01/2020 Football: V League Special

[SincereTheRebel]

Why didn't Liverpool just win the game at the first attempt?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Talksport asking whether Klopp is disrespecting the cup, or whether he is within his right to do it.

I'm not sure the two are mutually exclusive. It's not great playing a youth team, but it's up to Klopp really.

Does seems silly that the Premier League has organised this break without talking to the FA.

Putting out a shit team is fine but saying he wont bother turning up isn't.

[John Arne]

Putting out a shit team is fine but saying he wont bother turning up isn't.

Agreed. I'm obviously a Klopp fan, but to missing an FA Cup game because you want to go on holiday is not on, and won't go down well with many.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Re the winter break timing, the FA runs football for everyone. Top few clubs seem to think they are the only ones that matter. If anything they are the least important, as they have the dough to look after themselves in perpetuity.

[Mazuuurk]

This moaning from managers about the amound of fixtures need to stop as well for the same reason. Mate, you have a massive squad of players whose job it literally is to be fit and play football all year, and a whole set of coaches and physios whose job it literally is to ensure said players can play football all year.

Rotate a bit then, everyone has to do it. Clubs like City and Liverpool would probably be the ones that benefit the most from it in the long run as they can have the best depth of squad.

And if nothing else, give the kids a run in the cups and get fucking knocked out if it doesn't work out, right? What's the problem?



I know it's a game, but in FM having a lot of fixtures just always seems a good opportunity to play all the people who otherwise get pissed for sitting on the bench all the time.

[bruhnaldo]

"I don't care about this competition but I care enough to bitch about having to field a team" makes no fucking sense.

Just play kids? Play the people you normally don't play? If you don't care what's the problem?

So fuckin annoying.

[Lewis]

https://i.ibb.co/qkjKnwQ/EPSJe4d-WAAAi-Yg-X-format-jpg-name-large.jpg

:lol:

I love that idiot.

[Disco]

Who is it?

[Danny]

Hard to tell. I think a few of those pixels look like Dani Alves

[Lewis]

It's Marcos Rojo.

[Pepe]

Wait, Marcos Rojo is still a thing? :face:

[Raoul Duke]

His house must look like a Le Creuset shop

[niko_cee]

Chelsea away if the kids somehow bluff their way past Shrewsbury. :sick:

Can't believe United have drawn Derby, again. I say I can't . . .

[Shindig]

A visit to West Brom for a place in the Quarter finals. That has exit written all over.

[Giggles]

I don’t see too much wrong with Klopp heading on his holidays. I can see where people are coming from but as far as he’s been concerned all season there’s a break. The PL and FA should have organised it between them better.

I was going to say they should get a 20 point deduction but they’d still win it anyway.

[bruhnaldo]

Are the potential replay dates not mentioned prior to the match this is all very strange to me?

[Shindig]

It'll be a week on Tuesday/Wednesday. It always is.

[bruhnaldo]

So idk maybe if you know having to do a replay during your big vacation is a problem ... i'm just saying i don't think pissing and moaning about not being able to do your job is grounds to just not turn up at all as the manager.

[Raoul Duke]

Chelsea away if the kids somehow bluff their way past Shrewsbury. :sick:

Can't believe United have drawn Derby, again. I say I can't . . .

Wazza's Derby, you mean

[Mellberg]

So idk maybe if you know having to do a replay during your big vacation is a problem ... i'm just saying i don't think pissing and moaning about not being able to do your job is grounds to just not turn up at all as the manager.

Correct. Play the kids if you choose, but he should be on the sideline frantically gurning at little Curtis.

[niko_cee]

Curtis' week in Pontins isn't going to unbook itself.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Lord knows Jurgen must get more annual leave than I do.

[bruhnaldo]

Jesus fucking Christ they have a game 3 days prior. We're talking about the difference between going on holiday for 11 days instead of 14 basically, again, because you couldn't do it the first time.

