OTHER FOOTBALL

[Jackflash]

I can’t believe David Wagner got the sack today. Great manager. Doubt he’ll be unemployed long.

Yes,and got robbed of two points last Sat. when the ref awarded a penalty against Cardiff then changed his mind after talking to the lino, the ref was less than 1 mtr. away from the incident whereas the linesman was about 50 or more, robbed of 2 points which would have taken them off the bottom and possibly secured his job.

 

[CroJack]

I can’t believe David Wagner got the sack today. Great manager. Doubt he’ll be unemployed long.

Just curious. Why do you think Wagner is a great manager?

Huddersfield have scored 5 goals from open play this season, and they are leaking goals. So, they are neither good at attacking nor defending. Apart from Brighton, they are the only Premier League club who scored more goals from set-pieces than from open play. But Chris Hughton is doing much better job at Brighton than Wagner did at Huddersfield. Brighton are pretty good defensively and hard to beat. I know Huddersfield are operating on a shoe-string budget, but still...
In my opinion, he made a mistake many managers of the promoted clubs make - they are not brave enough and they play for not to lose. I, personally, admire Eddie Howe who is sticking to his philosophy and attacking football. And Wolves' manager Nuno Espírito Santo who says “The day we started working, we created an idea, a philosophy that wasn’t going to change, no matter what. This will be from day one to the last day."

 

[LittlePuma]

Just curious. Why do you think Wagner is a great manager?

Huddersfield have scored 5 goals from open play this season, and they are leaking goals. So, they are neither good at attacking nor defending. Apart from Brighton, they are the only Premier League club who scored more goals from set-pieces than from open play. But Chris Hughton is doing much better job at Brighton than Wagner did at Huddersfield. Brighton are pretty good defensively and hard to beat. I know Huddersfield are operating on a shoe-string budget, but still...
In my opinion, he made a mistake many managers of the promoted clubs make - they are not brave enough and they play for not to lose. I, personally, admire Eddie Howe who is sticking to his philosophy and attacking football. And Wolves' manager Nuno Espírito Santo who says “The day we started working, we created an idea, a philosophy that wasn’t going to change, no matter what. This will be from day one to the last day."

They are far and away the least talented squad in the Prem. They were maybe middle of the road talent-wise when they got promoted. What he accomplished over the last 30 months is pretty amazing.

 

[ivoralljack]

Martin O'Neill, the new Boss of Notts Forest is reported today as saying:

There's a generation of players that cannot take the criticism I would have taken when I was a player. The money has made a massive difference. Nowadays it seems as if you have to talk a player through not only his game but his lifestyle too. And if things aren't happening for them they have agents working for them quickly.

Instead of sitting down thinking: "this is where I want to be and must battle through some things", the minute there's a bit of hassle, they bypass it. They can't handle it. Players should be able to accept some sort of criticism and fight back.

O'Neill himself (winner of the League, two European Cups, two League Cups and the European Super Cup under Brian Clough) is driven by proving people wrong - which goes back to a dressing-down given to him by Clough. He said, "I went into his office once and asked, 'Why am I in the second team?' And he said, 'because you're too good for the third team'.

When he came in at half time once, he told me that the linesman was having a better game than me!! And that he was going to replace me with the linesman. I had a tough time with him. I had a tough time trying to prove myself every week. Every day was like a mission to prove him wrong.
But there were times in massive games, including the 1980 European Cup Final, when he gave me praise - and it was extraordinary. I felt 10' tall.

I have a number of great stories about Brian Clough gleaned from a friend, ex top referee Clive Thomas, who was a close personal friend of his: many stories from ex Swan Mickey Conway who played under Clough at Brighton and also from a couple of personal conversations I enjoyed with the great man. And I relate all this to player power today, something I detest and abhor with every fibre of my body. It's now quite obvious that Paul Pogba had downed tools, inciting others to do the same, to get rid of Mourinho. His manager was quite correct, imo, when he described Pogba as a virus that was infecting other players. I'm no particular fan of Mourinho but this entire episode was nothing short of a disgrace. It revived more personal memories when certain players colluded to get rid of arguably the finest manager the Swans ever had.

I just crave the day when the bubble bursts; when the obscene amounts of money are removed from the game, so that all these players who consider themselves so entitled, are brought down to earth with a savage bump. It might not happen in the near future but happen it will and I just hope that I'll still be around to witness it.

