Pep Guardiola is ready to listen to offers

CongoPowers

Cruijff gave up doing press conferences at Barça because he knew one throw-away comment can create a big story in the papers out of nothing.

Nothing has changed with what Pep's said. He meant the season after next. The papers in BCN are today reporting that he wants to spend a year in NY with his family before returning to football. But papers in England and everywhere else have to run with some story so whatever.

greendom

sundula wrote: »

Yeah he phoned me and told me. Why does he have to say something to that effect? I just speculated England would be a better draw.

Italy is dying a slow death, poor attendance at stadiums, very little money in the league, very bad tv deal, poor performances in latter stages of champions league and alot of old marque names on the way out. I couldnt see any club in Italy being a particularly attractive to Pep.

Pep will make his mind up based on the individual circumstances of the club wanting his services. I'm sure he won't be writing off a whole country. (note - no need for sarcasm).

dfx-

JPA wrote: »

Wouldn't Barcelona as a club and a fanbase be annoyed at him if he takes another job for next season?

No. Perhaps if he joined Madrid, there'd be maybe a couple of the Boixos Nois miffed..

sundula

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

The demise of Italian football is much exaggerated imo. Juventus have themselves sorted and will be tough to crack in the CL next season...

I actual think the speed at which Juventus turned around their down turn showed how poor the league has gotten.

Next season will be interesting for the Italians. Juventus back into the Champions League and huge amount of the old guard out of contract at AC Milan. http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/3921/transfer-zone/2012/05/25/3125807/serie-as-bosman-list-del-piero-nesta-gattuso-all-the-players

Also I have no doubt Napoli will lose some of there best players.

GavRedKing

greendom wrote: »

Pep will make his mind up based on the individual circumstances of the club wanting his services. I'm sure he won't be writing off a whole country. (note - no need for sarcasm).

This ^

He could very well end up anywhere. Depending on a teams circumstance, they may or may not be in a position to offer Pep a deal.

I do think at some stage he'll return to Barca but I dont think it will be in the next 5 years.

LuckyLloyd

sundula wrote: »

I actual think the speed at which Juventus turned around their down turn showed how poor the league has gotten.

Next season will be interesting for the Italians. Juventus back into the Champions League and huge amount of the old guard out of contract at AC Milan. http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/3921/transfer-zone/2012/05/25/3125807/serie-as-bosman-list-del-piero-nesta-gattuso-all-the-players

Also I have no doubt Napoli will lose some of there best players.

The big thing the last two years is how hapless Inter have been since Mourinho left. They were just a little too old, and their relative (and surprising) weakness has left a vacuum. They'll be back though, they just need to do what Milan are doing right now. The Milans will be back in the thick of it the season after next and it will be game on again...

sundula

Renn wrote: »

Lol, I know I shouldn't but...

Last season we saw Napoli knock out the strongest team in England (and threw away the chance to knock out the eventual winners). All three Italian teams made it to the last 16. AC Milan played Barcelona four times and put in a good account of themselves each time. The previous season saw similar and Inter knocking out Bayern Munich in the last 16. Inter won it in 09-10. AC Milan won it in 06-07. AC Milan lost 1-0 in the semi-final in 05-06 to the eventual winners. AC Milan lost the final in 04-05. AC Milan won it in 02-03 vs Juventus.

As for attendances:

German Bundesliga - Unofficial Average Attendance: 45,726
Barclays Premier League - Unofficial Average Attendance: 34,601
Spanish La Liga - Unofficial Average Attendance: 30,275
Italian Serie A - Unofficial Average Attendance: 23,459

True that the figures are a bit lower but do you really think that'll influence where he goes? Does that mean he's destined for the Bundesliga? Although tbh, I'd love to see him there.

Yeah, and Liverpool hit the post alot of times. Napoli won ? Nothing, finished 6th or 7th in the league and will probably lose players.

Its nice AC Milan put in a good account of themselves maybe UEFA will make an award for that.

The exception is Inter and the way they won it wouldnt endear anyone to Italian football.The all Italian final is almost 10 years ago.

Italian attendance figures as you have listed are not a bit lower they are shockingly lower.

And as for the standard of footballer in the Italian national team, how poor has that gotten.

paddy kerins

Pissed myself laughing at this on the Sky website

LuckyLloyd

sundula wrote: »

Yeah, and Liverpool hit the post alot of times. Napoli won ? Nothing, finished 6th or 7th in the league and will probably lose players.

