Futbol Talk

[jesmu84]

Early Twitter rumors that Poch will be announced as the next manager.

I'll believe it when I see an official source

[Pakuni]

Early Twitter rumors that Poch will be announced as the next manager.

I'll believe it when I see an official source

https://x.com/MenInBlazers/status/1823903813658427727

[jesmu84]

https://x.com/MenInBlazers/status/1823903813658427727

That's a hell of a get then.

[Pakuni]

Even more official.

https://x.com/David_Ornstein/status/1823971134267662593

[Its DJOver]

Thoughts on the new Champions League format?  I like that we get more European heavyweight clashes early in the season.  As a fan more games is always fun, but the players legs are going to fall off at some point.  Some teams with the possibility to have 70ish game seasons.

[Its DJOver]

Even more official.

https://x.com/David_Ornstein/status/1823971134267662593

We're also 2 weeks post this, and nothing official has come out from either side. We're going to have egg on our faces and be the laughing stock of the world again aren't we?

[The Sultan]

Thoughts on the new Champions League format?  I like that we get more European heavyweight clashes early in the season.  As a fan more games is always fun, but the players legs are going to fall off at some point.  Some teams with the possibility to have 70ish game seasons.

I like it. I think the group stage hasn't been all that exciting and it helps to spread games around and not have six matches against three teams.

I also like that they don't have a bunch of teams transferring down to the Europa League - let those who qualify for that have their fun.

[The Sultan]

We're also 2 weeks post this, and nothing official has come out from either side. We're going to have egg on our faces and be the laughing stock of the world again aren't we?

My understanding is that its a dispute about his back compensation from Chelsea. My guess is that it gets resolved shortly after the transfer window closes tomorrow.

[Its DJOver]

I like it. I think the group stage hasn't been all that exciting and it helps to spread games around and not have six matches against three teams.

I also like that they don't have a bunch of teams transferring down to the Europa League - let those who qualify for that have their fun.

Yea I think this is the biggest plus.  I never really like the "you lose but still advance to the knockouts of the Europa/Conference League".  You lose, you're done.

Although only trimming by 12 teams feels unsatisfying. How many points out of 24 possible are you really going to need in order to grab that 24th spot and make the knockouts?

[Its DJOver]

My understanding is that its a dispute about his back compensation from Chelsea. My guess is that it gets resolved shortly after the transfer window closes tomorrow.

Makes sense, hadn't considered that. Just felt suspiciously quiet on the "official" front.  I trust Ornstein, but I'd like to see something more concrete before I can fully celebrate the hire.

[The Sultan]

Yea I think this is the biggest plus.  I never really like the "you lose but still advance to the knockouts of the Europa/Conference League".  You lose, you're done.

Although only trimming by 12 teams feels unsatisfying. How many points out of 24 possible are you really going to need in order to grab that 24th spot and make the knockouts?

One change I would make is to make the first round of the playoffs, between teams seeded 9-24, a single elimination game hosted by the higher seed. Because right now there won't be a ton of incentive going into those last one or two games if you can't move up to top 8, but are safely within the top 24.

[Its DJOver]

One change I would make is to make the first round of the playoffs, between teams seeded 9-24, a single elimination game hosted by the higher seed. Because right now there won't be a ton of incentive going into those last one or two games if you can't move up to top 8, but are safely within the top 24.

But fewer games means fewer $ for EUFA.

100% agree with you, but watching the live table on the final matchday of the group/league phase will be extremely entertaining.  Potential for a really fun "whip around" type coverage situation.

[jutaw22mu]

I really dig the change to the Champion's League format!  Excited to see how it goes this year.

COYG

[The Sultan]

Yea I think this is the biggest plus.  I never really like the "you lose but still advance to the knockouts of the Europa/Conference League".  You lose, you're done.

Although only trimming by 12 teams feels unsatisfying. How many points out of 24 possible are you really going to need in order to grab that 24th spot and make the knockouts?

OTOH, the Conference League is full of crap. Honestly Chelsea could get to the knockouts with their B-team.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Watching the Marquette Men's team play Yale now in my neighborhood.

[Pakuni]

#donedeal?

https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1830967287236698275

[Its DJOver]

Good for San Marino. Hard not to appreciate the story.

[JWags85]

Good for San Marino. Hard not to appreciate the story.

Its truly remarkable.  Everytime you look at these tiny Euro countries, its a bunch of part time players with a couple of pros.  Gibraltar has a couple dudes in the English National League, League Two and League One.  Andorra usually has guys in the Segunda Division and the occasional La Liga bench player.  Liechtenstein today has guys in Serie B and the second division in Switzerland

...but San Marino?  Not single professional.  Bunch of guys in the podunk San Marino league, couple 17-18 year olds in Italian Academies, couple guys that play in Amateur Italian league.  They had guys that played in the Italian 4th tier but are out of contract.  Truly the plumbers, carpenters, and butchers that they always joke about NBA/MLB players competing against 50+ years ago.

[brewcity77]

Watching that USA/Canada match, Poch has some work to do. Canada was clearly the better side. Absolutely dominated the first half. The goal was disgraceful; the keeper was obviously looking to pass it out, everyone just stood still, no effort to create space or help him move the ball forward, which led to a turnover right in front of goal. The US had possession, but virtually none was in the attacking third.

They started the second a bit better, but then conceded again on another bad turnover. Luca de la Torre pulled one back, but there was very little effort, energy, or will to attack until the last 20 minutes. In terms of both quality play and effort, the US was a distant second. The scoreline didn't indicate how pathetic that performance was.

[BM1090]

Watching that USA/Canada match, Poch has some work to do. Canada was clearly the better side. Absolutely dominated the first half. The goal was disgraceful; the keeper was obviously looking to pass it out, everyone just stood still, no effort to create space or help him move the ball forward, which led to a turnover right in front of goal. The US had possession, but virtually none was in the attacking third.

They started the second a bit better, but then conceded again on another bad turnover. Luca de la Torre pulled one back, but there was very little effort, energy, or will to attack until the last 20 minutes. In terms of both quality play and effort, the US was a distant second. The scoreline didn't indicate how pathetic that performance was.

It was really bad, and I'm hesitant to make excuses for them. But the players  were playing a game with a system you know won't be in place in 2 weeks and with a very interim coach. Might be tough to get motivated for that.

[Shaka Shart]

https://x.com/usmnt/status/1833633465578733707?s=46&t=G2FhP_F2kWewaBOpvRv5lg

[tower912]

Aw, crap.

[Its DJOver]

Just when you think the PSG Mbappe drama is over, you get another installment. It's the gift that keep on giving.

[Shaka Shart]

Just when you think the PSG Mbappe drama is over, you get another installment. It's the gift that keep on giving.

More like Mbackpay

[BM1090]

More like Mbackpay

Embarrassed I laughed as hard as I did.