La Liga Thread

[Leif 6,006]

WHICH TEAM SHOULD I FOLLOW?

Ok, so I want to start following a team in Spain, but can't decide which team to go for.

I'm stuck between:

• - Athletic Bilbao

• - Atletico Madrid

• - Valencia

I'm looking for a team who actually use some of their youth (unlike us, hehe), hence Athletic Bilbao being in there. I'm not a fan of the Basque-only policy they have though (I wish they'd just make it a Spanish-only policy), and it doesn't look like they'll be winning much any time soon. They seem like a naive bunch (the players.)

Atletico Madrid are in there simply because I like the kit, fans, Falcao (who could be leaving due to money issues between Atletico and Porto), location (I really like Madrid) and the way they play. I also adore Diego, but I'm not sure if he'll be returning now that his loan is finished. It's also nice getting to see Courtois play.

Valencia...Valencia... Valencia. Now, I like their history, I like their style of play, and I love some of their ex-players (such as Mata), but it seems like they're a club who scratch and claw into 3rd place in the league, and then sell off their best players, such as Mata, Silva, Villa.

I understand that there are some financial issues at the club. Are these issues likely to be gone any time soon? I've also noticed that Valencia seem a bit inconsistent. They'll smash a team 5-0, then lose 5-0 themselves in their next game.

I'd also like to know the following:

• Out of the teams, who has the best/loudest fans in the stadium on match day?

• Are any of those teams planning on moving to a new stadium any time soon?

• Who uses their youth more; Valencia or Atletico Madrid?

• Which team looks most likely to win something within the next 3 or so seasons?

Thank you guys.

[Jase 43,479]

WHICH TEAM SHOULD I FOLLOW?

Ok, so I want to start following a team in Spain, but can't decide which team to go for.

I'm stuck between:

• - Athletic Bilbao

• - Atletico Madrid

• - Valencia

I'm looking for a team who actually use some of their youth (unlike us, hehe), hence Athletic Bilbao being in there. I'm not a fan of the Basque-only policy they have though (I wish they'd just make it a Spanish-only policy), and it doesn't look like they'll be winning much any time soon. They seem like a naive bunch (the players.)

Atletico Madrid are in there simply because I like the kit, fans, Falcao (who could be leaving due to money issues between Atletico and Porto), location (I really like Madrid) and the way they play. I also adore Diego, but I'm not sure if he'll be returning now that his loan is finished. It's also nice getting to see Courtois play.

Valencia...Valencia... Valencia. Now, I like their history, I like their style of play, and I love some of their ex-players (such as Mata), but it seems like they're a club who scratch and claw into 3rd place in the league, and then sell off their best players, such as Mata, Silva, Villa.

I understand that there are some financial issues at the club. Are these issues likely to be gone any time soon? I've also noticed that Valencia seem a bit inconsistent. They'll smash a team 5-0, then lose 5-0 themselves in their next game.

Thank you guys.

Not sure if that is a question that can be asked. I mean if you want to follow and support a club, you should be going with your instincts. Choose the one you have the most feelings to, the one you feel closely affiliated with.

To answer your questions:

I'd also like to know the following:

• Out of the teams, who has the best/loudest fans in the stadium on match day?

• Are any of those teams planning on moving to a new stadium any time soon?

• Who uses their youth more; Valencia or Atletico Madrid?

• Which team looks most likely to win something within the next 3 or so seasons?

1. From what I know, I would say Athletic Bilbao's stadium - San Mames. Has been known as the most intimidating stadium in Spain apart from probably Camp Nou and the Bernabeu.

2. Not too sure about Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid but I know Valencia is building one now currently, would be known as the 'Nuevo Mestalla' and it will be a 75 000 seater stadium.

3. Not 100% sure but think it would Atletico Madrid.

4. Tough to say. Atletico Madrid have won the Europa League twice in the last 3 years. Athletic Bilbao reached two finals this past season but came up short. Those 2 definitely have the potential to win trophies under Simeone and Bielsa, who both just took over Atletico and Bilbao respectively this past season. Can't say much about Valencia just yet. Will be under new manager - Mauricio Pellegrino next season and gotta see how they'll do under him first.

[Zinedine Iniesco 172]

I think you would make a good decision by becoming a athletic bilbao fan leif.

Valencia and athletico madrid have not much substance to them imo.

Bilbao uses youth to a big extent, and has a fantastic stadium and fans.

They could have a bright future ahead of them.

[Jase 43,479]

]@sidlowe: Desperately sad news. Manolo Preciado has died of a heart attack. Only yesterday he had become Villarreal's coach.

