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2015-16 UEFA Champions League

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Comments

  • #422
    Flint Fredstone
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,519 ✭✭✭Flint Fredstone


    The Golden Miller wrote: »
    I think it goes to show how weak England is really, considering Valencia would whip any team in the Premiership.

    I'm sure you thought they would whip Zenit and Gent too.


  • #423
    The Golden Miller
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,785 ✭✭✭The Golden Miller


    Flint Fredstone wrote: »
    I'm sure you thought they would whip Zenit and Gent too.

    No, different styles of football


  • #424
    sReq | uTeK
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,048 ✭✭✭sReq | uTeK


    The Golden Miller wrote: »
    I think it goes to show how weak England is really, considering Valencia would whip any team in the Premiership.

    Funny post


  • #425
    The Golden Miller
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,785 ✭✭✭The Golden Miller


    sReq | uTeK wrote: »
    Funny post

    Well bar maybe Man City when they click. If you were a betting man and had money on the line to see who would come on on top if they played 10 times, what teams in the Premiership would you say would come out on top against Valencia? I say bar City, as when they click, may give Valencia a hiding or two, but when they don't are very inconsistent and Valencia in most game would retain possession and pick them off, just as with any other team in the Premiership


  • #426
    Andersonisgod
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,868 ✭✭✭Andersonisgod


    Tomagotchye wrote: »
    Hyperbole to the extreme alright.

    Far from it. Barça were nothing short of sublime tonight, conjuring a brand of football that no other team on this planet can imitate nor match. They are the reigning champions of Europe and Spain, they may retain both titles. For a club to have 1 special team, as Barcelona did under Pep and Tito, is incredible but to have 2 and so close together speaks volumes about the club and how they do things.


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  • #427
    The Golden Miller
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,785 ✭✭✭The Golden Miller


    Andersonisgod wrote: »
    Far from it. Barça were nothing short of sublime tonight, conjuring a brand of football that no other team on this planet can imitate nor match. They are the reigning champions of Europe and Spain, they may retain both titles. For a club to have 1 special team, as Barcelona did under Pep and Tito, is incredible but to have 2 and so close together speaks volumes about the club and how they do things.

    I think this Barca team is even better than under Guardiola. When things aren't going great they can mix it up, whereas under Guardiola they could only play tiki taka. Scary thought really


  • #428
    KaiserGunner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,475 ✭✭✭KaiserGunner


    Andersonisgod wrote: »
    Far from it. Barça were nothing short of sublime tonight, conjuring a brand of football that no other team on this planet can imitate nor match. They are the reigning champions of Europe and Spain, they may retain both titles. For a club to have 1 special team, as Barcelona did under Pep and Tito, is incredible but to have 2 and so close together speaks volumes about the club and how they do things.

    Yeah I'm sure it has nothing to do with money spent, being able to bring in world class players such as Suarez and Neymar obviously helps.


  • #429
    Andersonisgod
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,868 ✭✭✭Andersonisgod


    sReq | uTeK wrote: »
    Didn't you support Chelsea?

    Oh, this is a bit embarrassing, you seem to know who I am but I haven't the faintest clue about you. This is quite awkward. Please tell me something about yourself.

    So that you don't feel shy I'll begin. I've been a Chelsea fan since I was a kid, I was taken in by the magic of Zola and the gangliness of Flo. As I got older and became more disillusioned with English football I found Spanish football to be something I particularly enjoy and the style of play, the history, the symbolic nature, the philosophy and the players all made me fall in love with FC Barcelona. I hope that's answered your question. Now it's your turn, tell me something about you so I can get to know you as much as you know me.


  • #430
    Andersonisgod
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,868 ✭✭✭Andersonisgod


    KaiserGunner wrote: »
    Yeah I'm sure it has nothing to do with money spent, being able to bring in world class players such as Suarez and Neymar obviously helps.

    I forgot no team spends money. The current Man Utd squad costs more than this Barcelona squad. Do you think Man Utd are currently better than Barcelona? Then perhaps money isn't everything.


  • #431
    Andersonisgod
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,868 ✭✭✭Andersonisgod


    The Golden Miller wrote: »
    I think this Barca team is even better than under Guardiola. When things aren't going great they can mix it up, whereas under Guardiola they could only play tiki taka. Scary thought really

    It's very tough to say, Pep's Barcelona were certainly more possession heavy and I do think more flexible tactically and possibly pressed better too but this Barcelona have more variety in their attack and have more individual magic in their game too. It sounds ridiculous but they are two once in a lifetime teams.


