Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Martyn Smith on May 06, 2024, 01:06:55 PM
-
'Bout time I started one of these...now, how do I add a poll?..
-
Outrageously sloppy. We are Aston Villa.
-
The greatest leader this country never had would know how to add a poll!
-
https://twitter.com/DirtyFootbaIIer/status/1786712043698938123?t=k6vrrvBGzbfPqZoaLSVhdg&s=19
-
Martyn this is tired effort lacking in any energy, just like our team yesterday. Get a grip chap!
-
All right all right, it's there eventually. I think I've covered every possible outcome...
-
A bit of important detail:
Olympiakos v Aston Villa UECL Semi final 2nd Leg
Georgios Karaiskakis Football Stadium, Piraeus, Athens
Thursday 9 May, Kick off 20:00 BST, 22:00 Greece time
-
You don't add polls, you create one whose subject is Olympiacos vs Aston Villa etc. add a poll question and answers with the proper parameters then post it. The thread is created by the poll.
-
All right all right, it's there eventually. I think I've covered every possible outcome...
Well done. :)
-
https://twitter.com/DirtyFootbaIIer/status/1786712043698938123?t=k6vrrvBGzbfPqZoaLSVhdg&s=19
Axl I spotted some of our players from 15/16 season.
-
I have a feeling it's heartbreak time. We will gallantly achieve a 2 goal win on the night, withstand Olympiakos pressure in ET, and then lose on penalties...
-
0-3. AET.
-
0-3. AET.
A clean-sheet? Tsk! We don't do that kind of thing!
-
https://twitter.com/DirtyFootbaIIer/status/1786712043698938123?t=k6vrrvBGzbfPqZoaLSVhdg&s=19
That is the funniest thing I've ever seen. And I've seen Birmingham sack a manager whilst in 6th place and end up getting relegated
-
I think we will sneak a 0-1 win, but still go out.
Too much to do & not enough energy from the players left fit to do it with.
-
https://twitter.com/DirtyFootbaIIer/status/1786712043698938123?t=k6vrrvBGzbfPqZoaLSVhdg&s=19
That is the funniest thing I've ever seen. And I've seen Birmingham sack a manager whilst in 6th place and end up getting relegated
That did look exactly how Blues played on Saturday. Marvellous stuff!
-
Looks like great fun..
-
The greatest leader this country never had would know how to add a poll!
Where's the option for' Sitting on the fence' for those who don't really care about the long term future of Villa?
3-1 Villa after 90 minutes. Kellyman with the winner in extra time.
-
Sticky please boss
-
https://twitter.com/DirtyFootbaIIer/status/1786712043698938123?t=k6vrrvBGzbfPqZoaLSVhdg&s=19
That is the funniest thing I've ever seen. And I've seen Birmingham sack a manager whilst in 6th place and end up getting relegated
That did look exactly how Blues played on Saturday. Marvellous stuff!
I see that and raise you.
https://twitter.com/cluedont/status/1786315581181833570?s=19
-
https://twitter.com/DirtyFootbaIIer/status/1786712043698938123?t=k6vrrvBGzbfPqZoaLSVhdg&s=19
That is the funniest thing I've ever seen. And I've seen Birmingham sack a manager whilst in 6th place and end up getting relegated
That did look exactly how Blues played on Saturday. Marvellous stuff!
I see that and raise you.
https://twitter.com/cluedont/status/1786315581181833570?s=19
Jesus Christ!
The devil himself invented that "game"...
-
https://twitter.com/DirtyFootbaIIer/status/1786712043698938123?t=k6vrrvBGzbfPqZoaLSVhdg&s=19
That is the funniest thing I've ever seen. And I've seen Birmingham sack a manager whilst in 6th place and end up getting relegated
That did look exactly how Blues played on Saturday. Marvellous stuff!
I see that and raise you.
https://twitter.com/cluedont/status/1786315581181833570?s=19
Strangely enough, that exactly how Blues played on Saturday.
-
https://twitter.com/DirtyFootbaIIer/status/1786712043698938123?t=k6vrrvBGzbfPqZoaLSVhdg&s=19
That is the funniest thing I've ever seen. And I've seen Birmingham sack a manager whilst in 6th place and end up getting relegated
That did look exactly how Blues played on Saturday. Marvellous stuff!
I see that and raise you.
https://twitter.com/cluedont/status/1786315581181833570?s=19
I've just showed that to my little girl and she's well up for a game!
Bloody hell.
-
I've just showed that to my little girl and she's well up for a game!
Bloody hell.
She’s YOUR daughter mate, she’s not going to shy away from a challenge.
-
1-4
-
After yesterday’s display I’ve gone from thinking we had a 40% chance of turning this round to thinking it’s a real shot in the dark now.
-
My self imposed exile from match threads for superstitious reasons is over after the last two.
I haven't got a clue what's going to happen but I think we're going out.
I bet you're glad I'm back with pearls of wisdom like that
-
After yesterday’s display I’ve gone from thinking we had a 40% chance of turning this round to thinking it’s a real shot in the dark now.
We're (long over)due a decent performance in Europe, maybe this is it.
-
After yesterday’s display I’ve gone from thinking we had a 40% chance of turning this round to thinking it’s a real shot in the dark now.
We're (long over)due a decent performance in Europe, maybe this is it.
I hope so, but our last three performances have not showed any sense of life. It’d be very good if that were to change!
-
I've just showed that to my little girl and she's well up for a game!
Bloody hell.
She’s YOUR daughter mate, she’s not going to shy away from a challenge.