Its nice AC Milan put in a good account of themselves maybe UEFA will make an award for that.

The exception is Inter and the way they won it wouldnt endear anyone to Italian football.The all Italian final is almost 10 years ago.

Italian attendance figures as you have listed are not a bit lower they are shockingly lower.

And as for the standard of footballer in the Italian national team, how poor has that gotten.

Harrumph, I thoroughly enjoyed their victory. Their performance against Barcelona was an absolute masterclass of tactics and discipline - one of the most interesting victories in top level football of the last decade.

GavRedKing

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

Harrumph, I thoroughly enjoyed their victory. Their performance against Barcelona was an absolute masterclass of tactics and discipline - one of the most interesting victories in top level football of the last decade.

Jose had them drilled that year, even after going down to 10 men they were excellent.

Problem is though, as pointed out, since Jose left there, they have failed to achieve anywhere near the same levels of discipline or achieve the results.

They'll be back no doubt and I expect AC Milan to invest in the summer, but it will be good to see Juventus back in the UCL.

sundula

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

Harrumph, I thoroughly enjoyed their victory. Their performance against Barcelona was an absolute masterclass of tactics and discipline - one of the most interesting victories in top level football of the last decade.

Nothing wrong with it. It was more a tactical and coaching masterclass than a genuine reflection of Inter and the Italian league at that point. As probably shown be the collapse of Inter after Mourinho left.

Renn

sundula wrote: »

Yeah, and Liverpool hit the post alot of times. Napoli won ? Nothing, finished 6th or 7th in the league and will probably lose players.

Its nice AC Milan put in a good account of themselves maybe UEFA will make an award for that.

The exception is Inter and the way they won it wouldnt endear anyone to Italian football.The all Italian final is almost 10 years ago.

Italian attendance figures as you have listed are not a bit lower they are shockingly lower.

And as for the standard of footballer in the Italian national team, how poor has that gotten.

Napoli finished 5th. 3 points behind 3rd place and with the 3rd best GD in the league. They won a spot in the Europa League for all their troubles. And UEFA awarded a spot in the Champions League to AC Milan. So it's not all bad.

Inter vs Barcelona was one of my favourite performances in the last ten years. Actually, Inter that year were just brilliant. And lol at knocking the national team They've turned it around - got rid of the aging squad, Prandelli has got them back playing some good football (and conceding only 2 goals in the qualifying campaign - doesn't matter who the opposition was, 2 goals is still impressive). Won the World Cup in 06, knocked out in the QF in 08 by Spain on penos and had a poor tournament in South Africa. Hardly a crisis

Anyway, try all you want to make it out that the Serie A is poor/going down/whatever, it's clearly not the case. Soz

sundula

Renn wrote: »

Napoli finished 5th. 3 points behind 3rd place and with the 3rd best GD in the league. They won a spot in the Europa League for all their troubles. And UEFA awarded a spot in the Champions League to AC Milan. So it's not all bad.

Inter vs Barcelona was one of my favourite performances in the last ten years. Actually, Inter that year were just brilliant. And lol at knocking the national team They've turned it around - got rid of the aging squad, Prandelli has got them back playing some good football (and conceding only 2 goals in the qualifying campaign - doesn't matter who the opposition was, 2 goals is still impressive). Won the World Cup in 06, knocked out in the QF in 08 by Spain on penos and had a poor tournament in South Africa. Hardly a crisis

Anyway, try all you want to make it out that the Serie A is poor/going down/whatever, it's clearly not the case. Soz

Your opinioin / my opinion. We are both entitled. Past achievements dont guarantee future.

Nationally I put Italy behind Spain, Germany and Holland straight off. In terms of clubs I put Serie A behind La Liga, PL and Bundesliga. Plenty money in PSG so Serie A better watch out, it would be damned if the mighty Ligue 1 surpassed them (although its unlikely the way everyone else keeps plundering their players)

Moneymaker

sundula wrote: »

Napoli won ? Nothing, finished 6th or 7th in the league and will probably lose players.

5th, and they won the Italian cup, beating the league champions in a throughly deserved win.

Seems Lavezzi is on his way out and that will be a blow to say the least.

Also, the national side is better then it was in South Africa. Pirlo has been revitalized at Juve, they have a outstanding goal keeper and a superb centre half in Chiellini. Marchisio, De Rossi, Pirlo is a very tidy midfield and Di Natale/Balotelli/Cassano is a front 3 that can cause any side problems.

