LoI in Europe 2018

[ger121]

Thank God that is over. That Dundalk side may be good domestically but if they want to progress in Europe again, this Peak 6 crowd need to invest a few quid in bringing in players.

[sullanefc]

It is hard to fathom how much Legia have disimproved since getting to the Champions League two seasons ago. Cork must be beginning to realise that this was a huge missed opportunity. Opportunities to advance in the Champions League don't come about very often. It's hard enough winning the domestic league, to start with.

Another "if only" moment for a LOI club.
Larnaca have improved, Legia have disimproved. Dundalk good, Cork City bad.... blah blah blah....

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Larnaca have improved, Legia have disimproved. Dundalk good, Cork City bad.... blah blah blah....

Gotta agree with this, if you look at Legias other qualifying results in 2016 they weren't exactly in great shape then either

[brendy_éire]

4-0 Minsk too; 7-1 on aggregate

Strange night

Strange indeed.
Minsk were unlucky to lose to us in Belarus, but that's a big scoreline tonight.
Maybe Dunajská Streda have been caught out early in their season?

[pateen]

Larnaca have improved, Legia have disimproved. Dundalk good, Cork City bad.... blah blah blah....

Leave it.
Some of us City fans were shouting for Dundalk tonight.
Lets hope we upset the from books next week

[micls]

I didn't see the game, but was surprised that Kenny didn't really rest anyone Sunday. Did it look like that had an impact at all? 3 games in a week with the 3rd being in this heat at this level is a lot to ask of players.

[sbgawa]

Considering the depth of his squad that did seen like a bizarre decision ,

[Philosophizer]

I didn't see the game, but was surprised that Kenny didn't really rest anyone Sunday. Did it look like that had an impact at all? 3 games in a week with the 3rd being in this heat at this level is a lot to ask of players.
Didn't seem to have an impact to be honest as all the damage was done in the 1st 20 minutes when they should have been at their freshest.

It was just a collective ****-show. Larnaca played well in the 1st half in fairness, put together some nice passes, but only had 3 clear chances in the 1st half but they took them all. Most of the dundalk lads had awful nights. Hoare, cleary, Rogers, Benson, Duffy, Conolly were all having shockers. McGrath and shields were the only 2 who performed imo.

[CorribsideSteve]

What a thoroughly abject performance. A back to square one moment. Dundalk made their exploits in 2016 look like a strange anomaly, rather than it being a launchpad for better things. Been watching LOI in Europe since 1998, and tonight there was no difference in this 4-0 defeat than any other tanking in the past. Looked absolutely light years away from Europe this evening. Crushingly disappointing. They would have lost anyway if it was a soft wet Irish day. Heat can only be so much of a factor.

[sullanefc]

Jesus lads, another f*cking Dundalk/Cork argument. Cop on.


This is the type of post that is posted when dalk fans are called out on their arrogance and put downs of City. Why not call out dalk fans on their bs. If harps are ever in this position with this kind of rivalry you might understand.

Call it paranoia/envy or whatever, but from a City point of view, Dundalk are put on a pedestal but City rarely get credit. This is down to the contrasting styles IMO. I have often been critical of JC's approach against weaker LOI opposition, but one good season in Europe does not make Dundalk European aristocrats where their way is the only way.

A lot of people criticised our approach to the Legia tie, and claimed they were there for the taking. They are still a fine side despite dundalk fans claiming they have disimproved and opening up against technically superior opposition can be suicide. We still created 3 excellent opportunities at home and if one of them goes in it's a completely different ball game and narrative on here.

[CorribsideSteve]

We still created 3 excellent opportunities at home and if one of them goes in it's a completely different ball game and narrative on here.

This. Both sides, and any other side competing in Europe need to invest in finishing coaches. I watched the Dundalk match with a British Man U fan, and he said Dundalk had to score the limited chances they had. Same for Cork. Both sides go limp in attack at the crucial moment, buckling psychologically under pressure. The Rovers player that missed an absolute sitter against Stockholm that would have won them the tie, as another example.

As for the Cork/Dundalk saga. On the basis of both sides hammerings, it now looks like a battle to avoid being the most shoyt.

[colonelwest]

Lads the whole world isn't out to get ye, much as the chip on your shoulder, as mentioned previously, seems to think it is. Ye are getting as bad as scousers at this stage. Good luck and all the best against Rosenborg.

