Proper Football season 2014-2015 thread

[Aerith's Knight]

I will keep saying this, I hate nothing more than time-wasting, and I didn't think a quality team like Chelsea would stoop to it.

I just keep being disappointed by the best teams in the world. Do I have standards that are too high, or has the state of professional football degraded that much in the past 10 years since I watched regularly?

[MissH]

That shouldn't be allowed. Absolute p*ss take. Should not be allowed to stop the clock like that to make substitution then do it again 20 secs later and take all the time in the world.

Well, we still played well. I'm relatively happy with that to be honest, we'll be ok.

[Old Manus]

I'd sooner blame the ref. Timewasting is a bookable offence, and the ref has cards in his pocket and a handy stopwatch to add the time on. If he doesn't do either then he should explain why.

[Psychotic]

I will keep saying this, I hate nothing more than time-wasting, and I didn't think a quality team like Chelsea would stoop to it. Do we know the same Chelsea...?

[Aerith's Knight]

Do we know the same Chelsea...?

...Fair enough. >_>

[MissH]

I'd sooner blame the ref. Timewasting is a bookable offence, and the ref has cards in his pocket and a handy stopwatch to add the time on. If he doesn't do either then he should explain why.

100%. Ref should have acted. Also I think unless there is an injury, players should be made to jog off the pitch as opposed to the casual stroll in the park approach to coming off the pitch!!

[Psychotic]

That yellow kit is a fucking abomination. We always play like utter dog cock in it.

Still, as you all know I'm not the most impartial of observers but even I was fed up of the "OMG STEVIE G WEMBLEY FAIRYTALE ENDING" bollocks. I shudder to think of how bad it would've been if we had made it.

[Bubba]

I think the best course of action when a team is out of form for a couple of weeks... is to lose your s*** completely and sack the manager. It makes the most sense really. Jurgen Klopp is available.

I am so happy that Slippy G's career has ended like an old, incontinent sheepdog that's had its day. Get a shotgun, take him behind the barn and blow the mother away.

[Psychotic]

I mean, you say that, but the jammy smurfer's going to go live in a multi million dollar mansion in LA and be paid millions of dollars to have a kickabout with other pensioners every so often.

[Loony BoB]

Was pleasantly surprised when we dominated and only lost 1-0 in the toughest game of our season (away to the champions-to-be) given our injury problems. McNair never gives me huge confidence, but he impressed me a lot today. Good to see he's kicking on well. Rooney was an inevitability in midfield once it was revealed that Carrick, Blind and Jones were out, let alone Rojo. The only other midfielders we have that weren't already playing are heavily focused on attack or extremely light on experience.

Falcao tries, but for some reason it just doesn't click for him at United. It's a shame. I hope he does well wherever he ends up next season (so long as he's not playing against us, of course). The guy is not short on effort. These things happen, though, even to great players.

As for time-wasting, every team does it, one way or another. My understanding is that the ref must add on 30 seconds for every goal scored and 15 seconds for every substitution, including after injury time, or something like that. Can't remember where I read/heard that, though. If someone takes longer than 15 seconds to be subbed then I agree a booking should be in order, and additional time added on. It's no better/worse than goalkeepers taking longer than, what is it, six seconds to kick a ball? Throw-ins are getting pretty bad lately too, I see them take absolutely forever sometimes, and players move so bloody far away from where the ball actually went out. Nothing new there, I'm sure, either.

[Aerith's Knight]

Watching the Bayern-Porto match, and I have to say, really redefining the word 'swalbe', Bayern. Disgusting. 3-0 ahead, and they stoop to diving.

God, it just pisses me off, this whiny behaviour in a billion dollar sport. Grow a frigging pair.

[Psychotic]

You've seemed surprised that Mourinho and Guardiola teams do this kind of thing and I'm not entirely sure why.

[Bubba]

It'll be funny watching Real get bested by Atletico again tomorrow.

[Loony BoB]

Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher as pundits... genuinely weird. Someone with such an incredible voice should not be talking immediately before someone who sounds so terrible. I don't even care what either of them are saying. The former, because I'm just thinking "Damn that's a cool voice." The latter, because I'm just thinking "Oh, dude, I don't even mind Scouse accents but what the actual fuck is wrong with your voice!?"

[Bubba]

It'll be funny watching Real get bested by Atletico again tomorrow.

Why do I never get anything right ever?

[Old Manus]

Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher as pundits... genuinely weird. Someone with such an incredible voice
:grover:

[Psychotic]

Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher as pundits... genuinely weird. Someone with such an incredible voice should not be talking immediately before someone who sounds so terrible. I don't even care what either of them are saying. The former, because I'm just thinking "Damn that's a cool voice." The latter, because I'm just thinking "Oh, dude, I don't even mind Scouse accents but what the actual fuck is wrong with your voice!?"Dg4e_vGeBw0

[Loony BoB]

xD That is dead on.

[Aerith's Knight]

IMO Man. City did not deserve to win that game. The wrongly arbitrated offside completely put Aston Villa on the wrong foot. But it's not just that, it was a lackluster performance from City that should've ended in a draw.

[Bubba]

Well, I'm pretty sure we've done enough to warrant a top four finish but Jesus... we've been awful today.

That third goal was just embarrassing.

[Aerith's Knight]

It was a defensive nightmare. The defenders should feel embarrassed, just letting their guy run before de Gea.. Ugh.

Second goal from Everton was not much to do about though.

