The folk bizarrely pushing the idea that coaching isn’t an effective tool for progress had to cancel all future opinions going live in public.
Liverpool crushed the MIGHTY Barcelona in a 4-0 drubbing for the ages.
Yes, Shaqiri, Wijnaldum, Origi, and Henderson all featured and starred in an absolute masterclass at Anfield, showing that a strong vision, a defined footballing philosophy, and good old fashioned coaching can trump individual talent… even when that talent is Lionel Messi.
As Tr7 said perfectly the comments, ‘It was heavy metal football that rattled Barca, not the quality of players Liverpool has.’ They still delivered without their best players. An incredible achievement, even if it does make me pig sick… our biggest mistake of the last ten years was passing on Klopp and Pep.
MORE MONEY
MORE PLAYERS
MORE MONEY
MORE PLAYERS
… really doesn’t rub when you see Jordan Henderson as a regular in their side. Origi proving pivotal at the highest level. Low budget signings like Robertson game changing all season. Trent Arnold breaking through from the youth team and playing like a superstar. They lost Salah and still manage to compete. Arsenal lose Ramsey and the whole thing falls apart. Unai picked up a squad in better shape than Klopp, spent more money in his first transfer window than the German did in 2 years and managed to make things worse.
There’s no real way to compare the two managers. As I pointed out yesterday, Klopp finished a lowly 8th in his first season, but he also picked up a dreck squad that was deflated and 10th. He had no preseason to work with, and in his final 13 games, his team scored 31 goals. His coaching had him finish stronger than he started, you could see what he was doing on the pitch, not in hopeful translated text on Marca.
Their stadium was absolutely rocking. You know why? Because the football courses through the veins. It’s electric. The energy on the pitch translates to the stands. If you think that has been standard at Liverpool over the last ten years, you have never met a season ticket holder there.
I am jealous of what they have, Klopp has been a sensation. He was my original managerial crush way back when, I had my doubts about his rebirth at Liverpool, oh how wrong I was. Elite of the elite. Can you believe we let him sit without a job while Wenger paraded deal after new deal?
Just read these words Klopp had after the game.
“It was overwhelming … I actually … I said to the boys before the game that it’s impossible, but because it’s you we have a chance. I have watched in my life so many football games, but to play the best team in the world … look, winning is already difficult, but to win with a clean sheet … It’s 10.10pm and the children are probably in bed so I’m sorry about the language but can I say these boys are fucking talented giants. It’s all about the players.”
Employing an inspiring coach that knows how to develop players is so important. If you don’t have that, why persist? Charisma, passion, energy… that’s what makes a club rock. But again, I can’t hammer home how utterly bat shit it is to excuse this season because our players aren’t coachable. Think about that statement and how weak it is.
Pep Guardiola, the chequebook manager everyone slates, took a journeyman central midfielder called Fabian Delph and turned him into a regular left-back in a team that will go down as one of the all times greats in Premier League history. World class managers make average players great. They make collections of them work as a unit. They organise, inspire and equip them with the tools they need to succeed.
How about we talk about a really shite team, like, say, Southampton? They were in a mess before they played us at Christmas. Ralph Hassenhutl, an interest of Le Grove a few years ago came in and reshaped them. Ryan Bertrand had this to say on what he’s done.
“The manager has came in and has given us an identity,”
“He has given us a clear style of play and leaves no stone unturned.
“It is a real pleasure to go on the field like that and not have people questioning each other.”
“If you asked 100 people what Southampton’s style of play was, you would get similar answers,” he added.
“It would be that we are a high pressing team, very competitive and play good football.
“That may have been adrift before.”
If you asked 100 people about Arsenal’s identity, what would you get?
“Catch Kola on the overlap’
We are still there a year on.
Better players give you better results, no doubt, but whether it’s the highest level or the lowest, the clearer the vision, the better the outcome. Look at Mourinho over the years, his Champions League win with Inter Milan was genius. That squad was a ragtag bunch of pros that he turned into a formidable unit. Look at how Jardim toppled the mighty PSG. Look at what Ajax are doing, win or lose tonight.
