UEFA Champions League 2012/2013 Group Stage Draw ~ Coverage

[ReLax -]

Spoiler

PSG is not doing so well despite their huge expenditures. Porto is favorite; but I can't say the same for the rest. Zagreb and Kyiv are no pushovers and got quite some CL experience by now. But still, PSG got a great chance.

Arsenal are clear-cut favorites but they'll just need to play all those teams carefully. Giroud will meet his old club, Montpellier that he helped clinching a historic French title by upsetting PSG. But yeah, Montpellier isn't doing too well either since this star-departure. I'd bet something on Shalke though for the 2nd place.

Zenit is a solid side by now and built-up solid credibility on both Cl and Europa platforms. Milan is such a prestigious side in CL history; even though I'm worried for them given their losses in players. Malaga has proved to be a very tricky side in the Liga, so they'll have good chances. Frankly, I'd say that Zenit will end up first and either Milan or Malaga will barely squeeze through.

I don't know what to say on this Group of Death. It sure isn't the best way for Madrid to give another attempt at this wanted 10th CL trophy. Neither is it the ideal way for the Citizens to enter a second Group of Death lol. I almost pity Ajax and its fans. And yeah, Dortmund are one heck of a team. Somehow, I like most teams in this group (well not City but I do support English teams as always, so...). It's gonna be pretty nice. City is gonna fare better than last year. They are perhaps not with the same confidence as last uear but they have matured and gained more experience. But on the flip side, this group sounds even more tough than last year. Dortmund aren't blessed either. It's gonna be a tough call; predicting this one even if I don't believe much in Ajax chances at all.

Group E & F are very similar. 2 teams - Chelsea/Juventus and Bayern/Valencia - seem favorites to topple the group and 1 team - Doneskt and Lille are gonna try to force an upset. Nordsjælland and Bate are clearly weaker but they are gonna be underestimated and could cost one team their qualification. They are wild cards. That's why I say, these are very solid groups. The hierarchy is defined but maintaining it, is another thing.

In another way, Group G & H are also very similar.

Barcelona are clear-cut favorites. But Benfica is a very solid side. Celtic is a very football-breathing team. And a trip to Russia, well, it's not always the best thing.

United are also favorites but we should learn from last year's debacle. No fiasco should be allowed to occur this time and caution shall be key. Like Celtic, Galatasaray got a very sulfuric stadium to say the least and yeah, I'm not fan of a Turkish voyage. Needless to remind some stingy memories of Portuguese sides with United. Somehow, I think United always get a Portuguese or Scottish side in CL campaigns. Can't say if it's a blessing or curse though. I don't know much on Cluj, so I won't detail on this one.

PSG has drawn there last few games, at least we can say they haven't lost yet I heard Ibra and Nene got into a fight during training.

Arsenal are like PSG they haven't won. They have't even scored in a single league game yet. Lets see if they can VS Liverpool.

Milan lost not only their striker, but one of the best defenders in this game Silva. Pato is out on injury and they traded Cassano. I have to agree either Malaga or Milan will most likely not make it out.

We know one thing from the past few games, that Pepe absent is vital weakness for Madrid. Madrid didn't play to well in the past 4 games. I thought they would have destroyed us last night, but weren't consistent and still with 10 man we had about 3-4 one on one with Casillas, this needs to improve from them. City are shaky right now they need on form Aguero/Silva to actually survive this group. Dortmund don't have the best squad, but they have what it takes to challenge the best. I have enjoyed watching Rues/Gotze/Hummels/Lewandowski performance as of late. They have also raised players like Sahin and Kagawa. Well not Kagawa as much, but thats were he rose.

Agreed with group E & F. They may just end up underestimating these two sides.

Same with group G & H. Barcelona will struggle this season with a shaky defence and United may struggle in the same boat as I feel Vidic/Rio will be in and out of injury like Puyol.

 

[Escorpiius]

PSG has drawn there last few games, at least we can say they haven't lost yet I heard Ibra and Nene got into a fight during training.

