Disqus - Latest Comments for wanderer_abroad

Re: Shut Up, Rolando Bianchi!

wanderer_abroad — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 21:06:29 -0000

I think you may be being a bit too harsh on Bianchi Gaff. Sure it was an idiotic and disrespectful thing to say but these tabloids rarely display the full nature of the interview. It would be unfair to judge Bianchi purely on the basis of this article. However, it is his form, rather than his ambition, that will probably result in his exit from City, and I suspect that exit will be fairly soon.

Re: Best Week of the Year

wanderer_abroad — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 14:16:06 -0000

I'm sorry gaffer but I can't agree about the Citeh vs Pool game. It was terrible! The passing was absolutely rubbish and was the worst game I have seen for a while.

Re: Best Week of the Year

wanderer_abroad — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:02:02 -0000

Whoops! Sorry gaff. My comments still stand though

Re: Where to Find Arsenal TV & Liverpool TV

wanderer_abroad — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 21:28:50 -0000

Personally I can't stand any of the matches shown on Setanta Canada produced by the clubs themselves. The commentating is truelly...and I really mean this...diabolical! The worst culprit is that idiot on Man Utd TV who is more bias than anyone I have ever seen. The lads on Chelsea TV aren't much better, but at least they're bearable. I wish Setanta would actually show the talk-shows from these club channels, rather than just replays of old matches or reserve matches.

Re: Road to Wembley: FA Cup 3rd Round Saturday Roundup

wanderer_abroad — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 14:20:22 -0000

What was your opinion on the Swansea game Gaffer?
Also what do you think of Leon Knight - I know he used to play for Swansea. He's just signed for us and I heard he was a bit of a trouble maker.

Re: Has everyone forgotten how to tackle?

wanderer_abroad — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:22:22 -0000

Call me bias but I think one of the people to blame for the sudden harshness of referees is Sir Alex Ferguson. For years he has been moaning to referees about such tackles - obviously only for self-interest - and is always questioning the referees decision in other matches. I think its down to him and other managers that the referees have been told to enforce the rule book to the extact letter of the law instead of using common sense when dealing with matters like this. The Mikel red card was never a sending off offence even though it was a silly challenge.

Re: Top 10 Contenders to Become Next Newcastle Manager

wanderer_abroad — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 20:35:33 -0000

I personally feel Hoddle deserves another shot at a Premiership job. I rate him fairly highly. He did an excellent job at Southampton but something tells me the Toon Army won't be too happy if he was appointed.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

wanderer_abroad — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 13:38:49 -0000

Being one of the first men to criticize American football and journalism, and also being an Englishman, I still think that what Gaffer said was out of line. Soccer America were asking legitimate questions and it was unfair to portray them as being amateur and unprofessional, because that is certainly far from the case. In recent weeks I have become worried at some of your 'criticism for criticism sake' articles. However, despite saying this EPLTalk has always been a quality site for news and opinions, just try to tone it down a bit Gaffer next time ;)

Oh and btw, shut your mouth ASRW, you're just getting personal and nasty. Stop being so obnoxious and just because you don't agree with Gaffer's opinion, dont start ranting at us English.

Re: Soccer America Miss The Ball with Gerard Houllier Interview

wanderer_abroad — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 22:51:10 -0000

I think this post is really getting out of hand. The accusations of 'British snobbery' are both ridiculous and insulting. I'm British too and wish American soccer nothing but the best, and you are accusing all Brits of being snobs are idiots. Funnily enough, I recently had a similar experience of American snobbery. This was, however, in boxing where, in a pub in Seattle watching the Hatton vs. Mayweather fight, an American said "What do you know about boxing, you're English?". I'm sorry but just because boxing is bigger in America than Britain in terms of the number of American world champions, it doesn't mean I know nothing about boxing. I know this is about a totally different sport the point I'm getting at is that snobbery works both ways and has nothing to do with the stereotypes that some people are pointing out here.