😂 She now gets angry when we lose. Threw her Muller away shirt on the floor and went to bed after the Brighton game.
I noticed a raised eyebrow from the wife 😂
-
I reckon we win 3-1 in normal time, then a tense 30mins where we're too knackered to do anything but somehow cling on. Goes to penalties, Dougie gets his redemption, and Emi finds another set of supporters to massively piss off. We win.
Someone throws a giant inflatable banana on the pitch and Emi pretends to have sex with it and/or pretend it's his willy and/or acts like it's the world cup and/or plants a Villa flag in the centre circle, Graeme Souness style.
-
2.1 to us and they hit is injury time with an equaliser as Olsen is upfield for a corner having had a good match
-
Can Pau play DM?
Decent ball carrier / passer. With limited midfield/forward options, could allow Luiz and McGinn to play higher up.
-
I reckon we win 3-1 in normal time, then a tense 30mins where we're too knackered to do anything but somehow cling on. Goes to penalties, Dougie gets his redemption, and Emi finds another set of supporters to massively piss off. We win.
Someone throws a giant inflatable banana on the pitch and Emi pretends to have sex with it and/or pretend it's his willy and/or acts like it's the world cup and/or plants a Villa flag in the centre circle, Graeme Souness style.
Pretty much exactly what I'm predicting, including sex with an inflatable fruit, however I think it will be a pineapple.
-
Can Pau play DM?
Decent ball carrier / passer. With limited midfield/forward options, could allow Luiz and McGinn to play higher up.
Slow to turn, slow on the run, and won't have the ball automatically facing forward. Try it in pre-season but too late now.
-
I really hope we smash the shit out of them.
https://x.com/avfcbreaking/status/1787485770971770962?s=46
-
I reckon we win 3-1 in normal time, then a tense 30mins where we're too knackered to do anything but somehow cling on. Goes to penalties, Dougie gets his redemption, and Emi finds another set of supporters to massively piss off. We win.
Someone throws a giant inflatable banana on the pitch and Emi pretends to have sex with it and/or pretend it's his willy and/or acts like it's the world cup and/or plants a Villa flag in the centre circle, Graeme Souness style.
I could live with that. Happy Birthday, Algy!
-
Maybe he's just had a horrible experience with Quickbooks. We've all been there.
-
I really hope we smash the shit out of them.
https://x.com/avfcbreaking/status/1787485770971770962?s=46
Desecrating English. "See me!"
-
Can Pau play DM?
Decent ball carrier / passer. With limited midfield/forward options, could allow Luiz and McGinn to play higher up.
Slow to turn, slow on the run, and won't have the ball automatically facing forward. Try it in pre-season but too late now.
Tend to agree RE experimenting in season, we're just so short of options that our control / build up is compromised.
-
I wonder how many are going over for the game without any tickets.. ?
-
I really hope we smash the shit out of them.
https://x.com/avfcbreaking/status/1787485770971770962?s=46
He doesn't like the Lerner crest either, and who can blame him?
-
Whoever wins this wins trophy for me.
Sadly i dont think its us based on what i saw yesterday.
We look tored out of gas and defeated.
Just hope a few days rest they will be energised for this. One big push left
-
2-0 to us then both side park the bus until we get to penalties. Then who knows.
-
If Tielemans can make it and we can find some last reserves of energy, we can do it. Not expecting that, but it is possible.
-
Why are so many people giving up after a bad week? We definitely have one last push in us, these players have not let anyone down this season and even if we fall at this hurdle it doesn't taint an incredible step we've made forwards this year. I just have a feeling we've got another blockbuster in us.
Dare I say 4-1. Watkins with a brace.
-
More misery I’m afraid.
-
Why are so many people giving up after a bad week? We definitely have one last push in us, these players have not let anyone down this season and even if we fall at this hurdle it doesn't taint an incredible step we've made forwards this year. I just have a feeling we've got another blockbuster in us.
Dare I say 4-1. Watkins with a brace.
Knee brace or neck brace?
-
Feel like it'll be like that League Cup Semi against Bolton, where we get a late goal, but not enough to see us to extra time.
-
2-0.
-
Feel like it'll be like that League Cup Semi against Bolton, where we get a late goal, but not enough to see us to extra time.
First leg reminded me of that match, got it back to 2-2 only to chuck it away
-
I reckon we win 3-1 in normal time, then a tense 30mins where we're too knackered to do anything but somehow cling on. Goes to penalties, Dougie gets his redemption, and Emi finds another set of supporters to massively piss off. We win.
Someone throws a giant inflatable banana on the pitch and Emi pretends to have sex with it and/or pretend it's his willy and/or acts like it's the world cup and/or plants a Villa flag in the centre circle, Graeme Souness style.
I could live with that. Happy Birthday, Algy!
Ta :) takes bloody ages to get given the bumps nowadays.
-
More misery I’m afraid.
Obviously coming from you.
-
Why are so many people giving up after a bad week? We definitely have one last push in us, these players have not let anyone down this season and even if we fall at this hurdle it doesn't taint an incredible step we've made forwards this year. I just have a feeling we've got another blockbuster in us.
Dare I say 4-1. Watkins with a brace.
It's the worst case scenario syndrome.
Something which most footy fans have!
Drives me nuts personally.
-
Why are so many people giving up after a bad week? We definitely have one last push in us, these players have not let anyone down this season and even if we fall at this hurdle it doesn't taint an incredible step we've made forwards this year. I just have a feeling we've got another blockbuster in us.
