Houlipops: Mixed Messages

[MancFanFromManc]

A few quotes from the goggle eyed frog <img src="graemlins/houllier.gif" border="0" alt="[Houllier]" /> :

"All I can say is that if players become available who we want, and they are available at the right price, then we will move for them. I would be lying if I said there weren't one or two players I'd like to have before the start of the season.

"But if we don't sign anyone else then I will still be happy. We are at the stage now where we are only interested in high quality because as far as the size of the squad is concerned, we have enough."


Sounds to me like he's NOT happy with the quality of the players he's brought in

He's brought in 5 players, but he'd still like one or two more BUT he's happy with the size of the squad - what is the loony toon on about ???

 

[Davo]

So he's basically saying that he's got his eye on a couple of players but is not going to pay over the odds for them...

He's happy with his squad size, so if he brought in a couple more players there would likely be departures...

Really hard to understand that...

 

[Cal?]

Essentially, he's saying:

"Now that I've filled up the squad with mediocre players, it's about time we looked for some quality, but since we can't afford to pay big transfer fees, I'll pretend to be happy with the existing squad."

Bravo! <img src="graemlins/houllier.gif" border="0" alt="[Houllier]" />

 

[Suedesi]

<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />

 

[Professor Percival Egg]

Originally posted by Cal:
<strong>Essentially, he's saying:

"Now that I've filled up the squad with mediocre players, it's about time we looked for some quality, but since we can't afford to pay big transfer fees, I'll pretend to be happy with the existing squad."

Bravo! <img src="graemlins/houllier.gif" border="0" alt="[Houllier]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>


Personally I think that Pool's squad with "mediocre players" is better than Utd's already. <img src="graemlins/nervous.gif" border="0" alt="[Nervous]" />

 

[Red_For_Life]

Originally posted by Professor Percival Egg:
<strong>


Personally I think that Pool's squad with "mediocre players" is better than Utd's already. <img src="graemlins/nervous.gif" border="0" alt="[Nervous]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>

<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />

i think they are definely better than sheffield and maybe even west ham but Leeds united , i think u would be stretching it.

 

[redinoz]

Originally posted by Red_For_Life:
<strong>

<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />

i think they are definely better than sheffield and maybe even west ham but Leeds united , i think u would be stretching it.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Is this the same shit squad with the same shit players and same shit manager that where better than you last season ?

 

[MancFanFromManc]

Every team is allowed a blip every now and then. Normal service will be resumed shortly

(and you know it)

 

[redinoz]

Originally posted by MancFanFromManc:
<strong>Every team is allowed a blip every now and then. Normal service will be resumed shortly

(and you know it)

</strong><hr></blockquote>

Why is it a blip? We have shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, what makes you think this will not continue?

 

[dmode]

Originally posted by redinoz:
<strong>

Why is it a blip? We have shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, what makes you think this will not continue?</strong><hr></blockquote>

Improvement? If improvement means playing with 8 defenders then I should say that I just like my team as it is.

No worries this decade will be also Man Utd's decade, and you know that too...

One more thing, an improvement of shit remains shit...

 

[dmode]

"But if we don't sign anyone else then I will still be happy. We are at the stage now where we are only interested in high quality because as far as the size of the squad is concerned, we have enough."

If houiller was interested in high quality, let's be frank, he'll have only Owen left. Cut the crap man! You're no Alex!

 

[Red_For_Life]

Originally posted by redinoz:
<strong>

Why is it a blip? We have shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, what makes you think this will not continue?</strong><hr></blockquote>

IT IS A BLIP because compared to our past 3 seasons, we have had a stinker !!!!! actually compared to the Past 10 seasons we have had a BLIP, remember the LAST time we had a BLIP.

Anyway, howlier seems to be buying all these young players , i doubt he will be around to see them develope, If the scum don't win anything significant this season or the next then he won't be around for much longer. plus aren't the pool on a renewed 5 year plan to win the PL ???

 

[redinoz]

Originally posted by dmode:
<strong>"But if we don't sign anyone else then I will still be happy. We are at the stage now where we are only interested in high quality because as far as the size of the squad is concerned, we have enough."