 

[ivoralljack]

GREAT game between Wolves and Leicester. Try and catch it on MOTD if you can and you can watch our Sian run the line as a bonus.

 

[LittlePuma]

GREAT game between Wolves and Leicester. Try and catch it on MOTD if you can and you can watch our Sian run the line as a bonus.

It really was an incredible match. It was funny that every time a Leicester player made a mistake that led to a goal, that player came right back and scored for himself.

 

[ivoralljack]

When the Press have it in for you they really sharpen their knives with a vengeance and logic and reason just disappear into the ether in pursuit of their 'vendetta'. The most recent victim of their bile has been Jose Mourinho, a manager who most certainly has his faults, but one who should be respected for what he has achieved in the game with different teams in different countries.

One particular journo in the Sun buried his literary dagger deep into Mourinho's reputation before viciously twisting it with relish. In an article clearly designed to rubbish Mourinho, he chose to compare Mourinho's last six games with the first six under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. For the record, Mourinho's last six games were Young Boys (1-0), So'ton (2-2), Arsenal (2-2), Fulham (4-1), Valencia (1-2) and Liverpool (1-3). Win rate 33%.

The first six games under OGS were, Cardiff (5-1), Huddersfield (3-1), Bournemouth (4-1), Newcastle (2-0), Reading (2-0) and Spurs (1-0). Win rate 100%. Firstly, how on earth can anyone compare the calibre of teams each manager faced? JM had to deal with 4 tough teams, whereas OSG played the likes of potential relegation fodder Cardiff, Huddersfield and Newcastle along with 'mighty' Reading from the Championship. Note that they won this 2-0 at home when even the Swans notched 4 AT Reading!!!

Secondly, I watched United play Spurs and, imo, they were as lucky as hell to sneak out of London with a win. In the second half, Spurs positively mullered them and could easily have won 3 or 4 - 1 but for a world class display from David de Gea who miraculously kept them out. It should also be remembered that many of the United players were just going through the motions at the end of Mourinho's tenure for reasons we all know.

I have no axe to grind with OSG who seems to be a personable and likeable guy but I know for sure that if I had to decide between him or Mourinho to manage a team of mine, the latter wins hands down even though I know we'd spend a lot of time arguing!!

 

[Jackflash]

When the Press have it in for you they really sharpen their knives with a vengeance and logic and reason just disappear into the ether in pursuit of their 'vendetta'. The most recent victim of their bile has been Jose Mourinho, a manager who most certainly has his faults, but one who should be respected for what he has achieved in the game with different teams in different countries.

One particular journo in the Sun buried his literary dagger deep into Mourinho's reputation before viciously twisting it with relish. In an article clearly designed to rubbish Mourinho, he chose to compare Mourinho's last six games with the first six under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. For the record, Mourinho's last six games were Young Boys (1-0), So'ton (2-2), Arsenal (2-2), Fulham (4-1), Valencia (1-2) and Liverpool (1-3). Win rate 33%.

The first six games under OGS were, Cardiff (5-1), Huddersfield (3-1), Bournemouth (4-1), Newcastle (2-0), Reading (2-0) and Spurs (1-0). Win rate 100%. Firstly, how on earth can anyone compare the calibre of teams each manager faced? JM had to deal with 4 tough teams, whereas OSG played the likes of potential relegation fodder Cardiff, Huddersfield and Newcastle along with 'mighty' Reading from the Championship. Note that they won this 2-0 at home when even the Swans notched 4 AT Reading!!!

Secondly, I watched United play Spurs and, imo, they were as lucky as hell to sneak out of London with a win. In the second half, Spurs positively mullered them and could easily have won 3 or 4 - 1 but for a world class display from David de Gea who miraculously kept them out. It should also be remembered that many of the United players were just going through the motions at the end of Mourinho's tenure for reasons we all know.

I have no axe to grind with OSG who seems to be a personable and likeable guy but I know for sure that if I had to decide between him or Mourinho to manage a team of mine, the latter wins hands down even though I know we'd spend a lot of time arguing!!

I don't think O.G.S's tactics really had a lot to do with the last 6 United results. With a squad like that they know exactly what's what. The difference being they went out and played. Compare his record with Cardiff, where he had to attempt to get some footballing nous into them you get a totally different story.

