Midweek Football (18-21 April) - Sponsored by Magic's empty wallet

[Magic]

Today

Champions League Quarter Finals 2nd Leg - In progress
Leicester 0(0) - Athletico Madrid 1(2)
Real Madrid 0(2) - Bayern Munich 0(1)

Tomorrow

Champions League Quarter Finals 2nd Leg
Barcalona (0) - Juventus (3)
Monaco (3) - Dortmund (2)

Thursday

UEFA Europa League Quarter Finals 2nd Leg
Besiktas (1) - Lyon (2)
Schalke (0) - Ajax (2)
Genk (2) - Celta Vigo (3)
Man Utd (1) - Anderlecht (1)

All on BT...

That crowd. :harold:

[Raoul Duke]

This thread title is an abomination

[Giggles]

Magic is an abomination.

[Byron]

His hate of Leicester is getting absurd now.

[Magic]

Cheers John.

[Magic]

:drool:

Game over.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

It's over then.

[Boydy]

The new title. :D

[Magic]

The new title. :D

Poor grammar. An abomination.

[John]

Cheers John.

Wasn't me, but I do approve of it.

[Boydy]

Poor grammar. An abomination.


Wasn't me, but I do approve of it.

Must've been phonics.

[Magic]

Poor grammar. An abomination.

Of course. Cheers phonics.

[Magic]

Must've been phonics.

:)

[phonics]

Of course. Cheers phonics.

Np.

[Pleb]

Today

Champions League Quarter Finals 2nd Leg - In progress
Leicester 0(0) - Athletico Madrid 1(2)
Real Madrid 0(2) - Bayern Munich 0(1)

Tomorrow

Champions League Quarter Finals 2nd Leg
Barcalona (0) - Juventus (3)
Monaco (3) - Dortmund (2)

Thursday

UEFA Europa League Quarter Finals 2nd Leg
Besiktas (1) - Lyon (2)
Schalke (0) - Ajax (2)
Genk (2) - Celta Vigo (3)
Man Utd (1) - Anderlecht (1)

All on BT... http://www.live-footballontv.com/

[phonics]

ta Pleb.

[Magic]

Love you guys. Carrying me tbh.

[Pleb]

:cool:

[John]

This started off as the worst thread ever made, between the lack of a fixture list and the genuinely embarrassing title, and within twenty posts it's a passable football thread. Good work chaps.

[Giggles]

Bruh wouldn't stand for that.

[Pleb]

Bolton versus Bury is goalless in case anyone gives a fuck.

[Magic]

This started off as the worst thread ever made, between the lack of a fixture list and the genuinely embarrassing title, and within twenty posts it's a passable football thread. Good work chaps.

It really picked up when we figured out it was phonics. Plot twist, right?

Archive it.

[Pleb]

There are some disgusting odds going for a 3-1 Leicester win right now.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Lewa :cool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

There are some disgusting odds going for a 3-1 Leicester win right now.

Because there's almost no chance.

[Magic]

Oh of course.

Cue the unprecedented Atletico collapse.

[Magic]

Torres coming on.

Hope you put that bet on Pleb

[Mike]

So, can they do this?

[Raoul Duke]

So, can they do this?

Dunno man. Bury are a good side, but Bolton have home advantage. It's a tough call.

[John]

You should probably have had your name changed when Leicester won the title last year, Magic. Your hatred of them is every bit as irrational and strange as Mahow's of Andy Murray.

[Pleb]

Torres coming on.

Hope you put that bet on Pleb
Nah thought against it. Two goals in 15 minutes would be all kinds of lol though.

[John]

Real Madrid have had their own miniature collapse. Ronaldo equalised and they've just conceded immediately. It'll be extra time if it stays as is.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

You should probably have had your name changed when Leicester won the title last year, Magic. Your hatred of them is every bit as irrational and strange as Mahow's of Andy Murray.

I don't bleat on about it every other week.

Also, lol at Madrid.

[Magic]

Greaseman is such a fucking cunt.

[John]

I don't bleat on about it every other week.

Also, lol at Madrid.

Only because there isn't weekly activity in the tennis thread.

[Magic]

Cryern down to 10. :lol:

[Reg]

That's a poor decision in the Bayern game.

Is it me or have neither of these sides looked particularly good (tonight and last week)?

[Magic]

Atletico look incredibly shit.

[John]

Cryern down to 10. :lol:

These awful, witless portmanteaus are getting close to Cuckmert territory.

[Magic]

These awful, witless portmanteaus are getting close to Cuckmert territory.

Portsmouth aren't playing, mate.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Only because there isn't weekly activity in the tennis thread.

There's activity during the Grand Slams and I only mention him once or twice.

