Your Weekend Open Thread - El Clasico Slumber Party / Pillow Fight
by DPeezy on Dec 10, 2011 8:14 AM GMT
in Premier League: General
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PrintChelsea's valiant army of born-again AVB-ites are not in action until Monday, which reduces us to innocent bystanders of the carnage that is sure to unfold this weekend (El Clasico).
But fear not, my pedigree chums! For here we have this pristine open thread, ready and willing to accept your comments (It wouldn't surprise if all of this weekend's Prem games were won by the home team), thoughts (O Torres, my Torres, rise up and hear the bells), concerns (My iron blew up this evening; HOW WILL MY CLOTHES GET UNWRINKLY!!!?), conundrums (Why are the Chelsea fans in FM12 more pleased with a 2-0 win v. QPR at home than with a 1-0 win away at Man U??)
Tell me of your homeworld, Usul.
Here's what's on tap for Saturday & Sunday:
(all times Eastern; HOME - Away)
SATURDAY:
7 matches in Premier League, all at 10 a.m.: ARSE - Everton; BOLTON - Aston Villa; LIVERPOOL - QPR; MANURE - Wolves; NORWICH - Newcastle; SWANSEA - Clint Dempsey's Bitch-face; WBA - Wigan Not PvA
1 ginormous match (and a few more inconsequential ones, I'm sure) in La Liga, at 4 p.m.: REAL MADRID - Barcelona (tigers, bears, Mourinho, OH MY!)
Umpteen French League matches on FSC.tv and the odd Portuguese, Dutch, and Italian matchup on ESPN 3.
SUNDAY:
2 semi-intriguing matchups in the Prem (well, 1 intriguing, and 1 wholly worthless, not in that order), at 8:45 a.m.: SUNDERLAND - Blackburn; at 11 a.m. STOKE - Spuds
Germany's 2 best are in action, at 9:30 a.m.: DORTMUND - Kaiserslautern; at 11:30 a.m.: STUTTGART - Bayern
And 2 of our potential Italian CL opponents will take the field as well, at 9:00 a.m.: BOLOGNA - AC Milan; at 2:45 p.m.: NOVARA - Napoli
At least those are the ones that I care about...
Oh...and, of course, let's not forget that FIFA's entirely useless Club World Cup kicks off in earnest this weekend, with some Tunisian team playing the Qatari Al-Sadd who made headlines earlier with cheating & brawling. Now that's what I call a showcase!
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Thanks for the information, DPeezy
One question though; does anyone know what channel here in America that I can watch el clasico? Thanks
im getting it on GolTV
if that fails there’s always ESPN3
by marc.nicholls1 on Dec 10, 2011 9:31 AM GMT up reply actions
I can't one single newspaper
or news site (even non-football) who are NOT reporting about this Real Barca thing. Meh. Me, I’m in the apathy faction, and yes, it will be funny to see if Mourinho manages to play an entire match with 11 men on the pitch till the final whistle, but … I opened the page of the favourite newspaper in order to read about the Eurozone crisis (CRISIS!!!!!) and the first thing I see is – “EL Clasico 2011” – genius. Don’t remember it was blown up this way last year … if I happen to watch it then only to see some unexpected comedy.
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
Aston Villa Purge
Apparently (if you can trust British media) Aston Villa is trying to get rid of Petrov and Ireland. Seems like a mistake to me. There is no real reason why Aston Villa shouldn’t be a top 6 team year in and year out. Birmingham has tons of good prospects and who would you rather sign with, Wolves, Birmingham, West Brom? Nope. I don’t get this decline they’ve had. Seriously, what do Tottenham have over Aston Villa? McLeish was such a bad hire.
Anyway… do you see Chelsea going after Petrov or Ireland for purely depth reasons? Petrov seems like a great leader but he doesn’t fill a need and I don’t think he’s someone you want to keep on the bench (personality wise). Ireland looked promising and I’d consider him A) if he was cheap and B) if we fail to sign any other creative pieces.
Avoid at all costs
Both are abysmal footballers
by Graham MacAree on Dec 10, 2011 2:16 PM GMT up reply actions
Signing Ireland?! Shades of Steve Sidwell right there.
Coincidentally, Petrov scored the winner today. So that takes care of his one good contribution for the season.
Gael Kakuta is on the Bolton bench, btw, so hopefully he can get some minutes later in the match
PvA is nowhere to be seen with Wigan.
And United have scored the first goal of the day, Nani starting what is sure to be a healthy beat-down of Wolves.
Norwich is set to inflict another defeat on Newcastle...
This might be a very quick fall from grace for the Toon…
Apparently
they needed their two CB’s. I didn’t think they would stay up top, but I didn’t think they’d fall so quickly.
Norwich keeps impressing me, though. Them boys have some fight in ’em.
Meh
Not so worried about Pool to be honest, and Newcastle seems like they’re about to fade.
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 5:01 PM GMT up reply actions
That being said, I think its important to note that, should we lose, there is a dangerous possibility of us slipping to 5th/6th
5 Up, 5 Down - A uniquely unofficial look at the comings and goings of Chelsea FC and the EPL
by CanadianBlue on Dec 10, 2011 5:04 PM GMT up reply actions
i.e. doing a Newcastle
5 Up, 5 Down - A uniquely unofficial look at the comings and goings of Chelsea FC and the EPL
by CanadianBlue on Dec 10, 2011 5:05 PM GMT up reply actions
5th is the lowest we can drop this week
We’re still 2 points clear of both Newcastle and Liverpool with the Man City game still in hand.
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 5:08 PM GMT up reply actions
QPR are really
disappointing. It seems every geek can beat them, except a 9 men Chelsea. Whoaa
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
PvA is tweeting the Wigan game. Methinks he won't be played :(
In other footy news, ManUre destroyed Wolves 4-1
5 Up, 5 Down - A uniquely unofficial look at the comings and goings of Chelsea FC and the EPL
Same goal difference as Chelsea v. Wolves
Only we didn’t concede :) ManU’s next six fixtures look to be pretty easy, though, so I am sure they will keep picking up points. Their drop in form is hitting them at a pretty good time in the season, if they had to pick at a time.
