Scolari sacked & Premier League talk

[Glory's Sun]

Ok.. I hate chelsea.. I mean I fucking HATE chelski .. but when will they figure out it's not so much the manager as it is the players. They play with no passion. They have internal problems between strikers, JT is a bum and if if Lampard wasn't the equivalent of Gerrard in terms of what they mean to the team, they would be no different than portsmouth.

A manager can only do so much when it comes to problems like this.. here it is barely into the second half of the league and they sack the man who was supposed to put them back at the top. At that rate, Benitez better keep a close eye on his chair as well.

The Blues have dropped 16 points at Stamford Bridge this season and went out of the Carling Cup to Burnley on their own patch.

The London side have recently dropped to fourth in the Barclays Premier League prompting the club to opt for change, with coach Ray Wilkins taking temporary charge.

A statement on the club web site confirmed: "Luiz Felipe Scolari has been dismissed as manager of Chelsea Football Club today (Monday) with immediate effect.

"The Chelsea board would like to place on record our gratitude for his time as manager.

"Felipe has brought many positives to the club since he joined and we all feel a sense of sadness that our relationship has ended so soon.

"Unfortunately the results and performances of the team appeared to be deteriorating at a key time in the season.

"In order to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for we felt the only option was to make the change now.

"The search for a new manager has already started and we hope to have someone in place as soon as possible.

"While that continues Assistant Coach Ray Wilkins will take charge of the team on a temporary basis."

Brazilian Scolari, 60, was appointed last summer as the replacement for Avram Grant.

He led his country to World Cup glory in 2002 before taking charge of Portugal for Euro 2004, leading them to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2006.

Scolari twice turned down approaches about the possibility of becoming England manager and during Euro 2008 it was confirmed he would take charge at Chelsea for the start of this season.

He led Chelsea to a 4-0 win over Portsmouth in his first Barclays Premier League match and followed that with a 1-0 victory at Wigan Athletic - the first of 11 consecutive away successes, a new Premier League record.

Scolari suffered his first league defeat on 26th October as Liverpool ended their 86-match unbeaten home league record with a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

A month later Chelsea crashed out of the Carling Cup beaten on penalties by Championship side Burnley and in December they only secured qualification for the Champions League knockout stages in the final match after beating CFR Cluj 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

The New Year has already brought defeats by title rivals Manchester United and Liverpool as well as seeing them held 1-1 at Stamford Bridge by Southend United in the FA Cup.

The failure to beat Hull City at Stamford Bridge coupled with a negative reaction from the fans proved to be the final straw as the London side bid to salvage their title challenge as well as their Champions League and FA Cup campaigns.

[Strange Famous]

Dont like the guy much but was pretty shocked by the sacking.

Looks like Hiddink is in, who maybe was the first choice in the first place.

For anyone who took the job they had the boots of "the special one" to fill which was always gonna be tough.

One of the things I was most surprised by is that JT seems to have not known about it, I would have expected that he would be consulted before it happened.

[highthief]

Amazing isn't it?

Ranieri builds the team finishes 2nd, gets sacked.

Mourinho wins the league twice but can't do the business in the Champions League, and gets sacked.

Grant would've won the Champions League except John Terry couldn't stay upright to take a penalty and Nicholas Anelka is a coward.

And now Scolari - still in the running for CL, FA Cup and PL - gets done.

They've now paid out 10s of millions of pounds in compensation (and not just to the managers but their assistants and back room staff).

[djtestudo]

So does this mean they are officially the New York Yankees of non-American football?

[Glory's Sun]

Originally Posted by djtestudo

So does this mean they are officially the New York Yankees of non-American football?

well most would say that United are the yankees as they often have the most money on the field.. but they actually get results.

Chelsea has a damn fine group of players..

wait.. did I really just fucking say that? I swear I'm losing my mind..

anyway, Scolari is a great coach.. I think this was just an easy way to get hiddink in since he's so close to the owner. It's a win-win for Hiddink, he gets to get paid for coaching chelski, and then still coach the Russian national team in the WC..

