[ENG] Premiership 2011/2012 (46 Viewers)

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ALC

Ohaulick
Oct 28, 2010
46,535
He's one of the best coaches out there. His only problem is not willing to spend and trying to win with these young teams. I think since after that unbeaten season, he wanted to up the level of difficulty or something. His players are more to blame imo. His best striker always misses half a season due to injuries along with a few other important players and most of the other guys have weak mentalities, especially in defense.

Great coach otherwise, would love him at Juve.
 

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JuveJay

Senior Signor
Moderator
Mar 6, 2007
74,949
There are two main problems with Wenger:

1) Everyone knows how his team plays now and how to counter it, with mixed success
2) He doesn't have the monopoly on the French market anymore
 

Red

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Moderator
Nov 26, 2006
47,024
He is a shit coach to be honest. He is the premier league's Ranieri.... only got lucky a couple of times and he has coached very strong squads unlike the tinkerman.
Given that managers in England make the signings, you have to give him credit for having very strong squads to coach.

He's gone off the boil in the last couple of years, but to suggest he's a shit coach, or just lucky or on a similar level to Ranieri is just stupid.
 

Fred

Senior Member
Oct 2, 2003
41,113
Wenger has only himself to blame for the bad reputation he's getting by fans who are new to the game. The man was an absolute genius until 2005, but ever since we moved to the Emirates, he's become obsessed with financial responsibility, he's got too much power in Arsenal and there is absolutely no pressure on him from the board, also contributing to him doing whatever the fuck he wants and turning Arsenal into his own experiment lab. One of the main reasons there's no pressure on him is because our board are a bunch of selfish motherfuckers that have no problem not winning trophies as long as they're making a profit. What more do you want, when your manager barely spends any money, yet still plays CL every season and reaches the quarters most of the time too.
 

Red

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Moderator
Nov 26, 2006
47,024
This season should be interesting for Arsenal.

Even if they keep their squad as it is, one could see them having to work hard to get a CL spot.

Missing out on the CL might be what Arsenal need in the longer term.

Something to wake everyone at the club up, because, as Fred says, it's all very comfortable just now.
 

Fred

Senior Member
Oct 2, 2003
41,113
Yup, i'm also hoping at some point that our fans would boycott games and such. It's getting ridiculous really, we obviously need to invest in defense, we're having the same problems pre season as we were having last year. So ya, not qualifying for the CL might be good in the long run.
 

Red

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Moderator
Nov 26, 2006
47,024
Is Vermaelen back and properly fit?

He's alright, but I don't rate any of the other CBs.

Jagielka would be a decent signing, but don't know if that'll end up happening. He's got the muscle to not be bullied, but still has good enough technique to easily fit into Arsenal's style of play.
 

Fred

Senior Member
Oct 2, 2003
41,113
Yup, he seems reasonably fit, has played in almost all our pre season games. I agree that he's our best centerback, and he is the only one i rate as well. Koscielny can be great at times, but he's way too inconsistent, way too rash and just seems lacking in intelligence. Djourou is quite poor despite having a good couple of months last season, Squillachi is following in the footsteps of his predecessors Cygan and Silvestre.

Jagielka does seem like the best defender technically among the 3 centerbacks we are most heavily linked with (the other two being Cahill and Samba) though he does get his fair share of injuries and to be honest that scares me. I personally would prefer Cahill.
 

Hist

Founder of Hism
Jan 18, 2009
11,616
:shifty: the man is genious IMO.

Can't believe anyone would compare him to Ranieri....
He is a genius in developing young players but his tactics are always very predictable and he has a ranieri-like loser mentality (always 2nd best). The guy obviously lacks character. I give credit for his players' mentality in their "invincibles" period.. these players' character was his stroke of luck.

Yes, he does deserve credit for creating a strong squad like arsenal's but he is also to blame for the lack of silverware. A genius coach like Mourinho could win a treble with that squad, Ancellotti can bring a league or a CL trophy with it. Benitez went to 2 CL finals (winning one) with much much worse squads. Ferguson has been outperforming him ever since ronaldo and tevez left with a much weaker squad.

