LOI in Europe 2022

[paul_oshea]

I've seen enough of young ferizaj now to see he hasn't progressed in the European games. His level is about the qualifier stage in Europe. Your pace only gets worse as you get older and he doesn't have that to set him apart, not the strength to hold off players and keep the ball and he can't sell a player. Good touch but that's really all he has. Now he's off

[pineapple stu]

That goal's been coming a while in fairness, and so soon after the Ferizaj sending-off is a really tough blow.

Long 20 minutes ahead now.

[paul_oshea]

And there ye go. Needless sending off. And they concede

[pineapple stu]

Can't understand why Gent have dropped the tempo since the goal

Rovers, with the early subs too, should be far tireder here

[paul_oshea]

Decent result overall.. neither team had many clear cut chances

[ger121]

When Ferizaj was booked just after coming on I had this feeling he would he would get sent off. The impulsiveness of youth. Lad is only young and he will learn from that.

Very good result with somewhat of a patch work selection. Been a good week for them.

[pineapple stu]

The Mannus question arises again after that - couple of great saves at key moments.

Is he signed on for next season? Don't know if there's a long-list of candidates to replace him.

Last game will be interesting to see if Bradley has learned anything about the away games.

[ger121]

The Mannus question arises again after that - couple of great saves at key moments.

Is he signed on for next season? Don't know if there's a long-list of candidates to replace him.

Last game will be interesting to see if Bradley has learned anything about the away games.

You would think Djurgarden might rest a lot of players with the group sewn up. Mind you they are 6 points off top spot in the Allsvenskan with 2 games to play, so maybe nothing to play for there.

[passinginterest]

The Mannus question arises again after that - couple of great saves at key moments.

Is he signed on for next season? Don't know if there's a long-list of candidates to replace him.

Last game will be interesting to see if Bradley has learned anything about the away games.

One of the best performances I can remember from Mannus, three really top class saves, he looks like he certainly has another year in him.

A shame the injuries hit Rovers so badly, going in without Byrne and Burke and then losing McCann and Watts in the first half was tough to manage. Great start and a brilliant goal, but Gent were the better side for the most part. Couldn't understand the second yellow from where I was, if anything it looked like Januzaj was fouled, but his first yellow straight after coming on was just immature and naïve.

While Januzaj is still very young, I do agree with Paul that he might struggle to play at a very high level. His touch and foot work are exceptional at times, but he really does lack pace and that can be a career killer. If Farrugia can remain fit and start getting more 90 minutes under his belt he's the one that could really go on to a very high level. He's got height, pace, physicality and a good touch and positional sense. He's obviously had a terrible time with injury, but if he stays fit and gets a full season under his belt next season I think he'll go on to play at least at Championship level.

[Straightstory]

Good performance by Rovers. Very unlucky with injuries before and during the game. Ferizag needed to come off earlier - as Bradley admits here. This is a good take on Rovers in Europe - but Bradley just comes across as paranoid and over-sensitive when he accuses critics of 'bitterness' and having a 'cynical agenda'.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2022/1027/1331867-bradley-you-need-to-be-further-ahead-in-the-league/

[ontheotherhand]

Thought we did well considering we had no midfield for most of the night. Nice to get the goal early and get that monkey off our backs.

Towell and Gaffney put in some shift and Mannus showed his usual class. Thought the red on Ferizaj was very harsh at the time and the second viewing hasn't changed my opinion. Giving a lad who has just come on a yellow for a jersey pull in a harmless area of the pitch is a bit bizarre and he was going for the ball for the second even if he did catch the player. If we had anybody to spring from the bench I think we might have held out for the win but the draw isn't bad overall.

Not sure who we have left to play against Derry and UCD now so thank Twigg the league is done.

[pineapple stu]

Thought the red on Ferizaj was very harsh at the time and the second viewing hasn't changed my opinion. Giving a lad who has just come on a yellow for a jersey pull in a harmless area of the pitch is a bit bizarre
Ah it's not in fairness. It was a fairly cynical effort to hold the defender back and stop him launching an attack, which is just not allowed, and there's nothing in the rules to say that you can get away with that within five minutes of coming on as a sub or inside the opposition half. Kerr described it as "stupid" and he's right. Second yellow was for being a bit late in the tackle and landing studs on the Gent guy's ankle - bit unfortunate as there was no malice intended, but still it's a yellow.

The goal in the second minute was huge; changed the feeling of every Rovers attack and Gent had to be much more careful because 2-0 would have been quite a challenge. Good performance overall especially considering the injuries, but agree with passing that Gent were the better side over the 90. Still, a point off a Belgian side isn't to be sniffed at.

