francozola

lol they look unhappy kalou must have been playing

Cech may want to experience other leagues. This will be his 8th season here. I'm glad Courtois is getting good experience and is doing well! We've signed him for 6-8 million, which isn't a lot of money and I'm sure if we decide to sell him (if Cech wants to stay here for a number of years) then we will recoup that amount or maybe get more

Questions about the Man Utd game... he was very calm which one journo picked up on and asked him why so and AVB just said that he wants the players to do their best... the result will have no impact on the final table because there is such a long way to go and gave examples of Man Utd-Newcastle and also us-Utd last year where there were huge gaps reduced Talked about the managers role in the game... journo asked about AVB v Fergie and he said it's not about managers going head to head.. the only role managers have is to motivate players, exploit their talent to get them to reach their full potential and then it's all up to them The only question about Torres was about whether he was pleased with his contribution and he just said he was happy with the collective team performance on Tuesday and then said that he will answer every single Torres question in that manner: by talking about the team in general and it won't help their (the media's) "obsession" which got laughs Asked whether he was following English football when Fergie became manager.. he said he was too young.. asked when he took notice of the EPL.. his love for the EPL started only after they started broadcasting the league more widely... he said the first EPL team he studied was Blackburn Asked to talk about the scouting work on Utd that he did under Jose but he said that except for a few players, they have a different team so he cannot compare them Said he's happy to have so many players fit and available even though it gives him headaches... "it takes a little bit of his heart out" every time he has to make a selection for a match because he leaves quality players out Both Hilario and Turnbull aren't 100% fit. Hilario apparently got a big knock yesterday in training and has gone for a scan. Turnbull is 80% according to him. but one of them will definitely be on the bench tomorrow

Cheers great teaser. The clue about it happening a couple of weeks ago was the one that helped

Excellent press conference yet again

Not a single one of them played in an international break? I know Raul did but that was a friendly... wasn't it? so maybe it refers to actual qualifiers?

that reply does not help at all it only makes things more confusing!

I thought that too, but then Sturridge is involved and I don't know what would be so unusual about his nationality. McEachran yes because he has Scottish roots

Wow this is tough. Could torres be in? Mata?

I say we'll win 1-0 with a Mata fk :eyebrows: :eyebrows: :eyebrows:

Yes his positioning and movement was very poor for Chicarito's goal BUT you have to fault the midfielders just as much for not keeping their concentration in the first bloody minute and allowing Giggs and Park that much space

Oh, I see. So who plays?

Exactly what I was about to say. What a joke! and I seem to remember Japan thrashing them in baseball a few years ago :rolleyes:

Anyone have the full video of the Mata presser?

Love his columns. Both he and Nevin write REALLY well

The cunt has accepted the charge and will be banned for 4 games

I wouldn't go that far lol

I think Alex will be leaving in Jan. I don't know much about this guy but between him and Hummels, which is the better player and would suit our team? Of course, I'm not sure if Hummels will want to leave Dortmund but for the sake of argument...?

:lol: Love his goal celebrations!

He was good last night. I wish he had taken a first time shot when Mata (?) crossed it low but was an alright attempt and forced a very good save by the goalie. A few unlucky moments as well; the shot in the first minute, the goal that was ruled out for offside, the great header from the Cole cross where he managed to twist his body to get the header but unfortunately couldn't get enough power on it. The second assist in particular was quality!! He just needs to get a couple of goals in a match and he will be much better. Obviously, I hope Man Utd will be that match but I think Fulham in the CC next week would be a decent shout! Know that there'll probably be rotation but I'd like to see Torres play some part if he doesn't score against Utd.

rumours that we offered Sturridge to Liverpool in Jan as part of the Torres deal and they 'laughed it off'. I remember reading the scumpool forums and they were having a ball of a time. Mugs. REALLY thankful that it didn't happen if it's true

The OP is the one who compared them. I was merely giving my opinion that at least Lamps is trying unlike Drogba who has strolled around the pitch during the (limited) time he has played.

He's getting better. And while he's not the same, imo he shouldn't be dropped altogether. But he should be subbed off in the 60th minute mark if he isn't making any impact, etc. I do think that AVB will start doing this in a while. and personally, no way has Drogba been better than Lamps... but I see what you mean as he's been 'dropped' for Torres who hasn't done much to justify that selection choice. but then again Torres was dropped too. I think things will settle down in a few weeks.

Watched the whole match again and actually we were in complete control of the match for 88mins. When watching live, I thought we were poor from the 70th or 75th minute but while our energy levels did drop a little, we still kept the ball well and dictated the tempo. Only in the last 5 minutes did they get possession and string a few passes together. So a very good job done overall by the team. IMO the best performance in a year because you can finally see that we are improving what we were so poor in last season. And also what AVB wants us to do. Mata and especially Raul were top class.

Luiz shouldn't start.. Too risky. And I prefer iva to Alex at CB.