A really tragic news. RIP Manolo Preciado.

[Justin_3d 1,140]

Yeah sad, just heard the news.

I came to know the guy when he said:

"Pero quien coño es este tio pera pensar asi" to Mourinho!

Epic words, and will be missed!

[Liquidator 5,176]

RIP

[capriccioso 2,545]

http://swissramble.blogspot.dk/search/label/Real%20Madrid

Interesting article on the finances at Real and Barcelona. Real appear to be okay, Barcelona are in a bit of trouble as they're spending above their means.

[Leif 6,006]

I'm not looking for people to agree/disagree here with what I've written below (but feel free to voice your opinions on this as I'd love to hear thoughts anyway),

but what I'm wanting to know is - does this make me any less of a Chelsea supporter in anyone's eyes?

Of course it won't affect me regardless of what anyone's reply to this is, as I'll always be a Chelsea faithful, but it's not like being an Arse supporter and supporting Tottenham when they're against us!

I'm just curious to see how people view this.

(The written piece in question):

http://www.facebook....08455978&type=1

P.S. - I still got love for Mourinho!

+

I'd never root for Barcelona outside of the El Clasico.

[Zinedine Iniesco 172]

I'm not looking for people to agree/disagree here with what I've written below (but feel free to voice your opinions on this as I'd love to hear thoughts anyway),

but what I'm wanting to know is - does this make me any less of a Chelsea supporter in anyone's eyes?

Of course it won't affect me regardless of what anyone's reply to this is, as I'll always be a Chelsea faithful, but it's not like being an Arse supporter and supporting Tottenham when they're against us!

I'm just curious to see how people view this.

(The written piece in question):

http://www.facebook....08455978&type=1

P.S. - I still got love for Mourinho!

+

I'd never root for Barcelona outside of the El Clasico.

I dont see whats the big deal leif, if you want to support the "spanish" then do so, this is football, you are a FOOTBALL fan, you can go ahead and like whatever you want and believe in whatever you want. You could stop being a chelsea fan at this second and there would be nothing wrong.

For your information barcelona is catalan. Catalonia wants independence, most of the players like xavi,busquets, pique, valdes, puyol are the type of people who may even be a bit prejudice towards spaniards. Barcelona as a club and individually are not spanish, they are catalan, basically another country, and another language. Pep guardiola has said it many times, and so have their players, so if you want to support the spanish under a certain context, then go for madrid, not for a club that is catalan. They arent "spanish" one bit.

Catalans-Valdes,Puyol,Pique,Busquets, Fabregas, Xavi, that leaves iniesta,villa,and pedro as only spanish starting material.

Catalans for the most part dislike the idea of being cataloged as spanish. You are malinformed in a way leif real madrid has always and will always be more spanish than barcelona, regardless of what the national team says. You have to know spain, they are a bunch of localities and sectors that want independence. Its not a united country per say.

Casillas,Hierro,Salgado,Helguera,Raul,Morientes, now that was a pretty madrid side.

Spain nationalism vs catalan nationalism everytime they go out there, root for madrid if you like the spanish lol.

[Justin_3d 1,140]

If I like Spanish screw Madrid, I will root for Athletic Bilbao!

[Zinedine Iniesco 172]

If I like Spanish screw Madrid, I will root for Athletic Bilbao!

Basque Pride ! They are autonomous too but they are more cool about it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basque_Country_(autonomous_community)

Xabi Alonso is basque.

[Justin_3d 1,140]

Basque Pride ! They are autonomous too but they are more cool about it.

http://en.wikipedia....mous_community)

Xabi Alonso is basque.

Is it like Alaska and Hawaii to USA?

Yeah they belong to America, but they are like their own country!

[Zinedine Iniesco 172]

Is it like Alaska and Hawaii to USA?

Yeah they belong to America, but they are like their own country!

Lol no, it works differently than that As far as i know hawaii and alaska have never really fought to go back to autonomy from the americans, and they work as states, just like every other state does.

What happens in spain though, to make a comparison, is that, like us and our civil war, they had a war that divided the country up about 60-70 years ago, over the centuries america has not garnered the attributes of independence that spain has overall. Spain has always been different in history, but when franco which was like a spanish hitler ( to put it in lamest terms..) executed his power and the spain, he made all these autonomous sectors like basque country and catalunya, and sevilla suffer with death and persecution.

Basques are more cool about it now though, there is still some prejudice, but all that suffering was in the 1940's and many have passed through that now.

