^Yo gameplan, we might as well accept him now. LOL.
**Official Football (Soccer) Thread"
- Thread starter ArsenalCannon357
- Start date
Madrid seal James Rodriguez signature. This team is gonna be scary as fuck next season.
http://m.bbc.com/sport/football/28418131
http://m.bbc.com/sport/football/28418131
Pep: Julian Green to stay with Bayern
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola expects American teenager Julian Green to remain with the German champions for the 2014-15 Bundesliga season instead of being loaned out in search of more playing time.
- Green on Bayern squad for U.S. tour
- MLS All-Star team: 8 World Cup players make squad
"It's never easy to be with a big club in the first [-team] squad, but he deserves to try to keep going here and play with us," Guardiola said during a conference call on Tuesday ahead of Bayern's preseason tour of the United States. "I think today he's going to stay -- we're going to see in the preseason -- but I know him. He's always training well, he's a good guy and my first idea is that he's going to stay for the rest of the season."
On Monday, Green, who made just one appearance for Bayern's senior team last season, was named to the club's squad for friendlies in Harrison, New Jersey (July 31 vs. Guadalajara), and Portland, Oregon (Aug. 6 against the MLS All-Stars), as part of MLS All-Star weekend (ESPN2/WatchESPN, 9:30 p.m. ET).
Guardiola revealed that Green is suffering from a minor knee ailment but confirmed he will still travel to the U.S.
"He will not be on the field for the next two or three days," Guardiola said. "But I hope he is fit and he can play as much as possible."
The 19-year-old German-American, who was born in Tampa but grew up in Germany, played one game for the U.S. at the World Cup in Brazil, scoring in extra time of the Americans' 2-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16.
His lack of experience at club and international level before the tournament made him a controversial addition to the 23-man U.S. roster, but Guardiola wasn't surprised that he took advantage of his brief opportunity on the global stage.
"He was with us in the preseason last year, and we were really impressed by his talent, his movement around the goal," the former Barcelona manager said.
"I spoke many times throughout the year with the U.S. national coach, my dear friend Jurgen Klinsmann, and we spoke about his skills. He played a little bit in the World Cup, but when he played he showed his level, scoring a beautiful, beautiful goal.
"We are so happy that he is with us."
http://www.espnfc.us/bayern-munich/...-unlikely-to-send-out-us-julian-green-on-loan
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola expects American teenager Julian Green to remain with the German champions for the 2014-15 Bundesliga season instead of being loaned out in search of more playing time.
- Green on Bayern squad for U.S. tour
- MLS All-Star team: 8 World Cup players make squad
"It's never easy to be with a big club in the first [-team] squad, but he deserves to try to keep going here and play with us," Guardiola said during a conference call on Tuesday ahead of Bayern's preseason tour of the United States. "I think today he's going to stay -- we're going to see in the preseason -- but I know him. He's always training well, he's a good guy and my first idea is that he's going to stay for the rest of the season."
On Monday, Green, who made just one appearance for Bayern's senior team last season, was named to the club's squad for friendlies in Harrison, New Jersey (July 31 vs. Guadalajara), and Portland, Oregon (Aug. 6 against the MLS All-Stars), as part of MLS All-Star weekend (ESPN2/WatchESPN, 9:30 p.m. ET).
Guardiola revealed that Green is suffering from a minor knee ailment but confirmed he will still travel to the U.S.
"He will not be on the field for the next two or three days," Guardiola said. "But I hope he is fit and he can play as much as possible."
The 19-year-old German-American, who was born in Tampa but grew up in Germany, played one game for the U.S. at the World Cup in Brazil, scoring in extra time of the Americans' 2-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16.
His lack of experience at club and international level before the tournament made him a controversial addition to the 23-man U.S. roster, but Guardiola wasn't surprised that he took advantage of his brief opportunity on the global stage.
"He was with us in the preseason last year, and we were really impressed by his talent, his movement around the goal," the former Barcelona manager said.
"I spoke many times throughout the year with the U.S. national coach, my dear friend Jurgen Klinsmann, and we spoke about his skills. He played a little bit in the World Cup, but when he played he showed his level, scoring a beautiful, beautiful goal.
"We are so happy that he is with us."
http://www.espnfc.us/bayern-munich/...-unlikely-to-send-out-us-julian-green-on-loan
This is why I prefer the premiere league over those other leagues.
More teams with money that can buy or sign big players.
With all the financial power Real Madrid have probably 2 or 3 teams in the La Liga league will be able to compete with them.