I read a report earlier that JT (fucking bum) and Lampard are very displeased by this sacking. Honestly.. I don't think that Hiddink can step in at this point and get chelsea to the top of the table. United is in perfect position with players coming back from injury, 2 points up and a game left to play..

Liverpool can't seem to finish games (although the last two were done in amazing fashion.. fucking scousers..) and Arsenal are putting their hopes on one player..

So basically, Hiddink would need a massive failure from United, Gerrard to be out longer than 3 weeks, Villa to disappear and somehow get Drogba and Anelka to actually play together. Not going to happen.

Maybe that miss by JT in the cup last year had more of a negative effect than first imagined eh?

[dippin]

Personally, I take great pleasure in seeing teams financed by the russian mob go down in flames. Hopefully, Scolari can go back to coaching Brazil or something like that.

[Glory's Sun]

Hiddink is in officially..

word around the camp is that Scolari got around 7.5 million for his departure..

JT (fucking bum!) is not happy about it and is sensing a divided team ..


I couldn't have dreamed of something this awesome.. I just hope their downturn continues.

[fatboss]

Originally Posted by guccilvr

Liverpool can't seem to finish games (although the last two were done in amazing fashion.. fucking scousers..)

Don't get me started on our finishing guccilvr! It's so frustrating it's painful!

I personally think this could be your most successful season, but just keep looking over your shoulder because the day it happens is the day Gerrard puts Gary 'quasi' Neville on his arse to score the winner in Rome!
I can just see it now. Either Neville or Ferdinand, I don't care, I can't stand either of them! LOL (fuckin' mancs!)

Y.N.W.A.

[Glory's Sun]

Originally Posted by fatboss

Don't get me started on our finishing guccilvr! It's so frustrating it's painful!

I personally think this could be your most successful season, but just keep looking over your shoulder because the day it happens is the day Gerrard puts Gary 'quasi' Neville on his arse to score the winner in Rome!
I can just see it now. Either Neville or Ferdinand, I don't care, I can't stand either of them! LOL (fuckin' mancs!)

Y.N.W.A.

How sweet a quintuple would be!! In the Premier league though, you always have to watch your back. Liverpool are most certainly still in the running..and chelski did look a little better in the FA cup..but I don't see them taking the league or the cup.

and..yeah.. I'd rather walk alone

[Strange Famous]

JT has the right to be unhappy. As the leader of the team, he has the right to be consulted on a matter like this (as Stevie G would be at Liverpool for example)

[Glory's Sun]

eh, I dunno.. I don't about having the right.. Abromovich writes the checks he can do as he pleases.. although, there has to be something said about sharing responsibility. The coach isn't out there playing, so if they are playing poorly it's not always his fault. As long as he has the team prepared to play it's up to the players to execute.

I have a feeling Hiddink will step in and resolve the issue rather quickly. He's even said they still have a shot at the league title (which I seriously doubt) so I think he'll be more concerned about the FA cup than anything.

I want to see if he can get Drogba and Anelka together.. Drogba should have been let go after last season, he's like the Premier League version of Terrell Owens.

not that I'm disappointed in seeing Chelski 4th on the table or anything

[Glory's Sun]

I have to say.. Hiddink seems to have come in and restored some respect for chelski.. I mean fuck..he has Anelka and Drogba playing together..I can't remember the last time I saw Drogba go up in the air for a ball that he wasn't trying to score on..

all this said and it looks like Rafa might be out as Liverpool boss..

btw, thanks for the draw against City looks like United will be matching your record scousers

[Dawolf13]

Man City always seem to perform well against the traditional "big four". Liverpool lacked invention today and it has been a critisism of rafa for a couple of years now. without gerrard they seem a bit stale (maybe keane could have played today and made a difference).
Man C was great though, especially de Jong and Kompany. great performances by players with some youth, maybe hughes is the right man for this team. Add richards, onouaha and ireland, and youve got some good UK talent as well.

