Kaizero

I hate athletics stadiums.

NUFC being secretive and the Premier League being secretive are both two organisations that have a history of being secretive. That does not mean the PL being secretive about things like they are being secretive now does not mean they shouldn't be open about it. The fact both the PL and NUFC should, and could, have been more open about their actions can exist at the same time without there being an incessant need to point at the other.

"Tayls" was the nickname for Steven Taylor iirc. Can't imagine Ryan Taylor having a nickname, but if he did I'm sure it would just be something straightforward like that

I thought it was a play on Scouse people being unable to speak like a normal person so I didn't get annoyed Now you pointed out it's likely actually just a misplaced apostrophe the anger has consumed me as well.

I just can't get over the fact he'd have been the 6th best paid manager in the world at the time if it was £12m, at a club called Dalian Pro, then replaced by a guy whose career highlight was two seasons as manager of Cadiz. It makes no sense

I just recall the articles when he left, but I won't argue to much as I don't know what he got paid. Either way he'd get paid good money wherever he'd gone, but if it was actually £12m a year then good on you Rafa, that's insane levels of money. 6th best paid manager in the world at the time if so. The latter is why I feel it can't be right, the guy who replaced Rafa is a literal nobody. You'd imagine they'd at least get a big league reject in to replace him if they can afford £12m a year on their manager.

Hence the project part of it. He'd be part of defining Chinese football in history if things went to plan.

I read it was for the extent of the contract, which would be £12m / 3 years = £4m. £12m a year would be Man City levels of money, Dalian isn't that rich.

He was paid more per year at Newcastle than Dalian. Granted, he was the 7th best paid manager in the Premier League when he was with us.

Okay, I enjoyed this one

Bit disingenuous to the Chinese. 14th highest league revenue in the world in 2019 and growing. One of the most watched leagues in the world and football is developing fast there. For a guy like Rafa being part of a defining moment in a country's footballing history seems a perfect match. He wasn't even paid that well according to reports.

you want pronotonised?

Planet soft cunt that red card

Sweden, they'll not attack so it'll be a slogfest match that you'll have enough quality to get through. Ukraine could turn up and run out of the gates at breakneck speed instead of being defense first, that might be dangerous.

It's beyond redemption I'm afraid. Even tried paying more for the match just because it said England and it didn't fix it.

This is true.

Not the right audience for this opinion, but by god, if England win the EC with this negative style Such a comedown from yesterday

I think, as with most nations to be fair, the English view the quality of their team with rose tinted glasses. The familiarity with the names and performances makes the expectations of the team higher than if they weren't as familiar. I think, at least. Not saying England isn't quality. Just that some tournaments I understand the confidence the English have in their side and sometimes I don't, this tournament being one of them. It's a very young side though, which bodes great for the future.

England generally cruise through qualifying, but you also never meet one of the other "better" teams due to the seeding. I think England's level is just below the truly elite nations which is why you tend to fall through when you meet them in competition. I don't particularily like Löw or the Germans these days so I hope you beat the shit out of them and then crush the Swedes before making mincemeat of the Danes, just fyi. Not sure who you'd face in a final so can't say if who I'd cheer for there just yet

I mean, that's a bit of a weird phrase (in general). You could just as well say that if the Czech turn up they could beat anyone, that's just the general basis of the game of football It starts 0-0 and anyone on a good day, or with a bit of luck, could beat everyone else. I get your point and all, it's just a phrase that bugs me.

England's identity is trying to force a working midfield out of stuffing Gerrard and Lampard into the same midfield for over a decade.

This is what I think the crux of the issue tends to be with international managers. You have little time with the players, so you can't really train them enough tactically. So how do you counteract that? By keeping things simple and to pick players to fit your system and not shoehorn in players just because they're big names.

If you as a manager don't think you can prove yourself the right choice at a club, you probably shouldn't be a manager. He'll 100% believe he can turn the fans around with results and hard work. If he doesn't deliver upon expectations he'd be sacked, but that's the same at every club. I imagine he doesn't feel the constant need to be idolized in his your jobs as long as it gives him a challenge he wants and enables him to do what he loves and be close to his home and family.

I can't find it right now, but my favourite quote of his is when he is negging his son saying he'll not amount to anything because he drinks sugary soda and eats chips sometimes.