The second point I wanted to make was that I actually agree with PART of gaffers post. Let me stress that it is only the part that it was bad journalism to ask obvious questions that could be found out by research. Its a journalist's job to ask the questions that others haven't thought of, not repeat those that people know the answer to. However, I do not agree that a question about an English topic would have been more appropriate as Gaffer suggests. This was obviously a convention on AMERICAN soccer, so the questions should have been about AMERICAN soccer.

I hope people don't misinterpret my comments because I honestly dont have anything against Americans or their right to enjoy the game of soccer (football). To those who are almost definitely going to accuse me of being another 'Brit snob' a big middle finger and also another middle finger to that idiot in Seattle....because we beat you (as did your much laughed at neighbours Mexico) in the world amateur boxing tournament.

Re: Changes Must be Made at Liverpool

wanderer_abroad — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:59:36 -0000

I think people are right to criticize Benitez because of his poor record in the transfer market. Torres and Agger are probably the only two real quality players that he has signed (excluding Mascherano because his deal isn't permanent yet). People keep calling for him to be backed with more money, but do you want Liverpool to go broke for some more Kuyt's, Voronin's, Pennant's and Sissoko's? It is perfectly right to call Benitez a tactical genius, because he is, but tactics can only save your butt so many times. There is a time when you need real quality to do the speaking, and I'm afraid Liverpool don't have that. They definetly don't have the quality of Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea, yet they should be doing better than the likes of Villa, City and (I'm sorry TT but...) Everton. If Liverpool don't sort themselves out soon, the prospect of serious investment and improvement at City, Villa and Everton really threatens their place as being Englands best 4th placed team.

Re: Premier League Considers Allowing Clubs to Play Matches Overseas

wanderer_abroad — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 21:15:34 -0000

It would be sad day when the Premiership plays abroad. I could never sanction such a thing. I disagree that we should accept the fact that the game is a business now rather than a sport. We shouldn't be promoting such ideas because where would your loyalties lie, with some fat suit who wont be there in 5 years, or with clubs that have been around longer than our grandfathers? Not only would playing be detrimenatal to the integrety of the clubs, but also to all sport. I, for one, would never forgive the directors who would plan to do this, and I'm sure many others wouldn't either.

BTW 'EPL isn't the only league in the world' this is a free forum and everyone has a right to post what they want, free from being attacked and slandered. F@ck off back to where you came from and stop infesting this site with you crap. Kartik is a respectable fan and so is the Gaffer. Please can we just leave all this rubbish about the Houllier interview alone now and move on.

Re: Premier League Considers Allowing Clubs to Play Matches Overseas

wanderer_abroad — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 22:58:10 -0000

How can you call Kartik a hypocrite? He DISAGREED with Gaffers opinions. I apoligize if I may have sounded harsh, I had a bit of a 'rush of blood to the head' moment in my previous post, but I still stand by my comments. Also, EPLTalk is about more than just the Gaffer. Kartik has a right to continue to comment on other topics, and I fail to see how that go's against the interest of American soccer. I'm guessing then that you wouldn't come to a Premiership match if one came to America, because you obviously hate everything English and Premiership.

Re: Hicks and Gillet’s Excellent Adventure to Continue | EPL Talk

wanderer_abroad — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:53:02 -0000

Typical Liverpool. For the past 15 years there fans have always looked for someone or something to blame. They never look at the larger picture, or imagine that there's anything other than one thing wrong. They need to realize that the problems at Liverpool go deeper than a couple of Yanks or the odd dodgey player. The truth is that they are a club stuck in the past, without a firm direction or ethos. They need a real leader to define their direction and I'm afraid thats not tinkerbell Rafa.

Re: Transfer window update: Deals finally getting done

wanderer_abroad — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:00:49 -0000

I don't think Landzaat was a bad decision. He hasn't been that brilliant since his move and recouping 1m isn't bad considering he's 30. I haven't seen him as anything other than a decent but tough player. This does, however, leave Wigan slightly short in midfield.