Arsenal has conceded 52 goals so far this season. Some flag that Holding and Bellerin would have made things better… reality is, we were on for conceding 50+ goals with them in the side. Poor organisation is always going to leave you exposed regardless of who is playing. The game is far too competitive now to be able to get away with good players simply bailing you out. Everyone is of a high technical standard now, you will be destroyed if you aren’t organised and that’s exactly what’s been going on.
Sam Allardyce has always known this. He goes into clubs on fire, organises them and makes them competitive. He takes shite defences, with shite defenders and he makes them better. That’s good coaching even if the football causes an eye infection.
Anyway, time to move on. I think we all know where I stand on our bland on toast manager.
Tonight, we are ALL Ajax fans. Finally, something we can agree on.
However, I do fear that Spurs power will be a big problem for them and we’ll have to suffer a Champions League final where we want neither side to win.
I’m just going to be thinking about Vermaelen, Bergkamp, Kanu and Overmars all day today… then I’m going to pray to the footballing gods.
Spurs making a final would be too much.
If they lose this evening… that’ll be the 20th game of the season. They’ll have limped into top 4. They won’t have won a trophy, AGAIN.
How funny would that be?
Very.
See you in the comments. x
Mourinho: Return of the Living Dead
How times have changed.
Not one Arsenal player would get anywhere near Liverpool’s first XI.
Back track to when we moved to our progressive new home in 2006 and the complete opposite could be said.
Another thing with Klopp and Liverpool, they have guaranteed future success and investment for themselves by creating a positive and exciting image that a new generation of supporters can relate to.
Kids love a good fairy tale.
“I’d like to see us go 4-3-3. Emery has got the midfield wrong all season IMO, we are constantly outplayed in there.”
Our midfielders this season are Xhaka, Elneny, Torriera and Guendozi. We also do not have any wide forwards so 4-3-3 would be a disaster.
Receding
You’re not interested in debate, I’m not going to both going there just so you can serve up yet another dose of derision.
Bleat on about yesterday’s man and the like, you don’t need me to fulfil your remit.
Gambon
Good strikers (Aguero, Kane etc) typically outperform their expected goals.
Emery often plays them both and they have scored over half our goals. Hence our outperformance relative to expected goals.
Not so much luck but having two good strikers regularly playing
Words
We had Auba and Laca last year.
They didnt outperform their xG, they under performed it.
This year we have over performed more than any team in the PL
How the fudge would Mourinho be a good fit?
Who said he would? …………………………..oh, silly me, it’s CG again.
Demands exciting expansive football and yet wants the antichrist to lead us forward.
Lol!
sal
“Mourinho would be end of days shit, next the Apocolypse.”
But on the bright side all the players we want to get rid of would leave. Unfortunately so would any we want to stay.
The summers of only purchasing Cech and then buying Xhaka and Mustafi for 70 odd million is the reason the club is in the situation it’s in now. Those are two wasted summers, the first of which arguably cost us the league title by not buying any outfield players. Having summer transfer windows is great if you are buying the right players. Does anyone truly believe that we would invest well right now? Last summer was hit and miss but it was the first summer in a while that we hit more then missed. Unfortunately the person in charge is… Read more »
So many petty squabbles on here.
Enjoy the fact that we have all just witnessed one of the greatest football matches ever and we are on the verge of reaching a major final for the first time for 13 years.
One downer to take into account. Spuds could turn things around against Ajax.
My boy Giroud will likely be going to Bordeaux at the end of the season. I was a harsh father, Olivier, but I always loved you. Not as much as my wife did, admittedly, but still you were dear to my heart.
“We had Auba and Laca last year.
They didnt outperform their xG, they under performed it.”
Maybe they had a better coach who was is showing constant improvement.
Farewell my golden Nougat Boy. Godspeed you.
I came to the conclusion long ago on here, that those posters who love to have a good old squabble have probably never played competitive sport in their entire lives.