Arsenal are like PSG they haven't won. They have't even scored in a single league game yet. Lets see if they can VS Liverpool.

Milan lost not only their striker, but one of the best defenders in this game Silva. Pato is out on injury and they traded Cassano. I have to agree either Malaga or Milan will most likely not make it out.

We know one thing from the past few games, that Pepe absent is vital weakness for Madrid. Madrid didn't play to well in the past 4 games. I thought they would have destroyed us last night, but weren't consistent and still with 10 man we had about 3-4 one on one with Casillas, this needs to improve from them. City are shaky right now they need on form Aguero/Silva to actually survive this group. Dortmund don't have the best squad, but they have what it takes to challenge the best. I have enjoyed watching Rues/Gotze/Hummels/Lewandowski performance as of late. They have also raised players like Sahin and Kagawa. Well not Kagawa as much, but thats were he rose.

Agreed with group E & F. They may just end up underestimating these two sides.

Same with group G & H. Barcelona will struggle this season with a shaky defence and United may struggle in the same boat as I feel Vidic/Rio will be in and out of injury like Puyol.

Well, I saw 2 of these 3 matches and I'm not really optimist. They were dominated against Lorient and Ibra saved them. Afterwards, he got injured. The next 2 matches, the opponents packed their defense and PSG were not very threatening. Levezzi even got red-carded on the last match due to frustration. On the other side, Ancelloti was brought in for CL experiences, so let's see.

Yeah but Arsenal is another case. They are regulars in CL despite their continuous squad depletion and always fare well. PSG are back into CL after a hiatus. But yeah as you know, I did underlined how the lack of offensive leader is gonna lead to finishing problems in Arsenal. So let's see... I don't see them crashing out though.

Let's not forget all the departures of the legends too. It's pretty clear who's the top side.

I didn't detailed onto Madrid v/s Barca match yet due to certain things. Will do so later on. Aguero is injured though and Silva is not in the nest of shape. Still, they do have a great squad. And Dortmund have a great team nonetheless. Gotze/Reus/Lewandowski ect... still sount like a very promising squad. Let's not forget how they steam-rolled Bayern last season in most encounters while Madrid got out against Bayern. Somewhat, Dortmund has more than a good chance. They got many reasons to believe in imo.

Defense will indeed be a problem for both Barca and United. Even if Barca's possession against "weaker" teams shall erase most of Valdes/Pique/Mascherao/Adriano weaknesses. As for United, well, I'm worried especially for the center defense but I want to wait for some of the defenders return before pushing a defensive crisis panic button. Ferdinand is supposed to be back in 2-3 weeks. Vidic is getting better from his injury as weeks are passing. Smalling is supposedly a long-term one while Evans and Jones could make it a return in around 1 month or so.

 

[ReLax -]

Well, I saw 2 of these 3 matches and I'm not really optimist. They were dominated against Lorient and Ibra saved them. Afterwards, he got injured. The next 2 matches, the opponents packed their defense and PSG were not very threatening. Levezzi even got red-carded on the last match due to frustration. On the other side, Ancelloti was brought in for CL experiences, so let's see.

Yeah but Arsenal is another case. They are regulars in CL despite their continuous squad depletion and always fare well. PSG are back into CL after a hiatus. But yeah as you know, I did underlined how the lack of offensive leader is gonna lead to finishing problems in Arsenal. So let's see... I don't see them crashing out though.

Let's not forget all the departures of the legends too. It's pretty clear who's the top side.

I didn't detailed onto Madrid v/s Barca match yet due to certain things. Will do so later on. Aguero is injured though and Silva is not in the nest of shape. Still, they do have a great squad. And Dortmund have a great team nonetheless. Gotze/Reus/Lewandowski ect... still sount like a very promising squad. Let's not forget how they steam-rolled Bayern last season in most encounters while Madrid got out against Bayern. Somewhat, Dortmund has more than a good chance. They got many reasons to believe in imo.