This year I expect Arsenal to collapse and Wenger to get sacked.

Ranieri took a post calciopoli Juve to second spot in serie A. He took chelsea to second spot. He took Roma to second spot. In all these cases with a mediocre/shitty squad with the exception of Chelsea a new squad that was gelling. Wenger's advantage over ranieri is his eye for young talent. Tactically and mentally he is equivalent.
 

Red

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Moderator
Nov 26, 2006
47,024
Yup, he seems reasonably fit, has played in almost all our pre season games. I agree that he's our best centerback, and he is the only one i rate as well. Koscielny can be great at times, but he's way too inconsistent, way too rash and just seems lacking in intelligence. Djourou is quite poor despite having a good couple of months last season, Squillachi is following in the footsteps of his predecessors Cygan and Silvestre.

Jagielka does seem like the best defender technically among the 3 centerbacks we are most heavily linked with (the other two being Cahill and Samba) though he does get his fair share of injuries and to be honest that scares me. I personally would prefer Cahill.
My main issue with Koscielny, though I haven't watched him as much as you, is how terribly lightweight he is.

It's not going to need a beast of a CF to knock him out of the way or to dominate against him in the air.

Cahill is probably the middle ground between Jagielka and Samba and would also be a good option. Main issue would be that in the current climate in England he would probably cost about £18m, and I don't see Wenger paying that.
 

Fred

Senior Member
Oct 2, 2003
41,113
You should be thanking Real for signing Varane, otherwise Wenger would've signed him and say the defence is fixed. :D
As opposed to now when he won't sign anyone and say Vermaelen is like a "new signing" :shifty:

My main issue with Koscielny, though I haven't watched him as much as you, is how terribly lightweight he is.

It's not going to need a beast of a CF to knock him out of the way or to dominate against him in the air.

Cahill is probably the middle ground between Jagielka and Samba and would also be a good option. Main issue would be that in the current climate in England he would probably cost about £18m, and I don't see Wenger paying that.
Yup that's Cahill's release clause actually. Wenger should cough it up if he has any ambition.

Ya you're right about Koscielny, he does get dominated by larger strikers. His strength is one on one defending mostly, he's not an easy defender to dribble. Perhaps his best game ever for Arsenal was the first leg against Barcelona, he was one of our best players in that game. Though, i think if we're intent on improving our defense, we need to get a physical and imposing defender, but at the same time one that has enough technique and pace to play in our high defensive line.
 

Red

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Moderator
Nov 26, 2006
47,024
As opposed to now when he won't sign anyone and say Vermaelen is like a "new signing" :shifty:



Yup that's Cahill's release clause actually. Wenger should cough it up if he has any ambition.

Ya you're right about Koscielny, he does get dominated by larger strikers. His strength is one on one defending mostly, he's not an easy defender to dribble. Perhaps his best game ever for Arsenal was the first leg against Barcelona, he was one of our best players in that game. Though, i think if we're intent on improving our defense, we need to get a physical and imposing defender, but at the same time one that has enough technique and pace to play in our high defensive line.
Or you use Koscielny and Vermaelen at home when it's all going to be about defending counter-attacks and sign Samba or someone to play instead of Koscielny in away games against the likes of Blackburn, when you will face an aerial bombardment.
 

Fred

Senior Member
Oct 2, 2003
41,113
Not too big on Samba to be honest, i believe he'll create as much problems as he'd solve. He's not that good on the ground, and he lacks the technique and pace to play a high line. I'd rather we buy a defender that can play a high line while at the same time is strong and imposing enough not to get bullied by big strikers.
 

JuveJay

Senior Signor
Moderator
Mar 6, 2007
74,949
Didn't know where to put this, Gazza's greatest hits:

1) One hour after playing for England, met 'showbiz pals' Danny Baker and Chris Evans in a Hampstead pub while still wearing his full kit... boots included.