Dare I say 4-1. Watkins with a brace.
It's the worst case scenario syndrome.
Something which most footy fans have!
Drives me nuts personally.
Well it’s not entirely worst case scenario thinking is it? If you think form is important in football, we’ve had a horrible week. There are very justifiable reasons as to why that’s the case, namely the impact of injuries on player workload and also just not having a lot of key players available, but that also means that poor week is underpinned by something more than just iffy displays. We’re also starting from 2 goals down and we’re away from home, where in the main we have struggled a bit in Europe this year.
I hope we have a massive performance in us and we do it, but sadly it is not even close to worst case scenario syndrome to suggest we might not do it.
-
I remember us losing 3 league games including at home to Wigan prior to winning a cup final we were expected to lose by everyone.
-
I remember us losing 3 league games including at home to Wigan prior to winning a cup final we were expected to lose by everyone.
This has got me stumped, we've only played Wigan in the league since we stopped winning trophies
-
Oh yes, it was Oldham. We lost to Ipswich, Leeds and Oldham before playing Man U in the league Cup final. This shows that form means FA just before a massive game luke Olympiacos
-
If we are putting yesterdays performance solely down to fatigue, tiredness with a few injuries thrown in then how is it going to get any better before Thursday
Unless they can find a miracle cacoon type pool that can rehydrate the body back to peakness in a few days we’ve got no chance
I never go down this path normally as I’ve always thought players should be capable of playing a couple of games a week, and I was still hopeful after the first leg but I’ve been persuaded otherwise on here by what we saw against Brighton
So tell me how can we possibly turn this round being 2-0 down and running on empty, because the fatigue, tiredness and mentality isn’t going anywhere it will only get worse if this is the case
-
It's called the magic of the cup. Players know. No point saving anything for next week. Put it all on the line to reach the final. It will be tough. But they will get nervous if we put on a show.
-
If we are putting yesterdays performance solely down to fatigue, tiredness with a few injuries thrown in then how is it going to get any better before Thursday
Unless they can find a miracle cacoon type pool that can rehydrate the body back to peakness in a few days we’ve got no chance
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GM2H1etWMAApeCz?format=jpg)
-
It's called the magic of the cup. Players know. No point saving anything for next week. Put it all on the line to reach the final. It will be tough. But they will get nervous if we put on a show.
So it’s a bit of a wing and a prayer? We’ll need more than that I think.
-
If we are putting yesterdays performance solely down to fatigue, tiredness with a few injuries thrown in then how is it going to get any better before Thursday
Unless they can find a miracle cacoon type pool that can rehydrate the body back to peakness in a few days we’ve got no chance
I never go down this path normally as I’ve always thought players should be capable of playing a couple of games a week, and I was still hopeful after the first leg but I’ve been persuaded otherwise on here by what we saw against Brighton
So tell me how can we possibly turn this round being 2-0 down and running on empty, because the fatigue, tiredness and mentality isn’t going anywhere it will only get worse if this is the case
We probably won't.
It's up to Unai and his team to squeeze more out of them, somehow. But without players returning from injury, it's going to be difficult.
-
If we are putting yesterdays performance solely down to fatigue, tiredness with a few injuries thrown in then how is it going to get any better before Thursday
Unless they can find a miracle cacoon type pool that can rehydrate the body back to peakness in a few days we’ve got no chance
I never go down this path normally as I’ve always thought players should be capable of playing a couple of games a week, and I was still hopeful after the first leg but I’ve been persuaded otherwise on here by what we saw against Brighton
So tell me how can we possibly turn this round being 2-0 down and running on empty, because the fatigue, tiredness and mentality isn’t going anywhere it will only get worse if this is the case
We probably won't.
It's up to Unai and his team to squeeze more out of them, somehow. But without players returning from injury, it's going to be difficult.
Yep every game is different I suppose
-
If we are putting yesterdays performance solely down to fatigue, tiredness with a few injuries thrown in then how is it going to get any better before Thursday
Unless they can find a miracle cacoon type pool that can rehydrate the body back to peakness in a few days we’ve got no chance
I never go down this path normally as I’ve always thought players should be capable of playing a couple of games a week, and I was still hopeful after the first leg but I’ve been persuaded otherwise on here by what we saw against Brighton
So tell me how can we possibly turn this round being 2-0 down and running on empty, because the fatigue, tiredness and mentality isn’t going anywhere it will only get worse if this is the case
We all need a bit of (perhaps blind) hope though hey.
-
Given the injuries and our squad depth, I fully expected this run of uneven form.
We still have another good performance in the bag, though.
-
If Tielemans and Emi are back, we have a chance. Have a feeling we'll win by a goal, and the missed penalty will prove decisive.
-
If we somehow got through in this one, imagine the lift that would give us going into the Redscouse game.
Would be post Lille-style good vibes to the power of ten.
-
If we somehow got through in this one, imagine the lift that would give us going into the Redscouse game.
Would be post Lille-style good vibes to the power of ten.
If we somehow get through this, after narrowly escaping in Lille, we're into 'our name is on the trophy' territory.
If we do, the number of people spontaneously combusting in B9 will keep scientists busy for decades.
-
1 4 after ET
-
Dare I say 4-1. Watkins with a brace.
Who's the arse on here who every fucking week predicts a 'Watkins brace'?
I do wish they'd fuck off to Villatalk (they're probably banned there) as their insight and research is fucking clueless. And you know with the Villa, as soon as the hex is lifted..
