23 replies to this topic

[DLew On Roids]

The last competitive match of 2011-12 is on ESPN Deportes right now: Barca-Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final. Also, Pep's last match in charge.

Edited by DLew On Roids, 19 July 2012 - 10:40 PM.

[EP Sox Fan]

I wouldn't say that this is really a competitive match. 3-0 Barca after 28 minutes. Didn't see the first goal, but Messi and Pedro scored the last two. Messi's came off a brilliant through ball by Iniesta. Bilbao probably got screwed on a no call in the box on Pique.

[DLew On Roids]

Ha, yeah, it was 1-0 when I started the post and 3-0 when I came back in the room.

What would we put the O/U on margin of victory? Right now, I'd say 4.5 or 5.

Edited by DLew On Roids, 25 May 2012 - 03:40 PM.

[bosox4283]

I feel bad for Bilbao. They had a brilliant season as they reached the finals of Copa del Rey and the finals of the Europea League. Most notably, they beat ManU in the Europa League with an impressive and inspiring football -- they really dominated those matches and, in the process, earned a lot of praise.

But they lost both finals 3 - 0. And then they finished La Liga in either 9th or 10th.

I'm not sure Bielsa is going to stay, but he clearly find the team's talents at some moments.

And, speaking of the team, if Bilbao can retain its top players, they could be a force next year.

[Zomp]

Reports coming from Spain say Didier Drogba is in Barcelona meeting with officials to discuss a move.

How is that possible after signing for Shanghai, you ask? He has a clause in his contract letting him out, for free, if Barcelona (and only Barcelona) come calling.

[Titans Bastard]

Looks like Sporting KC signed a Barcelona B player, Oriol Rosell. From what I can tell he was a fringe player on Barca B, but does anyone know anything else about him?

[filthywater49]

Paging AusTex

[SoxVindaloo]

Good win Yesterday. Best was was to see El Guaje looking like his old self, even if it was only for 20 minutes. Defense on the wings looked a little shaky at times but I trust it will smooth out as Alba gets his feet wet.
Question for the Barca followers, barring a Red Sox style injury pandemic how in the world do Cuenca, and Thiago get any minutes this year? I expect Fontas to see some time when Puyol gets a niggle or two.
And how does Song slot in? Is he the 40 part of a 60/40 DMF combo with Sergio? Does not seem likely as Sergio almost never sits.

[triniSox]

Good win Yesterday. Best was was to see El Guaje looking like his old self, even if it was only for 20 minutes. Defense on the wings looked a little shaky at times but I trust it will smooth out as Alba gets his feet wet.
Question for the Barca followers, barring a Red Sox style injury pandemic how in the world do Cuenca, and Thiago get any minutes this year? I expect Fontas to see some time when Puyol gets a niggle or two.
And how does Song slot in? Is he the 40 part of a 60/40 DMF combo with Sergio? Does not seem likely as Sergio almost never sits.

Song may see some time at centre back I'm betting. And likely they'll want to rest Sergio more this year to keep him fresher for the bigger matches. Interested to see if Tello goes on loan somewhere and Cuenca gets more playing time but I imagine it'd be tough. I've read Thiago is going to see more playing time with Xavi playing less although I'd rather see some of Cesc's minutes at that position.

[SoxVindaloo]

Song may see some time at centre back I'm betting. And likely they'll want to rest Sergio more this year to keep him fresher for the bigger matches. Interested to see if Tello goes on loan somewhere and Cuenca gets more playing time but I imagine it'd be tough. I've read Thiago is going to see more playing time with Xavi playing less although I'd rather see some of Cesc's minutes at that position.

Yes I was thinking maybe Song at CB but that would seem an injury move more than anything no?
Seems that Xavi + Andres + Cesc= 2 spots with a tiny bit of Cesc playing the false 9 as well. The minutes seem impossible to come by for Thiago. I have not seen anything where he goes out on loan but it might not be a bad idea. One of Tello or Cuenca probably has to go out for a year as well. Seen the rumours for Tello but none for Cuenca. The way Tello played yesterday he would be tough to let go, even for a year.