[Bubba]

Yeah, not taking anything away from Everton. They worked hard today and contained us perfectly. Utd seem to have lost that pace we've been playing with for the last 6 weeks. We've gone back to pedestrian posession football.

Also, the sooner Carrick comes back the better.

[Aerith's Knight]

I haven't watched too many Arsenal games, but I have to say, they play.. beautifully. Not always effective, but a treat for the eyes.

[Loony BoB]

Bubba: If you're wondering what's changed...

Also, our next away game is one I am definitely not looking forward to. Especially now Sturridge is back and scoring.

Really? I can't wait. It's been too long since we last faced a team brave enough to play anything but camp'n'counter. Our record against top sides this year isn't too shabby overall - only lost to City and Southampton. It's not like we're worse than we were at the start of the season.
...after notably Spurs, City and Liverpool, we're now back to playing teams who are happy to camp'n'counter.

[Aerith's Knight]

Oh, liverpool. I almost thought you might get 4th place.. almost.

Hull city.. *shakes head*

[Psychotic]

I'm more pissed off about a Hull win than a Liverpool loss at this point.

[Aerith's Knight]

Did anyone just see Bayern Munchen miss 4/4 penalties? DEAR GOD. I thought Germans were good at penalties.

[Old Manus]

Only if there is an English goalkeeper in front of them.

[Rocket Edge]

Paul, Rodgers to stay or go at the end of season?

United playing silly football against Everton. We were outwengering Arsenals tactics against them. In the past I've given out about Arsenals high line and how prone they are to getting hit on the counter. Our defensive line was at the midfield line at times. We played exactly into their hands. We need a different plan against teams of their ilk next season if we want to think about challenging again.

I'm just thankful for Balotelli and Liverpools general lack of strength up front this season. I said it at the start of the season and I'll say it again. How 'Pool didn't go in for Mandzukic is beyond me. Even someone like Dzeko. The former would have joined for sure.

[Psychotic]

Don't know. If Klopp would come here I can't help but think I would like to see that, but if Rodgers gets fired and Klopp won't come, then what? It'll be someone like Eddie Howe or Garry Monk (sorry Old Manus). Hell, Harry Redknapp just said in an interview he's always wanted to manage us... :|

The problem with Balotelli is that Rodgers didn't want him, the transfer committee wanted him. That's not to absolve Rodgers for all blame for bad transfers, as my understanding is that Lovren for example was one of his picks.

[Rocket Edge]

I think Fonte has shown this season he was the main reason behind their (Lovren) defensive partnership working at his time in Southampton. I still think he's the promise of fulfilling his potential though.

If Rodgers isn't to blame entirely over the Balotelli transfer then I wouldn't be too critical. Lallana has looked good when fit, as with Can & Markovic. Who would you put at your top reasonable summer transfer targets?

[Old Manus]

Liverpool would have to be either loopy or have serious delusions of grandeur to do away with Rodgers. Before he came they were holding hands with QPR at the top of the 'Laughing Stock of British Football' league table. They're not yet a big bollocks team who can justify booting a manager for having one (vaguely) dodgy season after losing their best player. Am I the only one who remembers how crap they were a few years ago?

[Psychotic]

I wish we had signed Remy over Balotelli but alas. In terms of what we need: Strikers, strikers, strikers! Balotelli, Lambert and Borini will all be leaving and Origi will be coming back (if you can call it that!) from his loan. Lacazette or Icardi would be nice but I don't know how realistic either is! I doubt someone like Mandzukic or Jackson Martinez would come without CL football either. In terms of players who I don't just look at their stats on whoscored.com and Wikipedia, wouldn't say no to Benteke. Would be very happy with one (or more!) City cast offs like Dzeko, Negredo and Jovetic if they're leaving, apparently we're close to Jimmy Milner which would be good. We'll probably end up with Danny Ings. Which is okay, as a fourth choice striker, but I'd like someone more established too.

This might be a little crazy and out there, but I wonder if Zlatan is at the stage of his career where he'd consider it!

There's also a hell of a lot of noise about Memphis Depay right now and I had him in my World Cup fantasy football team so I can claim I rated him before he got big :cool: But then your boys are also apparently very interested and I doubt he'd choose non-CL Liverpool over CL United so.
Before he came they were holding hands with QPR at the top of the 'Laughing Stock of British Football' league table.Billy bollocks. Before he came we had just won a cup final and were in another one! Have never come close to the likes of QPR or Newcastle, get to buggery with you.

[Aerith's Knight]

There's also a hell of a lot of noise about Memphis Depay right now and I had him in my World Cup fantasy football team so I can claim I rated him before he got big :cool: But then your boys are also apparently very interested and I doubt he'd choose non-CL Liverpool over CL United so.

You don't want Depay, trust me. The guy is more arrogant than Ronaldo and RvP put together. And I'm not saying that lightly.

But from what I read on the news, Brazilian strikers will be going on the cheap soon, with Brazilian football broke.

[The Captain]

Been so busy I've barely been able to keep up with what's happening here, but figured it's time for an update.

How I'd Fix Liverpool:

1. Sell Sterling - He has played very well. Don't get me wrong. But, he is not yet worth 100K a week and his play has become so inconsistent of late. I know that he's still so young and we've asked so much of him but if a team is willing to pony up say 30 Million for him, you sell, sell, sell. I think Ibe gives you most of what Sterling offers but at half of the cost (for now).

