Football (Soccer) Thread

[Duque de Bragança]

That, or money can buy you a ticket for the Copa América or Gold Cup. 

[Norgy]

The "Golden Generation" of Norway has in many ways been disappointing. There's Ødegaard, one, in my opinion, of Europe's best midfielders. Haaland is a shoo-in for "Europe's best three forwards". We do really lack the defence we had in the 90s, but this was a choice from the football association, let us focus on attack.

Sørloth, whose father also was an international, is a beast that you don't want to play against. Ajer at Brentford is, well, not a player I would pick.

Bodø-Glimt, a small provincial club, is doing well in European cups and is probably qualified for the Champions' League next season. What they have done on shoestring budgets and a small stadium is simply beyond belief.

I remember playing myself, and I wouldn't stand a chance at even fifth rate footballers these days. The technique, the pace, the sheer physical power, overwhelmingly much better than 20-30 years ago.

I'd love to see the reactions of managers if John Robertson or Preben Elkjær went off for a ciggie in the men's room at half-time these days.

[Syt]

Time to bring back Rune Bratset.

[Norgy]

One of the nicest people I have met, actually. Gave me a signed Werder Bremen scarf.
He even knew when to retire. He was just 33, but said it was time to call quits. His strength was his pace and positioning and he fitted perfectly into Rehagel's Werder Bremen as a libero.

My uncle worked with him, as Bratseth is a teacher, for some years (so is my uncle, which is why I am so S-M-R-T). They played indoor football in the evenings, and it contributed quite significantly to the number of sick notes.


And Forest, of course, managed to not score and seem afraid of possession of the ball.   

[Zoupa]

You guys think Spurs will fire Postecoglou?

I'd rather they didn't, but I think if they don't make it to the Europa League final they'll have to. He's been really not smart in his relations to the English press.

[Sheilbh]

If they haven't by now I suspect it'll be at the end of the season.

I'm amazed he's still in a job given that Spurs are currently beneath Everton in the table () - I could be wrong but my guess is they want a replacement lined up to take over as soon as the season ends.

[Norgy]

Spurs should definitely keep him.
Managers simply get very little time to make an impact these days. If I am not mistaken, Forest were close to firing Nuno last summer.

A little ruffle with the press hasn't stopped managers like Clough or Mourinho from achieving success.

A group of players needs some stability around them, and to learn whatever new tactics are being implemented. Give managers more time. Yes, losing hurts, but throwing the baby out with the bathwater is not a long-term solution.
Just look at Man United.
I have an inkling Amorim, despite his credentials, is a likely candidate for a summer departure, and that those Red Devils will once again sign a big name manager who can't get anything out of that group of players.