Ligue 1 Discussion ** SPOILERS ** [Archive]

talk2smc

09-08-2008, 11:16 PM

can we make this an ongoing Ligue I week by week discussion thread? (im sure it will be a select few people...but would be nice to have a spot to discuss all things Ligue I)

if that is so by the way, we will need a spoiler tag added please, TheLionLyon:o

as for the matches, yes Rennes/Marseille was the highlight:) didnt catch all of it, but very entertaining while i watched. new boys Kone and Ben Arfa on the scoresheet

and unfortunately, i agree on PSG:( thought they would have had some more life in them with some of the additions they made...

also nice to see that young French talent, Mr. Gourcuff on the scoresheet for Bordeaux

looking forward to Lyon's opener tomorrow

TheLionLyon

09-08-2008, 11:49 PM

talk2smc

10-08-2008, 01:23 AM

I couldn't change the threat title (maybe a mod can), so I just added a spoiler warning on the first post.

I think Gourcuff will sign permanantly from AC Milan. Bordeaux will definitely get that done.

Also, I didn't catch the Nantes-Auxerre match, so I don't know how Faty played. He started and L'equipe gave him an average match rating of 4. :o

Gourcuff should, for himself and for France stay with Bordeaux. im sure Milan wont having any concerns letting him go, he didnt show his best self in Italy.

as for Faty, looooved him in Roma. i feel that he is a very good back up for DDR next year or after. (De Rossi came into his own around 22-23, Faty is 22...) but not everyone can be world class so young. however, Faty is a very promising talent, and i hope he proves to be a force this year.
all that said...i didnt catch the Nantes match either:o:o:o

drac78

10-08-2008, 01:39 PM

I can't believe TF1 and France2 lost the rights to fucking Orange:mad::mad: we can no longer see highlights of the games each week:mad::mad:
The Ligue 1 is never gonna improve or be more popular if people can't even watch the games on TV :mad:

PSG are a joke of a club, they'll finish in the 2nd half of the table as usual.

Gourcuff should, for himself and for France stay with Bordeaux. im sure Milan wont having any concerns letting him go, he didnt show his best self in Italy.

as for Faty, looooved him in Roma. i feel that he is a very good back up for DDR next year or after. (De Rossi came into his own around 22-23, Faty is 22...) but not everyone can be world class so young. however, Faty is a very promising talent, and i hope he proves to be a force this year.
all that said...i didnt catch the Nantes match either:o:o:o

Milan will prolly sign him again when he turns 33 :D

Yonathan

10-08-2008, 02:07 PM

I just hope that Lens will come back to ligue1.

talk2smc

10-08-2008, 02:08 PM

Milan will prolly sign him again when he turns 33 :D

lol, good one:p

drac78

10-08-2008, 02:16 PM

I think Lyon should play like this:

Lloris

Clerc - Mensah - Cris - Grosso

Toulalan - Makoun - Bodmer

Juninho
Fred - Benzema

This team lacks wingers imo, and I find it a bit too defense-oriented with Toulalan AND Makoun AND Bodmer. I also think Pjanic should be a definite starter, this kid is a genius.

12D3

10-08-2008, 08:38 PM

I see Marseille choked on a 3-1 lead. Are they still having those defensive problems?

PSG really needed Sessegnon in that midfield yesterday. But I don't even think he'll be enough for this dreadful team. Wasn't Le Guen supposed to leave after last season?

@ talk2smc -- How are you watching Ligue 1 matches from NY?

This team lacks wingers imo, and I find it a bit too defense-oriented with Toulalan AND Makoun AND Bodmer.

They do have Keita and Govou. I'm quite fond of the former, but the latter still has to prove himself in my opinion. Maybe Puel will be playing Pjanic on the wing.

talk2smc

10-08-2008, 08:44 PM

@ talk2smc -- How are you watching Ligue 1 matches from NY?

:confused:

same way i watch matches in England, Italy, Spain, and Germany...

TheLionLyon

10-08-2008, 09:58 PM

They do have Keita and Govou. I'm quite fond of the former, but the latter still has to prove himself in my opinion. Maybe Puel will be playing Pjanic on the wing.

And Puel did just that only because Keita is injured though. Pjanic did not look great. Other than that wide shot in the second half, he was invisible. He needs to be in the middle. That's Juninho's spot though and at 33 he's still showing he is amazing assisting on two of the three goals. I wonder about Bordeaux but if we continue to play the way we played tonight, expect number 8.

I just hope that Lens will come back to ligue1.

Just let Monnet-Paquet come back.

talk2smc

10-08-2008, 10:22 PM

Benzema back to doing what he does best. and agree with you TheLionLyon about Juninho, still just as good at 33 as he was 5 yrs ago

12D3

11-08-2008, 07:38 PM

:confused:

same way i watch matches in England, Italy, Spain, and Germany...

What I meant to say was how did you get to watch the Rennes-Marseille match? What channel broadcasted that game on Saturday? I just wanted to know if that channel was available up here in Canada.

talk2smc

11-08-2008, 09:00 PM

What I meant to say was how did you get to watch the Rennes-Marseille match? What channel broadcasted that game on Saturday? I just wanted to know if that channel was available up here in Canada.

no channel, a stream, which is not allowed on this forum.

talk2smc

17-08-2008, 06:56 PM

Grenoble making it 2 for 2:o

drac78

17-08-2008, 09:14 PM

Good for Grenoble, they deserve to stay up, they have a very beautiful stadium.:cool:

PSG still suck, they were lucky to beat Bordeaux as they were completely dominated. I predict another season in the bottom half of the table for them.

TheLionLyon

17-08-2008, 10:46 PM

Marseille will suck when they play against solid competition. They are going to score alot of goals, but they will definitely allow some. 0-0 draw for the kids at Lorient. Can't wait until Fred gets back.

Yonathan

18-08-2008, 08:24 AM

Marseille is a very good team I think they can beat Lyon.

drac78

18-08-2008, 12:35 PM

Marseille have the best attacking players in the league imo the midfield of Ben Arfa - Ziani - Koné was great yesterday, but I agree with TheLionLyon, Auxerre are a very poor team and I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up relegated this season.

It's sad that Pjanic didn't play yesterday, I know Puel likes to rotate players and Pjanic was kinda invisible against Toulouse, but I think he needs more playing time as he's a fantastic player imo

Marseille is a very good I think they can beat Lyon.

Marseille showed last season they know how to beat Lyon :p, now they just need to beat smaller teams and I can see them challenge Lyon fort he title.

TheLionLyon

19-08-2008, 04:47 AM

Marseille showed last season they know how to beat Lyon :p, now they just need to beat smaller teams and I can see them challenge Lyon fort he title.

touché, however, before I can claim them title chasers, I want to see how they play against Bordeaux on the 13th of next month.

MichalPolandAFC

19-08-2008, 08:43 PM

I think every season - this and next - will be more and more interesting in terms of fighting for championship but I personally can't see any team in Ligue 1 to beat Lyon.

Maybe Marsillie or Bordeaux or any other time will win single game agains Lyon but i think they're the most consistent team in ligue 1 and - what is also very very important - they have match winners in the squad. So i think difference will be smaller every year but this season i can't see team beating Lyon. The big transfers out of for example Marsille - like Nasri - also don't help them win the title.

talk2smc

31-08-2008, 01:01 AM

Grenoble...doing work. nice to see it tbh

postalemirates

01-09-2008, 04:22 AM

The season is shaping up an interesting one so far albeit it's too early to make predictions. However of the several matches i've seen, Fernando Cavenaghi of Bordeaux has really blown me away. I know he was amazing last season so i'm glad he has kept it up so far this season. I will be paying close attention to him and i suspect he will not be at Bordeaux past this season if his form continues.

drac78

02-09-2008, 12:07 PM

Lyon weren't really impressive in the derby against St Etienne, they were saved by Benzema once again. I can see Marseille challenge Lyon like Bordeaux last season.

12D3

02-09-2008, 10:37 PM

What's going on with St-Etienne anyway? I really thought they were gonna do better this season. Sure, it's only the start of the season, but they're already playing catch-up. They've just signed Mirallas. Let's see if he'll partner up well with Gomis.

postalemirates

04-09-2008, 10:07 PM

Lyon weren't really impressive in the derby against St Etienne, they were saved by Benzema once again. I can see Marseille challenge Lyon like Bordeaux last season.

Yes, it seems Marseille (barring any crazy circumstances) should "try" to challenge Lyon this season but Lyon is way too strong this season.. well defintely stronger than last year for sure.

talk2smc

04-09-2008, 10:45 PM

surprised so many heaping on Marseille's chances...for me, they are very "formy" for lack of a better word. they dip and dive, somewhat similar to my boys at Roma. and that usually amounts to not winning titles, as the consistent steady results getter wins the cup. i still feel Lyon's the odd's on favorite and i would also take a look at that Marseille defense (tho i love Taiwo). simply attempting to outscore your opponent isnt always the answer to results, again, see Roma.

TheLionLyon

07-09-2008, 01:25 AM

:mad:Missed last week's matches (helping my family get away from Gustav) and now I am even more pissed after what happened yesterday. I am surprise to see Nantes and Sochaux struggling as they both brought in a ton of new players. Benzema scores again and is steadily increasing that transfer fee :D.

postalemirates

07-09-2008, 03:37 AM

talk2smc

13-09-2008, 11:25 PM

TheLionLyon

13-09-2008, 11:38 PM

well, only was able to watch the Lyon/Nice match...
entertaining for sure.

what happened on Lyon's 2 goals conceded...not very good defense at all on either.

looove seeing Juninho take FK's tho, the first was top class. best in the world at that. tho, a suspicion of offsides on the second, as one player seemed to interfere with the flight of the ball/sight of the keeper.

and not sure where the PK was and the red card....:confused: didnt get a great look my feed wasnt fantastic...

fun match to watch tho:)

We were practically given the match. I felt bad for Nice because they played a great match, particularly in the first half. Puel really wanted to keep Benzema out of the match because of CL play this week, but he had no choice but to play him. The back is in shambles. Clerc and Grosso are out for 6 months and a month respectively and we have no suitable replacement for Grosso. I just hope we can get through the CL matches unscathed.

Also, watch out for Monaco. Park Chu Young (Menez's replacement) had a great debut, though it was against Lorient. They have a young squad with a few veterans in the mix. I pray a few teams stay with Lyon and Marseille. I was actually happy that Grenoble got a late equalizer against Valenciennes.

EDIT: Oh and yes, Juninho is a GOD. I know Fiorentina had scouts at the match. Prandelli is probably glad our back is not playing well, but freaking out at Benzema's consistency and the fact the if you commit a foul in the 30-60m range, you can't expect a goal or at least your GK to be tested.

drac78

15-09-2008, 12:12 PM

We were practically given the match. I felt bad for Nice because they played a great match, particularly in the first half. Puel really wanted to keep Benzema out of the match because of CL play this week, but he had no choice but to play him. The back is in shambles. Clerc and Grosso are out for 6 months and a month respectively and we have no suitable replacement for Grosso. I just hope we can get through the CL matches unscathed.

Also, watch out for Monaco. Park Chu Young (Menez's replacement) had a great debut, though it was against Lorient. They have a young squad with a few veterans in the mix. I pray a few teams stay with Lyon and Marseille. I was actually happy that Grenoble got a late equalizer against Valenciennes.

Indeed :mad: your 1st goal came after a dive and what about that penalty at the last minute?! But what's even more irritating is Aulas' comments after the game. How can another team win the Ligue 1 if Lyon get constant help from the refs?

What a debut for Park indeed, great pass on the 2nd goal. I'm surprised Adu doesn't get more playing time though.

