Champions League 2011/12

[Stevo Da Gull]

It's a good question. I always have a go at John Giles for knowing so little about opposition players (how much is the man paid to sit there and say 'well I know nothing about this {foreign} team, Bill'?) but in his defence he does show a degree of knowledge about the game that is above what you would get on many TV stations.

I don't have Sky Sports (though I do have SSNews), but apparently Gary Neville has been impressing people with his insights :eek:

[BonnieShels]

Well there's nothing like turning on ESPN and seeing Stubbs Keegan and savage. Jesus Wept.

Looking forward to watching the hockey and being back to a standard of punditry that you don't get outside of hurling. WHOOP!

[Kingdom]

Pundits that I'd listen to? Don't watch Sky so that rules that mob out.

Cunningham.

That is all.

[Closed Account 2]

I think Alan McInally is a decent pundit, he's very knowledgeable about the German game whenever there is a Bundesliga team in a CL match on Sky.

[OwlsFan]

As "Pundits" (what exactly is the definition of a pundit) go I think Gary Neville is good.

Basel had that game to win but what do they say, football is played mostly in the head and they just dropped back and a Man U equaliser became more inevitable as time ticked by. Well done to the ref for awarding the peno and then getting in the way of many Man U attacks :) Ferguson must be regretting selling Brown and O'Shea with the number of injuries he has in defence.

Did I see some coach trying to drag Tevez from his seat to get him to move and he refused? Never seen anything like it in football. Was greatly impressed by Schweinsteiger at the WC and nothing has changed there. Class act.

[geysir]

Tony Pulis was asked for his opinion on the Tevez controversy,
"Absolutely nothing to do with me, let them get on with it. Not interested."

[geysir]

Congratulation to David Alan Kelly on getting a CL gig tonight
By Irish standards, he's an excellent ref, anyone see the game he did, Bayer Leverkusen v Genk?
I suppose no harm that the home side wins.

[osarusan]

Alan Kelly surely?

Or is there another Kelly reffing in Ireland?

Maybe "David Kelly" is in your head from all his bile in the Indo.

[geysir]

:)
Yeah Alan Kelly.

Stutts will now be pesking me about how to strike out words.

[DeLorean]

I like Craig Burley, Johnny Giles, Liam Brady, Richie Sadlier, Kenny Cunningham (although his intensity makes me a bit nervous), Gary Neville and Graeme Souness (when on RTÉ) to name a few.

The two I dislike most are Mark Lawrenson and Damien Richardson.

[old git]

Tony Pulis was asked for his opinion on the Tevez controversy,
"Absolutely nothing to do with me, let them get on with it. Not interested."

would love to know mancini's opinion :D shocking from tevez if he refused to come on and the quicker city get rid of him the better now. shame such a talented player may now only be remember for all the bad publicity / trouble that accompanied him with all his clubs in england.

[DeLorean]

Alex Ferguson has been seriously vindicated for getting rid of him anyway, as crazy as it seemed at the time.

[Stevo Da Gull]

I like Craig Burley, Johnny Giles, Liam Brady, Richie Sadlier, Kenny Cunningham (although his intensity makes me a bit nervous), Gary Neville and Graeme Souness (when on RTÉ) to name a few.

The two I dislike most are Mark Lawrenson and Damien Richardson.

Can't disagree with those lists. Some of the things Richardson comes out with are a bit facepalm worthy.

Good entertainment at the Emirates last night. Should Olympiacos feel like the missed an opportunity there?

[BonnieShels]

Isn't it a remarkable difference between RTÉ Souness and Sky Souness.

Remember "Who have you managed?" "I've managed to keep myself alive for 63 years, baby."

[OwlsFan]

Tony Pulis was asked for his opinion on the Tevez controversy,
"Absolutely nothing to do with me, let them get on with it. Not interested."

Have you noticed that Harry Rednapp is dragged out by Sky to speak on every subject under the sun? I wonder is he on a retainer for them. Amazed Roy Keane wasn't asked to comment or is he now one of the forgotton men of football who disappear in to the shadows eventually (please God).