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  • #432
    sReq | uTeK
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,048 ✭✭✭sReq | uTeK


    Andersonisgod wrote: »
    Oh, this is a bit embarrassing, you seem to know who I am but I haven't the faintest clue about you. This is quite awkward. Please tell me something about yourself.

    So that you don't feel shy I'll begin. I've been a Chelsea fan since I was a kid, I was taken in by the magic of Zola and the gangliness of Flo. As I got older and became more disillusioned with English football I found Spanish football to be something I particularly enjoy and the style of play, the history, the symbolic nature, the philosophy and the players all made me fall in love with FC Barcelona. I hope that's answered your question. Now it's your turn, tell me something about you so I can get to know you as much as you know me.

    Pretty sure there is only one thing embarrassing about this thread and it's not the fact you don't know me.

    And don't you mean disillusioned with life in general rather than English football?


  • #433
    Andersonisgod
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,868 ✭✭✭Andersonisgod


    sReq | uTeK wrote: »
    Pretty sure there is only one thing embarrassing about this thread and it's not the fact you don't know me.

    And don't you mean disillusioned with life in general rather than English football?

    So, just to be clear because I'm beginning to get slightly nervous and I just want to confirm that there is actually a reason to be nervous, you know who I support, you know why I support them and now you tell me that you know about my life in general? You seem to have me all figured out and I'm sitting here and I haven't a clue who you are, I wouldn't recognize your face (though, presumably you'd recognize mine) I don't even recognize your Boards username and yet you know copious details about me. This seems like a very one-sided relationship, a kind of online stalker type situation. Personally I don't mind, I'm very comfortable in my own skin and if I can help a person out by giving them purpose to their life then I'm happy to help. If following Andersonisgod around virtually, finding out little details about Andersonisgod and hoping that if you wave your arms around enough Andersonisgod might acknowledge your existence, makes you happy then knock yourself out, go wild I say.


  • #434
    Rayne Wooney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,134 ✭✭✭✭Rayne Wooney


    Andersonisgod wrote: »
    I forgot no team spends money. The current Man Utd squad costs more than this Barcelona squad. Do you think Man Utd are currently better than Barcelona? Then perhaps money isn't everything.


    As the last of the current La Masia golden era finishes up/leave in the next 4 or 5 years you'll see Barca having to spend vast amounts.

    They have spent the same amount in the last 3 years as they did between 2005-2012 as the need to buy grows

    It'll be interesting to see what club emerges on top when Barca dominance subsides.


  • #435
    The Golden Miller
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,785 ✭✭✭The Golden Miller


    Turtwig wrote: »
    Don't think Mess would have been as unselfish if he hadn't scored a goal. Typically, his nature always was altruist once he scored a goal in a game. However, if he's not scored, regardless of his position he almost always took the strike on. Have seen little to suggest this has changed in him.

    Surely if Messi was concerned with getting at least one goal a game, then surely he's obsessed with his goal count in general? This has to be the lamest excuse I've ever heard to downplay a player not caring about records or the number of goals he scored. When have you ever heard of a player going out to ensure they scored at least one, and only one goal a game?


  • #436
    The Golden Miller
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,785 ✭✭✭The Golden Miller


    Rayne Wooney wrote: »
    As the last of the current La Masia golden era finishes up/leave in the next 4 or 5 years you'll see Barca having to spend vast amounts.

    They have spent the same amount in the last 3 years as they did between 2005-2012 as the need to buy grows

    It'll be interesting to see what club emerges on top when Barca dominance subsides.

    Why would the La Masia "golden era" suddenly dry up?


  • #437
    The Golden Miller
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,785 ✭✭✭The Golden Miller


    sReq | uTeK wrote: »
    Funny post

    Well? What prem team's would beat Valencia over 10 games do you reckon (10 games to take into account flukes, one team having a good day etc)


  • #438
    The_Kew_Tour
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 34,806 ✭✭✭✭The_Kew_Tour


    This Barca side is greatest side I have seen in my lifetime. They are pure joy to watch.

    Bayern are not that far behind. Would be a super final at this moment in time with form both are in. Things can change and most likely will for one of them anyway.

