LOI In Europe 2021

[Nesta99]

Undoubtedly it was disappointing that Bradley didnt learn from the 1st leg v Slovan, he didnt react v Tallinn, he played 3 at the back without 1 having the pace required, the main issue was in midfield imo, O'Brien should have had the experience to show more composure and again ye have to question how or why the manager didnt instill the belief to go on the front foot. He does now have something to work with on that basis in how they responded 2nd leg v Slovan and look for more of that. Yes Rovers went out of the CL but in the end it was a close run thing and its a tad unfair not to factor that in to things or just dismiss the result of that leg. Im not arguing the case for Rovers potentially going through in a supporting manner, but in that I think they are capable of going through and it being, imo, due to inexperience or the over cautious nature of the tactics/manager in a 1st leg that give a lot of work to do. They can certainly level the tie, they will be better defensively as it would be too hard to be better than last week, the away goal rule change makes penos quite possible, Mannus doesnt make too many errors as he did so parrying the ball back in to the mix rather than push it wide - all the errors added up to the 1st leg loss and if cut out there is enough not to call it done and dusted. If Tallinn do go after finishing the tie it will suit Rovers based on who they struggled to break down the defensive Albanians. Be interesting to see how close the respective opinions will be - It be entertaining either way, if Rovers get hammered I will be fine to concede that calling favourites was misjudged.

[placid casual]

So what you're saying is, Rovers are great and you really hope they go through yeah!?
Your positivity is infectious, I must say.

[Dalymountrower]

Rovers more than capable of winning 3-0 against a team from a lower ranked league.
Alternatively, weak back line will let Tallin score on the break, tie over.
Or Bradley may rest players for the big game on Sunday.
I claim my Captain Hindsight badge.

[Nesta99]

Naw I dont do closet support of rivals PC! What Im saying is that Rovers still have a pretty good chance, if they dont go through I think it will be due to tactical errors as much if not more than lapses by players in the 1st leg but these can be sorted at home; and either way i'd offer a fair play, showed character to get through or If not then its a huge embarrassment for the league champions and by extension the league as a whole....

*I am assuming you were commenting on my post PC. If not then never mind!

[paul_oshea]

Rovers more than capable of winning 3-0 against a team from a lower ranked league.
Alternatively, weak back line will let Tallin score on the break, tie over.
Or Bradley may rest players for the big game on Sunday.
I claim my Captain Hindsight badge.

Happy to call it 2-1 rovers If that's what you're getting at ;)

[Dalymountrower]

Happy to call it 2-1 rovers If that's what you're getting at ;)
Too definitive.Any other options to fall back on?

[Straightstory]

Bradley interview here: https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2021/0824/1242586-mandroiu-eyeing-ireland-call-and-rovers-comeback/

Claims that his focus is on the league and that Europa Conference is not a priority. Fair enough if you're a big team in a major European league, but for a manager in our more modest domestic set-up to believe that - I'm not sure he's got his priorities right. Far more money to be made, much more prestigious competition, raises the profile of the team, chance to play against more glamorous teams in proper stadiums. Sure, you have to do well in the league (or Cup) to qualify for Europe, but it seems to me like he's got his 'focus' wrong. Also, when you send out a message like that to the players, you're basically saying 'well, it's not that important if we win, it doesn't really matter that much.'
And why does he even have to state what his priorities are?

What do Rovers fans think?

[Nesta99]

and I always thought the focus and importance is only ever on the next game - anything else is disrespectful to the next opposition!

[Dalymountrower]

Bradley interview here: https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2021/0824/1242586-mandroiu-eyeing-ireland-call-and-rovers-comeback/

Claims that his focus is on the league and that Europa Conference is not a priority. Fair enough if you're a big team in a major European league, but for a manager in our more modest domestic set-up to believe that - I'm not sure he's got his priorities right. Far more money to be made, much more prestigious competition, raises the profile of the team, chance to play against more glamorous teams in proper stadiums. Sure, you have to do well in the league (or Cup) to qualify for Europe, but it seems to me like he's got his 'focus' wrong. Also, when you send out a message like that to the players, you're basically saying 'well, it's not that important if we win, it doesn't really matter that much.'
And why does he even have to state what his priorities are?

What do Rovers fans think?

Will be resting players so !! Ffs it's a 3 million Euro game!
Nice declaration of loyalty from Mandriou!

