Time will tell Ajax will be distracted though, they are still battling in the Eredivise. We also have 3 old boys who will be massively up for the game, they won’t be phased at all about playing in Amsterdam. I’m sure you also expected City to ease past us.
A serious look at Mauricio Pochettino
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Time will tell Ajax will be distracted though, they are still battling in the Eredivise. We also have 3 old boys who will be massively up for the game, they won’t be phased at all about playing in Amsterdam. I’m sure you also expected City to ease past us.
They play the best football in Europe. The rest is nonsense .. and City are a much, much better side than Juventus.
We lost to Juve last season but completely outplayed them, that is knockout football, it can go either way. It was clear who was the superior team.
Nope, I expected Tottenham to go through.
4 old boys: Toby, Vertonghen, Eriksen, Sanchez
This fecking nonsense "play the best football in Europe" malarky again. City are a fecking flawed team in Europe, fecking Schalke was on the verge of beating them and Lyon took 4 points off them. They've never fecking beaten a heavyweight in Europe in their entire history.
Juve have much more pedigree in Europe, albeit they're out at the same stage this season as well.
Really? Your a better man than me, our record against City is shit. I don’t expect Sanchez to start, so it will still only be the 3.
I've been on record saying Tottenham will knock City out, but I did expect a 2-1 not a fecking 4-3 with VAR being MOTM
I'll you have a good chance of getting points off them this weekend if you're boys are up for it, City will be fecking deflated.
Yep, they play the best football in Europe. Don't care about past results, I care about the current reality. They beat Schalke 7-0 in the return leg ffs.
Never bought in to this pedigree shit, and never will. Means nothing on the day. City played very, very well last night and would imo have been favourites to win the whole thing if they had advanced.
So close. Just lost by 7 goals overall.
I've been on record saying Tottenham will knock City out, but I did expect a 2-1 not a fecking 4-3 with VAR being MOTM
I'll you have a good chance of getting points off them this weekend if you're boys are up for it, City will be fecking deflated.
Yeah could go either way, if there heads are down we could get something. But if they are out for revenge we could get proper fecked. Honestly not hat bothered as I think we have a good run in so as long as we finish in the top for I don’t mind. Would love a CL final though, would be massive for us and I think refreshing in a game where money is king. Of course if Ajax get there it will be equally refreshing just shit for me
.I don't give a shit about "best football in Europe", that's a very narrow subjective interpretation that matters zilch in the end. It's your opinion. Coming to think of it, why doesn't Ajax play better football than City? Or Barcelona? Or erm (puke) Liverpool? End of the day, the media quadruple talk has shaped the narrative that City are these amazing, historical team when in truth they've had it very easy:
Schalke are relegation fodder in Germany. Still Pep managed to overthink the first leg and they were losing the first leg with 5 minutes to go. 7-0 is Pep beating a dead horse. Come the first real hurdle (Spurs) and he's fecking out.
Pedigree matters, that's why you lost to Juve last year and that's why Spursy is a meme etc. Psychology is important in football and pedigree is one of those intangibles like belief that play a part on the day.
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Oh the fecking pedants are out in force.
There was a 1st leg right? They did not do near enough in the 1st leg, and they did virtually nothing to mitigate Llorente. A short while before he scored, he recieved one of the best chances of the game and hit a header straight at the keeper, the warning signs were there but City did feck all to nullify him. I would say Llorente played a binder even without the goal, he held up the ball well and was strong in the air, really helped Spurs.
Who cares? They didn't. They won, and then they obliterated them in the second leg.
That's not going to happen. It won't happen even if Ajax make it through to the final.
It's hard to call, but I fancy Spurs on balance to make this the stage when Ajax get cut down to size a little bit.
I edited the response, feel free to reply to that.
I don't give a shit about "best football in Europe", that's a very narrow subjective interpretation that matters zilch in the end. It's your opinion. Coming to think of it, why doesn't Ajax play better football than City? Or Barcelona? Or erm (puke) Liverpool? End of the day, the media quadruple talk has shaped the narrative that City are these amazing, historical team when in truth they've had it very easy:
Schalke are relegation fodder in Germany. Still Pep managed to overthink the first leg and they were losing the first leg with 5 minutes to go. 7-0 is Pep beating a dead horse. Come the first real hurdle (Spurs) and he's fecking out.