It seems to be an ego thing.
Yes Marc
Im sure Emerys masterplan involved reducing the number of shots we take, number of goals we score, but improving the finishing of 29 and 27 year old strikers.
gambon
You said it not me.
Go on smile.
Another thing with Klopp and Liverpool, they have guaranteed future success and investment for themselves by creating a positive and exciting image that a new generation of supporters can relate to
Exactly. This is what our owners consistently miss. The empty seats are a testament to this. There is no doubt Anfield is a great leveller. Spurs have recognised this and have built a Kop. What did we do? We. We built a bowl, where sound is lost! Another legacy of Wenger.
“I came to the conclusion long ago on here, that those posters who love to have a good old squabble have probably never played competitive sport in their entire lives.”
Yes, Receding Hairline annoys all of us.
Rabiot has already stated that he see himself as a 10 and refuses to play as 6. His problem is that Every manager he has ever had have played him as a 8 or a 6, never as a 10. As a 10 he is a liability as he does not have the vision and passing range required. As a 6, he simply sulk and refuses to play in that position. He had previous as he refused to be on the French World Cup stand-in list, because he thought that he deserved to be in the squad outright. Rabiot is… Read more »
Alex
If the Spud’s are so clever why has the new stadium been between 1,200 and almost 6,000 below capacity in their matches there so far?
Marc
Could be a reflection of over estimation of support. 50,000ish was their usual gate in their 60s heyday, I think. But the sound the wall generates is enormous.
Alex
It’ll be interesting when the season ticket renews go out, there are rumours about people complaining already about increases and that’s before anyone realises they’ve had 2 matches knocked off their ST.
Marc. I’m with you.
By some accounts Rabiot isn’t that saught after, seems hes everyones backup if their first choice falls through. Down to his wage demands it seems, even with no transfer fee. He could be the making of a midfield though, very talented
Going back to the performance of Liverpool last night, yes it was magnificent,a team and a crowd in perfect sync. However Barcelona lost because despite knowing what was coming their way, by way of pressure, they changed nothing in order to mitigate this, blindly thinking that class will out, and all would be well. Bottom line is they have no Plan B nor the inclination to consider one was even required such is their arrogance. Liverpool are a very good team, and prove what can be done with team spirit, organisation , and good coaching, we will get none of… Read more »
I think most rational people would agree that Emery deserves to at least have this summer and start next season, unless the club have another Wenger replacing Rioch scenario up their sleeve. This clamouring for his exit are not being reasonable in my view. Firstly, who do we replace Emery with? Who can we realistically get? And how would they improve things? Suggestions from the real world please, not dream world. Secondly, people have been on here demanding Emery’s sacking, and yet we still have a semi final to play and he can bring home the clubs first European trophy… Read more »
Graham To be fair – I was throwing it out there. But the more you think about it the more.. It makes perfect sense. Give him a 2 year contract. On the proviso – he gets the best out of Ozil ( like Real Madrid) Dont cause any controversy And attempt to play like his early Chelsea’ side.. HE WOULD LOVE THE ARSENAL JOB. Deep Down- THEY ALL COVET THE AFC JOB. ( that’s why AW could not leave it…) As I said. It could be an inspired choice or it could bomb. After all… Every Arsenal fan in the… Read more »
JM would at least bring in powerful players, not the spineless people we have in our midfield and defence.
CG
Now you’re asking for Mourhino?
Alex
It would certainly enthuse the dormant and comatosed fan base
Help get the stadium fuller
Be great to listen to the press conferences again…
Could be inspired …the irony after all these years…
Dis
1)Vieria
2) Rafa
3) Jose M
4) Wenger
My choices to replace the current clown.
Want a heavyweight not a pipsqueak lightweight…
Some players I ee us linked with and some that wouldn’t mind seeing us look seriously at…CB Djene. Right back Lala or Max Aarons. Left Back N”Soki or Tierny. CM Nkunku. AM Serabia or Fornals. Winger Pepe
Chris, nothing rational about arming an under performing manager with a transfer budget
gambon
“Emery has had £65m, a full pre-season, 27 games in and he’s done nothing.”