-
If we are putting yesterdays performance solely down to fatigue, tiredness with a few injuries thrown in then how is it going to get any better before Thursday
So tell me how can we possibly turn this round being 2-0 down and running on empty, because the fatigue, tiredness and mentality isn’t going anywhere it will only get worse if this is the case
Agree, we will have more chance if he throws the players that are not totally knackered at it.
Watkins SJM Luiz Torres Digne Bailey are either spent or carrying injuries maybe both.
This also might give us a chance against Liverpool, if not we lose both.
-
Looking forward to elite top manager Unai Emery's team selection based on his massive European experience and intimate knowledge of his players' ability, physical and mental condition, and attitude.
Obviously, if we lose, Colin from Worcestershire knew best.
-
Few Villa on the 06:20 out of Manchester. Getting excited now (30 min delay).
-
So one key point that no one has mentioned, we need to score 2 more goals than olympiakos just to take it to extra time. Lets say we win 2-0 and then it goes to ET can anyone even contemplate our knackered squad doing a further 30 mins? While they have had a week off
Thats why we need to win by 3 or more in normal time and i just cant see it unless we have players back
-
It’s always darkest before the dawn. 8)
-
I’m in the camp of going for it best we can with what we have
But the fatigue thing isn’t going to change for our remaining three fixtures, so we need to find something from somewhere
We came back from Lille after playing extra time and three days later looked really fresh against Bournemouth
We had a weeks rest before Chelsea and looked knackered they ran the rings around us and we couldn’t get the ball off them. We were second best on the day but still got a point which was great.
So it’s not an exact science, I’ve always thought it’s a convenient excuse whenever you play badly to blame it on tiredness,, I’ve said before winning teams don’t look leggy losing teams always look tired
But I’ve been swayed just lately, especially after Brighton
But if you guys that believe we are totally knackered are correct, there’s not a lot we can do we’re gonna be fucked for the rest of the season
-
Would you start Duran up top with Watkins playing in behind him? Duran can't be tired....
-
I’m still a believer , mate
-
Bailey looked exhausted at end of game when he threw his shirt to a villa fan
I think starting rodgers bailey and diabs most weeks now is probably not helping their fitness. Maybe rotating between them may have helped with fatigue but its hard when you have limited experienced options. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. Lewis miley being a example of one that has worked
-
Win 2-0 in normal time.
Win on penalties.
-
Win 2-0 in normal time.
Win on penalties.
I think we'll concede, 3-1 win for me... need Emi in goal for penalties
-
We have to do something to have more control in midfield. Hopefully, Tielemans will be back, but failing that we need three proper midfielders in there. How we do that with the injuries we have, I'm not sure.
Unai doesn't trust Tim, Chambers isn't in the squad, could Torres play as a 6 or a sweeper-type player?
It's going to take something imaginative to turn this around - it can be done and I'm sure Emery will come up with a plan...
-
Win 2-0 in normal time.
Win on penalties.
I think we'll concede, 3-1 win for me... need Emi in goal for penalties
Saw footage of a GK deliberately slipping over when taking a goalkick the other day, to waste time.
Hope Emi was taking notes.
-
Theodore Theodoridis, the general secretary of UEFA is/was on the board at Olympiacos... i'm sure we'll get a fine, impartial referee for the game....
-
------- Olsen --------
KKH Lenglet DC Moreno
-- Luiz --- Irogbunam-
McGinn --------- Zaniolo
--- Duran -- Diaby -----
-
------- Olsen --------
KKH Lenglet DC Moreno
-- Luiz --- Irogbunam-
McGinn --------- Zaniolo
--- Duran -- Diaby -----
So we're throwing the game?
-
------- Olsen --------
KKH Lenglet DC Moreno
-- Luiz --- Irogbunam-
McGinn --------- Zaniolo
--- Duran -- Diaby -----
This has to be the worst available 11 you could pick. I take it you are wanting to throw this match and concentrate on the league.
Completely the wrong thought.
4th place is already secured. We should go ad strong as possible in this tie and get to the final. Its definitely do-able
-
Also , winning the game and getting through gives a feel good factor to the players and fans for the Liverpool game... throwing the game sends all the wrong messages and I'd be amazed if that's on Unai's mind... of course we could go full tilt and still go out but we should at least try....
-
------- Olsen --------
KKH Lenglet DC Moreno
-- Luiz --- Irogbunam-
McGinn --------- Zaniolo
--- Duran -- Diaby -----
Who’s playing in that big hole between McGinn and Zaniolo?
-
Feel like it'll be like that League Cup Semi against Bolton, where we get a late goal, but not enough to see us to extra time.
First leg reminded me of that match, got it back to 2-2 only to chuck it away
Is Gavin McCann going to get sent off again?
-
Just to mention for those who thought the same ref was doing our second leg, we find out the refs today but the other semi is playing a day early and they have been given a different reffing team.
-
Fatigue - my arse. Just an excuse and Unai doesn't accept excuses.
Top athletes are playing a game for 90 minutes every 3 days or so. Mollycoddled beyond belief. Snooker table pitches, elite travel, top hotels, curtailed training, staff galore (kit washers, bag carriers etc), top physios, top facilities and all the rest. They are kicking a ball not doing the Tour de France!! FFS
As for mental fatigue - my arse.
If I got up every morning and saw a bottom line of GBP 4,672,885 in my Bank account any stress would soon dissipate. Make up your own figure but it is not going to be low.
Injuries aside, pick our best eleven for all the remaining matches.
Rest - my arse.
-
Fatigue - my arse. Just an excuse and Unai doesn't accept excuses.
