Champions League Man Utd v Barcelona

[Grimnir]

Who do you think will win and who do you want to win?

What would be your starting 11 be for both teams?

who are the key players?

[Novo]

I think Barcelona will win
I want United to win

[arista]

I will be watching this
tomorrow on SkyHD 3-D.


My Team will win.

[Locke.]

I think and want Barca to win.

Key players for Barca = Iniesta, Xavi, Messi, Villa.
Key players for Utd = Vidic, Ferdinand, Van Der Saar, Rooney.

[Grimnir]

----------------van der Sar
Rafael-----Ferdinand------Vidic------Evra
Valencia-----Park-------Anderson-------Nani
-----------Rooney-----Hernandez

I choose Park and Anderson in middle because they have most energy and need to press Barca to get ball back as soon as possible
Press Xavi and Iniesta and get the ball of them, then ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK :dance:

[Locke.]

That team would lose about 6-0.

Only 1 striker will start

[bbfan1991]

I want United to win of course:). Going to be a tough match but Barcelona are beatable and both sides do have their weaknesses too to add to their positives!

Think it's going to be close and some people expecting a stroll in the park for Barcelona are going to be disappointed.. United as a team are different to the one that played in Rome and Barca have improved miles better but they do have a small squad which could be a hinderance sometimes in terms of injuries.

[bbfan1991]

----------------van der Sar
Rafael-----Ferdinand------Vidic------Evra
Valencia-----Park-------Anderson-------Nani
-----------Rooney-----Hernandez

I choose Park and Anderson in middle because they have most energy and need to press Barca to get ball back as soon as possible
Press Xavi and Iniesta and get the ball of them, then ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK :dance:

Swap Ando for the Giggs or should I say the unnamed PL footballer and it's done:p.

[seanraff07]

I think Barca will win

I want Barca to win

[Novo]

The Referee is going to make an awful call in this game i can see it coming.. happened to Van Persie and it happened to Pepe

[Grimnir]

Xavi, Iniesta, Messi are great players and Villa is good addition

The rest of their team is over rated though and NONE would get into United's team

United need to stop Messi somehow and also stop Xavi and Iniesta controlling the game

If we do that we are better than them. You will all see :dance:

[Novo]

I'd never thought i'd say this but Park will be the Key player for United, he always goes unmarked and i can see a few times when the Barca players will let him go, other teams seem to underrate just how good he is

[bbfan1991]

Xavi, Iniesta, Messi are great players and Villa is good addition

The rest of their team is over rated though and NONE would get into United's team
United need to stop Messi somehow and also stop Xavi and Iniesta controlling the game

If we do that we are better than them. You will all see :dance:

BIB I disagree, they have lots of talented players that would get straight into the United line up. United have some players who could get into their first team or make the bench even.

[seanraff07]

I think United should try and exploit the wide areas of the pitch, get Nani and Valencia bombing down the wings as much as possible as I don't rate Abidal much, he's generally pretty slow and has the touch of an elephant, and Dani Alves will constantly run way out of position to support in the attacks so if United can break quickly down the flanks then this could be where they look most dangerous.

[Novo]

I think United should try and exploit the wide areas of the pitch, get Nani and Valencia bombing down the wings as much as possible as I don't rate Abidal much, he's generally pretty slow and has the touch of an elephant, and Dani Alves will constantly run way out of position to support in the attacks so if United can break quickly down the flanks then this could be where they look most dangerous.

Spot on

[Locke.]

Xavi, Iniesta, Messi are great players and Villa is good addition

The rest of their team is over rated though and NONE would get into United's team

United need to stop Messi somehow and also stop Xavi and Iniesta controlling the game

If we do that we are better than them. You will all see :dance:

:joker::joker::joker::joker::joker:

[bbfan1991]

I'd never thought i'd say this but Park will be the Key player for United, he always goes unmarked and i can see a few times when the Barca players will let him go, other teams seem to underrate just how good he is

Park is so underrated:(, he has lots of energy and tracks back too always on the move and helping the attack.