[Philosophizer]

Think I overheard a guy behind me at the match saying that Ferizah’s dad passed away a few days ago. Anyone know if that’s right? If so, I’m surprised he made it on the pitch at all…

[Philosophizer]

Have to agree with most of the comments on here to be fair:
Mannus made some excellent saves. Having the best season I’ve ever seen him have.
Ferizahs yellows were quite silly.
Gent had the best chances so a draw is a decent result.
Gaffney is a beast. My POTY.
Rovers had a lot of bad luck with injuries so did well in the circumstances.

[ontheotherhand]

Ah it's not in fairness. It was a fairly cynical effort to hold the defender back and stop him launching an attack, which is just not allowed, and there's nothing in the rules to say that you can get away with that within five minutes of coming on as a sub or inside the opposition half. Kerr described it as "stupid" and he's right. Second yellow was for being a bit late in the tackle and landing studs on the Gent guy's ankle - bit unfortunate as there was no malice intended, but still it's a yellow.

The goal in the second minute was huge; changed the feeling of every Rovers attack and Gent had to be much more careful because 2-0 would have been quite a challenge. Good performance overall especially considering the injuries, but agree with passing that Gent were the better side over the 90. Still, a point off a Belgian side isn't to be sniffed at.

It was a verbal caution maybe. First offence and no danger from that position. Different if the defender was on a break but he wasn't and we had loads of men back. Silly all the same but if a UCD player got one you'd be raging!

[pineapple stu]

But you're making up things that just aren't in the rules. First offence and no danger don't matter in the rules.

If a UCD player got a booking for that, I'd call him stupid. It was as clear a yellow as you're going to see.

[WeAreRovers]

Think I overheard a guy behind me at the match saying that Ferizah’s dad passed away a few days ago. Anyone know if that’s right? If so, I’m surprised he made it on the pitch at all…

His grandad passed away.

He's 17 and has lots to learn - last night being a big part of that process - but he is a fantastic talent and prospect despite the opinion of well-known European football expert Paul O'Shea. He's currently being tracked by half a dozen of Europe's elite clubs but what do they know? A playmaker /#10 lacking burning pace, unheard of!

[ger121]

Have to agree with most of the comments on here to be fair:
Mannus made some excellent saves. Having the best season I’ve ever seen him have.
Ferizahs yellows were quite silly.
Gent had the best chances so a draw is a decent result.
Gaffney is a beast. My POTY.
Rovers had a lot of bad luck with injuries so did well in the circumstances.

I’ve read (and heard) a few times Gaffney getting put down for being in the POTY conversation, as he has only scored “9 goals” He actually has 12 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, This is a truer reflection of his returns this season. Also 3 of those goals and assists are in Europe which is almost always a higher level than the LOI. Not bad for a 33 year old.
He also does a lot more on the pitch during the match that may not always be obviously. You can see some of this in the post match highlights package Virgin Media did on him and Dunne/Kerr spoke about.
For me he absolutely deserves to be in the POTY discussion and probably should win it.

[ontheotherhand]

But you're making up things that just aren't in the rules. First offence and no danger don't matter in the rules.

If a UCD player got a booking for that, I'd call him stupid. It was as clear a yellow as you're going to see.

I'm not really. He pulled a shirt Stu. You see them given when it impedes an actual attack of course but this was harmless.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fouls_and_misconduct_(association_football)#/media/File%3AFoulsandmisconduct.svg

But you hardly have time for internet arguments today do you? Huge game. Feeling confident?

[pineapple stu]

From Pro Referees (http://proreferees.com/2021/07/16/pro-insight-stopping-a-promising-attack-spa/), the official body of the MLS referees, a yellow card is issued when -


The defender blatantly or cynically holds/fouls the attacker as they are starting, or during, an attack. In this consideration, the nature of the holding offense is one that cannot be ignored, even if the promising attack is only just emerging or the offense occurs well into the defensive half.

That fairly clearly describes the foul last night and "stopping a promising attack) is an added dimension to just a shirt pull. The foul they use an example is very similar to the one last night -


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLCmHdNkWrg

Yellow all day long I'm afraid.

Can't predict Cup finals though - you should know that!

[ontheotherhand]

From Pro Referees (http://proreferees.com/2021/07/16/pro-insight-stopping-a-promising-attack-spa/), the official body of the MLS referees, a yellow card is issued when -



That fairly clearly describes the foul last night and "stopping a promising attack) is an added dimension to just a shirt pull. The foul they use an example is very similar to the one last night -


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLCmHdNkWrg

Yellow all day long I'm afraid.

Can't predict Cup finals though - you should know that!