Pedigree matters, that's why you lost to Juve last year and that's why Spursy is a meme etc. Psychology is important in football and pedigree is one of those intangibles like belief that play a part on the day.
They're at the very least in contention. 86 goals scored this season, 83 points, 100 points last season. They're an incredible side with talent everywhere, minimum they're one of the best sides in Europe and there's a reason they were bookies favourite to win the whole thing. They're pure class. It's not really 'subjective' when they score more goals than any other top side in Europe, they play fantastic football and if you like attacking teams they are the best to watch.
Ajax don't because if they played better football than City they'd be pissing the Eredivisie, though they have played beautiful football in a few games in the CL. Liverpool are good to watch in a different way but less easy on the eye for most people, and Barcelona are up there but for me too reliant on a single player (Messi) whereas City are an incredible unit.
They are a historically great domestic team, and likely to win a domestic treble still.
Nope, no it doesn't. We totally outplayed Juventus and went out because that's knockout football. Pedigree doesn't mean shit and you have zero proof whatsoever to back up your claim that 'pedigree is an intangible belief' theory, the best teams generally win stuff and the not best sides don't. People act like it's a thing because they want to introduce some sort of romantic intangible in to football because 'the best side mostly wins it' doesn't do enough for them.
Stuff like tactical styles and whether a team excels better in a knockout or league environment is a thing and potentially City are better in the league system, but they're still an incredible team.
If goals scored is a metric, than PSG play the best football in Europe - after all they win every game 5-1 (except the last 3 or 4).
Ajax piss about the simple games the Twentes and the Alkmaaers, but they're really a level above in Holland (sorry @KirkDuyt)
I don't know if you outplayed Juve, after all if Higuain doesn't miss the penalty you'd be down 3-0 in Turin and it's good night Charlie. You came back after that miss and that was a credit to you. Still they beat you in London when it mattered and they let you faff about in midfield.
Pedigree matters, it's why PSG couldn't keep the ball in the last 10 minutes at Camp Nou, it's why they started choking and stopped playing in the second half against us it's because they've never - as a club - been through those situations and come out alive. Like City, they're just a plastic, tainted franchise made up of mercenaries who're there just collecting a paycheck. Put it this when Neymar captains PSG it's just a perk to him; when Chiellini captains it means something.
I doubt even the most fanatic Feyenoord supporter would disagree honestly. However, even though they are a level above the rest domestically they havent won the league in five years and have far from sealed it this year, which is crazy if you see their squad compared to PSV's.
Also, we beat them 6-2 this year, no one will take that away from me
Them winning the CL would make that even sweeter. Reminds me of 1995 when they beat the mighty Milan and Real, but were knocked out of the domestic cup by us.Call it small time, but it's all we have.
Regarding the City comparison, the premier league is a lot more competitive with quite a few huge, megarich clubs. Ajax should win the league 8 out of 10 times by default.
Nope, because they play in a shit, non competitive league.
They're a level above yet struggling to win the league, doesn't really make sense to me.
We created more chances over the two games, had far more of the ball, dominated in Turin .. they were very clinical but yes, we outplayed them. In the second leg they basically had a 10 minute period where they got 2 goals and that was it, they had 3 shots on target all game. Again, that is knockout football, the best team does not always progress. City were better than us (by far) last night yet we go forward.
PSG have issues unrelated to 'pedigree' that I'm not going to get in to here, but it's a lazy ass way to explain their failures in Europe. I've had this debate before and it's pretty pointless because the fact is you believe in something totally intangible, that's all it is .. a belief. There's no point me trying to change your mind on that.
You clearly don't know redcafe.
If he loses the semis he'll be crucified on here, the usual "bottler" and "will never win a trophy" rhetoric.
Let's be honest, in the second half they weren't any better than we were against Barca. Spurs were dire and if City had scored 4 then it wouldn't have been a surprise.
Anyone pretending the result had anything to do with Poch showing his tactical nous is living in cloud cuckoo land.
