Anyone mad enough to think this will be our year?
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[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=41095.msg1141368#msg1141368 date=1279923173]
[quote author=Stulikesdrums link=topic=41095.msg1141345#msg1141345 date=1279920603]
I had hoped a thread like this wouldn't pop up.
I was looking forward to going into season with none of the usual 'our year' bollocks.
When the pressure is removed from the players, we might see a different side to them.
[/quote]I dont think Oncy, Mamma and Whaddapie off of the internet will be piling that much pressure on the lads back at Anfield.
[/quote]
oh shit. It's Oncy from the internet!!
[quote author=Stulikesdrums link=topic=41095.msg1141345#msg1141345 date=1279920603]
I had hoped a thread like this wouldn't pop up.
I was looking forward to going into season with none of the usual 'our year' bollocks.
When the pressure is removed from the players, we might see a different side to them.
[/quote]I dont think Oncy, Mamma and Whaddapie off of the internet will be piling that much pressure on the lads back at Anfield.
[/quote]
oh shit. It's Oncy from the internet!!
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=41095.msg1141008#msg1141008 date=1279875832]
*pushes pointy hat to a jaunty angle*
what do you reckon!!
Dumbledores army is back in business.
[/quote]
I'm on board for this!
Much better chance this year than last!
*pushes pointy hat to a jaunty angle*
what do you reckon!!
Dumbledores army is back in business.
[/quote]
I'm on board for this!
Much better chance this year than last!
[quote author=Dreambeliever link=topic=41095.msg1141438#msg1141438 date=1279958712]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=41095.msg1141008#msg1141008 date=1279875832]
*pushes pointy hat to a jaunty angle*
what do you reckon!!
Dumbledores army is back in business.
[/quote]
I'm on board for this!
Much better chance this year than last!
[/quote]
😱
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=41095.msg1141008#msg1141008 date=1279875832]
*pushes pointy hat to a jaunty angle*
what do you reckon!!
Dumbledores army is back in business.
[/quote]
I'm on board for this!
Much better chance this year than last!
[/quote]
😱
We lack depth in key positions and IMO need a bit more pace in the first eleven. I like maxi a lot and cole signing is a big boost but although we know have a number of really good technical footballers we still lack threat goal wise and will be overly reliant on an increasingly aging Gerrard and fragile Torres. Unknowns include will cole gell with the team and will Aquilani finally settle and start playing. Winning with what we have at the moment is highly unlikely, even if we keep mash which it doesn't seem we will, but it is true to say that we seriously underperformed last season and fluffed a million chances not to be shite. IMO all the big teams underperformed last time out, OK we were glaringly bad but the others too lost crappy games too often. Chelsea have lost a few players again, although Essien will be back this season, Drogba should be heading over his peak though but it's still wishful thinking to see us beat them and they will buy. Salford are under the financial squeeze just like we are but you have to expect that they will hold it together for a challenge they always fucking do. Arsenal I'm not too sure about, Gallas gone Fabregas unsettled, VP a complete toolbag etc, it's possible we could nab their spot. Spurs are an unknown as they've never had a seat at the top table before and you don't know how they will handle a double challenge of league and CL, but they looked really good at the end of last season brushing aside
Manure and Chelsea to get in, with a new stadium on the way and a good manager and lots of quick attacking players they should be feeling optimistic, you just feel with Spurs that they can explode any minute. Man city have just bought Silva who IMO is a really really class player, I'm relying on pure hope that they can't build a team ethos/spirit and dissolve in a
season long shit fest but .... they definitely do have enough to win the league and should finish top four. We basically need to play out of our skins to get back in, it's not impossible we can win it but it would mean five better sides not keeping there
eye on the ball and we get back to the season before lasts form... Too many "ifs". It's a real shame we can't actually buy anyone again this summer without selling.
Manure and Chelsea to get in, with a new stadium on the way and a good manager and lots of quick attacking players they should be feeling optimistic, you just feel with Spurs that they can explode any minute. Man city have just bought Silva who IMO is a really really class player, I'm relying on pure hope that they can't build a team ethos/spirit and dissolve in a
season long shit fest but .... they definitely do have enough to win the league and should finish top four. We basically need to play out of our skins to get back in, it's not impossible we can win it but it would mean five better sides not keeping there
eye on the ball and we get back to the season before lasts form... Too many "ifs". It's a real shame we can't actually buy anyone again this summer without selling.
