Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I think I can guess!

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

It sounded like Neville had an orgasm when Torres rounded the keeper at the end!

Well done Chelsea. They should be happy Terry is out of the final, he wont be around to try and take the glory and **** it up again.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I think he thought Torres was going to fall over and muck it up then he stayed up and got the goal

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I was impressed, they fought well, and disagree with the comments about anti-football. They played their game as best they could, and showed that Barcelona's defence was its weak point.

I can't predict tonight either. I had thought an all Spanish final was a certainty, but now it could be Germany vs England final

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Thank you for your kind question Julian and the answer to your question is l supported Chelsea for the simple reason is that my brother supports them so its not advisable to upset ones brother is it.:)

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Even as a Chelsea fan I am glad Terry is not going to play in the final. Yes he's been an awesome defender (albeit not as good as he was), but I can never forgive him kissing his badge BEFORE missing THAT penalty. I feel really sorry for Ivanovic though, he's been one of the key players for us and he really deserved to be playing in the final.

When Torres got the ball I just wanted him to run to the corner flag and just wait there for 2 mins while everyone else caught up! But he's deserved that goal too after all the stick he's had.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I'd go for Real v Chelsea. Jose will be fired up even more so tonight after seeing Chelsea reach the final.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Incidentally if Chelsea win the Champions League they get automatic qualification for the group stages of the Champions League, the top three in the Premier League will continue to get automatic qualification as well. Therefore there would be no qualification round for the English teams this year.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I thought that noise was the death throes of a nearby Spanish commentator..:D

As for John Terry, well I feel his crass stupidity sums up a lot of what's wrong with so many of our players whose inflated egos are bigger and more important than the game, their clubs and the fans who pay their bloated wages in one way or another. I'd like to think he'd (and his peers) learn something by missing out on the final but expect he'll find a way to convince himself that he wasn't really responsible for a senseless and wholly unprofessional act which should have cost his team the game. Sadly, I doubt anything will change on the pitch however.

---------- Post added at 15:45 ---------- Previous post was at 14:13 ----------

Let's just hope it doesn't go to penalties then... :erm: :D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

It's ok - Terry won't be around to take one ;)

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Well lads was it a penalty?

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

No.

---------- Post added at 19:59 ---------- Previous post was at 19:58 ----------

Ouch. This could be a very long night for Bayern...

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Well the Special One awaits Chelsea on the 19th of May.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Hint of OT crowd intimidation ;)

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Well here we go again as was Bayern's a penalty?.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

It was if the other one was...

Game on! ;)

Clear penalty in the replay.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I so hope that Madrid goes out tonight

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Why?:)

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Supporting a German team :nono: :nono:

(so am I)

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Madrid look really tired. I think the classico might have screwed both teams in the Champions League....Also away goals shouldn't count in extra time, that's unfair IMO.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

You still get home support in extra time...

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Daniel i know its terrible but what is better some Germans or Madrid where the players drop at a slight touch

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

In my mind they are both as bad as each other Doc.

---------- Post added at 21:59 ---------- Previous post was at 21:58 ----------

Another one of Uefa stupid rules l am afraid.:(

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I quite fancy Bayern actually. They're quite good to watch. And there's always the excuse of Robben playing for them ;)

Plus: I can't stand Ronaldo and Murinho

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Couldn't have happened to a nicer chap... :D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Have to favour Chelsea, just, for the final.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Bayern to lift the trophy at their home ground :D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

That was worth it just to see the winkers face. :D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

its part of the draw lottery/process. makes it even more interesting etc. etc.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I think its fair that away goals count. After all the other team gets an extra half hour playing at home.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I said that an hour ago :)

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Well Chelski didn't exactly have an easy run up to Tuesday night, four games in 11 days including a Champions League game and an FA Cup semi.;)

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Does anyone else think if a team gets to the final and its at their home ground the venue should be moved? In my opinion it should always be neutral. They should have a back up stadium and let Munich host it next year, as long as they are not in the final again. I think its a massive disadvantage to Chelsea.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Chelsea are in the away dressing room too I think

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Should the world cup be moved to another country if the hosts get to the final?

The venue for European finals is chosen ages ahead of the event. I think it's just one of those things. It's not as if they choose last year's winners' stadium as the venue.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I think its different for International football over club football, a world cup has much more planning involved over many years etc. I don't think it would be too difficult to move a one off game like the champions league final.

I think it is unfair because a team like Chelsea will never get the opportunity to play the final at their own ground, as its too small to host a final. I think venues like Wembley are good because they are not club grounds, but there are not many around. I think the advantage Bayern will get is a big one and unfair on the other team.