Isn't it a remarkable difference between RTÉ Souness and Sky Souness.

Remember "Who have you managed?" "I've managed to keep myself alive for 63 years, baby."

Perhaps because he doesn't have to listen to his fellow pundits and compere stirring things up with the greatest load of contradictory and deliberately "controversial" sh*te, baby.

[pineapple stu]

This thread's gone strangely quiet.

Messi at it again tonight - a hat-trick away to ten-man Plzen, to add to a hat-trick in La Liga at the weekend, making it four hat-tricks already this season. So that's 6 goals in 5 European games and 16 in 12 domestic games. If he plays the same number of games as last season, he's on course for 70 goals this season. Just unreal.

[OwlsFan]

Interesting that Barca never seem to feel they have to "rest" Messi unlike Man U and the other Premiership teams. He seems to love playing no matter against whom it may be.

The Arsenal bandwagon came to a halt last night. It is always the same. Some terrible results are forgotton after some good ones and there was talk of the league title on Sky the day before yesterday.

Fair dues to the Cypriot team beating Porto. What is their secret for success?

[Poor Student]

This thread's gone strangely quiet.

Messi at it again tonight - a hat-trick away to ten-man Plzen, to add to a hat-trick in La Liga at the weekend, making it four hat-tricks already this season. So that's 6 goals in 5 European games and 16 in 12 domestic games. If he plays the same number of games as last season, he's on course for 70 goals this season. Just unreal.

To me he's the greatest ever. I don't care if he hasn't quite replicated it in international football yet, he's done it at La Liga and CL level. Take out local state championships and friendlies and I'm sure he's already scored more than Pele. But it's not just the goal scoring, his all round game is phenomenal, he finishes as good as anyone, dribbles as well as anyone and his passing is amongst one of the best, he has 84 assists for Barca too! I hope he can remain unscathed from injuries, his legacy will be amazing.

[KK77]

Interesting that Barca never seem to feel they have to "rest" Messi unlike Man U and the other Premiership teams. He seems to love playing no matter against whom it may be.

The Arsenal bandwagon came to a halt last night. It is always the same. Some terrible results are forgotton after some good ones and there was talk of the league title on Sky the day before yesterday.

Fair dues to the Cypriot team beating Porto. What is their secret for success?

Barce play less games during the season than Man U, the weather would be a lot better in general in Spain and the style of play over there means he is less likely to be torn asunder so not as much need to rest him.

[pineapple stu]

Barce play fewer games during the season than Man U, the weather would be a lot better in general in Spain and the style of play over there means he is less likely to be torn asunder so not as much need to rest him.
Barca played 60 games in 2010/11 versus 59 for Man United, so the first point isn't true. And of that, Messi played in 55 games last season, while Nani and Evra played most for United with just 48 games. I don't think the weather affects a player that much, and if any player is going to be kicked repeatedly, it's Messi.

[OwlsFan]

Thanks stato.

[KK77]

Barca played 60 games in 2010/11 versus 59 for Man United, so the first point isn't true. And of that, Messi played in 55 games last season, while Nani and Evra played most for United with just 48 games. I don't think the weather affects a player that much, and if any player is going to be kicked repeatedly, it's Messi.

Thanks for that information. I think over the course of a season the weather and the fact you wouldn't have as many teams playing rugby against Barce (if they could get the ball from him/them) does help injury prevention/tiredness etc etc kicking in. All about opinions that's one of the many many reasons i love the beautiful game.

[pineapple stu]

Except saying Man U play more matches than Barca isn't an opinion. It's just factually wrong.

And not being able to get the ball off the players (especially Messi) surely means they're more likely to be kicked? If they can't be stopped legally, stop them illegally.

I don't know why you think the weather would be a particular influence.

[KK77]

Except saying Man U play more matches than Barca isn't an opinion. It's just factually wrong.

And not being able to get the ball off the players (especially Messi) surely means they're more likely to be kicked? If they can't be stopped legally, stop them illegally.

