It is such a shame such a famous club has got to this stage.What a mess both on and off the pitch.
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The 2023-2024 Football Thread
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One could argue that ETH shouldn't have made public comments about Sancho's poor quality training, but I imagine he only did so out of an abundance of frustration. Playing the caring, fatherly role and giving him all the space to clear his head last season didn't have the intended effect, so I can't blame him for trying a different tactic. They'll probably talk in private and iron it out, though I'd rather see Sancho shipped off to Saudi.
We're still seeing the after effects of the lack of discipline and vision from Ed Woodward and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and it's going to take a few more transfer windows to finish reshaping the squad in ETH's preferred image. ETH did pick Antony, though, but I don't think there's any correlation to work rate and talent on the pitch with domestic abuse, so it's hard to say they could have seen this coming. As long as they deal with him firmly and decisively if charges are brought against him and don't flounder around like they did with Greenwood.
Good that the stock price of MANU dropped so much. Got to hit the Glazers in the wallet — it's the only thing they understand.
I'm tired of my club being such a circus. I guess things could be worse, and they will stabilize sooner or later.
We're still seeing the after effects of the lack of discipline and vision from Ed Woodward and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and it's going to take a few more transfer windows to finish reshaping the squad in ETH's preferred image. ETH did pick Antony, though, but I don't think there's any correlation to work rate and talent on the pitch with domestic abuse, so it's hard to say they could have seen this coming. As long as they deal with him firmly and decisively if charges are brought against him and don't flounder around like they did with Greenwood.
Good that the stock price of MANU dropped so much. Got to hit the Glazers in the wallet — it's the only thing they understand.
I'm tired of my club being such a circus. I guess things could be worse, and they will stabilize sooner or later.
The problem ETH has and so does every other club manager on the planet is that they know the football media are always out for blood. If a player is dropped the media want to know every detail as to why because they are hoping there is some juicy drama deep in the background they can get their claws into. If the manager does not want to answer or say 'no comment', again the media wont stop and just keep on digging and dig as to why the manager is being so coy about not wanting to answer why they dropped a player. If a manager lies just so they can get the press off their back, the press will immediately go to the other affected party to get their version. The only thing a manager can do is tell the truth. ETH, as does any manager, they have the right to say if they do not believe a player is performing to their maximum ability provided they do it professionally and diplomatically. ETH did that. Sancho was wrong in what he did. Sancho does not have the same job rights as ETH does. Sancho is not the spokesman for the club, the manager is. If Sancho had a problem with what ETH said then he should have gone to the training ground the next day and request a meeting with ETH. But nope, Sancho thinks he is bigger than the club and mouthed off on social media (in a polite way).
Since Alex Ferguson left it has been easy to see that with every manager since, discipline has eroded step by step and it is therefore becoming very clear to a huge majority of people just how strong Ferguson was as a manger in controlling the players. Let's be honest here, Ferguson never had it his own way for many years because there is always that famous comment in that it is well known within the club that the club was ready to sack Ferguson but winning the FA Cup gave him a reprieve and he grasped it with both hands. He became a very strong authoritarian and 'take no crap' attitude eventually led to him breeding a winners mentality within the players. Just listen to some f the interviews from past players. They knew if they stepped out of line just one tiny bit, they was either down in the reserves for the next few weeks, given a fine or told to leave the club. All of this in my opinion changed the mentality and attitude of the players and got them to think as winners. Since Ferguson has left, that strict regime has slowly eroded away to the point where we are at today. The winning mentality has worked it's way out the club.
Lot of really good players on that list - Sweden got at least 2 on it.
Not bad at all.
Not bad at all.
Sam Kerr has been phenomenal for the 2022-2023 season but she gets beaten out by the ladies from Barcelona who play for Spain and won the world cup because FC Barcelona Femeni are league, league super cup, champions league and world cup winners. Looking at the list there are 5 ladies but I think Aitana Bonmatí is the one who stands out as the best out of them.