You keep stating the ridiculous
Klopp walked nto a club with it’s trajectory heading in the right direction, having on two occassions threatened to win the league.
What have Arsenal done in recent years to assist Emery.
Good post Pedro one of your best.
Quite a list there CG, your commitment cannot be faulted.
Same old exaggerations being bleated out by the same old whiny pack, now there’s a shock.
Yep the players are tops and Emery sucks, that’s what we were all saying.
Evening all,
Chris, nothing rational about arming an under performing manager with a transfer budget.
Pedro, they didn’t arm him with a decent transfer budget before he started the job either!
So will we see a Liverpool inspired Spurs turnaround against Ajax tonight? I really hope not.
Having to cheer on Liverpool to stop the Spuds is a horrible prospect.
I also hope Ajax will have what it takes to stop Liverpool should they get through otherwise social media will be unbearable.
First thing on the main ITV news at 10pm last night, Liverpool.
Who cares. Put it on the local Merseyside news but not the main national news ffs.
Channel switch.
“Klopp walked nto a club with it’s trajectory heading in the right direction”
Hahahahahahahaha
They had gone from 2nd to 8th to 10th in the PL.
They were conceding 50 goals per year
They had Benteke, Ibe, Joe Allen, Sakho, Clyne, Mingolet.
They had no transfer budget
Hahahahahahahahahahaha. Right trajectory.
Pool went from scoring 103 PL goals to scoring 52 while conceding just as much, right trajectory all right.
Oh dear… see what happens when you put the crayons down..
The underperforming manager bit is funny I will give you that Pedro
Out of interest who are the over performing managers, who are those meeting their KPI’s? What were our targets as a club when the season began?
If Balague is to be believed Emery is meeting his targets
CG
We had years of Wenger saying how good useless players were. And Emery’s recent comments have been in that vein. JM would tell it as it is, and that would make a change.
CGMay 8, 2019 18:32:20
Dis
1)Vieria
2) Rafa
3) Jose M
4) Wenger
My choices to replace the current clown.
Want a heavyweight not a pipsqueak lightweight…
>>>>>>
1 – Vieira – Yes
2 – Rafa – what the tennis player? Maybe. Benitez? ‘ Lol!
3 – Jose – Are you mental
4 ,- Wenger – Lol!
Having to cheer on Liverpool to stop the Spuds is a horrible prospect
Sadly, could be so true.
I think we have to back the coach with the types of players he wants for his system then see if he can raise the performance. But for sure we need to see the improvement . Young hungry players on the up that fit his system mind you, not players on the downward trajectory of their careers.
Balague is wedded to Emery, like Castles to Mourinho or Cross to Wenger.
Words on a blog
Excellent points regarding financing.
Also, regarding Fenway, they’ve also won four World series with the red sox.
They know what they’re doing evidently.
The general trend for Liverpool has been on the up while Arsenal have been stagnating for years.
Thought Emery was married to a woman Sal?
So a renowned journalist is wedded to a hack of a manager
CG
No fudging way would I want Mourinho anywhere near my club.
Anyone but Mourinho.
Pedro your theory about klopp making massive changes by the end of his first season isn’t exactly water tight either. The bindippers had played 8league games when he came in. That left a fair chunk of the season remaining. Yes they scored 30 odd girls in the last 13 games. A 6-0 rout of relegated Aston villa a 4-1 against stoke & 4-0 against Everton helped boost those numbers. Take those out and its 17 goals in ten games not so good. They also conceded 12 in 13 & lost to the mighty Southampton 3-2 after being 2-1 up with… Read more »
And also do what we can to get rid of those players, like liverpool did, that just wont suit. Mustafi, Xhaka, Elneny, Iwobi, Ozil, Mhiki. Fill out squad with Nelson, Saka, Willock, Nketia
“1)Vieria
2) Rafa
3) Jose M
4) Wenger”
No idea if Vieira is ready to make the transition up to a big club but he is a club legend so would be given some time. The other 3 what is it a new Hollywood comedy – 3 past it managers decide to go out on one last hurrah and show how it should be done. It could be called “Meltdown, Regular Meltdown and Lost the Plot”
Rafa Benitez, just saying his name makes me laugh, the same Rafa Benitez who has Newcastle sitting in the lofty position of 14th and has lost to the underperforming worst manager of all time Emery.