I don't know why you think the weather would be a particular influence.

I thanked you for the information that you gave re the number of games played.

As i stated all about opinions and i take yours on board kind sir.

[gaiscíoch]

Barca played 60 games in 2010/11 versus 59 for Man United, so the first point isn't true. And of that, Messi played in 55 games last season, while Nani and Evra played most for United with just 48 games. I don't think the weather affects a player that much, and if any player is going to be kicked repeatedly, it's Messi.

He may have played 55 games last year and don't get me wrong its a great achievement.
But Messi's average distance ran per game is 6-7km/game that's 5kms less than Alves and Xavi.
I agree he is top class and imo the best the world has seen.

With regards the fouls- some of the tackles put in, in the premier league would never be aloud in Spain.
For example Carragher on Nani last year and Kevin Davies every week and Ryan Shawcross on Ramsey etc.
La Liga defenders are more cynical than the premier league defenders who are out and out hatchet men.

Right now Messi playing every game is a great thing but unless he is a machine it will take it's toll.
ALA the Real Ronaldo.

He is at the top right now and long may it last.... I just hope Barcelona are managing him properly and protecting him from himself....

[pineapple stu]

Real Madrid going mad tonight; 3-0 up after 9 minutes; 4-0 now (20 minutes gone)

[geysir]

Apoel Nicosia are through to the last 16 already. Porto in the same CL group, must be candidates for the most disappointing team so far this season, though Dortmund would run them close.
Last night, Napoli v Man City was a fascinating match, I hadn't seen much of either team before this. The game was a footballing lesson.

[KK77]

Talk this morning that Hiddink has agreed to become new Anzhi coach for next season and that Chelsea are going to bring Roy Hodgson in to the steady the ship.

[OwlsFan]

Yes, the Napoli vs City games was one of the best games I have seen. Great standard of football.

As for the Hodgson rumour, keep taking the pills.

[DeLorean]

Move on with your life Rafa.... Roy has.

[KK77]

Yes, the Napoli vs City games was one of the best games I have seen. Great standard of football.

As for the Hodgson rumour, keep taking the pills.

Sorry saw it on the internet. Chelsea sorry Roman is fairly mad but the question is would he be mad enough to appoint Woy to steady the ship? I am 50/50 myself on it. I think Terry and Co would be happy as Woy is English and would get the defence going and steady the ship though the choppy waters it's going through.

[KK77]

Move on with your life Rafa.... Roy has.

I have horse, i love fishing now!

[DeLorean]

Sorry saw it on the internet.

Any link?

[KK77]

Any link?

It's on facebook and maybe twitter as well.

On facebook it just said #hodgsonforchelsea. The perfect man to steady the ship.

[DeLorean]

Some concrete stuff there.

The Milan Barca match was fantastic last night. I was very impressed with Milan. Their workrate was excellent and really tried to get at Barca whenever they could. I thought the penalty for Barca was harsh but they deserved to win overall. Kevin-Prince Boateng was a lot better than I remember him being at Portsmouth! His goal was different class and was a real handful all night. Pato was very disappointing.

Chelsea and Valencia should be a cracker in two weeks time. It basically like a second leg after the first leg finishing 1-1, the only difference being that 1-1 will do Valencia to qualify instead of extra time.

Man United have put themselves in an awkward spot. Basel is a tough place to go but they should get, at least, the point they need. Finishing second would make the draw for the last 16 very interesting, but saying that they could get lucky and draw APOEL or Leverkusen too.

[KK77]

Some concrete stuff there.
The Milan Barca match was fantastic last night. I was very impressed with Milan. Their workrate was excellent and really tried to get at Barca whenever they could. I thought the penalty for Barca was harsh but they deserved to win overall. Kevin-Prince Boateng was a lot better than I remember him being at Portsmouth! His goal was different class and was a real handful all night. Pato was very disappointing.

Chelsea and Valencia should be a cracker in two weeks time. It basically like a second leg after the first leg finishing 1-1, the only difference being that 1-1 will do Valencia to qualify instead of extra time.