Others mention him and me in the same breath far more.

[John]

There's activity during the Grand Slams and I only mention him once or twice.

Others mention him and me in the same breath far more.

That's what you get for dedicating your account to him.

I hope you don't mean once or twice per point and not per tournament, because that would be an obvious lie.

[Pleb]

Now that Leicester's MAGICAL run has ended, will they stay up in the Premier League?

[Giggles]

Portsmouth aren't playing, mate.

:D

[John]

Now that Leicester's MAGICAL run has ended, will they stay up in the Premier League?

They're nine points clear of trouble with six games to go. They're safe.

[Pen]

Bit shit if this tie is decided by a clear offside like that.

[Dquincy]

Bayern to win it on away goals.

[Lewis]

Ronaldo. :cool:

[Waffdon]

Atletico look incredibly shit.

That's them in a nutshell. I'd fancy them against everyone left other than Real Madrid.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Fuck Madrid :(

[Waffdon]

Ronaldo :cool:

[Giggles]

What a fucking legend of a man Cronaldo is.

[Dquincy]

Goalnaldo. :cool:

Ps. Not sure Bayern will get it on away goals now.

[Pen]

That was pretty great from Marcelo.

Was that 100th Champions league goal for Ronaldo? I thought he had that before this game already, but the commentator said he was on 98 after the first so no I'm not sure.

[Waffdon]

European goals I think. Now 100 CL though.

[John]

That was pretty great from Marcelo.

Was that 100th Champions league goal for Ronaldo? I thought he had that before this game already, but the commentator said he was on 98 after the first so no I'm not sure.

He had a hundred goals in European competition.

[Pen]

Thank you both.

[Waffdon]

32 goals for Ronaldo in the QF and beyond with Messi stuck on 16.

What a guy.

[Lewis]

Inspirational.

[Max Power]

At least we had a bang, that's all I asked.

Atletico just had more nous, and a bit more quality.

Shakespeare had another good day at the office though. Switch to 3-4-1-2 at HT was brave and worked. Really hope he gets the job full time now and we can kick on next year and win the league again.

[John Arne]

I knew it...

http://imgur.com/Gq0e2VR.jpg

[Shindig]

Was that not just John Terry's leaving gift?

[Mazuuurk]

Bravo.

[Mazuuurk]

Ronaldo is funny like that, because for all of Messis flair and touch etc, his dominance seems to have faded a bit as his pace has gone with age. Ronaldo though is a powerhouse, and while he's not as quick as he used to be I suppose, now he's this super-striker type instead.

[Lewis]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg_465tXLxQ

[Giggles]

Souness :cool:

[John Arne]

Thought I recognised that cheeky smile...

http://imgur.com/eQDx1HM.jpg
http://imgur.com/0XXaDLq.jpg

[Jimmy Floyd]

That's the Malcolm Tucker smile he's stuck on there.

[Waffdon]

Prick.

[Shindig]

That's not cheek. That's menace.

[CJay]

Juventus are going to get at least two tonight. Hopefully can get one or two first, though, so there's a bit of excitement.

I really hope the winners of tonight's ties make it to the final.

[Raoul Duke]

Monaco giving Dortmund a shoeing here. 2-0 in the first 15 mins or so.

[John]

Mbappe is getting a bit ridiculous now. He's eighteen and a half.

[CJay]

Turned 18 in December. Mental. :cab:

[John Arne]

It's amazing how few injuries Barcelona suddenly get when they don't have a lot of time on their hands.

[John Arne]

I'm liking this ref in the Barca game.

[CJay]

It's amazing how few injuries Barcelona suddenly get when they don't have a lot of time on their hands.

Goes for most teams really.

[CJay]

Neymar is carrying this team in an attacking sense. Suarez is offering very little in possession.

[Magic]

Monaco to win? Be an intriguing battle between them and Juve.

[Adamski]

The teams in the semis are probably the worst three Monaco could come up against.

They'd demolish Barca.

[-james-]

I gush over him every week but Mbappe is the best 18 year old I've ever seen.

[CJay]

The teams in the semis are probably the worst three Monaco could come up against.

They'd demolish Barca.

They'd score a few against Real I reckon, but Juventus and Atletico would probably hold them at bay.

[Lewis]

Juventus and 'Atleti' would just 1-0 them home and away without breaking a sweat. Two legs against Ronaldo would be decent, but he would more than likely out-score them.

[John]

If Monaco could defend, even a little, they'd be winning the whole thing. As they are though a side solid enough to stop them scoring will cuff them handily.

[Magic]

Here we go. :drool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Speaking of brilliant teenagers.

Dembele just made Mendy look like an amateur.