[quote author=Molbystwin link=topic=41095.msg1141525#msg1141525 date=1279969479]
.... and will Aquilani finally settle and start playing.
....Salford are under the financial squeeze just like we are but you have to expect that they will hold it together for a challenge they always fucking do.
..... Arsenal I'm not too sure about, Gallas gone Fabregas unsettled, VP a complete toolbag etc, it's possible we could nab their spot.
......Spurs are an unknown as they've never had a seat at the top table before and you don't know how they will handle a double challenge of league and CL
......Man City ... they definitely do have enough to win the league and should finish top four.
[/quote]
Aquilani will be a back-up to Cole / Gerrard, if he retains his fitness & finds his Roma form then he'll be an excellent back-up at that, however I doubt our season is dependant on his form.
United - an aging team that will be more and more reliant on youth unless they buy this Summer. I can't see them challenging Chelsea and in fact may be ripe to be picked off by another team (s).
Spurs - Don't have a strong enough first team and lack the experience to deliver a challenge especially with the added distraction of CL football.
Man City - IMO they lack the star players (Tevez aside) that are needed to carry a team to success in either the PL or CL and with so many good players to keep happy it may be that they fail to develop a strong first XI team. Top 4.
Liverpool - even last season we had a far better team than 7th but totally fucked it up. If we keep our best players on the field even just 50% of the time more than last season then Top 4 should be comfortably within reach. By the time the Arsenal match comes around I think we will have a very strong first XI and we certainly have good depth at LW / RW / AM. DM is a worry if Masher goes - we'll see. LB will have been addressed. CBs - we have good players and depth. Without a major distraction in the CL we will make the Top 4. Don't see us challenging - unless Chelsea falter - and our inbound transfers are a resounding success, however Top 2/3 is not out of reach.
.... and will Aquilani finally settle and start playing.
....Salford are under the financial squeeze just like we are but you have to expect that they will hold it together for a challenge they always fucking do.
..... Arsenal I'm not too sure about, Gallas gone Fabregas unsettled, VP a complete toolbag etc, it's possible we could nab their spot.
......Spurs are an unknown as they've never had a seat at the top table before and you don't know how they will handle a double challenge of league and CL
......Man City ... they definitely do have enough to win the league and should finish top four.
[/quote]
Aquilani will be a back-up to Cole / Gerrard, if he retains his fitness & finds his Roma form then he'll be an excellent back-up at that, however I doubt our season is dependant on his form.
United - an aging team that will be more and more reliant on youth unless they buy this Summer. I can't see them challenging Chelsea and in fact may be ripe to be picked off by another team (s).
Spurs - Don't have a strong enough first team and lack the experience to deliver a challenge especially with the added distraction of CL football.
Man City - IMO they lack the star players (Tevez aside) that are needed to carry a team to success in either the PL or CL and with so many good players to keep happy it may be that they fail to develop a strong first XI team. Top 4.
Liverpool - even last season we had a far better team than 7th but totally fucked it up. If we keep our best players on the field even just 50% of the time more than last season then Top 4 should be comfortably within reach. By the time the Arsenal match comes around I think we will have a very strong first XI and we certainly have good depth at LW / RW / AM. DM is a worry if Masher goes - we'll see. LB will have been addressed. CBs - we have good players and depth. Without a major distraction in the CL we will make the Top 4. Don't see us challenging - unless Chelsea falter - and our inbound transfers are a resounding success, however Top 2/3 is not out of reach.
[quote author=Frogfish link=topic=41095.msg1141305#msg1141305 date=1279916050]
[quote author=Spionkop69 link=topic=41095.msg1141286#msg1141286 date=1279913237]
It wont be 'our year'.
[/quote]
*quietly removes crown from Spion's head*
[/quote]
Its been a millstone round my neck for too long!
[quote author=Spionkop69 link=topic=41095.msg1141286#msg1141286 date=1279913237]
It wont be 'our year'.
[/quote]
*quietly removes crown from Spion's head*
[/quote]
Its been a millstone round my neck for too long!
