The 2023-2024 Football Thread

[daneoni]

Another 'what is your thought/opinion on this' question. I notice the UK media are using the words 'trophy laden' to describe Klopps tenure at Liverpool. When you consider the following, do you think it is right to call his time at Liverpool 'trophy laden'?

Now for the specifics. It is common knowledge that 4 primary trophies can be won in one calendar season, the league title, the FA Cup, the league cup and one of the European trophies depending on which one is entered. Then depending on results, there is the Charity shield, the European Super Cup and the FIFA World Club cup. Making a total of 7 trophies that can be won in a calendar season, results dependant. Klopp has won 6 trophies in what will be 9 years at Liverpool. So, that's 9 years multiple by 7 trophies making it 63 trophies that could have been won in those 9 years. a near impossible task but it shows how many trophies could be won. Now compare that to a 9 year period of Alex Ferguson's reign at United from 1998 to 2007 where he won 14 trophies. If you go from 2005 to 2013 when he retired he won 10 trophies.

So, given the above, are the UK media wrong to be using the wording 'trophy laden' to describe Klopps tenure at Liverpool?

Think the point is he has won every trophy available in the presence of a dominant Man City team in an incredibly competitive league. He's been the next best successful manager by a country mile after Pep.

Yes Pep still has the raw numbers. But Klopp has also won everything albeit at different pace rather than consecutively.

Speaking of replacements, i don't think Xabi is ready. And i don't want him to end up another Viera, Gerrard or Lampard. i.e. take on a big job early. And as soon as things go south, the media and fans scapegoat you and derail a promising career.

Whoever comes in after Klopp is gonna struggle initially, thats pretty much guaranteed. But unlike Fergie, they have a decent squad to work with (provided it isn't gutted by Saudi money)

And at this point i'm seriously hoping City are found guilty of their charges and suffer a little.

Otherwise the EPL will become cemented as a one team league like the Bundesliga. At which point i'll stop watching/renewing my subscription altogether.

 

[Apple fanboy]

The magic of the FA cup.
Maidstone currently leading Ipswich by a goal to nil. I don’t know how many chances Ipswich had to Maidstone’s one effort, but I’d love to see a non league side in the 5th round!

 

[Bodhitree]

I’m sad to see Klopp go at Liverpool, he was a breath of fresh air when he arrived and he has done tremendously well. I have enjoyed watching his teams play at all the levels.

 

[Apple fanboy]

1-2 to Maidstone now. What a massive win this would be for them.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Maidstone are through!

Massive win for them. And two fantastic goals.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Maidstone are through!

Massive win for them. And two fantastic goals.

Indeed. Hope they get a PL club. Could set them up for the next few years.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Indeed. Hope they get a PL club. Could set them up for the next few years.

Yes, they have certainly earned a big lucrative game in the next round. Ipswich certainly dominated the play, but Maidstone worked hard to keep themselves in it and were clinical with their chances.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Yes, they have certainly earned a big lucrative game in the next round. Ipswich certainly dominated the play, but Maidstone worked hard to keep themselves in it and were clinical with their chances.

Which Ipswich were not. They were quite woeful in front of goal. But it was largely an Ipswich B team.
But that’s the fun of the FA cup and football in general. On any given day, any team can beat any other.

What are your thoughts on Xabi Alonso succeeding Klopp?

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Absolutely delighted to see Maidstone through to the next round of the FA Cup.

Not only did they take their chances well, with two superb goals, they also defended exceptionally well, and their goalie, a former Brazilian u-20 international, apparently had a superb game.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Absolutely delighted to see Maidstone through to the next round of the FA Cup.

Not only did they take their chances well, with two superb goals, they also defended exceptionally well, and their goalie, a former Brazilian u-20 international, apparently had a superb game.

He certainly made some vital saves.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

He certainly made some vital saves.

Yes, he did.

I actually looked him up.......and found myself pondering his details.

 

[laptech]

The best outcome for Maidstone in my opinion would be a home tie with Man City and beating them. That would make it a perfect FA cup

 

[Apple fanboy]

The best outcome for Maidstone in my opinion would be a home tie with Man City and beating them. That would make it a perfect FA cup

No argument from me on that!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

The best outcome for Maidstone in my opinion would be a home tie with Man City and beating them. That would make it a perfect FA cup

No argument from me on that!