[CJay]

Have Messi's direct free kicks become noticeably worse? He barely seems able to get them on target anymore.

[John]

He's just in piss poor form isn't he?

Dembele seems to flick about half his passes off his toe, it's really outputting to watch but seems very effective.

'It's been a true privilege to watch Mbappe over these two legs.'

Fucking hell. That's language reserved for Messi and Ronaldo. As good as he is, that's probably an indication that the hype train is out of control.

[Magic]

Monnaco haven't been that bad defensively.

[Magic]

Lol Maz just scored.

[Magic]

Nothing has fell for Dortmumd tonight.

[John]

Lol at Neymar bawling his eyes out like a smacked toddler.

[Pleb]

Fucking lol for Barca not making a massive game out of Juventus.

Juventus-Madrid final it is then.

[Raoul Duke]

I just really hope we don't end up with an all-Madrid final (if that's possible?), but if we do then Atletico have to win it.

[CJay]

I just really hope we don't end up with an all-Madrid final (if that's possible?), but if we do then Atletico have to win it.

Why would it not be possible? It's an open draw. Another Madrid derby final would be very dull though, I agree.

[Magic]

Because Monaco will crush either Madrid and if they can't then only one will go through as they will play each other.

Boom, science.

[Giggles]

Monaco, mate?

[Magic]

Donaco.

[Jimmy Floyd]

We're veering dangerously close to 'Ligue 1, mate' being a thing, which I didn't think I'd see in my lifetime.

'Ah but have you seen Barry Mvula at Metz? His pass completion ratio...'

[Magic]

'Primeira Liga, mate' will be a thing within 15 years. They've won the Euros, which is the catalyst. Just look at Greece.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Greek football is great. Average exactly 2.00 managerial changes per team this year and Olympiakos a point away from their 18th title in 20 years. But they sacked their manager anyway the other week.

[Limoutsonik]

We are on our 4th manager this season and we will surely be on our 5th before the transfer window opens.Also add 15+ transfers per year to the list that are incoming and 6-7 outcoming.

[SvN]

'Primeira Liga, mate' will be a thing within 15 years. They've won the Euros, which is the catalyst. Just look at Greece.

Kiko ahead of the hipster curve already, I see.

[Kikó]

:cool: all about the two team Portuguese league.

[Offshore Toon]

Sporting and Porto. :cool:

[Jimmy Floyd]

Benfica and Porto are like Coldplay and Snow Patrol. The real indie kids support Belenenses.

[Kikó]

I went to their stadium. It's a great little thing. Best team in Lisbon.

[Magic]

I remember stopping in Benfica station thinking I'd stopped in Nigeria by mistake.

[Spoonsky]

Gonna try and find a ticket for Besiktas-Lyon tonight, assuming it hasn't broken into an all out war between the ultras by the time the match starts.

[SvN]

You couldn't pay me to go to that.

[Spoonsky]

Could you pay me to go it?

[Kikó]

I remember stopping in Benfica station thinking I'd stopped in Nigeria by mistake.

Their ultras, the no name boys, are basically all massive black guys. Probably Cape Verde or Angolan descent.

Off to the game tonight, with me leaving my job it basically means I have a free run at going to the final.

[Lewis]

Antonio Valencia has been ROBBED in this Team of the Year. lol at Dave Gayer getting in though and making Tottenham Twitter SEETHE.

[ItalAussie]

I realise this goes largely without saying, but I really hope we win the CL this year. Really really.

[Jimmy Floyd]

So do I. The other options are dreadful and Juve's back four (Buffon and the three) deserve a title.

If Sergio can do it.

[Mazuuurk]

Wouldn't mind Monaco sneaking it either. But Juve always had something not-so-cuntish about their team compared to most other big teams.

[Offshore Toon]

I've got a soft spot for all Italian teams, for some reason. I don't remember watching any Italian football in the 90s so I think its from FM. It'd be nice to see Monaco win as well, or at least keep their team together for another year.

[phonics]

You mean outside of the match fixing and doping?

Out the way Offshore, you twat.

[Mazuuurk]

They just don't seem to be as much cunts as most other star players. And you get players like Totti, Buffon and Gattuso who are all pure footballing passion. You don't see that so much in Spain or England really these days.

[Kikó]

Buffon will probably retire if he wins if they do win so hopefully they don't.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Italian chicanery becomes trivial once you've watched enough South American and Arab football.

[Magic]

I wouldn't mind seeing an Old Lady win tbh.

[Reg]

I'd like Monaco to do it. They're the​ most exciting side.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Monaco > Juventus > 'Atleti' >>>>>>>>>>>>> Real.

[Magic]

Fuck Atleti. Especially Greaseman the fucking cunt.