Was that the wording of the news?
Everytime Manure get a goal margin of 3, it’s “destroyed”, “crushed”, “dominated” … if it’s us, it’s only “win comfortably”
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
Yea
But hey, thats because ManUre was expected to win. CHELSEA IN CRISIS can only have cautiously optimistic headlines
5 Up, 5 Down - A uniquely unofficial look at the comings and goings of Chelsea FC and the EPL
by CanadianBlue on Dec 10, 2011 7:46 PM GMT up reply actions
The reserves feel like scoring in bunches today apparently
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 5:04 PM GMT reply actions
Yes I know quite well
since I remember I was in a little pictorial Southern Spanish village and wanted some stamps for my postcards at 4 pm and the post office was CLOSED!!!! ;)
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
After graduating from university, my buddies and I did a backpacking tour around Europe for a few months
Remember the first night in Spain, super hungry after a long day of travel and looking for dinner…most restaurants didn’t even OPEN until like 8pm. We almost died.
Can imagine that so well!
Middle European restaurants (and Portguese ones) don’t serve meals after 10 pm or 10:30. The first time I was in Spain my family and me walked back from a coastline path and ended up returning at 11 pm. We already prepared ourselves that nobody would serve warm meals anymore, but we asked politely in the restaurant if they still had anything cold (olives, bread, Iberian ham …) since it was possibly too late for dinner. The waiter looked at us as if we came from Mars.
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
by Maiev on Dec 10, 2011 7:20 PM GMT up reply actions 1 recs
DC
Washington DC is like that in many ways. Most people work well past 5 (that whole government employee 9-5 thing might exist at Post Offices but not in DC) and then take the metro/car home so they get home 7ish. They sleep for an hour then go out to eat. It’s funny because it reminded me of Spain when I went there with my grandfather to see Spain.
It's great to have a game on in the early afternoon for once.
by Cablinasian on Dec 10, 2011 7:01 PM GMT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't know, it feels so strange to watch a (live) football match after noon nowadays!
I still remember back in Europe, those special Wednesday nights when the Champions League would come on. That dramatic music, the pomp & the circumstance, and the parents letting you stay up past your bedtime…
You don't ask your parents to watch a match you simply do
since it’s important!
I’m torn. Yes, virtually everyone I know would be watching this game and especially I would be out of words tomorrow after the colloquium if anyone asks me about that. But I really don’t wanna stay awake that long. Aaaaahh …
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
That's not how it worked in my house...
Parents had the non-negotiable final say. 9pm was a very strict bed time when I was in 1st and 2nd grade…
When I was a teenie
and still living with my parents I told them it was for learning English purposes. That was my excuse for virtually everything – online gaming especially. But with Chelsea matches it worked quite well – my parents are big, big fans too
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
by Maiev on Dec 10, 2011 7:25 PM GMT up reply actions 1 recs
Some less reputable sites are starting to attribute an interesting quote to AVB...
We have plenty of central defenders on loan. We have a bring-back option on (Hamburg defender Slobodan) Rajkovic.
I don’t want to put too much into it until I see the actual interview though (or hear it from a decent source)
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 6:41 PM GMT reply actions
Indeed, but we don't have a recall for him until June
From what I can gather this comment was in response to depth questions in the case that Alex is sold in January.
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 6:51 PM GMT up reply actions
I'm still not sure if he actually said that
It would have to be in a window though, as he was sold as opposed to loaned. Think Romeu style buyback if true
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 7:04 PM GMT up reply actions
Since we sold some of our youngsters last summer
where did we include a buyback clause? In all contracts?
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Not many details were released on any of them, so I have no clue.
I doubt we have one on Tore, he requested to leave and we released him from his contract. The Rajkovic thing happened without any sort of announcement from the club, but it wouldn’t surprise me if we actually have a buyback with him just in case he’s able to get a work permit. That seems to be the only reason he left in the first place. We probably wouldn’t know about the clause in Romeu’s contract if Barca hadn’t released those figures to the media.
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 7:11 PM GMT up reply actions
Another question concerning Rajkovich
wasn’t he the guy who didn’t get a work permit because he was no regular for his national side? If we bring him back during a window, how could we solve that, since we seemingly failed on it before?
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That was the general reasoning we were given
He’s been playing for the Serbs lately though, so there’s always a chance he’d get one if we apply
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 7:24 PM GMT up reply actions
Fine!
I will never ever understand that working permit thing, though. Well, yes I know the official reason. But I find it deeply discriminatory
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
It's ridiculous
If the Chelsea scouts believe Rajkovic is better than the EU options available, I don’t see how a bunch of bureaucrats can dispute that. One group is paid to evaluate potential talent for a living, the other reads the sun.
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 7:32 PM GMT up reply actions
What?
It’s not a talent issue. You have to remember that athletes are still part of the work force. If the mining industry has restrictions on employees than so should football. I think it makes sense. What doesn’t make sense is the idea that international starts should be the standard. That forces teams to wait too long and buy a player once he’s peaked. But there should be labor restrictions. Absolutely.
Working permits are fine
and of course football takes place under the law, too. However I find the rule players have to feature for their respective NTs harshly discriminatory, since it clearly disadvantages foreign players from outside the European Union who aren’t well-known, and this without a reason. For other professions, it is fully sufficient your employer telling the administration he wants to employ you and give several reasons and there would be no problems with the work permit.
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
I Agree
I agree with that. Like I said the standard used sucks but the law and having government oversight makes sense.
It absolutely punishes players born in good footballing countries. I’m sure making it into the Chinese squad than the South Korean squad. Where you were born shouldn’t be the factor. Also, why should you be able to play in the EPL if your grandparent was Portuguese but your neighbor in Brazil can’t because his family came to Brazil in the 1830’s? However any decision besides PT and age is controversial and has many problems and PT and age don’t prove anything really.
I do even think
it is against the law. Not against UK law – but European law especially … since UK is under the jurisdiction of both the European court of human rights and the European court of Justice
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
My biggest problem is that the requirement doesn't include friendlies.
