Champions League | Matchday 6

Teja

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They've regressed a lot over the years. There was a time where I would be completely in awe of the way they would suffocate and manhandle technically superior top teams. I used to be so impressed with that dogged intense style they had. They seem older and more jaded now.
I think that's intentional given the compressed fixture schedule last season. A simple stat to check is the 'passes per defensive action' metric that shows how many opposition passes a side allowed before they attempted a tackle or an interception.

They basically gave up on the high press last year and just opted to retreat and play it out the back again.

Not to say they aren't jaded - Guardiola burns out pretty quickly, that's why he needs breaks and switches sides so often. I'm sure his time's almost come - probably end of the season. It'll be interesting to see who they pick as a replacement .. they're very well run, so I assume they have a good replacement lined up, just don't see who it is. Only Klopp and Tuchel are in the same league and neither is available.
 

carvajal

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If you compare the length of Klopp's stay at each of his clubs to the lifespan of basically any Real Madrid coach you can take a pretty good guess why he might not be as interested in the job as a lot of others would be.
Yes, definitely a compelling reason. He is a long project coach, requiring loyalty and patience. I imagine he is in the right place.
 

RoyH1

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Yes, definitely a compelling reason. He is a long project coach, requiring loyalty and patience. I imagine he is in the right place.
I also think the politics of the job at Real Madrid might be too much for him. Sometimes it's better not say too much at those Bernabeu press conferences and Klopp might have a hard time with that. Don't get me started on what his relationship to Spanish refs would turn out to be.

On another note, I love the sight of Sheriff Tiraspol leading their group by goal difference. What a story. I reckon travelling to Tiraspol will not be fun for anyone.
 

GatoLoco

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Real with a late winner out of nowhere, as is tradition.
Out of nowhere? In the same play you have two very precise passes from Valverde and Camavinga , a very good run attacking the space from Camavinga and a great finish by Rodrygo.
 

HerrLeinad

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I also think the politics of the job at Real Madrid might be too much for him. Sometimes it's better not say too much at those Bernabeu press conferences and Klopp might have a hard time with that. Don't get me started on what his relationship to Spanish refs would turn out to be.

On another note, I love the sight of Sheriff Tiraspol leading their group by goal difference. What a story. I reckon travelling to Tiraspol will not be fun for anyone.
Klopp also said that speaking the native language is important to him and that rules out any non-german/non-english speaking countries. He could obviously learn another language but acquiring the necessary proficiency for his intense style of communication can take a lot of time and it's obvious that a lot of his strengths as coach would be lost if he can't properly communicate directly.
 

RoyH1

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Klopp also said that speaking the native language is important to him and that rules out any non-german/non-english speaking countries. He could obviously learn another language but acquiring the necessary proficiency for his intense style of communication can take a lot of time and it's obvious that a lot of his strengths as coach would be lost if he can't properly communicate directly.
Good point. Not everyone is comfortable with doing it Bielsa style
 

Chicharo

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Funny how so many people wanted Poch here this time last year... even before
Also it is funny how most of the fans ridiculed Tuchel, now he suddenly became the Second Coming
 

AltiUn

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Funny how so many people wanted Poch here this time last year... even before
Also it is funny how most of the fans ridiculed Tuchel, now he suddenly became the Second Coming
Football fans are fickle, what else is new?
 

kaiser1

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Yes, definitely a compelling reason. He is a long project coach, requiring loyalty and patience. I imagine he is in the right place.
Klopp picks his jobs, he prefers clubs where there isnt an immediate pressure to win and the entire club see him as the savior. Not clubs that will spend money and expect results from day 1. Not sure he will fit at a club like Bayern, Madrid Barcelona City etc
 
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bosskeano

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funny as hell that Pep has to beg people to come to a PL match let alone half an empty stadium for a CL match....second rate club and supporters
 
Matchday 2

Samid

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Glorio

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Pep up against Messi again

This pic that Sky used doesn't help the connotations at all :nervous:
 

La Vecchia Signora

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The Champions v the challengers, the only game that the whole world is wait.

Oil v Oil is just a game for kids.
 

Klopper76

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We normally do well against Porto. Expecting some changes with City coming up on Sunday.
 

Klopper76

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Ugh no Alexander-Arnold tomorrow and he’s a doubt for City.
 

Klopper76

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Milner is a good stand in to be fair. It sounds like he's not fully over his illness. It showed against Brentford.
I was going to suggest Gomez against Porto and Milner against City. Milner handled himself fairly well there against Palace. His fitness levels are very good for a player in that age group, even if he doesn't play as often.

Firmino and Keita are good to play it sounds like, but Thiago was recently pictured with crutches.
 

SportingCP96

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I hope Sporting brought lube this time because our ass still hurts from what Ajax did to us on matchday 1.
 

Cloud7

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Some fun matches in the CL today. Will Messi be fit? And if so, how motivated will he be to put in a performance against City? How will Poch set up? How well can Poch get his team up for this match?

Atletico Milan and Porto Liverpool could both be good as well.
 

Pexbo

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Brilliant goal. Great work from Tadic.
 

AjaxCunian

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Wow Ajax, just cutting through such a deep defense with ease. Could have conceded though.
 

KirkDuyt

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I still tremendously enjoy seeing Berghuis do well. He's on fire last few weeks.
 

jamesjimmybyrondean

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Barcelona should do all they cab to get Ten Hag. Seems perfect for the amount of youth they have and the style of play they want