I don’t think anything is wrong with Wenger as a coach per se…but they do need to hire a proper GM. That may chafe Wenger, but still.
I’m with you on the GM thing, but do you think he’s tactically as good as say klopp, guardiola, rodgers and de boer?
Or are they playing a different game now. Sometimes i think even SAF was a dinosaur tactically because they could never translate their domination to Europe.
I think Arsenal’s problem is really more due to talent than Wenger’s tactics. IMO possession based teams require a phenomenal central playmaker, which Arsenal does not have now that Cesc is gone. They don’t have a great DM like say Busquets who can retain the ball and keep possession ticking and shield the defense. I think their CB’s are good, their forwards like Cazorla and Ozil are good, but it’s not enough IMO.
Klopp and Guardiola are great for sure, but Guardiola had 3 of the top 5 players in the world at Barca, with Klopp, he has one of the best GM’s in the game in Michael Zorc. I am confident Klopp would look far less impressive without his excellent cast of players.
Arsenal’s problem since the turn of the year has been a mix of injuries and Wengers inability to adapt his tactics to match big teams or to respond to going behind.
For all the early season hype on Ozil, Ramsey was their star man for the 1st half of the season. Walcott gave them width and a directness they’ve been lacking recently. Ozil’s not been great but has been missed since he got injured. Wilshere is overrated but his industry has also been missed.
Flamini is a critical player for them and plays in defensive midfield. he was missing (suspended or not selected) for most of their big losses to other big sides.
Looking at Arsenal and Everton’s final games, I actually think Arsenal will scrape into the top 4. Everton have both Manchester sides and a tricky trip to southampton.
i didn’t watch the game but apparently Atletico started with a bang. Barca then held 80% possession and played as if they were leading the tie.
I can’t wait until the semis, I don’t think Bayern are as clear favourites as a lot of people are making out. I can see any of the other 3 teams in the draw beating them over 2 legs.
Flamini was horrible versus Everton. Very disappointing. Then again so was the rest of the team. One if Wenger’s mistakes is bringing in the Ox off the bench. He should be starting. He brings a spark similar to what Theo provides. Always probing the defense with their pace and energy.
I do agree that Pep has had the world’s best players at his disposal wherever he’s been manager so it’s hard to assess whether it’s his tactics or the players. Probably a healthy mix of both. Man City and Chelsea for instance have had lots of turnover with their managers and they have been able to sustain their top positions in their respective leagues. A large portion of their success must lie with the players then.
whos gonna watch that nasty Liverpool Man City game on Sunday?
^ Going to be of the hook.
A proper football club with proper fans in a absolute furnace of a stadium vs a souless drab north american styled ‘franchise’ that have bought success.
Both play high intensity attacking football. I expect the first 10-15 min to be cagey, no one wanting to make an early mistake before it becomes frantic.
Or Man City will choke. Their players won’t have much experience playing in such an atmosphere. If Liverpool win i’m getting bladdered and it’s been over 6 months.
“I felt the power of Anfield, It was magnificent”- Jose Mourinho
Oh and winner take all.
Didn´t trust my eyes this morning: After a 0-3 in the first leg, Valencia beat Basel after additional time 5-0!!
Must have been an outstanding match!!
I think man city will win on sunday. Liverpool have dipped in the past few games and they were lucky to get 6 points from sunderland and west ham.
toure’s on top form and he and Fernandinho will be able to boss liverpool’s midfield.
on the other hand, will Demichalis be able to handle the pace and movement of Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling?
CL half final draw: Real vs Bayern and Athletico vs Chelsea
seriously, I hate the fact that the young talents like Bernat and Alcacer are likely to get snapped up by a bigger club.
interesting draw. chelsea will park the bus in madrid and hope to kill off the tie in the 2nd leg.
I predict a Chelsea Real final
Looks like Courtois may play after all.
Yo gringo, how is Swansea’s Leon Britton rated over in England? Any chance of an England role for this guy?
Wow.
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?
not much buzz about him to be honest. I can’t see him making it into the england squad now at his age.
what a game today, fair play to city for getting back into the game but the best team won.
Too bad, not many skilled, classy English deep lying players there are…