    EVENFLOW



  • #439
    Blatter
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,832 ✭✭✭✭Blatter


    The Golden Miller wrote: »
    Of course anything can happen, but Barca have a far better chance of going on to win after hammering Roma than Bayern had. Since Guardiola came to Bayern, they are Barca light in many respects. When they come up against the top teams, their passing game required to open up the best isn't anywhere close to Barca's level and never will be. Most Barca players have been doing it since they were kids. Bayern players haven't. To pull of what Barca do, especially when push comes to shove, it has to be ball through the eye of a needle stuff. Only Barca can unlock the top defences and teams playing in this manner

    I disagree with your assessment of Bayern. I think they're an elite side and i'd have them as slight favorites ahead of Barca for the CL, mainly due to squad depth.


  • #440
    Andersonisgod
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,868 ✭✭✭Andersonisgod


    Rayne Wooney wrote: »
    As the last of the current La Masia golden era finishes up/leave in the next 4 or 5 years you'll see Barca having to spend vast amounts.

    They have spent the same amount in the last 3 years as they did between 2005-2012 as the need to buy grows

    It'll be interesting to see what club emerges on top when Barca dominance subsides.

    Sure this board isn't as dedicated to the promotion of youth as Laporta was but at a time when Sergi Roberto is establishing himself, Rafinha Alcantara has just signed a new contract (and he will be a key player for years in midfield) and Samper is back in good graces I'd say you've definitely written off Barça's youngsters at the wrong time, that's not even accounting for the likes of Halilovic, Suarez, Adama (who can be brought back via buyback clause). There's always a stream of excellent young players in the youth teams and the B side too (eg. Kaptoum) I mean this is probably the best youth system in the world, the La Masia well doesn't dry up.

    Busquets, Pique, Messi, Alba aren't even that old and the next main man of Barcelona is already in the team (Neymar)


  • #441
    tastyt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,054 ✭✭✭tastyt


    The_Kew_Tour wrote: »
    This Barca side is greatest side I have seen in my lifetime. They are pure joy to watch.

    Bayern are not that far behind. Would be a super final at this moment in time with form both are in. Things can change and most likely will for one of them anyway.

    Ya they are definitely the two standouts at the minute and you can't see anyone get near them.

    I honestly think barca would come out on top though. I'm not sure guardiola has it in him to set up a team so defensively as to stifle that front 3 of barca and if your going to go toe to toe with them, as good as bayern are , I think they'll come up short. Would be an absolute cracker though.

    Ps . It would be typical of one of these sides to get dumped out by a Chelsea and Mourinho " masterclass " as unlikely as it seems right now.


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  • #442
    The Golden Miller
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,785 ✭✭✭The Golden Miller


    Blatter wrote: »
    I disagree with your assessment of Bayern. I think they're an elite side and i'd have them as slight favorites ahead of Barca for the CL, mainly due to squad depth.

    I'd agree they are an elite side. Just not up there with Barca or anyone at their level on any given year. They may take Barca in the odd game but not over the long haul due to Guardiola's Barcelona philosophy, as Barca do it better. Heynckes played to Bayern's strengths and they became the best in Europe. They've take a small step back since then


  • #443
    KaiserGunner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,475 ✭✭✭KaiserGunner


    The Golden Miller wrote: »
    I think it goes to show how weak England is really, considering Valencia would whip any team in the Premiership.

    I don't watch La Liga but I'm curious to why ya rate Valencia so highly? I've just checked the La Liga table, they are lying in 7th with 19 points after 12 games and 17 goals scored. Am I missing something here?


  • #444
    The Golden Miller
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,785 ✭✭✭The Golden Miller


    Andersonisgod wrote: »
    Sure this board isn't as dedicated to the promotion of youth as Laporta was but at a time when Sergi Roberto is establishing himself, Rafinha Alcantara has just signed a new contract (and he will be a key player for years in midfield) and Samper is back in good graces I'd say you've definitely written off Barça's youngsters at the wrong time, that's not even accounting for the likes of Halilovic, Suarez, Adama (who can be brought back via buyback clause). There's always a stream of excellent young players in the youth teams and the B side too (eg. Kaptoum) I mean this is probably the best youth system in the world, the La Masia well doesn't dry up.