2. Can moves to Midfield - For a time, he looked good back there but his talents are wasted in the Back 3. He wants to go forward and his man marking is not of the standard you need to truly win in the EPL. Make him our new Lucas or dare I say it Momo Sissoko. He has the strength and ability to be more than just a defender.

3. Bring In A Striker To Replace Sturridge - Danny has a ton of talent but this injury bug is more than just bad luck at this point. He cannot be counted on to lead the line anymore. On top of that, his best season saw him playing alongside a top flight striker, not alone.

The question here is, who can Liverpool get? Without CL football, the very best of the best probably won't come unless we break the bank. I'd love Lacazette as much as anyone but why would he leave a team already in the Champions League for one that's not? If we made it back in, I'd still go after him next season though of available. I think he's a better player than Sturridge.

If we truly are signing Depay, I think he needs to be considered for striker as well. He has the ball skills to play like Suarez did. We don't need more wingers either. We need up front talent.

So where do we go? I think you look outside of Spain or Germany for sure as the top players there only have eyes for the CL. I think we look to Italy, to the Netherlands, to Portugal, for players on mid-table teams or even the higher end teams who are hungry for a bigger spotlight. Someone like Dybala of Palermo, Berardi of Juve or Henrique in Brazil.

4. Rebuild From Within As Well - Gerrard is leaving (already looks gone honestly, which breaks my heart), Toure seems like he's following but we need to overhaul this club of the scrap. Sell Johnson, Borini, Enrique and any other player who can't even make an impact on a squad depleted by injury. In their place, it's time to really start bringing in Academy kids up the ranks. Homegrown players will be cheaper and can be molded easier to play specific roles within the club. We have spent far too long hearing about all of these young kids, it's time to see what some of them actually can offer.

5. Give Rodgers One More Year - I too am intrigued by Klopp. But if we brought him in, I think we're looking at likely a 2-3 year rebuild process. Unless Henry and Company want to give Klopp total power over the purse strings and remake the squad in one year, I think Rodgers deserves another year to get it right.

If we're being totally honest, losing Suarez always meant Liverpool would fight for 4th place at best. He was that vital to the team. Losing him stunted the club, as did some of the impulse buys to paper the cracks. Balotelli is talented but he cannot be counted to lead a team's attack like Suarez did. Finishing 5th is not good enough but it's not a total disaster either. We've seen the further development of Hendo, the true power and ability of Coutinho and the apparent total body switch of Mignolet from mid-season. Those are not small achievements. Building on them will go a long way toward the future.


I still assume that we'll be fighting for our lives next year as Chelsea always re-arm, Arsenal have never played better and the Manchesters love splashing the cash but I think with the RIGHT moves, we can get back to the Top 4 and beyond.

Take care all.

[Bubba]

I don't blame West Brom for setting up this way. It is guaranteed to work against the way we play. It just makes it such a crap game to watch. With Utd not having a plan B teams will do this EVERY time.

[Aerith's Knight]

And give it to frigging RvP to miss a penalty. You're a striker. You should train on shooting penalties. Corners, high, always. Never miss.. Never.

[Bubba]

LOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!

64054

[Old Manus]

Am I...am I...rooting for Liverpool now? It feels...unholy.

[Psychotic]

Am I...am I...rooting for Liverpool now? It feels...unholy.Well, how could you not love players such as Philipite Chunilo? (http://streamable.com/u1vd)

[Bubba]

I didn't think it would happen again in my lifetime but congratulations to Chelsea on their historic treble!

64056

[Psychotic]

Del Boy still in business I see.

[Bubba]

Also...

"Happy Star Wars Day!" - Lukes Kylewalker

64057

[Old Manus]

That New York City FC hymn sheet handout in full:

64061


We don't give a crud


Put the ball in the net & we'll go really mental


N...Y...C...*clap*



We don't give a crud

They even nicked the god damn Swansea City song! Unforgivable cultural appropriation. We need a Twitter-esque tagging system on here so I can call The Captain and get an explanation for this bulltrout.

[Psychotic]

To be fair it's hardly any worse than the Soccer AM favourite "oo are ya" or fucking every song ever being set to the tune of Sloop John B.

[Aerith's Knight]

The way Man. United is playing, I don't think they'll win half as many matches next season without De Gea. They're going to need one hell of a keeper. Or a better defense.

[Old Manus]

7th place. I WANT TO BELIEVE.

#justliverpoolthings

[Psychotic]

#thuglife

[Old Manus]

Based Garry pretty much admitted today in the press conference that he doesn't actually want to catch up with Southampton and take 7th place (and the possible European berth). Combine that with Gomis coming back and I'm lumping on Arsenal.

[Psychotic]

Based Garry pretty much admitted today in the press conference that he doesn't actually want to catch up with Southampton and take 7th place (and the possible European berth). Combine that with Gomis coming back and I'm lumping on Arsenal.like do I mock you for being wrong even though your team won away at arsenal I don't even

[Old Manus]

always bet on bafe

Done the double on Arsenal and Man Red in the same season. How long until we become the new Everton?

[Psychotic]

smurf you, Steve Bruce! Made up for the Foxes. :)

Oh and Steven Gerrard etc. did you know he's leaving? I didn't. The football press should've paid more attention to this story. I was also unaware he never won the premier league (because he slipped apparently?) but he won the champions league. Has anybody asked whether he is Liverpool's best ever player or the Premier League's best ever midfielder or whether he has the lineiest forehead in League Cup history yet? I feel like there should be copious online polls dedicated to this but they seem to be lacking.

look i love him but shut the smurf up already

[Aerith's Knight]

Man, that Southamption-Aston game. Also had one of the finest shots on distance this season. A pleasure to watch.

