We're really screwed.....aren't we?

[Terrier]

Some of the shit that has been going around in the Footballing world over the last week has left me sick to my stomach.

Facts:


Real just pissed 140m quid on 2 fucking monster players.

Scum have a pot of 100m quid to spend (+/-)

Man fucking City are backed by some of the wealthiest investors on the planet and aren't scared to flex their wallets.

The Chavs, well, we all know that Abramovich will spunk whatever is necessary, and Ancelotti will want to build on his already powerful backbone. Were in not for Scholari's mess, they would have pipped us and even the Scum, I recon.



And Liverpool, my darling Liverpool........ Well, what to say other than we look well and truly screwed. Football in 2009 is all about the money, the days of competing without spending big are over. The game is all about the Sugar Daddy.

2nd tier players like Barry, Valencia, Bent and co. are being touted for GBP 15m, figures that we've only spent 5 or 6 times in our history. The type of 'match winners' we are looking for are simply out of our reach. Benzema, Ribery, Villa, Aguero all in the 40m+ category.....seriously wtf? Torres looks PISS cheap in comparison.


To add insult to injury, all the aforementioned clubs, aside from the Chavs, have state of the art stadiums purpose built for their future incomes. We have an aging stadium, no plans to build, a piss poor marketing team, are saddled with debt and worse squabbling owner's who don't seem to understand Football or the value of Liverpool Football club.


Today I feel depressed. It's all looking so gloomy, and I fear last season will be a mirror-image of our 2003 season.

Is anyone else feeling reality bite?

 

[themn]

Yes, I'm going to kill myself.

 

[HC]

Same old. At the end of the day. We are one world class player/ boarder line world class player away from winning the title. We'll be there or there abouts next season.

It's all well and good having £100M but out of that they need Ronaldo and Tevez replacements. You'll be hard pushed to find 2 players that'll replace what they add to their side. Dare I say it, impossible in Ronaldo's case.

Chelsea, we'll see what happens with Carlo; I'm not too worried at the moment though. Hopefully Drogba naffs off.

City can flex all they like. Kaka is gone and Villa et al all appear to turning their noses up at them; so they are left with the mercenaries and the average squad they've currently got. I'd be surprised if they finished in the top 5 next season.

Despite all the press about the fianancial gashery, I think were better placed than any of those clubs, all we really need is for Torres and Gerrard to play more than 13 odd games that they did this season, throw in some new talent and it's ours 😉

 

[David Byrne]

I think we'll get relegated.

 

[mark1975]

[quote author=Hardcastle link=topic=34133.msg887067#msg887067 date=1244824403]
Same old. At the end of the day. We are one world class player/ boarder line world class player away from winning the title. We'll be there or there abouts next season.

Despite all the press about the fianancial gashery, I think were better placed than any of those clubs, all we really need is for Torres and Gerrard to play more than 13 odd games that they did this season, throw in some new talent and it's ours 😉
[/quote]

Exactly.

As I said the other day, we'll just add the player(s) we feel will improve us and fit into our terrific team ethic. Some of the best sides in Europe couldn't cope with us at times last season, and that included United with £80m Ronaldo in their side and the much chased after Tevez, and Real Madrid who've just added two players to the side that we fucking destroyed last season.

Rafa proved at Valencia that you can overcome the Galatico/Superstar thing with a sound system of how you want to play, with everyone working for eachother.

United have got £100m? So what? They will always be class acts anyway no matter who they buy, we were always going to have to surpass the benchmark they've set, and they've now got to fill the void left by Ronaldo. Would you be confident of filling Gerrard's void with £100m?

Regards City, they still have a defence like a fucking siv.

 

[6TimesaRed]

 

[keniget]

Why is the news of Real spending crazy money turning everyone into manic depressives?

Everyone is acting as though this has never happened before. This is the same club that signed Ronaldo, Zidane and Figo for insane money during the first Galactico period under Perez.

And ya'know what, they've not been shy about spending money since then either. The team we THRASHED 4-0 at Anfield cost in excess of €180m. And their squad is made up of another €100m+ worth of players as well.