Top athletes are playing a game for 90 minutes every 3 days or so. Mollycoddled beyond belief. Snooker table pitches, elite travel, top hotels, curtailed training, staff galore (kit washers, bag carriers etc), top physios, top facilities and all the rest. They are kicking a ball not doing the Tour de France!! FFS
As for mental fatigue - my arse.
If I got up every morning and saw a bottom line of GBP 4,672,885 in my Bank account any stress would soon dissipate. Make up your own figure but it is not going to be low.
Injuries aside, pick our best eleven for all the remaining matches.
Rest - my arse.
'They are kicking a ball', I don't know, seems like a simplification. I wonder if they're, like, running around as well.
-
Fatigue - my arse. Just an excuse and Unai doesn't accept excuses.
Top athletes are playing a game for 90 minutes every 3 days or so. Mollycoddled beyond belief. Snooker table pitches, elite travel, top hotels, curtailed training, staff galore (kit washers, bag carriers etc), top physios, top facilities and all the rest. They are kicking a ball not doing the Tour de France!! FFS
As for mental fatigue - my arse.
If I got up every morning and saw a bottom line of GBP 4,672,885 in my Bank account any stress would soon dissipate. Make up your own figure but it is not going to be low.
Injuries aside, pick our best eleven for all the remaining matches.
Rest - my arse.
Whilst I agree , did you see the Brighton game, they are blowing out their arses . Physically and mentally they are gone .
-
Fatigue - my arse. Just an excuse and Unai doesn't accept excuses.
Top athletes are playing a game for 90 minutes every 3 days or so. Mollycoddled beyond belief. Snooker table pitches, elite travel, top hotels, curtailed training, staff galore (kit washers, bag carriers etc), top physios, top facilities and all the rest. They are kicking a ball not doing the Tour de France!! FFS
As for mental fatigue - my arse.
If I got up every morning and saw a bottom line of GBP 4,672,885 in my Bank account any stress would soon dissipate. Make up your own figure but it is not going to be low.
Injuries aside, pick our best eleven for all the remaining matches.
Rest - my arse.
Whilst I agree , did you see the Brighton game, they are blowing out their arses . Physically and mentally they are gone .
Sorry Tim, against Brighton we had too many players out of their normal position. Some didn't know what they were meant to be doing and were running around like headless chickens. When Rogers went off, Unai over complicated matters. Rarely he makes a mistake, but this time he did. Why not replace Rogers with Moreno (fairly familiar with that role) instead of putting Cash on (out of position) and shifting Diaby, Bailey and Watkins about. They were not blowing out their arses, they were confused!!
-
Cash has played right midfield all throughout his career. Moreno has never played right midfield. Everyone else - everyone - was playing in a position they're very familiar with, in a system they've been drilled in every day for a year and a half.
Mate, I'm sorry, but you're just wrong. Even the opposition manager went so far as to say 'this was not Villa' due to the fatigue issue. You have no idea what it's like to play top-level football, the concentration involved, the long-term toll it takes on the legs. Yes, it's a better living than virtually anything else on earth, but the idea that therefore tiredness does not exist is just a weird error.
-
German refs.
Olymbiakós SFP (GRE) - Aston Villa FC (ENG)
Referee: Felix Zwayer GER
Assistant Referee 1: Stefan Lupp GER
Assistant Referee 2: Marco Achmüller GER
Fourth Official: Glenn Nyberg SWE
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Martins POR
UEFA Referee Observer: Rune Pedersen NOR
UEFA Delegate: Fernand Meese BEL
-
Fatigue - my arse. Just an excuse and Unai doesn't accept excuses.
Top athletes are playing a game for 90 minutes every 3 days or so. Mollycoddled beyond belief. Snooker table pitches, elite travel, top hotels, curtailed training, staff galore (kit washers, bag carriers etc), top physios, top facilities and all the rest. They are kicking a ball not doing the Tour de France!! FFS
As for mental fatigue - my arse.
If I got up every morning and saw a bottom line of GBP 4,672,885 in my Bank account any stress would soon dissipate. Make up your own figure but it is not going to be low.
Injuries aside, pick our best eleven for all the remaining matches.
Rest - my arse.
Fatigue doesn't exist and getting paid lots of money means you become inhuman.
V clever and useful insight here
-
Sounds like John Gregory is alive and well 25 years later.
-
German refs.
Olymbiakós SFP (GRE) - Aston Villa FC (ENG)
Referee: Felix Zwayer GER
Assistant Referee 1: Stefan Lupp GER
Assistant Referee 2: Marco Achmüller GER
Fourth Official: Glenn Nyberg SWE
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Martins POR
UEFA Referee Observer: Rune Pedersen NOR
UEFA Delegate: Fernand Meese BEL
Wasn't he done for match fixing?
-
Cash has played right midfield all throughout his career. Moreno has never played right midfield. Everyone else - everyone - was playing in a position they're very familiar with, in a system they've been drilled in every day for a year and a half.
Mate, I'm sorry, but you're just wrong. Even the opposition manager went so far as to say 'this was not Villa' due to the fatigue issue. You have no idea what it's like to play top-level football, the concentration involved, the long-term toll it takes on the legs. Yes, it's a better living than virtually anything else on earth, but the idea that therefore tiredness does not exist is just a weird error.
Hi Monty, why not do a straight swap (left sided Moreno for left sided Rogers) and not shift anyone around. For us, Cash looks like a fish out of water when he plays in midfield and his involvement caused others to have to shift around. IMHO, an unnecessary over complication.