The talent needs to spread out more.
please. I'll probably will be cheering more for James "Don't call me James" Rodriguez. Was hoping he wouldn't end up at Madrid.But really whoever scores the most goals will win the league. Barca nor Real really have any defending so whichever offense is more proficient takes La Liga
That's why there is a thing in place called financial fair play......which is working wonders
Premier is basically La Liga now with all the players they've signed from Spain. Bojan and Muniesa are going to Stoke, lol what the hell? Since when do Stoke play that type of football?
But really whoever scores the most goals will win the league. Barca nor Real really have any defending so whichever offense is more proficient takes La Liga
Barca are trying to sign Mathieu from Valencia though.
Premier is basically La Liga now with all the players they've signed from Spain. Bojan and Muniesa are going to Stoke, lol what the hell? Since when do Stoke play that type of football?
You'd play for Stoke right now if given the chance.
It's more about the prestige of playing in one of one of the best leagues on earth. I don't know how much footballing ethos comes into play at this point.
That's why there is a thing in place called financial fair play......which is working wonders
FIFA and their bs systems..
PSG are ready to sign DiMaria on loan to snub him going to United until they can legally and "fairly" sign him next year. WTF?!?
About time....but really I can't even be too bothered about it anymore. Clearly they have showed what is more important with the earlier moves.
With them and madrid....it's like watching the Yankees and Cowboys (if both were in the same league) fight to see who can sign the most and biggest named player
FIFA and their bs systems..
WTF?!?
You knew it was a joke system when PSG gets fined for their "unfair play" and then go out and spend all that money for David Luis literally like a week later
Barcelona agree Jeremy Mathieu deal
Barcelona have agreed a 20 million euro fee to sign Jeremy Mathieu from Valencia.
- Stoke: Just like watching Barcelona
Mathieu, 30, will sign a four-year contract at the Camp Nou, with the option of a further year.
The Frenchman arrived at Valencia from Toulouse in 2009 and went on to make 94 Liga appearances for Los Che.
Mathieu, who can play in defence and midfield, started 48 games for Valencia in all competitions last season, scoring four goals.
Valencia said in a statement on their official website: "Valencia CF thanks Mathieu for his professionalism and performances over the five years he has played for our club."
http://www.espnfc.us/story/1957642/barcelona-announce-20-million-euro-jeremy-mathieu-deal
Barcelona have agreed a 20 million euro fee to sign Jeremy Mathieu from Valencia.
- Stoke: Just like watching Barcelona
Mathieu, 30, will sign a four-year contract at the Camp Nou, with the option of a further year.
The Frenchman arrived at Valencia from Toulouse in 2009 and went on to make 94 Liga appearances for Los Che.
Mathieu, who can play in defence and midfield, started 48 games for Valencia in all competitions last season, scoring four goals.
Valencia said in a statement on their official website: "Valencia CF thanks Mathieu for his professionalism and performances over the five years he has played for our club."
http://www.espnfc.us/story/1957642/barcelona-announce-20-million-euro-jeremy-mathieu-deal
Jesus, the Galaxy got their asses whooped.
Herrera and Mata look like a lethal combo.
Hmm, I wonder which sick league those two come from.
Herrera and Mata look like a lethal combo.
Hmm, I wonder which sick league those two come from.
Jesus, the Galaxy got their asses whooped.
Herrera and Mata look like a lethal combo.
Hmm, I wonder which sick league those two come from.
The Eredivisie.. Colloquially known as La Liga.
But yea, Herrera is a goddamn problem.
Looks like Keylor Navas might go to Madrid. I had also forgotten that Atletico signed Mandzukic.
Didier Drogba re-joins Chelsea - http://www.espnfc.us/chelsea/story/1960100/chelsea-confirm-didier-drogba-return
What's this liquid discharging from my eye?
Edgar Davids was there too, lol.
Edgar Davids was there too, lol.
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And Atletico fans want him back, lol.
Looks like United and Barca are battling for Cuadrado.
I wonder if MLS comes calling...
Ronaldinho leaves Atletico Mineiro
http://www.espnfc.com/futebol-brasileiro/story/1963973/ronaldinho-leaves-atletico-mineiro
Ronaldinho leaves Atletico Mineiro
http://www.espnfc.com/futebol-brasileiro/story/1963973/ronaldinho-leaves-atletico-mineiro
God I hate Pepe. Keita didn't shake his hand, then Pepe spit at him and then Keita threw the water bottle.
Keita throwing a water bottle at Pepe.
Supposedly Pepe called him mono(monkey) when he was at Barca.
The bottom part of this pic has always been my favorite Keita pic:
Keita throwing a water bottle at Pepe.
Supposedly Pepe called him mono(monkey) when he was at Barca.