Valencia will be a key player also! Barca have a quality team and it isn't just about stopping Messi as some seem to think United should be focusing on solely.

[bbfan1991]

:joker::joker::joker::joker::joker:

At least one United fan here has got their common sense cap on at the moment:D.

[Locke.]

Messi hardly ever turns up in the big games, Xavi and Iniesta will be the main threat creating chances for Villa.

[Grimnir]

here is best team taking players from both sides

------------------van der Sar
Rafael------Ferdinand------Vidic------Evra
--------------Xavi-----Iniesta
Valencia----------------------------Messi
----------Rooney------Hernandez/Villa

8-3 or 7-4

United are better overall :dance:

players like alves and busquets are cheats and racists

[Novo]

Messi hardly ever turns up in the big games, Xavi and Iniesta will be the main threat creating chances for Villa.

2009 Final

[Grimnir]

United have to get the ball off Barca straight away

Park and Anderson get stuck in on Xavi and Iniesta like to terriers, not letting them time at all

If they not got the ball Messi can do nothing

He may be great but he cannot score a goal if he has no ball, he not that good :tongue:

[Locke.]

GK: Valdes
CB: Pique, Vidic
WB: Alves, Evra
DM: Xavi, Busquets
AM: Iniesta, Valencia, Messi
ST: Villa/Rooney

[seanraff07]

here is best team taking players from both sides

------------------van der Sar
Rafael------Ferdinand------Vidic------Evra
--------------Xavi-----Iniesta
Valencia----------------------------Messi
----------Rooney------Hernandez/Villa

8-3 or 7-4

United are better overall :dance:

players like alves and busquets are cheats and racists

Replace Rafael with Alves, Ferdinand with Pique, Valencia with Pedro then I'd agree.

[seanraff07]

2009 Final

Yep, also tore apart Real a fair few times.

[Grimnir]

omg pique the united reject over ferdinand??? pedro over valencia??? and cheating alves over rafael?

fail

[Grimnir]

another big factor is the final at wembley

this is good for united:dance:

[Locke.]

Cheating occasionally doesn't mean you aren't an amazing player :joker:

Rooney cheats and I don't see you complaining about that

[Grimnir]

cheating off the pitch different than cheating on it :tongue:

maicon is no1 brazil RB soon rafael will be his understudy not alves the cheat

[Locke.]

Alves is clearly about 5 times better than Rafael :joker:

Anyone that thinks otherwise knows nothing.

[Grimnir]

Man Utd 3-1 Barcelona
Rooney Villa
Valencia
Hernandez

[seanraff07]

2-0 Barca
Villa x2

[KG.]

Think and want Barca to win.

And a massive lol at the comments about most of Barca's team being over-rated and not being able to get into United.

Best XI from the match imo:

--------E. Van Der Sar--------
-D. Alves--Piqué--Vidic--Evra--
-------Xavi-------Iniestia------
--Nani-----------------Messi--
------Rooney--------Villa------

EDIT:

And I think it will be 4-1 to Barca.

Messi Rooney
Villa x2
Piqué

[Grimnir]

rooney and hernandez are gonna make pique look like the united reject he is

and shaggy head will get sent off

[Grimnir]

for all the united bashers

do your team combined with barca whoever you support

lets see if more than 1 gets in :nono:

[Grimnir]

i still lol@ vlades and pique better than ferdinand and van der sar :laugh3:

[Locke.]

You'll be crying about it tomorrow

[seanraff07]

for all the united bashers

do your team combined with barca whoever you support

lets see if more than 1 gets in :nono:

I support Hibs and of course no one in our team would get in the Barca team, but I don't support a team cause I think they're better than Barca, I support them cause they're my local team :)

But if you asked a neutral the question your answering I'm sure they'd have more Barca players in the team, think you may be taking a bit of a biased approach.

[seanraff07]

i still lol@ vlades and pique better than ferdinand and van der sar :laugh3:

Ferdinand has always been over-rated IMO, a good leader but nothing much else apart from being an arrogant twat.