Of course, it can be appealed if the player doesn’t fit the criteria. I wonder if the fact that Vidic is likely out for most of 2012, and Rajko has been playing pretty regularly for Serbia since the move would help. He has four caps since he left, I believe, and will almost surely get many more while Vidic is out. It would have been perfect if Serbia had qualified for Euro 2012. Right now, I’d say he’s pretty solidly in a Serbia squad featuring three top centre-backs in Vidic, Subotic, and Ivanovic, though he’s usually a right back.
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by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 7:54 PM GMT up reply actions
My biggest problem is that
it is a discrimination based directly on birthplace without a valid justification. That is against legal equality. That’s my biggest problem with that rule. I guess the only reason why it’s still there is because as an individual there are no possibilities to go to the European courts, as they all have strict admissibility rules, and of course the government doesn’t bat an eyelid. That makes that mess even less acceptable
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I don't really understand it at all.
I’m not really in favour of immigration restrictions in general. Most of the reasons people favour them are generally not valid. Most of the time, they contribute far more to the economy than they take, and reduce prices, by reducing labour costs, but that’s another discussion.
I really think, if there need be work permit rules at all, there should be a better standard. I’d use 10 caps in the past three years in a top 70 team. If you can achieve that, you’re generally pretty good. The fact that we could, if we so chose, sign the uncapped 28-year-old Italian defender Valerio Di Cesare from Serie B team Torino, but not Slobodan Rajkovic is, frankly, farcical.
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by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 8:17 PM GMT up reply actions
As you mention Italy
I believe the only reason why it’s Non-EU residents only is because if it was a UK-alone rule, the EU would punch them right into the face. But if that’s true, it’s even worse; the rule is Non-EU residents only because Non-EU citizens can’t take the case directly to the European courts. It would sound ironic if it wasn’t reality
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
Ah, yes, the crippling cluster[fun] that is the bureaucracy...
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by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 8:27 PM GMT up reply actions
100% Agree
This is surely a racist policy. Being born 5 km on either side of the border shouldn’t be the determination for visas.
It's a fine line, but I agree.
It tends to be more based on fear of a non-specific “other” than a specific group. It’s the same sort of thing, though.
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by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 8:57 PM GMT up reply actions
Ok I can agree with that. Technically not racist unless we’re dealing with the Turkish/Greece border, the American/Mexican border. But yeah Nationalistic is the better terms. But I think we’re all in agreement that location shouldn’t be a determinate for visas. Now if they wanted to make a language component (based on knowing the language helps in transition) I could understand that but NO way does Europe ever introduce that.
Europe isn't a single country, you know ;)
and they can’t introduce that technically, it’s up to their members
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
It is a talent issue
The reasoning behind the refusals to grant work permits to some of these guys is that there is an EU player that could provide the same level of performance. When being denied a work permit, they are basically saying that the club can sign an equivalent replacement on the open market from within the EU. That’s making a determination of the player’s ability, something they are clearly not qualified to do.
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 8:16 PM GMT up reply actions
With footballers, it's not the same as other workers, where Non-EU workers...
…are probably cheaper. Market rates for footballers have more to with talent, as you said, rather than nation of origin. In the example I used earlier, we could sign an uncapped Italian defender from Serie B, but not a probably world-class defender from Serbia. Don’t you just love it when people try to apply to sport non-sport rules which were created for a system which works in a completely different way?
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by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 8:25 PM GMT up reply actions
I don't know how it's done in the UK
but in Germany, France and Switzerland, the working permit rule for Non-EU residents is to protect the local employment market, since employment is an issue in every modern state and government has to take care its citizens have employment. So basically, they don’t allow immigrants to “take away” their jobs (yes, that’s an entirely nationalistic idea, and nothing else). However this rule can be unproven if the employer proves he can’t find a comparable employee of this degree with the same qualification. In reality for professional footballers this is rather easy. You don’t have to bring a lot of arguments that e.g. David Luiz is someone you can’t find on the EU market. However adding that caps for your NT is a barrier without justification
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
It's funny, since immigration, by and large, doesn't result in unemployment.
The only time it appears to is when immigrants take jobs in industries on the edge of collapse. It’s not so much a case of immigrants “taking” jobs, but one where employing them “saves” the jobs of those who are still employed, but wouldn’t be, were the new labour not available. Very counter-intuitive.
All that said, this is a football blog, and not really the place for such heavy topics! : )
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by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 8:37 PM GMT up reply actions
Basically the idea of employment market protection
is forcing the employers to employ locals, and avoid immigration, because once you have a save employment, you can’t be denied a stay permit as both are connected.
Bot OK, let’s just leave it, we agree we both don’t like it :D
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
It's a great idea, just misguided.
If the employment market worked the way it’s assumed to in these regulations, it would work, but it doesn’t. : )
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by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 8:45 PM GMT up reply actions
The other factor to consider is that most EU talent is already under contract with an EU based employer
When Chelsea is forced to buy Gary Cahill from Bolton as opposed to filling that role with Slobodan Rajkovic, that simply starts a trickle down effect which eventually results in an overall loss of quality for a number of EU employers. There probably isn’t a single unemployed defender with an EU work permit at the moment that can provide the same level of performance as Rajkovic.
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 8:31 PM GMT up reply actions
In "normal" employment law
this would suffice to apply for a work permit for your future employee – and actually get one (or sue to get one …)
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
Another scenario is...
…we buy Cahill, Bolton buy an EU player from an EU club with more lenient work permit rules, and that club buys a non-EU player. It seems stupid to add two layers[ and transfer fees] to what would otherwise be a simple process.
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by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 8:41 PM GMT up reply actions
Or UK should sign
a treaty to acclaim other EU countries’ work permits. Ha that would never happen I know
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
The BNP are bad enough as it is!
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 8:45 PM GMT up reply actions
The UK even didn't sign the
Schengen Treaty – and that would be rather artless compared to a work permit treaty
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
To be fair, I am, despite being American...