 

[Sheik Yerbouti]

[quote author=keniget link=topic=34133.msg887074#msg887074 date=1244824963]
Why is the news of Real spending crazy money turning everyone into manic depressives?
[/quote]

Dunno. They don't even play in the Premiership for fuck's sake.

 

[MaschedUp]

[quote author=Sheik Yerbouti link=topic=34133.msg887083#msg887083 date=1244825665]
Dunno. They don't even play in the Premiership for fuck's sake.
[/quote]

We would still whoop them if they were. ;D

 

[Rafiagra]

[quote author=Sheik Yerbouti link=topic=34133.msg887083#msg887083 date=1244825665]
[quote author=keniget link=topic=34133.msg887074#msg887074 date=1244824963]
Why is the news of Real spending crazy money turning everyone into manic depressives?
[/quote]

Dunno. They don't even play in the Premiership for fuck's sake.
[/quote]

Haha. Exactly. I'm looking forward to watching La Liga next season though.

The fact is, United have to replace their best player and Chelsea have a manager with no Premier League experience.

Assuming both teams get 2-3 "World Class" superstar signings, then they still need time to gel as a team and undoubtedly time to get used to English footy, which is no mean feat.

It is frustrating, however, knowing that when it comes to transfers, our main rivals are operating on a totally different level which we seemingly cant compete with.

There are plenty of quality players knocking around and I definitely think we should be looking to take advantage of some of Real's cast offs and quick whilst the club is going crazy.

I've been banging on about Sneijder but if we could get Robben, it would be happy days* . However, I'd also be tempted to see if we could get in Drenthe, Huntelaar, or dare I say it Ruud Van Nistelrooy - who would be a far better cheap backup striking option than Michael Owen.




(* even though he's a massive twat)

 

[KopKing]

A little perspective needed here I think. Our midfielders are worth £25m+, Torres and Gerrard probably significantly more and they are proven in their teams, so it isnt all doom and gloom. We buy low and sell high in the main, and long may it continue.

 

[Le Chacal]

Depressed?
Our main rival lost their best player and are about to lose Tevez.
Im very happy

 

[Oncy]

Fucking hell, i agree with Kopking.
If you think about it, with these market values, we have
Torres - 70m
Gerrard - 60m
Mascherano - 30m
Alonso - 30m
Agger - 15m
Reina - 15m
plus a bunch of 10m players, so we arent far off in terms of value. Just because we arent selling or buying doesnt devalue what we have. We're class and we're going to win the league.

 

[Terrier]

It is frustrating, however, knowing that when it comes to transfers, our main rivals are operating on a totally different level which we seemingly cant compete with.

Yes. That is it. It's extraordinarily frustrating knowing we can't compete on the same playing field financially.

There were plenty of moments last season when our squad looked utterly threadbare.

Contrast that with the Scum or Chav's bench that often featured 30m quid superstars who were 'having a day off.'

 

[jexykrodic]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34133.msg887102#msg887102 date=1244828392]
Fucking hell, i agree with Kopking.
If you think about it, with these market values, we have
Torres - 70m
Gerrard - 60m
Mascherano - 30m
Alonso - 30m
Agger - 15m
Reina - 15m
plus a bunch of 10m players, so we arent far off in terms of value. Just because we arent selling or buying doesnt devalue what we have. We're class and we're going to win the league.
[/quote]

That's an eye opener, even if your valuation of Alonso seems a tad optimistic.

We really are 1 or 2 players away from a great team/squad..

 

[mark1975]

[quote author=Terrier link=topic=34133.msg887104#msg887104 date=1244828565]

It is frustrating, however, knowing that when it comes to transfers, our main rivals are operating on a totally different level which we seemingly cant compete with.

Yes. That is it. It's extraordinarily frustrating knowing we can't compete on the same playing field financially.

There were plenty of moments last season when our squad looked utterly threadbare.

Contrast that with the Scum or Chav's bench that often featured 30m quid superstars who were 'having a day off.'
[/quote]

Just think though Terrier, *imagine* us winning it in the next year or two, how satisfying would it be, in the knowledge that we're surrounded by these sides pumping cash out left right and centre on superstars?