As to ourselves today, worst we've played in Europe since BATE or Levski back in the day. Incredibly disappointing and frustrating as simple errors and lapses in concentration creeped into our play, the bane of LOI teams in Europe over the years. Seemed as well a lot of them were either coasting or out on their feet from the get go. SK doesn't rotate much generally but even though was said at the weekend, with hindsight could well have done with resting 2 or 3 players for today. No complaints and the better team over the 2 legs went through.

On the bright side we looked much more coherent and a threat going forward when Fats came on second half, not too many covered themselves in glory today but that's the exception to the rule given the level of performance over the last few years. Disappointing but on to focusing on the league and hopefully we can win it and get the handier route when we do this all again next summer!

[micls]

It does highlight also the luck of the draw aspect.

Dundalk were seeded in both rounds and got the exact same draw as we got unseeded last year.

We got some of the toughest draws in Legia and Rosenborg. Rovers and Derry both got difficult draws too.

Tough year in terms of draws for the league overall.

[patrickccfc]

TNS going through by the looks of it. 3-2 on aggregate, 1-1 on the night against Lincoln Red Imps.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Which of TNS and Lincoln was seeded?

[sullanefc]

Which of TNS and Lincoln was seeded?
TNS i think.

[Yossarian]

So I come in from watching an abject performance to see Cork supporters arguing with anyone that Dundalk aren’t as good as people say they are.
We were woeful tonight, no balance in midfield and a terrible performance from Hoare at right back. You couldn’t even blame the heat or a dodgy decision. Larnaca didn’t really have to do too much today to win. It’s very disappointing as I thought we had a great chance to go through.
These ties highlight the almost impossible task of a team from Ireland (or any small league) now making the group stages. The only viable chance now is for the league winners to be seeded in the champions league first round qualifier and to take the breaks and maybe get into the Europa league.
It’s very disappointing tonight but we need to focus and regain the title for a chance to make a decent impression in Europe.

[ger121]

TNS i think.

It does show the advantages of the seeding format in the Champions draw of the UEL.

[ger121]

Progres through and play the winners of Domzale/Ufa. Goes to show what a decent draw,followed up by a decent performance can do. They’ll be eying up a play-off spot. Our teams haven’t being punching above their weight the last couple of years, since Cork beat Hacken and Dundalk beat BATE.

[DFCForever]

Bad day at the office from us tonight, no question. There was no lack of effort from the team but certain players weren't up to their usual standards, most notably Seán Hoare. The important thing now is to focus on winning the league; we stand a great chance of being seeded. in the Champions' League next year if we do.

[nigel-harps1954]

This is the type of post that is posted when dalk fans are called out on their arrogance and put downs of City. Why not call out dalk fans on their bs. If harps are ever in this position with this kind of rivalry you might understand.


I don't particularly care for the "but he started it" line. It doesn't make a difference to me whether it's Cork fans telling Dundalk they're better, or Dundalk fans telling Cork they're better, the whole episode is getting tiresome. Cork and Dundalk are both miles ahead of everyone else in the league, and are pretty much equal to each other currently.

Every thread on this site lately end up descending into a b!tching fest between Cork and Dundalk fans. I'm all for the banter or whatever you have, but some of the rubbish is just pathetic.

[bennocelt]

This. Both sides, and any other side competing in Europe need to invest in finishing coaches. I watched the Dundalk match with a British Man U fan, and he said Dundalk had to score the limited chances they had. Same for Cork. Both sides go limp in attack at the crucial moment, buckling psychologically under pressure. The Rovers player that missed an absolute sitter against Stockholm that would have won them the tie, as another example.

As for the Cork/Dundalk saga. On the basis of both sides hammerings, it now looks like a battle to avoid being the most shoyt.

Wasnt that one of the pointers we got from the World Cup, the lesser teams got chances that they failed to put away. I dont think its just a LOI thing tbf

Seen the first half, think Larnica might have surprised them a bit with the fast temp from the get go. 2 down after 20, game over.

Anyway at least we have Cork in the next round.

[pineapple stu]

Burnley and Aberdeen gone into extra time after two 1-1 draws, which is a bit surprising. Burnley have just gone ahead now.