Jordan Henderson recently did an interview with the Athletic addressing (or, perhaps more accurately, attempting to address) his move to Saudi Arabia.
My reaction to it can be summed up as disappointed, but not shocked. In the interview Henderson claims money was not a factor in the move and he stated "I strongly believe that me playing in Saudi Arabia is a positive thing." Adam Crafton, one of the interviewers/authors of the piece, is gay, and was in Qatar covering the World Cup. Crafton asked pointed questions that Henderson essentially failed to answer.
There is a rhetorical line being taken by some that the reactionary/sadistic/oppressive laws in some Middle Eastern states can be lumped in as 'part of their culture' with the implication that banning homosexuality, and indeed killing homosexuals, is merely a reflection of that 'culture'. As if 'culture' is literally value neutral. I am not intending to make this a discussion of values, but in the context of world football this behavior is at odds with the stated values of western (and some other) football governing bodies, bodies that reflect regional sporting culture and values. Homosexuality is not a choice or a 'culture,' and executing people for being gay cannot simply be dismissed as a cultural difference - (essentially you're trying to argue that embracing diversity necessarily means uncritically accepting whatever another group's values may be - this is emphatically NOT what we mean by diversity).
Putting my trained anthropologist hat on here, you can aim for objectivity in trying to understand a culture, but we live in an era where the concept of universal human rights is no longer just an idea - resulting in a permanent tension between embracing diversity and guaranteeing some level of equity within that space. You can't simplify such complex realities (which is why 'proper football men' are so terribly unsuited to this discussion).
Henderson cannot articulate how his collecting a wage in the Saudi League is going to move this social issue forward in any meaningful way. I can't help coming away from the interview feeling that Hendo is fundamentally not a bad person (and to a certain extent I give him credit for being willing to talk about it publicly), but one who is nevertheless vastly out of his depth trying to square a circle on a big social issue and how it relates to his personal choices. It's a reminder that, while individuals must make choices, when the system is corrupt, it makes it harder to make good (or unproblematic) choices.
There is no way the Saudi league is a compelling project for top footballers and I just need to hear one footballer admit they are going for the payout and turning a blind eye to the regime. We aren't idiots, stop the lazy gaslighting.
My reaction to it can be summed up as disappointed, but not shocked. In the interview Henderson claims money was not a factor in the move and he stated "I strongly believe that me playing in Saudi Arabia is a positive thing." Adam Crafton, one of the interviewers/authors of the piece, is gay, and was in Qatar covering the World Cup. Crafton asked pointed questions that Henderson essentially failed to answer.
There is a rhetorical line being taken by some that the reactionary/sadistic/oppressive laws in some Middle Eastern states can be lumped in as 'part of their culture' with the implication that banning homosexuality, and indeed killing homosexuals, is merely a reflection of that 'culture'. As if 'culture' is literally value neutral. I am not intending to make this a discussion of values, but in the context of world football this behavior is at odds with the stated values of western (and some other) football governing bodies, bodies that reflect regional sporting culture and values. Homosexuality is not a choice or a 'culture,' and executing people for being gay cannot simply be dismissed as a cultural difference - (essentially you're trying to argue that embracing diversity necessarily means uncritically accepting whatever another group's values may be - this is emphatically NOT what we mean by diversity).
Putting my trained anthropologist hat on here, you can aim for objectivity in trying to understand a culture, but we live in an era where the concept of universal human rights is no longer just an idea - resulting in a permanent tension between embracing diversity and guaranteeing some level of equity within that space. You can't simplify such complex realities (which is why 'proper football men' are so terribly unsuited to this discussion).
Henderson cannot articulate how his collecting a wage in the Saudi League is going to move this social issue forward in any meaningful way. I can't help coming away from the interview feeling that Hendo is fundamentally not a bad person (and to a certain extent I give him credit for being willing to talk about it publicly), but one who is nevertheless vastly out of his depth trying to square a circle on a big social issue and how it relates to his personal choices. It's a reminder that, while individuals must make choices, when the system is corrupt, it makes it harder to make good (or unproblematic) choices.