But the catalans will always claim to be catalans with their own language that indeed preceded spanish it self.

[Justin_3d 1,140]

It seems to me like they want to be a Puerto Rico.

[Liquidator 5,176]

They are not their own country. They just like to think they area. If we are going to go down this route then several teams in La Liga would not be considered 'Spanish'. Espanyol and Barcelona would be Catalan, Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao would be Basque and Celta Vigo and Deportivo La Coruna would be Galacian.

The way I see it, the Catalonian region has a slightly different culture and a different language but then the same thing could be said of many other regions of Spain. The Basques don't seem as bothered about independence especially since the ETA has gone all quiet. Galacia just has a different language and some people think it is more Portuguese than Spanish.

[Justin_3d 1,140]

I think the Catalunya want a piece of both cakes.

Which is why the Puerto Rico is the perfect scenario.

You are just a territory of US, but not part of the state.

[Zinedine Iniesco 172]

They are not their own country. They just like to think they area. If we are going to go down this route then several teams in La Liga would not be considered 'Spanish'. Espanyol and Barcelona would be Catalan, Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao would be Basque and Celta Vigo and Deportivo La Coruna would be Galacian.

The way I see it, the Catalonian region has a slightly different culture and a different language but then the same thing could be said of many other regions of Spain. The Basques don't seem as bothered about independence especially since the ETA has gone all quiet. Galacia just has a different language and some people think it is more Portuguese than Spanish.

Thats not exactly the context i was expressing the point with though.

The catalans, are fiercest rivals against spanish nationalism, they have their own language which they fight for, and they are agressive to a certain degree about it. Fc barcelona has always worn the colors of catalunya in their flag, and pronounce their culture in every way, in their kits, in their interviews..

Fc barcelona is catalan, no one said its a legitimate country, but it sees it self as that, fc barcelona is CATALAN, leif made it sound like he wants to see some Spanish pride, well then fc barcelona aint the place.

[Justin_3d 1,140]

Thats not exactly the context i was expressing the point with though.

The catalans, are fiercest rivals against spanish nationalism, they have their own language which they fight for, and they are agressive to a certain degree about it. Fc barcelona has always worn the colors of catalunya in their flag, and pronounce their culture in every way, in their kits, in their interviews..

Fc barcelona is catalan, no one said its a legitimate country, but it sees it self as that, fc barcelona is CATALAN, leif made it sound like he wants to see some Spanish pride, well then fc barcelona aint the place.

TMO I got a question.

Is La Liga very popular in Asia and USA like the PL?

Cause as far from what I see here, people only care for 2 teams....that does not sounds a very exciting league to me.

While in the PL there are so many teams to follow.

Whats your view on this? And if you got articles and such to prove your points, it will be awesome!

Thanks.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Very sad news about Betis defender Miki Roque. May he RIP.

[Zinedine Iniesco 172]

TMO I got a question.

Is La Liga very popular in Asia and USA like the PL?

Cause as far from what I see here, people only care for 2 teams....that does not sounds a very exciting league to me.

While in the PL there are so many teams to follow.

Whats your view on this? And if you got articles and such to prove your points, it will be awesome!

Thanks.

I'm more than glad to answer your questions, as they are almost always very interesting

More than the entire leagues them selves, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United are the main reasons why the asians even watch those leagues, then as they know more and more about the history of such leagues, they educate them selves more about the sport, and then it becomes a nation wide thing, in asia and basically around the world it is these kind of teams that open up the whole market and people.

Juventus and Ac Milan are also two big power houses.

Real Madrid will build an island resort near the middle east, and it has built football institutions around the world for young talents to enjoy them selves. In fact there have been recent talks of moving the spanish super cup to CHINA on about a 5 year contract but its been in the news that ( im not sure i think its only madrid) madrid and barcelona are going to oppose to the move there, sergio ramos has actually gone out to the press against the idea. The chinese like these teams, so do the japanese, thats why the chinese were going to pay liga bbva millions for the 5 year contract.

When it comes to USA, i live here and i can tell you that theres a wide hispanic population and they are all either Real Madrid Or Barca at the very least, even if they arent their main teams, football is big in america mainly around people from football loving countries like mexico, and central and south america.

Just remember, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Juventus, and AC Milan are the power houses, followed by Chelsea, Man city, etc, these are the teams that have opened up people to the leagues. In then end its all about football, some just care about madrid and barca in la liga but for good reason, but some people expand to teams like valencia, and atheltic bilbao.

I dare say Rm and Barca > Epl world wide alone. under a certain context.

http://www.marca.com...1339953138.html