LGP Futbol Thread - (CL, EPL, Serie A, Liga, 2014 World Cup)

[GaryRissling]

I sympathize with RdM though. Was there a more difficult managers job in the past year than that? Between Terry and Cole, then the Clattenburg stuff; there are many managers out there who would have struggled massively with those challenges while RdM saw success. Handling Chelsea's dressing room is the biggest part of the Chelsea boss; and he seemed pretty good at it.

[Gaucho]

Maybe he was too much of a players' coach (if that's the term)? I wouldn't know.

[the errey i breathe]

Milan through to the knockout stage! SES is becoming a pretty awesome striker, lots of room for growth too at (i believe) 20 years old

[Gaucho]

The hair, though...

[Avyran]

If QPR would've played like this all year, they would not be in last place or the relegation zone. If they continue to play like this under Redknapp, they won't be relegated. M'Bia is looking pretty good at right back.

Manchester United, meanwhile, look like the Pens did a few seasons ago (I'm thinking 2010, but not sure): they never seem to get a real sense of urgency until the other team hits first. There's only so many times you can come back, though.

--- Edit: I seriously need to type more about these games. Every time I write a message, it seems like United scores.

[Loaf31]

Anyone know how reliable this site is?

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/360 ... ar-s-agent

Cavani up front with Suarez would be something sick. I am not going to get my hopes up though.

[GaryRissling]

I've never been to a Riverhounds game, but with three-year old twin boys and living about 20mins away from the S Side, this looks awesome:

http://triblive.com/sports/3040000-74/k ... z2DiwMrH1w

[Kraftster]

That does look awesome. Man, I would be thrilled if we got an MLS team.

[Ossa]

I've never been to a Riverhounds game, but with three-year old twin boys and living about 20mins away from the S Side, this looks awesome:

http://triblive.com/sports/3040000-74/k ... z2DiwMrH1w

Can't wait. I've been going to games since their inaugural season. Riverhounds games are always fun to go to.

[largegarlic]

That stadium does look fantastic. My only complaint is the fake grass (the game just isn't quite right on that stuff), but I understand the cost and difficulty of keeping a natural grass field in good condition here.

It would be great (for selfish reasons) if Pittsburgh could land an MLS team, but I don't know that it would be a good move from the perspective of the overall health of the league. I just can't see Pittsburgh ever developing into a really good market for soccer, especially compared to some of the other recent MLS expansion locations (Vancouver, Seattle, Montreal, etc.). I don't know if others have seen these rumors, but supposedly, the owners of Man City and PSG are (separately) sniffing around the proposed 2nd New York MLS team with MLS having set a $100 million expansion fee. When MLS has that sort of potential money interested in that sort of potential market, it becomes hard to see the league being enticed by expansion into the Burgh.

[Avyran]

The display by West Ham in the 2nd half has to be one of the most impressive I've seen thus far. They completely dominated Chelsea with up-tempo, high-pressure action. Diame is a really, really good player, and the rest of that team is solid as well.

There's a lot of good competition this year in the EPL from the supposed 2nd & 3rd tier teams. West Brom, West Ham, Everton, Swansea... all are battling for the position to play in Europe.

[largegarlic]

Yeah, the West Ham/Chelsea game was awesome (at least for non-Chelsea fans). I can't imagine that Chelsea's swoon is going to last that long, but their run of poor form is really opening up the competition for the UCL spots. Again, I can't imagine West Brom keeping up their form, but it definitely seems like the door is open for Spurs and Arsenal.

[largegarlic]

If QPR would've played like this all year, they would not be in last place or the relegation zone. If they continue to play like this under Redknapp, they won't be relegated. M'Bia is looking pretty good at right back.

Manchester United, meanwhile, look like the Pens did a few seasons ago (I'm thinking 2010, but not sure): they never seem to get a real sense of urgency until the other team hits first. There's only so many times you can come back, though.

--- Edit: I seriously need to type more about these games. Every time I write a message, it seems like United scores.

This comparison to the 2010 or even spring 2012 Pens looks pretty spot on in this Reading game. It reminds of those couple games last spring against the Isles when the Pens had a chance to move past the Rangers, but just were too lax defensively and allowed the Isles to keep banging in goals. United looks about the same right now, thinking, "Sure, we could mark on set pieces, but screw it. We'll bring on Chicharito in the 2nd half; he'll score a goal, draw a PK, and we'll win in the end."

[Gaucho]

Damn, I should be watching Reading-Manu instead of Bayern-Dortmund.

[Rocco]

I hope Reading tie the game somehow. Then the FA will put in video review by Monday after ManU had a call go against them:



I hope the linesman has a second career lined up.

[Gaucho]

Don't know about you, but I cannot for the life of me see the ball.

[canaan]

here ya go, gaucho

[Gaucho]

Crap, I thought that was a pancake.

[Rocco]

Crap, I thought that was a pancake.

Rooney would have eaten it if it were a pancake.

[Gaucho]

Right, that should've been a dead giveaway.

[Gaucho]

According to the Spanish paper Marca José Mourinho will leave Real next Junel, even if he wins the Champions League. There are already rumors about a move to Paris St. Germain.

[Ossa]

http://www.pittsburghriverhoundsstore.com/

[GaryRissling]

Just posted this in the political discussion thread as well.

here's a great rolling stone piece on Bob Bradley's tenure as egypt's national team manager:

http://www.rollingstoneme.com/index.php ... le&id=1884

[Gaucho]

Messi taken off with a knee injury.

[Gaucho]

It's official, Euro 2020 to be held in several cities all over Europe. Don't know if I like the idea. Probably not.

http://www.football.co.uk/england/uefa_confirm_euro_2020_to_be_held_in_multiple_cities_rss3626825.shtml