Yogic

He wont leave. This is just a small dip in his relationship with Jose. Mourinho is a master at keeping his players happy and there is no way he would let go of Robben - espicially after he has shown what a super talent he is.

Luque is not a striker, he is a left side pacy midfielder - you can call him a winger. 52718[/snapback] In the same sense that Drogba is a right back? FFS people, have you ever watched Spanish football? Have any of you ever actually been to any of the matches? Have any of you even seen Luque play in Spain? I'm seriously doubting it. I've actually seen him in 6 games (I was at the game!) where he played UP FRONT as a STRIKER. His previous club referred to him as a striker. All media refer to him as a striker. He's played most of his career up front. I'm bored of this argument, especially as it's coming from people who obviously know jack shit. *goes to ring Luque to get him to register and settle this once and for all* 52722[/snapback] I have watched a lot of Spanish Football. Let me ask you this, whats Luque's greatest asset? His pace? How would you make most use of that? Play him on the flanks! He might have played as striker before, heck Robben has played as striker before. But, the position in which he can contribute the most is on the left flank. I just said it could be an option and maybe its a good idea. If Owen can adapt well as the lone striker and Souness (if he is around) can understand and put the 4-3-3 to good use then its a formation worth trying with Luque and Solano as the wingers. That way you get to use Dyer Emre and Parker which is a strong side.

Luque is not a striker, he is a left side pacy midfielder - you can call him a winger. With the current squad I would say a 4-4-2 is the best option. Why? Well because two of the biggest strenghts at Newcastle are Sherar and Owen. If they can form an understanding and a good partnership (like Vasell and Cole have at City) then there will be a LOT of goals. To play them in a formation where the do that, is to play them in a 4-4-2. A daimond 4-4-2 will not work, simply because the two main players who provide service are Solano (right) and Luque (left) where Nzogbia is playing now. So to accomodate these players a flat 4-4-2 is whats needed, and thats what Souness is playing. ------Solano--------Parker-------Emre--------Luque/Nzogbia ----------------Sherar---------------Owen If you have a daimond then Parker sits, Solano and Luque are on the sides and Emre at the tip. This could leave you open as Luque and Solano will have to help out a lot in defense, a lot more than they would have to in a flat 4-4-2. But the flat 4-4-2 quickly changes into a makeshift Daimond because Emre does move up the pitch. Once Sherar retires a 4-3-3 looks good on the books. ------Emre--------Parker-------Dyer ---Solano---------Owen----------Luque If Souness can master that formation it would give the team a whole new dimension. Although, im not sure if Owen can play lone striker.

I must say there are some shocking ratings here. I would give Given 8 - was solid Baba- 7 - didnt do much wrong, but needs to improve his movement Boum- 6.9 - cant get myself to give him a 7, he is way off pace and needs massive improvement, he was lucky WBA didnt give him a tough time Taylor- 7.3 was the better of the 2 Ramage- 7.5 Defended well, had a good game for a new comer. Zog- 7 some good skill, but more end product required Emre- 7.8 Played well, still settling in, good passer of the ball Parker- 8 was all over Nobby- 7.5 brought a lot of creativity Owen- 8 two well taken goals, will get better with each game Shola- 5 - POOR Shearer- 7.5 good goal Dyer- 7.5 - Involved and looked good coming back from injury

Congratulations. Solano played well, I think he brings a lot of creative composure to the side. Parker was outstanding, Emre looks to have settled in well .. in a few games he should have pre meditated understanding with Parker. Owen scored some nice goals, him and Sherar predators in the box. Boumsong still hasent shown enough for me, arm band or no arm band he needs a lot of improvement in his game. Poor.

Im not saying Souness is on his way out, but people are talking about Ranieri a possible replacement for Souness if he is fired. Thoughts?

It was the worst Manu performance I have seen for years. They had no clue what hit them. Van Der Sar could have saved the first goal. Rio has been crap this season last night summed it all up for him. Big crisis if you ask me.

Jhonno has been training with a cast on and should play tonight. I seriously think he should go someplace on loan for 6 months and play week in week out, and with Parker at Newcastle he wouldnt have problems fitting in. He is a top player and is very good going forward. You would probably get him at a good price for 6 months, I hope Souness is thinking about this and I hope it happens.

What makes you say you have more 'right' to be in the top 4 than us?

