And, we’re off.......2018/2019

[HomerJSimpson]

Sounds like a plan I'm in 😂..

In a side note seeing the nations league semi draw does anyone actually understand what the nations league is and how it works

Saw we have the Dutch. They seem to be coming back a but. Great result against the Germans recently so it'll be a tough game. Apart from the kudos of winning the Nations League (if England win and then win the final) what else does it mean? We should qualify from our Euro 2020 group (with the Czech's) so what do we get for it all?

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I know a fair few Arsenal fans who wont object to a weekend away in Blackpool in January too

They clearly haven't been there before then

 

[Tashyboy]

I know a fair few Arsenal fans who wont object to a weekend away in Blackpool in January too

Don't forget your antibiotics 😖

 

[Wolf]

Saw we have the Dutch. They seem to be coming back a but. Great result against the Germans recently so it'll be a tough game. Apart from the kudos of winning the Nations League (if England win and then win the final) what else does it mean? We should qualify from our Euro 2020 group (with the Czech's) so what do we get for it all?

That's what I don't understand either what do we really get for it apart from Kudos for reaching a 2nd semi final in 2 years even though nobody gets how we did, what the point of it is or why.... Always want to see us doing well at major tournaments but this for me has no appeal at all.

They clearly haven't been there before then

I've been before from what I remember it was good, but then I was a young impressionable squaddie having fun

 

[BubbaP]

"What is the prize for winning the UEFA Nations League?

Although the tournament is linked with qualification to Euro 2020, winning the Nations League does not give you a spot at the Euros.

In fact, the only things the winning side picks up is a substantial chunk of prize money, the lovely new trophy and the glory of being the first ever winners of the event."

 

[clubchamp98]

Taking the disparity between Pep and Klopp's treatment, and while I have no issues with passion from managers but there has to be a limit and in my opinion both of them have over stepped the mark. That said if they act similarly they should be treated similarly. I don't want any manager to be cold and aloof especially in a derby but there has to be a line somewhere

There’s nothing worse than a manager still in his seat expressionless after his team have just scored imo.

 

[Tashyboy]

"What is the prize for winning the UEFA Nations League?

Although the tournament is linked with qualification to Euro 2020, winning the Nations League does not give you a spot at the Euros.

In fact, the only things the winning side picks up is a substantial chunk of prize money, the lovely new trophy and the glory of being the first ever winners of the event."

Think I read somewhere the winners get about £6.5 million and the semifinal teams about£4 million.

 

[Pin-seeker]

So the winner of the female Ballon d’Or was asked if she knows how to twerk 😂😂😂
Whilst accepting her award.

Unbelievable Jeff.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

There’s nothing worse than a manager still in his seat expressionless after his team have just scored imo.

I totally agree. Wenger use to be like that at times and so did Hodgson when he managed Fulham. I like to see a manager celebrate and be involved but there's a difference between a fist pump and a celebration with the subs and coaches in the technical area and running onto the centre spot.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I've been before from what I remember it was good, but then I was a young impressionable squaddie having fun

I was there 3-4 years ago, my son's football team played in a tournament there. They hold lots of them there. It was depressingly grim, tacky, run down, nasty. I can't even tell you how bad the accommodation is, consistently across the board. Steer clear.

 

[Wolf]

I was there 3-4 years ago, my son's football team played in a tournament there. They hold lots of them there. It was depressingly grim, tacky, run down, nasty. I can't even tell you how bad the accommodation is, consistently across the board. Steer clear.

Sounds like it changed since my weekend of debauchery many years ago, think I'll take your advice and give it a miss then..

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Sounds like it changed since my weekend of debauchery many years ago, think I'll take your advice and give it a miss then..

Maybe it was your week of debauchery that caused the problem . It is a place badly in need of investment. It largely needs flattening and starting again as I don't think much of it is salvageable. The promenade is very nice but step back from the front and it is awful. They went chasing the Stag and Hen groups and they got them, and all that goes with them, in spades.

Go a few miles down the road to the likes of Lytham and it is lovely. Blackpool itself though, don't bother.

 

[Dan2501]

Punishing a manager or a player for showing emotion is a bad direction for football to go in I think. Passion is what makes the game great. I had no issue what so ever with Klopps celebration.