Edit: On top of that it's fuckin 20th placed Norwich up against your club which is 16 points clear with a game in hand in said competition lmfao.

I cannot understand.

[Ian]

People seem to be surprised that Klopp is a bit of a cunt. I don't think there's ever been a really good manager who isn't on some level.

Other than Big Sam, obviously

[Gray Fox]

He's not taking the game because it's not his team. Most of those kids will only meet him a few times a month at most as our academy isn't located at the same building as the first team(new place being built is all together).

Seeing the potential for Chelsea away in the next round has probably removed any chance of a change of heart too.

For what it's worth I think he's doing the right thing. No amount of persuading will ever get him to admit the league is done before it's mathematically certain and the champions league is returning soon. He's been told by the FA that there's going to be a break and he should not have any players in a game for those 2 weeks, then said same FA arrange the game inside that break. He can't win so is defaulting to the more important of the 2 choices.

Why fans of other teams are bothered at all is the confusing point. If anything, surely the best team in the world not being in the competition is better for the rest?

[Mellberg]

You don't understand? He's had a tantrum over a result for which he's responsible and in taking these actions will devalue the FA Cup more than one person has in nearly 20 years. If a replay is that big an issue, as the manager he should've had the foresight to play a team strong enough to ensure they won. He didn't and should be told in no uncertain terms he's managing that replay. It sets a concerning precedent.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The inability of fans to recognise the difference between the FA and the Premier League is incredible. The winter 'break' is a Premier League concept and has nothing to do with the FA, who will not have been consulted because the Premier League always tries to operate in a vacuum.

[Mike]

It’s not like the team that play will be full of unknown nobody’s who have never played a first team game, they all played in that League Cup game. ;)

[Ian]

Why fans of other teams are bothered at all is the confusing point

I mean, I'm assuming you've read literally any other story about football before.


If anything, surely the best team in the world not being in the competition is better for the rest?

And this sounds like you want people to embrace Klopp as some sort of benevolent overlord, throwing a handful of crumbs to the peasantry. :D

[Gray Fox]

I was more getting at it being better for everyone elses chances. No overlord intentions :p

Maybe he's not quite gone about it the right way, but he's doing what I think he should. He's also doing the same thing he did in the league cup. It surely shouldn't be too hard to have had the Premier League and the FA come together on this, as the EFL should also have found a more appropriate space for the earlier Villa game.

If that happens in future because of this then great, but he's been asked to do 2 different things by 2 different bodies. He can't do both so he's listening to the most important one.

[Andy]

As usual it's the fans who miss out when a manager acts the cunt and throws a tantrum.

All he needed to do was stand on the sidelines, pick a couple of fringe players (I'm sure there are plenty of seconnd string desperate for a game) and sell tickets to kids for a quid.

You'd have a load of families there who otherwise couldn't afford to go to a match. Instead you've got him throwing his toys out the pram just to prove a point and a game no one will want to attend.

Doesn't sit right with me at all.

[thommo]

Yeah, I have no issue with choosing a completely second string team, that is his prerogative and he has a squad exactly for that reason. But not turning up to a first-team game is a shitty attitude to have and just smacks of a tantrum. I understood the issues with the Villa cup game more, due to the logistics of it all. But I can't think of any other time when a manager has decided to not stand on the sideline for a first-team game, illness notwithstanding.

[-james-]

The thing is that Liverpool reserves will beat Shrewsbury. Playing the weakest possible side you can in their situation is operationally the correct decision. They didn't get to where they are (with their total of 15 good players) by taking unnecessary risks.

[Vercetti]

Klopp is such a tosser.

Play Baz at centre-half, if you want, but sulking and not turning up, as manager, is pathetic.

[Manc]

Everyone on the ropes.