[Grimnir]

I support Hibs and of course no one in our team would get in the Barca team, but I don't support a team cause I think they're better than Barca, I support them cause they're my local team :)

But if you asked a neutral the question your answering I'm sure they'd have more Barca players in the team, think you may be taking a bit of a biased approach.

i guarantee ask 20 football pundits who is better

ferdinand or pique
van der sar or valdes

at least 18 will say united FTW

rafael or alves is closer but i would rather have rafael 100% because alves is dirty cheat

[KG.]

for all the united bashers

do your team combined with barca whoever you support

lets see if more than 1 gets in :nono:

That's not the point, I support West Ham and clearly no West Ham player would be in an XI with any Barca player :laugh: But I do think Barca's best XI would be far superior to United's best XI, and to say Barca's other players apart from Villa, Messi, Iniesta and Xavi wouldn't make it into United's squad is just ridiculous in my opinion.

[seanraff07]

i guarantee ask 20 football pundits who is better

ferdinand or pique
van der sar or valdes

at least 18 will say united FTW

rafael or alves is closer but i would rather have rafael 100% because alves is dirty cheat

I'd rather have Alves cause he's a better player!

And 18/20 voting for Van Der Sar and Rafael is a ridiculous judgement.

I'd say roughly 13/20 would say Alves and Valdes.

[Grimnir]

I'd rather have Alves cause he's a better player!

And 18/20 voting for Van Der Sar and Rafael is a ridiculous judgement.

I'd say roughly 13/20 would say Alves and Valdes.

i said at least 18 would say ferdinand and van der sar

alves is better at cheating

[seanraff07]

i said at least 18 would say ferdinand and van der sar

alves is better at cheating

Ferdinand I meant.

Alves is far more skillful and gives Barca an option going forward, Rafael's abilities are pretty limited for a team like Man.U in my opinion.

[Grimnir]

you is gettin mixed up :tongue:

i say 18/20 would say ferdinand and VDS better than pique and valdes

what ratio do you think?

[seanraff07]

you is gettin mixed up :tongue:

i say 18/20 would say ferdinand and VDS better than pique and valdes

what ratio do you think?

13/20 would say Valdes and Pique are better

I was just replying to what you said about Alves :thumbs:

[bbfan1991]

Villa for me has shown flashes of brilliance this season but has also been medicore too, it's his first season at Barcelona so you have to give the guy a break but next season he'll soon be banging the goals in.

As for dirty tactics etc, football is a fickle game and even us fans have had our fickle moments, it's all about taking the rough with the smooth;).

[GypsyGoth]

Man Utd will win!!! :dance:

[King Gizzard]

Come on Barca!

[DDRickyDD]

Barcelona are going to give Manchester United a thrashing, might even be the biggest defeat in Champions League Final histroy.

Barcelona 5-0 Manchester United.

[joeysteele]

I want Man Utd to win.

[Vicky.]

Think barcelona.

Not bothered which does win. My little brother supports barcelona(for reasons unknown :shrug: ) and gav supports man u. So whichever wins Ill be getting it in the neck from one :bored:

[bbfan1991]

Think barcelona.

Not bothered which does win. My little brother supports barcelona(for reasons unknown :shrug: ) and gav supports man u. So whichever wins Ill be getting it in the neck from one :bored:

Get your bf back on here:D.

[Vicky.]

Get your bf back on here:D.

Hes in a mood right now because I wont remove someone who he doesnt like from my facebook friends :bored:

[Locke.]

If he's in a mood over something you disagree with, then you should support Barcelona tomorrow

[bbfan1991]

Hes in a mood right now because I wont remove someone who he doesnt like from my facebook friends :bored:

Oh dear:D.

[InOne]

Loads of reds come in the pub I go in all sit in the corner :bored: What pisses me off most of they do all the kissing the badge on the shirt when they're coming back from the bar n that. Will be good to see their little faces drop

[Locke.]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4ayVxfSqGPA/S80EnxK0mUI/AAAAAAAAAB0/D63QETXRgoQ/s640/0+andres+iniesta+barcelona+barcellona.jpg

[InOne]

What's a good bet for today? Owt on Paddy Power?