Btw, TheLionLyon, looks like Chelsea are scouting Sessegnon! ;)

talk2smc

18-09-2008, 12:22 AM

can we discuss CL here as well...or no? just wondered if anyone minded conversation on Bordeaux/Lyon and their performances?

drac78

19-09-2008, 06:40 PM

can we discuss CL here as well...or no? just wondered if anyone minded conversation on Bordeaux/Lyon and their performances?

yea let's do it here, it's not like there are too many people coming here anyway :(:p

Boumsong is truly horrendous, Lyon really need Mensah. Anyone knows how long he's still out for? Anyway, Benzema was great against Fiorentina, it's a shame though that his teammates are not at his level (Fred especially..)

talk2smc

20-09-2008, 12:21 AM

yea let's do it here, it's not like there are too many people coming here anyway :(:p

i figured people would be ok with it, as only a few of us are here discussing.

for me, Bordeaux did not offer much at all. i understand the team and Blanc are inexperienced overall...and tbh, the held the deficit to only 2-0 for quite some time, but i did feel there would be a bit more attacking football from them. 4-0 wasnt really flattering to CFC, we pretty much dominated many aspects of the match.

for Lyon, i was a bit surprised. the defending was horrid on both Gila's goals. and tbh, there has been much news in Italy over the lack of sporting behavior on Lyon's first goal. i watched it several times, and the Fiorentina player was definately down, and Benzema was clearly offside when he receives the ball. so that was poor referring.
credit to Frey also, for getting in between his friend comrades and some of his own teammates to diffuse the situation.
and very nice finish by Benzema for the second goal...i was quite surprised he beat Frey short side:eek: but then i know how good Karim is, i watch Ligue I:o
and a side note- the lime green uni's are terrible:p like Barca and CFC awhile back. hated both of them.

TheLionLyon

20-09-2008, 03:14 AM

yea let's do it here, it's not like there are too many people coming here anyway :(:p

Boumsong is truly horrendous, Lyon really need Mensah. Anyone knows how long he's still out for? Anyway, Benzema was great against Fiorentina, it's a shame though that his teammates are not at his level (Fred especially..)

Yeah, I knew Boumsong was going to eventually show his true self. But, Boumsong's not even a favorite of Puel. Puel had to start him. Cris picked up a knee injury and Mensah had trouble with the law the day before.

i figured people would be ok with it, as only a few of us are here discussing.

for me, Bordeaux did not offer much at all. i understand the team and Blanc are inexperienced overall...and tbh, the held the deficit to only 2-0 for quite some time, but i did feel there would be a bit more attacking football from them. 4-0 wasnt really flattering to CFC, we pretty much dominated many aspects of the match.

I was pretty angry when I heard the English media practically calling Bordeaux minnows. But, it was pretty obvious Bordeaux went out there with one thing in mind....Grenoble. Don't get me wrong, Chelsea was obviously the better team, by far, but Bordeaux were suppose to be the club challenging Lyon this season and so far they are drifting down the table. Bordeaux might attempt to take advantage of Roma's loss to Cluj with their back-to-back matches with Cluj in October and November. If they can get a point at home against Roma, then they might be looking good.

for Lyon, i was a bit surprised. the defending was horrid on both Gila's goals. and tbh, there has been much news in Italy over the lack of sporting behavior on Lyon's first goal. i watched it several times, and the Fiorentina player was definately down, and Benzema was clearly offside when he receives the ball. so that was poor referring.
credit to Frey also, for getting in between his friend comrades and some of his own teammates to diffuse the situation.
and very nice finish by Benzema for the second goal...i was quite surprised he beat Frey short side:eek: but then i know how good Karim is, i watch Ligue I:o
and a side note- the lime green uni's are terrible:p like Barca and CFC awhile back. hated both of them.

The defending was bad because of Boumsong and our lack of a left back. Both goals were scored with a cross from the left side. Kallstrom is obviously not the answer being a midfielder.

As for the first goal by Lyon, I've talked to alot of Italy supporters and I agree and disagree with them. I disagree with them about the goal. By rule, it was a valid goal and Lyon had the right to attack, plus in the French leagues, you are allowed to play on unless the referee says otherwise. I agree with them that by doing that, they displayed a lack of gamesmanship and sportsmanship, but given the circumstance (trailing 2-0 on the opening matchday in front of the supporters), we should be given the benefit of the doubt.

drac78

20-09-2008, 01:06 PM

and very nice finish by Benzema for the second goal...i was quite surprised he beat Frey short side:eek: but then i know how good Karim is, i watch Ligue I:o
and a side note- the lime green uni's are terrible:p like Barca and CFC awhile back. hated both of them.

speaking of Frey, he didn't look impressive in that game, he was always punching the ball away. It seems he's not too comfortable with his handling...

I agree about the uni's though, they're awful :p

talk2smc

20-09-2008, 01:19 PM

The defending was bad because of Boumsong and our lack of a left back. Both goals were scored with a cross from the left side. Kallstrom is obviously not the answer being a midfielder.

As for the first goal by Lyon, I've talked to alot of Italy supporters and I agree and disagree with them. I disagree with them about the goal. By rule, it was a valid goal and Lyon had the right to attack, plus in the French leagues, you are allowed to play on unless the referee says otherwise. I agree with them that by doing that, they displayed a lack of gamesmanship and sportsmanship, but given the circumstance (trailing 2-0 on the opening matchday in front of the supporters), we should be given the benefit of the doubt.

understandable...but was Benzema not still offside on the first goal? regardless of player down or not...

i think mostly it is a cultural difference. Italy is very much about respect (not to say France is not) however, its very rare that two teams continue play if a player is down. the players almost exclusively kick the ball out without prompting from the referee. i have often seen this even in Roma/Lazio matches. (now if players start to feel someone is purposely going down, thats a different story, and someone usually confronts the player, or gives him something to stay down for) so, i think the Italian players were expecting the ball to be played out, clearly by their reactions they were surprised, and then of course as you say, the Lyon players felt just to play on. however, it still does not explain a possible offside call missed, unless the replays i have seen are deceiving my eyes.

regardless, it should make for an interesting return leg on whichever matchday Lyon comes to the Franchi. but the ball should have been played out imo

drac78

20-09-2008, 01:24 PM

Yeah, I knew Boumsong was going to eventually show his true self. But, Boumsong's not even a favorite of Puel. Puel had to start him. Cris picked up a knee injury and Mensah had trouble with the law the day before.

trouble with the law? What did he do?

understandable...but was Benzema not still offside on the first goal? regardless of player down or not...

the injured defender was still on the pitch so he still counted as a player, no?

talk2smc

20-09-2008, 01:38 PM

the injured defender was still on the pitch so he still counted as a player, no?

ahh, dumbass me. :o

see thats how often it happens in Italy:o, bc the ball is always played out, i forgot or course he counts as a defender. similar to Panucci's incident a while back when he was off the pitch in a Roma match..im blanking on what game, but the opposing team scored and it counted as he was still playing the forward onside.

sportsmen

20-09-2008, 04:04 PM

ahh, dumbass me. :o

see thats how often it happens in Italy:o, bc the ball is always played out, i forgot or course he counts as a defender. similar to Panucci's incident a while back when he was off the pitch in a Roma match..im blanking on what game, but the opposing team scored and it counted as he was still playing the forward onside.
Roma match? Wasn't it during Italy v Holland in EURO?

talk2smc

20-09-2008, 04:15 PM

Roma match? Wasn't it during Italy v Holland in EURO?

ahhh, class friend. yes i couldnt remember, just knew it was Panucci. good call:)

TheLionLyon

20-09-2008, 06:36 PM

trouble with the law? What did he do?

Don't really know. He was just stopped by the police for some unknown reason because according to what I've read, he didn't commit any driving offence. They then questioned him, but Mensah doesn't speak French, so they took him in. They say it was a misunderstanding :confused:.

talk2smc

20-09-2008, 10:29 PM

Deroin for Caen:eek:
only caught the highlights, but quite the goal late on

Lille/Auxerre match of the day

12D3

22-09-2008, 03:25 AM

Ligue 1 2008/09 Champions: Olympique Lyonnais?

Sure, they're the favourites to win it again, but I don't think they're losing this lead. Of course, in the long run, points will be dropped, but I don't think Bordeaux are at that level yet; Marseille's defence make Mandanda look bad (sorry Taiwo); and St-Etienne, why did i even think they were gonna come close!? :rolleyes: IMO, the real race is for 2nd. I guess I'm preaching to the choir anyway...

Hey TheLionLyon, does it pain you as much as it does me to see Källström play left-back? But that's the sacrifice he does for the team, and I like that in a player.

And talk2smc, Roma and Chelsea are in the same group. Who do you go for? :p I'm guessing Roma. Just curious.

TheLionLyon

22-09-2008, 04:53 AM

Hey TheLionLyon, does it pain you as much as it does me to see Källström play left-back? But that's the sacrifice he does for the team, and I like that in a player.

It doesn't really pain me. He plays left-back well in a getting forward and supporting the midfield type of way, but seems to struggle when he forced to get back up field and actually defend as a left back. I think he might be looking to move in the winter. There were talks of him leaving in the summer, but it was quickly died down.

As for the league, Monaco impresses again holding Marseille to a 0-0 draw in Bouches.

Chingón

26-09-2008, 08:19 PM

What the f has Marseille done in their last couple games? argh. defeat against Sochaux in the cup just tipped me. Got to take a win against Le Mans on saturday. It's gonna be a tough one between Lyon and Marseille this season!

talk2smc

28-09-2008, 12:51 PM

drac78

28-09-2008, 08:47 PM

Great goal for Grenoble, and they should be given some respect sitting at 3rd in the table.
couldnt watch any matches this week, just got the highlights...but teams better start keeping an eye on Lyon. 2 games up already, you let it go to 4-5 matches above, and its no. 8 for them.

What a goal indeed!:eek: Also, it looks like PSG are finally back to their losing habits :p
Mounier seems to have impressed against Nancy, but I'm a bit surprised Puel doesn't trust Pjanic more...

talk2smc

02-10-2008, 12:05 AM

well i only saw highlights and obviously i am happy for the result...however i must say Gourcuff's goal...whew, it was a beauty.

didnt see the elbow that caught Perrotta for the red card, but i read that it was quite the ill tempered match. no surprise really from the results both teams had in Matchday 1, Roma and Bordeaux obviously wanted to physically push the tempo.

anyway, great result for my boys. tough on Bordeaux, read a Blanc interview afterward...he wasnt too happy.

Chingón

03-10-2008, 02:45 PM

Marseille will get 3 points from Caen and i hope Rennes can snip points from Lyon.

Chingón

04-10-2008, 10:07 PM

Marseille 2 Caen 1
good result finally even tho Ziani was sent off in the 70th minute.

Bordeax came behind to take 3 points today. Good for them.

talk2smc

04-10-2008, 10:50 PM

Chingón

04-10-2008, 11:00 PM

is this not the 3rd,4th,5th time Ben Arfa has scored in about the first 10 minutes?

havent researched it at all, but jeez, seems like he has a knack for grabbing em early since being on the south coast i was thinking the same thing. seems like his teammates are also stunned by his early goals and they let the opponent get back to game dispite a good start! Still win is a win and todays game was an okay performance from Marseille.

Don Vega

05-10-2008, 01:37 AM

TheLionLyon

05-10-2008, 03:03 AM

Good game tonight after a catastrophic september. We still 3rd because surprising Toulouse win against Auxerre.

The whole stadium paid tribute to Santos, the capo of Commando Ultras 1984, arbitrary prisoner in Madrid after the ambush tended by Spanish Guardia Civil who attack without reason the 1200 marseilles fans in the stand wednesday against Atletico cunts (Champions League).

Moreover, OMtv who's in the stand during the ambush sent 2 DVD to UEFA who show cops strike without reserve Marseille fans (include handicapped fans of "Handi Fan Club" in wheelchairs !!!) and Atletico fans who imitates monkey when Marseille black players have the ball.

I read about that, but didn't really pay it any mind. Primarily because its Spain. The monkey chants are sadly, kind of common there and something seriously needs to be done. Good to see Marseille lodging a complaint, though I doubt UEFA will do anything.

Also, don't underestimate Toulouse. They are a pretty good side with their only loss being to Lyon, especially with Gignac beginning to step up. Didot and Sissoko in the midfield look good too. And ironically, two guys Marseille got rid of in Carrasso and Hamel.

Don Vega

05-10-2008, 08:45 AM

Don't underestimate Toulouse. They are a pretty good side with their only loss being to Lyon, especially with Gignac beginning to step up. Didot and Sissoko in the midfield look good too. And ironically, a guy Marseille got rid of in Sebastian Hamel.

Yes but it's not the only disconcerting thing...

Marseille Goalkeepers 2007/2008
Cédric Carrasso
Sébastien Hamel
Steve Mandanda (former Le Havre goalkeeper)

Toulouse Goalkeepers 2008/2008
Cédric Carrasso
Sébastien Hamel
Olivier Blondel (former Le Havre goalkeeper)

Chingón

05-10-2008, 05:42 PM

Rennes just owned Lyon! 3-0 couple mins to go. Entertaining game too.

TheLionLyon

05-10-2008, 06:07 PM

Rennes just owned Lyon! 3-0 couple mins to go. Entertaining game too.