The bottom part of this pic has always been my favorite Keita pic:
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Some images I snapped from the match on Tuesday night:
K-9 Unit everywhere as the buddha was definitely in the air
The throwback Scholes jersey
National Anthem
Mata, Valencia, Smalling, Jones
Rooney, Hererra, Mata, Lindegaard
Welbeck & Rooney
Giggsy, Van Gaal & Co...
Young, Kagawa, Blackett, Nani, Cleverly, Zaha
Chicharito's Pen
Kagawa's Pen
K-9 Unit everywhere as the buddha was definitely in the air
The throwback Scholes jersey
National Anthem
Mata, Valencia, Smalling, Jones
Rooney, Hererra, Mata, Lindegaard
Welbeck & Rooney
Giggsy, Van Gaal & Co...
Young, Kagawa, Blackett, Nani, Cleverly, Zaha
Chicharito's Pen
Kagawa's Pen
Nice^^^
Pedro, Deulofeu to step up in duo's absence
Barcelona invested heavily during the summer transfer window to improve the aging squad that failed to bring any silverware to the Camp Nou last season. While the Catalans could still do with the addition of yet another centre-half and a right-back capable of taking Dani Alves' starting spot (hopefully Juan Cuadrado from Fiorentina), it looks like no further signings will be made to strengthen their attack.
Under-pressure sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta decided to offload some unwanted players before investing in new arrivals. With that in mind, Isaac Cuenca was released on a free transfer, Bojan Krkic was sold to Stoke City for an undisclosed fee (reportedly 1.7 million euros), Cristian Tello was loaned to FC Porto, and Alexis Sanchez was sold to Arsenal for around 38 million euros.
While the fee obtained for the Chilean striker was reasonable, it is difficult to accept that Barca failed to make any significant return on quality youngsters Cuenca, Tello and Krkic -- especially during a transfer window when Real Madrid managed to get 20 million euros from Juventus for Alvaro Morata. Once again, the Blaugrana board showed its poor negotiation skills when it comes to selling young talent.
The signing of Luis Suarez responded to a direct petition from newly appointed manager Luis Enrique. Despite paying a massive 80 million euros for the controversial Uruguayan striker, such considerable investment will be justified in the long run. After all, it is only natural that his former club Liverpool demanded what the best player and top goal scorer in the Premier League was worth.
While it is obvious that Suarez's infamous biting episode at the World Cup will never be entirely forgotten, the club must move on as soon as possible. Suarez will meet the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Aug. 8 to discuss a reduction of his four-month ban, but it is doubtful that he will make his Blaugrana debut any sooner than anticipated -- perhaps in el clasico against Real Madrid on Oct. 26?
Neymar is still recovering from the horrific back injury inflicted by Juan Zuniga in the World Cup quarterfinals. FIFA's decision to not ban the Colombian for such a malicious attempt to injure another professional still puzzles me -- especially if we consider that Neymar has been unable to exercise since and would now be in a wheelchair had the impact been two centimetres higher. Fortunately, the Brazilian forward should be able to start training with his Barcelona teammates in the next couple of weeks; his progress will determine whether he can play the first game of the season.
With the above in mind, it seems clear that Enrique will have little option but to start the season with Pedro, Gerard Deulofeu and Lionel Messi up front.
About to start his eighth season at the Camp Nou, Pedro has been far from impressive in recent years after a remarkable spell during the Pep Guardiola era. Having said that, the 19 goals scored last season and his contagiously ambitious nature persuaded his former Barca B coach to trust him once again.
I would have kept Sanchez and sold Pedro this summer, but Spain's disappointing performances at the World Cup meant that nobody was prepared to offer enough to persuade Barca to deal their international winger. Still, he is a quality player who is capable of turning games when fully fit and confident.
Deulofeu couldn't be any more eager to show his worth in the first team. His yearlong loan at Everton definitely made him a stronger, faster and more mature player, as his impressive performances in preseason training have shown. At 20 years of age, there is still a slim chance that such enthusiasm turns into nerves and insecurity once the ball starts rolling -- an unlikely scenario, to be honest, but stranger things have happened in the past.
After leading his country to the World Cup final and missing out on the championship by a matter of minutes, Messi has finally shifted a huge amount of weight off his shoulders. Sure, he didn't end up lifting football's most iconic trophy, but the way in which he captained Argentina throughout the tournament finally granted him the adoration of millions in his home nation after years of constant struggle and putting up with critics who argued his motivation was much higher when playing for Barca.
A more refreshed Messi is certainly great news for Cules. Enrique must find the magic formula to ensure that the best footballer on the planet can thrive alongside Suarez and Neymar while also enabling both stars to enhance their own game and reach (or even improve) their usually high standards.
