LOI in Europe 2023

[CSAD]

25 minutes into the 2nd half and we are starting to see that these Icelanders aren't actually that great and Rovers just made them look great like they usually do.

[ger121]

I see Klasvik drawing 0-0 against Ferencvaros with not long left to go. They could be no pushover either in the ECL.

Ballkani 2 up on Ludogorets.

[CSAD]

It never ceases to amaze me just how bad Rovers are in Europe and that Kavanagh shot just sums them up, how is it possible to put a shot that far wide?

[pineapple stu]

I see Klasvik drawing 0-0 against Ferencvaros with not long left to go. They could be no pushover either in the ECL.
The losers to play the losers of Rovers v Breidablik in the Europa League of course

[SPXcyan]

Whoops, another terrible loi result in Europe!

[ger121]

The losers to play the losers of Rovers v Breidablik in the Europa League of course

Europa Conference League. They won’t have that parachute if they don’t go through in this tie.

[dundalkfc10]

Well that's fantastic, hopefully the Iceland lads finish the job next week

[pateen]

Entertaining second half but Rovers just dont seem to have real leaders on the team. Still doable though

[Nesta99]

It never ceases to amaze me just how bad Rovers are in Europe and that Kavanagh shot just sums them up, how is it possible to put a shot that far wide?

Well all do a bit of Rovers bashing but I think youve made your point - you are not impressed and not surprised, just totally amazed....

[CSAD]

Entertaining second half but Rovers just dont seem to have real leaders on the team. Still doable though

How can you have a side as ancient as this and not have leaders!

But but but they'll win the FAI cup, who cares that they lost at home to a bunch of part timers who made them look like a pub side.

[sbgawa]

I'll ignore the troll, but that was really poor, hard to see us getting out of this they could have scored a couple more. Farrugia back next week and a fitter jack might make a difference....there's hope. I suppose

[Philosophizer]

Disappointing, but not totally surprising either. Rovers, and the prem division have been below par this year.

[sbgawa]

Disappointing, but not totally surprising either. Rovers, and the prem division have been below par this year.

Thats true and the fact we are top while playing awful for long spells shows it.

[RealJohn91]

Bizarre talking point here on RTE that Rovers are struggling in Europe cause they're not getting competitive football week in, week out. You'd think they were miles clear in the league this season.

[CSAD]

Thats true and the fact we are top while playing awful for long spells shows it.

Yes because Rovers have looked brilliant in Europe all the previous season.

[Kiki Balboa]

That was an embarrassing display for the league.

[dundalkfc10]

Bizarre talking point here on RTE that Rovers are struggling in Europe cause they're not getting competitive football week in, week out. You'd think they were miles clear in the league this season.

When we were winning leagues pulling up, we were well able to compete in Europe

[CSAD]

When we were winning leagues pulling up, we were well able to compete in Europe

Exactly, likewise with Michael O’Neill. The difference being Bradley is just a poor manager.

[pineapple stu]

Think it's cited as a reason Spanish clubs win so many Euro club finals - decent sides but there's not as much strength in depth in La Liga as in England/Germany in particular, so they haven't had as hard a season, so have that bit extra left in the tank come May

[Philosophizer]

That was an embarrassing display for the league.
It really was. The part timers were the better team. I wonder did they just take their foot off the pedal once they got ahead? After the 1st half it looked like it could be a cricket score.

[ger121]

I'll ignore the troll, but that was really poor, hard to see us getting out of this they could have scored a couple more. Farrugia back next week and a fitter jack might make a difference....there's hope. I suppose

Look if you score first then it is game on. That home performance in the 1st half was like an away performance last season.

If Rovers want to progress in Europe yearly they need to rebuild that team by spending a few quid and bringing the cream of this famous academy through. Otherwise, you’ll just be like how Linfield were for years. Happy to do well domestically and pocket the money from winning the league but bang average in Europe.

[EalingGreen]

Think it's cited as a reason Spanish clubs win so many Euro club finals - decent sides but there's not as much strength in depth in La Liga as in England/Germany in particular, so they haven't had as hard a season, so have that bit extra left in the tank come MayI'd say there's truth in that. While the longer winter break means they're a bit fresher when they get to the "business end" of Europe i.e. the knockout stages from February onwards. Last season notwithstanding, Real Madrid certainly seem to come alive in the second half of their
European campaigns, by which time if La Liga isn't already won, it's usually only another 2 or 3 games vs Barca or Atletico which will decide.

Meanwhile, other decent sides like Sevilla and Villareal know they're never going to challenge for the league title, so don't even try. Meaning they have become European specialists, with Coaches to match, such as Emery or Lopetegui.

But even then, I wonder whether this might be coming to an end, seeing as those two have moved to the EPL, and not for Top Six clubs either?