Good move by Wigan, though, to get Marlon King. Even though his transfer fee may be a bit inflated, he's still better than most people give him credit for. Him and Marcus Bent should be a decent enough partnership to give Wigan a fair shot at staying in the Prem.

Re: Daniel Sturridge: A Name to Remember

wanderer_abroad — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:17:06 -0000

I certainly heard of Sturridge and have been listening out for him to break out. I expected him to have been given more chances than he has, especially with the current City strikers. Shame City are out of the cup because that probably means the end of Sturridge's chances for a while. He did look sharp on Sunday and his goal was fantastic. I just hope he can continue his progress rather than falling prey to the usual hype.

Re: Adding Insult to Injury

wanderer_abroad — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:20:07 -0000

Well you know, players have to have that spare 3k around incase they see a nice car or something. Perhpas a new diamond watch...

Re: Fox Needs to Learn How to Pronounce ‘Premier League’

wanderer_abroad — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:25:18 -0000

If you want to complain about anyone mispronouncing then have a pop at GolTV. They continuely pronounce all Spanish and Italian teams and words perfectly but continuely drop bloopers like 'Ass Villa' , 'Tootnam' and even heard them say 'Wayne Rowney' (but i suppose that can be excused seeing as Sven finds it impossible to say Rooney as well lol).

Re: Spurs Next In Line to Be Taken Over By American Investors

wanderer_abroad — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:45:49 -0000

I voted for Everton for two reasons...1) They would be significantly cheaper than Tottenham and have similar if not larger fanbase 2) They have a solid base which could only get better with the right investment.

Re: The Daily Mirror: Are You Derby in Disguise?

wanderer_abroad — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:33:52 -0000

Looks like they've changed it now but still.... a proffessional journalist should be ashamed of that sort of laziness/mistake. Oh I forgot, the Mirror doesn't have any professional journalists.

Re: Get Well Soon Gaffer!

wanderer_abroad — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:38:16 -0000

Get well soon Gaff!

Re: Vote for EPL Talk

wanderer_abroad — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:40:57 -0000

Currently second in the EPL Blog section but in the lead in the Best Football Podcast. Would be nice to see some recognition for all the great work from Chris.

Re: England-2, Switzerland-1…Recap

wanderer_abroad — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 23:56:25 -0000

I think that most people have either been too harsh or too generous to England. It was a decent performance but nothing special. I don't think England's defence was quite as bad as you say Michael but its obvious that Rio and Upson don't work, and even more so that England need an upgrade at fullback. Having said that England were impressive in midfield and the only thing that stopped England scoring more was a) a true target man to fill space by Rooney's deep probing b) the ridiculous amount of subs and a lack of true incentive considering it was a friendly.

Re: Premier League moving forward with overseas games

wanderer_abroad — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:02:09 -0000

Its totally ridiculous to propose a full round of matches in different countries, especially if they're proposing to have them at the same time. It would be totally pointless to have all 10 games abroad only for 4 being able to be shown on TV. I was opposed at the suggestion on just 1 game being played abroad. The soul of the game is being flushed down the toilet as quickly as those chairmans silk toilet paper! I won't be surprised if this goes ahead but only a couple of games. Would be very surprised to see all 20 teams of the Premiership have a game abroad. I'm still crossing my fingers and praying that this wont happen though!

Re: Catch up on the EPL Talk Blog

wanderer_abroad — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:05:53 -0000

It has been suggested that this 'allows managers to be more tactically creative', but is it just me who thinks that is daft. If anything it allows managers to be more lazy as they are now safe to cover more positions and not forced to play players out of position.

Having said that, I still support the rule change. Seven is a better number than five, and considering it was only England who are out of line with the 7 sub standard.

Re: ESPN TV Schedule for the February 19/20 Champions League Matches

wanderer_abroad — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:12:32 -0000

Good predictions dragonki in my opinion. I would have predicted the very same.

