European Football

[Joe King]

Tomorrow is a cracker - Real Madrid vs Villarreal.

Its started at the Mestalla between Valencia - Atletico. 0-0 so far.

[Joe King]

I thought he'd scored quite a few goals? Has he dropped off recently?

Amauri or The Trez?

[Joe King]

Olic deal close for Bayern [Eurosport]
Sat, 03 Jan 16:27:00 2009

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are on the verge of signing Croatia striker Ivica Olic from Hamburg SV for next season.

"We have agreed," general manager Uli Hoeness told Bayern's website. "All that is missing now are the signatures on the contract."

The Olic deal could speed up the departure of striker Lukas Podolski, a regular for Germany but a fringe player at Bayern.

Podolski has also seen United States striker Landon Donovan arrive on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy.

According to German media reports, Podolski may return to his former club Cologne or join AS Roma.

[wiw]

Left. Ish.

And in the middle

Er..which, then?

Amauri or The Trez?

Amauri

[Joe King]

Er..which, then?



Amauri

Iniesta like a lot of the creative players floated around.

Amauri has scored more than a few goals this season. 11 in 17.

[Reece]

Iniesta like a lot of the creative players floated around.

Aye that's pretty much what I was getting at. I couldn't really say he had a "position" during his time on the pitch.

[wiw]

Iniesta like a lot of the creative players floated around.

Amauri has scored more than a few goals this season. 11 in 17.

Aye that's pretty much what I was getting at. I couldn't really say he had a "position" during his time on the pitch.

Thought so, just wondered why you said he's done 'reaonably well' that's all

and Did he come on for one of the front 3 though?

[Joe King]

Aye that's pretty much what I was getting at. I couldn't really say he had a "position" during his time on the pitch.

Pep has continued the traditions he learned in the Cryuff 4-3-3 system however has added more discipline and astute tactical know-how to it. The attacking five players would be allowed to roam in various positions as long as they cover each other however they would only be allowed to roam in certain areas, so you wouldn't see Iniesta going possibly only 30 yards from the half way line.

[Reece]

Thought so, just wondered why you said he's done 'reaonably well' that's all

and Did he come on for one of the front 3 though?

He came on for Hleb.

I was doing some work whilst watching it so wasn't paying full attention to who was playing where really. Messi was injured though so there was Henry, Eto'o and I assume Hleb as the front 3, so I guess Iniesta just took Hleb's place.

[Reece]

Stop trying to sound clever Ben

[Joe King]

Stop trying to sound clever Ben

Read Jonathan Wilson's book 'Inverting the Pyramid'

[Neil Young]

Stop trying to sound clever Ben

I thought Ben trying to sound clever was what this whole thread was about.

[MrsB]

Inverting the Christmas Tree by MrsB.

[Joe King]

I thought Ben trying to sound clever was what this whole thread was about.

I don't need a thread to make me look clever

[Joe King]

La Liga news:

Real Madrid 1-0 Villarreal
Robben with the goal. He's having a good season. Lass and Huntelaar made their debuts. Villarreal didn't look threatening.

(Reuters)
Valencia striker David Villa has denied there is any accord to sell him at the end of the season and said he wants to see out the contract he signed this summer, which runs until 2014.
"Yes there is an agreement, but one of six years with Valencia, which I hope to complete happily and even add one more year," the Spain international told reporters after Valencia's 3-1 home win over Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Valencia said in a statement on the club's website (www.valenciacf.com) on Saturday there was neither an agreement on selling Villa nor any talks with other clubs.

David Beckham said he feels fit enough to make his Serie A debut for AC Milan at AS Roma next weekend after his short-term loan move from Los Angeles Galaxy.
"I am always ready but it's up to the coach to decide," Beckham was quoted as telling a news conference at Milan's training camp in Dubai by the club website (www.acmilan.com) "Physically I know I have to work hard to reach 100 percent. I want to play well, not just play."
The England midfielder said his wife Victoria and children will stay in Los Angeles during his stint at Milan.