Congratulations boys. I havent watched the game, but will catch hilights this evening. I said in another thread that this was a must win and that Solano and Emre would make all the difference. I hope this is a turn in the right direction and you can string a few good results. Your making your way up into the top 6, where you belong. Cheers and good luck

I think this game can be the turning point for Newcastle. The team will be boosted by the return of Emre and Solano, not to mention Owen and Sherar upfront. I think Parker and Emre in MF with Solano and Nzogbia on the flanks should create opportunaties. French International (!!!) Boommmsonggg needs to get his act straight, I think he has been solely responsible for more than 5 goals and a few loses, along with Souness. BTW - Where are Dyer and Boyer? and what news on Luque?

Ok, I didnt know he was injured as I caught the game a tad late. I dont know how good Elliott is, but ATM anyone would be better than Boumsong. Id say he has been responsible for a good 5 or 6 goals getting in this season. He is clearly not anywhere near good and I cannot understand how he even makes the French side. Where is Bramble? IF Souness stays, or even if he doesnt, I think you will see a defender or two bought in the Summer. That along with a striker and an OMF and you should be equipped for a top 6 - if you arent already.

I would have played 3 at the back. Kept Parker in front of them. Boyer and N'Zogbia given the license to attack with Emre playing centrally between Parker and the front 2 ---------------------------Given -------Taylor-------------Elliott------------Carr ---------------------------Parkar ------Boyer---------------Emre--------------------N'Zognia ----------------------------Sherar --------------Owen----------------------Ameobi - I dont understand how Boumsong even makes the French side, and to accommodate him as CB, Gallas has to play LB. Gallas having to play out of position for Boumsong!?!? Thats ridiculous. I think Souness needs to sit him out for a few games and have him man mark Sherar in training. Once Sherar teaches him a lesson or two he might get upto mark. I agree with you about Ameobi, I dont think he should be in the first 11 or even in the reserves, IMO he just isnt good enough to play football and would get lucky to play for a 2nd or 3rd division side. He has no natural footballing instincts and cannot even run with the ball - forget score. I dont understand what Souness is upto, perhaps he was the wrong pick. Freddy Shepp has put in a lot of money and its sad to see the team lose. Many might say that he doesnt have his first 11, but using Luque and Solanos absence as an excuse for a loss is not the done thing. He better turn things around otherwise I can see the sack coming soon.

Owen is in somewhat good form, he seems to have gotten some of his pace back and his touches are improving. Hes also playing better in the box with his back to goal. I hope Emre is on the bench and Souness does not decide to take 'chances' by starting him. Boum, Parker and Owen will be the crucial players in this game .. not to mention Given. Will be watching it so will post an analysis after Cheers and good luck

It really depends on the fixture list. Dont look for Chelsea caus I watch the game and know the result So .. id say 1. Manu as they are close competition and its good to know where they stand 2. Charlton,Spurs,Newcastle, City and Liverpool - always interested in how they perform 3. Boro, Brum, Everton - and Arsenal to see if they have lost again Not really though, all depends on whos playing who.

Didnt really know where to put this ... anyway, just uploaded a compilation for a friend Mohamed Zidane http://s58.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=23UNG0N...1J03T3JZHKFE3P2 Enjoy

Can't agree with that like, tbh I'm getting ab it bored with the anti-Beckham agenda over the past coupleof years. Beckham is still class, he still produces in an England shirt. I don't know what Owen has done wrong either like, he looked sharp on Saturday imo. You could put that team out and you'd get the same result as Saturday, the problem is imo that Sven hasn't got any bottle and has got tehm playing far too cautiously. We are no longer an attacking team, we're a soak it up and counter team with the problem being we're shit at it. Having an excellent back four and hardworking midfield means we'll not conceed many though, so we get away it. 44385[/snapback] Yep, good post. Anyone who thinks that Beckham is past it should watch him in a Real Madrid shirt - best player in Spain this season by a mile. I was only including the players who played on Saturday by the way - obviously Rooney is world class too. 44407[/snapback] Well I agree about Spain. He has been instrumental in all Real wins this season and apart from assisting 98% of the goals with super balls in he has also put in a good work rate. BUT and this is where it might hurt, he is yet to produce such a performance for England - I havent seen it in last many games. IF Beckham is to play it should be wide right and no other spot, that means its a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3. Another big problem is the fact that Lampard and Gerrard cannot play together, both great players but due to the absence of a DMF they cant play their game. Sven either needs to drop Beckham, or drop either Lampard or Gerrard - none of which he has the balls to do. If there is ONE out and out DMF then whoever he picks - DB, FL, SG, JC - would have freedom and some movement. -- As for Joe Cole not being 'World Class' - he might not be there as yet, but he is on the right track - and that ill assure you.

