Official Football Thread. Season - 13/14

[Francesco]

I remember they bought the French legend Lizarazu back in the day 'cuz he's an ethnic Basque.

The concept of "Basque Country" doesn't match the current Spanish Basque region. It also includes Navarra and the three French Basque provinces (Iparralde). Right now, there is another player from Iparralde, Laporte.

I know... I generally meant the so called ''Basque Country''.
I remember they got Luis Fernández back in the day too. He was the one who dropped Julen Guerrero.

[Guess_Who]

I honestly don't thing that's gonna happen... it's not a big deal though 'cuz all Barca, Real & Atletico have been very consistent for the most part.

LOL... Me neither...

My hat is still down though... it's incredible Athletic plays that good on that level 'cuz they're the only team in all major leagues in Europe, possible the world that only gets players from their own area. This is insane in modern football.

What I'm going to say is going to be incredible unpopular, but I dislike the play with players from their own area only thing.
Political issues aside. And there is lots of this, Calandre knows what I mean. If all the teams did the same, there will be players from areas where football is not important who would never had a chance.

[Guess_Who]

I think is good. It means the club has to invest a lot on its football academy (la cantera).

I agree is good for la cantera. But I think it's more political than any other thing.

Imagine if in Real Madrid, they only wanted Madrid players , in Barça only catalans.......

Imagine if all the clubs did the same, what would happen with players like Cristiano? would he play in Madeira his whole life?........

I would compare it with any other job. Just imagine if we could only work in our hometown because that will be good for the place....I'm probably alone in this, but I don't like that rule of Athletic. Plus they can't even do it, that's the reason the managers are not even vascos. (Spanglish lol)

[Francesco]

LOL... Me neither...

My hat is still down though... it's incredible Athletic plays that good on that level 'cuz they're the only team in all major leagues in Europe, possible the world that only gets players from their own area. This is insane in modern football.

What I'm going to say is going to be incredible unpopular, but I dislike the play with players from their own area only thing.
Political issues aside. And there is lots of this, Calandre knows what I mean. If all the teams did the same, there will be players from areas where football is not important who would never had a chance.

Of course... I know this is more about politics but it's still incredible Athletic has survived that way.
On another note it's very important for any football club in the world to give chances to the young players from their own academies though.
Barca's, Man United's & Roma's strategies are great. They are always active on the market but they never stop giving chances to the players coming from the youth ranks & often their best players come out of their own academies.

[Notalius]

fast foward to 0:34 .. this is by far one of the funniest goal celebrations of all time

[StanBase]

fast foward to 0:34 .. this is by far one of the funniest goal celebrations of all time

[SajN]

FC Barcelona press conference in two hours. Carles Puyol is going to have it.
Wonder if he is announcing his retirement

[Guess_Who]

FC Barcelona press conference in two hours. Carles Puyol is going to have it.
Wonder if he is announcing his retirement

Almost sure it will be his retirement. some media already assumed it will be that.

By the way the "hala Madrid" tattoo of Alen Halilovic was a fake pic.

[Francesco]

FC Barcelona press conference in two hours. Carles Puyol is going to have it.
Wonder if he is announcing his retirement

Almost sure it will be his retirement. some media already assumed it will be that.

He has one more good year left in him to be honest... esp. as he's been a stand in player for the last couple of seasons & hasn't prevented the club's long term plans for an adequate replacement.

[Guess_Who]

FC Barcelona press conference in two hours. Carles Puyol is going to have it.
Wonder if he is announcing his retirement

Almost sure it will be his retirement. some media already assumed it will be that.

He has one more good year left in him to be honest... esp. as he's been a stand in player for the last couple of seasons & hasn't prevented the club's long term plans for an adequate replacement.

It is a shame he has so much problems with his knee, he is a great player. It seems he has a big pain after every game, and they have to extract liquid of his knee every time he plays.

Maybe if he doesn't stop it can have long-term consequences.

[Francesco]

It is a shame he has so much problems with his knee, he is a great player. It seems he has a big pain after every game, and they have to extract liquid of his knee every time he plays.
Maybe if he doesn't stop it can have long-term consequences.

All of us who's had football related injuries more or less deal with them for life but the worst part is to actually keep playing like that. I guess it's about time for him if he's had enough of that... Too bad indeed though.

[SajN]

He has now announced he is leaving at the end of the season.


Carles Puyol, he was a beast. Always gave his 110% and was a worthy captain of the team

We'll miss you

[SajN]

A typical Puyol goal

[Francesco]

The goal that sent us to the final:

He's done so much for Barca & Spain... an absolute legend.

[Guess_Who]

The goal that sent us to the final:

Oh I remember so well this, this are the games that I enjoy, being there suffering in the sofa and suddenly...the goal. Same with Iniesta goal.

I wonder if Puyol will go to Brazil.