…wholly opposed to the EU. Whoever thought it was a good idea to to try to turn so many different peoples into one governmental structure is just stupid. It’s bound to cause grief. Look at Belgium, it’s barely a country. I can’t wait until it falls apart, and Chelsea own 90% of the Flemish national team. : )
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by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 8:53 PM GMT up reply actions
I kindly, totally disagree
because Europe needs more cooperation. National government tend either too weak, too strong, or too particular. The EU isn’t solely a government structure although it might seem so, it is, in fact, totally reliant on the national governments and their cooperation. It forces heads of governments to actually reach an agreement. And despite the shortcomings the EU has and will have, it has achieved a lot; the EU Treaty grants fundamental rights similar to those in national constitutions, but on a same level, under the jurisdiction of one court. For example in civil law and consumer protection and legal harmonization the EU has achieved a lot. There are things to criticize, fairly, but mostly people opposing the EU actually have never read the documents of the EU or the treaty itself, or understand how it works. The EU is far more than only Merkel and Sarkozy, although they seem to be the only ones in the news.
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
I have no problem with Europeans getting together...
…or the doing away with traditional restraints of trade, travel, and all. That’s awesome. It’s the bureaucratic nonsense it’s tended to devolve into that annoys me. It’s just that there’s no way to adequately please everyone, since the nations in question have big cultural and political differences.
I like the idea of the European Union as a framework for a consistency in law, but the idea of trying to make the disparate parts of Europe agree on things about which they hold deep-seated differing opinions is a waste of time and generator of conflict.
Essentially, I prefer the confederation model.
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by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 9:13 PM GMT up reply actions
The EU is a confederation
members of the EU keep their sovereignty. One of the deepest principles is the principle of institutional balance. The EU isn’t competent as long as there is no special competence stated in the treaty.
The EU is a bureaucratic monster, I agree, however compared with the structure we have in Germany, or in France, the offices in Brussels work rather efficiently.
Regarding cultural differences, as you mentioned it. The thing dividing the Union the most is finance, not culture. In fact, Europe as a whole continent has shared quite a big common (but often tragic) past. The EEC, the forerunner of the EU, was founded as a reaction of that common past. So if you think it’s impossible to reach accordance due to cultural differences, could you name a issue in the EU that divided the EU based on culture?
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
And regarding your statement
“I like the idea of the European Union as a framework for a consistency in law, but the idea of trying to make the disparate parts of Europe agree on things about which they hold deep-seated differing opinions is a waste of time and generator of conflict.”
It’s not everything is in full harmony without the Union, and it’s not that the Union generates the conflicts. The conflicts have always been there, regardless of the Union. Every state in the Union have their own interests, and they are in the Union to represent interests. France and Germany have always been in trouble with each other, and they are till now. This is very natural for two states following their own interests, and once they collide, there is a conflict. So the Union does not create new conflicts, they are there to solve them PEACEFULLY, since Europe has a history of solving conflicts violently. They do not always succeed. But that’s not down to the Union itself, because without the Union the conflicts would persist nonetheless.
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
Hrm. I've made a hash of explaining what I meant.
I like what the EU has done for peaceful resolution of conflicts, but there also areas, like finance, where it tends to aggravate them. I’m all for co-operation among nations, but there I think measures which try to paint everyone with the same brush are going to fail, and they often do.
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by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 9:34 PM GMT up reply actions
First thing
I didn’t intend to be aggressive; if I was sounding unnecessarily abrasive, due to my lack of language abilities, I’m sorry.
Cooperation on intergovernmental basis are not possible without a measure of coercion. Of course we could discuss how much pressure and coercion you shall put on every single member of the EU. But I want to point out cooperation between states are not entirely voluntarily, since every states has their own issues (and rightly so). So with all those states coming together they have to agree on compromises. You can’t have the best out of two worlds – not willing to give up your own position and have the benefits of a union, a confederation with harmonization. That’s currently what the UK is doing, they want something special, a special privilege for them but don’t wanna give up something themselves (compromise) and rightly – it doesn’t work, they’re isolated now and lose influence in the EU. In the modern EU states have to learn to think more globally, less nationalistically. That is my personal political point of view, but I do heavily reject nationalistic polics very much. The EU has done much against this in that extent, since overly protectionist politics don’t work in the EU. Sarkozy has already found out.
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
I agree with most of what you said.
I was just explaining that, while I like the concept, the American experience doesn’t leave me optimistic.
We used to be very similar to the EU, basically a framework in which the individual states could work together, and have a single set of principles. to guide them. Slowly, over the last 150 or so years, the central government has continually grown in scope to the point where there is growing tension among states as all Americans are increasingly painted with the same brush, even when there are significant political, economic, and cultural differences.
The E.U. really reminds me of the early U.S., and I can see the signs, from what I’ve studied of early U.S. politics, of the same sort of process. I’m just concerned that it could inflame existing tensions if it tries to claim to much power for itself.
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by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 9:53 PM GMT up reply actions
Maybe
but the structure of the US constitution and the EU Treaty (Treaty of Lisbon gives some concerns, though, since the principle of unanimity has been given up) have major differences. The US is a presidential democracy and the single states have no sovereignty, whereas the EU has no executive. It’s not only they have no president, they have no executive power at all. The EU can’t enforce their law themselves – this is what the member states do. I think this is a main difference to the US constitution. So basically, if you look at the news these days it seems Merkel and Sarkozy are running the EU. Factually, they are. The economically most powerful states, currently Germany and France, are running the EU, all other members run afterwards (though of course that is NOT the idea of the union).
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There are differences, yes, but in the early days...
…the U.S. was very similar. It was very much on the states, rather than the federal government. That’s obviously changed, and that’s what I was getting at. It used to be that the decisions were made at the state and local level, but in time, the power has become more central.
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by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 10:09 PM GMT up reply actions
Exactly
but you say it yourself. “Government”. The EU has no government; what we know by “government” is mainly the executive. The EU has no executive, everything in the EU is done by the executives of the respective member state
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
Well, in the early days, the American...