[Novo]

Hernandez anytime

[bbfan1991]

I'm nervous and hopeful, Barcelona are beatable but are a tough side to beat. Even better going in as an underdog because if you win it makes the victory sweet:hugesmile:.

United will have improved on what things went wrong in Rome and Barcelona are not a team to sit back and rest on their laurels, ooh it's so exciting:).

[InOne]

Hmmm 3-2 to Barca at 30/1 isn't bad either

[Locke.]

What's a good bet for today? Owt on Paddy Power?

Paddypower have a free bet on, If Barca win in 90 mins they refund losing bets.

[InOne]

Paddypower have a free bet on, If Barca win in 90 mins they refund losing bets.

oooo might have to take a look

[Novo]

Got £10 on Paddypower so going to boom it on the final now

[Brad.]

Want United to win but I think Barca will.

[King Gizzard]

Xavi and Iniesta are going to destroy Carrick

come on you barca

[Locke.]

Van Der Sar, Fabio ,Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Park, Rooney, Hernandez.

Subs: Kuszczak, Smalling, Fletcher, Scholes, Anderson, Nani, Owen

That guy that is a much better player than Daniel Alves doesn't even make the bench, never mind the starting 11 :joker:

[Novo]

United - Van Der Sar, Fabio ,Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Park, Rooney, Hernandez.

Subs - Kuszczak, Smalling, Fletcher, Scholes, Anderson, Nani, Owen.


Berbatov not even on the bench

[Novo]

Barcelona Valdes Alves Mascherano Pique Abidal Xavi Busquets Iniesta Pedro Messi Villa

[Locke.]

Subs: Oier, Puyol, Bojan, Keita, Afellay, Adriano, Thiago

[KG.]

United are going to get raped.

[Grimnir]

mascherano is not a centre half

target acquired :dance:

i am so glad rooney and hernandez both playing

rooney can make extra man in the middle

great call ferguson :dance:

[arista]

Looking Good on Sky3-D HD
on my new LG Cinema 3-D LED

[Grimnir]

if united score first they need to keep attacking

not sit back and try defend, or they lose

we need to outscore them :dance:

[arista]

Buggers they got 1

[Shaun]

United are being torn apart

[KG.]

Buggers they got 1

There'll be plenty more to come too if they keep playing like this.

Barca are playing like how you'd expect United to play against Dagenham and Redbridge.

[arista]

United are being torn apart


Yes they need to change Gears.

[KG.]

Wow, what a goal. :worship:

Didn't see that coming at all.

[arista]

Yes Gears Changed

1 - 1

[Locke.]

Barca deserve to be about 5 up

[Locke.]

79 - Xavi made 79 passes in the first half, 58 more than any Manchester United player.

[Kerry]

Great match! I predicted Man Utd to win 3-2

[Shaun]

was offside as well :nono:

[Grimnir]

barcelona won first half, but its 1-1

united need to win 2nd half or they will lose

stop with the long balls and press the midfielders more

there is no point at all just standing there trying to stop them as they just pass round you and through you

get stuck in!!!!

and when united get it keep it for a bit and go forward patient, stop just hoofin it up

[Novo]

barcelona won first half, but its 1-1

united need to win 2nd half or they will lose

stop with the long balls and press the midfielders more

there is no point at all just standing there trying to stop them as they just pass round you and through you

get stuck in!!!!

and when united get it keep it for a bit and go forward patient, stop just hoofin it up

:joker: :joker: :joker: :joker: :joker: :joker:

[Locke.]

It is like Chris Kamara on soccer saturday

[arista]

buggers

[Kerry]

:/

[Kerry]

I'm sure that ref's got a delayed reaction

[Shaun]

yay Messi :love:

[Stu]

Valencia has done three cynical fouls and no bookings?