Defense will indeed be a problem for both Barca and United. Even if Barca's possession against "weaker" teams shall erase most of Valdes/Pique/Mascherao/Adriano weaknesses. As for United, well, I'm worried especially for the center defense but I want to wait for some of the defenders return before pushing a defensive crisis panic button. Ferdinand is supposed to be back in 2-3 weeks. Vidic is getting better from his injury as weeks are passing. Smalling is supposedly a long-term one while Evans and Jones could make it a return in around 1 month or so.

Thats something PSG will need to get use to. Ibra/Levezzi/Nene/Pastore/Moura/Motta are all good offensively and with Silva/Alex/Lugano/Maxell watching their backs it gives them more confident on offence, which will get teams to defend heavy. Levezzi will be facing a lot of cards could be a downfall for them.

Arsenal in the past 10 years or so have always been strong in Europe. They just lose key players and try to break in the new players in the CL competition, but they have beaten the best already. They just need an actually squad like 02/04 one.

Yes, City does have a big squad, but they need Nasri to step up a bit more, if incase Silva gets injured and/or out of shape. Tevez is doing well and fighting for his spot. Balotelli needs his Euro shape back, and if Aguero can perform like he did last year than they can go far. Dortmund has history in CL and now the players have experience it, all tho each year they lose a key midfielders Sahin in 11/12 and Kagawa this year. Imagine Kagawa/Sahin/Lewandowski/Reus/Gotze They also lost Lucas Barrios who i though was pretty good.

Speaking of Bayern they just signed Martinez. Also Shaqiri has been a joy to watch. Bayern was a tough side last year, all tho they didn't get the best of results, but with Martinez and Shaqiri they have only strengthen themselves. I haven't seen enough of their new defender Dante to really judge his performance.

Well Puyol is out, so were left with Pique only with Abidal maybe making a return in December, but I think his career is over, or will be after this season. We tried to get Silva, but nothing happened if he would have I'd be so happy. Hummels was another choice, but due to chasing Silva, they ignored him till he signed a new deal with Dortmund. United so far have scored 3 and conceded 3. Vidic may pick up a knock here and there, but with no better replacement it'll be hard to match the bigger teams in EPL.

 

[Escorpiius]

Thats something PSG will need to get use to. Ibra/Levezzi/Nene/Pastore/Moura/Motta are all good offensively and with Silva/Alex/Lugano/Maxell watching their backs it gives them more confident on offence, which will get teams to defend heavy. Levezzi will be facing a lot of cards could be a downfall for them.

Arsenal in the past 10 years or so have always been strong in Europe. They just lose key players and try to break in the new players in the CL competition, but they have beaten the best already. They just need an actually squad like 02/04 one.

Yes, City does have a big squad, but they need Nasri to step up a bit more, if incase Silva gets injured and/or out of shape. Tevez is doing well and fighting for his spot. Balotelli needs his Euro shape back, and if Aguero can perform like he did last year than they can go far. Dortmund has history in CL and now the players have experience it, all tho each year they lose a key midfielders Sahin in 11/12 and Kagawa this year. Imagine Kagawa/Sahin/Lewandowski/Reus/Gotze They also lost Lucas Barrios who i though was pretty good.

Speaking of Bayern they just signed Martinez. Also Shaqiri has been a joy to watch. Bayern was a tough side last year, all tho they didn't get the best of results, but with Martinez and Shaqiri they have only strengthen themselves. I haven't seen enough of their new defender Dante to really judge his performance.

Well Puyol is out, so were left with Pique only with Abidal maybe making a return in December, but I think his career is over, or will be after this season. We tried to get Silva, but nothing happened if he would have I'd be so happy. Hummels was another choice, but due to chasing Silva, they ignored him till he signed a new deal with Dortmund. United so far have scored 3 and conceded 3. Vidic may pick up a knock here and there, but with no better replacement it'll be hard to match the bigger teams in EPL.

Besides Lille and to some extent, Marseille or Lyon, I don't see the other teams playing offensive football against Paris. It'll take time for them to adjust to this continuous defensive schema set against them. They might struggle for a first season.