…executive branch had very little real power. It was only really Jefferson, Lincoln, and FDR making [sometimes technically illegal] decisions to create the precedents for a central power who is the “leader of the free world”
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by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 10:16 PM GMT up reply actions
Very little political power - yes
but at least an executive branch existed. An executive branch in the EU doesn’t exist at all, unless the member states set it up in a new treaty, but I can’t imagine of any EU state who would want that
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The deep-seated issues are probably...
…a big reason why they’ll never be a problem, if you get my meaning. They’ll never trust each other enough to create a central power which will make laws inflaming those same tensions. : )
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by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 10:29 PM GMT up reply actions
Hm maybe you've missed my point,
but that was exactly what I was saying – the EU makes laws, but not direct laws, they make directives. They don’t “work” technically if the member states doesn’t cooperate and transact them.So as it stands now – the EU without the national governments is very inefficient. Of course that’s not done by accident – the member states don’t want to give up power
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
I got your point, I was agreeing with you.
I’m still slightly concerned, since hoping they’ll keep mistrusting each other isn’t exactly a sure thing in the long run.
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by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 10:44 PM GMT up reply actions
That's the essential idea of the confederation, though
since they would grow into a super state if they fully trust each other. However they don’t want that.
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
Let's just hope...
…the national governments continue to not want a single state. I have no worries about the people ever getting behind such an idea.
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 10:47 PM GMT up reply actions
Of course everything may change in the future
and the rest is guesswork, but I have a hard time believing anyone in Europe would want that idea … and anti Euro rants are louder than never, and not only in the UK, but practically everywhere. It’s again the nationalism vs. Europe debate, and for the large part, it’s simply silly populism
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
If I recall correctly, our official website never had that headline
It only appeared on the HSV site a few hours after he made his first start for the team, it was a shock to everyone.
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 8:38 PM GMT up reply actions
It doesn't mention any of the other particulars either.
I wouldn’t be surprised if there were other “hidden” clauses.
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by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 8:46 PM GMT up reply actions
They go out of their way to mention "permanent transfer".
If that means anything.
That's just stating that it's not a loan
It doesn’t imply that they don’t have a buyback
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 8:50 PM GMT up reply actions
But what reason would they have to avoid telling us he has a buyback clause?
If anything, it would help the club. Less fan outrage.
I think it might seem like a desperate bid to get him to qualify for a WP.
If we didn’t think it was likely we’d get one for him, we’d not publicise it, since it’s probably more of an insurance policy than an actual plan.
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 8:56 PM GMT up reply actions
I don't really think they were worried about outrage with this one
He had never played a real game for the club, and likely would have been 4th/5th on the depth chart anyway. I’d guess if you polled every Chelsea fan out there prior to the sale, the vast majority would never have heard of him. Besides, they never typically release any details of sales of non-first team players. Sinclair, Stoch, Mancienne, etc. are all still unknown about any actual specifics. This just keeps in line with the way they typically complete deals like this.
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 8:56 PM GMT up reply actions
I can't find an announcement
or anything concerning a buyback clause on the HSV site – did you read it there?
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
None of the fee either
Chelsea are usually pretty tightlipped with the details of their deals, I think the only reason we even know the Romeu buyback exists is because Barca decided to publish it.
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 8:47 PM GMT up reply actions
What's the verdict on Leon Barnett (the CB from Norwich)?
Looks a very good player. His positioning and physique remind me of Lord Percy.
Now it's getting funny
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/7368034/
Is that an official spokesperson, or just another word for “insider source”? Just asking because I expected official spokesperson could called by their name. At least we do it in the Bundesliga when an official spokesperson talks to the media
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
I love how the entire article uses words like "demanded" and "ordered," except...
…the critical sentence, which uses “asked.” You have to love those British journos…
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 7:32 PM GMT up reply actions
I wonder what they wanna do instead
since the most hilarious goal celebrations of Chelsea are performed by AVB himself. No player can cope with him
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
The funny thing is...
…most of them do this anyway. The tend to stop by the staff on their way back for the kickoff. Oh, context, who needs you? : )
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 7:57 PM GMT up reply actions
Do you wanna hint at
that Lampard goal celebration with Scolari in his late winner against Stoke?
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
AVB actually said that the players on the bench do join in the goal celebration
There was no demanding or anything
by Graham MacAree on Dec 10, 2011 8:19 PM GMT up reply actions
Mourinho
Either Sky Sports made this up or AVB is trying to be Mourinho 2.0 and he’s putting all the pressure of the game onto him.
What’ll really be interesting for me is if Lampard is a starter or not. Can’t wait to see that decision.
Random Thought
So this is very, very random but last night when I was at the bar with some friends we got into a conversation on awful bands (talent wise) that we like. My english friend Oliver, who’s a Man City fan ugh, said he doesn’t like but will put up with his sister listening to Girls Aloud. I can’t stand GA (his GF is british too and listened to them all the time when I was his roommate) but actually I got into this K-Pop band purely by accident. I’m originally from Michigan and I love Michigan football and there is this amazing Michigan blog called Mgoblog and they posted this female K-Pop (Korean in case you didn’t know) music video where they hold up Iowa Hawkeyes (a fellow Big 10 team) helmets the week we played them. Some how I mentioned that to my GF who’s mom is Chinese and she said that she and her friends love K-Pop and now I actually listen to it sometimes, especially when I’m tired and don’t want to hear/know the words. Anyway…. I was wondering if anyone else here would admit to liking K-Pop or any other bands that they know suck but still like. I know it’s random but it was a fun conversation last night. Most of my friends mentioned bad 80’s bands but I’m sure some of them like far worse bands now they just don’t want to admit it.
I found myself on a Cheryl Cole kick when her and Ashley split
I’d never listened to her before that, being from Wisconsin, but I found its terribleness oddly listenable.
Wisconsin
I just took a job there to work on a certain Democratic Senate campaign. I love the upper midwest. I HATE DC after growing up in the Ann Arbor suburbs.
Where are you in Wisconsin?