There is no way the Saudi league is a compelling project for top footballers and I just need to hear one footballer admit they are going for the payout and turning a blind eye to the regime. We aren't idiots, stop the lazy gaslighting.
Excellent post.
I think that part of the issue with Henderson is that he had previously spoken out on issues such as gay rights, and, now, the fact that he has moved to play football in Saudi Arabia means that he has decided that he cannot take such positions in public any longer, and this is viewed as an abrogation of whatever principles he claimed to hold on such matters.
Personally, I think it deeply depressing that more in football (not just players, tempted by obscene salaries - and it is not as though they aren't already well remunerated, in some cases, exceedingly well remunerated - in the Premier League, but also administrators and those who run the international bodies, not to mention the actual clubs) aren't prepared to openly reject the "culture" of a country or culture where being gay can get you killed, and where women are not just oppressed but are denied the most basic of human and civil rights.
For that matter, whatever about oligarchs, and fund managers, owning clubs, - and yes, they are ugly and greedy and exceedingly unsavoury sometimes - for a variety of reasons (not least this "culture") I deeply dislike and deplore the state run sportswashing model that - regrettably - has become more pronounced in the Premier league in recent years.
It is sounding increasingly likely that Virgil van Dijk's reaction to his red card against Newcastle is going to land him an additional game ban, keeping him out of the match against Wolves. From a purely sporting perspective it's not a big deal - this is not going to be one of Liverpool's toughest fixtures, and Matip and Gomez should be good enough to get the job done (famous last words, perhaps?).
On the other hand Virgil did not show the kind of leadership I want to see from him as a senior player (and of course captain, for whatever that's worth), and I hope he returns with a clear head.
Despite the mixed success in the transfer window, 'Pool's squad looks fairly good and could have a solid campaign if they can avoid an injury crisis. But I have to think next summer all the talk will be about signing defenders.
On the other hand Virgil did not show the kind of leadership I want to see from him as a senior player (and of course captain, for whatever that's worth), and I hope he returns with a clear head.
Despite the mixed success in the transfer window, 'Pool's squad looks fairly good and could have a solid campaign if they can avoid an injury crisis. But I have to think next summer all the talk will be about signing defenders.
He’s been given and added one game ban. Good.
Scotland is tearing it up in Euro 2024 qualification, leading Group A with 15 points in 5 matches. Scott McTominay has scored 6 goals in those matches (!!!).
Bruno Fernandez scored a wonderful solo goal to give Portugal the 3 points, but Slovakia looked like the better team for much of the match. Ronaldo should've been sent off for going in studs up on Martin Dubravka after absolutely whiffing on a shot he would more easily have scored.
Bruno Fernandez scored a wonderful solo goal to give Portugal the 3 points, but Slovakia looked like the better team for much of the match. Ronaldo should've been sent off for going in studs up on Martin Dubravka after absolutely whiffing on a shot he would more easily have scored.
Gareth Southgate's continued favoritism for the old guard keeps holding England back. Long past time to drop Henderson and Maguire — both were dreadful against Ukraine today.
What's so hard about picking a midfield three of Rice, Bellingham, and Foden?
What's so hard about picking a midfield three of Rice, Bellingham, and Foden?
Flick is flailing at the helm of Germany, which starts up the ‘Klopp to Germany’ rumors again.
It’s just talk, but it always makes me nervous.
Southgate is a cautious manager tactically, that may be too aggressive a formation for him. On paper there are various logical arguments for both players, but unless they are delivering standout performances - and currently they are not - this discussion will rumble on and only get more frustrating.
I certainly couldn’t justify using them against a really dangerous team in a big game.
It’s just talk, but it always makes me nervous.