I did play at a decent level (semi-professional) in the late 70,s which was very demanding. For training had to run down the hard shoulder until I got sick!! But the fact I was playing a game I love was enough to pull me through.
-
At least its a different ref the first leg one was awful. Not that i expect we will get any decisions over there
-
Cash has played right midfield all throughout his career. Moreno has never played right midfield. Everyone else - everyone - was playing in a position they're very familiar with, in a system they've been drilled in every day for a year and a half.
Mate, I'm sorry, but you're just wrong. Even the opposition manager went so far as to say 'this was not Villa' due to the fatigue issue. You have no idea what it's like to play top-level football, the concentration involved, the long-term toll it takes on the legs. Yes, it's a better living than virtually anything else on earth, but the idea that therefore tiredness does not exist is just a weird error.
Hi Monty, why not do a straight swap (left sided Moreno for left sided Rogers) and not shift anyone around. For us, Cash looks like a fish out of water when he plays in midfield and his involvement caused others to have to shift around. IMHO, an unnecessary over complication.
I did play at a decent level (semi-professional) in the late 70,s which was very demanding. For training had to run down the hard shoulder until I got sick!! But the fact I was playing a game I love was enough to pull me through.
I'd say that, with all the respect due to you (clearly played to higher standard I did!), the difference between semipro in the late 70s and today's Premier League is a vast and probably uncrossable canyon.
Cash came on because Adingra was murdering us. He (Adingra) did stop getting in so much down the outside-left, but our weakness in central midfield meant he just drifted infield and hurt us from there. I thought Cash was one of our better performers on the day - far more baffling, to my mind, was the Duran substitution.
-
Fatigue - my arse. Just an excuse and Unai doesn't accept excuses.
Top athletes are playing a game for 90 minutes every 3 days or so. Mollycoddled beyond belief. Snooker table pitches, elite travel, top hotels, curtailed training, staff galore (kit washers, bag carriers etc), top physios, top facilities and all the rest. They are kicking a ball not doing the Tour de France!! FFS
As for mental fatigue - my arse.
If I got up every morning and saw a bottom line of GBP 4,672,885 in my Bank account any stress would soon dissipate. Make up your own figure but it is not going to be low.
Injuries aside, pick our best eleven for all the remaining matches.
Rest - my arse.
What a strange comment. I appologise if it's a tongue in cheek comment as I might have missed the humour.
-
Few Villa on the 06:20 out of Manchester. Getting excited now (30 min delay).
Hope you and everyone else heading to Athens has a great time. In fact, I hope it turns out to be the best Villa European away trip ever.
-
Fatigue - my arse. Just an excuse and Unai doesn't accept excuses.
Top athletes are playing a game for 90 minutes every 3 days or so. Mollycoddled beyond belief. Snooker table pitches, elite travel, top hotels, curtailed training, staff galore (kit washers, bag carriers etc), top physios, top facilities and all the rest. They are kicking a ball not doing the Tour de France!! FFS
As for mental fatigue - my arse.
If I got up every morning and saw a bottom line of GBP 4,672,885 in my Bank account any stress would soon dissipate. Make up your own figure but it is not going to be low.
Injuries aside, pick our best eleven for all the remaining matches.
Rest - my arse.
Fatigue is relative. Of course they can play 2 games per week. They could play 7 times a week and still be less fatigued than your average pub team. But if the opposition isn’t playing twice per week and isn’t facing crucial, season defining matches constantly, then that opposition will be less fatigued.
-
Cash has played right midfield all throughout his career. Moreno has never played right midfield. Everyone else - everyone - was playing in a position they're very familiar with, in a system they've been drilled in every day for a year and a half.
Mate, I'm sorry, but you're just wrong. Even the opposition manager went so far as to say 'this was not Villa' due to the fatigue issue. You have no idea what it's like to play top-level football, the concentration involved, the long-term toll it takes on the legs. Yes, it's a better living than virtually anything else on earth, but the idea that therefore tiredness does not exist is just a weird error.
Hi Monty, why not do a straight swap (left sided Moreno for left sided Rogers) and not shift anyone around. For us, Cash looks like a fish out of water when he plays in midfield and his involvement caused others to have to shift around. IMHO, an unnecessary over complication.
I did play at a decent level (semi-professional) in the late 70,s which was very demanding. For training had to run down the hard shoulder until I got sick!! But the fact I was playing a game I love was enough to pull me through.
I'd say that, with all the respect due to you (clearly played to higher standard I did!), the difference between semipro in the late 70s and today's Premier League is a vast and probably uncrossable canyon.
Cash came on because Adingra was murdering us. He (Adingra) did stop getting in so much down the outside-left, but our weakness in central midfield meant he just drifted infield and hurt us from there. I thought Cash was one of our better performers on the day - far more baffling, to my mind, was the Duran substitution.
Yes, I like Cash, fully committed in whatever role he is given. Unai has been forced into a juggling act but I beg to differ, on this occasion I think he dropped a ball!!
Premier League demands are considerably higher. But sometimes I think the word 'fatigue' can be used by some players as an excuse and they shouldn't be excused!! Ninety minutes exertion every 3 days or so should be possible to manage.
Anyways, allowing for injuries put out our best eleven against Olympiakos and go for it. COYVB.
-
Sorry pal, I don't think this is one of those 'agree to disagree' things (although to an extent everything is) - the fatigue factor is one of those things that just is the case. As has been said, it's relative - we're more tired than the opposition, who have more recovery time and so on than we do, and that makes an incredibly obvious difference.