Jaysus Stu there was no need for the lesson and then the sly dig around cup finals.

I still think it was harsh btw. So there. MLS be damned.

Good luck all the same.

[pineapple stu]

What's the sly dig? Tonight is a Cup final for us, and everyone knows anything can happen in a Cup final. I'm not predicting nothing.

I think any fan who doesn't know the rules and/or have an interest in learning them kind of waives any right to complain about refereeing decisions. So there. :)

[ontheotherhand]

What's the sly dig? Tonight is a Cup final for us, and everyone knows anything can happen in a Cup final. I'm not predicting nothing.

I think any fan who doesn't know the rules and/or have an interest in learning them kind of waives any right to complain about refereeing decisions. So there. :)

"You should know that!" seemed to be a little reference to rovers in cup finals no? I'm very sensitive today. I celebrated that 1-1 like it was a win...in a tournament we could still progress in. Still, we'll take the few bob.

And I think the best refs apply a bit of common sense in their application of said rules. I hope you get a good one tonight and the game isn't ruined by any over zealous application. Although if you're playing Harps that would usually work in your favour! Not sure about this current version of Harps...bit softer.

[placid casual]

I’ve read (and heard) a few times Gaffney getting put down for being in the POTY conversation, as he has only scored “9 goals” He actually has 12 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, This is a truer reflection of his returns this season. Also 3 of those goals and assists are in Europe which is almost always a higher level than the LOI. Not bad for a 33 year old.
He also does a lot more on the pitch during the match that may not always be obviously. You can see some of this in the post match highlights package Virgin Media did on him and Dunne/Kerr spoke about.
For me he absolutely deserves to be in the POTY discussion and probably should win it.
Ger, seriously mate, what happened to you ??
I agree completely with what your saying btw, it's just.... a little weird to read coming from a bohs fan ?
Gaffney should and probably will get POTY, but don't think he'll get Rovers fans POTY-That will probably be Alan Mannus. If Rovers don't win the league next year it'll be because him and/or Bradley have left. Irreplaceable.

[ger121]

Ger, seriously mate, what happened to you ??
I agree completely with what your saying btw, it's just.... a little weird to read coming from a bohs fan ?
Gaffney should and probably will get POTY, but don't think he'll get Rovers fans POTY-That will probably be Alan Mannus. If Rovers don't win the league next year it'll be because him and/or Bradley have left. Irreplaceable.

I say it as I see it. I like my stats and his are the best in my opinion, along with his all round play. Doesn’t matter to me if the player wears hoops, red and black stripes or whatever colour.

[2 Year Contract]

Thought Pats should’ve been 2-0 up by the time Sligo were awarded a joke of a penalty. Barrett and Keena went shoulder to shoulder, Keena lost his balance and got straight back up to continue contesting for the ball. If you look at the replay he actually swiftly turns his head around about to berate the referee for giving a free out before realising he was awarded a ridiculously soft peno. After that I thought Sligo managed the game very well and pats looked all out of ideas in how to break them down. Never really got going after the goal

[ontheotherhand]

Ger, seriously mate, what happened to you ??
I agree completely with what your saying btw, it's just.... a little weird to read coming from a bohs fan ?
Gaffney should and probably will get POTY, but don't think he'll get Rovers fans POTY-That will probably be Alan Mannus. If Rovers don't win the league next year it'll be because him and/or Bradley have left. Irreplaceable.

If Gaffney doesn't win POTY this year it's even more of a travesty than it was when he didn't get it last year. He's been the the best player on the best team for two years.

[Straightstory]

If Gaffney doesn't win POTY this year it's even more of a travesty than it was when he didn't get it last year. He's been the the best player on the best team for two years.
The main reason I like Gaffney is because he obviously has the option of growing a s**t ginger beard, and he has chosen not to. For that reason alone he deserves player of the year.

[yurt]

Not to already get too far ahead of ourselves before the LOI European campaign ends for 2022 but Dundalk should be seeded for the first 2 rounds next year.

In terms of picking up a decent country co-efficient the most important games for the LOI are the first round or two of the ECL and also any points picked up in the ECL group stage.

Hopefully Dundalk can get a soft route to ECLQ3 before having a decent go at a team from a mid ranked league.

[placid casual]

Dundalk need serious investment in their squad next season or they won't be in Europe for very long, irrespective of the team they may face. Hoban and Benson being available will improve them, they still need some decent standard of player in to make a mark in Europe. Getting European qualification might give them options with possible new signings but they still have to compete with pat's, derry and Rovers for those players I'd say. The seedings for Europe can be a false picture as well, so just because they have the historical seeding wont guarantee a dodgy side. They should get through one round at least you'd imagine.