Frogfish
A lot of truth in what you've written there but it could also be argued the other way, ageing or not experience of the last twenty years shows that United will challenge. Chelsea were far from glorious last season it's true but they were playing at times at a level that no other team could match and that comes from having a good quality settled team with the experience of winning, one of the reasons I'm pleased we signed Cole
is because I'm hoping he can bring a little bit of that winning feeling with him. Arsenal I see as the weakest link above us tbh, IMO at times although they can look really wonderful he still hasn't got the balance of skill and strength right, at least not mental strength. I think you are dead wrong about City though, they might not have big superstars but they have plenty of really really good players and they will be a big threat for the title if they get it right. I don't accept your point on Spurs either, they do have good players and depth especially going forward but I do accept that we should possibly expect to be better than them. I like your post actually, it paInts it all in a positive light or at least hopeful, the main prblem for me last season wasn't our injuries it was our attitude, we looked dissapointed from the get go as though the players were sulking because they saw we had been stiffed by the carpetbaggers and the cavalry hadn't arrived as reinforcements in the summer, we really blew it on every level last season from the owners to the manger to the players. Maybe hodgson arriving and a renewed determination and commitment from the players will bring about a change and see us playing
closer to our potential, I really hope so because last season was agony, if so then yes of course we have as good a shout as any to finish well. As for winning it..... Blimey.... It would be miracle country that. Fingers crossd eh.
A lot of truth in what you've written there but it could also be argued the other way, ageing or not experience of the last twenty years shows that United will challenge. Chelsea were far from glorious last season it's true but they were playing at times at a level that no other team could match and that comes from having a good quality settled team with the experience of winning, one of the reasons I'm pleased we signed Cole
is because I'm hoping he can bring a little bit of that winning feeling with him. Arsenal I see as the weakest link above us tbh, IMO at times although they can look really wonderful he still hasn't got the balance of skill and strength right, at least not mental strength. I think you are dead wrong about City though, they might not have big superstars but they have plenty of really really good players and they will be a big threat for the title if they get it right. I don't accept your point on Spurs either, they do have good players and depth especially going forward but I do accept that we should possibly expect to be better than them. I like your post actually, it paInts it all in a positive light or at least hopeful, the main prblem for me last season wasn't our injuries it was our attitude, we looked dissapointed from the get go as though the players were sulking because they saw we had been stiffed by the carpetbaggers and the cavalry hadn't arrived as reinforcements in the summer, we really blew it on every level last season from the owners to the manger to the players. Maybe hodgson arriving and a renewed determination and commitment from the players will bring about a change and see us playing
closer to our potential, I really hope so because last season was agony, if so then yes of course we have as good a shout as any to finish well. As for winning it..... Blimey.... It would be miracle country that. Fingers crossd eh.
It depends on who else we bring in and who leaves.
As things stand, we really need a left back, another goalscorer and someone to convince out right (although this could be solved by playing a 433 as it would better suit either Kuyt or Maxi). We also really could do with a deputy for that LB, at DM and also at RB.
Mascher is probably going, so we need a good quality replacement - doesn't have to be a world beater, but just someone of reasonable quality who plays that sort of game naturally.
I've been reasonably pleased with who we've been linked with, if we keep Torres and sign Huntelaar and a decent left back, it will have been a pretty amazing transfer window, but we'll still need to replace Mascher if he's gone, and I'm a bit concerned that we don't know where we are with thia and aren't lining anybody else up.
--------------Torres
---Cole----------------------?
------Gerrard Aquilani
-----------------?
--?---Agger Caragher Johnson
---------------Reina
...will be a great side if those gaps are filled with decent players and we have cover for injuries.
As things stand, we really need a left back, another goalscorer and someone to convince out right (although this could be solved by playing a 433 as it would better suit either Kuyt or Maxi). We also really could do with a deputy for that LB, at DM and also at RB.
Mascher is probably going, so we need a good quality replacement - doesn't have to be a world beater, but just someone of reasonable quality who plays that sort of game naturally.
I've been reasonably pleased with who we've been linked with, if we keep Torres and sign Huntelaar and a decent left back, it will have been a pretty amazing transfer window, but we'll still need to replace Mascher if he's gone, and I'm a bit concerned that we don't know where we are with thia and aren't lining anybody else up.
--------------Torres
---Cole----------------------?