Fuck them, fuck them all.

Yeah we spend relatively big ourselves, but I think by and large we do things the right way, I never really wanted us to play the real life equivalent of Football Manager, it's nice to do things the right way, the way that requires hardwork and building together, everyone in tandem with each other heading for the same goal. Nice surprises like us possessing the best striker in the World.

How rewarding it will all prove once we get there.

 

[6TimesaRed]

[quote author=jexykrodic link=topic=34133.msg887108#msg887108 date=1244829411]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34133.msg887102#msg887102 date=1244828392]
Fucking hell, i agree with Kopking.
If you think about it, with these market values, we have
Torres - 70m
Gerrard - 60m
Mascherano - 30m
Alonso - 30m
Agger - 15m
Reina - 15m
plus a bunch of 10m players, so we arent far off in terms of value. Just because we arent selling or buying doesnt devalue what we have. We're class and we're going to win the league.
[/quote]

That's an eye opener, even if your valuation of Alonso seems a tad optimistic.

We really are 1 or 2 players away from a great team/squad..
[/quote]

Your probably looking at 15 million for Kuyt too, why? he just signed a new contract.. and well there is many mangers that would love to have Kuyt in their team...

 

[leftpeg]

[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=34133.msg887072#msg887072 date=1244824761]
[quote author=Hardcastle link=topic=34133.msg887067#msg887067 date=1244824403]
Same old. At the end of the day. We are one world class player/ boarder line world class player away from winning the title. We'll be there or there abouts next season.

Despite all the press about the fianancial gashery, I think were better placed than any of those clubs, all we really need is for Torres and Gerrard to play more than 13 odd games that they did this season, throw in some new talent and it's ours 😉
[/quote]

Exactly.

As I said the other day, we'll just add the player(s) we feel will improve us and fit into our terrific team ethic. Some of the best sides in Europe couldn't cope with us at times last season, and that included United with £80m Ronaldo in their side and the much chased after Tevez, and Real Madrid who've just added two players to the side that we fucking destroyed last season.

Rafa proved at Valencia that you can overcome the Galatico/Superstar thing with a sound system of how you want to play, with everyone working for eachother.

United have got £100m? So what? They will always be class acts anyway no matter who they buy, we were always going to have to surpass the benchmark they've set, and they've now got to fill the void left by Ronaldo. Would you be confident of filling Gerrard's void with £100m?

Regards City, they still have a defence like a fucking siv.
[/quote]

Great post Mark.

 

[rebel23]

I must admit I never thought Florentino would go on a spree like this, Madrid are just insane.

it won't matter to us unless we meet them in the CL and besides, we have Rafa and his tactics and it should be our goal to beat Madrid in Madrid, how good would that be?

Of much more concern to us is Chelsea with their own insanely rich backer and now United with the Ronaldo money so I welcolme Madrid's spending spree as it restricts our direct rivals, imagine for example if Florentino couldn't do this.. Chelsea would almost certainly have snapped up Kaka and Villa or at least have the chances of doing so greatly increased

 

[mark1975]

There's pros and cons Rebel, they've pumped alot of money back into the market. Like I said, there are voids to fill by the selling teams, but United in particular now have a fair amount of financial clout to add to what is already a very good squad. But like I also said, Ronaldo is a big void to fill and there will be the 'disruption' aspect aswell, it's never a given that players will settle into the flow of things straight away.

I agree there's some trepidation regarding Chelsea, but they could also find themselves with another managerial sacking on the cards within the first few months. At this stage, who really knows?

We've got consistency, some fucking good players and stability in our favour. Hopefully the additions this Summer will prove the marked difference.

 

[Terrier]

[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=34133.msg887110#msg887110 date=1244829771]
[quote author=Terrier link=topic=34133.msg887104#msg887104 date=1244828565]

It is frustrating, however, knowing that when it comes to transfers, our main rivals are operating on a totally different level which we seemingly cant compete with.

Yes. That is it. It's extraordinarily frustrating knowing we can't compete on the same playing field financially.

There were plenty of moments last season when our squad looked utterly threadbare.