[Psychotic]

You want a pleasure to watch? I think I just came. (http://gfycat.com/ExhaustedGrizzledGilamonster)

[Old Manus]

The Stevie love-in is almost reaching the heights of the Scholesy wankfest, something I once thought was unattainable

[Psychotic]

Who had the best wankfest in Premier League history, Gerrard or Scholes? While Gerrard doesn't have the wankstain collection that the ginger has, let's not forget he had a supporting cast of generic Sainsbury's tissues compared to Scholes's Kleenex and jesus christ why I am even typing this I am so sorry.

[Formalhaut]

Who had the best wankfest in Premier League history, Gerrard or Scholes? While Gerrard doesn't have the wankstain collection that the ginger has, let's not forget he had a supporting cast of generic Sainsbury's tissues compared to Scholes's Kleenex and jesus christ why I am even typing this I am so sorry.

I...I.. this has something to do with Football?

Please say yes. I'm doing my best not to envisage the alternative.

[Aerith's Knight]

Who had the best wankfest in Premier League history, Gerrard or Scholes? While Gerrard doesn't have the wankstain collection that the ginger has, let's not forget he had a supporting cast of generic Sainsbury's tissues compared to Scholes's Kleenex and jesus christ why I am even typing this I am so sorry.

I...I.. this has something to do with Football?

Please say yes. I'm doing my best not to envisage the alternative.

Gerrard was quitting, and the fans were giving him a going away party.


Anyway, back to football, not fan wanking, Herrera and Young are playing really well in the Arsenal-Man U. game.

[Formalhaut]

Gerrard was quitting, and the fans were giving him a going away party.


Anyway, back to football, not fan wanking, Herrera and Young are playing really well in the Arsenal-Man U. game.

Oh, that's what that was referring to.

I'm predicting a Man United victory. They're already 1-0 and are looking pretty good so far.

[Aerith's Knight]

Hmm, not looking so good anymore, De Gea will always be man of the season for United. A lesser keeper can't handle the defensive screwups.

edit: Self-prediction came true. Defensive screw-up, and the lesser goalkeeper couldn't defend it.

[Kalevala]

Just out of curiosity, how do you decide which club to support? Is it the same as with professional North American sports? Family loyalty, by location, how the club is run, another arbitrary reason?

I'm starting to get into the Premier League and I was wondering about this.

[Psychotic]

I started supporting my main team because they wore red and at the age of 5 I loved everything to be red. Obviously after 23 years it's kind of become more than that! The other team I support because my Grandad supported them, and he died before they could get back into the Premiership (which they finally did this season) so I kind of feel like I'm doing it on his behalf.

[Old Manus]

I actually grew up in and around Swansea so that actually makes me the only ~*~TRUE FAN~*~ around here I'm afraid. 🎣 :hattip:

[Crop]

I support Man Utd because while I was born in London and live in South Wales, my Dad is Stretford born and bred, and he raised me on Man Utd.
His mother was United, as was her father, so I happily carry on the legacy even if I'm the first one not to be born in Stretford.

[Formalhaut]

I superficially support Arsenal because my family does, even if my 'support' descends into me moaning profusely about their lack of defense.

I then usually surrogate an underdog team to support and see how they do. I do like smaller clubs beating larger teams. This season, it has been Southampton. I chose them because they got picked off like a dead carcass during the transfer window from what I hear, with some of their best players moving on. No-one expected them to be challenging for a European entry. Go Southampton!

Also, now that Bournemouth (my current home) has moved up to the Premier League after several years of promotion, I'll probably support them next season.

[Rocket Edge]

That New York City FC hymn sheet handout in full:

64061


We don't give a crud


Put the ball in the net & we'll go really mental


N...Y...C...*clap*



We don't give a crud

They even nicked the god damn Swansea City song! Unforgivable cultural appropriation. We need a Twitter-esque tagging system on here so I can call The Captain and get an explanation for this bulltrout.


#thuglife


always bet on bafe

Done the double on Arsenal and Man Red in the same season. How long until we become the new Everton?


smurf you, Steve Bruce! Made up for the Foxes. :)

Oh and Steven Gerrard etc. did you know he's leaving? I didn't. The football press should've paid more attention to this story. I was also unaware he never won the premier league (because he slipped apparently?) but he won the champions league. Has anybody asked whether he is Liverpool's best ever player or the Premier League's best ever midfielder or whether he has the lineiest forehead in League Cup history yet? I feel like there should be copious online polls dedicated to this but they seem to be lacking.

look i love him but shut the smurf up already


You want a pleasure to watch? I think I just came. (http://gfycat.com/ExhaustedGrizzledGilamonster)


The Stevie love-in is almost reaching the heights of the Scholesy wankfest, something I once thought was unattainable


Who had the best wankfest in Premier League history, Gerrard or Scholes? While Gerrard doesn't have the wankstain collection that the ginger has, let's not forget he had a supporting cast of generic Sainsbury's tissues compared to Scholes's Kleenex and jesus christ why I am even typing this I am so sorry.
#ejaculation (*)
#doublewankstain
#takecareall
#hymn of the faith
#prayforbruce

Gerrard deserved a better send-off. United deserved to win, I think, but given the Emirates game we had it coming (*). No pun in intended. :smug:

[Bubba]

Born and grew up in Failsworth, just North of Manchester city centre. My Dad was a City fan as is my older brother. However, my Dad left my Mum when I was one-year-old and my Grandad encouraged me to follow the red half of the city.