------Gerrard Aquilani
-----------------?
--?---Agger Caragher Johnson
---------------Reina
...will be a great side if those gaps are filled with decent players and we have cover for injuries.
Highly unlikely. I'd just hope for an improvement in the style of play, with some great performances along the way. I can't ssee us beating many of our top 4 rivals.
I think we should be competing until April for a top 4. Next season we should finish top 4 or bye bye Roy.
I think we should be competing until April for a top 4. Next season we should finish top 4 or bye bye Roy.
[quote author=Frogfish link=topic=41095.msg1141612#msg1141612 date=1279980085]
I'd be really surprised Robin if Hodgson didn't know exactly who he is going after (and alternatives) if Masher goes. The writing is on the wall and it won't have been ignored.
[/quote]
Watching this pre-season friendly, I wonder if out-and-out defensive midfielders don't feature in Roy's plans.
I'd be really surprised Robin if Hodgson didn't know exactly who he is going after (and alternatives) if Masher goes. The writing is on the wall and it won't have been ignored.
[/quote]
Watching this pre-season friendly, I wonder if out-and-out defensive midfielders don't feature in Roy's plans.
Scott Parker was outstanding in his Charlton days, but Chelsea ruined his career as they have done for many other talented players, locking them away in a bank vault.
I would be happy if we signed him now as he is still pretty good, but he is 30 so not a long-term option.
I would be happy if we signed him now as he is still pretty good, but he is 30 so not a long-term option.
without meaning to make a 'brendan-esque' prediction, if lucas figures prominently in our central midfield we've got no chance.
if lucas is partnered with an attacking midfielder he doesn't have the strength or positional sense to sheild the defense, so we'll get over run.
if lucas is partnered with a defensive midfieder then it will be a creavitity vacuum and we'll struggle to create chances.
its not really fair to put so much emphasis on lucas but the center of midfield really is the most important part of the pitch, it sheilds the defense, wins back the ball and gives the ball to the attacking players, if it's weak virtually everything suffers.
if lucas is partnered with an attacking midfielder he doesn't have the strength or positional sense to sheild the defense, so we'll get over run.
if lucas is partnered with a defensive midfieder then it will be a creavitity vacuum and we'll struggle to create chances.
its not really fair to put so much emphasis on lucas but the center of midfield really is the most important part of the pitch, it sheilds the defense, wins back the ball and gives the ball to the attacking players, if it's weak virtually everything suffers.
I have a feeling Gerrard, Lucas, Aquilani, a bit of Shelvey and perhaps even the occasional Spearing are going to be sharing the CM duties in a consistently 442 shaped lineup.
I'm worried about the flanks more than anything, as we won't have one true winger in a set up that really needs width from midfield. And we aren't going to win the battles in the middle of the park like we used to.
On the plus side, the games should be more open and Gerrard and Torres could thrive on that.
Whether it works or not, the football is going to be *radically* different this season.
I'm worried about the flanks more than anything, as we won't have one true winger in a set up that really needs width from midfield. And we aren't going to win the battles in the middle of the park like we used to.
On the plus side, the games should be more open and Gerrard and Torres could thrive on that.
Whether it works or not, the football is going to be *radically* different this season.
If Old Uncle Roy doesn't get 4th he should be sacked?
Right, he's a mediocre old duffer, fine, but Benitez is a better manager and he came *seventh* last year
Right, he's a mediocre old duffer, fine, but Benitez is a better manager and he came *seventh* last year
I hated Benitez last year, but as a manager, he's still won
Two La Liga titles
A UEFA cup
A European Cup
An FA Cup
Call him what you want, but that isn't the CV (so far) of a poor manager
Two La Liga titles
A UEFA cup
A European Cup
An FA Cup
Call him what you want, but that isn't the CV (so far) of a poor manager
Rafa is a good manager but let's not lose sight that last season was a disaster and he deserved the boot.
I was a staunch supporter but he needed to get fired. He failed miserably and he lost his focus. Took his eye off the prize and got distracted by the clubs politics. His stubborness to change personel and tactics hurt the club.
I was a staunch supporter but he needed to get fired. He failed miserably and he lost his focus. Took his eye off the prize and got distracted by the clubs politics. His stubborness to change personel and tactics hurt the club.
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