[Kiki Balboa]

Interesting results tonight:


Klaksvik 0 - 0 Ferencvaros
Ballkani 2 - 0 Ludogorets Razgrad

[Calcio Jack]

Well very clear after tonight that this Rovers side needs to broken up….. as the team has gone ‘flat’ and new blood needed to bring back energy…. So despite us not being anywhere near our levels of last few seasons , I expect we’ll just about retain the league …. And then Bradley needs to make some major changes to the squad…. A difficult task but doable….

[Jd2793]

Interesting results tonight:


Klaksvik 0 - 0 Ferencvaros
Ballkani 2 - 0 Ludogorets Razgrad

people will laugh but derry will have a tough tie over there. its very hard to get a result in faroes, wouldnt surprise me at all if they lost.

[ger121]

Well very clear after tonight that this Rovers side needs to broken up….. as the team has gone ‘flat’ and new blood needed to bring back energy…. So despite us not being anywhere near our levels of last few seasons , I expect we’ll just about retain the league …. And then Bradley needs to make some major changes to the squad…. A difficult task but doable….

All good teams have their time. You’ll probably win the league but then time for a major rebuild.

[joey B]

Just rewatching the goal and its a good strike but its nearly in the middle of the goal,Pohls not up to the level at all....

[cláirseach]

Back from Tallaght. Rovers are a predictable side at this point and they were well read by their opponents tonight. Very stale. We haven't really seen Breidablik under big pressure though.

[Nesta99]

Well very clear after tonight that this Rovers side needs to broken up….. as the team has gone ‘flat’ and new blood needed to bring back energy…. So despite us not being anywhere near our levels of last few seasons , I expect we’ll just about retain the league …. And then Bradley needs to make some major changes to the squad…. A difficult task but doable….

Brdaley hanst really shown that he can build a side in a transfer window or 2, he a long term project man. Its not a total rebuild of course but I think you are right though, Rovers have seemed stale this season.

[dundalkfc10]

What is the story with Graham Burke? Surely he should be one the 1st names on the Rovers team sheet. Why does he seem to be on the bench as much as he starts games?

[patsdad]

What incredibly sloppy and ill-informed analysis. Who said it?

For the record, of 25 league games they’ve failed to win 12.

[joey B]

What incredibly sloppy and ill-informed analysis. Who said it?

For the record, of 25 league games they’ve failed to win 12.

I think I know what you’re talking about and it was Stuey Byrne of course!!

[Kiki Balboa]

Maybe we shouldnt be surprised by the plenty of abysmal performances in Europe for Rovers since they became champions as the only reason they are so successful domestically is because they just 'buy' the most established players in the league. Easy to paper over a lot of cracks when you can do that.

[Stuttgart88]

Much better second half by Rovers after a first half that was in keeping with many recent league performances. I said it when Bradley was seemingly on his way to Lincoln – I wouldn’t miss him. We’re flat and one-dimensional, easy to play against, easy to figure out and highly vulnerable in transition. We give so many goals away after conceding possession. Even last night’s free kick was from a dreadfully careless pass by Gaffney. Too many players (Watts, Towell…) are shadows of their former selves. This season has been dreadful. With Rovers’ squad, facilities, financial situation etc., we should be going proper Old Firm on the LOI, winning most games. This’ll probably come across as arrogant and I’m not saying it’d be a good thing, but failing to win half our league games this season just isn’t good enough and means last night was no surprise. I see a team starting games slowly, almost complacently, too often. At our best we’re fine, but we just aren’t at our best often enough imho. I wouldn't be calling for Bradley's head but I'd hope he and the Board are aware that things need addressing.

[nr637]

It really was. The part timers were the better team. I wonder did they just take their foot off the pedal once they got ahead? After the 1st half it looked like it could be a cricket score.

Are Breidablik really part-time, I think some of their players are full-time while the Icelandic domestic league is all part-time in format.

[pineapple stu]

RTÉ commentators said they were part-time anyway.

[Stuttgart88]

That proves it so :)

[Bunny Kelly]

I’ve seen comments attributed to Jon Daly that they are struggling to get footage of the Luxembourg team, is he for real? I’d find it hard to imagine most premier division clubs wouldn’t have a Wyscout account or equivalent, especially given the increased signing from abroad

[ger121]

Are Breidablik really part-time, I think some of their players are full-time while the Icelandic domestic league is all part-time in format.

I think it was said in the ESPN piece that they are a part time team. One of the players interviewed runs a bakery.

[pineapple stu]

That proves it so :)
When did RTÉ ever lie to the nation on a matter of such national importance?!

[patsdad]

I think I know what you’re talking about and it was Stuey Byrne of course!!

Yes, forgot to include the quote.

And no surprise it was Stuey.