[Shaun]

Carrick wasn't even looking at the ball. Spanner. :bored:

[Kerry]

CRUNCH! :joker:

[Kerry]

Sir Alex - sponsored by Wrigleys

[Shaun]

I always thought he should get a sponsor deal with them on the go... I think he did once upon a time but I might be imagining it :laugh:

[KG.]

What a goal :amazed:

Barcelona have made United look so poor.

[Kerry]

I always thought he should get a sponsor deal with them on the go... I think he did once upon a time but I might be imagining it :laugh:

It'd make him a mint (har har gerrit??) :joker:

[Shaun]

oh Kerry... ouch :laugh:

[Kerry]

I always thought United play better on the back foot. I hope tonight proves me right :(

[Stu]

Outclassed totally. Not much suspense in it now. Good match but hardly 2005 standards of Champions League final epicness.

[Locke.]

:D

[Kerry]

oh Kerry... ouch :laugh:

:D

[Shaun]

I can't help but laugh every time Rooney throws a strop. It's like watching devolution in process.

[Kerry]

Uh Oh, here comes Rooney's temper

[Kerry]

I can't help but laugh every time Rooney throws a strop. It's like watching devolution in process.

He's like a toddler. I keep expecting him to pick the ball up and strop off home :laugh:

[Kerry]

OMG was that Giggs? He's on the pitch? Not that you'd notice.......

[Stu]

OMG was that Giggs? He's on the pitch? Not that you'd notice.......
Giggs on the pitch? Imogen that!

*I'll leave*

[Kerry]

Giggs on the pitch? Imogen that!

*I'll leave*

My pun is now totally forgiven!

[Shaun]

I thought Giggs handballed rather than Villa. I'm sure there's a hand / balls pun there but I cba

[Kerry]

I thought Giggs handballed rather than Villa. I'm sure there's a hand / balls pun there but I cba

Nearly had a blonde moment then and told you they're not playing Villa

[Kerry]

Be funny if his first name was Aston......

(yes, losing hope now)

[Stu]

Please tell me someone else got that close up of Fergie's fists visibly clenching.

[Shaun]

:laugh2:

[Shaun]

is it just me or does Puyol look like the furthest thing from your average footballer?

[Kerry]

Please tell me someone else got that close up of Fergie's fists visibly clenching.

I saw it :laugh: warming up to smack someone

[Kerry]

Bet his butt cheeks are clenching too.....

[Stu]

is it just me or does Puyol look like the furthest thing from your average footballer?
I thought he was in Queen.

[Kerry]

I thought he was in Queen.

I thought Eastenders. Married to Den Watts?

[Shaun]

the Barca manager doesn't exactly look over the moon.

Good game though

[Shaun]

the thought of the inscriber cocking up :lovedup:

[arista]

Great on Sky3-D



Wrong Ending

[Kerry]

Good game though Barca dominated after 10 minutes

[Kerry]

the thought of the inscriber cocking up :lovedup:

You're evil (I like it) :devil:

[joeysteele]

Barcelona played really good, it wasn't to be United's night.

[Locke.]

rooney and hernandez are gonna make pique look like the united reject he is

:joker::joker::joker:

[Kerry]

Long drive back up here :/

[Kerry]

Wonder who got Messi's shirt

[Vicky.]

Who won?

(is expecting gavin back in a terrible mood over this game)

[Grimnir]

United played pathetic

Barcelona deserved to win about 8-0

PRESS THEM YOU STUPID MUPPETS

from 10th min to 90th they just stood there letting them pass back n forth without even trying to get the ball back

then the rare time they had the ball they hoof it up the pitch and give barca ball back rinse and repeat

AWFUL

[Novo]

Wonder who got Messi's shirt

Michael Owen

[Kerry]

Oh - no one

[Kerry]

Who won?

(is expecting gavin back in a terrible mood over this game)

Barca 3-1

[arista]

Who won?

(is expecting gavin back in a terrible mood over this game)



3-1 to Spain

[Locke.]