Some people on here blatantly on the wind up, got to be.
U4GN
Also if I remember from the weekend if you pro rata the points tally out over a complete season. The pre Klopp against Klopp, Klopp would have managed about 6 points more over the 38 games.
I will take any manager, who can put us back where we belong, on top.
Your perceptions are way off the mark.
If you claim to love the club as much as you say you do, you wouldn’t be spouting so much nonsense.
I would say the vast majority of supporters would disagree with you.
CG
Can I assume you will be routing for Arsenal tomorrow night?
Vierra is no club legend.
He moved on and then he went to Man City!
I don’t claim. I do, for 60 plus years. I doubt supporters would be anti any manager and his history, who brought back the glory years.
This blog is a good write 9n on Emerys first season.
Hits the nail on the head.
Emery has utterly failed to make a positive difference.
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2019/5/8/18536887/xgunners-judge-me-in-may-unai-emery-arsenal-stats-premier-league
Marc,
Yes I think your right. My argument that I’ve been having with Pedro is that emery had to do a complete rebuild with pennies while newly promoted sides are getting 40 50 million more and the club’s around us spend our whole war chest of 70 million on one player.
He started the clear out and unconvincing in New players that will carry on this summer.
I don’t know if he is the answer. But at least give the guy a chance.
Gambon,
Since nobody else was interested in the job before emery apart from Enrique for 12 million a year and arteta.
Do you think we would be better off with either of them?
Bare in mind if they had been given 70 million for a complete rebuild like emery.
And if so how much better off do you think?
Pedro
Too soon to say he is underperforming. He still has a chance to win a trophy and qualify for the Champions League.
Gambon
That piece removes all emotive nonsense and lays it bare.
If we decide to sack Emery and go another route there can be no complaints whatsoever as to why.
U4GN I don’t think Emery is a stunning hire but I don’t any available managers who would have made a major difference with the squad we have. It’s not just players who aren’t up to it, it’s the lack of balance. Not a single proper wide player in the squad etc etc. Any manager would need a second summer. I’d also note that Emery will not be given a free run at who we buy. The buy’s last summer were down to Sven, this summer will be based on a similar set up. Biggest issue there is the time it’s… Read more »
That was a good write up Gambon, saw that myself. I will say I reckon with players better suited than the likes of Mustafi and Xhaka, who are error prone and look lost in the press, Kola, Iwobi and Mhiki, who really are breakdown points in the build up, those failings can become strengths…which is what Emerys teams in Spain were all about….controlled, high press, tunovers and fast breaks.
Redruth lol
Marc I wasn’t sold on emery either. I wanted ancelotti for experience to hold the fort for a few years or go for Vieira for a young manager. But once emery was picked you have to give the guy a chance. If we get to the end of May having won the Europa. Missing out on 4th by goal difference and being in the pot for champions league football next season, from where we were last year most people would say that’s a massive improvement and fantastic start to emerys arsenal career. If he can then kick on great, if… Read more »
would love to have both hasbeens-cum-pundits on the same studio dishing it out lel
Up4grabs
We’re going to finish 6th and not win the EL.
Graham
“””No fudging way would I want Mourinho anywhere near my club.”””
You are a strange old fish.
You dont like Wenger!
You dont like Mourinho!
Both managerial titans with huge personalities.
But you like :
The Losers Cup
And Emery
You seem a right bundle of joy.
Predictions for this ebening Ajax vs Spurs?
