus to Arsenal rumors started up and Jesus started scoring goals. LOL.