Contrast that with the Scum or Chav's bench that often featured 30m quid superstars who were 'having a day off.'
[/quote]

Just think though Terrier, *imagine* us winning it in the next year or two, how satisfying would it be, in the knowledge that we're surrounded by these sides pumping cash out left right and centre on superstars?

Fuck them, fuck them all.

Yeah we spend relatively big ourselves, but I think by and large we do things the right way, I never really wanted us to play the real life equivalent of Football Manager, it's nice to do things the right way, the way that requires hardwork and building together, everyone in tandem with each other heading for the same goal. Nice surprises like us possessing the best striker in the World.

How rewarding it will all prove once we get there.
[/quote]



100% agree, it would be fantastic to shove it in their faces given that we did it on the back of sweat and blood as opposed to spending outlandish amounts of cash.

But let's be semi-realistic here - rather than being hopeless romantics.

It will only take a few of our key players to misfire and we're back to square one with few options off the bench. Let's not forget during the last third of our campaign, even our second tier players were playing out of their skins.

Can that continue?

We sorely lack 'match winners' asides from Gerrard and Torres, when they're out, ASIDE from a few anomalies, we look a little toothless.

 

[mark1975]

Fair post, I know it was all a bit romantic, but that's us ain't it?

It's disheartening, I agree, just when you think "fuck, this could be our year", the transfer market goes wild.

Look at it this way for a bit of perspective. I thought Everton might slip last season, I thought they might still push for European places but with the spending of Spurs, Villa and City, I'd more or less banked on them finishing behind those three.

It's amazing what a bit of stability and a consistent lineup (which we've FINALLY had the pleasure of) can do for a side.

 

[Oncy]

Jesus. All thats happened so far is the best team in england and the second best team in italy have sold their best player to the 2nd best team in spain, and the 6th best team in Europe.
Hardly wrist slashing time.

 

[David Byrne]

I just don't get negative people, especially in football. It's the ultimate 'romantic' sport.

 

[Rafiagra]

[quote author=David Byrne link=topic=34133.msg887151#msg887151 date=1244836710]
I just don't get negative people, especially in football. It's the ultimate 'romantic' sport.
[/quote]

You should be a Geordie

 

[David Byrne]

Nah.

 

[Oncy]

[quote author=David Byrne link=topic=34133.msg887151#msg887151 date=1244836710]
I just don't get negative people, especially in football. It's the ultimate 'romantic' sport.
[/quote]I agree in principle. I get depressed when things are final but nows the optimistic time.

 

[David Byrne]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34133.msg887167#msg887167 date=1244839388]
[quote author=David Byrne link=topic=34133.msg887151#msg887151 date=1244836710]
I just don't get negative people, especially in football. It's the ultimate 'romantic' sport.
[/quote]I agree in principle. I get depressed when things are final but nows the optimistic time.
[/quote]

Obviously critical analysis and objectivity is a major part of the game, but this soul destroying defeatism based on two weeks of the transfer window and writing off our chances in June is bizarre.

 

[Oncy]

[quote author=David Byrne link=topic=34133.msg887168#msg887168 date=1244839529]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34133.msg887167#msg887167 date=1244839388]
[quote author=David Byrne link=topic=34133.msg887151#msg887151 date=1244836710]
I just don't get negative people, especially in football. It's the ultimate 'romantic' sport.
[/quote]I agree in principle. I get depressed when things are final but nows the optimistic time.
[/quote]

Obviously critical analysis and objectivity is a major part of the game, but this soul destroying defeatism based on two weeks of the transfer window and writing off our chances in June is bizarre.
[/quote]I think they are lying. I think they are ALL quietly optimistic but dont wanna say it. Theyve got the fear.
I'll say it. We'll win the league this year.

 

[leftpeg]

Our biggest rivals and the team that only just pipped us to the league title last season have just sold their best player. Our next greatest threat have lost the manger who turned their season around for them and replaced him with someone who has never played or managed in England (it might work out for them, it might not).

Admittedly we haven't yet strengthened but nor have we sold any quality. Now is not the time for panic. As Oncy said, if we can't look forward with optimism now, when can we?

Onwards and upwards lads, that's the spirit.