Champions League Thread (the dawn of time - 2014)

[JBlues08]

''I know my players very well and they are an example of professionalism and honesty. They can all make mistakes during the game, but they are exemplary human beings and in any case, the actions from the past are just that - in the past.''

Source: Guardiola hits back at criticism - ESPN Soccernet

Example of professionalism and honesty?!

 

[Auwais]

It's standard man-management. He's not going to call them tossers in the press.

 

[War]

Barcelona behaved today in general, not real faking (except for Mascherano at times).

As long as Mourinho stays as coach, i reckon Madrid could topple Barca in the league next season. Since its basically a win each & two draws each in this 4 classico's.

 

[Haarithan]

As long as Mourinho stays as coach, i reckon Madrid could topple Barca in the league next season. Since its basically a win each & two draws each in this 4 classico's.

So what exactly happened to the 5-0 hammering of Real earlier this season . Then too , it was Mourinho who managed them .

 

[War]

So what exactly happened to the 5-0 hammering of Real earlier this season . Then too , it was Mourinho who managed them .

The 5-0 was Mourinho 1st game with his new Real coming off toppling Barca with Inter last season. He made tactical errors with his new team i.e defending too high up the pitch & Barca murdered them.

He learned from his mistakes i.e Pepe playing in mid-field in these 4 classico's & if it wasn't for some poor ref decisions & Barca cheating he/Real could have easily been in the CL final.

 

[JBlues08]

It was certainly a much better game to watch yesterday. The one that is losing the plot and still playing from the 1st leg is Mascherano. His theatrical tumble was so hilarious that it managed to fool the referee. Higuain's goal should have stood and we might have a different game then.

 

[Haarithan]

It was certainly a much better game to watch yesterday. The one that is losing the plot and still playing from the 1st leg is Mascherano. His theatrical tumble was so hilarious that it managed to fool the referee. Higuain's goal should have stood and we might have a different game then.

Agree with you on Mascherano's dubious acting skills . Some people never change .

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And btw , Higuain's disallowed goal got the right decision imo . It was a clear cut foul before he slotted it in .

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Anyone up for Schalke to turn it over ?? I'm going for a 1-1 draw .

 

[JBlues08]

Anyone up for Schalke to turn it over ?? I'm going for a 1-1 draw .

Unlikely. Just want Schalke to give them a scare by maybe scoring first and give them a good game to tire them out before the Sunday's game.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

Well, that was a job well done. They couldn't live with us again and that's with nine changes. Sorry to disappoint Chelsea, but the team you play will be fresh, not the usual tired out effort you get after a midweek European game.

Someone wrote into Sky text going on about 'when Schalke knock out Utd' - that guy must be feeling ever so silly now.

Come on, Utd! One game at Wembley - I'd back us against anyone. Arsenal beat Barca over one game in London, so can we.

 

[BKB1991]

Just came back from the stadium. Amazing game and the atmosphere was electric. The midfield was brilliant and such a strong performance that too with a B team, means we play Chelsea, with a stronger one

Barca game should be epic. I am intrigued with what Ferguson comes up against Guardiola and his men.

 

[JBlues08]

It will be interesting to see how Pep Guardiola utilizes his full backs for the final. Alves did not bomb forward much against Madrid to prevent them from being exposed to counter attacks and I'm sure Guardiola will be aware of United's counter attacks.

 

[Haarithan]

Anderson yesterday scored his 3rd & 4th Man United goals within the space of 10 minutes , something he had taken 3 years to achieve for his first 2 goals .

 

[MasterBlaster76]

Anderson yesterday scored his 3rd & 4th Man United goals within the space of 10 minutes , something he had taken 3 years to acheive for his first 2 goals .

So what? There's a lot more to his game than just scoring goals you know.

 

[War]

Just came back from the stadium. Amazing game and the atmosphere was electric. The midfield was brilliant and such a strong performance that too with a B team, means we play Chelsea, with a stronger one

Barca game should be epic. I am intrigued with what Ferguson comes up against Guardiola and his men.

Ye it will interesting to see what he does. But i hope he just & attacks them - since its just a one-off. He doesn't have to try to really nullify Barca mid-field like United of 07/08 CL, Inter last year & Real this year (1st leg) since this aint a 2 leg tie.

Just back yourself & with an English crowd you can surprise them like what Arsenal did to Barca early this season at the Emirates.

Only selection dilemma im seeing for him is deciding between O'Shea & Rafael @ RB, since that person has to deal with Villa.

Otherwise this is my XI: 4-2-1-3


VDS

O'Shea/Rafael Rio Vidic Evra

Carrick Fletcher

Rooney

Valencia Hernandez Giggs


Only thing he could PROBABLY do different also & this would shock the world, is take a leaf from Mourinho's book & maybe play Ferdinand as a DM next to Fletcher instead of Carrick & let Smalling partner Vidic @ the back. Since i think Rio has the game to do a similar job to what Pepe can do as a DM & rough up Xavi/Iniesta/Sergi.

 

[BKB1991]

Did you forget Nani?

That formation is the most likely one we go with, but It will be interesting to see which two players play in central midfield. Scholes and Anderson had decent game against Schalke too. I wouldnt be surpised if he leaves out Hernandez on the bench and goes with three CM and Rooney as a lone forward, but that would be too defensive Imo.