Sums Linfield in Europe up pretty well

**Steve Bruce** · 26/07/2007, 10:44 AM

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sp...cle2803155.ece

I have to say. Linfield this season are looking a far better side than last. It's the same team, but we seem to be that bit quicker and that bit better.

Elfsborg where slightly the better team, but Linfield has closed the gap with the other sides in Europe.

Next season will be our season. We have drawn the 2 of the hardest teams in the last 2 seasons in Europe. Next season we are due a slightly easier task. In saying that, I now fear no one in the first round and I relish the chance against anyone next season.

Come on the Blues.

**Graemerz** · 26/07/2007, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by Steve Bruce

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sp...cle2803155.ece

I have to say. Linfield this season are looking a far better side than last. It's the same team, but we seem to be that bit quicker and that bit better.

Elfsborg where slightly the better team, but Linfield has closed the gap with the other sides in Europe.

Next season will be our season. We have drawn the 2 of the hardest teams in the last 2 seasons in Europe. Next season we are due a slightly easier task. In saying that, I now fear no one in the first round and I relish the chance against anyone next season.

Come on the Blues.

I'd fear Derry City, they have a higher co-efficient than us...

**Steve Bruce** · 26/07/2007, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by Graemerz

I'd fear Derry City, they have a higher co-efficient than us...

Your not allowed to say anything bad/sarcastic about Derry City on these forums. People take the hump. so less of that

**dcfcsteve** · 27/07/2007, 1:14 AM

Originally Posted by Steve Bruce

Your not allowed to say anything bad/sarcastic about Derry City on these forums. People take the hump. so less of that

Never stops you.......!

**GavinZac** · 27/07/2007, 8:21 AM

Yes, over the two legs Elfsborg had the majority of the chances, but their finishing left a lot to be desired over the 180 minutes of the tie

Bigger team comes to Linfield and despite breaking them down time and time again, can't find the target? Sounds eerily familiar. Glad that justice prevailed though, I can only imagine what the word for molestation is in Swedish.

**Steve Bruce** · 27/07/2007, 8:25 AM

Originally Posted by GavinZac

Bigger team comes to Linfield and despite breaking them down time and time again, can't find the target? Sounds eerily familiar. Glad that justice prevailed though, I can only imagine what the word for molestation is in Swedish.

Read my sig

**Graemerz** · 27/07/2007, 8:41 AM

Originally Posted by GavinZac

Bigger team comes to Linfield

Aye, right enough Cork are massive....

**ifk101** · 27/07/2007, 8:54 AM

Originally Posted by GavinZac

I can only imagine what the word for molestation is in Swedish.

Ofredande

Joe Gamble Svensson said:

"Bollen blev ofredad av Cork City p� Windsor Idrottsplatsen".

Anyways, I personally thought that Elfsborg ran the show the other night but didn't put their superiority in goals. Linfield had a good chance at the end to equalise but in my mind there's no doubt that Elfsborg were the better team. It was a crappy goal Linfield conceded though.

**Steve Bruce** · 27/07/2007, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by ifk101

Ofredande

Joe Gamble Svensson said:

"Bollen blev ofredad av Cork City p� Windsor Idrottsplatsen".

Anyways, I personally thought that Elfsborg ran the show the other night but didn't put their superiority in goals. Linfield had a good chance at the end to equalise but in my mind there's no doubt that Elfsborg were the better team. It was a crappy goal Linfield conceded though.

I don't think you would get 1 Linfield supporter to say that Linfield where better. We're not and Elsborg are certainly a better side.(although I would love to get them at the end of September when we are match fit and sharp)

But I think Linfield has shown this year that our standard has certainly risen in recent years and we are getting stronger.

Paul McAreavey showed his class again and this time he showed the stamina as well. Full-time football seems to be working a treat with him and Mannus especially.

**Graemerz** · 27/07/2007, 11:09 AM

With Downey and Kearney coming back and bar any serious long term injuries we could very well do the clean sweep again this year including the Setanta this time.

**Steve Bruce** · 27/07/2007, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by Graemerz

With Downey and Kearney coming back and bar any serious long term injuries we could very well do the clean sweep again this year including the Setanta this time.

I'll be happy with the Irish League and 1 other trophy.

**Graemerz** · 27/07/2007, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by Steve Bruce

I'll be happy with the Irish League and 1 other trophy.

Aye the League is the priority but after that it should be (listed in priority):-

Setanta Cup
Irish Cup
CIS Cup
Co. Antrim Shield

**Steve Bruce** · 27/07/2007, 2:48 PM

Originally Posted by Graemerz

Aye the League is the priority but after that it should be (listed in priority):-

Setanta Cup
Irish Cup
CIS Cup
Co. Antrim Shield

To be honest Graemerz it is hard to prioritise the cups because they play in different times of the season.

The League gets first priority obviously.

The CIS to me would be the 2nd priority as this finishes before any other tournement and if you win this, then the trophy duck is broke for the year.

Then the Co. Antrim sheild, but I would play 3 youngsters from reserves in every game including hte final if we are fortunate enough to get their.

Then Irish Cup is to me this is the climax of the season and always gaurenteed bumper crowd.

Setanta would be last priority but that's not to say it's least either. It comes towards the end of the season when the League gets really tight and every point is so important. Like last season I would play as good a team as possible but have to rotate to keep the squad fresh. Last season we never had a full first team on at anyone time and we used fringe players. i think this is a must this season as well.

If I could hand pick 3 trophies it would be League, Irish Cup and Setanta cup.

**waide** · 27/07/2007, 4:44 PM

Steve, i agree that the league has to be our first priority, but my next preference is the setanta although the timng of it obviously gives the edge to the southern clubs,i firmly believe that this past two seasons fatigue has cost us the trophy,that is not to take anything away from drogs who are an exellent team,by far the best that we've played in the setanta over this past three seasons.

**mypost** · 27/07/2007, 11:19 PM

Originally Posted by Graemerz

Aye the League is the priority but after that it should be (listed in priority):-

Setanta Cup
Irish Cup
CIS Cup
Co. Antrim Shield

Europe????

**BleusAvantTout** · 27/07/2007, 11:29 PM

League first for me then the Setanta All Ireland...........it brings mucho dinero!!!

**David** · 28/07/2007, 12:54 AM

Originally Posted by mypost

Europe????

We are already out of it for this season and are never going to win the Champions League.

**Graemerz** · 28/07/2007, 1:29 AM

Progression in Europe to me is more important than the CIS, CAS and Irish Cup but David is right we are never ever going to win the competition.

**GavinZac** · 28/07/2007, 1:38 AM

Originally Posted by Graemerz

Progression in Europe to me is more important than the CIS, CAS and Irish Cup but David is right we are never ever going to win the competition.

not with that attitude

**StarandCrescent** · 28/07/2007, 9:49 AM

Originally Posted by waide

Steve, i agree that the league has to be our first priority, but my next preference is the setanta although the timng of it obviously gives the edge to the southern clubs,i

How's that? We're pre season and your half way throught your season. Fitness and match sharpness are all in favour of IL clubs.