If houiller was interested in high quality, let's be frank, he'll have only Owen left. Cut the crap man! You're no Alex!</strong><hr></blockquote>

So owen is the only quality player we have?

 

[redinoz]

Originally posted by Red_For_Life:
<strong>

IT IS A BLIP because compared to our past 3 seasons, we have had a stinker !!!!! actually compared to the Past 10 seasons we have had a BLIP, remember the LAST time we had a BLIP.

Anyway, howlier seems to be buying all these young players , i doubt he will be around to see them develope, If the scum don't win anything significant this season or the next then he won't be around for much longer. plus aren't the pool on a renewed 5 year plan to win the PL ???</strong><hr></blockquote>

what have been your points totals for the last three seasons then?

 

[Cal?]

Originally posted by redinoz:
<strong>

Is this the same shit squad with the same shit players and same shit manager that where better than you last season ?</strong><hr></blockquote>

Better in the Premiership, in the grand scheme of things, I'm not sure there is too much difference between PL 2nd + CL QF to PL 3rd + CL SF.

However, what we consider as a absolutely crap season (worst in ten years) is about the same standard as Pool's best season in 12 years.

<img src="graemlins/smirk.gif" border="0" alt="[Smirk]" />

 

[MancFanFromManc]

The Poo played above themselves last season. They have 3 very good players and a bunch of triers (bless em).

This season they've replaced half the side. The disuption that will cause will take a season and a half to put right.

If their improvements have been so 'steady' why did Hoolypops buy 5 average players and still say he'd two more !

Bye bye scousers - back to mid table you go

 

[Davo]

So we're going to finish mid table?

Mancs know their football...

 

[GaryLifo]

I'm cringeing here. It seems that the more we (United Fans) loath and fear Liverpool, the more outrageous our predictions become.

Sorry to say this, but Liverpool are going to be very very close to winning the league this year IMO.

All I want as a United fan this season is a more settled team that plays the game the same way it has done for the last 10 years.

If we can settle upon our best back 4 (GN LB RF MS) and stick with it, coupled with Veron doing what we all know he can, and maybe Forlan netting 10 - 15 goals, we should get more points than we did last season.

Thus we will compete with Arsenal and Liverpool all the way. Which at the end of the day is what it's all about.

I think we performed much better in Europe last season as a result of the increased standard of our domestic rivals.

ETC

<img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[No No]" />

 

[ET]

Originally posted by Cal:
<strong>
I'm not sure there is too much difference between PL 2nd + CL QF to PL 3rd + CL SF.
</strong><hr></blockquote>

You could also say that Man Utd and Pool both lost against same team, Leverkusen. Does it matter if you lose against them in quarters or semis?

I don't think it has any difference when you go out if you don't make the final. It's the same in the league though, if you don't win it doesn't matter if you're 2nd or 4th, it's Championship and CL place that matter nowadays.

 

[thumper]

I dont mean this is a bad way but would Houllier be able to take the exitement of winning the league?

 

[Cal?]

Originally posted by ET:
<strong>

You could also say that Man Utd and Pool both lost against same team, Leverkusen. Does it matter if you lose against them in quarters or semis?

I don't think it has any difference when you go out if you don't make the final. It's the same in the league though, if you don't win it doesn't matter if you're 2nd or 4th, it's Championship and CL place that matter nowadays.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I guess it's due to Pool's poor performances in the 2nd stage that they didn't win their group (in fact, to scrap thru with a mere 7 pts was took some doing) and therefore had to play a group winner in Leverkusen. The fact United won their 2nd stage group meant that we avoided the other groups winners.

 

[ET]

Yes - and if I jave it right Pool were happy to get Leverkusen, it was thought they were the second easiest team left after Pana.

Anyway, IMHO it doesn't matter if you get knocked out in quarters or semis - it's all the same. Just like in league, it doesn't matter if you are 2nd or 4th if you don't win it. Only winners will be remembered.

 

[MancFanFromManc]

Originally posted by Davo:
<strong>So we're going to finish mid table?

Mancs know their football...</strong><hr></blockquote>

Oh alright. Just to keep it friendly. Your lot should be in with an outside shout of bagging one of the European slots

I was worried about you last season but honestly think that was your best chance of success. Your club just doesnt have what it takes to mount a serious challenge any more.