A draw for Crues against Ljubljana, though they were hammered in the first leg. Means the North drop into the bottom four leagues in Europe now and will start the Champions League one round earlier next season. They'll love that, given how much Europe seems to impede them as it stands anyway.

In terms of Bohs' chances for the Youth League, they need three of Benfica, Dynamo Kyiv, PSV Eindhoven, Dinamo Zagreb, Red Star Belgrade and Astana to reach the group stages. So far, they've lost Sheriff Tiraspol, HJK Helsinki, Midtylland and FC Basel, and at least one more will be lost in the third QR as Zagreb play Astana. Basel and Midtylland are big losses; Sheriff and HJK were never going to qualify.

In round 3, it's Benfica v Fenerbahce, Kyiv v Slavia Prague, Red Star v Trnava, and PSV then start in the final qualifying round.

Looking a bit dodgy for Bohs there I think.

[El-Pietro]

As far as I know that also means NI gets one less team next year in the EL. Their champions will be in the preliminary tournament too. Two games in three days, one legged semi final and final.

[EatYerGreens]

Dundalk were poor this afternoon, but credit to Larnaca. They moved the ball and players very quickly, with lots of fluid one-touch passes and movements. Their second goal in particular was was pretty special (the long ball in to the forward who got between 2 defenders to score with it).

I was surprised at how good Larnaca looked tbh, and I don't think the weather was anything more than a minor factor. It's embarrassing for Ireland that a country with a population smaller than Dublin is kicking our ass in Europe.

Was at the Crusaders Ljubljana match, and the Crues were good value for their draw.

[brendy_éire]

This is the type of post that is posted when dalk fans are called out on their arrogance and put downs of City. Why not call out dalk fans on their bs. If harps are ever in this position with this kind of rivalry you might understand.

Fairly hypocritical to accuse one set of fans arrogance, and in the same sentence use 'City' to refer exclusively to your own club. Strange to then follow it up by having a go at Harps fans because they don't understand rivalry, apparently.
I think we'd all agree that this would be a better place if people were just a bit more civil with each other.

Anyways, back to the football. Didn't watch it live, so going from the highlights here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rjqKgG6q88I

Some pretty out of character play from Dundalk. With the experience in that side, it's unexpected to see them 'do a City' (the Derry one, that is) and concede four goals with such dire defending. Kenny must be fuming.
Not sure what to make of the goals, looked like Dundalk just switched off. Most unlike them.

Disappointing, but it's fair to say that Larnaca are a better side than anyone in this country. As noted above, the Cypriot league seems to be healthy enough. A small island with a small population on the fringe of Europe, divided between north and south, punching well above its weight. Bound to be a lesson or two for us in there.

[Asterix]

Dan Cleary looked awful in those highlights. ''Doubt me now'' I'd say a lot of people do.

[sullanefc]

Fairly hypocritical to accuse one set of fans arrogance, and in the same sentence use 'City' to refer exclusively to your own club. Strange to then follow it up by having a go at Harps fans because they don't understand rivalry, apparently.
I think we'd all agree that this would be a better place if people were just a bit more civil with each other.

Anyways, back to the football. Didn't watch it live, so going from the highlights here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rjqKgG6q88I

Some pretty out of character play from Dundalk. With the experience in that side, it's unexpected to see them 'do a City' (the Derry one, that is) and concede four goals with such dire defending. Kenny must be fuming.
Not sure what to make of the goals, looked like Dundalk just switched off. Most unlike them.

Disappointing, but it's fair to say that Larnaca are a better side than anyone in this country. As noted above, the Cypriot league seems to be healthy enough. A small island with a small population on the fringe of Europe, divided between north and south, punching well above its weight. Bound to be a lesson or two for us in there.

What nonsense are you on about? Arrogant because I (and every other person in Cork) call the club City? It is this way to distinguish between sporting codes.

What is really arrogant is when you consider your club purveyors of total football and the man city of LOI.

[Ezeikial]

Some hard-hitting straight-talking post match stuff from Stephen Kenny who chooses not to sugar coat the abject performance.