CR7 is more likeable than them so they get my vote.

[Offshore Toon]

Yeah, I don't understand why anybody would favour Atletico. Ronaldo donning his way to the title would be great just to see that little rat's face.

[Spikey M]

The whole of Madrid can fuck it's self. And Barcelona. Fuck Spain.

[John]

People got on board for Atletico because they were the underdogs when they had that first brilliant season, but two finals in three years later and they're every bit as boring as the others. I have a soft spot for the pure bastardry of their defence, but the upstart shine has gone.

I'd like Juventus to win it for Buffon.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Atletico are about as upstart as the Prince of Wales. Ten times Spanish champions (out of the 29 titles not won by the big two), and three times European Cup finalists.

[Spoonsky]

Juventus are funny because within Italy they're really the dominant, unlikeable, favored by the ref cunts with millions of bandwagon fans (can you tell my cousins live in Naples?), like Manchester United but worse; but in the Champions League they suddenly become plucky and likeable compared to everyone else. And yeah, the back 4 deserve to win a Champions League (has Buffon actually never won it?) so I hope they do it.


I realise this goes largely without saying, but I really hope we win the CL this year. Really really.

How does this team compare to the 2015 version?

[Magic]

What makes you think Juve are the Madrid of Italy?

[randomlegend]

Mkhitaryan :cool:

The pass by Pogba in the buildup was pretty filthy.

[Giggles]

People got on board for Atletico because they were the underdogs when they had that first brilliant season, but two finals in three years later and they're every bit as boring as the others. I have a soft spot for the pure bastardry of their defence, but the upstart shine has gone.

I'd like Juventus to win it for Buffon.

Yep, he's the main reason for me too.

[Mazuuurk]

I'm watching the United game on some ugly american stream. American commentators are so fucking cringeworthy.

As Carricks hits a pass about 5 meters wide of the nearest player, the American (of the two) goes:

'To be fair, he hit it in the general direction of the player '


Fuckwit :D

[-james-]

Gonna try and find a ticket for Besiktas-Lyon tonight, assuming it hasn't broken into an all out war between the ultras by the time the match starts.

I hope you got in. Lyon are almost as much fun to watch as Monaco at the moment.

#ligue1mate

[Jimmy Floyd]

If United fuck this up the rest of the season gets a bit awkward.

[Magic]

Shalke. :cool:

[Magic]

Who the fuck names the Kluivert men? Kenneth, Patrick and now Justin. Sounds like a northern family.

[Smiffy]

If United fuck this up the rest of the season gets a bit awkward.

That's a pretty big 'if' although anyone would have thought they had won the competition before this fixture was even drawn.

[Mazuuurk]

Zlatan doing a real bottler job here.

[Mazuuurk]

If United would win, and also finish 4th, does the 5th placed team in PL get CL?

[Waffdon]

Rashford is pretty shite in front of goal.

[Jimmy Floyd]

If United would win, and also finish 4th, does the 5th placed team in PL get CL?

No.

[-james-]

Who gets the extra spot then? Runners up?

[Mazuuurk]

Ah fuck that could be Zlatan retiring right there :cry:

[randomlegend]

Urgh, that landing by Zlatan was grim.

[Smiffy]

Ibra :( That didn't look pleasant.

Although it really could actually be a blessing in the long run. For United, not Ibra.

[phonics]

Who gets the extra spot then? Runners up?

No one. Europa League winner outside of places creates extra place.

[Giggles]

Is there extra time? Livescore just says FT.

[randomlegend]

There's extra time, yeah.

[randomlegend]

That would have been the best goal ever scored in history.

[Bernanke]

That really looks like a career ender for Ibra.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Jesus :sick:

[Bernanke]

https://streamable.com/ua6k8

:(

[Raoul Duke]

He walked off, so it can't be that bad

[randomlegend]

I love Rashford.

[Danny]

He walked off, so it can't be that bad

That could just be Zlatan being a tough bastard. My mate tried to play on with a torn ACL cause he didnt think it was that bad.

[Bernanke]

He walked off, so it can't be that bad

I've seen people with torn ACLs continuing playing even, so that doesn't mean much.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

The turn :cool:

[Magic]

Hopefully that's his career over.

[Mazuuurk]

Too harsh :( My only hero.

[randomlegend]

I know Magic is a joyless cunt, but not liking Ibrahimovic is not on.

[Raoul Duke]

The Rash :cool:

[Magic]

10 men Ajax fucking donning it here. :drool:

[Danny]

The fuck is he there for if he isnt making that decision?

[Pleb]

Good to see Rashford getting more starting minutes for United then :cool:

[Magic]

10 men Ajax fucking donning it here. :drool:

Got another one too. Classy.

