The European Leagues & Competitions Thread V2

[obiwan92 217]

Wooo, Clichy misses second leg.

[Styles 9,790]

It's funny how City and Arsenal are the most impressive sides on the ball in England, but look no more than decent when facing top sides. No wonder why our own Chelsea struggle so much in possession against quality sides. Simply embarrassing how Barca have made City look at times. Not the least bit surprising either.

Sometimes you just have to be honest and admit your inferiority. The English top sides haven't even declined compared to 7-10 years ago imo. In fact, they are very similar and that's the problem. The game has evolved, the demands for top quality have changed and they haven't adjusted in the manner they should have.

The importance of pro-active defending, the importance of technique in all areas of the pitch (ball-playing defenders, highly technically gifted players in advanced positions), the importance of tactically clever players rather than fighters (you need both but clever players are more important and valuable). The elite sides of today have simply surpassed the old standards of brilliance by quite a margin. English sides still don't value those demands as they should. Italian teams went through a very similar problem, though they're 'decline' was more extreme because they lost their financial power (bye bye quality players)

Football will always be unpredictable, and the CL is a cup competition, so there will always be upsets. But the English top sides will never look as impressive as the current elite. Just keep convincing yourself the PL is the best in the world because of the financial power. Unless they change, they'll continue to lag behind.

[dmode 113]

Barcelona's defense looks massively suspect

[obiwan92 217]

It's funny how City and Arsenal are the most impressive sides on the ball in England, but look no more than decent when facing top sides. No wonder why our own Chelsea struggle so much in possession against quality sides. Simply embarrassing how Barca have made City look at times. Not the least bit surprising either.

Sometimes you just have to be honest and admit your inferiority. The English top sides haven't even declined compared to 7-10 years ago imo. In fact, they are very similar and that's the problem. The game has evolved, the demands for top quality have changed and they haven't adjusted in the manner they should have.

The importance of pro-active defending, the importance of technique in all areas of the pitch (ball-playing defenders, highly technically gifted players in advanced positions), the importance of tactically clever players rather than fighters (you need both but clever players are more important and valuable). The elite sides of today have simply surpassed the old standards of brilliance by quite a margin. English sides still don't value those demands as they should. Italian teams went through a very similar problem, though they're 'decline' was more extreme because they lost their financial power (bye bye quality players)

Football will always be unpredictable, and the CL is a cup competition, so there will always be upsets. But the English top sides will never look as impressive as the current elite. Just keep convincing yourself the PL is the best in the world because of the financial power. Unless they change, they'll continue to lag behind.

Get over it. Barca are shit at defending. have been on back foot entire second half.

These big sides have quality attackers. Doesn't mean they can't be counter attacked through.

[DYC. 7,542]

Everytime I see Kun, I can't help but think how is it possible he didn't sign for Chels after being heavily linked for three years! Top quality player but sadly he's City scum.

[obiwan92 217]

City are bad too, though. Another card.

[DYC. 7,542]

Get over it. Barca are shit at defending. have been on back foot entire second half.

These big sides have quality attackers. Doesn't mean they can't be counter attacked through.

2-0 up front at half-time in a away match in the CL against one of the best sides in the world. City have nothing to lose and are going all out, of course Barca's on the back foot. They shouldn't be leading 2-0 away from home against City.

Barca can't defend? I don't know how to react to that. You win that argument.

[The Mak 4,459]

LOL, Kompany being found out yet again. Beyond me why people rate him so much. So inconsistent and when he is bad, he is utter wank.

Love seeing the annual slaughtering of City in Europe! Bunch of individuals with an arrogant manager who has won sweet F-A before he was handed the league last year.

[Stingray 9,441]

LOL, Kompany being found out yet again. Beyond me why people rate him so much. So inconsistent and when he is bad, he is utter wank.

Love seeing the annual slaughtering of City in Europe! Bunch of individuals with an arrogant manager who has won sweet F-A before he was handed the league last year.

He used to be such a rock though.... WTF happened to him.

[edetarod 2,155]

bye bye man shity

[Magic Lamps 11,653]

Wonder why City even bother to turn up in the 2nd round. Could simply spare themselves the blemish and give Barca a free pass every year.

[samzilla 517]

wow messi, chokes again

[KevinAshburner 1,270]

messi missed a penalty and couldn't header the rebound in.

[DYC. 7,542]

Lucky bastards. Zabaleta with a moment of madness.

City have a very, very slight chance but I can't see Barca giving this away. Which means no distractions at all for the PL.

[dmode 113]

I think City has a real chance now with 11 men in the second leg. Barca's defense looks suspect and if Toure is back, it will be competitive

[xPetrCechx 13,563]

Kompany is So Shit!

[Milan 17,853]

Lol let them celebrate this 1-2 loss after the penalty miss. Hey Shitty, you just lost 1-2 at home in the knock out stage. Nothing to be happy about.

[DYC. 7,542]

Wonder why City even bother to turn up in the 2nd round. Could simply spare themselves the blemish and give Barca a free pass every year.

Chelsea deserve a lot more credit for their smooth transition to the top 10 years back. City still struggle in Europe even though this is their 4th/5th(?) campaign in the CL.