Oh Lionel Messi

[Grimnir]

united dont even deserve their medals after that performance

[Novo]

United played pathetic

Barcelona deserved to win about 8-0

PRESS THEM YOU STUPID MUPPETS

from 10th min to 90th they just stood there letting them pass back n forth without even trying to get the ball back

then the rare time they had the ball they hoof it up the pitch and give barca ball back rinse and repeat

AWFUL

If you press Barcelona they'll just pass around you even more.. they are unplayable, you just need them to have a **** game.. even tonight they weren't at their best but they still won with ease

[Novo]

Rangers v Barcelona final next year, just putting a cheeky £1 on it now. Ally is the one to crack the Barca code

[Vicky.]

Oh balls :bored:

[Grimnir]

If you press Barcelona they'll just pass around you even more.. they are unplayable, you just need them to have a **** game.. even tonight they weren't at their best but they still won with ease

you are wrong

if a team doesnt press against them, they have no chance

if they press the midfield and dont let them stand on the spot looking around for 10 seconds to pick their pass what chance has united got?

and once united have the ball they give it straight back by long balling it

[Kerry]

united dont even deserve their medals after that performance

They're all taking them off lol


They did play well..... for the first ten minutes.....

[Locke.]

You can always rely on a man named Pedro

[Kerry]

Theres Angie again

[Novo]

you are wrong

if a team doesnt press against them, they have no chance

if they press the midfield and dont let them stand on the spot looking around for 10 seconds to pick their pass what chance has united got?

and once united have the ball they give it straight back by long balling it

You are wrong

Press up and you leave gaps, they'll murder teams even more... Fergie has been in the Job over 20 years if he thought it would work he would have told them to press, they are just to good, Luck is what you need to beat a team like that. Barca have the best midfield in the world you can't press them of the ball.

[Kerry]

*Switches over*

If I have to listen to Chiles any longer pawing over Barca I'll puke

[Grimnir]

You are wrong

Press up and you leave gaps, they'll murder teams even more... Fergie has been in the Job over 20 years if he thought it would work he would have told them to press, they are just to good, Luck is what you need to beat a team like that. Barca have the best midfield in the world you can't press them of the ball.

not press up, press the player on the ball and the next player

start to press before the ball gets to them and then get stuck in close

instead what united did was stand about 6 feet off them with back to goal tryin to keep them at bay letting them pass it about with ease

this is absolutely pointless tactic and just lets them have the ball and they can do what they like

also it means far less time united have on the ball

and the few times united had it they throw it away by hoofin it up the pitch

pathetic tactics

[Locke.]

Grimnir I hope you're watching good old Daniel Alves dancing around with the trophy

[Novo]

Messi must be the luckiest guy on the planet right now

- Best football ever
- Rich as ****
- Hardly any bad press at all
- can shag anyone he likes
- Has won more cups then Kenny Dalgish has had sunday dinners

[Locke.]

Kenny has won 39 trophy's. Messi 15.

[Novo]

not press up, press the player on the ball and the next player

start to press before the ball gets to them and then get stuck in close

instead what united did was stand about 6 feet off them with back to goal tryin to keep them at bay letting them pass it about with ease

this is absolutely pointless tactic and just lets them have the ball and they can do what they like

also it means far less time united have on the ball

and the few times united had it they throw it away by hoofin it up the pitch

pathetic tactics

Barca weren't even playing their best football and they still won easily, I would have loved united to win but was almost 100% sure that Barca were going to win, Barca are just simply better in every area of the field

[Novo]

Kenny has won 39 trophy's. Messi 15.

Sunday Dinners

[Shaun]

bitches are sabotaging our pitch :nono:

[Stu]

I hate Rio Ferdinands face.

[Novo]

Mourinho is still better then you Pep

Try winning the CL with Porto

[Locke.]

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249365_166013800128004_138596612869723_420225_4497 893_n.jpg

[Novo]

19

[King Gizzard]

The factory that makes the goalposts and nets is about a mile from my house. They did them all for the South Africa World Cup as well

[Locke.]