I’m going with a nervy start and early Spurs goal, then Ajax settle the attack comes together winning it 3-1 in style.
Sal
2-1 Spurs.
Double all english final.
Hopefully Ajax do them comfortably Sal, first goal as always in these edgy ties will be huge.
Ajax to win narrowly on the night, 2-1.
Not to worry CG, you’re dream could be alive. This just faxed to Kroenke nerve center in Denver:
Jose bucket list
Sleep in Eagles nest
Wenger out tattoo
Kill baby polar bear
Manage Arsenal FC
Eat any endangered fish
Bang Nigela Lawson
Let’s put our thoughts together and pray for an Ajax victory.
Gambon,
Maybe, maybe not.
If we do win the Europa, would you say it’s a good season and emery has done what he was supposed to do which was get us back in the champions league.
And as a bonus our first European trophy in 25 years.
Having Son back is massive for them.
Was their sole goal threat against Citeh and is capable of smashing them in left or right from any range.
It wont suprise me if Spuds pull this one off
0-1 is not that big of a deal
Oh and come on Ajax
Spurs-Pool Final would be very grim.
Would give Spurs more of a chance at beating Pool in Final funny enough.
Up4grabs
I don’t think Emery is the right man, but if we win the EL of course he stays.
To be fair, he’s staying anyway.
Christmas is the earliest he will be out if things go wrong.
Grimmest of outcomes Eagle.
But Ajax vs Liverpool would be pretty tasty high tempo affair, footballing to the death.
Jose bucket list.
Nigela get in the que
Eagles nest been there
Manage Arsenal ..yep must brush up my crap Spanish with poor English accent.
One year on his English is crap. Spanish is harder by a mile, each word can have 54 different endings!
No problemo es facil.
Would be surprised if they do ditch him but you never know?
Still would have loved Vieira.
On a separate note, if klopp doesn’t win the league this year he has done well and it would be unlucky, but listening and seeing the media go overboard with the bindippers love in today is ridiculous.
Can imagine what it will be like if they actually win the league or champions league.
All them gobby scousers telling us how there back, even worse than utd supporters.
Now there’s a surprise gambons backing the Spud’s tonight.
CG
Ok, put it out there.
Who would want Mourinho at Arsenal FC?
I didn’t want Wenger and I hate Mourinho.
What’s wrong with that?
Believe me, you’d be in the minority with your beliefs.
You prefer the FA Cup to the EL.
I think you’re the one who should be taking a good look at yourself.
Ajax have stones on them, went into both Last 16 and QF legs up against it away from home and emphatically outplayed Real and Juve.
First team to put Ronaldo out of CL since Juve in 2015 even if he scored in each leg.
Interested to see how resilient they are when they have something to lose now given they are heavy favourites.
Spurs have no hope of beating Ajax
The scoreline could get ugly for Spurs.
That a boy Red T.
Yea Gambon doesn’t think we win the Europa but believes spurs are beating Ajax
Surprise surprise
I think Emery out in the Autumn.
If we have a poor transfer window the existing players will not perform.
He is simply very average manager who cannot motivate players.
I believe I see something that might explain our home and away record. – Firstly, it is obviously that our players have confidence playing at home. The attack is much faster. We can beat any team except MC and the Pool. – Away from home, our buildup becomes very slow. The lower league teams usually park the bus and play counter. Our team has no fast winger. The midfielders and attackers can’t score outside the box. Our two strikers have no room inside a parked defense. Our team has no more weapon to beat a park bus defense.. Against top… Read more »
Receding
If he took the view that “it’s going to be tough for Ajax etc” then fine but he’s actually rooting for the Spud’s.
How am I ‘rooting’ for Spurs?
I couldn’t think of anything else than an English team winning the CL…
But I don’t predict scores based on what I want to happen.
Maybe that explains your embarrassing thoughts on Emery.
You haven’t seen what’s been happening on the pitch, you’ve been inventing your own story.
Silly cunt.
SPUDS plays without a striker.
gambon
miserable cunt