Its a pity too, cos I'd love a decent challenge from Liverpoo - as long as we win in the end of course.

You've become like City. Your Cup Final is beating us, not beating everyone.

 

[Professor Percival Egg]

Originally posted by MancFanFromManc:
<strong>

Oh alright. Just to keep it friendly. Your lot should be in with an outside shout of bagging one of the European slots

I was worried about you last season but honestly think that was your best chance of success. Your club just doesnt have what it takes to mount a serious challenge any more.

Its a pity too, cos I'd love a decent challenge from Liverpoo - as long as we win in the end of course.

You've become like City. Your Cup Final is beating us, not beating everyone.

</strong><hr></blockquote>

oh dear.... what does it take to mount a serious title challenge one season after having just done so? Liverpool have just as good a chance as Utd - of challenging the best team in the Premiership - the Arse.

 

[MancFanFromManc]

Originally posted by Professor Percival Egg:
<strong>

oh dear.... what does it take to mount a serious title challenge one season after having just done so? Liverpool have just as good a chance as Utd - of challenging the best team in the Premiership - the Arse.</strong><hr></blockquote>

<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> classic!

 

[Professor Percival Egg]

Originally posted by MancFanFromManc:
<strong>

<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> classic!</strong><hr></blockquote>

Why thank you!

 

[redinoz]

Originally posted by GaryLifo:
<strong>I'm cringeing here. It seems that the more we (United Fans) loath and fear Liverpool, the more outrageous our predictions become.

Sorry to say this, but Liverpool are going to be very very close to winning the league this year IMO.

All I want as a United fan this season is a more settled team that plays the game the same way it has done for the last 10 years.

If we can settle upon our best back 4 (GN LB RF MS) and stick with it, coupled with Veron doing what we all know he can, and maybe Forlan netting 10 - 15 goals, we should get more points than we did last season.

Thus we will compete with Arsenal and Liverpool all the way. Which at the end of the day is what it's all about.

I think we performed much better in Europe last season as a result of the increased standard of our domestic rivals.

ETC

<img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[No No]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>

Good one, its about time someone had a bit of objectivity. Most of the time it's just the muppets who cannot see any further than the end of their pram.

 

[Red_For_Life]

Originally posted by redinoz:
<strong>

what have been your points totals for the last three seasons then?</strong><hr></blockquote>

BEFORE i answer this difficult question i wanna know why ur asking this , i can't see your point cos clearly in the past 3 seasons we won the league 2 times , that means we clearly finished above you in the league and if u compare all three , we are clearly the better side.

 

[redinoz]

Originally posted by Red_For_Life:
<strong>

BEFORE i answer this difficult question i wanna know why ur asking this , i can't see your point cos clearly in the past 3 seasons we won the league 2 times , that means we clearly finished above you in the league and if u compare all three , we are clearly the better side.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Because it will give a good gauge of last years performance in absolute terms, and show whether or not you did actually perform worse, or if other teams actually improved their game enough to knock you down.
i.e. if in the past you have won the league with a similar total then you have performed at an equivelent level, which in the past was good enough, but the bar has now been raised so you also have to raise your performances to suit.

 

[radd]

a more logical analysis is,
if your level of performance stays the same, and the other teams improve theirs, you'll score fewer points;
scoring the same no. of points with better teams means your level has improved...
last season, all 3 teams promoted retained their league status, it was also a season of 'everyone beating everyone' - is that a 'better' league?

it's all arbitrary and meaningless - in any given year, the only worthwhile measurement is league position

and all this talk of points is further thrown when you consider that we won the league ridiculously early the two seasons before last, and then simply didn't bother in the last 5-6 games, while you and Arsenal were still earnestly puruing European qualification....

 

[redinoz]

Originally posted by radd:
<strong>a more logical analysis is,
if your level of performance stays the same, and the other teams improve theirs, you'll score fewer points;

Why?

scoring the same no. of points with better teams means your level has improved...

agreed, but the teams below you did not show an increase in their points tally, hence they did not improve. only the teams above you improved.

last season, all 3 teams promoted retained their league status,
So what, all this says is the relegated teams where worse than them.

it was also a season of 'everyone beating everyone' - is that a 'better' league?