[Ian]

I know Magic is a joyless cunt, but not liking Ibrahimovic is not on.

To be fair, I only now like him because he's scoring loads of goals for United and not being too much of a megacock.

[Bernanke]

Extra time goal advantage for away teams is a system that has to go away.


To be fair, I only now like him because he's scoring loads of goals for United and not being too much of a megacock.

When was he ever?

[Ian]

He seemed, to somebody only seeing the headlines here, like a colossal egomaniacal bell-end.

And referring to yourself in the third person is the instant mark of a dickhead.

[Shindig]

He bullied his way through that Ajax team.

[Giggles]

He seemed, to somebody only seeing the headlines here, like a colossal egomaniacal bell-end.

And referring to yourself in the third person is the instant mark of a dickhead.

This. Top of the cock list.

[John]

When was he ever?

At all times for the last fifteen years.

[Mellberg]

He's a geezer. Stop being so beta.

[Kikó]

In order of preference, Celta, Ajax, Besiktas. Hopefully a trip to Spain via Porto in order.

Rashford was immense tonight. His work rate was brilliant and it actually meant he was fucked last 15 minutes. Zlat was dire. Fellaini changed the game by actually getting into the game unlike lingard.

[Spoonsky]

Besiktas lost mate.

[Lewis]

This continued insistence on using Michael Carrick and/or Paulp Ogba in a midfield two is bizarre. They were completely overrun for large periods of the game.

[Kikó]

Besiktas lost mate.

Yeah brain freeze. Same order though as i went to Lyon for St Etienne.

[Kikó]

This continued insistence on using Michael Carrick and/or Paulp Ogba in a midfield two is bizarre. They were completely overrun for large periods of the game.

Actually they were being done because lingard was the third and was nowhere. Offered zero and it only charged when fellaini ran wild.

[Lewis]

It was still happening when Fellainimania started to run wild, because they were both further forward. Without somebody running around the actual midfield making interceptions and fouling people Carrick tends to look a bit final season[s] Paul Scholes.

[ItalAussie]

Juventus are funny because within Italy they're really the dominant, unlikeable, favored by the ref cunts with millions of bandwagon fans (can you tell my cousins live in Naples?), like Manchester United but worse; but in the Champions League they suddenly become plucky and likeable compared to everyone else. And yeah, the back 4 deserve to win a Champions League (has Buffon actually never won it?) so I hope they do it.

How does this team compare to the 2015 version?
Buffon has never won the CL. I hope he does (obviously).

How does it compare? I'd say it's six of one. That team probably had more outright talent, especially in attack. This team is more balanced and organised.

I really like the Khedira/Pjanic midfield combination, and I'm slightly worried about Khedira's suspension. Dybala is a special talent and we need to keep a hold of him.

[Kikó]

It was still happening when Fellainimania started to run wild, because they were both further forward. Without somebody running around the actual midfield making interceptions and fouling people Carrick tends to look a bit final season[s] Paul Scholes.

Dunno. Carrick seemed to pick up second half when he didn't have Pogba in the same part of the pitch and he pushed up rather than being a third centre back.

[Raoul Duke]

I thought Carrick was good but Pogba (aside from a couple of decent passes) was invisible. I rate him, but he's never really done much every time I've seen him. Herrera has looked a far better player. Micky Targaryen and Rashford were great, Luke 'Fat Lad' Shaw had a good game and Lingard is bobbins.

If Carrick's going to stick around though we definitely need some 7ft tall, rapid shitkicker in alongside him.

[Magic]

Lol the Dortmumd bus bomber was a trader who was hoping the attack would make their share price drop so he could buy cheap.

Think about that.

:D

[Spoonsky]

What makes you think Juve are the Madrid of Italy?

The impression I got when I was in Italy. Inter too are disliked but they're shit right now.

[Mazuuurk]

Zlatan is injured now so it's too late I think, but I always thought it would make more sense for United to play 4-4-2 with Zlatan and Rashford up front and Pogba on the left like he was in Juventus as far as I remember. Drifting inside from the flank seems like his most threatening position, and it would make sense then not to have someone like Mata fucking around in the middle.

Lingard could probably do a passable job as a industrious right winger who allowed Valencia forward.

But since that's fucked, the Chelsea system might make the most sense now with Pogba & someone else (Mata?) behind Rashford and Shaw + Valencia as wingbacks. Only they don't have any central defenders anymore I suppose.

[John]

Pogba played as a central midfielder for Juventus. He may have played on the left of a three, but I don't think I've ever seen him playing as an actual wide midfielder.

