Football

It's not about not giving Chelsea credit, it's this idea that they have devised some brilliant strategy that befuddled Barça. They defended well but they were also very, very lucky. Again, if one of those four woodwork chances go in, where is their defensive masterclass? To me, conceding two goals, a penalty and then have another shot luckily land on the post are not the hallmarks of an elite defensive performance.

I'd be focusing my scolding on Barca's wastefulness rather than the usual hyperbolic media nonsense that stems from such occasions.

Missing chances happens. But that is a failure at the operational level, it has nothing to do with which side was tactically superior.

CL Final

Bayern v Chelsea

Both have players missing for the final, who's your money on guys?

The footballing purist in me wants Bayern to win, while the vindictive Sunderland fan in me thinks it would be funny for Newcastle to finish 4th and Chelsea to win the Champions League, ensuring only the Premier League's top three qualify for next season's tournament.

:evil:

Come on Chelsea!

I'm hoping for a Bayern victory, just because they play a more positive brand of soccer. Although their weak centerback pairing has become even weaker now that Badstuber is likely to be replaced by Van Buyten for the final.

Missing chances happens. But that is a failure at the operational level, it has nothing to do with which side was tactically superior.

I know who I'd rather be right now.

Missing chances happens. But that is a failure at the operational level, it has nothing to do with which side was tactically superior.

I know who I'd rather be right now.

Well yes, but operational failures should not factor into the appraisal of a manager's performance. If you have set your team up to have the opportunities to win within the game and you go out because they fail when those opportunities occur, you still have done a good job.

A real defensive masterclass would have been one in which Barcelona hardly have any chances, like the game at the Bridge in 2009.

So apparently, the word on the street is that Guardiola will walk in the summer. I'm a bit surprised, but I suppose this has been a strong possibility since the end of last season. He's only ever signed one year deals so the option to leave in relatively painless fashion has been a constant, and the level of commitment and attention to detail that his coaching style requires seems rarely conducive to long term appointments. What next for Pep? An extended lie down followed by a call from Roman Abramovich? If so, I don't envy him.

You know, upon deep reflection...I'd be prepared to let McLeish leave us to join Barcelona.

So apparently, the word on the street is that Guardiola will walk in the summer. I'm a bit surprised, but I suppose this has been a strong possibility since the end of last season. He's only ever signed one year deals so the option to leave in relatively painless fashion has been a constant, and the level of commitment and attention to detail that his coaching style requires seems rarely conducive to long term appointments. What next for Pep? An extended lie down followed by a call from Roman Abramovich? If so, I don't envy him.

More likely he takes a sabbatical and then cashes in on the Qatari money that is apparently waiting for him.

Most anti-climactic final ever. I don't begrudge Chelsea and Bayern their efforts but I was looking forward to what would have been one of the biggest Champions League finals in a long time (maybe ever?). At the end of the day though, both Madrid and Barca have no one else to blame but themselves.

eNe, you forgot to add the bit where Torres scored I think if someone said that a few months ago they would've been certified insane and locked in an asylum for the rest of their lives

I can't agree about Alves, Puyol and Valdes. We have our own reasons but they're the same defenders that have been playing for the past 4 years. Not much has changed about them. The one who has changed the most is Pique. The Shakira effect is killing him

Herve, I think Chelsea's exploits have been given so much attention because of the season they've had and everyone's expectation for Barca to steamroll them. Also, no one needs to tell you how great the English media are at patting themselves on the back Is it just me or do a lot of people think Barca are just as good, if not better, this season? I seem to have that impression for some reason.

Pep walked and so ends a magnificent era in Barca's history. I do hope he steps back into the picture in the next few years though. Tito Vilanova appointed coach next season I hear? I'm sure he already has one eye on the next Classico Bielsa would've been a very good choice I think, and they probably could've lured Luis Enrique back into the frame if they wanted to but good on them for continuing to promote from within.

As for the final: Bayern for me, as much as I don't like them.

I do think they missed Abidal, Villa and Piqué (due to his drop in form) a lot this season. So I do believe they regressed a little bit.

Your, all of you, team (whichever team you support ) should be managed by Martinez

I watched Wigan demolish Newcastle the other day. Di Santo's goal was awesome.

The most frustrating thing about that game was

Cisse was my captain in fantasy

Roy Hodgson has been named England manager on a 4 year contract.

Any thoughts guys?

Roy Hodgson has been named England manager on a 4 year contract.

Any thoughts guys?

Probably not an ideal appointment, but with the FA dead set on having an Englishman in charge, ideal wouldn't have been an option in the first place. Still, Hodgson is a diplomat with tactical nous and international experience which, with us being so close to a major tournament, must surely all be prerequisites for the job at this point. Appointments based solely on reputations gained at club level haven't worked in the past and neither have those forced through by the press. Besides, they only wanted 'Arry because he perpetuates their idea that we're somehow unique in our passion for the game - an old-fashioned mentality that should really have gone out with the ark.

He talks funny!

Roy Hodgson has been named England manager on a 4 year contract.

Any thoughts guys?

Probably not an ideal appointment, but with the FA dead set on having an Englishman in charge, ideal wouldn't have been an option in the first place. Still, Hodgson is a diplomat with tactical nous and international experience which, with us being so close to a major tournament, must surely all be prerequisites for the job at this point. Appointments based solely on reputations gained at club level haven't worked in the past and neither have those forced through by the press. Besides, they only wanted 'Arry because he perpetuates their idea that we're somehow unique in our passion for the game - an old-fashioned mentality that should really have gone out with the ark.

I guess they felt Harry might bring some pride and passion to make up for the lack of talent in the current squad. Didnt work when they appointed Keegan.

I feel we will struggle to make an impact in the Euros, but can only hope a combination of a new manager, rediscover some form and a large slice of luck and off cause no penalties.

I feel we will struggle to make an impact in the Euros, but can only hope a combination of a new manager, rediscover some form and a large slice of luck and off cause no penalties.

Hodgson's sides always seem to look decent at the back, not because of the outstanding individual quality of his defenders but sheer numbers behind the ball - so I can't see it being particularly pretty to watch. But if we are able to make any impact, it'll be through embracing our status as second-class citizens. Looking at the other sides in our group as well as potential opponents in the knock-out stages, I see few that we're genuinely capable of outplaying. <_<

What was your take on Hodgson's time at Liverpool, Enigma (and Ed, if you're visiting)? From an outsider's perspective he seemed unlucky, though his timing was obviously appalling, arriving as he did at the tail end of messrs Gillett and Hicks' reign at Anfield. With the increased fan support and considerable financial backing that Dalglish has enjoyed since taking over, would Roy have done better?

P.S. Which is the more surprising 'news' - Tulisa being named FHM sexiest woman or that Sol Campbell wasn't already retired? :|