Entertaining for Rennes supporters. That game was pathetic for Lyon. 17 shots for Rennes, 7 on goal. 9 shots for Lyon, 1 on goal says it all.

Chingón

05-10-2008, 06:13 PM

Entertaining for Rennes supporters. That game was pathetic for Lyon. 17 shots for Rennes, 7 on goal. 9 shots for Lyon, 1 on goal says it all.true and maybe i watched it with my Marseille goggles on so it looked entertaining to me.:D

but it's good marseille won and lyon didn't so the gap is only 3 points at the moment and it's still early season.

talk2smc

05-10-2008, 06:48 PM

Pagis' third was stunning..

drac78

06-10-2008, 12:42 PM

Wtf is going on with Lyon?:eek: Losing 3-0 against Rennes and Pagis scoring a hat trick :eek: I only saw highlights but from what I saw, the defence is still horrendous. You should sign a defender asap before the CL resumes...

TheLionLyon

17-10-2008, 02:06 AM

Creteil is as usually shocking and impressing. How do you draw 9 of your first 12 matches :eek:. Talk about conservative, yet we make the final 16 in the Coupe de la Ligue, the only national club to make it. I hope we beat Nice and get to the quarter-finals. Would be great to see them play live in January. Btw, that CDL theme song is getting to me.

Chingón

20-10-2008, 04:08 PM

only one point to go...looking good.

Yonathan

20-10-2008, 04:32 PM

PSG won over Lorient (3-2)

talk2smc

22-10-2008, 01:20 AM

good to see Fred on the scoresheet for Lyon in the CL tonight, as he has been taking some jeers for a bit now...

Chingón

23-10-2008, 09:26 PM

Dissappointing result from Eindhoven so i wanna see OM take 3 poins from PSG on sunday.

Yonathan

26-10-2008, 07:36 AM

I think that Marseille will win against PSG with 2-1 or something like that.

drac78

26-10-2008, 01:02 PM

I think that Marseille will win against PSG with 2-1 or something like that.

I'm expecting a 4-0 win for Marseille tonight:cool: The only player from PSG that could score a goal is Sessegnon, the rest sucks.

Btw, you know supporting PSG and Marseille isn't right :p It's like someone supporting Real Madrid and Barcelona ;)

talk2smc

26-10-2008, 01:26 PM

I'm expecting a 4-0 win for Marseille tonight:cool: The only player from PSG that could score a goal is Sessegnon, the rest sucks.

Btw, you know supporting PSG and Marseille isn't right :p It's like someone supporting Real Madrid and Barcelona ;)

yea i have to second that, i usually dont bring up peoples teams they support, everyone has their own story...but the history between those two...

it would be like me supporting Roma AND that other team from Rome.

TheLionLyon

26-10-2008, 08:22 PM

I'm expecting a 4-0 win for Marseille tonight:cool: The only player from PSG that could score a goal is Sessegnon, the rest sucks.

Btw, you know supporting PSG and Marseille isn't right :p It's like someone supporting Real Madrid and Barcelona ;)

I kinda found that funny as well. I could honestly care less about this result even though if Marseille win, they will be in first place. Hoarau has been scoring lately for PSG. Both sucked during the week (:mad:), so I expect them to make up for it tonight.

PSG up 1-0 and guess who scored........:D

1-1 now Niang.

drac78

26-10-2008, 09:51 PM

2-1 Valbuena! Marseille are top of the table!!

Chingón

26-10-2008, 09:55 PM

4-1 my guess as the result. Go Marseille! I hope someone is capping this game.

drac78

26-10-2008, 10:17 PM

What a shaaaaaame, Luyindula has scored, he hadn't scored for years, totally unacceptable for Marseille:mad:

TheLionLyon

26-10-2008, 10:45 PM

What a shaaaaaame, Luyindula has scored, he hadn't scored for years, totally unacceptable for Marseille:mad:

Marseille's defense blows. This is a club in PSG who only scored 5 goals in their first 8 matches (they scored 3 last week against Lorient :rolleyes:) and Marseille proceeds to let them put 3 up and counting on them. PSG hadn't score more than 1 goal in a match until last week, again against Lorient.

As I said. 3 and counting. Make that 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not to mention, this beating is at home.

Chingón

26-10-2008, 10:48 PM

fuck and shit. poor poor performance..2-4 now.

Chingón

29-10-2008, 08:54 PM

and now 1-1 draw. I'm frustarated! ugh!

oh well go Marseille! Droit Au But!

Chingón

02-11-2008, 12:36 AM

Ah finally back on track. 3-1 win from St. Etienne. Go Marseille! Cana didn't get booked! whaaat?!:D

TheLionLyon

02-11-2008, 10:12 PM

Now we're back on track. :D Now a win on Wednesday would be perfect.

talk2smc

05-11-2008, 11:48 PM

love seeing Juninho FK's:) even tho the keeper should have done better, still love em:)

talk2smc

08-11-2008, 06:45 PM

Ben Arfa with another goal in the first 10 minutes...kid has just got a knack to score them early. anyone know how many he has scored in the first 10 minutes of matches this year? has to be like, 8 or 9

Chingón

09-11-2008, 08:47 AM

talk2smc

11-11-2008, 01:50 AM

i dont think that many but lots indeed.

i counted :p
Matchday 1 v. Rennes '15
Matchday 7 v. Le Mans '7
Matchday 8 v. Caen '2
Matchday 13 v. Grenoble '4

ok, so a bit off indeed:o:o:o

but still, 11 appearances in the Ligue, 6 goals, 3 assists, 2 more assists in the CL. at 21 yrs old, and a midfielder.

really wished he would have come to Roma in the summer:o

TheLionLyon

11-11-2008, 05:34 AM

i counted :p
Matchday 1 v. Rennes '15
Matchday 7 v. Le Mans '7
Matchday 8 v. Caen '2
Matchday 13 v. Grenoble '4

ok, so a bit off indeed:o:o:o

but still, 11 appearances in the Ligue, 6 goals, 3 assists, 2 more assists in the CL. at 21 yrs old, and a midfielder.

really wished he would have come to Roma in the summer:o

Amazing talent, but big-headed. Him and Gerets have got into it on many occasion. From his spat with Cisse during the pre-season to refusing to warm up during the whupping PSG gave them. I am surprised Gerets hasn't reached the boiling point and kicked his ass after what he did to Ziani last year. He even interrupted Gerets' press conference to apologise for the PSG incident. I am thinking the media being there had alot to do with it. BA has to be seen. At Lyon, it was about Benzema and he wants to be to Marseille as what Benzema is to Lyon. I was sad to see him go, but Aulas had no choice. As you've pointed out, he's doing great and so is Marseille, but wait until they slump.

I doubt things would have worked out at Roma. He and Totti would have constantly bumped heads because they are one of a kind. Both are stubborn and Totti's not going to let some "kid" come in and let him run the show.

drac78

11-11-2008, 11:30 AM

really wished he would have come to Roma in the summer:o

He's not good enough for Roma imo, he's still too inconsistent and you're not really lacking quality players ;)

btw, kinda offtopic but how is Menez doing at Roma?

talk2smc

11-11-2008, 11:41 AM

He's not good enough for Roma imo, he's still too inconsistent and you're not really lacking quality players ;)

btw, kinda offtopic but how is Menez doing at Roma?

:(

how is anyone doing at Roma....

hes not doing well tbh. had some early chances to play alot of minutes, less so now, never really showed what he can do. dribbling at players in Italy is a difficult task, and sometimes he was t:(ing to do waaay too much. but we also havent seen him in the center, only on the wing, so not sure yet. but ive been reading not tooo credible reports that he could be offloaded. hope not, but for now, hes not doing so hot.
that goes for all of our summer signings. Baptista impressing the most out of everyone imo. and hes injured all the time.

drac78

11-11-2008, 11:41 AM

i dont think that many but lots indeed. Comfortable 0-3 win for Marseille!:cool:

Yea good win although Grenoble really sucked in defence, the Marseille-Lyon games will be very interesting:cool:

anyway, glad to see that you've taken PSG off from your favourite clubs :p

:(

how is anyone doing at Roma....

hes not doing well tbh. had some early chances to play alot of minutes, less so now, never really showed what he can do. dribbling at players in Italy is a difficult task, and sometimes he was t:(ing to do waaay too much. but we also havent seen him in the center, only on the wing, so not sure yet. but ive been reading not tooo credible reports that he could be offloaded. hope not, but for now, hes not doing so hot.
that goes for all of our summer signings. Baptista impressing the most out of everyone imo. and hes injured all the time.

you know there's something wrong when Baptista is the player who impresses the most :p

anyway, loaning Menez could be a good idea, look how well it worked for Gourcuff;)

talk2smc

11-11-2008, 09:26 PM

you know there's something wrong when Baptista is the player who impresses the most :p

anyway, loaning Menez could be a good idea, look how well it worked for Gourcuff;)

the problem is the amount of money we just gave him, simply to loan him out....:mad:

TheLionLyon- tough day in the Coupe for both your clubs huh guy:(

reelone

12-11-2008, 06:24 AM

Amazing talent, but big-headed. Him and Gerets have got into it on many occasion. From his spat with Cisse during the pre-season to refusing to warm up during the whupping PSG gave them. I am surprised Gerets hasn't reached the boiling point and kicked his ass after what he did to Ziani last year. He even interrupted Gerets' press conference to apologise for the PSG incident. I am thinking the media being there had alot to do with it. BA has to be seen. At Lyon, it was about Benzema and he wants to be to Marseille as what Benzema is to Lyon. I was sad to see him go, but Aulas had no choice. As you've pointed out, he's doing great and so is Marseille, but wait until they slump.

I doubt things would have worked out at Roma. He and Totti would have constantly bumped heads because they are one of a kind. Both are stubborn and Totti's not going to let some "kid" come in and let him run the show.

Lets see on dec. 14 when he scores:D

TheLionLyon

13-11-2008, 02:35 AM

TheLionLyon- tough day in the Coupe for both your clubs huh guy:(

Creteil were in bad territory. Playing a Ligue 1 side on the road. :( Lyon, don't know what to say. Though this is our version of a mickey mouse cup. This will give us some time to focus more on the CL and coupe de france now.

Lets see on dec. 14 when he scores:D

We will see. :)

Chingón

15-11-2008, 07:48 PM

I cant believe this...home game for OM and they slip from 2-0 to 2-3 with Lorient scoring 3 times in 11 minutes. UNBELIEVABLE

Yonathan

23-11-2008, 08:50 AM

Lyon lost to PSG (1-0):D:D

talk2smc

23-11-2008, 01:31 PM

Lyon lost to PSG (1-0):D:D

more than Lyon losing, im more impressed with PSG winning. also, Lyon had their chances, quite a few of them to level or win

TheLionLyon

23-11-2008, 07:19 PM

Lyon lost to PSG (1-0):D:D

Meh, I would rather lose to a mid-table French side then get blanked and knocked out of the Coupe de France by a CFA 2 side. (See Lens) :D :p

more than Lyon losing, im more impressed with PSG winning. also, Lyon had their chances, quite a few of them to level or win

That match was horrible. I would say equal to that beatdown Rennes gave us. Puel went into the match thinking about Fiorentina. A problem occured early when Revs got injured (probably out for season), then Benzema picked up a knock (not that serious) and Puel didn't want to risk anything so he took out our best player in the 58th minute trailing 0-1. Also, the Juninho red card was sick and deserving, but from Juninho's standpoint, the PSG players, after they scored, were going down and simulating injury from even the slightest of tackles. Maybe Juninho wanted to see how they would react if you really tackle them. Sadly, he will get a 3 match ban and miss the Marseille match.

mambo

26-11-2008, 08:53 AM

How is my mate Ivan doing ?
I heard Klasnic is nearly 10 matches without scoring a goal now,
is he really playing that bad or is this just a bad team performance ?

drac78

26-11-2008, 11:28 AM

How is my mate Ivan doing ?
I heard Klasnic is nearly 10 matches without scoring a goal now,
is he really playing that bad or is this just a bad team performance ?