Well, they need a trophy. If they do, a better squad will most likely follow. Speaking of squads, I'm gonna talk on transfers in the Debates thread tonight since it closes in less than 24 hours now.

Well, Nasri did step up against Southampton when Silva was out of shape. In the match against Liverpool, well, mostly all City players were bad. I wanna wait some more match to decide whether they just had a bad day or they felt awkward with Manicini's formation changes or they actually struggled. Tevez and Aguero got the 2 strikers' starting spot since some time now. It's mostly Ballotelli and Dzeko who need to prove their worth in absence of Aguero.

Speaking of Liverpool, is it me or Suarez is developing more and more like Robben in terms of attitude? He's ultra-talented like Robben but he's becoming more and more of a soloist player. He tried 5 passes during the City match and missed 3 of those. He scored a wonderfully freekick in his own but he still bitches a lot on the field. With him being often tagged as cheater, arrogant or even racist by some people, he's somewhat following on the inglorious path of Robben.

Dortmund lost players since they do form great players. The good thing is that Gotze is coming back. Had he not been injured, I think, he'll already have courted somewhere else. But, Kagawa did wonderfully in Gotze's absence and now that he's gone, it's time for Gotze to get back his shape. Frankly speaking, if Gotze gets back his shape, we won't see much drop in Dortmund's performances.

Martinez will struggle a lot in the beginning if you ask me. He can be a success but he'll need to fight a lot imo. Mainly because there'll magnanimous media pressure on him, given his price. He's young, he's talented but now he's also over-priced; thanks to his release clause. With that, he'll need a big mental strength to show his mettle despite the pressure.

Vidic is not really injury-prone though. If we remove this past severe injury, I rarely saw him getting injured. Touch-wood, I hope he doesn't take any more. The good thing is that Fergie didn't rush his return despite the defensive crisis. He played 6 matches (includ. pre season) since his return and I didn't saw him complaining of any pain in either of those matches. That's quite re-assuring. Moreover, he seemed to have a good physical preparation if we saw his weight loss. It's amazing how much Vidic, Tevez and Y.Toure lost weight in mere months though.

 

[Uchiha seeker]

Cant wait for Madrid vs City!

 

[Cam]

I wonder if City will be more impressive this season with their big club, despite being in the group of death. I feel they still need more experience in the Champions League though. Madrid is a sure pass.

United and Barca have an easy group to get through, but I wouldn't rule out the smaller teams just yet, seeing United's disappointment last season.


PSG will be interesting to see with their high increase of top players lately.

 

[Michael92]

Real, City and Dortmund... This will be very interesting indeed. And again, Man U get an easy group for the 8th year or so in row O_____o Looks to me like this is becoming a trend, and with City in a group of death 2 years in a row.

Barca also got it easy this time around it seems, while Chelsea and Juventus will play each other to the maximum I think.

On a different note, Europa League Group draws:

Group A:
Liverpool
Udinese
Young Boys
Anzji Makhatsjkala

Group B:
Atletico Madrid
Hapoel Tel Aviv
Viktoria Plzen
Academica

Group C:
Marseille
Fenerbahce
Borussia Mönchengladbach
AEL Limassol

Group D:
Bordeaux
Club Brugge
Newcastle
Maritimo

Group E:
Stuttgart
FC København
Steaua Bucuresti
Molde

Group F:
PSV Eindhoven
Napoli
Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk
AIK

Group G:
Sporting Lisboa
Basel
Genk
Videoton

Group H:
Inter
Rubin Kazan
Partizan Beograd
Neftchi Baku

Group I:
Lyon
Athletic Bilbao
Sparta Praha
Hapoel Kiryat Shmona

Group J:
Tottenham
Panathinaikos
Lazio
Maribor

Group K:
Bayer Leverkusen
Metalist Kharkiv
Rosenborg
Rapid Wien

Group L:
Twente
Hannover
Levante
Helsingborg

@*Escorp - Feel free to add this in your first post.