Anyone pretending the result had anything to do with Poch showing his tactical nous is living in cloud cuckoo land.
In the second half? Try all game bar the 10 minutes when Son scored twice (one laid on the plate by Laporte and then Ederson doing his best De Gea impression)
Don't get me wrong I think it's fecking hilarious how City went out but for them much like how they're probably scratching their heads about how Liverpool are ahead of them in the league they'll look at last night and wonder how they were knocked out by Spurs
The 2nd half
It's four halves spread over 2 games. United lost 0 - 4. Spurs scored 4 goals against City. United scored zero goals.
Spurs made a game of it. United went out limply.
I wanted Spurs to win the CL 30 seconds ago.
Then Glaston happened.
All aboard the Ajax train!
Then Glaston happened.
All aboard the Ajax train!
That’s the problem I have with them. Other than Glaston all Spurs fans I have ever met have been nice, their teams is quite likeable and it’s a good underdog story.
However the you realize Glaston exists and just can’t do this.
I don't think Llorente should start if I'm honest. We need to be mobile, press and have great movement up front, especially against a team like Ajax. Llorente, for all he does....is not those things.
I don't know how I'd line up to be honest. Assuming the squad is as it is and nobody comes back from injury...I actually don't know what we'd do. I've just tried to do it and its very difficult if you don't want to start Llorente actually so who knows what Poch will do.
The hope is that Aurier, Sissoko, Winks, Dier, Lamela are back for the 1st leg.
Yeah, I like Spurs too (as much as you can like a top four rival). Most of the their fans on here are decent lads who are generally up for a laugh and don't take things too seriously.
Glaston is just Glaston. I really shouldn't let him influence as much as he does to be honest
He won the tie. his team is the one through to the next round. All these mental gymnastics to try and minimise it are comical and can be applied to a bunch of our own “achievements”.
Tottenham have the quality to get them over the line, I don't look at Juventus as anything special in particular even under Jose we managed to grab a win in their own back yard.
Spurs seem to play better as a collective without Kane, as long as Son is fit for the second leg I see them going through. Ajax don't have individual players as a threat it's their teams movement and diversity in possession, if you'd stifle their movement I don't see how they win. That's obviously easier said then done, but spurs have it in them to win it ugly.
Spurs seem to play better as a collective without Kane, as long as Son is fit for the second leg I see them going through. Ajax don't have individual players as a threat it's their teams movement and diversity in possession, if you'd stifle their movement I don't see how they win. That's obviously easier said then done, but spurs have it in them to win it ugly.
I'd agree if you have all first team available but considering Kane is out, Son is suspended Ajax will be quite match in 1st leg. They play very fast (IMHO even compared to City) and create many chances. Its just that their finishing is not that good. I expect both teams to score goals in both legs but if Ajax manage to get 2 goal lead in 1st leg, it'd be very difficult for Spurs in 2nd leg.
I'd rate 50-50 chances for either team in both semis.
Look I remember the Juve Spurs games well. Juve missed a pk right before half time that would have put the tie to bed in Turin. They also should have had a clear penalty in London when Vertoghen clattered on Douglas Costa in the first half. In the second Allegri put in Asamoah and Lichsteiner as wingbacks and Juve fecking blitzed you. Then they reverted back to their shell, gave up the midfield and soaked up pressure. That's Italian style, pedigree, know-how, tactics call it whatever. Stats will show Spurs had more possession, more shots, more whatever, the result will show that they went and that Chiellini gave an interview after saying this is the story of Tottenham they always break. He publicly called out Spurs lack of pedigree whether you agree with him it doesn't matter.
City were better than you the other night, but over 180 minutes Spurs just about edged it. Poch played positive football and went toe to toe with City within reason. If he tried to defend for 180 minutes he would have lost easily. Son played without fear and he was determinant unlike the other Spurs stars like Eriksen, Lloris, Alli, Trippier, Rose who clearly shrank as the night went on. All a question of mentality.
Makes perfect sense. There are two teams a level above the rest, PSV as well. And Ajax cannot do anything about that 32 out of 34 games. Both are heading to a really big points total.
How about when Higuain's goal was offside in the first leg? Or do we only mention the decisions that went our way?