[Glory's Sun]

Originally Posted by Dawolf13

Man City always seem to perform well against the traditional "big four". Liverpool lacked invention today and it has been a critisism of rafa for a couple of years now. without gerrard they seem a bit stale (maybe keane could have played today and made a difference).
Man C was great though, especially de Jong and Kompany. great performances by players with some youth, maybe hughes is the right man for this team. Add richards, onouaha and ireland, and youve got some good UK talent as well.

I will agree with Liverpool lacking invention, although Torres was spot on today I thought. Liverpools problem is they always act like they are asleep until the others score. Then they try to walk the line and make a comeback. Today was one day where it didn't work out so well.. and it was also the day that all of Manchester was united..

City has a bright future (not to mention a ton of cash), and while I'm slightly disappointed that Hughes is now working for City, he could end up being the right man.. but he has a ton of work to do. City is one of those clubs that just have too many Jekyll and Hyde personalities. DeJong was brilliant today as was Kompany.

Rafa has already said no to a new contract from the dirty scousers.. so is this where he walks into the sunset?? I think he's the most underperforming manager in the league.. massive talent and nothing to show for it. Perhaps this is where he plays his usual crap in the league.. (starting subs for PL games) and starts to concentrate on the CL. Either way, I don't expect to see him back at Anfield.

You're also right that Keane could have stepped up today..I'm sure he would have loved to get the chance to play center.. but for some reason.. Rafa wasted him. He's a good talent.. I'm still baffled as to why Rafa handled him that way.

Who cares.. bring on the quintuple

Glory Glory Man Utd...

[Dawolf13]

the main difference between Man Utd and liverpool, this season (and in the past) is the depth of quality. torres is incredible, but Man U have rooney, berbatov, tevez, ronaldo who can consistantly be goal threats on any given day. kuyt, babel ect just dont stack up to that attacking quality.
As much as i hate to say it (i have been a Man C supporter my whole life), this current Man Utd team is the real deal in all positions.
Speaking of Chelsea, I miss the days where Drogba played with Robben and Duff on the wings and Lampard driving through the middle. Chelsea need some quality wingers! lets see how quaresma and guus does till the end of the season.

[Glory's Sun]

Originally Posted by Dawolf13

the main difference between Man Utd and liverpool, this season (and in the past) is the depth of quality. torres is incredible, but Man U have rooney, berbatov, tevez, ronaldo who can consistantly be goal threats on any given day. kuyt, babel ect just dont stack up to that attacking quality.
As much as i hate to say it (i have been a Man C supporter my whole life), this current Man Utd team is the real deal in all positions.
Speaking of Chelsea, I miss the days where Drogba played with Robben and Duff on the wings and Lampard driving through the middle. Chelsea need some quality wingers! lets see how quaresma and guus does till the end of the season.

No argument from me. United is the real deal at least in the PL. We'll see how we stack up against the rest of the world with the away match with Inter fast approaching..with Vidic suspended, and Brown injured..I'm not too keen on what could happen.

United have the money to be filled with depth, Liverpool has the money, but they don't use it to their advantage.. so it's easy to see why they will continue to struggle. It's the same with Arsenal.. the signing of Arshavin is nice, but they need more help. As far as City is concerned, they have more money than anyone, but I think it's going to take a few years to get the quality signings. The big names want to play for the trophies.. and City is not there yet..in fact, it's quite possible to say that they are in a relegation fight. I think City needs to start from the youth and inject talent that way..and not let the likes of another Giggs get away. (Yes he was a City youth and the scout made the mistake of telling Fergie they were cutting him loose..and the rest is history)

Chelsea..well I fucking hate the bums.. they seem to be a bunch of ex scousers who are more concerned with ego than winning. I'm not going to lie and pretend they don't have talent, but they have lost the league and for them that is bad news as far as money goes.