Kenny fury as Dundalk horror show ends Euro ambitions
AEK Larnaca 4 Dundalk 0 (AEK win 4-0 on aggregate)

Daniel McDonnell in Larnaca

August 3 2018 2:30 AM


It was almost an hour after the full-time whistle when Stephen Kenny emerged from the visiting dressing room located in a tunnel below the AEK Arena.

Europe has been the stage for some of his greatest days as Dundalk manager but this evening had descended into one of the worst.

This was his heaviest defeat since taking charge, with a four-goal thrashing a complete break from character for a side that had won 16 out of their 17 games since their defeat to Waterford in May.

When Dundalk encountered superior forces during their magical 2016 European journey, they didn't lose any game by more than a goal.

In that context, this was a drubbing. AEK Larnaca were the better side but they didn't have to work exceptionally hard to score three before half-time and seize control.

The 32-degree heat which made water breaks mandatory was a factor - but it doesn't function as an acceptable excuse for the basic errors that gave the Cypriots the initiative.

And Kenny did not cite that as a factor as he pulled no punches in his assessment of a dire display.

The priority this year is regaining the league title - as evidenced by the absence of rotation in Sunday's win over Bohemians - and the champions route offers a kinder passage to European success. But Kenny takes pride in solid European displays and this had clearly dented it.

"This has to hurt," he stressed, "I won't tell the players to park this. It has to hurt.

"We're disappointed tonight and the players understand it's not acceptable. We're capable of a lot better than that."

A tie that was described as 'evenly poised' was done and dusted by half-time.

Larnaca coach Andoni Iraola had said on the eve of the match that he had spotted weaknesses in Dundalk during last week's scoreless draw and he introduced crafty Spanish winger Tete in order to exploit them.

The 33-year-old hugged the left touchline, leaving right-back Sean Hoare with a dilemma, and the genesis of AEK's success was how they found Dundalk out in that area of the pitch. Dylan Connolly's tracking back was also an issue.

Larnaca's ball retention was superior and they managed to lure Dundalk out of position before executing a killer pass that found space in behind.

There were warning signs in the early minutes, with Daniel Cleary booked as Dundalk were pulled out of shape. The disappointing aspect about the breakthrough goal was that it actually came after a promising Dundalk counter that was cleared.

Before they could regroup, Macedonian international Ivan Trickovski made a run that Hoare was slow to track and he was left playing catch-up as he angled a right footer beyond Rogers.

Larnaca added another before the first water break. This was even more straightforward, with a long pass from Joan Truyols finding Tete who caught Hoare out of position and found himself with just Rogers to beat. A cheeky chip did the rest.

"Sean just completely switched off," said Kenny, "He didn't even see the player. I can't explain it really.

"The defending for the goals was just nowhere near good enough. In that period where they've scored two, our heads dropped completely.

Dundalk did try and muster a fightback and had a strong appeal for a penalty rejected when Jamie McGrath was tripped into the box. That might have given them some momentum, but Larnaca escaped and found another ahead of the interval.

It was more of the same as the play shifted towards Tete with Hoare in the firing line and Connolly tardy when it came to getting back to offer protection. His cross found Trickovski who forced the ball past Gary Rogers after the keeper blocked his initial header.

Game over.

Kenny took action at the break, and unsurprisingly his changes centred on the right side. Hoare moved into centre half, replacing Cleary who was hooked along with Connolly. Sean Gannon came in at right-full and Patrick McEleney was brought into midfield with Jamie McGrath shifted right. From the outset, there was a better balance.

Dangerous

However, Larnaca didn't need to push for another goal, and maintained control of the situation even though Dundalk were more dangerous in general play. After a let-off when Trickovski struck the post, a period of Dundalk pressure followed.

"Sean and Patrick were very influential," said Kenny, who admitted that he was tempted to make changes during the first half and might regret not taking a risk on injury doubt Gannon who showed no ill effects.

An injury to Hoare wasted his third sub, with Dane Massey brought in. He did threaten with a header and there were half chances for Pat Hoban and Michael Duffy too, but Larnaca were unflustered and added a fourth before the end when sub Joan Tomas scored with his first touch.

The detail had become an irrelevance at that juncture.

"We can't blame the heat," said Kenny, "We committed basic errors and we got punished.

"They stopped us playing out too easily. We needed to be braver. We need to have better movement and our general passing wasn't at the level that it needs to be.