[phonics]

The man as a higher annual revenue than the entirety of Shewsbury Town FC. I think he can get up off the sun lounger a day or two early.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I was more getting at it being better for everyone elses chances. No overlord intentions :p

Maybe he's not quite gone about it the right way, but he's doing what I think he should. He's also doing the same thing he did in the league cup. It surely shouldn't be too hard to have had the Premier League and the FA come together on this, as the EFL should also have found a more appropriate space for the earlier Villa game.

If that happens in future because of this then great, but he's been asked to do 2 different things by 2 different bodies. He can't do both so he's listening to the most important one.

The league cup one doesn't count as he couldn't be there logistically.

[niko_cee]

Grealish is a classy motherfucker.

[Magic]

Fuck off you Milwall cunts hahaha.

[CJay]

Grealish is a classy motherfucker.

He’s so good. Would love him at Liverpool, even if he probably wouldn’t fit in to our current setup.

Maddison on the other hand seems to have regressed into a Gerrard-vs-Chelsea-shoot-on-sight number 10. Haven’t been impressed with him recently. Seems very wasteful.

[CJay]

What a cross that was. :drool:

[Baz]

Klopp is such a tosser.

Play Baz at centre-half, if you want, but sulking and not turning up, as manager, is pathetic.

I’m better than Lovren.

[Mellberg]

Ello, ello.

[Shindig]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-51289057

This is just going to run and run, isn't it? I thought the arranged flight was all done over here, as in not by Nantes.

[bruhnaldo]

Maybe he's not quite gone about it the right way, but he's doing what I think he should. He's also doing the same thing he did in the league cup.

If that happens in future because of this then great, but he's been asked to do 2 different things by 2 different bodies. He can't do both so he's listening to the most important one.

Bro what the fuck lmfao

"He's been asked to do 2 different things by 2 different bodies" no I don't think anyone has said "you HAVE to go on holiday" have they?

Having a Club World Cup Final the day after a league cup match is slightly different than "Well I was told I was going to have a holiday but now I can't because I failed to field a winning side and now have to play a replay exactly when I knew I was going to have to if I failed to field a winning side"

And again... we're talking about having to play another match 3 days after an already scheduled match and 11 days before your next fixture against Norwich in a competition in which you're 16 points ahead with a game in hand.

"Doing what I think he should" you people have no fuckin shame man lol

[Raoul Duke]

He should get one of those robots like Ed Snowden has so he can just roll around like a head-on-a-stick, gurning it up from the beach

[phonics]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-51289057

This is just going to run and run, isn't it? I thought the arranged flight was all done over here, as in not by Nantes.

It's insurance firms fighting each other tooth and nail. It'll go on for a decade.

[Waffdon]

Lawrence Shankland would score 30 a season in the PL

[Gray Fox]

I’m better than Lovren.

Take your boots lad, you might well get a game.


you people

Racist Bastard.

[Gray Fox]

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/11920374/ed-woodward-manchester-united-executive-vice-chairmans-house-targeted-by-fans

Which one of you was it then lads?

[Baz]

Lawrence Shankland would score 30 a season in the PL

I presume you mean the SPL?

[Clunge]

That ball from Elmo last night – that was fucking sweet :rave:. What a performance by Villa - Targett and Grealish linking up down the left were superb, Nyland had another blinder, Mings was colossal and Samatta looked industrious on debut, if a touch off the pace. He'll come good.

Honestly, buzzing for the first time in years about Villa right now. I do think we need to get another forward in before the window shuts, and if we do, with Wesley, McGinn and Heaton all to come back, the club's not had a stronger core since the likes of Mellberg and Petrov were there.

Grealish is just incredible. The way he has come on over the last two seasons, taking adversity in his strike, I never thought I'd see. Defenders are terrified of him. They stand off in and around the area giving him space to operate, in other areas, they foul him before he can humiliate them. He ghosts around the pitch like some kind of spectral presence, he rarely gives the ball away, he rarely mislays a pass, and he is so adept at positioning himself in such a way as to draw fouls. He is much pacier than anyone gives him credit for, and his attitude (now) is without question – I remember when he broke into his first team and his petulance held him back. I now think back to that Birmingham game when he was punched by the fan and he just took it, didn't rise to it and used it to fuel a performance that eventually, and inevitably, resulted in him bagging us the winner.