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 8:56 PM GMT up reply actions
Still in DC. The job starts after Jan.1. I have no idea if I’ll be in headquarters in Madison or a field office somewhere else.
What’s your take on her chances?
I tend to be apoltical in Wisconsin.
I’m slightly unconventional politically, and as tolerant as the people of Wisconsin are in other ways, if you’re not red or blue, you might as well be from Mars. I stopped paying attention a long time ago, when I realised things didn’t change much with different administrations. : )
I hope you get sent to one of the big three at least. Outside of Madison, Milwaukee, and the Green Bay/Appleton area, there is practically nothing going on!
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 9:17 PM GMT up reply actions
There seem to be an unusual amount of people from WI
on this blog. I am from Milwaukee also, but currently live in Indianapolis (where the packers will be playing in Feb :)
There really are.
There are five or six from Wisconsin, and several more with connections to the state. I have found that Wisconsinites are generally pretty pro-Chelsea, when we support football. My theory is that we got FSC roughly during the Mourinho-era, when Chelsea first joined the Big 4.
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 9:39 PM GMT up reply actions
Whoa! Western Wisconsin isn't bad
I’m less than 50 miles from Minnesota. Once you get much North/South of me it’s pretty awful though in terms of things to do.
I always forget about the fact that large parts of Western Wisconsin are...
…basically Twin Cities suburbs. Do you mind me asking where you are in Western Wisconsin? I know a few people from out that way.
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 9:54 PM GMT up reply actions
Okay.
I don’t know anyone near there, though. They’re from the other side of La Crosse to you.
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 10:26 PM GMT up reply actions
I'm on coverage duty on the main page
If my hands fall off, remember me fondly
by Graham MacAree on Dec 10, 2011 8:13 PM GMT reply actions 1 recs
Let's start a "Get Graham a team of surgeons to reattach his hands" fund!
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 8:27 PM GMT up reply actions
From Twitter
Barça starting XI (v Real Madrid): Valdés, Alves, Piqué, Puyol, Abidal, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Cesc, Messi and Alexis.
REAL MADRID: Casillas, Coentrão, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo, Alonso, Lass, Di MarÃa, Özil, Ronaldo & Benzema.
My neighbour is loud
so he obviously wants me to watch that match and doesn’t want me so fall asleep
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
OMFG Real scored within 21 seconds D:
5 Up, 5 Down - A uniquely unofficial look at the comings and goings of Chelsea FC and the EPL
Real is alllll over Barca
5 Up, 5 Down - A uniquely unofficial look at the comings and goings of Chelsea FC and the EPL
Quit asking for a card...
I wish they’d card the player begging when that happens
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 9:08 PM GMT reply actions
Studying for Monday Exam? You just got pwned. By La Liga.
Be ashamed.
5 Up, 5 Down - A uniquely unofficial look at the comings and goings of Chelsea FC and the EPL
Poor ref
I doubt he’ll ever see another game with this much whining for cards and fouls again
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 9:13 PM GMT reply actions
Facegrabs today. Over/Under of two. Predictions?
I’m taking the over
Hey look! Someone who actually might be injured!
5 Up, 5 Down - A uniquely unofficial look at the comings and goings of Chelsea FC and the EPL
True.
But at least he didn’t ask for someone to get carded.
5 Up, 5 Down - A uniquely unofficial look at the comings and goings of Chelsea FC and the EPL
by CanadianBlue on Dec 10, 2011 9:19 PM GMT up reply actions
You would think Victor Valdes would be used playing with the ball at his feet
Two terrible clearances.
As much as I dislike Busquets..
He is really good at not losing the ball… Class.
Alonso is the first to be booked. Pepe and Lass are on the field.
Who would’ve thought?
It was a silly challenge by Alexis Sanchez, to be fair
But that was too much by Di Maria. He fooled me once when I thought he might actually be injuried. Won’t fall for that again.
Lol @ Marcelo...
Brazilian jujitsu hahahahaha
That was beautiful.
5 Up, 5 Down - A uniquely unofficial look at the comings and goings of Chelsea FC and the EPL
Oh, even godlike Messi can be dispossessed
somewhat easily. I want my money back
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
I haven't realised, until now, just how much I hate Spanish football.
I fail to see why it’s so well-regarded.
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
IMO, I agree.
For me, footy leagues, top to bottom:
EPL
Bundesliga
-
La Liga/Serie A
MLS
5 Up, 5 Down - A uniquely unofficial look at the comings and goings of Chelsea FC and the EPL
by CanadianBlue on Dec 10, 2011 9:39 PM GMT up reply actions
I think it's the fact that they are almost all dishonest.
It’s just sickening.
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 9:41 PM GMT up reply actions
True. Actually, quick revision:
EPL
Bundesliga
-
MLS/Serie A
La Liga
5 Up, 5 Down - A uniquely unofficial look at the comings and goings of Chelsea FC and the EPL
by CanadianBlue on Dec 10, 2011 9:43 PM GMT up reply actions
I disagree. There’s no more diving in La liga than there is in the EPL, the Bundesliga or Serie A. Every country has it’s Nanis… Unfortunately Real Madrid and Barcelona has several and those two teams are the only ones people watch so that way it looks like La Liga has more dishonest players.
Hrm, you're right.
I have seen some of the non-Big Two games, and they are nowhere near as bad for dishonest play. The problem, as you allude to, is that the Big Two are so big. It’s just like with the SPL. The two big teams get all the talent, and as a result, the rest suffer in quality.
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 9:57 PM GMT up reply actions
LOL Real and Barca have their own league within the league..
Then there’s the rest. Sooo Valencia are the front runners in the rest of La Liga.
by Nikeamah Dabre on Dec 10, 2011 9:38 PM GMT up reply actions
Not the league though
but since nearly all Spanish players play in their league I don’t to differentiate
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
Even Barca commit individual mistakes.
Just goes to show that the high line is innately dangerous.
Hmmmm
Really starting to dislike Alexis.. He’s been converted to the Barca way.
No ref that values their career will send Messi off.