Put it this way: Unai hinted at it in the post-match interview. He never, ever brings up anything that looks like an excuse, but he hinted at this. Because it's just too obvious to ignore.
-
Fatigue - my arse. Just an excuse and Unai doesn't accept excuses.
Top athletes are playing a game for 90 minutes every 3 days or so. Mollycoddled beyond belief. Snooker table pitches, elite travel, top hotels, curtailed training, staff galore (kit washers, bag carriers etc), top physios, top facilities and all the rest. They are kicking a ball not doing the Tour de France!! FFS
As for mental fatigue - my arse.
If I got up every morning and saw a bottom line of GBP 4,672,885 in my Bank account any stress would soon dissipate. Make up your own figure but it is not going to be low.
Injuries aside, pick our best eleven for all the remaining matches.
Rest - my arse.
Whilst I agree , did you see the Brighton game, they are blowing out their arses . Physically and mentally they are gone .
Sorry Tim, against Brighton we had too many players out of their normal position. Some didn't know what they were meant to be doing and were running around like headless chickens. When Rogers went off, Unai over complicated matters. Rarely he makes a mistake, but this time he did. Why not replace Rogers with Moreno (fairly familiar with that role) instead of putting Cash on (out of position) and shifting Diaby, Bailey and Watkins about. They were not blowing out their arses, they were confused!!
We must have watched different games . They played at a snails pace and looked dead on their feet .
-
The Greeks play once a fortnight and get grapes and sweet wine fed to them by pretty servants of varying gender in between. The Villa play every 45 minutes and have to do training plus Unai's 6 hour video and tactics sessions twice a day.
We can't compete.
-
The also get to eat 'a healthy Mediterranean diet' and our lads are forced to subsist on chips and gravy.
-
Fatigue - my arse. Just an excuse and Unai doesn't accept excuses.
Top athletes are playing a game for 90 minutes every 3 days or so. Mollycoddled beyond belief. Snooker table pitches, elite travel, top hotels, curtailed training, staff galore (kit washers, bag carriers etc), top physios, top facilities and all the rest. They are kicking a ball not doing the Tour de France!! FFS
As for mental fatigue - my arse.
If I got up every morning and saw a bottom line of GBP 4,672,885 in my Bank account any stress would soon dissipate. Make up your own figure but it is not going to be low.
Injuries aside, pick our best eleven for all the remaining matches.
Rest - my arse.
Whilst I agree , did you see the Brighton game, they are blowing out their arses . Physically and mentally they are gone .
Sorry Tim, against Brighton we had too many players out of their normal position. Some didn't know what they were meant to be doing and were running around like headless chickens. When Rogers went off, Unai over complicated matters. Rarely he makes a mistake, but this time he did. Why not replace Rogers with Moreno (fairly familiar with that role) instead of putting Cash on (out of position) and shifting Diaby, Bailey and Watkins about. They were not blowing out their arses, they were confused!!
We must have watched different games . They played at a snails pace and looked dead on their feet .
Any one who thinks that our lads are not knackered isn’t paying too much attention.
It’s not just fatigue it’s the injucaused by fatigue.
-
We blew the engine in those 3 games when spurs didn't play. I reckon it was a calculated gamble by Emery, and it might just pay off. We're running on fumes, in limp mode, there's no recovery cavalry van riding over the Bodymoor hills, and we're down to Shaun Of The Dead levels of chucking anything we can lay our hands on at the opposition. It's been a herculean effort, whatever happens we've already surpassed last seasons triumph, we ourselves can do nothing more than pray to McGrath that our champions can find one last almighty roar within themselves. Up The Fucking Villa.
-
It would be a shame to finish such a great season with a run of defeats . You then think back to the opening day bizarreness and reflect on a mad season where we've played some great stuff intertwined with a few disappointments . That's football I guess .
-
I hope no Villa Players read this thread. They have been given post match excuses for being slow and ineffective against Olympiakos!!
Wouldn't surprise me if when Rodri mentioned fatigue, he was not rested by Pep but dropped. It's what top teams do.
Exertion can be managed and as for football players having 'tired brains' - give me a rest.
Football is a simple game, not rocket science.
-
Pep goes on and on about fatigue! Also, hardly the guy to bring up for the old 'football is a simple game' canard.
-
The Greeks play once a fortnight and get grapes and sweet wine fed to them by pretty servants of varying gender in between. The Villa play every 45 minutes and have to do training plus Unai's 6 hour video and tactics sessions twice a day.
We can't compete.
Very true, but the Greeks love shagging every half hour.
-
I have to say I don't think Emery is doing much to help the tiredness situation at the moment. If fatigue is an issue, then why not pick Cash at right back ahead of Konsa? Why keep playing Diaby and Bailey from the start when the lack of defensive work from the pair of them means the midfield is even more under the cosh? Why not stick Iroegbunam in as a fresh pair of legs to free up McGinn and Luiz from some of the donkey work?
-
Yeah everything said over the years by players, managers, coaches, physios, studies by sports scientists and so on is all a load of hokum. A bloke on the internet is the real expert on elite sports fitness.
-
Yeah everything said over the years by players, managers, coaches, physios, studies by sports scientists and so on is all a load of hokum. A bloke on the internet is the real expert on elite sports fitness.
Yes, is my interview for new manager over?
When do I start?
-
Never Mr Gregory.