 

[ivoralljack]

I don't think O.G.S's tactics really had a lot to do with the last 6 United results. With a squad like that they know exactly what's what. The difference being they went out and played. Compare his record with Cardiff, where he had to attempt to get some footballing nous into them you get a totally different story.

Exactly! If Mourinho had licked Pogba's boots before every traing session and wiped his arse afterwards, I'm sure we'd have seen a far better performance from the players. They are talented but only when they decide to play.

 

[Jackflash]

Just thought I'd mention this in case anyone's missed it. The scum now have their two feet firmly planted on the trap door.

 

[ivoralljack]

Poor Llorente is getting pelters on Twitter and elsewhere in the media for his own goal. The nastiness and hypocrisy of the human race knows no bounds. Sure, Llorente isn't in Kane's class but then very few are. His og was unfortunate but at least he was back in defence trying to help out. Gary Lineker, that self satisfied, smug specimen, really enjoyed climbing in. But what would he know about helping out in defence? I doubt the fcuker ever set foot in his own penalty area in his life!! Yes, he was a great striker and got the OBE for it. Mind you, many good judges reckoned that meant "Other Buggers Efforts", particularly when he was at Barca where he fed off the hard work that Mark Hughes put in and the bruises that Hughes took for him. Sparky put in all the work, took the kicks and Lineker got the accolades. Such is life actually.

As it happens, I reckon that Llorente should be credited with playing a part in Spur's winning goal. He drew the Fulham defenders towards him allowing space for Winks to run in unchallenged to score with his header. Had Llorente, known for his aerial threat, not been there, I doubt very much that Winks would have found the space to score.

Playing a bit part as a striker is one of the most difficult jobs in football. More than any other type of player, a striker needs continuity to find his rhythm, build his confidence. But all we fans at the Liberty saw how good Llorente can be when he has found his form. He scored 15 Premier League goals for us after a shaky start and by no means could his Swans' team mates be compared to those at Spurs. But the difference was that he played REGULARLY for us and he rewarded us with goals. Tell you what, I'd have him back in a heartbeat.

 

[Jackflash]

Watched the game and many re-runs of the OG. It was purely a rebound off Llorente's right leg, the amount of legs in the box it could have come off anyone,just unfortunate it was Llorente's leg that was in the way. As you say Ivor, he'd be a most welcome return by all, one of the striking options we are missing with his aerial power.

 

[Borini]

No one mentions the fantastic effort Harry Kane had when he scored an og at the liberty....
Remember singing Harry Kane he is one of our own at the spud fans!!!!!

 

[Borini]

Watch Leon get a hat trick and an amazing bit of skill by Trunds.

https://www.swanseacity.com/news/highlights-lenny-johnrose-charity-game

 

[ivoralljack]

Listening to Talk Sport and hearing some dreadful news about new Cardiff striker Emiliano Sala. Seems the young man has boarded a light aircraft to travel to Wales and that plane has been reported as missing. Obviously we all wish for the best and hope that Emiliano and the pilot will be found safe and well. Let's hope for some good news.

 

[Jackflash]

Listening to Talk Sport and hearing some dreadful news about new Cardiff striker Emiliano Sala. Seems the young man has boarded a light aircraft to travel to Wales and that plane has been reported as missing. Obviously we all wish for the best and hope that Emiliano and the pilot will be found safe and well. Let's hope for some good news.

It seems pretty conclusive it's gone down in the English Channel, it went off radar close to the Channel Islands, French authorities have confirmed Sala was on board.

 

[ivoralljack]

Thoughts are with their family and friends.

 

[LittlePuma]

That is horrible to hear. Prayers for all involved.

 

[CroJack]

If Mourinho had licked Pogba's boots before every traing session and wiped his arse afterwards, I'm sure we'd have seen a far better performance from the players.

A couple of hugs and not criticising players in public would have been enough.

 

[ivoralljack]

Couldn't resist showing some of Llorent's goals and I know we will never tire of watching Swans beat Liverpool at Anfield. This guy was lethal in the air and could score with either foot as the second clip reminds us. Let's not forget the assists either and his very presence in the penalty area was often enough to panic defenders into making mistakes. Of course we didn't see all his goals in the second clip but enough to stir some happy memories.