The term 'World Class' has been abused and has been shown no respect in recent times. What does 'World Class' mean? You ask a Scouser and he will say "Oh Garcia is World Class". That is a bunch of bullshit. The fellow cant even play slightly out of position. He gives the ball away faster than candy to kids. I would imagine a 'World Class' player is one who has the following (in no particular order) (1) A few trophies (2) A lot of talent (3) Hunger and eagerness + workrate (4) Something special (5) A team player and a winner (6) Ability to adapt to different situations, leagues, tactis and positions Im sure iv missed out a few points, but that isnt important, whats important is we 'try' and define 'World Class'. Rooney is World Class. He has talent, he has a work rate, he has something special, he has hunger, he is a winner, he can adapt to any position or tactic, he plays for the team - however, he has 0 trophies. Garcia is not 'World Class' He is a European Champion, but his work rate is poor, he cannot defend, he cannot keep the ball, he cannot run up and down and that little bit of special spark that he has does not make up for his flaws. -- So for England, and If I may start by saying "Sven is an Idiot" I think this should be the team. -------------------------------Robinson ---Young/Gary----Terry/Rio---------Carra/Sol--------Cole/Bridge ---------------------------------Parker ---------Lampard------------------------------------Gerrard ----------------------------------Cole -------------------Rooney--------------------Defoe. Beckham is done for, he cannot play anymore and has no positional sense. Terry and Carra are warriors and will die for England. Sol old and Rio is too pretty. Parker will be the perfect shield to the back 4 and will give Lampard and Gerrard space, time and the lisence to use their heads. Cole will create everything. Rooney and Defoe will be superb together - both quick, with great feet and a powerhouse shot. This can quickly change to a 4-4-2 with Gerrard on the right and Cole on the Left. SWP can come on on either flank. Crouch is a clumsy fool, he might be whatever with his height and a fairly ok average player, but to lead the line foe England! -- thats the joke of the century. All this proves Sven has no clue and has forgotten the Lazio days. Put Pierce in charge I say.

It sure does, doesnt it

nufc1984 - I have watched Cisse play in France and England. He is a good player, one with great pace and an immense shot. He can leave defenders for dead with his pace, and he is never afraid of taking a shot on goal. However, other than that he has nothing to his game. He cannot play on the flanks - he just cant. Rio Ferdinand would be better on the flanks than Cisse. He doesnt bring you that intelligent movement and his selfishness to take shots when he can play a teammate in is his downfall. He is a good 'Striker', but thats where it ends.

Cisse plays on the wings and puts crosses in ? Cisse a better all round player? He is by far the worst forward iv seen trying to play on the wings and put balls in.

A few players have been mentioned here. Kyut, Torres, Keane and Ashton. Torres is a good player, his record in La Liga is pretty impressive and he is the Captian of his team. Im not to sure they will sell him, with Petrov and Kezman in they look like they are building a serious side. Plus, I dont think he would work well with Owen, not sure. Keane is a talented player who is out of favor at the moment. He has experience and is a good finisher, but for some reason I cant see him bring that authority thats required for one of the 2 CF's and that same reason rules out Ashton. Kyut would be a super buy, havent seen much oh him but they say he is the next big thing. Me thinks he will be bought by a massive club. - From Anelka and Cisse id go for Anelka. Experienced, has played for big clubs and knows whats expected of him. He would compliment Owen and would bring with him everything thats needed in the 2 CF pairing. Cisse is quick and a decent finisher, but apart from that he doesnt have much to his game - atleast I havent seen it.