[Philosophizer]

Bit of a strange thing to say. I'd say the league and Europe should be of equal importance for a club like Rovers.
But I get the feeling him and McPhail have a long term hope to make Rovers the absolute dominant team who win the LOI every year and are sustainable long term with their academy etc. Achieving that goal is probably their 1st priority and when they reach that point maybe then they'll expect more consistent success in Europe.

[Philosophizer]

In fairness, the champions route is by far the easiest route to a Group stages now so winning the league every year is a must if you realistically wanna progress in Europe. Strange to prioritize the league though and then not prioritize the reward that the league win gives you access to...

[Nesta99]

He is prioritising tomorrows game, not gonna put out a reserve team, and Im sure he fully hopes maybe expects to win. I dont know why managers bother with these old nuggets as they dont really deflect attention or expectation. The opposition is hardly going to fall for the old 'priorities lie elsewere' stuff. Has to be more just throwing something to the media.

[sbgawa]

The league is the smart priority for the long term. With what we have done so far we will be seeded in the first round of the CL next year which if we win it would give us 3 ties in a row where winning one guarantees group stages.
But to get there u have to win the league. Winning the league this year is more important than the short term and is likely to lead to long term success. Would still love to win and get there this year.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

They’re going to walk the league

[Nesta99]

The league is the smart priority for the long term. With what we have done so far we will be seeded in the first round of the CL next year which if we win it would give us 3 ties in a row where winning one guarantees group stages.
But to get there u have to win the league. Winning the league this year is more important than the short term and is likely to lead to long term success. Would still love to win and get there this year.

There's no suggestion that the league isnt the main aim of the season but this one game is hardly unimportant to Bradley and therefore he will be going all out to win it (by more than 2). It doesnt compromise the league campaign. The group stage could influence things but get through, bank the 3mil and everything after is a bonus. So yeah of course the bread and butter of the league is a priority but it doesnt mean tomorrows game is not important as Bradley seems to be implying. Maybe he doesnt have faith in the depth of his squad1? With the additional revenue it would go a long way to adding to a squad that could cope with both group stage football and compete domestically next season.

[placid casual]

Naw I dont do closet support of rivals PC! What Im saying is that Rovers still have a pretty good chance,

*I am assuming you were commenting on my post PC. If not then never mind!
No, believe it or not it was the post from the paul o'shea guy I was referring to.
Don't want you think I'd be critical of your even handed analysis of Rovers chances in Europe!!

[2 Year Contract]

Tonight’s European results mean Pats under 19s will be playing UEFA Youth League football this season. Draw is on Tuesday and includes the below

Deportivo La Coruña (ESP)
Köln (GER)
Empoli (ITA)
Angers (FRA)
Genk (BEL)
AZ Alkmaar (NED)
Trabzonspor (TUR)
Midtjylland (DEN)
Rangers (SCO)
Sparta Praha (CZE)
APOEL (CYP)
PAOK (GRE)
Crvena zvezda (SRB)
Hajduk Split (CRO)
Hammarby (SWE)
Rosenborg (NOR)
Maccabi Haifa (ISR)
Kairat Almaty (KAZ)
Minsk (BLR)
Gabala (AZE)
Septemvri Sofia (BUL)
Csikszereda (ROU)
Pogoń Szczecin (POL)
Žilina (SVK)
Domžale (SVN)
MTK Budapest (HUN)
Žalgiris Vilnius (LTU)
Daugavpils (LVA)
Akademia e Futbollit (ALB)
Shkëndija (MKD)
Zvijezda 09 (BIH)
Saint Patrick's Athletic (IRL)

[placid casual]

In regard to Bradley's comments on priorities I'd say there's more than a hint that he feels we f**ked it right up in the 1st leg and it's gonna be difficult tomorrow (which I agree with), and as stated above getting back here next year, with some more experience and maybe a few changes in personnel, and having another crack at group stages is most important.
The game against bohs on sunday will be determined by the result tomorrow, but obviously its a cup final for them!! 😉

[ontheotherhand]

There's no suggestion that the league isnt the main aim of the season but this one game is hardly unimportant to Bradley and therefore he will be going all out to win it (by more than 2). It doesnt compromise the league campaign. The group stage could influence things but get through, bank the 3mil and everything after is a bonus. So yeah of course the bread and butter of the league is a priority but it doesnt mean tomorrows game is not important as Bradley seems to be implying. Maybe he doesnt have faith in the depth of his squad1? With the additional revenue it would go a long way to adding to a squad that could cope with both group stage football and compete domestically next season.

