The Ultimate Football Thread 2013-2014 Vol. 4 EPL, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A etc

Martinez's best move yet is employing Barkley in the 10 hole.

Arbeloa is not the man to be speaking up for RM. But I'm glad someone responded to Piqué, who needs to concentrate on his own defensive form.

I'm agreeing with a Madridista... :lol:

Pique really needs to shut up & concentrate raising his level of play. The only person I've seen caught more out of position as a CB is LA Galaxy's Omar Gonzalez. Sometimes I think I'm looking at the same player on the pitch.
 
The locker room at Camp Nou before a game... I found the music kinda funny because it's kind of dramatic but the locker room is kinda ho hum. The interesting thing is the names of all the players that previously had each locker is posted at each...
 

Like who? Jose and Pep weren't going. The other guys who have won something are old.

I would have liked to see Villas-Boas manage United, but I like Martinez philosophy, he would have changed things.

VillyB would have been great option. I would actually believe if United came calling before the Bale out, he might have been swayed to leave.

Pellegrini, Ancelotti, were options at the time as well.

As much as Mourinho would have been interesting. I don't think he was going to work because of the financial situation at United. Mourinho pretty much wants to be at cash rich clubs to build whatever he wants. I think he would have clashed with the Glazers too much.

:lol: I know Chelsea fans will not believe this but...

By Ed Malyon 35 Comments
Jose Mourinho cried as Sir Alex Ferguson overlooked him for Manchester United job
24 Sep 2013 16:54
A new book by Spanish journalist Diego Torres reveals Mourinho's agony at missing out on the job agent Jorge Mendes had convinced him was his destiny

Jose Mourinho cried on discovering that David Moyes had got the Manchester United job, according to a new book released in Spain.

"Prepare to lose: The Mourinho Era" is Diego Torres' latest fly-on-the-wall book from inside Real Madrid, and extracts from the book appearing in Spain today tell of the Portuguese manager's anguish at being overlooked to replace Sir Alex Ferguson.

The first chapter, entitled Llorar (to cry), Torres writes:

“Mourinho, encouraged by his devoted agent [Jorge] Mendes believed that Ferguson, as well as an ally, was his friend and Godfather.

"He was convinced that they enjoyed a friendship of genuine trust. He thought that his fabulous collection of trophies - two European Cups, seven league titles and four cups in four different countries - made for a resumé no other candidate had.

"When he learnt he had chosen Moyes, Mou was incredulous. He screamed: ‘But he’s won nothing!’”


Mourinho's outburst is described as "the most disgraceful hours in his time as Real Madrid manager," and details hours that the 50-year-old spent unable to sleep and with his mobile phone glued to his head.

"Jorge Mendes, president and owner of Gestifute, was involved at Old Trafford more than any agent.

"No representative did such huge or such peculiar business with Ferguson.

"Nobody prepared more carefully, nor knew how to transmit to the media the idea that there was a predestined successor [to Ferguson].

"But if the propaganda affected the consciousness of one man, is was Mourinho himself."



http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/jose-mourinho-cried-sir-alex-2297572
 
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Villas Boas would have been perfect, he wants to be at a club for the long run. That's why he turned down Real and PSG. Too late now tho.

Pellegrini and Anchelotti are too old man, United needed someone whose much younger and could be there fir the long haul.

I wonder tho, what would it take for Moyes to get fired? I don't think United would give up on the dude for at least 3-4 years (if he went trophy less). He's Fergie's project, they'd be undermining Fergie if they let him go.
 
Villas Boas would have been perfect, he wants to be at a club for the long run. That's why he turned down Real and PSG. Too late now tho.

Pellegrini and Anchelotti are too old man, United needed someone whose much younger and could be there fir the long haul.

I wonder tho, what would it take for Moyes to get fired? I don't think United would give up on the dude for at least 3-4 years (if he went trophy less). He's Fergie's project, they'd be undermining Fergie if they let him go.

United's sponsorship agreements will say otherwise.

United start losing and going trophyless, or even dip out of guaranteed champions league, and best believe those new Nike, Chevy, AON etc deals will start to dry up.
 
Wow Inter finished 33 points back last season but are in second place now behind perfect Roma... They looked so awful in the preseason but are playing tough now...
 