He's not doing that great, but it's not entirely his fault, the whole team sucks

talk2smc

05-12-2008, 08:36 PM

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=599175&sec=europe&cc=5739

found Fred to be very...umm...dumb here. :p
why would any professional athlete cut wages with a "guarantee" from the club to play them? they can say sure, and they a new manager comes in or something and youre no good.

dumb move Fred. not that itll work anyway:o

Yonathan

07-12-2008, 06:45 PM

Meh, I would rather lose to a mid-table French side then get blanked and knocked out of the Coupe de France by a CFA 2 side. (See Lens) :D :p

Did you remember when Lens beat Lyon with 3-0 and Lens were at the relegation battle and Lyon were fighting for the championship haha :D:D.

talk2smc

07-12-2008, 09:28 PM

Hoarau trying to throw a challenge at Benzema for top goal scorer huh..:o twice on target for PSG so far tonight

TheLionLyon

08-12-2008, 02:42 AM

Did you remember when Lens beat Lyon with 3-0 and Lens were at the relegation battle and Lyon were fighting for the championship haha :D:D.

And who won the championship and who got relegated? :D

Hoarau trying to throw a challenge at Benzema for top goal scorer huh..:o twice on target for PSG so far tonight

Have you seen him. He looks like the French version of Peter Crouch. He did play well at Le Havre last year, so I'm not surprised by his performance this year. Benzema's out for at least another league game, so he better keep it up.

west501

08-12-2008, 04:30 PM

I see my boy Cavenaghi amongst the top scorers, but he's not at the jaw-dropping rate of last season
how is he doing? I have not been able to follow this season in French football
has he been injured or off form? I notice Blanc did not play him much in the Champions
I heard he had an interesting offer from Tottenham but hope he does not go
if he is to be considered for the national team he should move to a top tier club over the summer

Yonathan

08-12-2008, 05:01 PM

west501

08-12-2008, 06:19 PM

Yeah, I think that maybe a move to Liverpool would be very good for him ;).

that would be a great move for Liverpool, imagine the two Fernando's up top..has championship written all over it
though talk about the move has died down hasn't it?
the transfer rumours are what I'm least interested in though
how's he playing?

talk2smc

09-12-2008, 01:46 AM

Have you seen him. He looks like the French version of Peter Crouch. He did play well at Le Havre last year, so I'm not surprised by his performance this year. Benzema's out for at least another league game, so he better keep it up.

i have and he is quite...lanky :o he certainly isnt the most graceful striker, but they are going in for him

Yonathan

10-12-2008, 05:11 PM

that would be a great move for Liverpool, imagine the two Fernando's up top..has championship written all over it
though talk about the move has died down hasn't it?
the transfer rumours are what I'm least interested in though
how's he playing?

He hasn't played so much in CL. But he has done 9 goals in the league.

talk2smc

12-12-2008, 12:11 PM

He hasn't played so much in CL. But he has done 9 goals in the league.

i dont get that either, as Blanc was using him from the bench at almost every CL match...dont think he was injured, so why not play him? for instance, in the Roma match, matchday 6 he came on late but was really ineffective and much of the match had been shored up by then.

good news for my boys, but odd from Blanc. imo

west501

12-12-2008, 03:10 PM

i dont get that either, as Blanc was using him from the bench at almost every CL match...dont think he was injured, so why not play him? for instance, in the Roma match, matchday 6 he came on late but was really ineffective and much of the match had been shored up by then.

good news for my boys, but odd from Blanc. imo

it's a little bit strange for me because playing in European competition seemed to be one of the main reasons Cave stayed on for les Girondins
the only explanation can be that Blanc, knowing from the very beginning his side stood little chance to make it past the group stages, is concentrating on the ligue :confused:
but then why start him on the bench against Lyon!?!
maybe he is saving Cave for the UEFA? or maybe he didn't want Cave to shine internationally so he could keep him?
I don't know! but it's stressing me out!

talk2smc

12-12-2008, 10:30 PM

it's a little bit strange for me because playing in European competition seemed to be one of the main reasons Cave stayed on for les Girondins
the only explanation can be that Blanc, knowing from the very beginning his side stood little chance to make it past the group stages, is concentrating on the ligue :confused:
but then why start him on the bench against Lyon!?!
maybe he is saving Cave for the UEFA? or maybe he didn't want Cave to shine internationally so he could keep him?
I don't know! but it's stressing me out!

perhaps he simply doesnt rate him. tbh, i dont think he is that stellar, i think he is good, but if we are comparing him to others in France, i rate others before him. namely Ben Arfa, Benzema certainly, Gignac perhaps, Hoarau isnt pretty but effective...

west501

13-12-2008, 01:03 PM

perhaps he simply doesnt rate him. tbh, i dont think he is that stellar, i think he is good, but if we are comparing him to others in France, i rate others before him. namely Ben Arfa, Benzema certainly, Gignac perhaps, Hoarau isnt pretty but effective...

it's possible, but the thing about Cave is that everywhere he goes (except Russia) he brings his deadly finishing and his impressive scoring ratio
he also has good skills for a target man and offers football

Yonathan

13-12-2008, 07:08 PM

it's possible, but the thing about Cave is that everywhere he goes (except Russia) he brings his deadly finishing and his impressive scoring ratio
he also has good skills for a target man and offers football

What do you mean with except for Russia:confused:

TheLionLyon

13-12-2008, 08:27 PM

What do you mean with except for Russia:confused:

Possibly because his career in Russia with Spartak wasn't really that great. He scored today in a Bordeaux win. Gignac trumped him and got two. I hope Domenech is watching this. Gignac and Hourau should be top of the list next selection............which is against Argentina :eek:

Also, Creteil and Alfortville both make it to the next round in the Coupe de France. We (Creteil) seriously are a cup team. If only we could apply that to the league.

Yonathan

14-12-2008, 09:10 AM

PSG vs Auxerre = 2-1 to PSG and Sessegnon scored them both for PSG and Hengbart scored a penalty goal for Auxerre.

talk2smc

22-12-2008, 12:16 AM

crack between Bordeaux and Monaco today.

enjoyable to me to see a much more competitive Ligue I this year.
Lyon 38
Bordeaux 35
Rennes 34
PSG 33

top 4, certainly seeing PSG in there is the surprise, Marseille right there in fifth on 32 points.

Toulouse also surprising me quite a bit, given their form last year. Gignac, cant stop scoring. im sure my boy Mexes is proud

TheLionLyon

22-12-2008, 01:30 AM

:mad: Could of had three clubs tied on 35, but Marseille and PSG, against lower opposition couldn't step up to the challenge. Rennes have been on fire. The don't play again in two weeks though in the cup. That should cool them down.

Yonathan

29-12-2008, 06:02 PM

PSG are chasing Jeremy Mathieu.

talk2smc

03-01-2009, 02:18 AM

PSG are chasing Jeremy Mathieu.

:(

whatever happened to Roma tracking him? man, 2+ yrs i believe he has been watched by Conti and Prade, but looks like he wont be coming our way

TheLionLyon

03-01-2009, 03:05 AM

:(

whatever happened to Roma tracking him? man, 2+ yrs i believe he has been watched by Conti and Prade, but looks like he wont be coming our way

Supposedly Roma still. Mathieu's available on a free this summer and clubs, including Roma and Lyon :p, are maybe waiting on that.

talk2smc

03-01-2009, 11:48 PM

Supposedly Roma still. Mathieu's available on a free this summer and clubs, including Roma and Lyon :p, are maybe waiting on that.

im hoping. always liked him, and with Panucci and Tonetto aging and Cicinho hopefully on the way out, we need some fullbacks.

and no go on those Perrotta to Lyon rumors ;) all nonsense

Yonathan

04-01-2009, 11:15 AM

im hoping. always liked him, and with Panucci and Tonetto aging and Cicinho hopefully on the way out, we need some fullbacks.

and no go on those Perrotta to Lyon rumors ;) all nonsense

Lyon is like the french Chelsea they buy players that they don't need. They already have Bodmer, Juninho, Toulalan, Makoun, Fabio Santos, Ederson and Pjanic playing on the same position as Perrotta. I think Lyon should buy a world class forward the day that Benzema leaves them and they should buy a centre back like Kolodin of Dynamo Moskow.

talk2smc

04-01-2009, 01:48 PM

Lyon is like the french Chelsea they buy players that they don't need.

you mean Champions?;)

(although i cant boast too much as we've been runners-up the past 2 yrs:o)

TheLionLyon

11-01-2009, 03:03 AM

Another useless draw. League is going to be very interesting. Rennes are playing well. Unfortunately, the better they play, the less likely we are to see Anthony Le Tallec's little brother.

Yonathan

11-01-2009, 07:51 AM

It's great to see that Lyon can fail too this year the league is more interesting than ever;)

drac78

12-01-2009, 11:14 AM

What a goal by Gourcuff against PSG! Nice to see PSG being brought back to earth :cool:

oh and about Lyon's situation, one word: BOUMsong:rolleyes:

talk2smc

12-01-2009, 11:38 AM

Gourcuff's goal was quite good, and PSG got a right thumping

TheLionLyon

15-01-2009, 07:39 PM

N'Zogbia wants to come to Lyon. Maybe his agent explained to him that playing for Lyon almost doubles your chances with the NT.

talk2smc

15-01-2009, 10:30 PM

N'Zogbia wants to come to Lyon. Maybe his agent explained to him that playing for Lyon almost doubles your chances with the NT.

how true:p

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=609740&sec=transfers&cc=5901

Givet to Blackburn, i know he didnt play for OM at all yet this year, but man, surprised i guess. his career has kinda just deflated after having what 10 or so caps for France. was great for a few years with Monaco tho

TheLionLyon

16-01-2009, 01:51 AM

how true:p

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=609740&sec=transfers&cc=5901

Givet to Blackburn, i know he didnt play for OM at all yet this year, but man, surprised i guess. his career has kinda just deflated after having what 10 or so caps for France. was great for a few years with Monaco tho

drac hates Givet. :p I think he was a fool (or maybe too loyal) for staying at Monaco that long. Juventus were pursuing him very strong after Monaco's CL success and so forth. I think Juve's relegation to Serie B played a part, but he was only 23/24, if he would have signed with Juve, he'd probably be one of France's top choices at CB, right now because their was no doubting his talent back then. Now look at him, playing for a low-level Premiership side.

talk2smc

16-01-2009, 01:56 AM

drac hates Givet. :p I think he was a fool (or maybe too loyal) for staying at Monaco that long. Juventus were pursuing him very strong after Monaco's CL success and so forth. I think Juve's relegation to Serie B played a part, but he was only 23/24, if he would have signed with Juve, he'd probably be one of France's top choices at CB, right now because their was no doubting his talent back then. Now look at him, playing for a low-level Premiership side.

well ill never fault a player for staying loyal. he had some very good seasons at Monaco

but yes, now playing for Rovers, who stand a very good chance at getting relegated. but you cant project his chances with the NT if he was with Juve or not. look at Mexes, and a gazillion others who earn their way into the NT by performance, and yet only to be snubbed by Domenech.

Wiltord from Rennes to Marseille
http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/news/kind=1/newsid=792913.html
i dont have good memories about Wiltord :(

drac78

16-01-2009, 11:34 AM

drac hates Givet. :p I think he was a fool (or maybe too loyal) for staying at Monaco that long. Juventus were pursuing him very strong after Monaco's CL success and so forth. I think Juve's relegation to Serie B played a part, but he was only 23/24, if he would have signed with Juve, he'd probably be one of France's top choices at CB, right now because their was no doubting his talent back then. Now look at him, playing for a low-level Premiership side.

that's right I do:p I suppose playing in the Championship (if they get relegated) is better than playing with Marseille's reserves in CFA... Marseille are doing well getting rid of all their unwanted players..now all they need to do is buy good players and not crap like Brandao or Wiltord :confused:

N'Zogbia wants to come to Lyon. Maybe his agent explained to him that playing for Lyon almost doubles your chances with the NT.

You're also apparently interested in Faubert, so much for the 25m or so spent on Kader Keita:rolleyes:

Yonathan

16-01-2009, 06:16 PM

WTF happend to Julien Sablé when he was about to leave ASSE (he played there for 10 years) he said that he wanted to play for l'OM and that it would be a dream move for him and he said that ASSE and l'om had found an agreement. But suddenly he choosed to play for RC Lens:D, but now many people say that he sucks and all that but when he played for ASSE he was near the NT. So the thing I want to know is if he is playing well and what you think of him.:)

TheLionLyon

17-01-2009, 12:13 AM

that's right I do:p I suppose playing in the Championship (if they get relegated) is better than playing with Marseille's reserves in CFA... Marseille are doing well getting rid of all their unwanted players..now all they need to do is buy good players and not crap like Brandao or Wiltord :confused:

You're also apparently interested in Faubert, so much for the 25m or so spent on Kader Keita:rolleyes:

Also, I want to point out drac that you were right about El Amin Erbate. Only lasted 6 months at Marseille. Also Brandao is legit, well in the UPL he was. Don't understand the Wiltord signing. Maybe to spite Lyon I guess.

