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
Ajex scores
Cheerio Spuddies!
Great start.
Same way you didn’t predict a loss to spurs, united and Napoli based on what you want to happen…
Miserable fellow
Now you are rooting for spurs then Valencia tomorrow so you can come on here and mock Emery.
LOL
Get in
Can Ajax win the CL please, one time…please…fuck the others
Told you fools Ajax will beat this lot.
I know I’ll get slaughtered on here, but can I honestly just say I don’t really give a shit about winning the europa league. It’s a mickey mouse cup for European has beens or never going to be’s. A sort of European St Johnstone paint trophy. Plus if we do win it it will mean more its just papering over huge cracks in the club from top to bottom. Sorry
Son hits the pole
Ha ….spuds already down
Liverpool will beat Ajax. That’s a given.
For once me and CC are in total agreement “Can Ajax win the CL please”
Its worth a cheeky bet on Ajax to win the whole thing
Can spurs nick two goals? Nearly scored one there!! Only the post saved Ajax.
Ajax beating Pool in the final would be magic. Fuck wanting an ‘all English final’ which includes Spurs.
Klopp set for another runners up medal.
Jamie
Not too fussed over the National game then?
How much is DeLigt going to cost?
A lot I would say.
If Barca get him they are on the way to building a great new team.
Thank you and goodnight do you give a shit about winning the FA cup?
De Ligt looks mustard.
Pique’s days as the big swinging dick at the back for Barca are over.
Un –
Not if it includes championing Spurs. Sorry. I’m too local for that nonsense.
Gambon
Way out of our price range. Would love a defender like that at arsenal. Our own VVD.
What a side the Dutch are going to have at the next World Cup.
Ajax beat Juve & Madrid & that pile of shit are not as good as either so don’t worry they won’t get there!!!!
oof that De Ligt has gears, cunted Dele Ali like he was from the under 18’s
Can I ask? Is it the coaching and footballing philosophy at Ajax or did they buy their way to victory??
Shitty hair transplant that was for Eriksen.
Mental that he’s 19 as well, you always associate great centre backs with being mature leaders and seasoned veterans.
He looks both of those things and he’s a teenager.
Un na
Ajax aren’t the best template to use for success.
It’s taken them 24 years to get back to this level.
PedRo
“”””Both destroy culture, Jose destroys image, neither play football the fans like.””””
And what on earth have these 2 clowns (raul and Emery) been doing all season …??
Mournhio or Emery next season.?
No contest.
But hopefully Kroenkes regardless of the result tomorrow- sack the pair.
And get us all A heavyweight manager – we deserve…
“Can I ask? Is it the coaching and footballing philosophy at Ajax or did they buy their way to victory??”
I don’t know how many of the starting 11 tonight came through their academy and how many were bought?
This is a mismatch
Gambon
This iteration is a good template for success for me. They’ve bought smart and promoted and developed youth. Churning out the most promising young players in europe in the process. They are at a massive financial disadvantage also, among others, when compared to arsenal. We could do a lot worse than base our footballing philosophy on this current Ajax set up.
They’re getting chances, Ajax need to tighten up.
SPUDS is coming alive.
CG, you don’t double down on a bad hire by bringing in Jose… and you gotta stop talking about Wenger. He was a car crash. Utter dross. It was a great thing the day he was sacked.
Wooo
Spurs should have 2 or 3 here
Are they going to be as wasteful in the final third as last week?
Ill be very surprised if spurs don’t nick a goal
Ajax looking a bit nervy along with crowd
Pedro
It’s only a great day if we improve upon him.
Un na nai seems determined to post spurs to a goal bless him
It seems to me -particluarly in English football in recent times.
The more ‘charismatic’ managers do seem to fair rather well.
Mourinho, Conte, Ancelotti, Klopp,Ranieri,Mancini, Klopp,Poch Pelligrini, Wenger and Wolves manager .