I'm just itching for the return of the Champions League. I can't wait for some of these ties because some of them look really good. The Inter vs. Liverpool game looks fantastic as I'm fanscinated to see if Inter can replicate their dominating league form into the worlds greatest competition. Real vs. Roma also looks good. Could be a tricky tie seeing as I think Real only been playing at half their potential in recent weeks, seemingly unchallenged at the top of La Liga. They need to be careful as Roma can be fantastic on their day, but Real should have enough quality to prevail. Arsenal vs Milan has to be the best game of the round though. Arsenal are the perfect team to entice Milan out of their shell and we should see an epic slug-off between two of Europe's giants. I'm tipping Fabregas to dominate but Pato to score at least one over the two ties.

Re: Transfer market roundup - Winners and Losers

wanderer_abroad — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 14:48:29 -0000

I don't agree with some of your opinions. Firstly how can Chelsea be considered losers?! Anelka is certainly not overpriced especially when you compare his pricetake with the likes of Darren Bent. He is proven goalscorer at every level and is at the peak of his career. And the comment that Chelsea could bring their scouting level up to those of United and Arsenal is also an exaggeration. Certainly Arsenal probably have the best scouting network in the world, only rivaled by that of Barca probably, but Chelsea have a better scouting network than Man Utd. Frank Arnesan is one of the best scouts in the world and United have hardly been spouting out the youngsters of late have they? To be honest I can't remember the last player since Nemanja Vidic who was actually a good bargain for Utd, and even then they paid around 8 million pounds for him, similar infact to that paid by Chelsea for Branislav Ivanovic who is tipped to be better than Vidic ;)

Re: Premier League Plans to Play Matches Overseas–My Thoughts

wanderer_abroad — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:03:17 -0000

I don't see how FIFA will agree to this when they discuss this at their next meeting. Sepp Blatter and most FIFA officials have been criticizing the Premiership for years on the amount of games. Adding an extra fixture would surely fatigue players even more, especially considering it would be abroad. Taking into account the climate, jet lag and general fatigue by that point in the season, it seems to me that this idea is just unfeasable.

Re: Transfer market roundup - Winners and Losers

wanderer_abroad — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:08:22 -0000

Thanks for the reply Scout and I agree my Bent example is stretching it a bit lol. I agree its going to be interesting to see how Chelsea are going to manage both Anelka and Drogba but that is only good for them. They now have more strength and two world class strikers is always better than one.

The point I was trying to make was how many Utd players have come through their academy in the last 6 or 7 years? Very few. Admittedly Chelsea's record is no better but I feel at this moment they've been sniffing around in better places than Utd. My friends son is a academy player there and he says that their training ground is out of this world. He says you wouldn't believe the sort of facilities and coaching quality that has arrived at the club, and this is coming from a guy who has been a fan of the club for over 25 years. It just seems harsh to me to downgrade Chelsea's youth + scouting setup over United's. I hope Chelsea can one day bring through a gem as that would mean that the club is moving in the right direction of buying young. Their new signing Di Santo looks like its a step in the right direction..

Re: ESPN TV Schedule for the February 19/20 Champions League Matches

wanderer_abroad — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 13:12:32 -0000

You're forgetting Dave about the Hispanics. I know for a fact the support for Barca in the US + Mexico oustrips all their support in the whole of South America!

Re: Manchester United’s Samba Future

wanderer_abroad — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:23:40 -0000

Interesting after my swipe at Utd last week, that this week i find out they have signed another promising youngster! Better eat my words...

Anyway its good to see that the top English teams are really challenging the likes of Barca for dominance in the youth market. Training with skilled Brazilians can only help improve the young English talent in Utd's Academy and Youth teams.

Re: Why Premier League’s Game 39 is Good for America

wanderer_abroad — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:31:27 -0000

Completely agree with Kartik. Its illegal and would a said a dangerous example. Clubs would think they could get away with anything.

Re: Gerrard and Carragher Concede Title; Set Sights on 4th Place

wanderer_abroad — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:40:10 -0000

I think the CL is going to be the deciding factor in Rafa's future. A deep run, or even a miraculous victory, in the tournament is the only thing that is realistically saving Rafa from the sack, or at least a firm nudge out the door!