Our interest in Faubert was dry until Govou got hurt. I think we can do better. Aulas has quickly forgotten his comments when he said we're (Lyon) are going to go after the big players like Chelsea, Man U, Inter, etc.,

talk2smc

19-01-2009, 02:35 AM

TheLionLyon

19-01-2009, 03:32 AM

3 horse race to the end?
should be interesting as Lyon is the only club in the CL too, as far as i know, i think all 3, Lyon, Bordeaux, and OM, still in the Coupe.

but there will be some tired legs in a month or so...

didnt catch too many matches this weekend, but a bit of Toulouse, im very impressed with them this year, tied with least amount of goals allowed at home. such an improvement from last, they were almost relegated.

I'd probably say it is a nine horse race given the number of matches there is still to be played. There is a complete drop off after Nice. The top 9 all will be playing each other consistently every week. Points will definitely be gained and dropped.

31/01/09

Bordeaux v. Lille
Rennes v. Toulouse

07/02/09

Nice v. Lyon
Marseille v. Bordeaux

21/02/09

Nice v. Rennes

28/02/09

Lyon v. Rennes

07/03/09

Lille v. Lyon
Toulouse v. Bordeaux

It basically continues like that until the end of the season. Also, PSG, Bordeaux and Marseille are still in the UEFA Cup and the draws they receive look pretty much in their favor. All are still in the Coupe de France and Bordeaux and PSG are still in the Coupe de la Ligue. They play each other in the semis.

talk2smc

01-02-2009, 09:57 PM

PSG to 3rd:eek:

Bordeaux, Marseille and Lyon all slipping a bit. Juninho with a FK goal:cool:

Yonathan

02-02-2009, 04:43 PM

That piece of shit that is called Frédéric Piquionne really sucks he was the one who were destroying Lyon chanses of winning over ASSE.(not that I really care about Lyon), Anyway the league is still very open and I think that Bordeaux is going to win the league they are really hungry now and with the new zidane (Gourcuff) they were robbed against LOSC yesterday they've you should have won the match but Frau was offside in the last goal for LOSC and the ref dindn't see that:mad:

talk2smc

05-02-2009, 12:14 AM

Bordeaux to the Coupe de la Ligue Final.
Diawara:eek:, great pass from Jussie too. and no joke going to Paris and putting 3 up with 2 pretty strong lineups from both sides.

TheLionLyon

05-02-2009, 02:11 AM

Bordeaux to the Coupe de la Ligue Final.
Diawara:eek:, great pass from Jussie too. and no joke going to Paris and putting 3 up with 2 pretty strong lineups from both sides.

You should be more impressed with Vannes. Just turned professional and already in a cup final. Not to mention, they are the first club to start from the first round and reach Paris. I think Bordeaux will send them back home crying but I am very much impressed. I also believe they are guaranteed to play in the Europa League next year if Bordeaux finish in the European spots in Ligue 1 if they win or lose in the final.

Yonathan

05-02-2009, 02:48 PM

Wait till the next season when the guys from north will take you all down:D:D

And btw what a suprising move Julien Sablé to Nice why did he leave lens he was one of my fav player there with KMP, Nenad Kovacvic:(

talk2smc

09-02-2009, 01:33 AM

TheLionLyon

09-02-2009, 02:38 AM

some comical goals today:p
Benzema's v Nice was funny as the whole defensive line waved for offside on Juninho it looked like, not sure. but Karim just waltzed in between them and sent it home.

everytime i watch him, he really does finish very very well. i know the time for him to leave is soon according to Lyon, him, and Aulus etc, but man...love watching him play.

and Bordeaux's OG was almost as good as Cicinho's for Roma v Bologna a few months back. gave the keeper no chance:o

That game was funny. From Makoun's two goals, to the Nice players messing with Lloris, to Adeilson's red card on Benzema. I need a gif of that last one. ALl the top clubs next week play minnows, but a victory is not guranteed.

talk2smc

15-02-2009, 07:07 PM

Toulouse to 3rd
PSG to second

me=:eek:

TheLionLyon

15-02-2009, 10:37 PM

Toulouse to 3rd
PSG to second

me=:eek:

Makes me fell even more sorry for Gignac. 15 goals, 24 apperances. Scored the game winner today. Stupid Domenech. :mad:

talk2smc

16-02-2009, 12:36 AM

Makes me fell even more sorry for Gignac. 15 goals, 24 apperances. Scored the game winner today. Stupid Domenech. :mad:

yea, im hoping he earns a move soon if he wants one. so impressive this year, and that goal was cooly taken.

as was yet another Junihno FK:cool:

drac78

16-02-2009, 11:11 AM

Gignac to join Lyon next season? :p He'd be a quality signing imo with Benzema very likely to leave next season and Piquionne being crap

Yonathan

16-02-2009, 04:20 PM

Gignac to join Lyon next season? :p He'd be a quality signing imo with Benzema very likely to leave next season and Piquionne being crap

Yes I agree with you that it would be a great move and it's a shame that Domenech doesn't give him a chance in the NT:mad:
Is Mr Domenech blind or something:confused: he should kick out Vieira, Gallas and Anelka ( I know that he has played good in Chelsea but Gignac and Hoarau has played good too and I'm not impressed with Anelka when he plays for the NT).
So why not give a chance to the youngsters + Frey who should be the 1st keeper in the NT.
For example give these players a chance Rémy, Hoarau, Gignac, Cabaye (plays for Lille:mad: but good).

drac78

17-02-2009, 03:22 PM

Yes I agree with you that it would be a great move and it's a shame that Domenech doesn't give him a chance in the NT:mad:
Is Mr Domenech blind or something:confused: he should kick out Vieira, Gallas and Anelka ( I know that he has played good in Chelsea but Gignac and Hoarau has played good too and I'm not impressed with Anelka when he plays for the NT).
So why not give a chance to the youngsters + Frey who should be the 1st keeper in the NT.
For example give these players a chance Rémy, Hoarau, Gignac, Cabaye (plays for Lille:mad: but good).

Yea but don't forget the Ligue 1 is not on the same level as the other big leagues, it's not because a player is doing well in Ligue 1 that he will perform well in important international matches too. Just look at Elmander, he was one of the best strikers in Ligue 1 and now he's just an average player in the premier league. And then you also have players who suck even in Ligue 1 yet they get called up to the NT (Boumsong:rolleyes:)

Still, I wouldn't mind seeing Gignac or Hoarau given a chance with the NT:)

TheLionLyon

17-02-2009, 06:48 PM

Yea but don't forget the Ligue 1 is not on the same level as the other big leagues, it's not because a player is doing well in Ligue 1 that he will perform well in important international matches too. Just look at Elmander, he was one of the best strikers in Ligue 1 and now he's just an average player in the premier league. And then you also have players who suck even in Ligue 1 yet they get called up to the NT (Boumsong:rolleyes:)

Still, I wouldn't mind seeing Gignac or Hoarau given a chance with the NT:)

Elmander was nothing special, IMO. He has nothing on Gignac. Gignac's is only 7 goals away, in one season, from the total league goals Elmander scored in his two seasons with Toulouse. The problem isn't whether or not these players like Gignac, Hoarau, Obraniak, Mathieu, Didot, etc., can play consistently on the international scene, the problem is they aren't given a chance and that's all on Domenech.

Since EURO 2008, how many new players has Domenech called up. No more than five............Gourcuff, Fanni, Savidan, Briand, Clichy, and Sinama-Pongolle. All the other top national sides have consistently called up new players. Del Bosque called up Pique (who was praised for his performance), Sergio Busquets, a kid who isn't even a professional squad player for Barca (based on his number), Domenech wouldn't have the balls to call up a player like that, and Llorente. Germany calls up a whole slew of new players every FIFA date. I am seriously hoping Domenech gets fired. It's starting to get pathetic.

talk2smc

17-02-2009, 09:44 PM

that is an interesting point.

i think many NT's used the months after Euro 08 to call up a few new players to see how they would do in time for WC qualifiers with the aim of taking some or all of those new players to South Africa.

Italy called up Rossi, Pepe, Dossena, Quagliarella to a degree, Palombo, Montolivo, D'Agostino, off the top of my head.

as you said, Germany, Spain, England, among a host of other nations have experimented with several other players/formations.

as for performances in Ligue I, agreed that sometimes players flourish there, but not in other more competitive leagues, but then again, Ligue I has also exported plenty of solid talent that is world class now.
as for Gignac, i agree, far better than Elmander, and hoping he catches an eye for Italy;)

talk2smc

22-02-2009, 09:18 PM

Bordeaux really reeling now. anyone see Matuidi's goal :eek:
was shocked that PSG couldnt get more than a draw from Grenoble either.

Lyon starting to show their class now at the top

Yonathan

23-02-2009, 03:46 PM

A question for all... What do you think of Benoît Pedretti? I know that he was a big flop in both Lyon and l'om but since I'm not a big fan of l'AJA I haven't seen a match in where he plays for like 3 years or so. But does he play as good as he played in Sochaux? Now when he plays for Auxerre. Thanks if anyone answers:)

drac78

23-02-2009, 05:35 PM

Bordeaux really reeling now. anyone see Matuidi's goal :eek:
was shocked that PSG couldnt get more than a draw from Grenoble either.

Lyon starting to show their class now at the top

Yea stunning goal by Matuidi! I'm not surprised Bordeaux couldn't beat St Etienne, I watched St Etienne's game against Olympiakos last week and they looked like a really solid team, I can't see them getting relegated this season.

As for Pedretti, I have no idea how he is doing now, tbh I'm watching less and less ligue 1, I only watch the highlights of the games every week.. I wanted to watch yesterday's big game (Lille-Monaco) but I stopped after 30min or so it was just plain boring, same goes for last week's big game (Marseille-Monaco)....boring. Maybe Monaco have something to do with the fact that those games were boring I dunno :p

TheLionLyon

23-02-2009, 08:41 PM

Yea stunning goal by Matuidi! I'm not surprised Bordeaux couldn't beat St Etienne, I watched St Etienne's game against Olympiakos last week and they looked like a really solid team, I can't see them getting relegated this season.

As for Pedretti, I have no idea how he is doing now, tbh I'm watching less and less ligue 1, I only watch the highlights of the games every week.. I wanted to watch yesterday's big game (Lille-Monaco) but I stopped after 30min or so it was just plain boring, same goes for last week's big game (Marseille-Monaco)....boring. Maybe Monaco have something to do with the fact that those games were boring I dunno :p

The "big match" is usually already scheduled before the season even starts. The only way the LFP changes the schedule is if there is a more entertaining match or there is a match with repercussions pertaining to it. For example, depending on what happens up until March 7, the LFP might move the Toulouse/Bordeaux match into the late Sunday match slot. There's was no point in moving the Bordeaux or Marseille match up because most people probably expected them to win easily. It is a shame that neither PSG, Bordeaux, or Marseille could win. We are going to pull away easily.

Pedretti is a good player, was never going to be great, just good. He actually had a solid season at Marseille. It was his time at Lyon that dropped him off. He's been consistent at Auxerre, but Auxerre, as a club, aren't really that good.

Yonathan

24-02-2009, 07:43 AM

Thanks drac78 and the TheLionLyon:)

A big shock.... Lyon is going to lawsuit Fred:eek:

talk2smc

27-02-2009, 10:43 PM

the whole Fred saga over now, http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=622906&sec=europe&cc=5901

pretty good trophy haul for hardly ever playing:p

TheLionLyon

01-03-2009, 10:59 PM

Crappy draw for us and Benzema picked up an injury and had to be stretchered off, probably for precaution. Marseille, PSG, and Bordeaux all won. 12 matchdays left. Le Classique in two weeks.

talk2smc

02-03-2009, 03:50 PM

just got done watching the PSG/Nancy match
great match:) what a goal from Feret!

drac78

02-03-2009, 04:53 PM

Finally a "big game" that is not boring:p Nice goal by Källström, he should play more often imo just like Pjanic who can be an amazing player if he fulfills his potential. I'd drop Ederson for the return leg against Barça.

just got done watching the PSG/Nancy match
great match:) what a goal from Feret!

yea nice goal, Landreau should've done better though. Nancy should stop trying to use the offside trap on free kicks:D

talk2smc

04-03-2009, 11:00 PM

PSG AND holders Lyon knocked out of the French Cup:eek::eek::eek: at least Lyon lost to Ligue I competition:o:o:o

TheLionLyon

05-03-2009, 03:21 AM

two straight matches..........two late goals. Just the league and hopefully the CL now. I know Alain Perrin is laughing.

talk2smc

07-03-2009, 08:18 PM

Toulouse...:cool:

what a miss by Keita!