On another note, I'm not sure I agree with Modric winning the Ballon D'or. As great as he is, and he is superb, I'm not convinced he did enough to outdo Messi or Ronaldo. Messi had another superb year, the numbers he put up across the board are exceptional, particularly in Europe. I'd have given it to Leo this year.

 

[Deleted member 18588]

Punishing a manager or a player for showing emotion is a bad direction for football to go in I think. Passion is what makes the game great. I had no issue what so ever with Klopps celebration.

On another note, I'm not sure I agree with Modric winning the Ballon D'or. As great as he is, and he is superb, I'm not convinced he did enough to outdo Messi or Ronaldo. Messi had another superb year, the numbers he put up across the board are exceptional, particularly in Europe. I'd have given it to Leo this year.

It's a FIFA award and, not even Lionel himself, could claim that Messi particularly graced the FIFA World Cup.

Too easy to award prizes to goalscorers as everyone sees their highlights.

Defenders, midfielders and goalkeepers continually get overlooked and yet I have never seen a successful team without top players in those positions as well as strikers.

For his performances this year for both club and country Modric was the right choice.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Punishing a manager or a player for showing emotion is a bad direction for football to go in I think. Passion is what makes the game great. I had no issue what so ever with Klopps celebration.

The problem with it is that if you ignore it then you set a precedent. It didn't cause a riot on Sunday but on another day it could have. A different opposition crowd and it could have kicked off. Sad but true. I was too irritated about the goal going in to get annoyed by Klopp but I'm not a total moron looking for an excuse for a fight (honest)

Run up and down the touchline, step a few metres onto the pitch, that is all okay. Hug your assistant, hug a sub, no problem. You can't go that far onto the pitch though and the PL have to stop that becoming a feature.

Don't worry, he will get a fine that he will pay without blinking and get a warning about his future behaviour. They all get warnings about future behaviour, nothing ever really happens.

 

[Tashyboy]

So the winner of the female Ballon d’Or was asked if she knows how to twerk 😂😂😂
Whilst accepting her award.

Unbelievable Jeff.

I read this and watched it and didnt see anything wrong with it. twerking is a dance/ move made “ famous” by Miley Cirus i believe. But its roots go back to the 18th century. Anyway a DJ who is in the entertainment business asked her if she can do a move by done another female. And she said no. Now footballers of all sexes have
“ been with it “ by doing such moves when celebrating goals including this move. But now the social media morally outraged are on it. Wonder how many were on it when David Attenborough said on the same day climate change is killing the world.

 

[SaintHacker]

Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed at Saints on a 3 year deal. Hopefully our season will start to turn now, especilally if the rumour about him bringing Paul Mitchell back with him are true.

 

[Papas1982]

Pep was caught though and warned So you would expect the same result for Klopp yes ?


And Guardiola, who was "reminded of his responsibilities" after a similar incident after a late Raheem Sterling winner against Southampton, believes Klopp is merely guilty of showing his emotions.

"I did it against Southampton," said the Manchester City boss. "There are a lot of emotions in those moments.

I personally don’t think Peps were as ott as klopps. Add to that it wasn’t against a bitter rival and I can see a difference. Klopps imo was more likely to incite crowd problems and that for me is where the line should be.

As I said, I have no problem with Klopps celebration, but can see a clear difference.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed at Saints on a 3 year deal. Hopefully our season will start to turn now, especilally if the rumour about him bringing Paul Mitchell back with him are true.

It could be a bold move or a disaster. The success at Leipzig jumps out massively but he has to get a grasp of English football and the difference in styles very quickly. It is a shame you did not get him in over the summer so he had a pre season to get his ideas over.

He gives you a chance now anyway.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

I personally don’t think Peps were as ott as klopps. Add to that it wasn’t against a bitter rival and I can see a difference. Klopps imo was more likely to incite crowd problems and that for me is where the line should be.

As I said, I have no problem with Klopps celebration, but can see a clear difference.

Not really a definitive line though is it - very hard to judge what can incite crowd problems. A basic player celebration can do that

If the rule is a manager can’t go onto the pitch during the game then it doesn’t matter if it’s ten yards to hug a player or if it’s 40 years - both should be treated the same way