I disagree as well that Liverpool are one of the favourites, especially if they were to get past Inter and face another strong foreign team. Inter should really beat them. Watch out for Cambiasso (extremely under-rated), I'm tipping him for 'Man of the Tie'

Re: FIFA Rejects 39th Game Proposal

wanderer_abroad — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:13:07 -0000

Very much welcome news. Shame Blatter is such a corrupt moron, because he finally spouted out some sense.
Unfortunately, I'm of the opinion that this ignorance and arrogance from the Premier League has damaged Englands chances of getting the 2018 World Cup. The recent statement by Jack Warner, president of CONCACAF, although another complete corrupt fool, was right in the sense that England is not very well liked abroad, especially in continental Europe. This bad publicity will have only made the English look even more arrogant and imperialistic, than they are already perceived to be. Lets hope there aren't any more cock ups from the Premiership or FA to really doom Englands bid.

Re: I’m on Setanta: Jose’s Big Signing

wanderer_abroad — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:13:56 -0000

Loved the new show. I wonder what the real Mourinho thinks of this?

Re: Wise Move by Stewart Downing?

wanderer_abroad — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:24:32 -0000

I think this is more of a case of Downing realizing there aren't too many destinations for him. The only realistic place where Downing could have fulfilled his promise on a European stage would have indeed been Spurs. However, that is a considerable risk considering Spurs' recent history of buying every player under the sun (eg. Boateng, Andy Reid, Zokora, Bent etc...) It would have been hard pressed to have expected Downing to sacrifice a solid starting position for the likelyhood of playing backup to Steed Malbranque. I, also, somehow doubt that Juande Ramos is interested in Downing. I could possibly see the young Diego Capal arriving in North London from his old club. This would be even more likely if Sevilla don't qualify for Europe and start selling players like their chairman has already promised.

Re: Barnsley Shocks Liverpool in FA Cup

wanderer_abroad — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:43:25 -0000

Serves Liverpool right. Looks to me like this season is going to be a trophyless one for the reds; no chance in the league, out of the Carling cup, out of the FA cup, and a seriously long bet for the Champions League. Rafa has just thrown away any serious chance he had of winning anything, and therefore his one chance of staying at Liverpool.

Re: Random Reflections from the Past Weekend of English Football

wanderer_abroad — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:11:08 -0000

Sorry to hear about the continuing health problems. Get well soon Gaffer, we all need a bit more EPLTalk in our lives.

Re: Tell Us How EPL Talk Can Improve

wanderer_abroad — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:32:06 -0000

The wanderer's back! Yes i think its about time that i put my penny in the hat.
I would first like to say thankyou to the Gaffer and all the bloggers for making EPL Talk a great website for all us footie fanatics. Over all I have been pleased with the articles, yet, in recent months some of the articles have taken a slightly sensationalist tone. I disagree with the others that it is Michael who does this, but instead I think some of the Gaffer's posts have been slightly over the top. I mean this in the best way Gaffer, and you have gotten better over the last few months, but sometimes you criticize some players too harshly and praise others too highly. I refer back to a month or so ago when you commented that a Nani performance was "disgraceful". This was certainly over the top as no player deserves to be called a disgrace if he hasn't done anything controversial or shameful. Also your continuous Ballack bashing a few months ago certainly annoyed me, especially considering he had only come back from a long term injury.
Apart from that I have no complaints at all about EPL Talk and hope everyone continues the good work into next season.

C'mon Wanderers in the League 2 Playoffs!!!

Re: Tottenham’s rebuild to be without Berbatov?

wanderer_abroad — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:41:11 -0000

I think Berbatov hasn't been at his best over the last few weeks and that perhaps he may be therefore slightly overrated. I definitely think he is a quality player but I think he would struggle to adapt to the pressure of being at a top club, especially Barcalona. I also don't reckon he'll be going to AC as they are basically skint. The only club i think he would be a good fit at is Real Madrid.
Also don't see Villa or Eto'o moving to Spurs when they can take their pick of the best clubs in Europe. More likely to see them in West London (no, not Fulham ;) ) next season.