TheLionLyon

07-03-2009, 11:07 PM

Toulouse...:cool:

what a miss by Keita!

Keita is just pathetic. That miss was only made up 10% of his horrible performance. No Barcelona for him I pray, hell, I wouldn't mind him missing the rest of the season. Funny, he's the most expensive player Lyon's ever purchased. What a waste of money. Play Delgado and Ederson on the wings.

talk2smc

08-03-2009, 01:41 AM

Keita is just pathetic. Funny, he's the most expensive player Lyon's ever purchased. What a waste of money.

didnt know he was the most expensive. pretty poor if you ask me.

hugely important matchday tho. PSG move to within a point, and Toulouse hammered Bordeaux to move up as well.

exciting finish im hoping for:) would love to see Makelele take PSG from what...15th and 16th the past 2 years, to champions:o

TheLionLyon

08-03-2009, 03:02 AM

didnt know he was the most expensive. pretty poor if you ask me.

hugely important matchday tho. PSG move to within a point, and Toulouse hammered Bordeaux to move up as well.

exciting finish im hoping for:) would love to see Makelele take PSG from what...15th and 16th the past 2 years, to champions:o

Yeah, Maka's is unbelievably consistent. He looks like he can play forever. Also, don't forget Guily, 7 goals, including the GW today. Both players leaving your two fav clubs have been bright spots for PSG.

talk2smc

08-03-2009, 03:06 AM

Yeah, Maka's is unbelievably consistent. He looks like he can play forever. Also, don't forget Guily, 7 goals, including the GW today. Both players leaving your two fav clubs have been bright spots for PSG.

indeed. tho Guily was never settled in Rome. really surprised all the comments that came out after the move to PSG. i think he just missed home alot. but he is one i wished stayed. cant say we couldnt have used him off the bench a bit already this season for some scoring. just watched the goal again, a real beauty, on his right foot no less:o

and Maka is truly ridiculous. guy is amazing. as i said, wouldnt mind seeing them pip your lot:o and would love seeing Toulouse finishing quite high as well, they are having a magnificent season

maybe some of you lot can help me out- i watched a few of Toulouse's matches earlier this campaign, but lately havent been able to watch them in full- just extended highlights. but in the Bordeaux match it seemed Mathieu was playing, almost like a LW, as an attacking option. ive seen him play as perhaps a LM, but he was waaay up there. im used to seeing him as a LB.
several italian clubs, including Roma have been interested in him in the past, just wondered if you guys have seen him more as a LM/LW or a defender. i rate him pretty well tho, like his style of play. cheers:)

TheLionLyon

08-03-2009, 08:27 PM

maybe some of you lot can help me out- i watched a few of Toulouse's matches earlier this campaign, but lately havent been able to watch them in full- just extended highlights. but in the Bordeaux match it seemed Mathieu was playing, almost like a LW, as an attacking option. ive seen him play as perhaps a LM, but he was waaay up there. im used to seeing him as a LB.
several italian clubs, including Roma have been interested in him in the past, just wondered if you guys have seen him more as a LM/LW or a defender. i rate him pretty well tho, like his style of play. cheers:)

Mathieu can play everywhere along the left. Left back, wing back, Left mid, and left winger.

talk2smc

08-03-2009, 08:47 PM

Mathieu can play everywhere along the left. Left back, wing back, Left mid, and left winger.

never had seen him up that far. :o

makes me want him for Roma even more now, but latest ive heard is he wants out at the end of the year, and Genoa popped in a considerable offer.

TheLionLyon

08-03-2009, 09:55 PM

never had seen him up that far. :o

makes me want him for Roma even more now, but latest ive heard is he wants out at the end of the year, and Genoa popped in a considerable offer.

Yeah, he actually started his career at Sochaux as a midfielder. Underrated FK taker too.

It's going to be up to Mathieu. He is free this summer. All four big French clubs (Marseille, PSG, Lyon, and Bordeaux) want him and Mathieu was close to going to Bordeaux this past summer and has said he wants to play there, but money talks, so clubs in Italy and the Premier League have a shot.

talk2smc

14-03-2009, 03:08 AM

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=627656&sec=england&cc=5901

good news to hear from the youngster, no reason he needs to go anywhere, let only rush a move.

TheLionLyon

14-03-2009, 04:43 AM

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=627656&sec=england&cc=5901

good news to hear from the youngster, no reason he needs to go anywhere, let only rush a move.

Meh, I am not convinced. Football is a business. He can say what he wants. It only matters when the time comes and that's this summer. We're not truly guaranteed Champions League play next season, or Europa League for that matter, partly due to our recent form, so that might significantly change his mind. It's interesting he said it doesn't matter whether France qualifies for the World Cup or not like that has something to do with him leaving Lyon. I've got my suspicions. Wouldn't put anything past Domenech.

Yonathan

14-03-2009, 10:32 AM

Good for him stay in OL so he could develoup into a very very good player, he is very smart.
A advise to OL sell Mensah and Kader Keita, and buy Michel Bastos (they need a winger and Govou is good but he's getting 30 soon and Ederson is the new Juninho and Juninho has said that the next season is his last so Ederson will take his position and Delgado could play right winger so Bastos could play left winger) and buy Breno/Kolodin of Dynamo Moscow. And buy a young good forward like Keirison, Aquafresca or Gignac so when Benzema gets injured they could replace him with those players instead for Piquionne That's my opinion;)

So buy:
Kolodin
Breno
Gignac or Keirison or Aquafresca
Michel Bastos

Sell:
Govou
Mensah
Keita
Santos

OL Team 2009: (my team)

Lloris

Clerc--------Kolodin/Breno-------Cris------------Grosso

Toulalan---------Makoun

Delgado-----------Ederson-----------------Bastos

Benzema

talk2smc

15-03-2009, 08:06 PM

PSG to go tops with a win today:)

Yonathan

15-03-2009, 08:08 PM

Guys go to fr.justin.tv if you want to see PSG vs l'om:);)

TheLionLyon

15-03-2009, 10:59 PM

Guys go to fr.justin.tv if you want to see PSG vs l'om:);)

I think this is illegal on fbtz. Anyway, just watch the match. First half was great. Red card in second half took the fun out of it, though the red card was legit. Funny goal celebration with Zenden and Brandao.

It's a 6 team race now with 10 matches left. Toulouse play PSG next week, next sunday, same time, so that's a big one.

talk2smc

15-03-2009, 11:28 PM

yea, Zenden falling gave me a good laugh, but im sure OM fans wont care:o

been a long time since we've seen this close a race this late in Ligue I:)

drac78

16-03-2009, 10:00 AM

wow things are not looking really good for Lyon now, they're lucky they're still at the top of the league, tbh I'm not surprised, you're not gonna win anything with Cris and Boumsong in defence, add to that Grosso who's not exactly the best left back in the world...anyway good win for Marseille :cool:

postalemirates

16-03-2009, 05:00 PM

That's a bit harsh on Cris, he's a good defender. Boumsong on the other hand - well let's just leave it there. The main problem at Lyon is their somewhat dodgy defence (we miss squillaci) and attacking support for Benzema. Keita is shit - add Piquonne to that also. Also, Bodmer, toulalan and Makoun cannot play all together despite what the manager might think. At Lille, Bodmer played as the creative midfielder but Juninho, Ederson and Kallastrom currently occupy that spot.

fidelkastro

17-03-2009, 07:43 AM

... Funny goal celebration with Zenden and Brandao...

how Brandao feels himself there?

drac78

17-03-2009, 10:20 AM

how Brandao feels himself there?

He is still adapting I guess, it must be difficult as he doesn't speak French, btw he had a nice assist on Marseille's 1st goal :

v/HSsNKhpnW-A&feature=related

Anyway, I just saw Marseille were interested in Amr Zaki he would be a great signing!:cool:

That's a bit harsh on Cris, he's a good defender. Boumsong on the other hand - well let's just leave it there. The main problem at Lyon is their somewhat dodgy defence (we miss squillaci) and attacking support for Benzema. Keita is shit - add Piquonne to that also. Also, Bodmer, toulalan and Makoun cannot play all together despite what the manager might think. At Lille, Bodmer played as the creative midfielder but Juninho, Ederson and Kallastrom currently occupy that spot.

Yea Cris is not a bad player but he's just not Champions League winning material, he's too mistake-prone (see the games against Barça). I agree about Keita though

TheLionLyon

19-03-2009, 06:54 AM

Yea Cris is not a bad player but he's just not Champions League winning material, he's too mistake-prone (see the games against Barça). I agree about Keita though

Cris is legit, though his age is catching up on him (See that Jimmy Briand goal a few weeks ago). From watching matches this season, apart from injuries and our weak defense, we don't have a decent amount of consistent goalscorers. It's basically Benzema then..............a holding mid in Makoun. Juninho is going to get his free kicks, but other than that, we have no other source, other than the occasional goal from <insert name here>. If Benzema is serious on his decision to remain next year, we need to sign another striker to compliment him, not some Ligue 1 "star", ala Gignac, Hoarau because I am getting tired of Aulas signing Ligue 1's top players every season and expecting the squad to accomplish something in Europe. Why we didn't sign Ricardo Oliviera, I have no clue.

postalemirates

19-03-2009, 08:35 AM

If Benzema is serious on his decision to remain next year, we need to sign another striker to compliment him, not some Ligue 1 "star", ala Gignac, Hoarau because I am getting tired of Aulas signing Ligue 1's top players every season and expecting the squad to accomplish something in Europe. Why we didn't sign Ricardo Oliviera, I have no clue.

Good point. I had no idea the club was linked to Oliviera before he joined Real Betis. It's hard for me to see Alaus signing a non-Ligue 1 star to partner Benzema up front. All the non-ligue 1 stars want to move to Europe's top leagues (and by leagues, i mean the Prem), so it's a tad hard to entice them to the french league. Lately, i've been thinking about Vagner Love (CSKA Mosxow) partnering up Benzema. Both strikers are amazing goal poachers and i feel will compliment each other very well. Also, Love will prolly cost the same or a bit more than amount as Gignac or Hoarau (a la 20mil) and if things don't work out, can be sold for just about the same price. It's a win-win situation.

Any comments?

TheLionLyon

22-03-2009, 09:01 PM

Toulouse getting physical just minutes in. Going to be an interesting match

Edit: GOAL Toulouse. Bergougnoux. Poor defending by PSG

talk2smc

22-03-2009, 09:47 PM

3-0 at half, a rout it seems.

TheLionLyon

22-03-2009, 10:01 PM

3-0 at half, a rout it seems.

Gignac strikes again. What's going on with the top of our league. IN no particular order:

Lille defeats Lyon
Lyon over Toulouse
Toulouse humiliates PSG
PSG embarrasses Lyon
Lyon wins over Marseille
Marseille defeats Bordeaux
Bordeaux defeats Toulouse
Toulouse win in rematch over Bordeaux
Bordeaux destroys PSG (twice in league and cup)
PSG humiliates Marseille
Marseille beats PSG
PSG wins in rematch Bordeaux

Gotta love the parity.

talk2smc

28-03-2009, 12:27 AM

TheLionLyon

28-03-2009, 01:35 AM

hey guys...

you know of any imminent players leaving Ligue I for Italy in the offseason...
i know Mathieu has been rumored to possibly Genoa, Roma tracked him a long time, wondering if Gignac has hinted anything:o (fingers crossed).
of course Milan could exercise bringing Gourcuff back, even if just to sell him off right away for quite the profit. heard a few whisperings of Bastos of Lille as well.

in news the other way, ive read musings of Milito going to Lyon, Menez seems unhappy one minute and happy the next at Roma so he could return.

A few come to mind. These players have been link to moves to Itay since the season began:

Kevin Monnet-Paquet: Juventus, Fiorentina
Sofiane Feghouli: Internazionale
Yohan Cabaye: Lazio
Yannis Salibur: Roma, Udinese, Torino
Jean II Makoun: Internazionale
Michael Chretien: Fiorentina
Guillaume Hoarau: Juventus
Jerome Rothen: Juvventus
Mamadou Sakho: Juventus, Milan
Loic Perrin: Juventus

I doubt any of these will occur, but this is the most I've heard or read about. As for Gignac, I see him making a move to a bigger French club, however, if a big and decent European club comes calling, I'm sure he'd jump at the oppurtunity.

talk2smc

28-03-2009, 01:48 AM

Pele of Le Mans too for Roma i forgot to mention...
hmm, seems its the natural "every player linked with Juve" mentality.