FACT.
by Nikeamah Dabre on Dec 10, 2011 9:47 PM GMT up reply actions
Couldn't we have banded together to buy him a nice house and get him a job in a...
…more respectable league?
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 9:58 PM GMT up reply actions
I haven't even noticed Fabregas on the pitch
Anything positive for Barca has been through Messi & Alexis
They focused on him
after the whistle. Since I don’t follow the Spanish league I didn’t know that happened, but I’m disappointed.
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
I chuckle every time
Since Alexis to me is very much a girl’s name.
by DPeezy on Dec 10, 2011 10:01 PM GMT up reply actions 1 recs
Real looks frightening, Barca is a shadow of its former self.
5 Up, 5 Down - A uniquely unofficial look at the comings and goings of Chelsea FC and the EPL
i've only seen the last 15 minutes of the first half
but i thought Real was very poor in possession in that time.
Real was ferocious for the majority of the first half.
Barca was dreadful up until the 30th minute.
5 Up, 5 Down - A uniquely unofficial look at the comings and goings of Chelsea FC and the EPL
by CanadianBlue on Dec 10, 2011 9:56 PM GMT up reply actions
Point taken.
5 Up, 5 Down - A uniquely unofficial look at the comings and goings of Chelsea FC and the EPL
by CanadianBlue on Dec 10, 2011 9:59 PM GMT up reply actions
It's happening so much and I scarcely watch the game
since Kevin and I went totally insane off topic again
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
Looks like we have a buy-back option on Rajkovic
Just type in “We have plenty of central defenders on loan. We have a bring-back option on (Hamburg defender Slobodan) Rajkovic” on Google and so many links confirm it…weird
by el chelsea fuerte on Dec 10, 2011 10:00 PM GMT reply actions
I asked somewhere else
but did the HSV site actually report the buyback clause? I did a brief search but found nothing there
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
The only thing I've found is some shady sites attributing a quote to AVB
Nothing credible enough to make a post about it yet though
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 10:09 PM GMT up reply actions
Do we even want him back?
He sucked earlier in the season when he was paired with Bruma. Didn’t he lose his spot to Bruma? Or am I confused here?
by Nikeamah Dabre on Dec 10, 2011 10:12 PM GMT up reply actions
He's actually the regular starter with Bruma, Jeffrey took Manciennes spot
He’s been hurt for about 3 weeks though
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 10:15 PM GMT up reply actions
Oh ok.
I know he’s a big CB, Is he in better form than Bruma then? Or just overall better?
by Nikeamah Dabre on Dec 10, 2011 10:17 PM GMT up reply actions
The only reason he's not in the Chelsea first-team is the work permit.
That should tell you a lot.
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 10:18 PM GMT up reply actions
It is true
If he was granted a work permit, he’d have been on our bench this season. The work permit was the only reason he was sold.
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 10:19 PM GMT up reply actions
Are you sure?
I’m pretty sure AVB wanted him in the first-team, but was denied a WP.
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 10:19 PM GMT up reply actions
Misinterpreted what you said.
He would be in the first team, but he wouldnt be a starter.
by Nikeamah Dabre on Dec 10, 2011 10:21 PM GMT up reply actions
Very different players
Neither is probably a starter for Chelsea at this point, but both are probably better than Alex has been this season.
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 10:18 PM GMT up reply actions
Sure, but everytime he comes to a decision
half the players on the pitch surround him, and they look quite aggressive. What I hate in particular is they seem to ask for cards. That’s awful
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
If I'd mean
I’d say that looked like a typical Frank Lampard goal
But I’m not mean
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
yeah and earlier i think
it was the first time i’d ever seen Cristiano Ronaldo pass when he should have shot.
do you think it would be fair to say
that Barca has been playing a slightly more counter-attacking style for the last 2 goals?
yeah fair enough
i just felt that there was a bit of absorbing that pressure then counter attacking a bit more directly then i’ve seen from them before
Its still going, isnt it?
5 Up, 5 Down - A uniquely unofficial look at the comings and goings of Chelsea FC and the EPL
by CanadianBlue on Dec 10, 2011 10:26 PM GMT up reply actions
Naw. RM forfeited in the 66th minute. ;)
by Valens on Dec 10, 2011 10:27 PM GMT up reply actions 1 recs
Knew it!
5 Up, 5 Down - A uniquely unofficial look at the comings and goings of Chelsea FC and the EPL
by CanadianBlue on Dec 10, 2011 10:28 PM GMT up reply actions
We actually could beat Real Madrid.
We are pretty well matched. Barca though…. I think AVB is going to be the one that finally opens them up.
by Nikeamah Dabre on Dec 10, 2011 10:31 PM GMT reply actions
The trick is to play 0-1-9
That way Barca gets confused about which way to attack and score in their own net.
yeah i agree
i think Chelsea’s speed power and directness could pose them a lot of problems … both teams
Alves can be very impressive
He’s everything we ever wished Bosingwa would be, both offensively and defensively
And to think that some people believe he'll get the ManU job whenever Sir Alex retires/explodes in rage at losing the Europa League
5 Up, 5 Down - A uniquely unofficial look at the comings and goings of Chelsea FC and the EPL
by CanadianBlue on Dec 10, 2011 10:37 PM GMT up reply actions
To be fair, coaching under the watchful eye of Roman must not be fun either
5 Up, 5 Down - A uniquely unofficial look at the comings and goings of Chelsea FC and the EPL
by CanadianBlue on Dec 10, 2011 10:42 PM GMT up reply actions
I don't think any of the "high profile" coaching jobs are too much fun
As much as I enjoy managing Chelsea in FM. :P
There’s unimaginable pressure at the top level.
It's like the managerial version of succeeding Makalele.
Nobody is ever going to live up to Fergie.
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 10:46 PM GMT up reply actions
Ah that's borng
I was away only 10 minutes away and the Lucky Team scores another goal? Lame!
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
That could have easily be 4-1
Barca has no trademark on luck, at least not always
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
LOL my money is on Mou not saying anything!