The only other sport I have a team for is baseball and I'm a New York Yankee fan. My Dad's family were all from Connecticut on the East coast of USA and were all big Yankee fans. My Dad made me passionate about baseball and I've managed to attend three Yankee games in my lifetime. Not a bad effort considering my geographical limitations.

[Aerith's Knight]

I just support clubs that either have a Dutch coach (3 teams so far), have the most Dutch players, or play the best.

[Loony BoB]

Being a foreigner, I support my local team. The local team of the foreigner is absolutely Manchester United.

But seriously, my sister's husband was a massive Liverpool fan so I followed them with the intent of getting into football. Same with England. I fell asleep watching pretty much every match! Eventually they played some team called Manchester United and it was the way they played football that reminded me of the style of Auckland Blues / All Blacks. I started following Manchester United and got pretty caught up in their style and became a supporter.

I often wonder if I'd be an Arsenal supporter if I'd seen them play before I saw United play, because at the time I was first watching football, those two were both playing similar styles.

[Psychotic]

Does the hoofball dross United have served up the past two seasons depress you? Also Arsenal and United's trademark styles of the 2000's are in no way similar wtf xD Arsenal were slow tempo, slow passing, play it through the middle, never put in any high balls while United were high tempo, bombard you down the flanks. I don't think Arsenal have actually signed a winger since Thierry Henry and look what they did with him. fwiw it's a good thing, Arsenal's sterile domination is boring as shit while United were a really exciting team.

[Loony BoB]

Does the hoofball dross United have served up the past two seasons depress you?
It's definitely far from just the past two seasons, to be honest, but it's not been as hoofball as people have made it out to be. Certainly not that much more than previous seasons, which might surprise some people. SAF's sides saw the benefit of the long ball when the situation called for it. If anything, though, the biggest difference these days is that we have fewer quick players on the pitch. We would move the ball forward much faster beforehand. The past two seasons have had their moments, though, both good and bad. I don't like how much the game has slowed down for us, I miss wingers running down the line perfectly, beating players, etc... but I do love watching Blind/Young/Fellaini perfectly rotating the ball up the left side of the pitch, it's been good to see Valencia taking on and beating his man expertly, and last season watching Januzaj was awesome, him running off the pitch, around the player and back on to collect the ball... great fun.

We seem to do okay against the sides that are willing to attack us, but I feel LVG hasn't quite uncovered a strategy that works effectively against sides who are willing to camp'n'counter. Moyes was probably the opposite.

Also Arsenal and United's trademark styles of the 2000's are in no way similar wtf xD Arsenal were slow tempo, slow passing, play it through the middle, never put in any high balls while United were high tempo, bombard you down the flanks. I don't think Arsenal have actually signed a winger since Thierry Henry and look what they did with him. fwiw it's a good thing, Arsenal's sterile domination is boring as trout while United were a really exciting team.
I'm not sure if it's just the games I watched of Arsenal back then, which more often than not were against top sides where they would have to counter more often, but they played a high counter game when I watched, with trickery of the likes of Henry and a hell of a lot of falling over dramatically courtesy of some guy (Who was it again... Reyes or something?) on the wing who was just awful for it. But yeah, they did play pretty fast during the games I watched, and they played with flair and often down the wings, which is what I liked. I think it was 2002-2003 or so when I started watching football. All I remember is that I started following United at the beginning of their "barren spell" of 2-3 seasons without a trophy.

[Psychotic]

I've never seen a transfer get as vicious as this Sterling business. I don't mean from fans because fans are always hatemonsters, but the trout going on between LFC and Sterling's moron of an agent. And I'm not calling him a moron because he's trying to get Sterling out because smurf it, I don't care, sell him if he doesn't want to be here though after this trout I'd be happy to let him rot in the reserves. I'm calling him a moron because he evidently has no idea how to broker a super transfer and get a sweet slice of that transfer fee.

You don't see Jorge Mendes going around calling people a knob in the media or having his clients do unsanctioned TV interviews. No club is going to want to do business with the guy after these shambles. Useful reminder that Liverpool literally ignored Suarez's release clause and then sold him for £35m more than that a year later. It works both ways though, we'll try to nickle and dime with clubs over players and end up getting our fourth or fifth choice.

[Psychotic]

Liverpool would have to be either loopy or have serious delusions of grandeur to do away with Rodgers. Before he came they were holding hands with QPR at the top of the 'Laughing Stock of British Football' league table. They're not yet a big bollocks team who can justify booting a manager for having one (vaguely) dodgy season after losing their best player. Am I the only one who remembers how crap they were a few years ago?You may now enter this post right here in the Manus End Of Season Review because damn. Laughing Stock status achieved with relish. Even Hodgson never did something like this, and he wasn't given £120m in one Summer either.

I mean look, you can say delusions of grandeur but what ambitions should Liverpool have? Before you answer, consider that they are the 8th richest club in the world and have spent more than every other English club apart from City and Chelsea over the past 5 years. Champions League football is not an unrealistic goal. But even if it is and I'm wrong on that, I don't think you'd accuse even Bournemouth fans of delusions of grandeur if they hoped for better than having Stoke putting six goals past them when they come up next season.