Leggster

12-04-2009, 09:49 PM

oooo Monaco level with Lyon...... Title race getting exciting, comon Monaco you can hold it for another 3 mins

TheLionLyon

12-04-2009, 10:01 PM

oooo Monaco level with Lyon...... Title race getting exciting, comon Monaco you can hold it for another 3 mins

2-2 draw. Haven't seen 2nd in awhile. Keita is simply awful. No way he's back next year. Cris is officially over the hill in terms of defense. Park, Pino, Mollo and Leko ran fences around him and our entire back 4 in general. I don't know if it was Monaco or our shitty defense and play. What does Pjanic have to do to get our there? :mad: Not even thinking about what goes to happen next week with proven guys in Wendel, Gourcuff, Caveneghi (though I think he's hurt), Chamakh, and Gouffran. Even though Gouffran has been inconsistent this season, with the way we are playing, he might look like Ronaldo out there.

drac78

12-04-2009, 11:01 PM

ouch Lyon! I was really expecting you to win this one, Monaco are awful. I didn't watch the game but I guess Lloris can't save your ass every week. Now, it's up to Marseille not to screw up...allez l'OM :cool:

Yonathan

14-04-2009, 09:08 AM

Yeah it is going to be very very interesting now! But remember l'om is going to meet Toulouse soon I think that that match is going to be a very big match, that match could infact change the whole title race.

talk2smc

20-04-2009, 10:35 PM

that loss hurt Lyon, but there is time.
still cant believe the competitiveness in the top 6 of Ligue I this year, im loving it as a neutral.
(tho ive always had a soft spot for PSG as most of you know:o, not the politicized racist lot, but just the football in the capital, amazing run this year:))

talk2smc

03-05-2009, 01:29 AM

TheLionLyon

03-05-2009, 03:33 AM

certainly over for Lyon now...interesting that Aulus has said he wont sack Puel...
they need to be careful about those CL spots too..

Marseille and Bordeaux to fight it out for the title...still interesting at the bottom too...

As I said in the other thread, Aulas can't sack Puel for a variety of reasons. The main one being stability and the fact that firing Puel will make Aulas look like a mad dictator considering he fired a guy who won the double last year and was only eliminated from the CL by one goal against the club that eventually went on to win it. We're sort of in the same situation as Bayern, except Bayern has wayyyyy more money, support, backing, and history. But saying all that, I think Aulas will highly consider firing Puel and replacing him with Gerets, who is supposedly leaving Marseille at the end of the season to accept a job in the Gulf.

Back to the match, horrible performance. Puel had the chance to play a more attacking lineup with Juninho injured and Makoun out and he still went with two DMs. It's really hard to give VFC the credit of beating Lyon because we have simply been atrocious the past few weeks. If PSG beats Rennes, we're in trouble. Gignac got a brace against Marseille. Too bad they let Marseille get a goal a minute later after his second. Oh and Le Havre will be relegated tomorrow.

talk2smc

03-05-2009, 06:16 PM

bit of a break for Lyon, with PSG losing 1-0 to Rennes...

drac78

04-05-2009, 11:27 AM

As I said in the other thread, Aulas can't sack Puel for a variety of reasons. The main one being stability and the fact that firing Puel will make Aulas look like a mad dictator considering he fired a guy who won the double last year and was only eliminated from the CL by one goal against the club that eventually went on to win it. We're sort of in the same situation as Bayern, except Bayern has wayyyyy more money, support, backing, and history. But saying all that, I think Aulas will highly consider firing Puel and replacing him with Gerets, who is supposedly leaving Marseille at the end of the season to accept a job in the Gulf.

Gerets would be awesome for you! I'm sure Aulas would provide him with financial support unlike Robert Louis Dreyfus. I hope you get him, it would be a shame to lose him to Saudi Arabia :(

drac78

05-05-2009, 11:35 AM

Didier Deschamps is the new coach of Marseille, good choice imo, who's gonna replace Domenech when he gets sacked though? :(

TheLionLyon

05-05-2009, 09:23 PM

Didier Deschamps is the new coach of Marseille, good choice imo, who's gonna replace Domenech when he gets sacked though? :(

Wenger. LMAO

Edit: First Gerets, now Le Guen. Marseille and PSG haven't seen league success in such a long time, they're panicking. Maybe Casanova or Lacombe next. Le Guen might be looking at the NT job.

drac78

06-05-2009, 11:09 AM

Wenger. LMAO

Edit: First Gerets, now Le Guen. Marseille and PSG haven't seen league success in such a long time, they're panicking. Maybe Casanova or Lacombe next. Le Guen might be looking at the NT job.

Puel next and Domenech to Lyon, how about that? :D

Yonathan

16-05-2009, 09:52 AM

Lens Back In Ligue 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

talk2smc

16-05-2009, 12:51 PM

Lens Back In Ligue 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

congrats guy:)

TheLionLyon

17-05-2009, 10:17 PM

One point behind Marseille, four ahead of PSG. A Bordeaux slip up, which I doubt, would be great.

talk2smc

17-05-2009, 10:36 PM

Junihno= magic.
:)

drac78

18-05-2009, 12:38 PM

Junihno= magic.
:)

and Mandanda = poor :p

Yonathan

18-05-2009, 03:17 PM

and Mandanda = poor :p

Mandanda isn't poor:p Infact he should wiht l'om for another 1 or 2 years and then maybe go to Milan, Arsenal or Man Utd.

drac78

18-05-2009, 03:53 PM

Mandanda isn't poor:p Infact he should wiht l'om for another 1 or 2 years and then maybe go to Milan, Arsenal or Man Utd.

lol I know I was just kidding, but I still think he should have done better on Juninho's free kick, Lloris has been more impressive than Mandanda recently, he should be given a chance with the National team imo

Yonathan

19-05-2009, 03:21 PM

lol I know I was just kidding, but I still think he should have done better on Juninho's free kick, Lloris has been more impressive than Mandanda recently, he should be given a chance with the National team imo
yeah i knew that you were just kidding.

TheLionLyon

23-05-2009, 11:20 PM

Early congratulations to Bordeaux. Though Lyon and Marseille practically kept them in the chase, they still did what they were suppose to do. Two things for Bordeaux to keep in mind. KEEP GOURCUFF!. Sell Caveneghi if you have to, but keep Yoan is paramount. And don't let Blanc go anywhere, well maybe if Domenech is fired. :)

Lens Back In Ligue 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats. Lately Lens have sucked. Good thing they got all those early victories. It will be interested to see who gets the other two promotion places. I gambled on Montpellier (who play 2nd place Strasbourg) and Boulogne.

talk2smc

24-05-2009, 12:00 AM

early congratulations indeed, and agreed, continued success dependent on Blanc and Gourcuff. seems Milan will have quite a choice to make.
i dont think he can replicate this form in Milan, hes not comfortable there. but he is quite the player.

PSG throwing things away late on...good on Toulouse, Gignac...so good. really want him at Roma.:o

TheLionLyon

24-05-2009, 07:51 PM

Awards for the season

Meilleur joueur de Ligue 1
Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux)

Meilleur gardien de Ligue 1
Hugo Lloris (Lyon)

Meilleur espoir de Ligue 1
Eden Hazard (Lille)

Meilleur entraîneur de Ligue 1
Eric Gerets (Marseille)

Equipe-type de Ligue 1
Hugo Lloris (Lyon) - Rod Fanni (Rennes), Victorino Hilton (Marseille), Souleymane Diawara (Bordeaux), Taye Taiwo (Marseille) - Benoît Cheyrou (Marseille), Michel Bastos (Lille), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Stéphane Sessegnon (Paris SG) - Guillaume Hoarau (Paris SG), André-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse).

Meilleur joueur de Ligue 2
Paul-Claudel Alo'O Efoulou (Angers)

Meilleur gardien de Ligue 2
Vedran Runje (RC Lens)

Meilleur entraîneur de Ligue 2
Philippe Montanier (Boulogne-sur-Mer)

Equipe-type de Ligue 2
Vedran Runje (Lens) - Yohan Demont (Lens), Eric Chelle (Lens), Laurent Koscielny (Tours), Marco Ramos (Lens) - Bocundji Ca (Tours), Renaud Cohade (Strasbourg), Victor Hugo Montano Caicedo (Montpellier), Alberto Facundo Costa (Montpellier) - Grégory Thil (Boulogne), Paul Claudel Alo'o Efoulou (Angers).

Trophée du plus beau but
(vote du public)
Gourcuff (Bordeaux/PSG)

Arbitres
Antony Gautier
Clément Turpin

Meilleure joueuse
Louisa Necib (Olympique Lyonnais)

Trophée d'honneur
Lilian Thuram

I will say it again, Gourcuff is an amazing talent. If he goes back to Milan, I hope they don't bring down his confidence because it is sky high. He, along with Ribery, Nasri, Ben Arfa, and Benzema, is the closest thing we have to attractive football. Imagine all of them on the pitch at the same time. :eek: No manager would have the balls to do that. That goal Gourcuff scored against PSG that won goal of the season. Speechless! :eek:

v/dI0--mM7Ue4

Sagna - - - Mexes - - - - Gallas/Rami - - - - - Evra

- - - - - - - - - - Toulalan/Diarra - - - - - - - - - -

Ribery - - - - Gourcuff - - - - Nasri - - - - Ben Arfa

- - - - - - - - - - Benzema - - - - - - - - - -

talk2smc

24-05-2009, 07:58 PM

the call on Canal was fantastic as well. :) i agree, going back to Milan means he goes back to old Gourcuff. :(

nice to see Thuram get a honorary award, given that he was all set to play:(

drac78

24-05-2009, 08:10 PM

yea Gourcuff really deserved it, he's by far the best player in Ligue 1 imo, I don't think he wanna go back to Milan but he's just waiting to see if some big clubs are interested in him, otherwise he'll stay at Bordeaux.

Also, I think it's fair to say Gignac will not stay at Toulouse next season, Lyon should really try and get him before Aston Villa do. He and Benzema up front would be lethal :eek:

talk2smc

24-05-2009, 08:12 PM

Also, I think it's fair to say Gignac will not stay at Toulouse next season, Lyon should really try and get him before Aston Villa do. He and Benzema up front would be lethal :eek:

i wish he could to Roma. exactly the type of player we need imo up front. but we will be gun shy going to France after Menez im sure. :(

drac78

24-05-2009, 08:14 PM

the call on Canal was fantastic as well. :) i agree, going back to Milan means he goes back to old Gourcuff. :(

nice to see Thuram get a honorary award, given that he was all set to play:(

you can watch canal + in NYC??

i wish he could to Roma. exactly the type of player we need imo up front. but we will be gun shy going to France after Menez im sure. :(

How has Menez been doing for you? Do you think he'll stay at Roma next season?

talk2smc

24-05-2009, 09:49 PM

you can watch canal + in NYC??

How has Menez been doing for you? Do you think he'll stay at Roma next season?

i was refering to Canal on the youtube link TheLionLyon posted on the Gourcuff goal. i dont speak French so usually i dont go for Canal, but I believe ive gotten via feeds before, sure.

Menez...eh. i like him, and i know Spalletti does as well. but inconsistency in Italy basically to most means you suck. thats a harsh generalization...but basically 2 goals i believe, (big ones tho, winner v Chievo) almost always a substitute, he is forced to play on the wing and not at CF which is a disadvantage.
i like that he will take defenders on, but fans get a bit upset when he does all the dribbling and basically...a better defender tackles it away.

also, his finishing wasnt the best at all. he gets chances and just doesnt score.

i suppose all in all, he wasnt what was delivered, and certainly out of our 4 signings he was second worse. (Baptista, Riise, Menez, Loria)

but i do expect him to stay if Spalletti does, as him and his agent have stated thats the case. if Spalletti goes, im sure he will return to France.

also- on a complete side note. i was thinking today how most people i know who watch football often criticize Ligue I for its lack of competition. yet, EPL title was wrapped up 2 rounds to go, Italy, 3 rounds, Spain 3 or so, Portugal more, the point is the titles were shored up pre the last 2 rounds. only the Bundesliga, and now Ligue I will go down to the last day. hmm.:o

TheLionLyon

25-05-2009, 06:15 AM

Also, I think it's fair to say Gignac will not stay at Toulouse next season, Lyon should really try and get him before Aston Villa do. He and Benzema up front would be lethal :eek:

Gignac has stated he wants to remain at Toulouse next season and has often hinted at signing with Marseille in the near future as they are close to home. Other than the allure of the Premier League and a few extra bucks, what do Aston Villa actually offer Gignac. They offer him European football, yes, but so do Toulouse. All they have to do his draw with Lyon (who won't field a tough squad) next week. As for money, Gignac seems to be happy with his nice contract Toulouse gave him. Just look up is over-spending and gambling troubles, though he's it them behind him. I bet Gignac has informed management that he only wants to hear offers from the Champions League clubs.

i like that he will take defenders on, but fans get a bit upset when he does all the dribbling and basically...a better defender tackles it away.

also, his finishing wasnt the best at all. he gets chances and just doesnt score.

i suppose all in all, he wasnt what was delivered, and certainly out of our 4 signings he was second worse. (Baptista, Riise, Menez, Loria)

but i do expect him to stay if Spalletti does, as him and his agent have stated thats the case. if Spalletti goes, im sure he will return to France.