[Reg]

Pogba played as a central midfielder for Juventus. He may have played on the left of a three, but I don't think I've ever seen him playing as an actual wide midfielder.
He did when they were 4-4-2 against Bayern. Maybe other times too, I don't watch them much.

What has demonstrated Pogba's weaknesses more than anything else this season is that everyone has to carefully accommodate him when they're considering how United should play - including Mourinho.

[Smiffy]

Pogba's biggest problem is that other than Herrera the rest of the midfielders at the club are bang average.

[John]

Careful, Smiff. That looks a lot like you admitting Man Utd have two good players.

[Smiffy]

Four good players and that's it.

Ibra.
De Gea.
Herrera
Pogba.

In that order. The rest are average or past their sell by date.

[John]

How many good players do Liverpool have?

[Smiffy]

Mane, Firmino, Coutinho and modern day Lallana, I suppose. In that order too.

[Reg]

Two clubs challenging for top four have 4 good players each. Makes sense.

[Lewis]

Ogba having to be played in a particular system to get the best out of him is hardly unprecedented, and yet you would think he was some luxury-cum-liability the way people go on about it.

[Reg]

Yes, he's somewhat of a luxury. And a liability when things aren't going well. Has he ever done well when the rest of the team hasn't? That's what you'd expect of a so-called great player.

I think he could be great but he isn't yet, in my opinion.

[Smiffy]

Yes, he's somewhat of a luxury. And a liability when things aren't going well. Has he ever done well when the rest of the team hasn't? That's what you'd expect of a so-called great player.

I think he could be great but he isn't yet, in my opinion.

He's a luxury because he passes forwards and not sideways. Whenever I've watched Man United he appears to be all over the place. In the words of Rafa, "Pogba, you run around too much." Quite true to an extent.

[Magic]

Yes, he's somewhat of a luxury. And a liability when things aren't going well. Has he ever done well when the rest of the team hasn't? That's what you'd expect of a so-called great player.

I think he could be great but he isn't yet, in my opinion.

£89m 'a luxury'.

:harold:

[Adamski]

Ogba having to be played in a particular system to get the best out of him is hardly unprecedented, and yet you would think he was some luxury-cum-liability the way people go on about it.

Are you able to name another £90m player who has to be treated in a similar fashion?

[Jimmy Floyd]

They were paying mostly for the dabs and social media likes, not the footballer.

[phonics]

Are you able to name another £90m player who has to be treated in a similar fashion?

Ronaldo has spent his entire Real Madrid career doing absolutely nothing for the team but staying up front and kicking the ball in the net? Neymar too?

Pretty much all of the players that reach that money.

[Lewis]

I think his transfer fee is irrelevant. Particularly in a discussion of how he effects the team, since he would still be getting overrun in a midfield two if he cost four quid. Last night he was in and out of the game, but he still created the first goal out of nothing, should have scored two himself (his finishing is crap), and - as has been the case all season - would have registered a couple of assists had his teammates (mainly 'Zlatan') not wasted so many chances. I don't have any problem with him at all.

[CJay]

That pass for the first goal was beautiful.

[SvN]

Ronaldo has spent his entire Real Madrid career doing absolutely nothing for the team but staying up front and kicking the ball in the net? Neymar too?

Pretty much all of the players that reach that money.

Ronaldo's fee was also 8 years ago. He'd be more like £140m+ in today's market.

[Adamski]

Ronaldo has spent his entire Real Madrid career doing absolutely nothing for the team but staying up front and kicking the ball in the net? Neymar too?

Pretty much all of the players that reach that money.

Could you explain the relevance of your statement? Ronaldo and Neymar are in the top 3-5 in the world at what they do and do that very very well. What does Pogba do well? is he in the top 3-5 in his position in the world?


I think his transfer fee is irrelevant. Particularly in a discussion of how he effects the team, since he would still be getting overrun in a midfield two if he cost four quid. Last night he was in and out of the game, but he still created the first goal out of nothing, should have scored two himself (his finishing is crap), and - as has been the case all season - would have registered a couple of assists had his teammates (mainly 'Zlatan') not wasted so many chances. I don't have any problem with him at all.

The transfer fee is very relevant. If you're paying that money you expect him to be literally the best midfielder in the entire world.

At this point it must be a toss up whether he plays or Fellaini plays. The only thing stopping that in my book is the irrelevant transfer fee.

[Smiffy]

Pogba wasn't signed as just a footballer though. He was signed as a statement of intent and for marketing purposes given the lack of 'stars' prior to Ibrahimovic arriving. When your only 'big name' is a clonked out Wayne Rooney then you may as well.

Ronaldo moving to Madrid for £80M at the time was huge but over time it's looked a bit of a bargain when you break it down. He wasn't the complete footballer when he left England.

