Damian_de

0-1 at halftime, pacheco and el zhar come on to contribute 2 of the goals, then gerrard bangs one in with 2 minutes to go - "Ya Beauty!!!!"

they might, they just might how much do you stand by your assessment if Mourinho isn't the one to come in, though?

that's not quite the same as what I have written there if you think we're better off going down the Madrid route with managers... (yes, I know that's not the same as what you wrote either) looked at from another perspective, how many 'hire 'em and fire 'em' clubs can you think of that have sustained success and stability? there are a limited pool of clubs which win leagues ultimately, and they tend to be the clubs with the large amounts of cash

Maybe the truth is not in how many would have kept him, but which ones. I suspect that the clubs who don't ditch managers at the first sign of regression often reap the rewards of a little patience and a 'big picture'. In that case 'not many' becomes irrelevant. I know what you're driving at, of course, and you are certainly right when you later posted about what it'll be like if he stays and we start poorly next season, but most football clubs come across as being run by a wide variety of nut jobs.

True, but what counts is surely what he thinks in private?

Bit lucky with the 'handball' surely?

I know it was posted a few hours back but

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Olympiakos

I didn't try to evaluate their personal ability, just point out that Insua and Johnsen both have attacking roles It was supporting the idea that modern fullbacks are not just about defending. The shielding midfielders have freed them up to contribute more in attack

Half a picnic, 12 jars of Vicks and a clean pair of ladies briefs.

Post from Torby or it isn't happening.

Well, they get forward more than Masch or Lucas I'd say, so I guess someone has?

We're playing 21st C football now you know. Fullbacks are no longer defenders first and foremost, they attack and defend with equal importance.

Rafa said he'll move further forwards... although he may have been having a cheeky laugh with someone

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joke?

Is there a match on?

The first one. The Ultimate 'sky fan' chant.

Just as well we don't have any of them.

He has had some excellent games since christmas, pretty much exclusively at home though.

Funnily enough, he is accountable for that. Come the end of the season, with or without new owners, Rafa's will be judged on his performance and that will influence expectations, funds, plans... just like any other job. I think what you meant to say was 'Rafa should be sacked for that'? Because he is accountable, by the nature of his job. Just not to the fans

Been great at home, including our recent good run. Seen some halves where he's been stationed pretty much permanently in attacking positions and we've played effectively a back 3. Away from home, especially in Europe... some work to do on getting the best out of him. It was very noticeable yesterday for ex. that he totally curtailed his attacking game - a shame, because i didn't think they were very good. Anyway, he looks a player I think, so hopefully he will improve into something really quite handy. edit: sp

Agreed - ref excellent. Linesmen the world over need to be trained to watch the players rather than the ball - what other explanation is there for getting so many offsides wrong (generally, not just in the semi)

Pacheco's size has go to count against him for playing up top on his own away in Europe where we are likely to sit deep, before we get into lack of experience and the fact that hardly anyone on here has any idea if he is actually any good or not.