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Knee jerk reaction calling for moyes to get sacked.. He will need more time, BUT you guys are spot on, if we start losing Sponsors because of poor results/management I believe he will be sacked. Glazers/United need that money to stay afloat (kind of a blessing in disguise)
 
John Cross on Stan Kroenke's interview: Arsenal's owner is energised, vibrant and determined to win the title
27 Sep 2013 09:58
The eloquent American will give Arsene Wenger every inch of the support he needs to bring success to the Emirates
Kroenke looks years younger than his age.

Maybe Kroenke doesn't look anything like 66 because he works out virtually every day and keeps himself in great shape.

Or maybe it is Arsenal that keeps him energised and vibrant because he talks with a very clear passion and enthusiasm. He speaks slowly, clearly and eloquently in a lovely American drawl.

Stan Kroenke has ploughed approaching $1billion into Arsenal and yet, having spent an hour in his company, it is clear that this is far from being just a financial interest.

Billionaire tycoon Kroenke spoke of his admiration for Wenger , enjoyment of Arsenal's passing style, being too wrapped up in their results and his overwhelming desire to win a trophy .

"There would be nothing cooler, I've never experienced it over here, to win the championship of the Premier League," Kroenke told me. "Some of my American cohorts have experienced that and we haven't been able to.

"I'm not getting any younger. It's something I would like to achieve. There would be nothing more thrilling than to win a championship."

That just about summed up Kroenke. He is wide eyed, enthralled and hungry for success. With a dash of American, of course, as he said how "cool" it would be.

Kroenke spoke well for the best part of an hour with me and another journalist. It's the second time we've met and he seems even more passionate about Arsenal this time.

His determination to ensure Wenger stays on is obvious and he is currently spending 30 to 40 days in England on Arsenal business each year.

But Kroenke is increasing his time over here, loves London, takes in as many games as he can and doesn't miss board meetings.

In fact, Kroenke even apologises and feels guilty for admitting that he thinks London is the best city in the world.

He seems relaxed, at home in the surroundings of one of London's best hotels, casually but smartly dressed in suit with open necked checked shirt.

Afterwards, we all go to the hotel bar and Sigourney Weaver sitting at an adjacent table attracts far more interest than Kroenke.

That's quite something for one of the most influential figures in English football. The majority shareholder of Arsenal, the Premier League's Bank of England club.

It's that history and charm which appeals to him and yet he is not about to be a brash foreign owner who courts attention.

Yet he has done far more interviews than Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. He addresses the Arsenal supporters at the club's Annual General Meeting which is surely more than Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has looked to do. Their doors are certainly not thrown open in the same manner as Arsenal.

But Arsenal fans should also be assured that Kroenke made it clear there are more funds available to Wenger and he clearly enjoyed the "fantastic" signing of Mesut Ozil.

It is also a family affair as his son Josh has got the Arsenal bug and perhaps his growing interest hints towards a family dynasty.

Kroenke made it clear he has never taken a "dime" out of Arsenal and would never sell the club. He could not have been more clear on that.

He is engaging, knowledgeable and passionate. Arsenal plays a big part of his life - and perhaps too much on occasion.

"Part of the problem of being involved is that you get drawn in so much it can ruin your day, ruin your weekend and it sticks with you," said Kroenke.

"You try to be more even about it, I take my mother's advice and try to strike a good balance."

View gallery Getty
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Arsene Wenger's Arsenal career in pictures
View gallery
Kroenke also made it clear he listens to fans and is genuinely interested in my opinion and standpoint.

He clearly has an incredible depth of knowledge throughout American sport and is enjoying English football being imported into the States more than ever this season because of a new TV deal.

The interest will only grow, he thinks. We can also learn much from American sport in terms of commercialism and marketing.

But there is one thing which really grips him: winning. He is determined to win the title.

And one thing is crystal clear. Central to that is Arsene Wenger. They talk a lot, they share a passion and knowledge of economics and he has been to watch training in the pouring rain.

Wenger was there directing matters, leaving a lasting impression upon Kroenke as he recalls the Frenchman's passion and unwavering desire.

With Wenger in the final year of his contract, there is a job there for as long as he wants it as far as Kroenke is concerned.