Maddison had an excellent game for Leicester last night, without doubt, but for me Grealish should be a shoe-in for England. He deserves his shot after the season he's had so far and I hope Southgate recognises this.

Last thought on last night, the scenes at the final whistle were incredible - the fans storming the pitch and hoisting Trez aloft after netting the winner, Nyland losing his shit after making at least five crucial – and spectacular – saves, etc. Felt good.

[Andy]

Grealish will only be a shoe in for England once he moves to a top 6 club. Sad but true.

Just look at Mason Mount, no way near the England setup last season. Plays 4 games for Chelsea and hes in the squad.

Grealish even if hes not seen as a starting eleven player should be in the squad as a plan B, he offers something a bit different.

[Mellberg]

He was injured for the last round of England games. The set before was early in the season and he was still flying under the radar. He'll be in the next squad.

[Waffdon]

I presume you mean the SPL?

30 with a decent supply line.

[Smjffy]

Maddison had an excellent game for Leicester last night, without doubt, but for me Grealish should be a shoe-in for England. He deserves his shot after the season he's had so far and I hope Southgate recognises this.


I don't think he was that good last night, in fact I think Leicester were quite shit. Iheanacho is rubbish and the fact Rodgers left Vardy on the bench for such a big game is a bit of a puzzler, I know he's just come back from injury but even when he came on he was barely noticeable, if he had started then perhaps it would have been different. I think Villa's standout performer and arguably the bigger hero was your keeper who must have had at least 3/4 top saves especially early doors.

Where does put Dean Smith? I'm sure his head was being called for recently.

[Baz]

Grealish is just incredible. The way he has come on over the last two seasons, taking adversity in his strike, I never thought I'd see. Defenders are terrified of him. They stand off in and around the area giving him space to operate, in other areas, they foul him before he can humiliate them. He ghosts around the pitch like some kind of spectral presence, he rarely gives the ball away, he rarely mislays a pass, and he is so adept at positioning himself in such a way as to draw fouls. He is much pacier than anyone gives him credit for, and his attitude (now) is without question – I remember when he broke into his first team and his petulance held him back. I now think back to that Birmingham game when he was punched by the fan and he just took it, didn't rise to it and used it to fuel a performance that eventually, and inevitably, resulted in him bagging us the winner.

Maddison had an excellent game for Leicester last night, without doubt, but for me Grealish should be a shoe-in for England. He deserves his shot after the season he's had so far and I hope Southgate recognises this.Quoting this for when he moves to [someone like] United and is SHOWN UP.

[randomlegend]

https://i.imgur.com/VWz3mrU.png

3-5-2 with Shaw LCB again, where he was surprisingly not terrible last time out. If Ole manages to turn Luke Shaw into a good player by converting him into a centre back then he's a genius of a manager even if we get relegated.

[Waffdon]

That Man City team is mental. Greenwood and Martial could have some fun.

5-3 City

[randomlegend]

That Man City team is mental. Greenwood and Martial could have some fun.

5-3 City

I've just seen that.

Is it Rodrigo centre back and then a midfield of Gundogan, Mahrez, Sterling, De Bruyne and Bernardo?

It looks suicidal but then we probably won't be able to get the ball soooo...

[Mellberg]

Here's a good one for you. Brendan Rodgers hasn't lost in 32 consecutive cup ties. Last night was the first time since...Aston Villa ruined Stevie G's birthday in 2015 :cool:

[Shindig]

I think Grealish can make the England setup in his current colours. Southgate seems like the type to take a chance.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Taz would be drooling all over the place if he was watching this and seeing Micah Richards.

RIP mate.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I've just seen that.