Nice to see a City fan.. I'm a peaceful United fan.. so now worries here

[fatboss]

Originally Posted by guccilvr

I will agree with Liverpool lacking invention, although Torres was spot on today I thought. Liverpools problem is they always act like they are asleep until the others score. Then they try to walk the line and make a comeback. Today was one day where it didn't work out so well.. and it was also the day that all of Manchester was united..

Can't argue with that at all Guccilvr, oh for the days when we take a game by the scruff of the neck and bag a ton of goals!


Rafa has already said no to a new contract from the dirty scousers.. so is this where he walks into the sunset?? I think he's the most underperforming manager in the league.. massive talent and nothing to show for it. Perhaps this is where he plays his usual crap in the league.. (starting subs for PL games) and starts to concentrate on the CL. Either way, I don't expect to see him back at Anfield.


Erm 2 things here. Firstly it's the Dirty Yanks he seems to have a problem with, oh and Rick Parry too. Apparently Keane was bought by Parry and Benitez didn't want him, hence the treatment the little Irish Dude got until his early return to Spurs.
Also - massive talent and nothing to show? I hope you're talking about here and now, you haven't forgotten a certain trophy we won for the 5th. time a while back? It would be great if we could have grown on the back of that, but some days you do scratch your head at his team selections!

[Glory's Sun]

I mean nothing to show now. The PL is all but lost, unless United have a massive failure. Given their current form, I don't see that happening.

I know you've won the 5th... my point is that it just seems that Gerrard is the only one with any sort of imagination on that squad. Rafa puts out the craziest selections and it's almost like he's just trying to battle Fergie for most unique lineup, but the difference is that Fergie usually gets the results no matter the lineup.

If Liverpool goes down in the CL, it will have been more than a wasted season. I honestly thought that from the beginning that you scousers would be a real challenge to the PL title this year.. but something just isn't right.. is it the squad or is it Rafa?? I'm going to say it's Rafa, because you 'pudlian's have more than enough talent on the field to make something happen.

[fatboss]

Rafa must be the problem. It's the inconsistencies, playing the game of the season against Arsenal Man Utd or Chelsea, and then all those frustrating draws against the 'lower' teams. It's just not good enough and it's not what the Mancs do. They go out and absolutely slaughter the little guys, making every one around take notice.
PL - yours for the taking
CL - we'll have that one thanks!

Madrid 0 - 2 Torres!

[Glory's Sun]

Originally Posted by fatboss

Rafa must be the problem. It's the inconsistencies, playing the game of the season against Arsenal Man Utd or Chelsea, and then all those frustrating draws against the 'lower' teams. It's just not good enough and it's not what the Mancs do. They go out and absolutely slaughter the little guys, making every one around take notice.
PL - yours for the taking
CL - we'll have that one thanks!

Madrid 0 - 2 Torres!

So here's my question..who do you replace Rafa with? Can you find a manager that's going to work with the "yanks" or are you just going to keep going like it's going. It can't all be about the owners. I mean fuck.. look at United.. owned by a Yank, yet Fergie does just fine. Didn't skip a beat.

As far as the CL goes.. I dunno.. if United plays like they did against Inter yesterday for the rest of the tournament..I'd say it's most likely theirs. They didn't even play that good last year and wound up winning it. (I just hope the lack of a finish yesterday doesn't come back to haunt)

it's nice to see The Great One look worried.

And as far as Madrid and Liverpool.. I'm guessing it ends in a score draw. Madrid has enough firepower to put it in the net..and I just don't know if Liverpool can actually finish anything anymore.

[highthief]

The betting was Dalglish to replace Rafa earlier today. Not kidding, the bookies even suspended betting!

I love King Kenny, he was a great player and manager - but out of the game for so long, he would not be a good pick.

[Glory's Sun]

Originally Posted by highthief

The betting was Dalglish to replace Rafa earlier today. Not kidding, the bookies even suspended betting!