Mascherano saying that was for the Liverpool fans aswell as Barca fans :) Legend

[billy123]

Nice balanced review.

05Ld3Pb3WQg

[seanraff07]

United played pathetic

Barcelona deserved to win about 8-0

PRESS THEM YOU STUPID MUPPETS

from 10th min to 90th they just stood there letting them pass back n forth without even trying to get the ball back

then the rare time they had the ball they hoof it up the pitch and give barca ball back rinse and repeat

AWFUL

Including the 7 players you said would walk into the Barca team?

Oh wait, 6 players, Rafael didn't even play :tongue:

[bbfan1991]

Obviously gutted but Barcelona are something else, world class and totally dominated United.. they are a team to not rest on their laurels and will only get better so congratulations to them!

As for United well coming second (yet again) is nothing to be ashamed of because it was tough getting to the final and we admitted we were beaten by the better team. Proud of the United players for giving it a go and it wasn't to be but I look forward now to the summer revamp that is going to take place at OT:).

[Grimnir]

I think United were beaten mentally before they even took to the field.
They got the tactics completely WRONG.

Mourinho and Inter proved Barca are beatable, despite how beautful and great a team they are.
Why did United not choose to follow the same tactics as Inter did as they should have.
PRESS THE MIDFIELD, especially XAVI and INIESTA. Do not let them have ANY time on the ball whatsoever.
When you win the ball back counterattack at pace.
Everyone knows Man Utd are one of the best teams at fast paced counter attacks, so WHY did they do so much long balls?

Here is couple of quotes from BBC report of Inter v Barca

Inter produced a performance of which Barcelona would be proud; pressing high up the pitch and hitting Barca on the break with pace and incisiveness when they won the ball back
Barca, denied space with which to operate, were struggling to find anything like their usual fluency as Inter doubled up on Messi and denied the influential Xavi the time to spray passes around.


After the game Ferguson, Ferdinand, Evra etc are all saying Barca are so much better than everyone and blah blah.
If they thought this before the game then why bother turning up.

We could have beat Barca but we failed miserably with our tactical choices and starting 11.

Carrick is a great passer of the ball, but he is totally the wrong choice of midfielder against Barcelona.
Need to have quick agile nippy players to pressure midfield, stop them having time on the ball. Once steal it off them break at pace and on the ground. Not long ball it and give it straight back.

Inter did it last year and United could have done it but they failed.
Beaten before they took to the field.

[bbfan1991]

I disagree with anyone who says Inter got lucky last year beating Barcelona, they were for me the better team in the two legs, tactics were spot on and Barca were surprised by just how determined Inter was.

Just one thing I have to say about Barcelona is that they need to make their squad bigger as it is actually small compared to the likes of Real and even Atletico Madrid.

If there's injuries to more than one of their top players then they're a bit buggered depending if those that are on the bench don't pick up injuries when training or when the coach rotates the squad?

[Grimnir]

Arsenal have played beautiful football over the years.
Barcelona are like Arsenal only better.
How do teams beat Arsenal? Everyone knows the answer.
You stop them playing beautiful football and deny them any time on the ball.
If you allow them time on the ball so they can pass the ball around all day long, you are ******ed.
This is what United did and is why they lost.

[bbfan1991]

Arsenal have played beautiful football over the years.
Barcelona are like Arsenal only better.
How do teams beat Arsenal? Everyone knows the answer.
You stop them playing beautiful football and deny them any time on the ball.
If you allow them time on the ball so they can pass the ball around all day long, you are ******ed.
This is what United did and is why they lost.

The British press like to portray Arsenal as the UK's version of Barcelona when in fact they're miles apart in the style of football they play IMO.

Everyone rightly praises how they play but because other teams don't play that way it doesn't make their football ethos rubbish. Arsenal currently have more problems than United to deal with atm with their team.