Re: New 08/09 Liverpool Away Shirt Revealed

wanderer_abroad — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:42:33 -0000

At least it mirrors the grey situation (and weather) at Liverpool these days.

Re: Tell Us How EPL Talk Can Improve

wanderer_abroad — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:37:38 -0000

damir, i disagree with calling Nani a disgrace when he doesn't warrant it. I specifically remember him being average in that game and far from the worst player on the pitch. Does losing pocession a few times deserve a 'disgrace' tag? No, but when he pulls stunts like he did on saturday he deserves to be called a disgrace, but not for a bad game.

Re: The Beauty of the Playoffs

wanderer_abroad — Sat, 10 May 2008 17:30:17 -0000

Paul Bestall I'm surprised you don't know a fan that likes the playoffs because personally, I don't know a fan that doesn't like them. In my opinion playoffs help raise the standard of the leagues as teams are even more desperate for those 2 (or 3) automatic promotion spots and the competition is a real struggle. Currently my team, Wycombe, is in the League 2 playoffs and I would like nothing better than to be promoted, yet I have a feeling we won't. The reason? We don't have enough heart and steel. That is the real draw for playoffs, as it rewards the teams that want it more. As much as we English love good football, we have always placed heart and psychological strength above all, and I hope we never loose that in our modern game.

Re: Fulham FC: American Grit

wanderer_abroad — Mon, 12 May 2008 01:05:37 -0000

Great article Kartik, I agree with basically everything you say. Can't praise Keller and McBride highly enough as they, coupled with Danny Murphy and Jimmy Bullard, pulled Fulham out of their rut.
I do think, however, you're being a bit harsh on Johnson as well. There's no doubt he is a limited player but he's the type, with his physicality, that could do a useful job at a lower team. He just needs a chance to hit a bit of form. He reminds me a bit of Marlon King.

Re: New 08/09 West Ham Away Shirt Revealed

wanderer_abroad — Tue, 13 May 2008 18:57:53 -0000

I like it! Its a bit better than the Stade Francais Rugby shirts launching next season....

http://boutique.stade.fr/boutique/fiche_produit...

Re: Responses to Your EPL Talk Feedback

wanderer_abroad — Tue, 13 May 2008 19:07:19 -0000

I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree on the Nani subject, but I appreciate the responce none the less. Hope you continue doing such a good job.

Re: Chelsea Beat Man United in Race to Sign Bosingwa

wanderer_abroad — Tue, 13 May 2008 19:13:03 -0000

Complete waste of money again from Chelsea. If they had wanted to break the bank for a right full back then they should have just spent a few more on Dani Alves, the best full back in the world. I'd be happy to bet that Bosingwa has a horrible season and leaves at the end of next season.

Re: Raul Axed by Spain

wanderer_abroad — Sun, 18 May 2008 13:23:56 -0000

The Clichy one was definitely a surprise, especially seeing as Boumsong managed to smuggle himself in.
About Raul, its simply ridiculous. I've watched alot of spanish football this season and Raul was easily the best striker of the season. I've always thought Aragones was an idiot but this takes the mickey a bit. Its likely that Spain will probably reach the the quaters and get knocked out by the likes of Austria and Aragones will stay on because the spanish FA are either too stupid or scared to sack him.

Re: Harry Redknapp’s FA Cup

wanderer_abroad — Sun, 18 May 2008 13:27:47 -0000

Love the club and its supporters, hate the team and the manager. Its a shame that the FA cup has been reduced to being won by such a boring and hapless team (no offence pompey fans but you can't tell me Portsmouth played inspired football at any time along their cup run!) Hopefully we can see a nice young, exciting, ENGLISH team win it next season......Aston Villa anyone?!