[pineapple stu]

Final group game just kicking off

Pohls in for Mannus (who is on the bench) is an interesting one. Slight knock or throwing him in for experience? Mannus has been an important player throughout so Pohls has a lot to live up to

[ontheotherhand]

Final group game just kicking off

Pohls in for Mannus (who is on the bench) is an interesting one. Slight knock or throwing him in for experience? Mannus has been an important player throughout so Pohls has a lot to live up to

Mannus has been playing with an injury for a while now so I'd imagine that's his season done. Hopefully a sign that he wants to start recovering for the next one!

[sbgawa]

Roll on next season.

[placid casual]

And there you see the reason why Rovers are so desperate to keep Alan Mannus for another year. Pohls isn't good enough for LOI let alone European competition. Rovers had started brightly enough, albeit its clear to see who are the better team.

[ontheotherhand]

Shirt tug without a yellow card there. Well I never Stu...

[paul_oshea]

And there you see the reason why Rovers are so desperate to keep Alan Mannus for another year. Pohls isn't good enough for LOI let alone European competition. Rovers had started brightly enough, albeit its clear to see who are the better team.

Agreed. Good save there though

[pineapple stu]

Shirt tug without a yellow card there. Well I never Stu...

Didn't see which incident that was, but Ferizaj absolutely 100% should have been booked. Let's draw a line under that.

[ontheotherhand]

Didn't see which incident that was, but Ferizaj absolutely 100% should have been booked. Let's draw a line under that.

Farrugia pulled their left wingers jersey outside our box. Free given, no yellow. Same as you'll see in games all over the world every week.

[pineapple stu]

Was it the "Blatant and cynical hold stopping a promising attack" in the coaching video I linked?

Cos Ferizaj's was.

[ontheotherhand]

Was it the "Blatant and cynical hold stopping a promising attack" in the coaching video I linked?

Cos Ferizaj's was.

We disagree on what constitutes a promising attack I think! We can draw a line under that at least.

[pineapple stu]

But you also disagree with professional refereeing guidelines on what constitutes a promising attack, so...

[pineapple stu]

Jays, big let-off for Pohls there.

Think he may have been a bit unlucky as he won the initial challenge only for a Djurgardens to get the second ball as well.

[paul_oshea]

He's too hesitant he doesn't know when to come and he should be coming

[paul_oshea]

Djugardens aren't anything special. There's a lot left there for rovers to go and prove themselves as worthy group stage contenders

[ger121]

Better performance away from home for Rovers. Something to take into next season. Think I predicted them to get a couple points/draws before the group stage commenced, so not too bad of a campaign in my eyes.

[ontheotherhand]

But you also disagree with professional refereeing guidelines on what constitutes a promising attack, so...

I don't think so. "the key here is that these considerations (speed and space) relate to a promising attack which has the possibility of becoming a goal-scoring opportunity, and not simply every forward movement."

Are you on the edge of your seat when Sam Todd has the ball in his own half and goes past one man? Seasons must be rife with excitement.

[pineapple stu]

Yeah, first solid away defensive performance since Hibernians, so that's something.

1 goal in 6 games is poor and will be a worry. They didn't really make the keeper work tonight I think, and similar could be said of previous games.

Did Djurgarden change their team around tonight? Heard the commentator say of their last sub that they were bringing on a forward they expected to start and taking off a guy they expected to be on the bench.

Still, an easy €4m, so the challenge is to build on that next season.

[pineapple stu]

I don't think so. "the key here is that these considerations (speed and space) relate to a promising attack which has the possibility of becoming a goal-scoring opportunity, and not simply every forward movement."
Literally the piece before that quote is -


Speed – The player(s) is (are) moving forward with pace in their attack.

Space – There should be green space in front of the player with the ball to dribble, pass or shoot and/or green space in front of other attackers would could receive the ball.

Options – Either the player with the ball has options to take on a defender or has other teammates to which he could pass the ball.
This applies, and the video example is very comparable, so yellow card.

Leave it go...

[paul_oshea]

Yeah, first solid away defensive performance since Hibernians, so that's something.

1 goal in 6 games is poor and will be a worry. They didn't really make the keeper work tonight I think, and similar could be said of previous games.

Did Djurgarden change their team around tonight? Heard the commentator say of their last sub that they were bringing on a forward they expected to start and taking off a guy they expected to be on the bench.

Still, an easy €4m, so the challenge is to build on that next season.

It was a fairly strong starting djugardens team

[Straightstory]

Decent performance from Rovers. But only one other team in ANY European Competition (group stage) this year has managed just one goal. (Copenhagen)