2) When asked for his nationality before an operation, told the nurse: "Church Of England."

3) On a trip to London, jumped out of his car to demand "a go" on a workman's pneumatic drill. After getting the go-ahead, happily pounded the pavement to the amusement of shoppers.

4) On first meeting with Lazio's president to discuss his big-money move to the Italian club, was quick to tell the esteemed gentleman that he reminded him of Bud Abbot.

5) Organisers of Italia 90 TV coverage had the splendid idea of augmenting team line-ups with film of each player mouthing his own name. Gascoigne's genius led him to subvert the process by, instead, mouthing 'Fucking Wanker'. The BBC had to use it all the way through the tournament.

6) Booked a series of sun-bed sessions for then-Newcastle team-mate Tony Cunningham. Who, of course, is black.

7) Asked by a Norwegian camera crew if he had a message for England's upcoming opponents, immediately responded with, "Yes. Fuck off Norway." Then ran off laughing.

8) Turned up for England training the morning after then-manager Bobby Robson had called him "daft as a brush" with a floor brush sticking out of his sock.

9) When asked for a footballing comment while at Lazio, burped enthusiastically into a TV microphone. He was fined £39,000.

10) Decided it would be a great idea to have massive hair extensions. Looked a fool and had them taken out a day later.

11) After paying for ex-wife Sheryl's breasts implants, sent flowers to the hospital after the operation addressed to 'Dolly Parton'.

12) Astounded commuters in London by jumping on a double-decker in London's Piccadilly Circus and asking if he could have a drive. The bus driver said yes, and the passengers thoroughly enjoyed Gazza's impromptu performance.

13) Sent a rose to the Wimbledon dressing room for Vinnie Jones after the infamous ball-squeezing incident. Got a toilet brush in return.

14) Set up best mate Jimmy 'Five Bellies' Gardner with a 'girl' he knew to be a transvestite.

15) Has taken the piss out of refs constantly during his career. On one occasion he sniffed a hapless ref's armpit while he was holding his hand high to signal a free kick.

16) Undeterred by their frosty reactions, Gazza again tried to prove that refs have a sense of humour by yellow-carding the referee after the official had dropped his card during a Rangers v Hibs game. He was booked for his troubles.

17) While attempting to deflect the 'kebab controversy' which spelled the beginning of the end of his England career, assured reporters that his doner-munching antics following Middlesbrough's promotion to the Premiership would in no way affect his fitness before France 98. One reporter asked: "What do you feel like now?" Back came the inevitable response: "I feel like a kebab with onions."

18) As an apprentice desperate to impress then-Newcastle boss Jack Charlton, spent a week's money on fishing gear and begged the famous angler to give him a lesson. On arrival at the riverbank, Charlton promptly threw all but the rod out into the briny, then poured a bottle of Newcastle Brown into the water, dipped in the rod and within seconds was pulling out a whopper. Lesson over.

19) As 'perk' of boot-cleaning duties during his apprenticeship, took Kevin Keegan's Golas home to show his mates. But left them on the Newcastle Underground.

20) When playing for England against Belgium in Italia 90, ridiculed Enzo Scifo as he lay on the ground clutching his leg. Gazza thought he was play-acting, so did a mime of his own which involved hopping on one leg with his tongue lolling out.

21) His attempt to jet off to Libya with Middlesbrough for a post-season tour was hampered by the fact he'd left his passport at home. An emotional Gazza wept at the check-in desk until a minion was despatched to bring it to the airport.

22) Celebrated his new-found hero status after flying home from Italia 90 by wearing a huge pair of fake plastic boobs and stomach bearing the legend 'Gazza'.

23) On meeting the president of Denmark's FA, pretended he could speak Danish. When invited to demonstrate, imitated The Muppet Show's Swedish Chef.

24) Conned Five Bellies into eating a mince pie after he'd scraped out the filling and replaced it with cat excrement.

25) Walked into the Middlesbrough canteen wearing nothing but his training socks and ordered lunch.

