Post by chiff on May 14, 2006 10:41:39 GMT
At least this can be discussed here sensibly - I hope. But how do you now assess which is the best team in Europe?
Supposing Barca win the CL. No problem, won their own league and therefore best in Spain. Now best in Europe. But supposing it's L'Arse or indeed Liverpool last year. Best in Europe? But not even remotely best in Prem.
Conversely, Chelski. Easily won Prem twice but flattered to deceive in Europe and, I suspect, will continue to do so even if they buy everybody.
Why?
I think it must be down to this appalling football that Greece, Liverpool, etc play in "Cups". Inspired by master tactictioners like Benitez, they close down , stifle, hit on the break and generally realise that 0-0 will keep them alive for the lucky break. That's not to say that they can't play when they have to. They're just not allowed to. That's why poor Cisse has such a lousy time at Anfield.
It's no surprise that last year's FA cup winners played the worst football for decades (from a spectators' point of view) found it successful and have applied it to Europe. It works because they've got Henreeeee.
Yet arguably the best football side for years- their record breakers - playing decent football; walked the league and played like sick parrots in Europe.
Chelski will win leagues. Fact. Reason - they have a squad of 22 Top Class players and can stand injuries, suspensions etc and still play a decent side. And they can play horses for courses ( this isn't a reference to La Drogba). CLubs run on economics, can't. So they won't win leagues but they can win cups.
My one hope this year - apart from success and ENTERTAINMENT at OT - is to see Chelski bum it again in Europe and then see how serious Red Fred is. Hopefully he'll bog off to Mafia2 land where he belongs. In the meantime, we'll all have to settle for the cups and the satisfaction that it's enjoyable(most of the time) at OT
Supposing Barca win the CL. No problem, won their own league and therefore best in Spain. Now best in Europe. But supposing it's L'Arse or indeed Liverpool last year. Best in Europe? But not even remotely best in Prem.
Conversely, Chelski. Easily won Prem twice but flattered to deceive in Europe and, I suspect, will continue to do so even if they buy everybody.
Why?
I think it must be down to this appalling football that Greece, Liverpool, etc play in "Cups". Inspired by master tactictioners like Benitez, they close down , stifle, hit on the break and generally realise that 0-0 will keep them alive for the lucky break. That's not to say that they can't play when they have to. They're just not allowed to. That's why poor Cisse has such a lousy time at Anfield.
It's no surprise that last year's FA cup winners played the worst football for decades (from a spectators' point of view) found it successful and have applied it to Europe. It works because they've got Henreeeee.
Yet arguably the best football side for years- their record breakers - playing decent football; walked the league and played like sick parrots in Europe.
Chelski will win leagues. Fact. Reason - they have a squad of 22 Top Class players and can stand injuries, suspensions etc and still play a decent side. And they can play horses for courses ( this isn't a reference to La Drogba). CLubs run on economics, can't. So they won't win leagues but they can win cups.
My one hope this year - apart from success and ENTERTAINMENT at OT - is to see Chelski bum it again in Europe and then see how serious Red Fred is. Hopefully he'll bog off to Mafia2 land where he belongs. In the meantime, we'll all have to settle for the cups and the satisfaction that it's enjoyable(most of the time) at OT