And the dour and non descripts do rather badly
Puel,Emery, Puel, Moyes, Grant, Hughes
Observing Klopp ,last night.
And Pep the previous one-
We have a awful imitation…
Am I right he has never beaten Pep in 1 game??
JamieMay 8, 2019 20:16:10
Un –
Not if it includes championing Spurs. Sorry. I’m too local for that nonsense
>>>>>>
Exactly. I’m not a local but I know what it means to be an Arsenal fan, and supporting the Spuds in any context is not being an Arsenal fan.
Wenger leaving this club was a great day even if it takes us 5 more years to recover from the damage he inflicted. There are no buts or ifs or maybes about it.
Ramsey’s replacement is playing tonight.
And for those listening on the radio…he’s wearing no. 6.
Emery is an improvement on Wenger for the simple reason there’s no longer a personality cult around the manager who believe he can do no wrong. With the exception of a few on here anyway.
Emery is now under pressure and will be judged accordingly.
Harry Kane’s leg get’s torn off playing for England and I’d laugh my arse off.
I wouldn’t want the other guy to get a card either.
Benny
No they aren’t. Rose, Kane, Winks, Ali and trippier are though and the more these lads do, the more they experience at the top the more likely they are to win a World Cup. I like to see the british lads do well. Even jocks like Robertson and paddies like Robbie Keane.
Remember when wales got to the euro semi finals and we blew out to Iceland? I cheered for Wales. It’s not like we have a shot at this trophy.
Boom Shakalaka!!
Cheerio potatoes!
2 – 0
Get in, what a hit son.
Fuck me, I’d have him n’all
Beautiful finish
What a talented young side
That lad has a left foot and half. What’s his story? Target material?
That had a goal written all over it. Bye bye spurs.
He’s got some left peg
Pros and amateurs
Spurs cooked surely.
Un,
Well more fool you because I can tell you for a fact that the Scotts, Irish and Welsh would NOT be cheering us on, no way.
Screamer
Skid Lids being taken to the cleaners by Ajax
Gonna be a glorious final with this Ajax side playing Liverpool. Could be the best champions league final since 05
Sad Spuds on the terraces, more close ups please!
Ziyech has been the best player in the Eredivisie for years, at 26 question was whether that was his level.
Answering that pretty emphatically this CL campaign.
Spurs have been in such shit form and these Ajax lads with their tails up could get pretty worse here for Spurs.
Come on Ajax!!! Lol! So great to see that young team beating Spurs!!!
And genuinely glad to see that Spurs have a mountain to fucking climb! Fuck Spurs!!
Lolz at spurs. Spurs shouldn’t have killed man city in champions league
At least we can root against those smelly Scouse rats in the Final now.
Zooooooooom!!!!
Bye bye spurs!!!
Bob
You evil bastard – Can we make those close ups in UHD?
Benny
I know
I’ve got lots of Scottish and Irish family. I never cheer the paddies on though. Never. Some times the jocks. Some times the taffs. I’m not religious with it.
Ajax could do the same to Liverpool. They play like a computer game controlled by someone really good. Know when to press X, skill buttons, square, finesse shot…
pool are the way..
they deserve a trophy to show for there 2018/2019 season.. so much love…
At least, the champions league eludes pep again…
Spurs only have themselves to blame. 3 glorious chances.
Thing is Un nai, I happen to always cheer the home nations on whenever they qualify for the euros or WC but those misera bastards hate us with a passion and it really annoys me!
pool are the way..
they deserve a trophy to show for their 2018/2019 season.. so much love…
ajax is going to be a difficult game, but then salah and firminho and origi will be fully fit
At least, the champions league eludes pep again…
I think Liverpool will best ajax
There’s a sense of destiny after last night.
Spurs had some great chances early on without doubt. If they had scored instead of hitting the post then we’d be seeing a very different game.
Funny that this so called ‘huge’ club will go 11 years without a trophy. 3 trophies in almost 30 years.