Is it Rodrigo centre back and then a midfield of Gundogan, Mahrez, Sterling, De Bruyne and Bernardo?

It looks suicidal but then we probably won't be able to get the ball soooo...

Back 3 with Walker, Otamendi and Cancelo it looks like. Lol.

[Raoul Duke]

Grealish will only be a shoe in for England once he moves to a top 6 club. Sad but true.

Just look at Mason Mount, no way near the England setup last season. Plays 4 games for Chelsea and hes in the squad.

Grealish even if hes not seen as a starting eleven player should be in the squad as a plan B, he offers something a bit different.

Mount got called up when he was at Derby, no?

[randomlegend]

City's constant niggly fouling when out of possession is so infuriating to watch, especially since they never get booked.

That's a great finish from Matic, as I'm typing that. Karma :drool:

[niko_cee]

Was it legit for VAR to be looking for a handball in the build-up to that Liverpool penalty? Not that it did hit his hand (looked like it hit the defender's if anything) but I thought VAR only looked for the mad handball rule where there was a goal? I only ask as there was a lot of bitching and moaning about Alexander-Arnold's 'handball' against City that wasn't given, but if VAR looks for attacking handballs in the build-up to penalties then that one was never going to be given, seeing as Bernando basically crossed it with his hand. Curious.

'mon United in the other game.

[Smjffy]

1222617739438804994

16. Jesus.

[bruhnaldo]

does he bicycle kick it or does the ball go in from the corner? sry i'm blind apparently

[Smjffy]

Bicycle kick. :cool:

[bruhnaldo]

damn that's some doing.

[randomlegend]

Subbing Lingard for Pereira is proper Sophie's choice shit.

[John]

Wan Bissaka is laughable in possession. How did he hang around the game long enough for someone to notice he could slide tackle?

[Jimmy Floyd]

He would be an amazing Mourinho player. Maybe they can reunite at Palace.

[niko_cee]

Alexander-Arnold trying to one up the Shrewsbury rightback there. :cab:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Harry Maguire :face:

Thankfully David Silva refused to shoot.

[bruhnaldo]

Thankfully David Silva refused to shoot.

I've never seen such a thing in real life only fifa. He literally said "nah let's sauce this up fuck an easy goal".

[John]

That pass from Silva is a complete nonsense.

[bruhnaldo]

Welp.

[Ian]

Fred having the ball on the edge of the penalty area is a massive waste of time.

And that was idiotic from Matic.

[randomlegend]

100% deserved, it's just galling against City when they do the same shit constantly and get away with it. Rodri should easily be off as well judged by the same standards.

David Silva should be outright sacked for that pass in the box.

[Waffdon]

Not like David Silva to be useless in a big game.

[John]

Martin Tyler getting caught up in the nationalities of everyone within ten yards of that free kick was a bit odd.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It blows my mind that Martin Tyler still goes and coaches Woking on his days off. You can't pick up the local paper here without seeing him standing with arms folded looking pensive about something behind Alan Dowson.

[niko_cee]

Half-watching the City game, was it another one where 'Pep' gets a bit too clever with his zany formation/selection? Sort of looked like it.

[Kikó]

That was one of the poorest games I've watched in a while. Comically bad.

Throw another brick at Ed's gaff.

[Lewis]

I watched the match with manc sean, and we've provisionally agreed to bash The Group.

[Kikó]

Tell him I say hi.

[Lewis]

We're not still out. It was all business.

[Danny]

KDB :lol:

https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/evyes8/kdb_reaction_to_otamendis_foul/

[Baz]

I watched the match with manc sean

Did you really?

[Lewis]

Did you really?

https://i.ibb.co/chFfcJc/1622862-main-image.jpg

[Shindig]

He's told Tyrone some serious shit.

[Bam]

I didn't think Baz could be that gullible. :face:

[Lewis]

It really happened.

[Manc]

It didn't.

[Lewis]

You're twisting my melon man.

[Shindig]

How's his diabetes?