I'm not saying they'll tear up any trees but they're a better side then given credit for. Alot of the dead wood have been cleared out too.

sundula

Moneymaker wrote: »

5th, and they won the Italian cup, beating the league champions in a throughly deserved win.

Seems Lavezzi is on his way out and that will be a blow to say the least.

Also, the national side is better then it was in South Africa. Pirlo has been revitalized at Juve, they have a outstanding goal keeper and a superb centre half in Chiellini. Marchisio, De Rossi, Pirlo is a very tidy midfield and Di Natale/Balotelli/Cassano is a front 3 that can cause any side problems.

I'm not saying they'll tear up any trees but they're a better side then given credit for. Alot of the dead wood have been cleared out too.

Didnt know Napoli won cup - I stand corrected. But 5th in Serie A?

Natale/Balotelli/Cassano, can also cause problems for the Italians

Pro. F

CongoPowers wrote: »

Cruijff gave up doing press conferences at Barça because he knew one throw-away comment can create a big story in the papers out of nothing.

Nothing has changed with what Pep's said. He meant the season after next. The papers in BCN are today reporting that he wants to spend a year in NY with his family before returning to football. But papers in England and everywhere else have to run with some story so whatever.

That's a pity

Moneymaker

sundula wrote: »

Didnt know Napoli won cup - I stand corrected. But 5th in Serie A?

Natale/Balotelli/Cassano, can also cause problems for the Italians

Yeah 5th isn't brilliant, hampered with crammed fixture list/small squad and Cavani had a bad spell for 1-2 months which didn't help.

Di Natale will want to go out with a bang and he always has a goal in him. Question marks over his ability to play that many games in a short amount of time though. Balotelli is always a potential liability but you can't leave someone with his ability behind. Cassano is still a bit mental but he's mellowed out a bit and he has a touch of class no one else in that squad has.

On paper they should cream us and they might even surprise Spain but who knows tbh.

sundula

Moneymaker wrote: »

Yeah 5th isn't brilliant, hampered with crammed fixture list/small squad and Cavani had a bad spell for 1-2 months which didn't help.

Di Natale will want to go out with a bang and he always has a goal in him. Question marks over his ability to play that many games in a short amount of time though. Balotelli is always a potential liability but you can't leave someone with his ability behind. Cassano is still a bit mental but he's mellowed out a bit and he has a touch of class no one else in that squad has.

On paper they should cream us and they might even surprise Spain but who knows tbh.

Fixtures/Injuries aside - The Table Doesnt Lie. And I say that as a Blackburn supporter.

Anyway I have dragged thread way off topic, to summarise - I dont see Serie A luring Pep. It would be really intersting if Arsene was gone. I think London would be an attractive location for Pep.

greendom

sundula wrote: »

Fixtures/Injuries aside - The Table Doesnt Lie. And I say that as a Blackburn supporter.

You should have said earlier. I would have been more understanding

sundula

:rolleyes: Look who got off their high horse - the sarcasim inspector. Dipping in and out again were we ?

Renn

sundula wrote: »

Fixtures/Injuries aside - The Table Doesnt Lie. And I say that as a Blackburn supporter.

Anyway I have dragged thread way off topic, to summarise - I dont see Serie A luring Pep. It would be really intersting if Arsene was gone. I think London would be an attractive location for Pep.

It's amazing the level of ignorance shown towards the Serie A still.

No, the table doesn't lie. It says Napoli finished in 5th, unlike 6th or 7th as you said. They were in 3rd place with two games remaining but failed to capitalise on their advantage. Unfortunately they were a bit naive when they went to Stamford bridge a few months back - maybe they'll reinforce that squad a little so that they can have a chance of learning from that experience. Played the nicer football than both Man City and Chelsea but like I said, a tad bit silly vs the latter.

Anyway, I think Rome would be an attractive location for Pep.

Mint Sauce

Turtyturd wrote: »

I am sure he will be interested in the Wigan job.

Once John Henry gets wind of this it will be 'Martinez who?'

carbon nanotube

Sgt Pepper 64 wrote: »

so, he could be managing next season, if a club seduces him.

obviously chelsea will be hot for him, but is it a good fit, can he replicate the barca success there or anywhere else? big challenge for him

love to see pepe get the sack after a year (or less) at chelsea.

carlop

Napoli lost two games in Europe, against the two eventual finalists. Combined with a first trophy in over 20 years, that's not a bad return.