Silent treatment baby…
by Nikeamah Dabre on Dec 10, 2011 10:49 PM GMT up reply actions
He's the hero of the world cup, it's hard to boo him if you're a Spaniard
said the commentary …
and the whole stadium was booing
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
Stupid commentators
shouldnt comment. Clearly they don’t know that Real v. Barca is bigger than just the sport. It’s highly political in nature. Madrid fans most certainly will boo him, despite his WC performance.
I secretly wished for Madrid to win.. not because I am a fan, but because I could do with the media not creaming their pants over Barca, every chance they get. It’s boring. I had to be secret about it because my friend who was born in Barca and is a HUGE fan came over for dinner after the game last night. At least it meant he was in a good mood and I didn’t have to suffer a rant.
I hate the praise these commentators are heaping on Barca
They haven’t dominated this game at all, it’s been fairly even on the whole with the exception of Real’s finishing.
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 10:48 PM GMT reply actions
But...
…Barcelona are The Greatest Team Ever™!
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Dec 10, 2011 10:49 PM GMT up reply actions
And apparently they've "regained control" of La Liga as well
Despite Real having a game in hand and the two being even on points…
That said, Real could use a big upgrade in the center of the defense
by Stephen Schmidt on Dec 10, 2011 10:50 PM GMT up reply actions
In talks with AVB over a January loan. :)
No, not really. :(
Nobody's going to notice because of the scoreline
But that was the first game in about four years where Real Madrid have looked actually competitive against Barcelona head to head
by Graham MacAree on Dec 10, 2011 11:03 PM GMT reply actions
I think they were even favorites.
Barca have been dire away from home and Madrid have been superb at the Bernabeu.
Just goes to show all statistics go out the window when El Classico starts.
Since this is a sort of weekend junk thread
I’ll post it here. Everyone wondering about Oriol Romeu’s buyback clause should have a look at the official Chelsea page now. There is something interesting about that – AVB says Barca can only buy back if Chelsea were willing to sell. Now that’s certainly interesting … and isn’t chelseafc.com considered a reliable source?! :P
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
2nd for Stoke! Etherington, again.
Shotton’s long throws are causing all sorts of issues.
And Spuds had been growing into the game, too…
On a cold night at the Britannia
Spuds have had no idea how to deal with the height of Stoke. Surprising.
Parker has been subpar. Stoke have been excellent.
Spurs LOSE 2-1
Modric was lucky to get a pen with that dive.
Tottenham back on earth.
Stoke are slippery opponents
Chris Foy is also a terrible referee.
by Sabrina Dessipe on Dec 11, 2011 7:06 PM GMT up reply actions
Both statements
Chelsea fans know all too well!
Curious about your take on our match-up tomorrow night- Wondering if Arsenal fans would like us to win to keep ManCity in the dumps, or for us to lose and stay below on the table, and you guys just tough it out against Man City next week?
AH the Clash of the Cash! New Money vs Newer Money
I’m pretty sure (most) Arsenal fans want Chelsea to lose. I know that I would be in for a little bit of stick having boasted that Arsenal would be above Chelsea by the weeks end. I thought your match was going to be today but I was still right!
I like being in the top four soooo yeah not going to be rooting for Chelsea tomorrow I expect no more from Chelsea fans when we face City next Sunday.
We’ll beat City because we have van Persie. ;c) I hope Nasri plays the chanting against him seems to really get to him I LOVE IT!
by Sabrina Dessipe on Dec 11, 2011 9:11 PM GMT up reply actions
van Persie
versus Aguero, Balotelli, Djeko, Silva, Milner, Nasri, and Yaya Toure? Poor dude… that is a lot of weight to be carrying. Better hope he doesn’t throw out his back ;)
Didn’t shock me that Arsenal climbed above us this week.. would have been shocked had you not. Everton has been soaking up the middle of the table for awhile and Arsenal was favored. Chelsea’s match up? A little bit tougher this week. We’ll see! As for Arsenal.. after ManCity you guys have a pretty cozy schedule for awhile, so you’ll be expected to pick up more points. Y’all better hope Foy isn’t tending to any of those matches though.
Everton hasn't beat us in forever
We’ve got a four center back defense for the time being while our fullbacks are on the mend. It almost kept City out in the Carling Cup lets hope it works next week. :c) If need be TV will score or Gerv or Theo.
by Sabrina Dessipe on Dec 11, 2011 10:14 PM GMT up reply actions
If Stoke win the EL they very well could
ROFL
by Sabrina Dessipe on Dec 11, 2011 9:13 PM GMT up reply actions
I thought Citeh and Manure
are going to win the EL? Mancini said it was a very good trophy, and it is one Red nose doesn’t have! Time to write history! Red Nose certainly doesn’t wanna retire, look at the EPL and think “Hm this AVB guy has a trophy to his name I never got in my life …”
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
I don't think Fergie is going to put too much into wining the EL tbh
and I don’t really think Stoke are going to win the EL but IF they did and Barca wins the CL that would be the Super Cup match of DREAMS!!!
I think City might take it.
by Sabrina Dessipe on Dec 11, 2011 9:25 PM GMT up reply actions
Barca can't win the CL this year
that would be ruining the mysticism about the CL no team can win back to back CL titles. Even Platini wouldn’t want that, though it was Barca!
Tor ilisar'thera'nal!
You mean except all those teams back in the day that regularly won the Champions Cup repeatedly and back-to-back
Like, say, Real Madrid (5 in a row, the first 5 in fact), AC Milan, Liverpool, Bayern, Ajax, and even Nottingham Forest (’77 & ’78)
Granted, it hasn’t happened since ’89 & ’90 (AC Milan), but most of us are probably old enough to still remember that…
No team has repeated since it became the Champions League, though.
Then again, where one draws the line between the EC and CL, is distinctly arbitrary, just like the First Division and Premier League.
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Dec 12, 2011 5:32 AM GMT up reply actions
I missed this
but had hoped for this result. Was looking and thinking it is time for them to get the wind knocked out of their sails. Also, because Stoke held us to a draw and then were not doing so well to draw or beat others, so I feel this flatters Chelsea a bit more :)
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