Re: Raul Axed by Spain

wanderer_abroad — Mon, 19 May 2008 00:19:14 -0000

On closer look at the Spanish squad there are actually quite a lot of surprises. No Joaquin, no Vicente (although I would imagine he's injured cos he always is) and no Valdes. Would have liked to have seen the young Mata from Valencia get in as he has been one of the bright sparks in their dreadful season.

Re: Samir Nasri to Arsenal?

wanderer_abroad — Tue, 20 May 2008 20:39:39 -0000

Nasri is certainly a talent but I'm more worried about Arsenal overpaying for Aquilani. If his rumoured move to Arsenal is correct than I think he is worth much less than the 15 million pounds being talked about. Although Aquilani is a good player, i don't think he is exceptional, 8 million should be the max paid for his services. Arsenal could probably get a better player like Yaya Toure (good fit because of his brother) and Jean Il Makoun (supposedly the nex Patrik Vieira).

Re: Champions League Final Reveals Ugly Side Of English Football

wanderer_abroad — Thu, 22 May 2008 00:38:39 -0000

I'm sorry Kartik but scratch Bayern's name of that list. If anyone has the ability to play borring its Bayern, they are the masters at pessimistic football.
In regard to the game, I think its pointless to argue who should of won because to be honest, both sides were almost equal. Man Utd took the first half easily, Chelsea the second easily and i'll call extra time a draw. Ultimately its penalties that count and you have to feel for Terry. It must have taken a lot to take that penalty and its hard to see him so cut up about it.
On the lack of sportsmanship, I think you're being to harsh. I personally love the physical side of the English game, yet I too was disgusted by some of the antics by Drogba & Vidic. Cut those out and then it would have a perfectly reasonable rough-and-tumble battle. I think we as fans need to be careful how much we criticize players for their reactions as aren't we just as bad. You just have to look at the way people take pleasure at the pain of the likes of Terry, Ronaldo and (remembering back to the passing of his mother) Lampard, and yourself, is that sportsmanlike? I personally think fans and their stupidity rubs off onto the players.
Finally I would just like to say that the ref had a diabolical game. Although he got the red card decision right (technically), the 4 calls against Joe Cole in a row by him and his assistants was embarrassing. Its a shame that the ref made such a hash of the game as it is supposed to be a competition between Europe's best, don't they deserve a quality referee?

Re: Carlos Bocanegra Released By Fulham

wanderer_abroad — Fri, 23 May 2008 19:31:43 -0000

Poor defender, surprised he stayed on from last season. I have a feeling he will end up in the Championship along with the rest of his American friends from Reading. I think he should move back to MLS, may be able to get his career back on track in his homeland.

Re: Dunne and Dos Santos to join Ramos’ White Hart Lane Revolution

wanderer_abroad — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:44:13 -0000

Jimbo, I somehow doubt that Spurs would play buy both Dos Santos and Capel let alone play them in the same side. A midfield of Diego Capel, Dos Santos, Modric and Lennon would be slaughtered for a number of reasons, especially in the Premiership. Firstly Dos Santos plays on the wings, not in the center, and secondly, not one of those players are competant in defence. Although very unlikely, that lineup would certainly be typically Spurs and would give fans some more 5-4 results to look forward too.

Re: Dunne and Dos Santos to join Ramos’ White Hart Lane Revolution

wanderer_abroad — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:37:57 -0000

Fair point Chris. However, the point i was making is that he is not a central midfielder that could shoulder responsibility and dictate a game. When ever I see him play he reminds me a bit of Ronaldinho a couple of seasons ago. Bags of pace, trickery, good on a set play and a good finisher. Yet do you see Ronaldinho in the center? No, because he is much more effective cutting in from the wing, and placing him in the center would be a defensive liability. If Spurs do get dos Santos, expect like blah d blah says, to play a 4-3-3. It would be a frightening prospect to see a frontline of dos Santos on the left, Berbatov in the center and Keane on the right. Then behind them in midfield, Modric, Huddlestone and Jenas. Sounds tasty to me.