[Billy R Ford]

Good win Yesterday. Best was was to see El Guaje looking like his old self, even if it was only for 20 minutes. Defense on the wings looked a little shaky at times but I trust it will smooth out as Alba gets his feet wet.
Question for the Barca followers, barring a Red Sox style injury pandemic how in the world do Cuenca, and Thiago get any minutes this year? I expect Fontas to see some time when Puyol gets a niggle or two.
And how does Song slot in? Is he the 40 part of a 60/40 DMF combo with Sergio? Does not seem likely as Sergio almost never sits.

At Tito Vilanova's first press conference, he identified signing a player who could play both defensive midfield and centerback as a top transfer target (Javi Martinez was reportedly first choice, but he's now headed to Bayern Munich). It'll be interesting, since Song is a much better passer than Busquets' last 'challenger' for the d-mid role, Mascherano, and so might pose a greater threat to Busquets' playing time. I would hazard a guess that Song is second for minutes at DM right now and 4th choice at CB, after Pique, Puyol, and Mascherano.

As for Thiago, I didn't picture him getting any minutes last year either, and he still managed a bunch of starts. Injuries and the like will happen. Just wait until his brother is ready.

[SoxVindaloo]

It'll be interesting, since Song is a much better passer than Busquets' last 'challenger' for the d-mid role, Mascherano, and so might pose a greater threat to Busquets' playing time. I would hazard a guess that Song is second for minutes at DM right now and 4th choice at CB, after Pique, Puyol, and Mascherano.

Good point, although it seems like a high price to pay both in transfer fees and salary for your 2nd DM and 4th CB.

[SoxVindaloo]

Only got to watch the shitshow 2nd leg of the Supercopa last night. Even with an awful, awful back line Messi almost pulled it out twice at the death. How long until either Sergio or Song is one of the main Center Backs?

[Zomp]

So, add Fabregas to the cunt list...

[Snakebauer007]

So, add Fabregas to the cunt list...

I think he was already in when he spit in Ballack's face. Today's was another case of Barcelona robbing a victory

[URI]

Considering his old manager...

[SoxVindaloo]

Shenanigans aside this was an amazing game. The very large backfield of Sevilla manhandled Barca all game and the goalkeeper was standing on his head for 75 minutes. It is a shame that Sevilla is not in the CL this year, I think they could do some serious damage.

[Vinho Tinto]

Puyol just suffered a severe left arm injury. Either a dislocated elbow or a broken bone.

[SoxVindaloo]

Puyol just suffered a severe left arm injury. Either a dislocated elbow or a broken bone.

1st game back after injury--injury was a freak deal but his ability to stay on the field on a consistent basis seems to be over and done with.

[Vinho Tinto]

1st game back after injury--injury was a freak deal but his ability to stay on the field on a consistent basis seems to be over and done with.

I guess it was a freak in that he has been amazing at avoiding injury despite playing with a reckless abandon. He'll be 35 by the end of the season. His body is not going to get better with age. Wonder if he cuts down on the high risk aerials in order to lower the risk of injury. My guess is no since that is such a core part to his game.

[Billy R Ford]

Adriano, normally a wing-back, is playing centerback against Madrid. Will be interesting to see how he fares, but First Row Sports is letting me down.

EDIT: And Ramos leaps over him on a corner, just missed an opening goal.

Edited by Billy R Ford, 07 October 2012 - 01:11 PM.

[page 2 protege]

Not good news for Barca fans... http://www.espn.co.u...ory/184597.html

"Unconfirmed reports in Spain suggested that Barcelona had already made contact with a potential replacement to take charge of the club until end of the season."

Imagine Roura is in line, but would be interesting to see if they reached out to Pep

[bosox4283]

Honest question: how hard is it to coach Barcelona?

[Stanley Steamer]

Honest question: how hard is it to coach Barcelona?

Could be the easiest job in sports. However, there's only one direction you can go.