[phonics]

Blew my mind when I found out he only scored 43 goals in the league for United. It felt like he was at his peak thinking back but those numbers...

[John]

Ronaldo has spent his entire Real Madrid career doing absolutely nothing for the team but staying up front and kicking the ball in the net? Neymar too?

Pretty much all of the players that reach that money.

Neymar? Are you joking?

Also, Ronaldo does nothing aside from score a billion goals but he also doesn't need to have the team built around his style of play. The rest of the team can do as they please, he'll still score his goals. Not even nearly the same as what's being suggested about Pogba.


Blew my mind when I found out he only scored 43 goals in the league for United. It felt like he was at his peak thinking back but those numbers...

Who told you that? He scored double that.

[phonics]

Weird. Apologies, I guess it must have been one of those 'By This age' stats.

[Lewis]

The transfer fee is very relevant. If you're paying that money you expect him to be literally the best midfielder in the entire world.

At this point it must be a toss up whether he plays or Fellaini plays. The only thing stopping that in my book is the irrelevant transfer fee.

The Fellaini comparison suggests you're just at the point of being an idiot about this, but, nevertheless, you're setting a pretty stupid standard for players. At what point does the expectation that the player in question is 'literally the best' in their position kick in? What if he had only been seventy million? Or sixty? The reverse is true as well. If you only spend ten million on somebody then can they ever really be a crap signing?

[Smiffy]

Rashford is a £5M winger at best but a £30M striker. :nodd:

[Magic]

Lol the Dortmumd bus bomber was a trader who was hoping the attack would make their share price drop so he could buy cheap.

Think about that.

:D

Erm, hello? This is like the most mental thing ever.

[Smiffy]

Even more so when you consider he'd have made about £3,500 or something stupid?

[John]

Erm, hello? This is like the most mental thing ever.

He wasn't trying to buy low, he just bet on the price to drop. Not a bad plan, in a crap television pilot sort of way.

Not the most mental thing ever by a long, long way. It doesn't even crack the top one hundred of most mental things to happen involving a Russian in the last six months.


Even more so when you consider he'd have made about £3,500 or something stupid?

Several million quid.

[Smiffy]

What do I know. :moop:

I'm not surprised by these sort of things although I'm surprised more hasn't happened at football grounds re: terrorism.

[phonics]

He'd have made 907 thousand Euros with his 15k buy-in. It also wasn't a bet, he bought put-options. This is the only time learning about the recession has actually helped me in life.

[randomlegend]

Apparently Ibrahimovic and Rojo have both ruptured cruciate ligaments. Rojo was looking really good at centre back lately as well.

Probably a career-ender for Zlatan :(

[Magic]

:drool:

Hopefully no injury get out clause in his massive contract.

[Giggles]

:drool:

Hopefully no injury get out clause in his massive contract.

Doesn't it expire at the end of this season anyway?

[Magic]

Doesn't it expire at the end of this season anyway?

I thought he signed a one year extension at 300k a week? :harold:

[Smiffy]

Dogs greater than 15kg have a very poor chance of becoming clinically normal with non-surgical treatment but I'm not sure about Lions. :( Poor Ibra.

Rojo though. :D Him being out saves the careers of others. Dirty twat.

[Lewis]

I lolled at 'His knee went so far back it saw Liverpool win the league' for 'Zlatan', but Marcos Rojo will probably just run it off.

[Danny]

I thought he signed a one year extension at 300k a week? :harold:

No :harold:

[Adamski]

The Fellaini comparison suggests you're just at the point of being an idiot about this, but, nevertheless, you're setting a pretty stupid standard for players. At what point does the expectation that the player in question is 'literally the best' in their position kick in? What if he had only been seventy million? Or sixty? The reverse is true as well. If you only spend ten million on somebody then can they ever really be a crap signing?

It kicks in when they're the most expensive player in the world in their position. I think that's fairly rational.

On your last point, I'd say no if I'm honest. If Man Utd bought someone for £10m and he was pretty shit everyone would just shrug their shoulders and he'd toddle off to Sunderland. See hundreds of examples, most of them called Papy Djilobodji.

[Giggles]

Peter Ridsdale was in Dublin last night to watch Sean Maguire as he's an advisor for Preston apparently.

Peter Ridsdale. Do clubs never learn?

[Lewis]

It kicks in when they're the most expensive player in the world in their position. I think that's fairly rational.

On your last point, I'd say no if I'm honest. If Man Utd bought someone for £10m and he was pretty shit everyone would just shrug their shoulders and he'd toddle off to Sunderland. See hundreds of examples, most of them called Papy Djilobodji.