I suppose it is just one of those things, and some teams just get lucky, but i think it is something that can be made fairer.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I agree it's not ideal, but I suspect quite a bit of planning will go into a CL final as well. For one, many of the seats will already have been allocated for sponsors etc. (Lousy argument, I know but it's the reality). Also, in reality, it's (as far as I know) quite rare for one of the finalists to play at home. I can only recall it happening once: Feyenoord played at home for their 2002 UEFA cup win over Borussia Dortmund. I'm sure others will chip in if they know of other occasions, but I don't think it happens frequently. Not frequently enough to go through the extra planning for two competitions every year anyway.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

The big difference that stops it effectively being a Bayern home tie is that the ticket allocation is split right down the middle.

Your not going to have 50,000 Bayern fans to 5,000 Chelsea fans.

Even though the stadium can hold much more the allocation will be about 15-20,000 each side

and the other 30,000 seats go off to all this corporate and sponsor crap. Not a big fan of that as we see in England with the FA Cup. 70,000 stadium should see 35,000 fans of each team instead of giving them away to the prawn sandwich brigade.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Not this time.:nono::nono:

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I think it's a nice additional motivation for a team to try and go to their home ground for the final. As previously mentioned it's not quite the same as a home tie as the ticket allocation is shared between the clubs, minus the thousands that go to sponsors.

Besides there is quite a bit of planning. People buy their tickets well in advance, they need to book transport and accommodation. TV companies do the same as does UEFA.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Well I'd rather be facing Bayern than Real Madrid to be honest. I think it's going to be a fairly balanced tense affair. Real Madrid's attack would have ripped us a part to be honest.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

True Spanish sides might be formidable coming forward but they are also very vulnerable when the boot is on the other foot Saaf.:)

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I hear you but imagine Chelsea's bragging rights if they won. Not only beating the best team in the world at their ground but also winning the CL in the opposition's home ground too.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

so confirmed by Arsenal FC...

Champions League 2012/13 permutations

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-arc...3-permutations

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Let's beat Stoke and get ourselves up nicely for third.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I have to say...with the premier league..championship...scottish premier (re Rangers scandel)..and champions league...this has become a damn good season... casualties abound :D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Sky are idiots check this out..

next week game in hand fixtures will be played

why the hell are they showing Bolton v Tottenham and not Chelsea v Newcastle!!! I know that Bolton v Tottenham fixture must of got the nod for viewing beforehand but was rearranged but surely they should change it or speak to the Prem to move one of the fixtures so they can show Chelsea v Newcastle ?

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

l don't think it is as simple as that thenry as they have to take in more then one factor before deciding what game they are going to show.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Teams have a requirement to be shown a certain amount of times. It could well be to show Bolton some more.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

its a massive game though, they have to show it live.

Setanta Ireland listen to their customers when it comes to fixtures. skys a complete different kettle of fish i know but can we not as customers/fans whatever ask them to change it?

---------- Post added at 14:28 ---------- Previous post was at 14:26 ----------

they done something similar a few years ago with Arsenal... the Arsenal v Tottenham fixture

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Newcastle recently had 5 games back to back on Sky.

I do believe it would be unfair to get even more coverage regardless of the season we are having.

Anyone got picks for Manager of the Year?

Oh and even though It means Chelsea went to the Champions League Final.. That Fernando Torres goal was one of the greatest moments in football I've seen for a while.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Well this is my top 3

3/ Roberto Di Matteo
2/ Sir Alex Ferguson
1/ Alan Pardew

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

1) Pardew if he makes CL
2) Alex Ferguson if he wins the title
3) Rodgers of Swansea

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Why Sir alex?

And where is moyes (done so well on limited budget)
Wenger (a miracle season given his start)

Then there is swansea, etc

And Matteo has done well..but not exactly over a season, and not a team he built

For me...though not one to pick, I think for achievement, probably Pardew (though I dislike the guy)

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

1. Alan Pardew (If they get into the CL - 2. if Newcastle fall short)
2. Brendan Rodgers (1 if Newcastle fall short)
3. Which ever manager that wins the Prem

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

http://sport.uk.msn.com/football/ter...to-lift-trophy

For next month's final Terry will be joined in the stands by Ramires, Raul Meireles and Branislav Ivanovic who were all booked during Tuesday's game.

The international players' union FIFPro have asked UEFA to allow those three players, along with Holger Badstuber, David Alaba and Luiz Gustavo from Bayern, to be allowed to play, citing UEFA's adoption of FIFA's policy for Euro 2012 where existing yellow cards are waived after the quarter-finals.

I say leave JT at home! Would love to see the rest play.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Everton isn't as tight on budget as people think. Moyes could have a shake up and do something similar to Newcastle.

Although our turn around in form has been great, I think the amount of mistakes warrant him falling short.

If its Chelsea then a few of the players need the award too ;)

---------- Post added at 16:28 ---------- Previous post was at 16:27 ----------

your a Chelsea supporter Saaf?

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Yes. I was totally peeved off with JT for doing what he did and even more so for his first statement following the sending off. His latest statements after watching teh video replays were pretty poor too.

Not impressed!

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I think you need to part ways with Terry to move forward.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Yes. But you can see that he will have a future at the club when his playing days are over.