Until then, Pedro and Deulofeu should be given the green light to show that they deserve the right to not only be part of Barca's squad but also to challenge for a starting spot once all five forwards are available for selection.
http://www.espnfc.us/club/barcelona...eu-to-step-up-in-absence-of-luis-suarezneymar
Pedro, Deulofeu to step up in duo's absence
Barcelona invested heavily during the summer transfer window to improve the aging squad that failed to bring any silverware to the Camp Nou last season. While the Catalans could still do with the addition of yet another centre-half and a right-back capable of taking Dani Alves' starting spot (hopefully Juan Cuadrado from Fiorentina), it looks like no further signings will be made to strengthen their attack.
Under-pressure sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta decided to offload some unwanted players before investing in new arrivals. With that in mind, Isaac Cuenca was released on a free transfer, Bojan Krkic was sold to Stoke City for an undisclosed fee (reportedly 1.7 million euros), Cristian Tello was loaned to FC Porto, and Alexis Sanchez was sold to Arsenal for around 38 million euros.
While the fee obtained for the Chilean striker was reasonable, it is difficult to accept that Barca failed to make any significant return on quality youngsters Cuenca, Tello and Krkic -- especially during a transfer window when Real Madrid managed to get 20 million euros from Juventus for Alvaro Morata. Once again, the Blaugrana board showed its poor negotiation skills when it comes to selling young talent.
The signing of Luis Suarez responded to a direct petition from newly appointed manager Luis Enrique. Despite paying a massive 80 million euros for the controversial Uruguayan striker, such considerable investment will be justified in the long run. After all, it is only natural that his former club Liverpool demanded what the best player and top goal scorer in the Premier League was worth.
While it is obvious that Suarez's infamous biting episode at the World Cup will never be entirely forgotten, the club must move on as soon as possible. Suarez will meet the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Aug. 8 to discuss a reduction of his four-month ban, but it is doubtful that he will make his Blaugrana debut any sooner than anticipated -- perhaps in el clasico against Real Madrid on Oct. 26?
Neymar is still recovering from the horrific back injury inflicted by Juan Zuniga in the World Cup quarterfinals. FIFA's decision to not ban the Colombian for such a malicious attempt to injure another professional still puzzles me -- especially if we consider that Neymar has been unable to exercise since and would now be in a wheelchair had the impact been two centimetres higher. Fortunately, the Brazilian forward should be able to start training with his Barcelona teammates in the next couple of weeks; his progress will determine whether he can play the first game of the season.
With the above in mind, it seems clear that Enrique will have little option but to start the season with Pedro, Gerard Deulofeu and Lionel Messi up front.
About to start his eighth season at the Camp Nou, Pedro has been far from impressive in recent years after a remarkable spell during the Pep Guardiola era. Having said that, the 19 goals scored last season and his contagiously ambitious nature persuaded his former Barca B coach to trust him once again.
I would have kept Sanchez and sold Pedro this summer, but Spain's disappointing performances at the World Cup meant that nobody was prepared to offer enough to persuade Barca to deal their international winger. Still, he is a quality player who is capable of turning games when fully fit and confident.
Deulofeu couldn't be any more eager to show his worth in the first team. His yearlong loan at Everton definitely made him a stronger, faster and more mature player, as his impressive performances in preseason training have shown. At 20 years of age, there is still a slim chance that such enthusiasm turns into nerves and insecurity once the ball starts rolling -- an unlikely scenario, to be honest, but stranger things have happened in the past.
After leading his country to the World Cup final and missing out on the championship by a matter of minutes, Messi has finally shifted a huge amount of weight off his shoulders. Sure, he didn't end up lifting football's most iconic trophy, but the way in which he captained Argentina throughout the tournament finally granted him the adoration of millions in his home nation after years of constant struggle and putting up with critics who argued his motivation was much higher when playing for Barca.
A more refreshed Messi is certainly great news for Cules. Enrique must find the magic formula to ensure that the best footballer on the planet can thrive alongside Suarez and Neymar while also enabling both stars to enhance their own game and reach (or even improve) their usually high standards.
Until then, Pedro and Deulofeu should be given the green light to show that they deserve the right to not only be part of Barca's squad but also to challenge for a starting spot once all five forwards are available for selection.
http://www.espnfc.us/club/barcelona...eu-to-step-up-in-absence-of-luis-suarezneymar
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It's so odd to see so many new players, as well as returning ones. What's even odder, is that only one of the new players is from South America(2 actually, forgot about Bravo).
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El Guaje in the Bronx.
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Reading that Di Maria is gonna be loaned to PSG, and Madrid is close to signing Falcao. The delay is because they want a guarantee that he's recovered from his injury.