    Busquets, Pique, Messi, Alba aren't even that old and the next main man of Barcelona is already in the team (Neymar)


    It's like saying the Ajax youth academy dried up. It never did. They just don't have the money or resources to keep their players due to their league, Barca do. This conveyor belt of talent won't stop coming through as you allude to, as Barca have the means of keeping who they want. Another scary thought. Imagine every team could only play with the talent they bring through every year themselves? It would be a Barca v Ajax shootout most years. Common denominator= Johan Cruyff. His influence in the two clubs at youth levels is telling and both will continue to produce top talent, albeit with Barca keeping theirs, Ajax not so lucky


  • #445
    The Golden Miller
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,785 ✭✭✭The Golden Miller


    KaiserGunner wrote: »
    I don't watch La Liga but I'm curious to why ya rate Valencia so highly? I've just checked the La Liga table, they are lying in 7th with 19 points after 12 games and 17 goals scored. Am I missing something here?

    They are playing in the best league where they are facing teams in which most have a similar strategy.... retain the ball and play like Barcelona (not to the same level of course). When they play their English counterparts playing a direct game they starve them of possession and pick them off. What was the stat I saw when the Premiership was at it's best a few years back, circa 05-11? Outside each league's big guns, when La Liga faced off against the Premiership, they came out on top in 14 out of 15 encounters, the Premierships only win came when Bolton beat Atletico Madrid back in 05 or something


  • #446
    Flint Fredstone
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,519 ✭✭✭Flint Fredstone


    KaiserGunner wrote: »
    I don't watch La Liga but I'm curious to why ya rate Valencia so highly? I've just checked the La Liga table, they are lying in 7th with 19 points after 12 games and 17 goals scored. Am I missing something here?

    Midtable La Liga is better than top of the PL is the angle he's presumably coming from.


  • #447
    The Golden Miller
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,785 ✭✭✭The Golden Miller


    Flint Fredstone wrote: »
    Midtable La Liga is better than top of the PL is the angle he's presumably coming from.

    Season ain't over yet. Slow start


  • #448
    Flint Fredstone
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,519 ✭✭✭Flint Fredstone


    The Golden Miller wrote: »
    They are playing in the best league where they are facing teams in which most have a similar strategy.... retain the ball and play like Barcelona (not to the same level of course). When they play their English counterparts playing a direct game they starve them of possession and pick them off. What was the stat I saw when the Premiership was at it's best a few years back, circa 05-11? Outside each league's big guns, when La Liga faced off against the Premiership, they came out on top in 14 out of 15 encounters, the Premierships only win came when Bolton beat Atletico Madrid back in 05 or something

    But you're not saying outside the league's big guns. You're saying Valencia would whip any PL side.


  • #449
    Andersonisgod
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,868 ✭✭✭Andersonisgod


    Flint Fredstone wrote: »
    But you're not saying outside the league's big guns. You're saying Valencia would whip any PL side.

    Valencia have the potential to be better than their league position suggests. They've got some excellent players in their squad and a big fanbase. I do think they'd give any team in England a real game and wouldn't be surprised to see them get a result against any of them on any given day. That being said, I think only Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid would actually beat any of the English teams over 2 legs.


  • #450
    The Golden Miller
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,785 ✭✭✭The Golden Miller


    Flint Fredstone wrote: »
    But you're not saying outside the league's big guns. You're saying Valencia would whip any PL side.

    I just thought that was an outrageous number and telling of the style's of play. The Premierships top clubs have regressed since then, the La Liga teams are getting better as they are refining their style of play, with most of europe following suit. There's a reason lesser teams in quality are regularly beating the Premierships best these days, the style of play. The Premiership continue with an outdated style. Everything progresses in life, even football, it's becoming more technical. The only club I'd have money on is City beating Valencia when they click. Over a period of games I'd take Valencia as City are dreadfully inconsistent. I was over-emphasising a point with the "whip" bit. Chelsea too when Mourinho turns it around, but not at the moment.


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  • #451
    Flint Fredstone
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,519 ✭✭✭Flint Fredstone


    The Golden Miller wrote: »
    I just thought that was an outrageous number and telling of the style's of play. The Premierships top clubs have regressed since then, the La Liga teams are getting better as they are refining their style of play, with most of europe following suit. There's a reason lesser teams in quality are regularly beating the Premierships best these days, the style of play. The Premiership continue with an outdated style. Everything progresses in life, even football, it's becoming more technical. The only club I'd have money on is City beating Valencia when they click. Over a period of games I'd take Valencia as City are dreadfully inconsistent. I was over-emphasising a point with the "whip" bit. Chelsea too when Mourinho turns it around, but not at the moment.

    Heard it all before. Leverkusen were 2nd in the Bundesliga and were supposed to destroy Moyes' United. Sevilla were supposed to beat City.

    There is no style of play that guarantees results over another. It's not rock, paper, scissors.


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