I love King Kenny, he was a great player and manager - but out of the game for so long, he would not be a good pick.

first off.. how nice it must be to catch a sleepy Real..

secondly.. I'm betting that Daglish could still find the net better than what your current lot is doing

So basically, if King Kenny is on the list.. it seems like Liverpool are wanting someone with Liverpool roots..hrmm how interesting.. a scottie in liverpool trying to catch a scottie in manchester..

[highthief]

I'd like to thank Fergie for refusing to allow Heinze to come to Liverpool the other year and selling him to Real instead. It was Heinze's foul on Kuyt that led to the freekick (taken by Aurelio, the guy playing Heinze's position) that resulted in the winning goal.

[Glory's Sun]

eh.. Liverpool still has quite a bit of work to do.. so don't be so full of cheer just yet.

Sky Sports is saying that Rafa will be staying at Liverpool.. although I'm still not convinced.

Spurs and Villa are out of Europe.. no surprise about the spurs..

I'm surprised that AC Milan is out.. although they have plenty of injuries .. so it's not too shocking.

[Glory's Sun]

Tell me I'm dreaming..

Liverpool lost to 'Boro?!!!

[fatboss]

Shit! I thought I was dreaming too! It must have been real.

Typical - Utd don't even play a PL game giving us the chance to get closer to them , probably temporarily I agree, and we go and play probably the worst we've played all season.

Can't put any blame on Alonso for the OG, but there was no response, no fight, a team like Boro should have been there for the taking. Instead we gave Old Whisky Nose something to put a smile on his face before their Cup Final.

Fucking Fuckers!

[Glory's Sun]

Originally Posted by fatboss

Shit! I thought I was dreaming too! It must have been real.

Typical - Utd don't even play a PL game giving us the chance to get closer to them , probably temporarily I agree, and we go and play probably the worst we've played all season.

Can't put any blame on Alonso for the OG, but there was no response, no fight, a team like Boro should have been there for the taking. Instead we gave Old Whisky Nose something to put a smile on his face before their Cup Final.

Fucking Fuckers!

I was surprised at Gerrard. Even he looked slow and out of it..maybe he was still feeling the effects of injury or a virus.. didn't help that Torres was out.

My thing now is that even though United certainly didn't look vintage in the Carling Cup.. they looked poised to at least win the FA and PL titles.. and I'm betting on them to win the CL as well. They just find a way to win.. but what about Liverpool? Have they come to the point in the season that they won't win anything? If they continue to play like the did against 'Boro, they will not win the CL.

Chelsea is looking better by the day and it's a bit worrysome to see them hitting form again..but I think that if nothing else the PL title is securely out of reach for them as well.

It's cold out..but I'd still rather walk alone

[fatboss]

Hmmmm I think I'd rather be a Liverpool Red than an Arsenal Red at the moment. Their season ended a long time ago. Finishing second to Man Ure and winning the CL won't be a bad season compared to theirs now would it?

[Glory's Sun]

Originally Posted by fatboss

Hmmmm I think I'd rather be a Liverpool Red than an Arsenal Red at the moment. Their season ended a long time ago. Finishing second to Man Ure and winning the CL won't be a bad season compared to theirs now would it?

Arsenal has a ton of issues.. they shouldn't even be called gunners anymore. They have a good signing in Arshavin, but they don't have any really good midfielders..

We'll see just how Liverpool does in the CL.. but I'm not betting on them to win it.

[highthief]

I stayed away from this as after the loss on the weekend I was about as mad as I've ever been after a match. Skrtel at right back? WTF? To lose like that a couple of days after beating an in-form Real in front of 85,000 screaming Spaniards was fucking disturbing. Went out and spent a bag of cash to make myself feel better as a result.

Anyway, a bit of a balm with the win today against Sunderland.

[Glory's Sun]

so are you saying that Rafa's squad selection has once again proven to be worth fuck all?

