Football

12 minutes ago, Stromboli1 said:

I can wait for the football world to praise Zidane when he wins the CL and yada yada yada. Then is sacked/fired halfway through the next campaign.

If his Real Madrid predecessor's career trajectory is anything to go by, old 'ZZ Top' could easily be managing in the Championship by this time next year.

Even a momentary glance at Randy's farewell statement will tell you just how far off the reservation the chap now is. Uncomfortable reading. Anyway, welcome Dr. Tony, Recon and our new 1 billion fans. 

22 hours ago, Frederick said:

Even a momentary glance at Randy's farewell statement will tell you just how far off the reservation the chap now is. Uncomfortable reading. Anyway, welcome Dr. Tony, Recon and our new 1 billion fans. 

Xia has bagged one of the most famous clubs in the English game for the price of two Roberto Soldados. I suppose the hope is that he's already looking at the sustainable models, not only at the likes of Swansea and Southampton, but also analysing how many Spanish and German clubs are able to enjoy more successes with fewer resources than their English counterparts, many of whom have been stuck in the 'Harry Redknapp football consultant' mindset for far too long.

Any preferences for a new manager, Fred?

5 hours ago, Michael* said:

Any preferences for a new manager, Fred?

Pearson is clearly potty and I'd legitimately forgotten 'RDM' existed but when you've been humiliated, disgraced, debauched and THEN managed by Eric Black, your standards loosen up a bit. Not enough for Steve Bruce, in this lifetime or the next, mind.

However tangled Van Gaal's logic became, and in fairness it was like he was going out of his way to play players out of position towards the end, his thinking was crystal clear in comparison to those higher up the totem pole at United.

I flat out don't like ManU at all.

LvG and the players he brought in made me indifferent towards ManU.

LvG left some good young players for Mourinho to build upon and bring in players. Whatever personnel changes Jose makes, he can't let De Gea go if he wants to challenge for a CL spot/PL title.

While Van Gaal's funny ways alienated a lot of the fans, he's left United in a decent position - if not one of immense strength, then certainly with firm foundations and good potential. It'll get harder and harder for the club to remain a marketing powerhouse while finishing fifth and playing stodgy, conservative football, but if Jose delivers Champions League qualification and restores them to being something of a feared team, they'll probably put it down as a win and accept whatever mess he creates on his way out.

Nothing says 'hurry up, Euro 2016' more than the protracted negotiations of a vile pigeon faced twerp's image rights. 

What with Chelsea apparently still owning the trademark to Mourinho's name, surely he should be forced to change it Pro Evolution Soccer-style if he wants to manage United.

Excuse the Spanish, please:

CAMPEONES DE AMÉRICA CTM!!!!

^Congratulations!

That match was horribly reffed. He let the match get out of control, was influenced by players to show cards, and made the match about himself.

Thanks!

Yes, horrible refereeing. But I'm so happy with this result. 2 Copas América in a year  

(And both against Argentina makes it even better  )

This makes me feel sad for him

Lionel Messi emotional after heartbreaking loss in 2016 Copa America final

Messi must be pissed right now!  The curse lives on

22 minutes ago, ILUVAdrianaLima said:

Messi must be pissed right now!  The curse lives on

That whole team is falling apart  

^ Well on the first half, both sides were falling apart I still can't believe that one player got a red card after Messi's beautiful display of acting

1 hour ago, Stormbringer said:

That whole team is falling apart  

The AFA is corrupt as hell, like most of the Argentine government. I won't be surprised if what amounts to an entire team follow Messi out.

Congratulations lovey! God knows I would be waving our tricolour everywhere if we won the Euros  

Apparently my reverent opinion of Messi isn't shared here  

Can't help but wonder what life would be like if he had joined Spain.

8 hours ago, HitchcockBlonde said:

The AFA is corrupt as hell, like most of the Argentine government. I won't be surprised if what amounts to an entire team follow Messi out.

Congratulations lovey! God knows I would be waving our tricolour everywhere if we won the Euros  

 

Apparently my reverent opinion of Messi isn't shared here  

Can't help but wonder what life would be like if he had joined Spain.

Congrats @Stormbringer

So much debate about why Argentina lost, but sometimes the simplest answer is the best one. They lost because they weren't as good as Chile, a superb unit who play the game at an insane tempo with total commitment and coordination.

If I'm honest, I've a feeling Messi's retirement is a bit of a bluff, designed to strong-arm an inept federation into reform. None of this should rule him out of the ‘best ever’ conversation though, because he already is the best ever.

3 hours ago, HitchcockBlonde said:

The AFA is corrupt as hell, like most of the Argentine government. I won't be surprised if what amounts to an entire team follow Messi out.

Apparently up to 8 players could be leaving the team  

Anyway, corruption in football federations is nothing new. Just recently with had a huge scandal here with the ANFP. The coach change just before this cup was due to this.

3 hours ago, HitchcockBlonde said:

Congratulations lovey! God knows I would be waving our tricolour everywhere if we won the Euros  

Thanks!!  

On 6/27/2016 at 5:50 PM, Michael* said:

 

Congrats @Stormbringer

 

So much debate about why Argentina lost, but sometimes the simplest answer is the best one. They lost because they weren't as good as Chile, a superb unit who play the game at an insane tempo with total commitment and coordination.

 

If I'm honest, I've a feeling Messi's retirement is a bit of a bluff, designed to strong-arm an inept federation into reform. None of this should rule him out of the ‘best ever’ conversation though, because he already is the best ever.

Thanks!  

Agreed. I think the simpler answer is just the best one here: Chile was simply better, even if not by a big margin, and handled the pressure better.