Man United have put themselves in an awkward spot. Basel is a tough place to go but they should get, at least, the point they need. Finishing second would make the draw for the last 16 very interesting, but saying that they could get lucky and draw APOEL or Leverkusen too.

I wouldn't have a clue to be honest. I suppose paper never refuses ink!

[DeLorean]

I wouldn't have a clue to be honest. I suppose paper never refuses ink!

I doubt that appeared in a paper. Probably just some twistedly bitter Liverpool fan taking cheap shot on twitter/facebook. You know the ones.

[KK77]

I doubt that appeared in a paper. Probably just some twistedly bitter Liverpool fan taking cheap shot on twitter/facebook. You know the ones.

I know the ones alright, i find most clubs have them:p

A lot of them don't attend games, they just vent their spline from a computer.

[geysir]

The Milan Barca match was fantastic last night. I was very impressed with Milan. Their workrate was excellent and really tried to get at Barca whenever they could. I thought the penalty for Barca was harsh but they deserved to win overall. Kevin-Prince Boateng was a lot better than I remember him being at Portsmouth! His goal was different class and was a real handful all night. Pato was very disappointing.
It was a fantastic match, I was also impressed with Milan. Both teams played to an utter standstill in injury time.
Some winner for Barca though.
Right now I'd vote for a Barca v Milan final, as the most likely to be a spectacle.


Man United have put themselves in an awkward spot. Basel is a tough place to go but they should get, at least, the point they need. Finishing second would make the draw for the last 16 very interesting, but saying that they could get lucky and draw APOEL or Leverkusen too.
I was impressed with Leverkusen's football last night, I'd back them to beat Man U.

[DeLorean]

Right now I'd vote for a Barca v Milan final, as the most likely to be a spectacle.

I think a Bayern Barcelona final would be fascinating also. With the final being in Munich, they might be the best equipped to beat them.


I was impressed with Leverkusen's football last night, I'd back them to beat Man U.

I wouldn't rule it out by any means but it could be a different United by February. I just meant they could still get a relatively favourable draw even if they finish second i.e. avoid Barcelona, Real, Bayern, etc.

[Closed Account 2]

Some concrete stuff there.

The Milan Barca match was fantastic last night. I was very impressed with Milan. Their workrate was excellent and really tried to get at Barca whenever they could. I thought the penalty for Barca was harsh but they deserved to win overall. Kevin-Prince Boateng was a lot better than I remember him being at Portsmouth! His goal was different class and was a real handful all night. Pato was very disappointing.


I thought the pen was a bit soft too, also for Boateng's goal there is no disputing it was great skill and well hit shot, but Valdez seems to be beaten at his near post yet again in the Champions League.

There are some good matches, in effect knockouts, next time. As well as Chelsea against Valencia there is Porto v Zenit; if Porto win they go through otherwise Zenit go through. Lille v Trabzonspor is similar, whoever wins progresses, a draw would favour Trabzonspor, but if it is a draw and CSKA go to Inter Milan (already through) and win then CSKA will go through.

[DeLorean]

Yeah speaking off the cuff a little bit here, but there seems to be a lot more groups going down to Match Day 6 than the last few seasons. If Manchester City can overcome Bayern I would give them a decent chance of going through as well. I don't think they'll get anything easy off them though, even if Bayern are already qualified. I really didn't expect Villarreal to give such a poor account of themselves and there might just be one big result in them. They're going poorly in La Liga also though and seem to be without a few key players.

I'd like to see Zenit advance against Porto, they seemed to do everything but score against Apoel last night. Peter Collins even compared it to our own result in Russia! I could see Olympiakos taking the final spot in Arsenal's group. They should definitely overcome Arsenal's Carling Cup team and Marseille could find it difficult to win in Dortmund.

Yeah, you have a point about Valdes being beaten at his near post but I wouldn't be too harsh on him. The little bit of skill from Boateng caught everybody a bit off guard and the shot was well struck from fairly close range. I'm sure goalkeeping coaches the world over would disagree with me though.