I am not stupid enough to think getting rid of Brendan is a magic bullet that'll fix it. He's still been a smurfing moron this season though. He's been playing Can at right back, Glen Johnson at Centre Back, Markovic and Sterling at Wing Back and despite the fact that both work best in a strike partnership he's played Balotelli and Lambert up front as lone strikers. This trout definitely does not help.

[The Captain]

KLOPP

FOR

THE

KOP.

That is all.




I became a Liverpool fan when I caught a random match in TV, which was not easy to find in the USA about ten or so years ago. It was the 3-1 Liverpool win at Olympiacos. Watching that game left mesmerized with how one player (Gerrard) could seemingly make all the difference in a match. Then, I began to dig in to Liverpool's history and haven't looked back since.

Today's game was impossible to watch. Literally every player on the field should walk home to Anfield, not by bus, by train or by private jet.

Rodgers has seemed more and more overwhelmed as this season has worn on and while I for a while thought he deserved a chance to have one full season to fix things, after the last few weeks, I think the club needs to move on. The defense is a shambles, the tactics are a mess and the whole operation just seems exhausted of ideas. That starts at the top and needs to change ASAP.

Take care all.

[Aerith's Knight]

That was not a proper last game for Gerrard. That will stay with him for the rest of his life, methinks.

[Bubba]

I hate Steven Gerrard. Thats the biggest compliment I can pay him.

The :bou::bou::bou::bou:.

[Old Manus]

OFFICIAL EOFF FANTASY PREMIER LEAGUE 2014-15 POWER RANKINGS



1
The LVG party bus
Donal O'Brien
2,190


2
Brazers Van Braintz
Brazerwish Van Braintz
1,994


3
Bony's Boner Bus
James Hornby
1,948


4
Sonic Death Monkey
Matt Conroy
1,887


5
i want to eat ham
Krakow Pauw
1,837


6
Cap's Crew
Devin K
1,742


7
Charlie Adams D Cups
Daniel Wanchope
1,696


8
FC Chwarae Pêl Droed
Thomas Corker
1,676


9
Southern Assassins
Peter Verrall
1,655


10
Say It Ain't So Jô
Max Power
1,618


11
BoB's Bunch
Daniel Towns
1,565


12
Fairfield Rovers
Col Hannah
1,455


13
Afternoon Delight
J T
1,441


14
2Goals1Cup
Damien Johnson
1,286



Congrats to the LVG Party Bus for winning for the 235346th year running! I still have no idea who some of these people are.

[Loony BoB]

Sticking with my tradition of doing okay for the first handful of games and then completely ignoring them for the rest of the season. :shobon:

[DK]

if liverpool sack off rodgers, there's only one direction to go...


















http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/05/05/article-0-026756FE0000044D-28_306x423.jpg

[black orb]

>>> Gotta love England football fans.
I was looking at some FA cup comments and I read some funny words that im really not familiarized with.
Now if somebody here can explain some:

Boring oilclub
Oilsea
Mickey mouse cup
Plastic fans
Parking the bus
Silverware
Bought trophies
Gooners
Goonettes
Red plastics
Blue Plastics
Cute little plastics (whats with all this plastic stuff? lol)
Little club syndrome
American soccer franchise
Mug
MUppets

and Why do Chelsea and Arsenal fans hate each other so much? :luca:

[Psychotic]

I never thought I would use the words "rooting for Barca" but rooting for Barca just so Suarez can jam it in Evra's face. And I mean hey, Juve have three ex-United players and Barca have two ex-Liverpool players, and of course the Premier League is the most important thing in football bar none!

Although most importantly, Andy Townsend's final hurrah. For me Clive, I thought it would last forever.

[Bubba]

Suarez can go smurf himself with a baseball bat with rusty nails hammered through it. I would love it if Evra scores a cracker like he did against Munich.

[Calliope]

Messi has been dangerous, Suarez has been annoying and I would like to see him break his ankles. Juventus has been irritating, Pirlo has not been able to do anything, a disappointing game so far :ohdear:

[Bubba]

GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!

Have that Suarez you dirty :bou::bou::bou::bou:.

EDIT: I shouldn't have said anything...

[Psychotic]

GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!

Have that Suarez you dirty :bou::bou::bou::bou:.
No sir, you have that! Evra at fault for not reacting quick enough too, delicious.

[Calliope]

UGH

at least he was yellow carded

[Old Manus]

Can't stand this shit. A few seconds of football followed by a change to typical continental divegrass. Rinse and repeat.

[Bubba]

Have that Suarez you dirty :bou::bou::bou::bou:.

[Psychotic]

Have that Suarez you dirty :bou::bou::bou::bou:.All brave and noble warriors like Luis Suarez incur war wounds. He's happy to sacrifice himself to the cause. What a guy.

Oh, and have that you lying fucker Evra. :flirt:

[Bubba]

smurf off, Barcelona. Cheating bastards.

Their top three are so overrated. 122 lucky goals.

[Psychotic]

smurf off, Barcelona. Cheating bastards.