 

[ReLax -]

Besides Lille and to some extent, Marseille or Lyon, I don't see the other teams playing offensive football against Paris. It'll take time for them to adjust to this continuous defensive schema set against them. They might struggle for a first season.

Well, they need a trophy. If they do, a better squad will most likely follow. Speaking of squads, I'm gonna talk on transfers in the Debates thread tonight since it closes in less than 24 hours now.

Well, Nasri did step up against Southampton when Silva was out of shape. In the match against Liverpool, well, mostly all City players were bad. I wanna wait some more match to decide whether they just had a bad day or they felt awkward with Manicini's formation changes or they actually struggled. Tevez and Aguero got the 2 strikers' starting spot since some time now. It's mostly Ballotelli and Dzeko who need to prove their worth in absence of Aguero.

Speaking of Liverpool, is it me or Suarez is developing more and more like Robben in terms of attitude? He's ultra-talented like Robben but he's becoming more and more of a soloist player. He tried 5 passes during the City match and missed 3 of those. He scored a wonderfully freekick in his own but he still bitches a lot on the field. With him being often tagged as cheater, arrogant or even racist by some people, he's somewhat following on the inglorious path of Robben.

Dortmund lost players since they do form great players. The good thing is that Gotze is coming back. Had he not been injured, I think, he'll already have courted somewhere else. But, Kagawa did wonderfully in Gotze's absence and now that he's gone, it's time for Gotze to get back his shape. Frankly speaking, if Gotze gets back his shape, we won't see much drop in Dortmund's performances.

Martinez will struggle a lot in the beginning if you ask me. He can be a success but he'll need to fight a lot imo. Mainly because there'll magnanimous media pressure on him, given his price. He's young, he's talented but now he's also over-priced; thanks to his release clause. With that, he'll need a big mental strength to show his mettle despite the pressure.

Vidic is not really injury-prone though. If we remove this past severe injury, I rarely saw him getting injured. Touch-wood, I hope he doesn't take any more. The good thing is that Fergie didn't rush his return despite the defensive crisis. He played 6 matches (includ. pre season) since his return and I didn't saw him complaining of any pain in either of those matches. That's quite re-assuring. Moreover, he seemed to have a good physical preparation if we saw his weight loss. It's amazing how much Vidic, Tevez and Y.Toure lost weight in mere months though.

I think they will need to play defensively eventually also.

True. I'm more concerned were Llorente is going Arsenal/Liverpool/Juventus? Or will he stay, but won't get a welcoming party from Bilbao fans.

Yes, but Nasri has his off/on games, he rarely shows consistency, which I'd like to see from him if he wants to take France/City far.

Well the thing is Robben played with top sides like Madrid/Chelsea/Bayern and his country Netherlands, which has been a dominate side for the past 4-5 years. Suarez played good with Ajax and Uruguay, but he has become a soloist with Liverpool because their isn't much support. Most his goals come from his solo effort and last year despite missing 15+ games he was the top scorer for Liverpool. This is why we see him becoming like this, every player has an attitude problem in somewhat way or form. Suarez played well as a team with Ajax and Uruguay, but Liverpool don't have support for him his first season he played well as a team, but no one else played too good and most his created chance were becoming useless.

Yes, but within a year or two City/Madrid/Bayern/Arsenal/Milan/Juventus may coming knocking for Gotze. I do admire his playing style and he's still young.

Yes, I read that most spent on a transfer to Germany, his development their will also benefit Spain if he can

We never know what happens. The games get rough and the test will start when they start playing league games/FA/CL etc.

Real, City and Dortmund... This will be very interesting indeed. And again, Man U get an easy group for the 8th year or so in row O_____o Looks to me like this is becoming a trend, and with City in a group of death 2 years in a row.

Barca also got it easy this time around it seems, while Chelsea and Juventus will play each other to the maximum I think.

I wouldn't say easy, as Benfica and Celtic will give Barcelona a run for their money. United will face Braga would did reach the finals of Europa two years ago and a tricky Galatasaray side.