He was amazing yesterday at Milan. He did what a sub's suppose to do, take advantage of the players who've been out there the whole match. Since I haven't really watched him play that much in the Serie A, I will say he should be given a chance as a consistent starter. Going from being an everyday starter at Monaco to appearing on and off is tough on a player.

talk2smc

25-05-2009, 11:45 AM

He was amazing yesterday at Milan. He did what a sub's suppose to do, take advantage of the players who've been out there the whole match. Since I haven't really watched him play that much in the Serie A, I will say he should be given a chance as a consistent starter. Going from being an everyday starter at Monaco to appearing on and off is tough on a player.

i wouldnt say he was amazing. he took a few players on, and with Favalli and Maldini at CB, a 21-22 yr old should get by them a few times. the goal was nicely taken, but he had an identical run and shot 5 minutes before, and the Milan defense allowed him to do the same thing.

and consistency IS what he needs. but he also needs to realize he isnt playing above Totti, Vucinic or Baptista.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may25b.html
no surprise Gourcuff has stated his desire to stay in France

Yonathan

25-05-2009, 04:33 PM

well, I just have one thing to say and that's CONGRATS FC BORDEAUX!!!!

TheLionLyon

28-05-2009, 05:53 PM

talk2smc

28-05-2009, 09:16 PM

It's official! Good for Bordeaux.

Yoann Gourcuff a signé (http://www.girondins.com/cms/infos/actualites/yoann-gourcuff-a-signe/article.jsp?id=g2_55297&portal=awl_9087)

Gourcuff signs for Bordeaux (http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may28m.html)

Good for the player, good for the club, and good for French football.
Milan doesnt become unsuccessful cultivating too many players, but Gourcuff was just one of those players that never got going in Milan.

glad to see him staying where he can flourish. he had a phenomenal year

TheLionLyon

29-05-2009, 10:35 PM

Three clubs in the Nord next season. Congrats to Montpellier and Boulogne. They deserve it.

Yonathan

30-05-2009, 08:30 AM

It was a while ago since Montpellier played in Ligue 1 so good for them!

http://www.goal.com/en/scores/transfer-zone

Kahlenberg from AJ Auxerre to Wolfsburg surely he's going to replace Misimovic.

drac78

30-05-2009, 11:55 AM

Three clubs in the Nord next season. Congrats to Montpellier and Boulogne. They deserve it.

Great! Metz and Strasbourg don't deserve to play in Ligue 1, especially Metz who always end up relegated when they're in Ligue 1.

talk2smc

30-05-2009, 10:06 PM

as expected, congrats to Bordeaux for taking the title today:)

Bordeaux 80
Marseille 77
Lyon 71
Toulouse 64
Lille 64
PSG 64

goal difference making quite the difference among 4,5,6

Havre we knew, Nantes and Caen go down.

Yonathan

31-05-2009, 09:54 AM

Congrats to Bordeaux.... .... But I just can't wait to see when Lens is going to play in Ligue 1:)

TheLionLyon

04-06-2009, 02:43 AM

Ligue 1 managers dropping like flies. Look like they are playing musical chairs.

drac78

04-06-2009, 12:08 PM

Lille firing Garcia is really ridiculous, and look who's replacing him, Le Guen...:confused: This club is run by morons.

talk2smc

04-06-2009, 09:45 PM

Ligue 1 managers dropping like flies. Look like they are playing musical chairs.

same going on in Italy.

http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/lireArticle.asp?idArticle=13385

some important dates for Ligue I :)

strange move with Lille, Le Guen is an odd character, but i think he should have stayed with PSG, especially after the past 2 seasons they had

talk2smc

11-06-2009, 02:44 AM

http://www.ligue1.com/calendrier_2009_2010/Ligue_1_2009_2010_EN.pdf

fixtures out already:)

Yonathan

11-06-2009, 07:17 AM

http://www.ligue1.com/calendrier_2009_2010/Ligue_1_2009_2010_EN.pdf

fixtures out already:)

Ahh, Bordeaux vs Lens exactly like the the season 07/08 Lens travel south to Bordeaux to meet them in the first round.

drac78

19-06-2009, 12:30 PM

Lille have reinstated Rudy Garcia...a week after having sacked him, what a joke this club is :D

TheLionLyon

05-07-2009, 07:21 PM

Robert Louis-Dreyfus passed away. Just found out and its been almost a day.

talk2smc

06-07-2009, 01:27 AM

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=659047&sec=europe&cc=5901

leave Paris on Monday, back in Paris a week later:p shame for Lille

TheLionLyon

25-07-2009, 10:08 PM

Bordeaux wins second straight TDC. Got a long way to go to catch Lyon. Ha.

TheLionLyon

09-08-2009, 01:16 PM

New season and Lopez saves the day already! :D All scores:

Auxerre 0 - 1 Sochaux

Grenoble 0 - 2 Marseille

Le Mans 2 - 2 Lyon

Monaco 1 - 0 Toulouse

Montpellier 1 - 1 Paris SG

Rennes 3 - 0 Boulogne

Saint-Etienne 0 - 1 Nice

Valenciennes 1 - 3Nancy

anl

09-08-2009, 01:32 PM

Looked Montpellier - Paris SG.
At Parisians in general there is nobody to play a midfield. To create it turned out only at the expense of GIULY and SESSEGNON. In an attack tried ERDING, but the moments practically were not.

drac78

09-08-2009, 01:43 PM

drac78

09-08-2009, 01:50 PM

anl

09-08-2009, 01:55 PM

Don't watch PSG, they are boring, watch Marseille instead :p;)
If would show, with pleasure would look a match with participation of Marseilles. :)

TheLionLyon

09-08-2009, 02:17 PM

Marseille starting strong :cool:, and Lyon...well same as last season, 2 defensive midfielders with Toulalan AND Makoun, Ederson ahead of Kallstrom and Pjanic..Rennes could be this season's surprise team, they have a pretty good squad especially with the addition of Bangoura.

Kallstrom was suspended. He surely would have played last night had he not. Rennes do look good in the attack. Shame they couldn't have reached a comprimise with Damien Le Tallec.

Oh and when Hourau comes back, PSG will be OK. Now Toulouse, you should be concerned about.

Oh an LMAO @ Guingamp. Out of all the clubs they have to face, they get Hamburg. One and done. :o

Yonathan

09-08-2009, 06:17 PM

Bordeaux V Lens hmm.... If Lens win I'll rep everyone that quote this!!

reelone

09-08-2009, 06:36 PM

Kallstrom was suspended. He surely would have played last night had he not. Rennes do look good in the attack. Shame they couldn't have reached a comprimise with Damien Le Tallec.

Oh and when Hourau comes back, PSG will be OK. Now Toulouse, you should be concerned about.

Oh an LMAO @ Guingamp. Out of all the clubs they have to face, they get Hamburg. One and done. :o

Ha, the dream was short lived.:)

Murkurial

09-08-2009, 07:18 PM

Bordeaux V Lens hmm.... If Lens win I'll rep everyone that quote this!!

I hope someone will cap this match. Put in a request in the proper forum but I'm wondering if anyone here that follows Ligue 1 closely caps matches often?

I'd watched a good deal of Ligue 1 last year, not as much as the EPL of course, but Gourcuff's goal against PSG saw me checking it out even more on Setanta and I wanna add it to the list of leagues I'll be following this season (gotta start somewhere...).

Speaking of that goal and game, does anyone know where I can find a cap of that match between Bordeaux and PSG from January 11th?

drac78

09-08-2009, 10:01 PM

Bordeaux V Lens hmm.... If Lens win I'll rep everyone that quote this!!

Bordeaux 4 - 1 Lens :D

TheLionLyon

09-08-2009, 10:03 PM

Bordeaux 4 - 1 Lens :D

Gourcuff picking up where he left off.

talk2smc

09-08-2009, 11:37 PM

TheLionLyon

10-08-2009, 12:50 AM

back to proper football, glad to see some interesting results already, but surely Bordeaux...just acting like they didnt have 3 or so months off at all.

Milan still need to be kicking themselves for Mr. Gourcuff.

glad Ligue I is back tho:)

Yeah, I though he would cool off, but that move he did on that first goal was nice. Don't know if it was his skill or Lens silly defenders. I say, another solid season like last year in the league, another cup to add to his honours, a solid Champions League, and a great World Cup and Bordeaux will easily get 60+ million for him. I can think of a couple of clubs that would be willing to pay that much for him.

Whoah10115

10-08-2009, 12:56 AM

Yeah, I though he would cool off, but that move he did on that first goal was nice. Don't know if it was his skill or Lens silly defenders. I say, another solid season like last year in the league, another cup to add to his honours, a solid Champions League, and a great World Cup and Bordeaux will easily get 60+ million for him. I can think of a couple of clubs that would be willing to pay that much for him.

Are you serious with the price? I know he was great last year and he's still young but that's insane money.

talk2smc

10-08-2009, 12:58 AM

Are you serious with the price? I know he was great last year and he's still young but that's insane money.

i dont think its crazy at all. the reason he doesnt get the exposure is because he plays in France.
i would put maybe 5 or so AMF ahead of him in the world tbh. and if Kaka is getting 60 mil transfers, as TheLionLyon said with a good WC and this year, his value increases.

40+ a minimum i would say if he keeps this up.

Whoah10115

10-08-2009, 01:06 AM

i dont think its crazy at all. the reason he doesnt get the exposure is because he plays in France.
i would put maybe 5 or so AMF ahead of him in the world tbh. and if Kaka is getting 60 mil transfers, as TheLionLyon said with a good WC and this year, his value increases.

40+ a minimum i would say if he keeps this up.

40+ is a lot less than at 60+. I mean if he takes France to the semi-final (not gonna happen with this coach) and he's the player of the tournament then that's one thing. I wouldn't argue he's one of the best. I like him a lot. And there aren't many of his breed around, but in today's football the talent is consolidated so I don't know about that tag. Diego couldn't go for 30 even with all the incentives kicking in and he's only a year older, playing in the Bundesliga, and as of right now is simply better. On top of that he's very higly rated. I think a lot has to happen for Gourcuff to hit that price in a year. I could see him at Chelsea, at United, or Inter. Nowhere else right now, to be honest.

Does he strike anyone as the kind of player who might not be suited to England?

TheLionLyon

10-08-2009, 01:22 AM

40+ is a lot less than at 60+. I mean if he takes France to the semi-final (not gonna happen with this coach) and he's the player of the tournament then that's one thing. I wouldn't argue he's one of the best. I like him a lot. And there aren't many of his breed around, but in today's football the talent is consolidated so I don't know about that tag. Diego couldn't go for 30 even with all the incentives kicking in and he's only a year older, playing in the Bundesliga, and as of right now is simply better. On top of that he's very higly rated. I think a lot has to happen for Gourcuff to hit that price in a year. I could see him at Chelsea, at United, or Inter. Nowhere else right now, to be honest.

Does he strike anyone as the kind of player who might not be suited to England?

Deigo didn't really have the buzz that Gourcuff is generating. Commentators all over the world are saying, not only did he win the league title last year on his own, but he is the answer to our national team problems. I've heard some even say, that in order for us to be successful, the team must adapt to Gourcuff, not the other way around. Like I said, if he impresses in the Champions League (I'm talking about going into say Anfield, Nou Camp, Old Trafford, or the Santiago Bernebeu and completely takes over the match) and has a successful World Cup, which, according to most, is our only chance of winning it, then he's going for max price.

People are already forgetting about the Milan stint saying it's Ancelotti's fault for hindering his development.