Their top three are so overrated. 122 lucky goals.
http://i2.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article4551397.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/FC-Barcelona-v-Celta-Vigo-La-Liga.jpg
http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/Comp_Matches/02/19/46/90/2194690_w1.jpg
http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/f42930ca0de1860d710f6a706700342e.jpg
http://i.guim.co.uk/static/w-620/h--/q-95/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2015/3/8/1425816969187/40171031-40c1-4447-a628-952fe9847a47-620x372.jpeg
http://e2.365dm.com/15/03/768x432/luis-suarez-barcelona-real-madrid_3280796.jpg?20150323173031
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01885/Patrice_Evra_1885498c.jpg

Never mind, Patrice won something tonight too. Patrice Evra has now lost a record four Champions League finals. http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e373/photobucketamazingness/emot-laugh_zpsahv98z4q.gif

[Bubba]

In the last ten years Patrice Evra has won 15 major honours.

Liverpool have won 5.

[Psychotic]

In a hundred years Liverpool have only ever lost two Champions League finals.

[Bubba]

Very impressive. It must be all the other competitions where you do your losing?

[Old Manus]

Definitely not the competition for the worst possible banter :colbert:

[Bubba]

64622

[Psychotic]

So I don't know how good Liverpool's new £29m signing is, but I do know he has the best website a footballer has ever had:

http://www.robertofirmino.com/index.php

[Old Manus]

So, it's that time again...

OFFICIAL EOFF FOOTBALL THREAD QUOTES OF THE SEASON 2014-15 BROUGHT TO YOU BY QATAR 2022


[On Rickie Lambert] solid signing tbf

Maybe you can sign Balotelli. :smash:

Liverpool MUST, MUST, MUST sign a top line player with the Suarez money or we risk turning in to Spurs of last year, trading one outstanding player for a trial by committee. My personal goal would be get Marco Reus if at all possible and failing that look somewhere, ANYWHERE other than in England. It's getting to the point that we could actually save money by just transferring Brendan Rodgers to Southhampton instead of trying to sign their entire squad.

I think Southampton did very, very well out of it, and got a lot more money than their players were worth. They'll be absolutely fine.


I will enjoy both league games against the dirty red scousers this season though as it's pretty much a guaranteed six points for us.Like it was last year.

Oh.

lol.

Yet, somehow, Liverpool are being undervalued again. I've even seen some places predict them finishing as low as 7th!! I really don't see us placing lower than 3rd.

I also reckon Swansea will be embroiled in a relegation battle because they are a poo team comprised entirely of poo. If they sell Bony, Leicester will finish above them. QUOTE ME IN THE END OF THE YEAR POST.

Relegated: Burnley, Crystal Palace & Leicester City (to finish bottom with single digit points total)

It was quite entertaining seeing everyone expecting Manchester United to storm against Swansea, and then to see them lose 2-1.

[On Liverpool agreeing £16M for Balotelli]Yes smurfing please. :D :D :D :D :D

The title is City's to lose I think, it's only really Chelsea who can mount any sort of challenge and I don't think it'll be a close one.


"Looking at United's potential lineup, I haven't seen anything this top-heavy since all those leaked photos of Kate Upton"


8. Swansea
http://www.reactiongifs.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/lol_idi_amin.gif


Sterling really is class. Jones showed that he could be quite a useful player if only he would STOP MAKING THOSE SMURFING MISTAKES.
Did he Luiz himself again?

There are words I never thought I would post, and I have to post them quickly while they're still true - before the inevitable happens.

Joe Allen has had Cristiano Ronaldo in his pocket all night.


okay then guys i'm ready let's hear it

andy carroll is a beautiful man and fully deserved his two goals. i'm sure everyone here could barrack you horribly about it but it still wouldn't make that much difference. it would be pointless anyway. one day, one day, you will let go of the petty hate inside of you, embrace the big man and come to love this day as much as the rest of us. to drive you away with derision at this point would only make everything worse.
no, let's hear it from you. Let's hear a full apology to Andy Carroll, admitting what a true hero of football he is and how you were wrong to besmirch him. Last year he scored against you and he got two assists too. Can't you see the only person you're harming is yourself? Can't you see you, yes, you, and your hatred and refusal to accept the big man has turned him into the Swanslayer? Open your heart to Big Andy. It is the only way to make it stop.

Only United can actually finish chances.

God I love being wrong!





Don't quote me in that context chum, I've been saying for years you're utterly bobbins and (Insert British city here) City FC will finish above you. :flirt:

In fact, calling it now, Swansea be the last placed "City" team in the league. Quote it. Quote it good. I'm feeling a bit confident now that Hull have made some tasty last minute signings.

Swansea be the last placed "City" team in the league.

Quote it

Quote it good

I'm feeling a bit confident now that Hull have made some tasty last minute signings.


Till next time, brothers and sisters. I would have been earlier but England have suddenly decided to not be shit at cricket and that has been taking up all my sporting time. #Ashes2015 #Eng5NilAus

[Psychotic]

The Hull thing I deserve :shobon:

The Mario Balotelli thing is deserved but not in the context you're presenting. I was exciting we'd signed him because I was looking forward to some wacky antics rather than his football ability. But then we didn't even really get those either, so :monster:

[The Captain]

If we HAD signed Reus I stand by my Top 3 prediction! Instead we signed..... ugh, don't remind me.

Heaven help me, I actually like all of our signings so far. Still, we must, must, must sign a striker and a RB. Grab someone like Bacca and even though it's ANOTHER Southampton player, Clyne and then we can start tearing out the deadwood and move forward.

Bacca Firmino
Coutinho
Milner Henderson Can
Moreno Sakho Skrtel Clyne
Mignolet

That could challenge for Top 4.