26) Paid £320 for a Mars Bar in a newsagents in his home town of Dunston, then told the shop owner to spend the change on sweets for local kids.

27) Whilst dining in the prestigious Bedford Arms Hotel in Woburn with a few of his Geordie mates, decided to place his erect member on the shoulder of a diner at the next table. Thinking someone had tapped him on the shoulder the gentleman turned his head only to have Gazza's helmet prod him in the cheek.

28) Took a documentary team to a beautiful Scottish cottage which he informed them was his new place, pretended he'd forgotten his key and knocked instead. When the door opened, told the befuddled housewife inside that he was doing a telly advert and wanted to know if she preferred Daz or Omo.

29) Crashed Middlesbrough's team bus at the club's training ground and caused £310,000 worth of damage.

30) While at Rangers, urinated over sleeping team-mate Richard Gough.

31) Handed £1000 over to Jimmy Five Bellies after betting that the burly boozer couldn't withstand a cigarette lighter's heat on the bridge of his nose for five seconds. Jimmy could. Twice.

32) After briefly giving up drinking, was advised to find a new interest. Picked bingo.

33) Bought a £1000 robot and programmed it to travel into Jimmy Five Bellies' room at Gazza Towers and announce: "Make a cup of tea, fat man."

34) Stuck his tongue out when the TV cameras panned past him during the national anthem at Italia 90.

35) Prepared for England matches during that hugely important tournament by playing marathon games of tennis in the scorching midday sun.

36) Thought it would be appropriate to wear a blue fright wig before the 1991 FA Cup Final.

37) In his time, has agreed to dress as a Roman centurion, a clown, Oliver Hardy and Braveheart for 'photo opportunities'.

38) While his Italia 90 team-mate was the hero of Hillsborough, marched into a Sheffield barbers and demanded "a Waddle cut".

39) When Gazza signed for Spurs in 1988, he came down to finalise the deal with a bunch of his Geordie mates. They took over the posh hotel in Hadley Wood where Spurs were footing the bill and wreaked havoc. Gazza met then-chairman Irving Scholar and began talks by saying, "We'd like to thank you for the best three days of our lives."

40) Asked to leave West Lodge Park Hotel in London after guests were treated to the sight of a naked Five Bellies swimming across the duck pond.

41) On his first night in Rome after signing for Lazio, gave his minder the slip, put his shoes by an open window and hid in a cupboard. The minder thought he'd committed suicide.

42) Recorded a video message for a corporate party and signed off with a cheery "Happy Christmas, you fucking wankers".

43) Greeted reporters in Rome by standing up, asking for silence, then farting at ear-splitting volume.

44) Told an interviewer that he was so superstitious about the number 13 that he couldn't ever bear to see the numbers 4 and 9 together. Oddly, the combination of 5 and 8 was deemed OK.

45) Shredded England team-mate Dennis Wise's Armani suit "for a laugh".

46) While staying at a Scottish hotel, drove across its golf course in his four-wheel drive Jeep.

47) While reputation preceded him in Italy, the English language did not. Hence, his Lazio debut was marked by a banner which read: 'Gazza's Boys, We Are Here. Shake Your Women And Drink Your Beer'.

48) Conversely, rival Italian supporters once hailed him with a banner which stated bluntly: 'Paul Gazza, You Are Fat Poofta'.

49) After being sent off while playing for Lazio, shook hands with virtually every member of the Genoa side.

50) While staying in a New Zealand hotel, was told there was no bacon for breakfast. Replied, "What, all the sheep in this country and there's no bloody bacon!"

:D
 

Bianconero_Aus

Beppe Marotta Is My God
May 26, 2009
81,079
LOL Gazza. What a fucking legend. This is my favourite

Organisers of Italia 90 TV coverage had the splendid idea of augmenting team line-ups with film of each player mouthing his own name. Gascoigne's genius led him to subvert the process by, instead, mouthing 'Fucking Wanker'. The BBC had to use it all the way through the tournament.

:lol:
 
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