It will also depend on the tactic both sides deploy and if the miss key players due to injury.

 

[kmrasengan]

i'm so happy my team(Benfica) got in the same group as barça. i know we're weaker but i'll definatly gonna watch the game at the stadium, but still we have great chances of finish second.

 

[ReLax -]

i'm so happy my team(Benfica) got in the same group as barça. i know we're weaker but i'll definatly gonna watch the game at the stadium, but still we have great chances of finish second.

I know it was a friendly, but they did beat Madrid 5-2, so wouldn;t say their weak, but rather underestimated.

 

[Escorpiius]

Real, City and Dortmund... This will be very interesting indeed. And again, Man U get an easy group for the 8th year or so in row O_____o Looks to me like this is becoming a trend, and with City in a group of death 2 years in a row.

@*Escorp - Feel free to add this in your first post.

Well, United got the merit to complicate things with easy groups anyways. In a way, it doesn't really matter. Also, English clubs in Pot 1 are lucky enough since they were sure not to get Man.City which was THE real danger to form a group of death. At worst, Arsenal/Chelsea/United will have inherited both Dortmund and Juventus to form a Group of Death but it was too improbable.

Also, we tend to underestimate Portuguese clubs. United always tend to get one and people just jump on the wagon that we got an easy group. Sure, the group is largely favorable to us but still, Braga are no pushovers. Neither will Benfica be against Barca imo.

I think they will need to play defensively eventually also.

True. I'm more concerned were Llorente is going Arsenal/Liverpool/Juventus? Or will he stay, but won't get a welcoming party from Bilbao fans.

Yes, but Nasri has his off/on games, he rarely shows consistency, which I'd like to see from him if he wants to take France/City far.

Well the thing is Robben played with top sides like Madrid/Chelsea/Bayern and his country Netherlands, which has been a dominate side for the past 4-5 years. Suarez played good with Ajax and Uruguay, but he has become a soloist with Liverpool because their isn't much support. Most his goals come from his solo effort and last year despite missing 15+ games he was the top scorer for Liverpool. This is why we see him becoming like this, every player has an attitude problem in somewhat way or form. Suarez played well as a team with Ajax and Uruguay, but Liverpool don't have support for him his first season he played well as a team, but no one else played too good and most his created chance were becoming useless.

Yes, but within a year or two City/Madrid/Bayern/Arsenal/Milan/Juventus may coming knocking for Gotze. I do admire his playing style and he's still young.

Yes, I read that most spent on a transfer to Germany, his development their will also benefit Spain if he can

We never know what happens. The games get rough and the test will start when they start playing league games/FA/CL etc.
.

We'll see.. It depends on the improvement of Paris too.

There are already quite some movement today. On second thought, I'll resumes the big transfers of this season tomorrow night. It's a bit too confusing right now.

Can't say no but he improved in last part of the season. There were also many fights at many positions in City last year for starters position: Aguero v/s Dzeko, Balotelli v/s Tevez, Silva v/s Johnson, Nasri v/s Milner, Barry v/s De Jong, Kolarov v/s Clichy, Richards v/s Zabaleta, Lescott v/s Toure. As season reached its culmination, Mancini got his starting team. Somewhat all the winners fought to be among those and Nasri is one of them. Perhaps, many of those players are now slacking since there's no more that competition threat. I think, his inconsistency can be blamed on that. Though, you're harsh with Nasri in France though. There are many factors that is wrong with France squad besides Nasri's inconsistency.

Still, no matter your squad's teamplay, you must try to blend into it. I know Liverpool is far far from being the best in that but I don't think soloist efforts is the solution. Atleast, not a long-term answer. Let's see how his attitude changes with Sahin and Allen's arrival now. Sahin got brilliant potential and many compares him to Xabi Alonso. Allen is underrated but if you go by stats, he was the 2nd player who made the most passes in whole European clubs last season. Only Xavi did better. Few people realize that.