What a capitulation from Poch .
This set to be Spurs 6th away defeat on the spin.
Out of their last 10 away matches since January 9 defeats and only one win. Nine defeats!
And with this added 11 away matches, 10 defeats and only one win. Ten defeats!
A fully fit Ajax team and I might just have to go with Ajax. There’s just something special going on with them
Poch will be delighted no trophies and he gets to stay at Spurs. Win win
Liverpool have had their final…
Dreadful away form from Spurs since January.
Dreadful from Poch. And lost their last two home as well.
That’s shit from Poch.
Think Pool will be too strong for Ajax, they’ve given up chances tonight that the Pool front 3 would be sticking away.
Sense of destiny about Ajax too.
Barca are average but with Messi.
Ajax look more assured defending.
Benny
I hear you. I’m half Irish and stopped supporting them in my teens when I’d go over and experience the carry on. They are a bitter people. Same as jocks. I enjoy a good Celtic win but rarely shout for the National side.
But I still take pride in our lads doing well. I hated Chelsea but loved Lampard, terry and J.cole. Not cashley
Total humiliation please Ajax
And the greatest saucy manager of the last 5yrs couldn’t get past an inexperienced ajax team over 2legs when it mattered most…
I hope Pedro’s post tomorrow would be in defence of how poch the great wizard managed to bottle a UCL final spot against ajax from a weak league…
expect excuses like…
spurs are bottlers and he could have done with seasoned pro’s like xhaka, mustafi, ozil, mkhi and iwobi.
We are pretty bitter tbf.
“I know what it means to be an Arsenal fan, and supporting the Spuds in any context is not being an Arsenal fan.”
Benny gets it.
Radio
Yeah I was thinking that as I pressed the “post comment” button there actually haha. It’s a tough one. Either way I’m glad there’s no crass oil clubs or nasty cheating clubs. The teams left in are all running their clubs the right way, developing players and playing nice stuff. The way it should be. It’s a win for football whoever wins out of the final 3.
Wouldn’t say Liverpool have has it easy exactly, they’ve beaten Bayern and Barca who are both winning their leagues.
Not like they’re beating scrubs.
ddkingz
“I hope Pedro’s post tomorrow would be in defence of how poch the great wizard managed to bottle a UCL final spot against ajax from a weak league”
Don’t even think it is a case of bottling.
They just ain’t good enough.
Ten defeats in their last eleven away matches would testify to that.
10 defeats lol
Ajex plays those short passing game between 3 players. You don’t see that often in EPL.
WE
Sorry pal. Not you. Just my personal experience. Literally go at least once a year and love my family but never gone there without some pissy little comment about the tans.
PedRo Everybody thought Ranieri was a bad hire at Leicester Like wise when Mourinho returned to Chelsea. ( resigning our playmaker Cesc)- so the pretty footballing argument can be weak. Mourinho ( finished 2nd last season) And FA Cup Final runners up up- they would take that now. Its not my first choice. But it could be an inspired choice- He has the personality and experience to at least improve our young players. One thing for certain he will be in the frame next season with Benitez when the inevitable happens. Both managers – both possibly out of work to… Read more »
Even the Italians think Ranieri is a joke.
Whereabouts Unn?
Sounds like Northy talk to me that.
“Ten defeats in their last eleven away matches would testify to that.10 defeats lol”
I thought it was only Emery who sucked
Emery sucked – sack him
Poch sucked – one of the top 3 managers in the world
A joke that won a PL title with a mid table side, funny that.
Had Glenn toddle have stayed on as England coach he’d have turned Rio into a giant. He had big plans for Rio in a wing back system with becks Scholes and ince in front
Lamps and Gerrard not even on the scene then. Best england coach tactically in my life time he was. Better than venables. Better than Robson.
Un na
Yes should be a memorable final. Hopefully no match-spoiling Salah injury and all the top players play all of the match.
What is the Ajax manager not making the sauce list?