Re: Italy have Cannavaro headache

wanderer_abroad — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:30:24 -0000

I think this may be a blessing in disguise. Italy really need to blood some youngsters, especially at the back. I also think Cannavaro is very overrated and watching Real Madrid, he always looks prone to mistakes. He may be past it.

Re: Mark Hughes Leaves Blackburn, Goes to City

wanderer_abroad — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:36:03 -0000

Agree with Kartik that Hughes will be sorry. He's likely to have a rough season with Shinawatra grinding his teeth behind him all season. What happens in the next month or so is crucial to how Hughes will fare at Man City, as it is the players that he brings in that will probably decide his fate. Boring flops just aren't an option for an owner who obviously craves success and aesthetics.

Re: Holland Gives Ruud Awakening To Italy: First Person Account

wanderer_abroad — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:46:44 -0000

Oh how we love the dutch! Will you be going to any other games Gaffer?

Re: Luiz Felipe Scolari Will Be Chelsea’s New Manager | EPL Talk

wanderer_abroad — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:14:39 -0000

I disagree that Scolari doesn't play attacking football, just look at his Portugal side!
This appointment is either going to be a huge success or huge failure. I think alot depends on how quickly he learns English and adapts to the rough nature of the Premiership.

Re: Raymond Domenech Should Be Fired

wanderer_abroad — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:04:15 -0000

Excellent piece! I couldn't agree more with your article. Domenech was completely to blame for France's exit. Anyone who says that is harsh look at the facts...
1) Ommitting Flamini for a 36 year-old Makele, injured Vieira and Toulalan who in all honesty is an ordinary player at best.
2) Ommitting Bacary Sagna. The biggest sin out of all in my opinion. Choosing Sagnol, poor for the last 3 or 4 seasons, and Clerc, desperately ordinary, ahead of him is just incompetant.
3) Ommitting Clichy. Ok this was a hard one as picking 2 out of Evra, Abidal and Clichy is difficult enough, but leaving out the most in-form of the three isn't very smart.
4)Ommiting Mexes. This is not surprising as Mexes is about the most underrated defender in the world. It isn't too sensible, however, to choose Jean Alain Boumsong ahead of him....because we all know how much of a quality player Boumsong is!
5) The tactics, oh the tactics! Now this is where it gets interesting. Although Mr tyduffy has already explained most of this I think its interesting to note how tactically naive Domenech is. I'm sorry but I have waited years to say that but have kept my mouth shut due to the berating I would get. However, has France ever played good free-flowing football under Domenech. He is a bad coached who has relied totally on the quality of players to bail out his bad decision making. How, with some of the best attacking players in the world at your desposal, and aging and vunerable back line, do you decide that the best tactic is to play defensively?

Having said all this I must admit that being English, the French pains have been a joy to watch. Lets hope they last a while longer so they make England look a bit better...yeah, that might be one wish too far!

Re: Spain And Italy’s Bore Draw Gives Soccer A Bad Name

wanderer_abroad — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 02:31:28 -0000

I'm sorry Gaffer but were you watching a different game to me in terms of the Spanish tactics? They were doing everything but going down the wings! From the offset of this tournament I have counted the amount of times that David Silva and Iniesta have cut inside and it must be about 90% of the time. THAT was the real reason this game was so poor. Italy were always expected to play their typical pragmatic game but the Spanish cannot be excused for their lazy tactics as well. Sure the Italians were the essence of boring today but watching Spain is like being in a dream, everything moves slowely, is fanciful but lacks anything of substance. When the Spanish finally learn that quick balls are devastating the sooner they'll be to the team we all hope them to be. Every single time they have done this it has produced results. They did it in the first game and look what happened. They did it in the final seconds of the Sweden game and look what happened. It was ridiculous to see countless times today, Silva playing on the right wing. He is NOT right footed and so looked stupid everytime he cut inside. I picked Spain at the start of the tournament but I don't have much hope if they play like this again.

Re: Spain And Italy’s Bore Draw Gives Soccer A Bad Name

wanderer_abroad — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:57:41 -0000

That was me who made that last comment btw ;)