He didn't really say it was unimportant, just that the league was the focus at the start of the year while Europe is something they want while not being the main focus. And that's all as it should be. It's fantastic that winning the league has more weight now. It's almost as important to remove the Champions Path from another club as it is to get it for yourself and it's the better long term play versus relying on the lottery of one-off fixtures for a big pay day. You still have to do the latter of course but if you win the league every year you're going to have more lottery tickets to work with.

Putting all the focus on European runs without focusing on the bread and butter of the league is Dundalk's game. You're very good at it mind you....

[sbgawa]

There's no suggestion that the league isnt the main aim of the season but this one game is hardly unimportant to Bradley and therefore he will be going all out to win it (by more than 2). It doesnt compromise the league campaign. The group stage could influence things but get through, bank the 3mil and everything after is a bonus. So yeah of course the bread and butter of the league is a priority but it doesnt mean tomorrows game is not important as Bradley seems to be implying. Maybe he doesnt have faith in the depth of his squad1? With the additional revenue it would go a long way to adding to a squad that could cope with both group stage football and compete domestically next season.

Ah yeah its a huge game that would be a massive bonus to win no doubt about it.
Huge credit in Rovers has to go to Jonathan Roche who as Chairman told the members 2 years ago that the advent of the ECL was a game changer and we needed to position the club to take advantage of UEFA throwing the smaller leagues some crumbs. He told us then that regular group stage appearances was a possibility for Irish clubs.
I remember thinking he was a nice guy but a bit deluded :rolleyes: but he could see the bigger picture and that idea doesn't seem so fanciful now.

[sbgawa]

He didn't really say it was unimportant, just that the league was the focus at the start of the year while Europe is something they want while not being the main focus. And that's all as it should be. It's fantastic that winning the league has more weight now. It's almost as important to remove the Champions Path from another club as it is to get it for yourself and it's the better long term play versus relying on the lottery of one-off fixtures for a big pay day. You still have to do the latter of course but if you win the league every year you're going to have more lottery tickets to work with.

Putting all the focus on European runs without focusing on the bread and butter of the league is Dundalk's game. You're very good at it mind you....

This is 100% correct, the possibility for even an unseeded club to get to group stages is pretty high and 3m could transform an already good team (who had by definition won the league the year before) into a juggernaut.
I'm generally happy to cheer for Irish clubs to get an individual result in Europe but i'm to bitter and twisted to wish anyone but Rovers a shot at domination :D

[Nesta99]

No, believe it or not it was the post from the paul o'shea guy I was referring to.
Don't want you think I'd be critical of your even handed analysis of Rovers chances in Europe!!

Umm Im not sure if that is tinged by sarcasm or not but I will take it regardless lol.


Ah yeah its a huge game that would be a massive bonus to win no doubt about it.
Huge credit in Rovers has to go to Jonathan Roche who as Chairman told the members 2 years ago that the advent of the ECL was a game changer and we needed to position the club to take advantage of UEFA throwing the smaller leagues some crumbs. He told us then that regular group stage appearances was a possibility for Irish clubs.
I remember thinking he was a nice guy but a bit deluded :rolleyes: but he could see the bigger picture and that idea doesn't seem so fanciful now.

I was never a fan of Roche and it's nothing to do with SRFC. I think it was pretty much on the cards that we all needed to be in position to take whatever opportunity arose. There was initial concern that smaller leagues would again be excluded from CL, as it turned out it's non champions excluded from EL which wasnt so bad and the money is reasonable where the fear was that t would be a big drop from EL. Nothing bitter about not wanting rivals to get too far ahead financially - Id generally hope for the best for Irish clubs but tonight I am more likely to lose sleep over Rovers additional spending power than our champions being battered by Estonians. It also sticks in bold how badly P6 have shot themselves in the foot and by extensions DFC and fans.


He didn't really say it was unimportant, just that the league was the focus at the start of the year while Europe is something they want while not being the main focus. And that's all as it should be. It's fantastic that winning the league has more weight now. It's almost as important to remove the Champions Path from another club as it is to get it for yourself and it's the better long term play versus relying on the lottery of one-off fixtures for a big pay day. You still have to do the latter of course but if you win the league every year you're going to have more lottery tickets to work with.

Putting all the focus on European runs without focusing on the bread and butter of the league is Dundalk's game. You're very good at it mind you....