"Sometimes you just need to hang in there when a team gets the run on you like that and to see a period out. It's a different game in the second half and they didn't look as good as they did. It was too comfortable for them."

For his players, a quiet and uncomfortable journey home beckoned.

AEK Larnaca - Ramirez, Silva, Truyols, Gonzalez, T Ioannou; Larena (Nacho 70), Hevel; Acoran (Tomas 86), A Giannou, Tete (Konstantinou 80); Trickovski.

Dundalk - Rogers, Hoare (Massey 63), Gartland, Cleary (Gannon 45), Jarvis; Shields, Benson; Connolly (McEleney 45), McGrath, Duffy; Hoban.

Ref - F Jovic (Croatia)

Irish Independent

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/kenny-fury-as-dundalk-horror-show-ends-euro-ambitions-37180262.html

[Ezeikial]

When all is said and done, it's really about how the players, manager and the club react to this drubbing.

The league title remains the number one short term goal for 2018 - the players should get back into the groove with two successive cup matches against Cobh Ramblers followed by a league match against Bray in the coming 2 weeks.

For the manager and the club owners, the issues may be more far-reaching and longer-term - while it is fine for Stephen Kenny to say that "We're better than we played tonight" he will be acutely aware that the deficiencies in his team and squad will need to be addressed if the club have realistic ambitions to compete at this level.

[placid casual]

If your relying on the like of Hoare in Europe, you will get found out.
He's fine for LOI where there is a general lack of talent compared to what he faced last night.
Puts a bit if pressure on Kenny now to win the league, as the yanks aren't here for the beauty of termonfeckin..

[Dalymountrower]

Termonfeckin is solid Drogs territory.You must mean Hackballs Cross?
Big test now for Kenny. Dundalk still good enough to win the title and the associated Euro pay out jackpot if he doesn't panic , still far and away the best of a mediocre lot.
It strikes me that the common factor in the LoI 's greatest performances in Europe in the last ten years is Stephen O'Donnell ,and he was badly missed last night.The fact that we haven't seen a centre mid with that calmness, on the ball skill, ability to dictate the pace of the game and tough enough to scare European opposition, since him, says all you need to know on what direction the league has gone...And to think Fenlon let him go in his prime!!

[Philosophizer]

It strikes me that the common factor in the LoI 's greatest performances in Europe in the last ten years is Stephen O'Donnell ,and he was badly missed last night.The fact that we haven't seen a centre mid with that calmness, on the ball skill, ability to dictate the pace of the game and tough enough to scare European opposition, since him, says all you need to know on what direction the league has gone...And to think Fenlon let him go in his prime!!

Was thinking exactly this last night. IMO O'Donnell was their most impressive player in the 2016 run. He exudes a level of patient passing and control that I've rarely seen from a LOI player in Europe. In the 1st EL group game (out in Alkmar) he stood out a mile. Funny how he's more suited to the European ties whereas other players who look better domestically struggle in Europe.

[oriel]

Dreadful performance by Dundalk, and I`m not having the heat as an excuse either, that would have been a second half consideration (when bizzarely we actually started to play).

Not a word I like to use especially under Kenny, but the first half was close to disgraceful in terms of defending and overall display. The first goal was a decent finish, but 2 and 3 were avoidable. I think Kenny is also partly to blame here, leaving two of the most experienced defenders on the bench to start with, Gannon should have played right full and Massey should have come in for Jarvis. These two played in all 6 EL group games I think, and it was a poor call leaving them out last night. Hoare is a good defender but in a central position, he can deputise at right back, but only when Gannon is unavailable, I don’t think Jarvis was ready to step up in a game like this, AEK caused lots of problems down both wings.

Biggest defeat ever for Kenny while at Dundalk and in 5 years, I’ve no problems going out, but it was the manner of the defeat and giving in so easy that is so disappointing.

Good point above on O'Donnell, he is definitely suited to europe, the question is will he play again at that level? hopefully he can.

I still think even after this defeat that Dundalk will be seeded in next years CL if they win the league?

[White Horse]

A long, long journey back from Cyprus last night.

There was a large number of Dundalk fans in the ground but we were left frustrated by a lacklustre performance. Dundalk just didn't show up, they lacked energy and aggression from kick off.