Bring in Ibe, Lallana, Lazar when we need width. If Danny is ever healthy, he can jump in the squad too but not as a lone striker.

Bye Bye to: Borini, Lambert, Allen, Manquillo, Balo and obviously Sterling. I'd guess he's definitely gone as we're already splashing the cash.


Take care all.

[The Captain]

*Rubbing eyes in disbelief*

Is this real life? We're targeting and signing players before the window even opens?! What a novel concept.


Clyne in, Johnson out, not a bad swap.

Now bring in a striker!

Take care all.

[Bubba]

Januzaj, you have not been impressive this season. However, that is no excuse for growing your hair and turning out for the French Women's side, you filthy turncoat.

http://home.eyesonff.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=65038&stc=1

[The Captain]

Poor Raheem Sterling. Just making a bigger mess by the day.

I'm surprised City are actually thinking twice now about buying him.

Take care all.

[Bubba]

Poor Raheem Sterling. Just making a bigger mess by the day.

I'm surprised City are actually thinking twice now about buying him.

Take care all.

Whatever the outcome of this saga, I don't think he will ever be referred to as "Poor Raheem Sterling"

[Loony BoB]

City and Madrid are probably the current pinnacle of clubs that will take on players that will play (let alone sit on the bench) for ridiculous amounts of money, so it doesn't surprise me one bit that they're after Sterling. :p

As for United, a little worried about how things are going, but not overly so. We're looking to sell RVP & Hernandez, which leaves us with Rooney and Wilson up front, so I assume we'll be looking for a striker. As for keeper, while I really hope DDG stays, if he goes then I'm pretty happy with Valdes as a replacement, but would obviously like another keeper regardless. Beyond that, really hope we get either of the SchweinScneider duo, because both of them are pretty good at what we need a midfielder to do.

Not really sure about Ramos. I know he's rated highly by a lot of people but I always saw him as a walking red card whenever I watched him. Dirty player.

[Old Manus]

49m top kek

[MissH]

http://home.eyesonff.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=65293&stc=1
This excites me. Interesting that there's no Rafael or Valdes though.

[Psychotic]

Why is Angel Di Maria on that picture?

[MissH]

Why is Angel Di Maria on that picture?

He's joining us after international duties along with Rojo!

[Psychotic]

Next question, why is Wayne Rooney being crucified?

[The Captain]

Interesting signings for Man Utd. I reckon they definitely need a striker now though.

Same thing for Liverpool. Supposedly we're swapping Balo for Mario Gomez, which is like rearranging chairs but maybe they both can use the change.

I'll say it again, like last season: Sign Marco Reus! Use the Sterling money on him.

Take care all.

[Loony BoB]

Very, very happy with our midfield signings in particular so far. Not really clued in with Darmien but hopefully he'll do the business. Need a striker now to replace RVP, and potentially a center back and a keeper to replace the possible outgoing players in Evans and DDG and/or Valdes.

Reus has turned down Real Madrid and Bayern Munich supposedly. I'm not sure he'll be going anywhere anytime soon. Seems to be a very loyal player.

And Sterling, man, that is good business by Liverpool. Crazy by City.

[Psychotic]

It might be good business but the money is still going to be spent on overpriced dross.

[Bubba]

Next question, why is Wayne Rooney being crucified?

He should be used to it after all the major tournaments he takes part in for England.

Really excellent business by Liverpool. When you consider that Sergio Aguero cost City £32M... I know which player I would rather have.

If only Liverpool could buy as good as they sell...

[Psychotic]

Buying Raheem Sterling for £500k was a pretty good one.

[Old Manus]

65302

[Psychotic]

Worth it for the corner alone.

[Bubba]

Worth it for the corner alone.

Which corner?

[The Captain]

Seems like Benteke is on the way in. While he was not my first choice, I think he'll be a vast improvement over what we currently have and will be better than everyone predicts as just a mild upgraded Andy Carroll. Yes, he is big and heads a lot of goals but he also links up well and shoots from distance. Most importantly, he scores goals which is all we really can wish for in a striker.

I have to say, our team for once actually has so much depth, our starting XI doesn't seem obvious and our bench isn't a joke. If Danny ever got fit, I could see him playing just off of Benteke, much like he did with Suarez. Then we have the Brazilian duo, Hendo and Milner in midfield, Clyne, Sakho, Skrtel and Moreno or even Gomez in the back with Migs in net. But, that still doesn't leave room for Can, Lallana, Ings, Ibe, Origi and even Lucas or Allen if need be. Plus some of the young kids waiting in the wings as well. Not too bad.

I'm very curious to see what everyone else does. Man Utd and Arsenal need striker depth I think, Chelsea and City are always hungry for a big splash, though I guess Sterling counts, doesn't it? Spurs have been relatively quiet too, which I expect to change and I am interested to see who else steps up with some big moves.

Football is only weeks away! European, that is.

Take care all.

[Psychotic]

Then we have the Brazilian duo, Hendo and Milner in midfieldI cannot think of two less Brazilian footballers than James Milner and Jordan Henderson.

(I know what you're really referring to but I couldn't help myself)

[DK]

so gutted jimmeh is gone, boring leeds bastard is such a hero.

also in no way, shape, or form is Jordan Henderson ever to be referred to as "Hendo". There is only one Hendo and it is certainly not him. :colbert:

[Old Manus]

65340