Gareth Bale was the most expensive player in the world in his position, so presumably he ought to have out-done Ronaldo. He should have out-done Lionel Messi as well if transfer fees are the only true and absolute measure measure of value. It's a daft standard to set.

[Giggles]

855724549069049858

[Adamski]

Gareth Bale was the most expensive player in the world in his position, so presumably he ought to have out-done Ronaldo. He should have out-done Lionel Messi as well if transfer fees are the only true and absolute measure measure of value. It's a daft standard to set.

You're trying very hard to convince that he's not been a massive flop.

My argument is fair, the transfer fee is very relevant regardless of whatever minor part of my point you want to grab on to.

Messi hasn't had a transfer fee and Bale and Ronaldo play in the same team so very much aren't playing in the same position. I think it was revealed his fee was lower than Ronaldos too.

Anyway, I'm not saying that if you name the best team in the world all 11 will 100% cost the most money. It's a generalisation. He's not in the top 10 centre mids in the world in my book when he should be, if he's going for that price. See examples like Zidane, Rui Costa, Kaka, Nedved etc going for world record or close to it fees at that point in time in the same position.

Even if he had been £30m his performances haven't been worth that so it's fair to criticise when it's 3 times that and he's nowhere near that good.

[randomlegend]

Pogba has been our best midfielder by a very long way. You're talking complete nonsense.

[Pen]

I think Herrera has been the best of United's central midfielders.

With Pogba I can't help but to feel he's been somewhat underwhelming, but at the same time I'm confident he'll be among the best midfielders in the league before leaving United. I've watched ridiculously little football this season, but he needs to be more commanding in big games in the future to be considered to be considered to be among the best of anything.

[randomlegend]

Herrera is endless PASSION and running about, but Pogba is an infinitely better player.

[Adamski]

Pogba has been our best midfielder by a very long way. You're talking complete nonsense.

So that makes him worth the fee? Great logic there.

Herrera has been better than Pogba, definitely. Pogba has been very very average since he joined, he'd have been dropped if he hadn't cost that money.

[Smiffy]

I think if he hasn't kicked on next season then you would have a point, Adamski. As it is, £100M (as funny as it was at the time) is based mostly on the potential he has as well. He's been pretty average by all accounts this season but then so has the entire United squad and the Premier League is a different world compared to that of Serie A.

He needs a bit more game intelligence, a bit of composure and some consistency in his decision making but having just turned 24 it should still come in time. If he hits his peak in 2/3 years time and continues in that vein of form then United have a bargain, if not, just another expensive flop to add to the many.

[Magic]

I've just remembered I made Negredo my captain because he's playing twice in the game week.

Currently 2-0 down to Bournemouth with 10 men. :D

[Shindig]

Monday can't come soon enough.

[Lewis]

You're trying very hard to convince that he's not been a massive flop.

My argument is fair, the transfer fee is very relevant regardless of whatever minor part of my point you want to grab on to.

Messi hasn't had a transfer fee and Bale and Ronaldo play in the same team so very much aren't playing in the same position. I think it was revealed his fee was lower than Ronaldos too.

Anyway, I'm not saying that if you name the best team in the world all 11 will 100% cost the most money. It's a generalisation. He's not in the top 10 centre mids in the world in my book when he should be, if he's going for that price. See examples like Zidane, Rui Costa, Kaka, Nedved etc going for world record or close to it fees at that point in time in the same position.

Even if he had been £30m his performances haven't been worth that so it's fair to criticise when it's 3 times that and he's nowhere near that good.

I'm simply pointing out how arbitrary and pointless your argument is, which keeps shifting with every post. For example, Bale and Ronaldo play in the same position insofar as they are (were) both wide-playing forwards. If you want to be so specific as to say that one is on the right and one is on the left, then Pogba's competition is other left-sided central midfielders performing a specific role, rather than 'centre mids' generally. Is he in the top ten of those? More than likely, I would have thought.

As for comparing him with other previous [near] record fees, Madrid spending seventy million euros on Zinedine Zidane in 2001 is equivalent to United buying somebody for over three-hundred million today. Wages have inflated at a similar rate, since Zidane used to earn just over a hundred grand a week at Madrid. It's a completely stupid comparison, however generalised you want to make it. You might as well measure everybody against Eric Cantona costing a million quid, and then nobody is a good signing.

He has been good, is still improving, and, more importantly as far as his transfer fee goes, the club can build their marketing operations around him for the next decade. In three years it will look like a bargain, although I'm sure you will still be pushing this like when Saint was still insisting that Michael Essien was the best player in the world up until about 2013.

[Adamski]

I'm not the one pushing anything.

You've nailed it in your post though. He's a marketing ploy that Utd fans are pretending has been good to make it sound better than it is.