Southgate is a cautious manager tactically, that may be too aggressive a formation for him. On paper there are various logical arguments for both players, but unless they are delivering standout performances - and currently they are not - this discussion will rumble on and only get more frustrating.
I certainly couldn’t justify using them against a really dangerous team in a big game.
Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) on X
BREAKING: Luis Rubiales has sensationally resigned as President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation following the scandal over him kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup Final. He revealed the news in a world exclusive interview for @PiersUncensored
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Just for context, the Spanish women’s team has only had two different managers since 1988. The RFEF has only had three presidents since then.
The whole organization is literally old and rotten. Rubiales is a massive embarrassment who spoiled what should have been a moment of massive pride for Spain.
He finally went - he was always going to have to go - but he has been defiant and shameless to the bitter end. What a miserable person. Hopefully this affair at least results ina raft of massively overdue change at the RFEF. And hopefully we never see Rubiales’ mug at a football event again.
The whole organization is literally old and rotten. Rubiales is a massive embarrassment who spoiled what should have been a moment of massive pride for Spain.
He finally went - he was always going to have to go - but he has been defiant and shameless to the bitter end. What a miserable person. Hopefully this affair at least results ina raft of massively overdue change at the RFEF. And hopefully we never see Rubiales’ mug at a football event again.
Good.Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) on X
BREAKING: Luis Rubiales has sensationally resigned as President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation following the scandal over him kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup Final. He revealed the news in a world exclusive interview for @PiersUncensoredx.com
Not before time.
Here is a horrible thought. Mason Greenwood was given a warm welcome by Getafe fans. He is a very very good footballer, but what happens if he lights up the game, scoring goal after goal and is in the form of his life. Will Southgate give him a call up? and would United end his loan spell and return him to the club?
Southgate wouldn’t put him in an England shirt in my opinion.
Agree with @Apple fanboy that Gareth Southgate wouldn't put him in an England shirt, and - given the very strong negative reaction that occurred when United had earlier surreptitiously attempted to prepare the ground and soften up public opinion for his return, - I cannot see that happening either.
Southgate already had a direct negative experience with Greenwood missing curfew in Iceland, so I don't see a way back for him. He also had enough of Sancho's sulking and hasn't brought him back, either.
That's one thing Southgate is good at, is not tolerating characters that threaten dressing room discipline and harmony.
Hansi Flick sacked by Germany. He is apparently the first coach in the 123 year history of the German football association to be fired, amazingly enough.
That's one thing Southgate is good at, is not tolerating characters that threaten dressing room discipline and harmony.
Hansi Flick sacked by Germany. He is apparently the first coach in the 123 year history of the German football association to be fired, amazingly enough.
Ben White seems to be in his bad books as well.
Liverpudlians need to kidnap Klopp immediately and hide him on a comfy Greek Island until Germany pick a new manager.
Don't think Southgate will win something with England because he plays it too safe. Henderson and Maguire should not be starting
When England were 1-0 up against a decrepit Italian side he did nothing until they equalised. Swinging the game away from them. In-game management is suspect.
The current England squad are good enough to win trophies. They're realistically only second to France in terms of squad quality.
But they wont win anything under Southgate. Hopefully i'm wrong.
When England were 1-0 up against a decrepit Italian side he did nothing until they equalised. Swinging the game away from them. In-game management is suspect.
The current England squad are good enough to win trophies. They're realistically only second to France in terms of squad quality.
But they wont win anything under Southgate. Hopefully i'm wrong.
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Southgate has unquestionably been a good England manager. But I think the argument can be made that things are getting stale. When he arrived, he made it clear the door was open for everyone to be evaluated on merit. Now, he has some stalwart players he picks regardless of form or where/if they play.
There is no guarantee the next manager will be better, and I am not an advocate of change for changes' sake, but at this point Southgate has probably achieved what he is going to achieve with this squad.
There is no guarantee the next manager will be better, and I am not an advocate of change for changes' sake, but at this point Southgate has probably achieved what he is going to achieve with this squad.