[Philosophizer]

I’ve seen comments attributed to Jon Daly that they are struggling to get footage of the Luxembourg team, is he for real? I’d find it hard to imagine most premier division clubs wouldn’t have a Wyscout account or equivalent, especially given the increased signing from abroad
Of course they all have access to wyscout and all that stuff but Luxembourg is a winter league so Pats are probably struggling to get any recent footage of them because pre season matches may not have been recorded, or were recorded by the club and they don’t necessarily have to be shared because they’re not official matches. Maybe they could have got a new manager and players in and play a different system now than last season.

[Philosophizer]

Much better second half by Rovers after a first half that was in keeping with many recent league performances. I said it when Bradley was seemingly on his way to Lincoln – I wouldn’t miss him. We’re flat and one-dimensional, easy to play against, easy to figure out and highly vulnerable in transition. We give so many goals away after conceding possession. Even last night’s free kick was from a dreadfully careless pass by Gaffney. Too many players (Watts, Towell…) are shadows of their former selves. This season has been dreadful. With Rovers’ squad, facilities, financial situation etc., we should be going proper Old Firm on the LOI, winning most games. This’ll probably come across as arrogant and I’m not saying it’d be a good thing, but failing to win half our league games this season just isn’t good enough and means last night was no surprise. I see a team starting games slowly, almost complacently, too often. At our best we’re fine, but we just aren’t at our best often enough imho. I wouldn't be calling for Bradley's head but I'd hope he and the Board are aware that things need addressing.
This is mostly accurate, fair play. Rovers dominating like the SPL is a bit ott though. Their resources here are better than the chasing pack no doubt but not to the same extent as the old firm.

[Jack B]

I’ve seen comments attributed to Jon Daly that they are struggling to get footage of the Luxembourg team, is he for real? I’d find it hard to imagine most premier division clubs wouldn’t have a Wyscout account or equivalent, especially given the increased signing from abroad

They're in their off-season, have a new manager taking charge of his first game ever and have had a major overhaul of their squad. So he's talking about there being a lack of footage of whatever their current set-up will be, not of the club generally.

[Philosophizer]

people will laugh but derry will have a tough tie over there. its very hard to get a result in faroes, wouldnt surprise me at all if they lost.
All our European teams are having very shaky seasons domestically, bar perhaps Pats who have become better since they changed manager, so you can’t make any of our teams big favourites in their European ties, regardless of where the opposition are from.
For whatever reason, the prem division standard is poorer this year than in previous seasons:
1. Rovers: have certainly dropped a level from previous years. Their current points tally is 5-10 points lower than champions would usually be at this point, yet they’re still 4 points clear!!
2. Pats: very shaky start to the season and changed manager early. He steadied the ship somewhat so of all our euro teams they probably have most momentum but it’s still early days so jury still out.
3. Derry: hampered by big injuries and Higgins personal losses, but very disappointing season so far after being expected to push for title.
4. Dundalk: O’Donnell is trying to build something but they’re limited quality and are a LONG way off their previous teams.
5. Bohemians: Got a new manager bounce at start of season but have now reverted to their mean. Quite average.
6. Shels: solid defence and midfield, but very uninspiring in the final third. They get a lot of coverage because of Duff but they’re v mediocre quality.
7. Sligo: capable of the odd surprise but largely poor.
8. Drogs: actually impressive to beat and outplay many full time teams, but they can only do so much with limited resources. Have also lost their best player in the summer window.
9. Cork: see Sligo.
10. UCD: probably the poorest team in the prem division in many many years.

[Bunny Kelly]

They're in their off-season, have a new manager taking charge of his first game ever and have had a major overhaul of their squad. So he's talking about there being a lack of footage of whatever their current set-up will be, not of the club generally.


Fair enough but surely that has to be a positive for Pats, if that heavy a turnover then a side is unlikely to be flying from game 1. Pre-season friendlies are more about fitness than anything else so you'd be wary of reading too much into it

[CorribsideSteve]

Shamrock Rovers have been ABYSMAL in Europe for the last few seasons now, but that's an incredibly disappointing result

[Philosophizer]

Fair enough but surely that has to be a positive for Pats, if that heavy a turnover then a side is unlikely to be flying from game 1. Pre-season friendlies are more about fitness than anything else so you'd be wary of reading too much into it
It is a positive.
Their pre season games could also give an idea into how they set up and play.

[Jack B]

Fair enough but surely that has to be a positive for Pats, if that heavy a turnover then a side is unlikely to be flying from game 1. Pre-season friendlies are more about fitness than anything else so you'd be wary of reading too much into it

Yeah I'm not sure that he was bemoaning the situation to be fair, think he was just asked about how much homework he was able to do on them + was making a point about the pros and cons of it as on the other hand they have ample footage of Pats to work off in comparison.

[joey B]

Pats game is free on their app this evening if anyone wants to save a tenner!

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