Please explain

it's all arbitrary and meaningless - in any given year, the only worthwhile measurement is league position

Disagree there

and all this talk of points is further thrown when you consider that we won the league ridiculously early the two seasons before last, and then simply didn't bother in the last 5-6 games, while you and Arsenal were still earnestly puruing European qualification.... </strong><hr></blockquote>

and the greedy bastards that play are going to give up their win bonuses just to take it a bit easier for 90min? dont think so!
you could also argue that your form at the end of your last championship season was carried over to the begining of last season ie your form at the end of that season had nothing to do with "not bothering", and everything to do with other teams working out how to play against you.

 

[Cal?]

Originally posted by redinoz:
<strong>

you could also argue that your form at the end of your last championship season was carried over to the begining of last season ie your form at the end of that season had nothing to do with "not bothering", and everything to do with other teams working out how to play against you.</strong><hr></blockquote>

So, you're saying that, as soon as we won the championship in record time in 00/01, all the other teams suddenly discover ways to beat us??

Scouse logic? <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

 

[Davo]

Originally posted by GaryLifo:
<strong>I'm cringeing here. It seems that the more we (United Fans) loath and fear Liverpool, the more outrageous our predictions become.

Sorry to say this, but Liverpool are going to be very very close to winning the league this year IMO.

All I want as a United fan this season is a more settled team that plays the game the same way it has done for the last 10 years.

If we can settle upon our best back 4 (GN LB RF MS) and stick with it, coupled with Veron doing what we all know he can, and maybe Forlan netting 10 - 15 goals, we should get more points than we did last season.

Thus we will compete with Arsenal and Liverpool all the way. Which at the end of the day is what it's all about.

I think we performed much better in Europe last season as a result of the increased standard of our domestic rivals.

ETC

<img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[No No]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>

Good post..

I don't really see the point of claims such as "Liverpool/Man Utd are going to finish mid table etc". Surely the author cannot believe such a statement, and if they do their subject knowledge isn't the best...

You 3rd rate feckers..

 

[radd]

Redinoz:

Why?
agreed, but the teams below you did not show an increase in their points tally, hence they did not improve. only the teams above you improved.

if you agree with this, work out the first - the one is an extension of the other...


So what, all this says is the relegated teams where worse than them.
Please explain

tighter league, for most of the season it was tight top and bottom, not necessarily reflected in the final table...


Disagree there

performance is not equal to points e.g. we played better when we lost 3-4 to Newcastle than when we beat Villa 1-0
secondly, comparisons of points scored in different seasons is rather silly


and the greedy bastards that play are going to give up their win bonuses just to take it a bit easier for 90min? dont think so!

they weren't necessarily "taking it easier" - the season was over and there was nothing left to play for
i don't imagine many players find the piddling win bonuses to be so incredibly motivating, certainly not Utd. players, but if that's the Liverpool view, says something about what you think of your players...

you could also argue that your form at the end of your last championship season was carried over to the begining of last season ie your form at the end of that season had nothing to do with "not bothering", and everything to do with other teams working out how to play against you.

<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />

that's right, as long as the title is up for grabs, they get thumped by us, and as soon as our season's over, they "work out how to play against us"
and the same for our losing 9 games, incl. 6 at home - you're saying it was not a blip, but simply other teams blah blah <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />

 

[charlie's devils]

Originally posted by radd:
<strong>and the same for our losing 9 games, incl. 6 at home - you're saying it was not a blip, but simply other teams blah blah <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>

Hilarious.

 

[Davo]

Originally posted by charlie's devils:
<strong>

Hilarious.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I thought that as well..in the delivery..

I'm now convinced that there were no problems..merely a "blip"

 

[radd]

not that there weren't problems, but this funny logic of how teams work out Utd. immediately after we win the league and are eliminated in Europe...

of course it was a season of problems, and there were reasons - the instability with the AF situation, bizarre defending and keeping at times, injuries at key times to Giggs, Becks, CBs, Veron's poor form, and so forth -
but it's reasonable to expect that most of those will not recur this season and the fact that none of them were carried over from the season before does allow for 01-02 to be called a blip - well, we'll see at the end of this season...