Kroenke mentions legendary baseball coach Billy Beane on more than one occasion, taking pride in his admiration for Arsenal and Wenger.

Wenger is central to Kroenke's vision and he holds him in the same regard - if not higher - as Beane. Trust me, as long as Kroenke has his way, Wenger will be Arsenal's manager. The only caveat will be if Wenger decides to call it a day.

But with Kroenke in full support of Mesut Ozil and more big name signings, it would seem that Wenger will be afforded every inch of support and backing to make Arsenal No1 again.

Kroenke said: "He (Wenger) knows how we feel, what our philosophy is, what we want to do and I feel like we are totally aligned. I think he wants to do it the exact same way as we do.

"I don't want to say something about Arsene that is not the way he feels but, to me, I think he seems to love what he does. But that's Arsene's decision."

If it's down to Kroenke, Wenger will stay for life.



Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/john-cross-stan-kroenkes-interview-2309875#ixzz2g5fsprOs
Follow us: @DailyMirror on Twitter | DailyMirror on Facebook
 
That was one of the biggest fluff pieces about a sports owner I've ever read. Talk about propaganda. :smh: His net worth is $5 billion. If he had the passion & enthusiasm as outlined in the article, why would he stand pat for the previous 10 years letting players like Cesc, RVP leave & let the club decline the way it has.

As valuable as Arsenal is, I would've used some of my personal net worth to pay down the stadium debt because you would see a return on that investment by fielding a winning team & the $$$ that generates.

The Glazers are much different story as they buy everything on credit (even outside of sports). I'm not even sure how the governing bodies like the NFL & the Prem allowed them to purchase teams almost solely on credit. They have very little in liquidity to their wealth so they couldn't pay down any debt.
 
That was one of the biggest fluff pieces about a sports owner I've ever read. Talk about propaganda. :smh: His net worth is $5 billion. If he had the passion & enthusiasm as outlined in the article, why would he stand pat for the previous 10 years letting players like Cesc, RVP leave & let the club decline the way it has.

As valuable as Arsenal is, I would've used some of my personal net worth to pay down the stadium debt because you would see a return on that investment by fielding a winning team & the $$$ that generates.

The Glazers are much different story as they buy everything on credit (even outside of sports). I'm not even sure how the governing bodies like the NFL & the Prem allowed them to purchase teams almost solely on credit. They have very little in liquidity to their wealth so they couldn't pay down any debt.

Some would say he's savvy. He lowered the wage bill, and all expenditure because of the new stadium. Now the stadium has been built and if I'm correct, almost already paid off. Which now allows them to sign marquee players, secure lucrative sponsorship contracts and essentially run a profitable football club. With Ozil coming in, a few other potential big names could join, and suddenly you have a very strong football club. That's what some would say.

I agree wholly with you on one thing. I can't for the live of me understand how any sports federation or association could allow someone to buy a club pretty much solely on credit. It's ridiculous, one little hiccup in finances can see a club fall from graces like Portsmouth.
 
Not sure how you guys read these huge stories in this thread, I see anything remotely big and zoom right past it. :lol:

I think alot of people see your SN and do the same thing Fam. But Being the AR$e-whole of the thread is your schtick. I get it.

#GunnersAllDayDoe right? :rofl:

RE: that piece, Def a fluff piece, My Blank stare face was on the entire time I read that... As long as Kroenke opens up the coffers for Arsene to spend INTELLIGENTLY, I'm confident we can get back to Title Contenders in no time. I'd love for us to get to the point where we're contending for CL Titles (like in 06) in the next 5 years. Ball's in your court Stan.
 
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I think alot of people see your SN and do the same thing Fam. But Being the AR$e-whole of the thread is your schtick. I get it.

#GunnersAllDayDoe right? :rofl:

RE: that piece, Def a fluff piece, My Blank stare face was on the entire time I read that... As long as Kroenke opens up the coffers for Arsene to spend INTELLIGENTLY, I'm confident we can get back to Title Contenders in no time. I'd love for us to get to the point where we're contending for CL Titles (like in 06) in the next 5 years. Ball's in your court Stan.

It's all good, I'm not on this forum to impress anybody or make e-pals.
 
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