Money cannot buy you success and that’s a given. Real Madrid are a prime example. They have arguably the most talented and highly rated players in the world. They are considered the cream of the crop. What have they won in the last 2 years? I agree we went out and brought in the most talented manager in world football. But that alone does not solve the problem. Its the work rate the boys put in that makes us successful. Its the concentration, the planning, the tactics and the willingness to follow them, the ability to read and stamp authority that has given us the title. Jose hasten bought a single 'World Class' (although that term has no value anymore) player. All his imports have been players not many have heard of. Ricardo, Ferrera, Tiago, Jarosik and Kezman. These were his buys. Drogba, Cech and Robben were lined up by Raneri. However, Jose did want Drogba too. I agree that we might not have been able to do this without Romans money. BUT (and a very big one that) spending 200M does not guarantee anything. Leeds, Liverpool (170M spent by Houllier) and to an extent even Newcastle have all spent big and achieved little. Sure, money will solve the first part of the problem, but that’s hardly the difficult part. The difficult part is to get the team to work as a disciplined unit, to get the players to gel and to manage them correctly. And the latter, I believe is what gave us the title last season and will give it to us again this season, hopefully. Arsenal are the only side to spend little and win so much as well as entertain, and hats off to Wenger. But his unwillingness to do it the correct way (tactis) has been his downfall in Europe and thus he has never gone further than the group stages. - The entertainment will come, there is no doubt about that. We have the quality, but at this stage whats important is to get the points and be in a comfortable zone as I feel we are concentrating on the CL more this season. I couldnt agree with you more. The players have a duty towards the fans and I have been very disappointed with Robbens form this season. But its been only 8 games, there is a new strategy this season with Essien and players are still adapting. It will take time, but it will come. Its never good to peak too early, just as Gerrard about that! And I can understand that. But world football is changing and the most 'effective' teams in the world hardly worry about super ball. IMO Jose and Capello are the top two now and will be for many years to come. If you watch Juve they are a very boring side too. But like I said, its early on and both managers know when to play what type of football. Barcelona are a prime example that beautiful football can make you lose, and lose bad. They let in 4 goals in 4 consecutive games last season. They won the league and I wont take anything away from that, but much of it was down to Real playing the worst football Iv seen them play for years. I dont doubt their ability to attack and in Ronaldinho they have one of the most inventive players today, but they way Rijkaard plays he leaves his side open in an L shape horizontally and if he is up against a smart manager his team will get ripped. Just look at their results this season, they are struggling to win at home even! "Winning isnt everything, its how you play" Let me ask you something, If you were given the choice of watching Newcastle win the league in the 06-07 season with a few boring, few entertaining and few scrappy games | or watching them play the most attractive football in the league and end up in 11th spot - which would you pick? Certain players and managers have ambitions, they want to win and dominate. One cannot afford play beautiful football and dominate at the same time, its difficult, just ask the Italians. However, a dominating side can afford to play entertaining football - cautiously. Its all down to the manager. Even if we are 3-0 up in a game, Jose will not ask the players to attack at full throttle because he does not like conceding goals. He has instilled that mentality in the players. Each goal conceded itches them and they hate it. If you don’t concede you are guaranteed of a point, so its the most important thing to do. In other words, a 1-0 win would be more welcome than a 5-2 win. Its a good feeling to recieve a warm welcome. I look forward to talking more football with you and this conversation has been interesting. Best wishes Yogic

You have been linked, you might get neither, you might have the opportunity to sign either - so if it was your choice, which one would you want and why? Thoughts on a post card ...

Money cannot get you success, it cannot get you entertainment and it cannot get you love. I have done a lot of research on Jose, read the book, 98,234 articles and mapped his history all the way down to his first club. I understand why he plays the way he does, what his priorities are and what he feels for the fans. The entertainment will come, the beautiful football will come. It took time last season and it will take a few games this season as well. And at the end of the day its not all about one touch passing or football that pleases the eye (as Norwich). Its about getting the 'result' you want/need. Ask any manager in the world today what they would want (1) ugly result (2) beautiful loss and I guarantee you they will go for the first option. Sure with all the talent at our disposal we are capable of achieving both, we are capable of playing super ball and winning. But its not as easy as it sounds. There are 4 competitions, a total of about 60 games + Internationals, there are injuries, opponents are tough, tactics come into play. Its not all about putting on your boots and going to the park for a game. Its Chess between 2 managers and if you make the right moves you win, and at the end of the day winning is what counts. But I promise you, we will play super ball and we will be more of a one touch attacking side. Its just that Jose has a way of doing things, if he feels the time to attack is between the 70th and 78th minute then that’s exactly what he will ask the players to do and it always works. That explains the 1-0 wins which look boring, but at the start of the season its more important to get the points than please the press. Cryuff was one of the best at the game, and he can say what he likes as he is entitled to his opinion. But there is a disadvantage to playing the way he speaks of and Barcelona are a prime example of that. Cheers