No, nor me, for that matter.

 

[Alphazoid]

Everytime i watch Fulham i'm infuriated that they took 4 pts from us.

Have offered nothing against Newcastle at home.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

What are your thoughts on Xabi Alonso succeeding Klopp?

I want a manager with more experience. He might be the real deal….but that’s not proven yet. And I would hate to burn out a good young manager before his time by promoting him too early.

It’s possible he could succeed, but I consider it risky for both parties.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I want a manager with more experience. He might be the real deal….but that’s not proven yet. And I would hate to burn out a good young manager before his time by promoting him too early.

It’s possible he could succeed, but I consider it risky for both parties.

I think its going to be a risky job for whoever takes it. Steven Gerrard maybe?

I think Rooney is looking for work (can you imagine!)

 

[Lord Blackadder]

I think its going to be a risky job for whoever takes it. Steven Gerrard maybe?

I think Rooney is looking for work (can you imagine!)

Gerrard is not good enough for the premier league, especially a team with Liverpool’s ambitions. He’s not even good enough for the Saudi league. Maybe League Two?

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Gerrard is not good enough for the premier league, especially a team with Liverpool’s ambitions. He’s not even good enough for the Saudi league. Maybe League Two?

Agree that Gerrard is not good enough for the Premiership. or the Championship, or even a league lower down.

Good players do not always (indeed, do not usually) make good managers.

And something about Gerrard strikes me as suggesting that he is not someone - not the kind of person - who will actually learn from experience (or is capable of learning from experience) and thus, improve as a manager.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Liverpool 5-2 Norwich

Liverpool were on top the majority of the game but Norwich fought the whole match and bagged a couple goals - one a great long range strike. Liverpool did their usual thing, spreading the goals out amongst their variety of attacking threats. And both Alexander Arnold and Szoboslzai got back in the pitch after their injuries. Nunez scored an easy chance - very unlike him.

Liverpool are making strong runs in both cups, thanks to squad players having good showings when called upon. Connor Bradley has really stepped up in Alexander Arnold’s absence. He’s much more a traditional right back but has done his job well. And Gomez has held the fort at left back. ‘Pool came into the season with significant questions about the defending but as a unit things have clicked again this year in spite of some injuries.

 

[Alphazoid]

I see football hooliganism will always be part and parcel of the UK

 

[Silencio]

Xavi announced he's leaving Barça at the end of the season. Appears he's also burned out.

Rumors swirling that Arteta is also considering stepping down? Surely the Barcelona vacancy would tempt him.

It's going to be a wild game of managerial musical chairs this summer.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Xavi announced he's leaving Barça at the end of the season. Appears he's also burned out.

....

It's going to be a wild game of managerial musical chairs this summer.

And what is interesting is that these individuals are electing to leave of their own accord, - and, are doing so at a time of their own choosing - in other words, they are not being persuaded to jump, are not being pushed out, kicked out, or fired, - and, are not leaving as a result of board, or fan, unhappiness, - rather, they are leaving, and, in some cases, choosing to leave when things look to be in reasonably good shape at the club from which they are departing.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Rumors swirling that Arteta is also considering stepping down? Surely the Barcelona vacancy would tempt him.

Hm.

Just been taking a swift, brief - but entirely fleeting - look (glimpse?) into this:

It appears to have come from Spanish sources; some English sources (Mail and Express, which I don't normally take seriously) appear to give it some credence, while others (Sky) have been quick to give space to denials.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Hm.

Just been taking a swift, brief - but entirely fleeting - look (glimpse?) into this:

It appears to have come from Spanish sources; some English sources (Mail and Express, which I don't normally take seriously) appear to give it some credence, while others (Sky) have been quick to give space to denials.

I’d expect it to be paper talk at this point. Lazy journalism.

I think you feel more motivated to stay at a club when you are winning. It makes the work feel more worthwhile.
But when you are not dominating it must be more demanding. Giving your all to just come second (at best).

Plus let’s be honest the wages are hardly needed by Klopp etc. they are already set for life.