Ah yeah, blitzed us. Pleaasssseee. They created a couple of chances and in fairness were very clinical with them. They played football for about 30 minutes over the 180 and it was enough, they were very impressive defensively and took their chances but we were mostly the better side and absolutely dominated in terms of possession and overall chance creation. Again, that's knockout football. Chiellini can talk all they like, for all their pedigree and know how they've not won it in fecking ages. The hell does Chiellini know about us? He was being a mouthy tit.
I get it that City have no pedigree, a manager who's been bottling it in Europe for years but they still have the best all around team and defined style in Europe. That Spurs beat them with some key injuries is a huge achievement especially since it's a domestic rival.
Spurs have done some big things in Europe recently. Thrashed Real Madrid last season, smashed a much fancied Dortmund side, very unlucky vs. Juventus, their comeback in the groups this season was impressive especially needing a draw in Barcelona, put City out and now they are close to a final.
Cracking job when you consider their spending to other teams, the fact they don't have the profile of certain clubs. Hats off to Pochettino who's done a brilliant job.
Ajax can play like this, because they are the underdog in nearly every game.
In the Eredivisie they are the biggest club. So sometimes they lack the mentality, and lose unnecessary points.
Happens to every big clubs.
Barcelona lost points against Levant and Leganes. City against Newcastle and Leicester etc etc etc
I know the Eredivisie is a weak league. But common:
Vertonghen
Alderweireld
Eriksen
v Dijk
Cillessen
De Ligt
v De Beek
Frenkie
Wijnaldum
All semi finalists and from the Eredivisie
Is the Dutch league really THAT bad ? Money rules, that's the only and main reason why we can't compete with the bigger leagues.
I wouldn’t call you the underdog against us though, would you? Given out injuries and Son’s suspension I would say if anything you edge it considering how well you have been playing.
Anyway I’m just enjoying being a Spurs fan right now, even if we do beat Ajax the usual oh well you won’t beat Liverpool/Barca so discussing it is pointless.
Spurs has a much bigger budget.
Spurs can buy our best players (apart from De Ligt i guess).
Spurs plays in the best league
Ajax plays the better football. But statistically your team are favorites.
I think Son even plays better without Kane. So, maybe he can score an important away goal in the second leg.
But like i said before. Ajax are more dangerous when they are in the underdog role. So i'm looking forward to the game.
May the best win.
If Ajax reach the final. They can win it. In 1 game everything is possible. Even if you play against 11 Messi's.
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Strongly feel he’s going to get to the final this year and win it, especially in the event they face Barca in the final what with his Espanyol connections. He had no business getting this far with the lack of investment he’s had and he’s definitely in my fav top two managers along with Klopp. Absolute boss he is, no money spent as Well... fantastic.
For as many great players you list (Cillessen
) there's a Janssen or an Assaidi. City lose/draw maybe a few games in the league all season and will finish on 100+ points in a MUCH stronger league than the Eredivisie.
The Dutch league is very weak in terms of strength in depth throughout, hence why a lot of weak/average players have thrived there in the past. Mason Mount has cut his output by two thirds from the Dutch League to the championship ffs, it's undeniably not on the same level as the top leagues, and yes that is due to money. If the dutch league had the same money as the top ones then I have no doubt it'd be on the same level but it doesn't, and clubs like Newcastle, Burnley etc can outspend the top dutch clubs as a result.
Lots of talented players come from the league, but leave pretty quickly, as we're seeing with this Ajax side. That's definitely a huge shame.
Spurs has a much bigger budget.
Spurs can buy our best players (apart from De Ligt i guess).
Spurs plays in the best league
Ajax plays the better football. But statistically your team are favorites.
I think Son even plays better without Kane. So, maybe he can score an important away goal in the second leg.
But like i said before. Ajax are more dangerous when they are in the underdog role. So i'm looking forward to the game.
May the best win.
If Ajax reach the final. They can win it. In 1 game everything is possible. Even if you play against 11 Messi's.
Bigger budget? Are you joking? We have had a net spend for nearly a decade.
Ajax are much more the iconic team, don’t play urself down. Your youth development are arguably the best in the world. I expect an even game, I don’t think you will play as u usually do.