[geysir]

Boateng's shot was a perfectly struck thunderbolt.

[KK77]

Poor old AVB is now the most overhyped manager according to Eamo Dunphy! Got to laugh at Eamo for sharing these perils of wisdom just a pity he didn't make this call during the summer as opposed to when AVB is going through a sticky patch. Had an excellent season last season and some need to realise that football isn't all about the premiership. Seems to me he is a good young manager making his way who wants to give everything to do well. Hopefully he will be given the time to do so.

[DeLorean]

It's feels strange agreeing with you Rafa, but I was thinking the exact same thing when Dunphy was banging on about him the other night. I think he should be given time also, there are a lot of has-beens at Chelsea and he should be given a chance to build his own side. Probably won't happen though and a negative result against Valencia could be fatal for him, even if he doesn't get the bullet immediately.

[DeLorean]

Just another few points on some of the pundits around at the moment...

Ronnie Whelan is so miserable and has the worst speaking voice imaginable. About ten minutes into the second half of the 1st Leg of the Estonia match he was ranting and raving about what a poor Irish performance it had been, and that it looked like the Estonian's were the ones playing with the eleven men (as if they were laying siege on our goal). They had one good shot from way out in the first half and one dangerous ball into the box that was deflected wide in the second half. By full time he was going on about what a wonderful professional job the lads had done.

Gary Gillespie just sits there sprawled out like Joe Brolly and says nothing at all of interest... Ray Houghton over analyses the hell out of everything and is just as negative as Whelan. I turn the TV down to less annoying levels when he's about.

Mark Lawrenson I just want to strangle the second he opens his mouth. A couple of weeks ago he was doing the Arsenal-Marseille match and he started going on about how Vermaelen should be captain instead of Van Persie, just let Van Persie get on with scoring goals. Can you imagine Wenger stripping the captaincy off RVP for no reason at all, in the form of his life and the club are trying to get him to sign a new contract in the summer. There might have been some tiny logic to it if Van Persie's form seemed to have dipped due to the pressure of the captaincy.

Literally two minutes later he started talking about Marseille manager Didier Deschamps and how he's supposed to be a great motivator. He said that he heard that France's 1998 World Cup success was put down to Deschamps incredible speech at half time of the final....my God, they were up 2-0 by then. In fairness, if he's going to engage in telling apocryphal stories, they could at least make sense.

[OwlsFan]

Possibility that only Arsenal of the English teams will make the knock out phase. Who would have thought that a month or so ago? That would certainly kill Sky's ratings and indeed Laughing Bill with Waldorf and Statler.

http://images.wikia.com/muppet/images/f/f1/StatlerWaldorf.JPG

Still of course possible that all 4 will go through. Man U in Basle the best bet provided that Rooney is fit.

[DeLorean]

Apparently he's back for the Newcastle match tomorrow. I presume Vidic will be back from suspension also which will be huge, possibly an even bigger factor than Rooney. I suppose Chelsea would still be favourites to go through at the Bridge but it could be a tense night for them.

[Closed Account 2]

So CSKA and Zenit are both in the CL latter stages. The bulk of the Russian team we played over the two matches - keepers Akinfeev and Malafeev, defenders such as Ignashevitch, the Berezuitskii twins, the whole Zenit midfield (Denisov, Shirokov, Bystrov, Fayzulyn, Zyrianov), Dzagoev, and the Zenit strikers Kerzakhov and Bukharov have all heavily featured in these teams runs - I think we can say that out result in Moscow was against a top international team.

Very strange goings on in the Zagreb - Lyonnais and Ajax - Real matches.

[geysir]

I guess we won't see Man U beating Barca this season.

I picked the wrong match to watch last night - Porto waddle their way against Zenit.
Benfica look the better team from Portugal, just that bit more clinical up front.
Basel had a good night in the mud. Shaqiri looks like he can make the step up from the star u21 player at the Euros to a class senior footballer. It's a good sign for the Swiss league that one of their clubs could hold onto him this long.