[highthief]

Rafa has made two errors that affected that game:

1) Not having a real back up to Torres. OK, we play with one striker - it's pretty common these days. But in the past 3 or 4 years we've had 3 guys who could have filled that role in Keane, Crouch and Cisse - but Rafa dumped them all.

2) Playing Skrtel at right back (and Mascherano there yesterday) is another odd one. We've got young guys at full back who can play, he should play them. And to keep Downing quiet (he was very good on the weekend) he should have played Gerrard on the flank, which would be enough to make Downing stay in his own half, pissing himself.

[Glory's Sun]

So.. since Rafa wants to come back looks like things will stay the same.

As it stands right now.. United will have to lose 4 of their remaining matches to lose the title. I don't see that happening. I can see them losing one or maybe two but not four.

[fatboss]

hmmm it does look like number 18 is in the bag. All you need to do now is win the European Cup a few more times and that would make 2 teams from the North West of England who are the most successful in the country.

Are you paying attention all you southerners?

[Glory's Sun]

Originally Posted by fatboss

hmmm it does look like number 18 is in the bag. All you need to do now is win the European Cup a few more times and that would make 2 teams from the North West of England who are the most successful in the country.

Are you paying attention all you southerners?

well we all know how greedy Fergie is with his hardware

United just have to make sure they get past the great one wednesday and they will be on their way to the CL title.

FA cup.. liking the chances of getting that too.

now we have Petr Cech talking shit..saying that United will need alot of luck to win the title.. perhaps he needs to brush up on his math a bit.

City are rumored to be taking the $100mil they offered to Kaka and offer it to Messi. Interesting.. but Ronaldo is a better player than Messi. Messi is great and would make a City team more solid, but they need more help than Messi.

[fatboss]

Well I think Chelski are living proof that all the money in the world doesn't always guarantee you success, not overnight anyway!

Oh well another weekend of no football worth watching thanks to our early FA Cup exit at Goodison!

[Glory's Sun]

Originally Posted by fatboss

Well I think Chelski are living proof that all the money in the world doesn't always guarantee you success, not overnight anyway!

Oh well another weekend of no football worth watching thanks to our early FA Cup exit at Goodison!

Chelski are a bunch of bums. There was actually a rumor floating around that even with City wanting to purchase Messi, City is supposedly interested in trying to woo John Fucking Terry. City may have a ton of money but they are the dumbest squad around. They should be using that money to get a few good players and then get a good youth squad going.. ala United. Fergie's Fledgings have done quite a bit for the United cause, and they have a group of youth players right now that could easily play top squad anywhere else.

Since you're bored Fatboss, you could always cheer on United against Fulham in the FA this weekend

[Glory's Sun]

OK I'm calling it. United 2 Inter 0

Inter has a couple of injuries, and the crowd at Old Trafford will make the San Siro look like a nursery.

United looked good today (ok yeah it was against Fulham but still) and watching Inter against Genoa, Inter still just doesn't look like they have that extra gear.

[highthief]

Originally Posted by guccilvr

Inter has a couple of injuries, and the crowd at Old Trafford will make the San Siro look like a nursery.

Ever been to Old Trafford? It's like a fucking tomb in there half the time. I give some credit to the United away fans who are very devoted and loud, but 25,000 at the Britannia is a lot louder than 75,000 at OT.

[Glory's Sun]

Originally Posted by highthief

Ever been to Old Trafford? It's like a fucking tomb in there half the time. I give some credit to the United away fans who are very devoted and loud, but 25,000 at the Britannia is a lot louder than 75,000 at OT.

I dunno, I've seen Trafford nearly come apart at the seams.. although it does fade after a while if the squad is winning as they should.

I just wonder how many of them remember the old days where United was relegated and the Scousers ruled the land.

Looks like Rio is a question mark for the Inter game. I'm a bit mixed on this.. Evans is more than capable, but if O'Shea is injured.. it could leave a gap on the right with Fabio having to play it.