Larnaca were good, and showed themselves to be the superior side over both legs. It is not being beaten by a superior side that bothered the fans so much. They can take being beaten. Anyone who thinks there is shame in being beaten is following the wrong sport. The annoying part is that Dundalk did not do themselves justice. Yes, they tried to play football as they always do, but the defensive side to their game was horrendous.

It is now clear that the 2018 side are miles behind the 2016 side. I knew that was a special side but last night demonstrated how far off that standard the current side are.

[sbgawa]

The league is crucial now in terms of Europe and the likelihood of progression via the Champions route.
Given the squad he has if Kenny doesn't deliver the league for the yanks I wouldn't expect him to be there by Christmas.
Dundalk have enough about them to make that irrelevant (if Waterford do them a favour tonight it could be all over already).but the route to Euro millions is harder than ever now. Dundalk with their Coefficient will be seeded next year and that should be enough to guarantee them 3rd qualifying round in Europa league at least provided they win the league and gives them a shot at making groups by winning two ties.....easier said than done but it starts with winning the league

[DFCForever]

What is really arrogant is when you consider your club purveyors of total football and the man city of LOI.
Dundalk aren't the Man City of the LOI, because we didn't buy our way to success.

[CorribsideSteve]

A long, long journey back from Cyprus last night.

There was a large number of Dundalk fans in the ground but we were left frustrated by a lacklustre performance. Dundalk just didn't show up, they lacked energy and aggression from kick off.

Larnaca were good, and showed themselves to be the superior side over both legs. It is not being beaten by a superior side that bothered the fans so much. They can take being beaten. Anyone who thinks there is shame in being beaten is following the wrong sport. The annoying part is that Dundalk did not do themselves justice. Yes, they tried to play football as they always do, but the defensive side to their game was horrendous.

It is now clear that the 2018 side are miles behind the 2016 side. I knew that was a special side but last night demonstrated how far off that standard the current side are.

I understand what you're saying, and largely agree, but it looked more light years than miles when talking about the difference in the '16 and '18 teams. A large upscale of quality is needed over the winter. Players like Gartland and Rogers need to be put out to pasture. Is it unfair to single out just those two? Possibly. But they are main men in that side and I was left watching the match through my fingers at the car crash the event turned into, at least in part because of them.

[sullanefc]

Dundalk aren't the Man City of the LOI, because we didn't buy our way to success.
A poster on Orielweb seems to think so.

[oriel]

Thats a myth. Dundalk have had great success in Europe but they didn't actually win all that many games.
Since their return to Europe in 2014 tonight is their 24th game.
They have won 7 of those. In 2016 when they made the group stages they won a total of 2 games. One vs BATE (an incredibly impressive performance) and one vs Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Their other wins are the two this year vs Levadia, two in 2014 against Jeunnese Esch and one in 2014 vs Hadjuk Split.

Cork City have played in 14 games since our return a year later in 2015. We've won 4 of those so far. Not quite as many as Dundalk granted but not a terrible return comparatively. IN percentage terms its pretty close actually (CCFC 28.57%, Dundalk 29.17%).
If we use the same time period, 2015 vs 2015 we have in fact won the exact same number of games.

But Europe isn't about games its about ties. Dundalk have won a total of 4 ties. Esch, FH, BATE (again very impressive, possibly the most impressive result in recent history) and Levadia.
Cork City have won three. Linfield, Hacken and Levadia. If we compare from 2015 then both teams have won the same number of ties.

Dundalk are a very good team. They have probably been the standard bearers in Europe in recent years with so many impressive performances, especially in 2016 against BATE and in the group stage. They made history in 2016 and we should commend them for that.

They haven't been all that good since 2016 though have they? They gave a good account of themselves against Rosenborg but then went out. They beat Levadia by half the score Cork City did a year previous and currently are 3-0 down in Larnaca.

This is mental stuff EL P, you must be thinking about the comparison between Dundalk and Cork in Europe a lot if you are coming out with percentage stats !

Do you keep a spreadsheet on things like this?

[micls]

This is mental stuff EL P, you must be thinking about the comparison between Dundalk and Cork in Europe a lot if you are coming out with percentage stats !

Do you keep a spreadsheet on things like this?

He does, he loves spreadsheets. And it's not a dundalk thing, he's a bit obsessed with stats in general. It's a problem really.