Serie A and the Italian team have always had their achievements dismissed. In the 00s, Italy won three CLs and a World Cup, and yet it has been described as a period of decline.

The last World Cup was a disaster, but in '08 it took Spain and penalties to beat them. I really think they can get something out of the Spain game this time round. They'll have a good team spirit, helped by an absence of any star player. They are also on good form.

As for Pep to Serie A, it could certainly happen. He speaks Italian and knows the country quite well, and he has enough of a profile to not be bullied and dismissed by the press.

I'd say Luis Enrique's experience at Roma and the power of the Ultras at some clubs could put him off though.

sundula

carlop wrote: »

Napoli lost two games in Europe, against the two eventual finalists. Combined with a first trophy in over 20 years, that's not a bad return.

Serie A and the Italian team have always had their achievements dismissed. In the 00s, Italy won three CLs and a World Cup, and yet it has been described as a period of decline.

The last World Cup was a disaster, but in '08 it took Spain and penalties to beat them. I really think they can get something out of the Spain game this time round. They'll have a good team spirit, helped by an absence of any star player. They are also on good form.

As for Pep to Serie A, it could certainly happen. He speaks Italian and knows the country quite well, and he has enough of a profile to not be bullied and dismissed by the press.

I'd say Luis Enrique's experience at Roma and the power of the Ultras at some clubs could put him off though.

Yeah and Man U were champions but for a few minutes.

I dont rate Serie A and dont think Pep will go there next. You think Enriques spell at Roma and the right wing groups might put him off, so we but think Italy wouldnt be his first choice.

Renn

Sorry but I don't know how you can just simply say that you don't rate that league. It's just mind boggling considering the recent achievements of both the clubs in Serie A and the national team itself. It just seems as if you've clung on to this idea that it's not very good/on a downward spiral/blah without actually looking at any of the facts.

I'm going to take a WILD GUESS and say that you don't even bother to look at this league and haven't done so in about ten years.

I hope he takes over Madrid just for the outrage alone

sundula

Renn wrote: »

Sorry but I don't know how you can just simply say that you don't rate that league. It's just mind boggling considering the recent achievements of both the clubs in Serie A and the national team itself. It just seems as if you've clung on to this idea that it's not very good/on a downward spiral/blah without actually looking at any of the facts.

I'm going to take a WILD GUESS and say that you don't even bother to look at this league and haven't done so in about ten years.

Guess away, its my opinion. I see enough of Serie A and I am of the opinion its been on a slow stead decline. Sure Italy has plenty of achievements in the past and if you had a time machine you could travel back and take over some fantastic teams.

I dont believe the money is in Serie A, I dont believe they have the capability to attract the calibre of player they have done in the past, the attendances speak for themselves and I also think there brand of football is bit less appealing. They also only get 3 CL places, I think they dropped in the UEFA coefficient rackings. If you look at the top 25 clubs in europe based on the UEFA cofficent of 2011 and 2012 they are just two Inter and AC, Inter are 7th and AC 12th.

I also dont rate there current national team highly, but the strength of a national team doesnt always have any connection with a strength or weakness of the league in that country.

sundula

I also think he is probably going to takeover Chelsea, maybe they will wait till after the Euro's to make it easier for Barca to swallow. Interesting to see if Chelsea start signing players(apart from Marin) prior to the appointment of manager. Type of signings might give an indication as to who the potential manager is.

Renn

Nice to see that my wild guess was bang on the money. Of course they're still able to attract the top players - Buffon stayed at Juventus, Milan have the best CB in the world in Silva and one of the best strikers around in Ibrahimović. Sneijder, Forlán, Milito, Cambiasso, Maicon, Jovetić, Lavezzi, Cavani, Hamšík, Inler etc all play in the league. I don't think there's a quality problem over there.

think there brand of football is bit less appealing

Can't believe people are STILL coming out with this. Amazing.

Falling attendances is an issue but Italians don't come out in numbers like other countries. Same goes for the national team.

11/12: 23,459
10/11: 24,031
09/10: 24,603
08/09: 25,324
07/08: 25,115
06/07: 20,726
05/06: 22,717
04/05: 25,937
03/04: 25,888
02/03: 26,302
01/02: 27,408

Bodhisopha

rarnes1 wrote: »

I hope he takes over Madrid just for the outrage alone

In a WWE style heel turn? That would be fantastic.