Spanish Football thread

[Cool King111990]

 

[thedon5]

Mediocre. We've both won absolutely bugger all. I am also of the opinion that Wenger is pretty much holding Arsenal together, which runs in contrast to what so many of my Arsenal mates all thought halfway through the season.

The consistent cries of Wenger out demonstrating that. I think when he goes they'll struggle to attract players because the reality is people go there to play for Wenger, not for Arsenal.

You can go wherever you want dude. However if you're yet another Arsenal fan trying to lie to yourself that you're a big club because you finish ahead of the closest team geographically to you, then I would suggest not going to your trophy cabinet. Much like Spurs it's starting to get dusty

People remember the faults someone makes, and never seem to remember the good they've done, this is especially true with Wenger.

That is true for the younger players and the French players, but I'm sure the few other players that go to Arsenal go there for the club itself. What would someone like Mikel Arteta or Mertesacker earn from playing under Wenger that they couldn't earn from playing under 'Arry, other than getting to see a genius at work with his youth?

This season without the early form we'd be challenging for the title. I strongly believe that with the experience brought in, stability has been brought in, it's great to have seasoned campaigners like Arteta, Benayoun and Mertesacker showing the youngster what being a footballer at Arsenal is about.

So I genuinely believe we can challenge for the title for the season, and do decent in the CL. Domestic cups, nope, we've never suited the knockout nature and Wenger seems complacent very often with these to focus on the CL and league. I doubt the same can be said for Spurs, what with 'Arry almost certain to leave and one of Bale or Modric also set to leave. However, if someone like Ganso or Hazard fill that void, we may be talking. Still, maybe still a season off a serious title challenge as Spurs seemed to struggle with managers until 'Arry and I expect a repeat.

Are we a big club? I think we are, because just look at some of the performances we've put up in the past, the win at Barcelona certainly is one, as is the 3-0 against the Italian champions. Say what you want about Chelsea, but any team that is in the CL final can be considered big, so surely if Chelsea is a big club, Arsenal is too based on the fact that for many season we've both been very close in all competitions, and this season we're ahead of them. Spurs are getting there.

If Wenger was to leave, I believe in the short term we'd be screwed, but all we need is a new manager to come in for the long term and we'll be fine. Same can be said for SAF though, and possibly 'Arry, if they leave, their clubs will be temporarily screwed. Happened to Chelsea as well as they were looking good for a very serious CL bid, their ultimate goal, yet Mourinho left and it wasn't acheived.

My rather long opinion.

 

[Dr. Pepper]

End of an era at Barca. I feel Guardiola's work there will always be under-appreciated.

 

[StinkyBoHoon]

they might have to do a clear out or they'll end up like chelsea this season (which despite the CL final has been disasterous)

lots of pep's mates in the team might not be so happy under another manager that's going to come in and try and change anything.

 

[KBC]

Pep's departure is confirmed. Looks like Barca's trend is on, Vilanova to replace him at the start of the new season. Don't know how to describe that , maybe they'll end up getting Bielsa to coach somehow.

 

[Auwais]

Cheers for the memories, Pep.

 

[puddleduck]

Err, did you honestly use Arteta and Mertesacker as examples of players going to Arsenal? Decent players, and good signings, but hardly fighting off a host of top clubs to land them.

Arsenal and Spurs are in a similar boat, except Arsenal have an infinitely better manager and are 5 years ahead in terms of already having the stadium that Spurs lack. Revenue wise Arsenal are pretty sorted, whilst Spurs will probably slip away from the top 4 run (that at the start of the season we weren't supposed to be near) and no longer be able to attract the players that could feasibly replace the likes of Bale and Modric. Essentially, if we don't win our last 4 games and Chelsea lose the Champs League final, I'm certain Spurs will be slipping away.

 

[thedon5]

Err, did you honestly use Arteta and Mertesacker as examples of players going to Arsenal? Decent players, and good signings, but hardly fighting off a host of top clubs to land them.

Arsenal and Spurs are in a similar boat, except Arsenal have an infinitely better manager and are 5 years ahead in terms of already having the stadium that Spurs lack. Revenue wise Arsenal are pretty sorted, whilst Spurs will probably slip away from the top 4 run (that at the start of the season we weren't supposed to be near) and no longer be able to attract the players that could feasibly replace the likes of Bale and Modric. Essentially, if we don't win our last 4 games and Chelsea lose the Champs League final, I'm certain Spurs will be slipping away.

I can't really give any other examples, as they're probably the only good older players we've signed since Arshavin.

I do agree with you though - neither Spurs nor Arsenal seem in an entirely good place atm.

Barca will slip away, especially if Mourinho stays, expect Real Madrid to be favourites next season.

 

[KBC]

Jordi Alba's already looked up as a target for the summer. Might cast a little doubt on Abidal's fitness if he returns again - which is unlikely atm, health first!

It will also be interesting but too early to see if Pique stays on. He said he would do everything to keep Pep at the Club but that took a blow. Even before January there were rumours he might move, but as i said it's too early but opens up a case to look on. Will he go back to United?

 

[Auwais]

Central defence is the last area we need to strengthen.

 

[War]

Miguel Delaney: Spanish stars at risk of burning out - ESPN Soccernet

 

[Dr. Pepper]

It's been abundantly clear that players like Alonso, Xavi, Silva, Torres have all been suffering. You'd have to be a physical monster to be able to handle the workload they've had for the past few years.

 

[KBC]

4 goals from Messi. Up to 73. 50 league goals. What is this man.

Rusty win for Madrid though, Ronaldo was trying his all to be the top scorer, but Messi's now leapfrogged him by 5. Own goal won it. Unfortunate one though. Up to 97, 3 more to 100 points. what an achievement that would be in itself.

 

[Haarithan]

4 goals from Messi. Up to 73. 50 league goals. What is this man.

100 involvements for a goal as well - 72 goals, 29 assists.

 

[Dr. Pepper]

An apt performance for Pep's last game at the Nou Camp.