[pineapple stu]

In fairness, doing simple maths is hardly "mental stuff"

(Technically, Dundalk could be said to have beaten Maccabi Tel-Aviv on away goals btw)

[pineapple stu]

What is really arrogant is when you consider your club purveyors of total football and the man city of LOI.
As a neutral in all this, are you really accusing a Derry fan of thinking they're purveyors of total football and the man city of LOI.?

Seriously?

WTF like?

(Even if you thought you were replying to a Dundalk fan, it's still daft hyperbole.)

[El-Pietro]

This is mental stuff EL P, you must be thinking about the comparison between Dundalk and Cork in Europe a lot if you are coming out with percentage stats !

Do you keep a spreadsheet on things like this?Spreadsheets are great. I love spreadhsheets If you don't keep spreadhsheets then you are missing out. With that said I don't keep any spreadsheets on Dundalk, aside from one google doc for league predictions with a small group of friends.

Win percentage is a very simple thing to calculate, I saw that the numbers looked similar (4/14 and 7/24) and worked it out really quickly.

[El-Pietro]

As a neutral in all this, are you really accusing a Derry fan of thinking they're purveyors of total football and the man city of LOI.?

Seriously?

WTF like?

(Even if you thought you were replying to a Dundalk fan, it's still daft hyperbole.)
I think hes referring to a post by a Dundalk fan on OW which has been floating around for the last few days. The Dundalk fan told an AEK Larnaca fan that Dundalk were Man City to Cork Citys Stoke. Probably taking the **** but you open yourself up to criticism with a post like that.

[pineapple stu]

Hm. Can see how it could be read as that, although it's not the obvious first impression you'd take.

But still, extrapolating from one internet post to attack another fan of that club is silly.

[NeverFeltBetter]

I remember when Limerick were described as the "Man City of the LOI". Good times.

[micls]

Hm. Can see how it could be read as that, although it's not the obvious first impression you'd take.

But still, extrapolating from one internet post to attack another fan of that club is silly.

That post was particularly ridiculous but he's far from the only dundalk fan that's bought into the total football stuff. No dundalk fan pulled him up on it. And another fan said a dundalk ajax game would be the 'totalest of total football'.

I'm sure it's not representative of all their fans, but it's not surprising people are taking the ****.

[paul_oshea]

Was doing rail and sail so havent had a chance to reply. You meet some quirky individuals on that, guessing many LOI supporters.

Interesting points about O'Donnell, he stood out in that 2016 run as someone who could get on the ball, hold on to it, and pick the simple pass. But Shields did that just as well in the home game against Larnaca. So is it a bit of revisionism? Or a bit of both.

Reading the independent article, a couple of words stood out, one such was tardy. The players looked leggy early on, no one was tracking back, i doubt the dimensions had that much to do with it, so larnaca were finding loads of space, but they were also finding that space in the first game , but this time they did something about it. I also remember seeing on the first water-break shileds putting a towel around his head like he was fcuked already. i know by that stage they were already 1 down but still it all seemed to have affected them very quickly. Either way still no excuse for getting hammered 4 0.

One thing mentioned with cork and dundalk and even rovers the last few games was the chances that were not taken, McMillan would have taken a couple of those chances and I think that's another key difference here between the two sides(2016/2018 not cork v ddalk) - hobans not at that level. There was an awful lot of inaction and two-minds thinking from Dundalk over the two legs.

Gannon couldnt have been a full 90 mins match fit though if hed been out, its easy to say kenny should have played him from the start but if he had and wasnt match fit, the opposite would be said. he definitely improved them 2nd half. Cleary isn't good enough, positional sense is poor and doesnt have the speed. Missing Vemmelund? I think definitely.

Interesting that people think kenny is now in trouble given the owners and players brought in. How much of that money used would not have actually come from 2016? How much have the americans invested ?

[Philosophizer]

It's all ifs and buts at this stage, BUT can anyone who was in the stadium in Larnaca comment about the warm up??

Damien Lynch was co-commentating on Eir and mentioned that the Dundalk lads were tearing around the place in the warm up, whereas the Larnaca lads rarely broke out of a trot. Surely Dundalk didn't overdo the warm-up in the heat and sunshine...

I'm hoping that would be a far too elementary mistake to be made at this level...