[Grimnir]

----------------van der Sar
Rafael-----Ferdinand------Vidic------Evra
Valencia-----Park-------Anderson-------Nani
-----------Rooney-----Hernandez

I choose Park and Anderson in middle because they have most energy and need to press Barca to get ball back as soon as possible
Press Xavi and Iniesta and get the ball of them, then ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK :dance:


I post this before the game so it not hindsight. :tongue:

This is what each players job should have been

Park and Anderson - follow Xavi and Iniesta around the pitch, sticking like glue to them. Ignore all other players and only focus on the ball and the player they target. Not only do they follow when they in possession, but when they not in possession, this is most important.

Rooney - stick to Busquets when Pique, Mascherano, GK or fullbacks have the ball. Then they cannot pass to him. When Messi drops deep forget Busquets and pick up Messi as extra man in midfield and stick with him best you can.

Evra and Rafael - marshall the wide players Villa and Pedro.
Nani and Valencia - watch the FBs

Messi - he is too good to man mark. When he drops deep its best if Rooney tries his best to disrupt him and steal ball if he can, if not keep with him. When Messi is final third Vidic and Ferdinand have to be top fo their game and stop his path. Its possible of course Messi can dribble through the lot. But he is not gonna do this every single time he is great but not that great. Most important is for Park and Anderson to keep with Xavi and Iniesta and not be tempted to leave them and try go after Messi no matter what, because then Messi can just pass to one of them and get ball back etc.

Using thesse tactics we may still have lost but we would have faired a hell of a lot better than whart he did do.

Now when we do get the ball NO LONG BALLS, its a pathetic waste and just gives them possession back.

Eg Park wins ball of Iniesta, Nani and Valencia burst forward down the wings and Rooney and Anderson down the middle. ATTACK THEM and put them on back foot. Barca FBs get forward a lot so there is plenty space in behind them for wingers.

[Locke.]

Barcelona were going to win no matter the line-up, Utd don't have enough quality in the middle of the field to cope with Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets.

[Novo]

Anderson :joker:

[Grimnir]

Anderson :joker:

What you laughin at? :conf:

Anderson is good player and is the right type of player to use for United against Barcelona. Carrick and Giggs were wrong choices because they too slow and would not be able to be all over the arses of Xavi and Iniesta.
Hargreaves would be best of all but he is always always injured.

[InOne]

KZnUr8lcqjo

[Stu]

Text message : Barcelona set a record at Wembley Stadium last night : 90,000 showed up to watch them train.

[bbfan1991]

Barcelona were going to win no matter the line-up, Utd don't have enough quality in the middle of the field to cope with Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets.

True and although Barcelona hardly have that much weaknesses but I would say that their defence is probably the weak part of their team.

[GiRTh]

Arsenal have played beautiful football over the years.
Barcelona are like Arsenal only better.
How do teams beat Arsenal? Everyone knows the answer.
You stop them playing beautiful football and deny them any time on the ball.
If you allow them time on the ball so they can pass the ball around all day long, you are ******ed.
This is what United did and is why they lost.Barca are in a different league to Arsenal. They're more concerned with winning and are cynical enough to kill off teams when they have the chance. Arsenal play like a bunch of 15 year olds who have been told to simply enjoy themselves and not care about the result

They’re the best team of this generation and comparable with the great teams like the Ajax team of the mid 90’s so individual players would not have helped you. What is remarkable about Barca is not just their ball retention but their workrate. Every player puts a full shift in closing down and pressing, giving the opposition no time on the ball. Man Utd were barely able to string three passes together before losing the ball. Barca have players who can pick up a loose ball and instantly start an attack. Its as impressive to watch as their passing game.

Teams that have had success against them have either turned the game into a spikey foul laden game – Real Madrid – or outmuscled them and got away with it – Chelsea, even though Barca won the tie over two legs Chelsea were the better team – No one can truly out play them cuz they are simply that good. As Roy Keane pointed out they have the ability to play their way out of trouble. No hoofing it in to row Z they are good enough to find their own men in tight spots.

Man Utd were lucky Barca didn’t turn it on or it could have been 5 or 6. the managers around the world need to get together to work out how to beat them or else this team will dominate for years to come.