I agree with yer observation on other clubs not getting the advantage of the champions pathway. As aluded to above I always felt that last years league was pivotal and the most important title race in LoI with the potential on offer. It was a chance for P6 to meet their objectives and kick on, even setting us on the road to ground development progress in Europe. They fluffed it. The risk is that clubs go for broke chasing down the pot of gold again. It would be better for general competition of the league if Rovers lose, its good for the league if other clubs can step up and challenge Rovers sustainably and the league's standard, ranking and rep grow if they win. I'm p1ssed that Dundalk are not in the mix but mostly as there is little excuse with the budget at Oriel and how it was fecked up, it's harder than ever really having the resources to being in with a shout tbh. That said if Dundalk had got it right i'd be a complete hypocrite and be delighted that my club would potentially spoil the competitive nature of LoI and continue to dominate.

I wont say good luck to Rovers, but I will say that if they get through it will be a big achievement and done the hard way which shows bottle from the squad and Bradley (though he will have gotten lucky as as said before I think he was the real weak link in previous games with his tactical setup).

[2 Year Contract]

Vitesse 2-0 up on Anderlecht with half 25 mins to go (5-3 aggregate). We could've been looking at another group stage qualification if only it had been one of the LOI's top 8 sides playing them in the last round ;)

Elsewhere Lincoln Red Imps of Gibraltar lead Riga 3-2 on aggregate in the 110th minute!

[Philosophizer]

Stewie Byrne pretty much summed up the difference between the sides in the 1st leg - Rovers may be fitter, but Flora were smarter.

[ger121]

The Cheeky Imps have done it!

[joey B]

Rovers playing some decent stuff,just final ball letting them down….

[Philosophizer]

Greene should be finishing that really. Rovers rampant the last 10 mins

[pineapple stu]

The Cheeky Imps have done it!
That is utterly mental

[pineapple stu]

Why are Rovers wearing their away kit here?

[ger121]

Why are Rovers wearing their away kit here?

Trying to get one last European game out of it.

[Philosophizer]

Hoare going off injured might be a blessing in disguise. He was looking loose with his passing.

[pineapple stu]

Just seen Mart Poom's son is on the bench for Flora

[paul_oshea]

Bread and butter defending for flora. Lots of possession but little real chances, can see flora knicking one too

[ger121]

Rovers just not a prolific side in front of goal.

[Philosophizer]

Gaffney gotta come on soon. Rovers need a goal threat in the box.

[CorribsideSteve]

Embarrassing. Alan 'Massimo Taibi' Mannus

[Philosophizer]

Awful from Mondroiu and Mannus. Game over.

[pineapple stu]

Embarrassing.

Unfortunate for Mannus given he kept it respectable in Tallinn. But...yeah

[2 Year Contract]

Stinker from Mannus, he’s had a good lot of them this season too after a couple of flawless years. Age seems to be catching up with him

[paul_oshea]

Easy one to call this really. Nothing learned from the first game and it was obvious from the first half this would happen. Bradley can focus on Sunday now anyway like he said

[passinginterest]

That’s a real heartbreaker. Playing quite well, creating chances and then give away a gift again.

[mcgonigle]

We better tie Abibi down before Rovers come with their sack of kitchen sinks

[CorribsideSteve]

Unfortunate for Mannus given he kept it respectable in Tallinn. But...yeah
The classic LOI in Europe defeat. Be as toothless as possible, and then give a sloppy goal away.

[pineapple stu]

The classic LOI in Europe defeat. Be as toothless as possible, and then give a sloppy goal away.
Yep. Only saw from 25 minutes or so, but the halftime highlights suggested Rovers had one shot on target in the first half, and the keeper wasn't at all convincing with it. He wasn't great for Scales' goal out there either. Yet Rovers simply haven't tested him really.

Anyway, the barman has changed to Sky News' coverage from Kabul. Maybe for the better

[CorribsideSteve]

That offside from the corner encapsulates the whole evening.

[kksaints]

Dreadfully poor from Gaffney at that corner.

[Philosophizer]

That’s a real heartbreaker. Playing quite well, creating chances and then give away a gift again.
Ah Flora have been fairly comfortable. Lot of huff and puff from Rovers but real lack of quality in final third.

[DCWA]

Flora very comfortable all evening here Rovers (Bradley?) look to have learnt nothing. It’s been slow, predictable, poor.

[paul_oshea]

That flora manager is good. He knows what he's. This passing for passing sake is a disease entering Irish football that's come through To the national team now. Causing problems and losing games. It's a very worrying trend.

[Dalymountrower]

Just thinking as well that Rovers are as sterile and guile less as the Irish international side..
Truly awful and embarrassing., but Bradley will be happy that the game is out of the way so he can focus on domestic glory.Truly the Lunfield of the south.