Well, as I said, if you asked me two seasons ago, I would have seen him to still be at Dortmund. His injury has been detrimental. Hopefully, he'll get back on tracks.

Yeah, the most expensive transfer of Bundesliga. A tag that'll become a burden on his young shoulders.

Well, obviously, no players are safe from a potential injury but I hope the best for Vidic. Though I know Ferdinand will get injured again down the line; given his frequent back-problems.

 

[ReLax -]

Well, United got the merit to complicate things with easy groups anyways. In a way, it doesn't really matter. Also, English clubs in Pot 1 are lucky enough since they were sure not to get Man.City which was THE real danger to form a group of death. At worst, Arsenal/Chelsea/United will have inherited both Dortmund and Juventus to form a Group of Death but it was too improbable.

Also, we tend to underestimate Portuguese clubs. United always tend to get one and people just jump on the wagon that we got an easy group. Sure, the group is largely favorable to us but still, Braga are no pushovers. Neither will Benfica be against Barca imo.



We'll see.. It depends on the improvement of Paris too.

There are already quite some movement today. On second thought, I'll resumes the big transfers of this season tomorrow night. It's a bit too confusing right now.

Can't say no but he improved in last part of the season. There were also many fights at many positions in City last year for starters position: Aguero v/s Dzeko, Balotelli v/s Tevez, Silva v/s Johnson, Nasri v/s Milner, Barry v/s De Jong, Kolarov v/s Clichy, Richards v/s Zabaleta, Lescott v/s Toure. As season reached its culmination, Mancini got his starting team. Somewhat all the winners fought to be among those and Nasri is one of them. Perhaps, many of those players are now slacking since there's no more that competition threat. I think, his inconsistency can be blamed on that. Though, you're harsh with Nasri in France though. There are many factors that is wrong with France squad besides Nasri's inconsistency.

Still, no matter your squad's teamplay, you must try to blend into it. I know Liverpool is far far from being the best in that but I don't think soloist efforts is the solution. Atleast, not a long-term answer. Let's see how his attitude changes with Sahin and Allen's arrival now. Sahin got brilliant potential and many compares him to Xabi Alonso. Allen is underrated but if you go by stats, he was the 2nd player who made the most passes in whole European clubs last season. Only Xavi did better. Few people realize that.

Well, as I said, if you asked me two seasons ago, I would have seen him to still be at Dortmund. His injury has been detrimental. Hopefully, he'll get back on tracks.

Yeah, the most expensive transfer of Bundesliga. A tag that'll become a burden on his young shoulders.

Well, obviously, no players are safe from a potential injury but I hope the best for Vidic. Though I know Ferdinand will get injured again down the line; given his frequent back-problems.

Indeed the way PSG is starting up doesn't look good, but they can still turn it around.

I list some later on and you can follow up on it later.

Yes, Nasri has improved from the start of last season to the end of that season and he is off to a decent start now. France has many problems between the players with all the fights and with their egos, but Lloris/Benz/Rib/Nasri/Cabaye/Giroud/etc they have a good team, Nasri attitude/ego is no better, so he along with a lot of the players their need to improve, but at least Nasri can start it if he wants to be a big influence. This France side did had a 21 unbeaten streak till they fall in Euros.

Your right, but at the moment we can't say he was entirely wrong, especially since his team was not clicking together. We will see how Sahin/Allen influence the game, and if they can sneak another decent signing this season.

 

[karol the don]

chelsea gonna defend the champions title as the first team ever HOMES

 

[Uchiha seeker]

did someone say Chelsea! yah! Chelsea own!!

 

[IzunaUchiha2]

real madrid pass not sure about city

 

[Ali Uchiha96]

Chelsea will face a tough opponent in the form of Juventus!!Hopefully we can repeat the remarkable feat again this year!And we have a bigger chance than we had last year!!Summer signings have strengthened the squad quite a lot!!
Disappointed by the super cup loss but hoping for the best!KTBFFH!
The group of champions is going to help other teams coz two big guns will be going out earlier than expected!