It will be interesting to see what happens following the Anton Ferdinand case.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

good point that. this weekends fixture for Chelsea is against QPR

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Pep Guardiola has reportedly told Barcelona he will leave the club at the end of the season.

http://www.sportinglife.com/football...7.html&BID=165

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

hmmm... theres an opening at Chelsea you'd expect if he's available for next season

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

l am not sure he will make himself available until the season after next thenry.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

even better. time for Wenger to decide on what to do. Pep takes 2 years out. Wenger sees out his remaining 2 years then boom!!! Peps named Arsenal manager :D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I would like this. Wenger then moved to the Dein role or something upstairs. I think Arsenal would be a club well suited to Pep, he would get more time and less pressure than at Chelsea.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

In your dreams methinks.:)

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I think Wenger will become Frances national manager. Not many French officials want Blanc incharge further than his current contract goes.

dreams can come true :D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

So when things start getting tough he throws in the towel? Can't say I'd want him as a manager.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Hes won everything with Barca gazzae. Plus we don't know whats going on behind scenes.

Interesting thing about a Arsenal link is Peps brother is an agent. A few stars left Barca the summer before the last and joined Arsenal. Barcas club officials were pretty annoyed to say the least and made it clear to Arsenal officials when we beat them at the Emirates. Peps brother is agent of those youngsters and Pep himself kept quiet on the matter.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

He has won a lot with them, it's understandable if he feels that he has taken them as far as he can and the hunger has left. The pressure he is under is unlike anything Wenger or Ferguson has to deal with. He isn't just under pressure to win both the league and the Champions League but the rivalry between the top clubs means they have to win almost every game, a draw is a failure, a loss is a crisis. Imagine that for four years.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

lovely goal by Bilbao

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Yes indeed and l hope they go on to reach the final.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Tasty tie now, its all level for a battle in the second half. Could we see a repeat of last night?

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

The dreaded penalty shootout.:nono::nono:

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I'd rather see more goals.

Bilbao very tasty again. The noise in that stadium is amazing too.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

:woot: there it is

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Provided Sporting don't score...

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Its going to be an Athletic final :o:

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Result! Bilbao really play their hearts out. Good to see! :tu: :D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Apparently he will take at least a two year sabatical before he goes back into management.

I agree, he has a chance to create a great legacy and be one of the most successful managers ever. He is still very young for a manager but he's throwing in the towel after one bad season. I wouldn't want a manager who seems to have very little hunger for the game and winning trophies...

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

He was won quite a bit. ;). This has been on the cards for a while, this is why he had a rolling contract in the first place. He was concerned with the constant pressure, which is especially bad at Madrid and Barcelona, and worried about both himself and the team lacking the hunger when you're already so successful.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Handshakes suspended for Chelsea - QPR game

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17855978

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Just the odd 'dead leg', knee in the thigh greeting now. :p:

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Arsenal are reported to be in "advanced negotiations" with French club Rennes over the signature of midfielder Yann M'Vila. It is thought the 21-year-old French international, who has been capped 18 times by his country, could set the Gunners back around £22m.

http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/footbal...#ixzz1tAAXrxmw

Good signing, not sure about him facing competition from Dennilson though...

I see that John Terry's going to be allowed to lift the Champions League if Chelsea win, the man has no class, it's all about him all the time, he blew his chance and should show his team mates respect by watching from the stands imo.

And the manager of the year will be the guy who wins the league, it always is no matter how anyone else does.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I am sure it was mentioned a year or so ago, that he was looking to move on, but was asked/ persuaded to stay longer.

So not exactly throwing the towel in, but more like doing as he intended.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

yeah looking forward to this being completed. theres a fair bit still to do still though in the market including offloading.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

I think the transfer market will be busy this summer

So many teams need strengthened

my kind of summer :D

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Sky reporting Guardiola will leave now.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Tito Vilanova will be Barcelona's manager next season. Pep decided to step-down in December but kept the announcement back until the CL exit.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Anything you know about Tito Vilanova Damien?.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

He had cancer and got poked in the eye by Mourinho. Otherwise no.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Looking good for Southampton as they have gone 2-0 up now against Coventry.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Not looking forward to Arsenal's game today. Would likely take a draw if offered. We do bad enough at Stoke, even worse with Arteta out.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

its a worry plus with Rambo tired :( it should be interesting to see what Wengers done and sends out

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Happy with the score so far......

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

A third would be nice though ...

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

Come on Damien where's your optimism.:)

---------- Post added at 13:45 ---------- Previous post was at 13:45 ----------

A football fans worry is never over is it Cobby.:)

---------- Post added at 13:47 ---------- Previous post was at 13:45 ----------

Well your prayers have been answered.

Re: Football Season 2011/12
 

yessssss :d

---------- Post added at 13:50 ---------- Previous post was at 13:47 ----------

wooooohoooooooooooooooo