-
I have to say I don't think Emery is doing much to help the tiredness situation at the moment. If fatigue is an issue, then why not pick Cash at right back ahead of Konsa? Why keep playing Diaby and Bailey from the start when the lack of defensive work from the pair of them means the midfield is even more under the cosh? Why not stick Iroegbunam in as a fresh pair of legs to free up McGinn and Luiz from some of the donkey work?
Exactly. But then the general response is who do you play instead. You say a few youngsters who have been on the bench but we might lose if we pkay them.
Well we lost against brighton anyway and still tired our players out. So im all in for giving opportunities if we give some players a breather.
I mean chambers isnt great but he is a experienced player thats rarely been used too
-
Have we tried blood doping? Just the once I'm sure won't hurt.
-
Never Mr Gregory.
Pity. I have just bought a new set of whips!!
-
I have to say I don't think Emery is doing much to help the tiredness situation at the moment. If fatigue is an issue, then why not pick Cash at right back ahead of Konsa? Why keep playing Diaby and Bailey from the start when the lack of defensive work from the pair of them means the midfield is even more under the cosh? Why not stick Iroegbunam in as a fresh pair of legs to free up McGinn and Luiz from some of the donkey work?
Exactly. But then the general response is who do you play instead. You say a few youngsters who have been on the bench but we might lose if we pkay them.
Well we lost against brighton anyway and still tired our players out. So im all in for giving opportunities if we give some players a breather.
I mean chambers isnt great but he is a experienced player thats rarely been used too
I've already said some of it. Cash at right back, Tim in midfield. One of Diaby or Bailey on the bench.
-
Cash started 4 in a row after coming back from injury, Brighton is the only one he missed.
-
Cash put a shift in at the weekend.
It's not just the exertion that causes the fatigue, but the mental and psychological pressure too. It's a relentless season, more games than we've played before, with an exacting manager who studies infinite detail and tries to pass on specifics to players.
-
I meant missed as in he didn't start.
-
We've only seen it a couple of times - but Moreno left midfield might be worth a shout. Offers more defensively, but can attack too.
Being really brave, McGinn back to the righthand side of midfield with Tim coming in next to Doug - Bailey up front with Watkins.
-
We've only seen it a couple of times - but Moreno left midfield might be worth a shout. Offers more defensively, but can attack too.
Being really brave, McGinn back to the righthand side of midfield with Tim coming in next to Doug - Bailey up front with Watkins.
That would make some sort of sense. Neither McGinn or Luiz really suit the defensive role, and we've seen going all the way back to Smith that they don't look confortable there together. Diaby and Bailey together in the same team look abysmal at the moment, and at least McGinn there would give us a bit more clout both defensively but also going forward.
-
We've only seen it a couple of times - but Moreno left midfield might be worth a shout. Offers more defensively, but can attack too.
Being really brave, McGinn back to the righthand side of midfield with Tim coming in next to Doug - Bailey up front with Watkins.
Moreno has had a very poor season. I'd only play him as a way to give Digne a rest before Liverpool .
-
If Yuri available?
-
If we're going to play 2 up top on Thursday, I'd like Duran to start with Watkins. Pop Bailey on the bench to impact and bring Tim in, for McGinn to go left. Bulk the midfield and forward line up.
-
We've only seen it a couple of times - but Moreno left midfield might be worth a shout. Offers more defensively, but can attack too.
Being really brave, McGinn back to the righthand side of midfield with Tim coming in next to Doug - Bailey up front with Watkins.
Moreno has had a very poor season. I'd only play him as a way to give Digne a rest before Liverpool .
Agreed, but playing 4 attack minded players is killing us.
-
If Yuri available?
No, died on March 27, 1968.
-
If Yuri available?
No, died on March 27, 1968.
And Laika?
-
It’s a dilemma isn’t it? Do we want to qualify for European football as that will bring fatigue with the extra games. Do we want to progress in domestic cup competitions as extra matches will bring fatigue. Or, do we want to pay players mega bucks just for 38 league games to give their all and end up winning the league. Oh wait, that means we then qualify for CL with the extra matches and fatigue that involves!! Choices, choices!!
-
Can we, first and foremost, please, not have Konsa at right back. Adinga is still wiping the Amex turf with him as we speak...
-
Feel like it'll be like that League Cup Semi against Bolton, where we get a late goal, but not enough to see us to extra time.
First leg reminded me of that match, got it back to 2-2 only to chuck it away
Is Gavin McCann going to get sent off again?
Pretty sure Jlloyd got our late consolation goal :'(
-
It was. Hitz with the first early on to give us a hope. Then Jlloyd went gallivanting up the wing and stuck the late one in.
-
It's called the magic of the cup. Players know. No point saving anything for next week. Put it all on the line to reach the final. It will be tough. But they will get nervous if we put on a show.
So it’s a bit of a wing and a prayer? We’ll need more than that I think.
Lord I offer you my word on a wing
And I am trying hard to fit among your scheme of things
-
It’s a dilemma isn’t it? Do we want to qualify for European football as that will bring fatigue with the extra games. Do we want to progress in domestic cup competitions as extra matches will bring fatigue. Or, do we want to pay players mega bucks just for 38 league games to give their all and end up winning the league. Oh wait, that means we then qualify for CL with the extra matches and fatigue that involves!! Choices, choices!!
Go for the trophy i say and if we win we can rest a few for Liverpool and by time palace comes we we may have secured 4th so can afford to again rest some players
This is a fantastic opportunity why not go for it?
-
Can we, first and foremost, please, not have Konsa at right back. Adinga is still wiping the Amex turf with him as we speak...
To be honest he was pretty dreadful at centre back in the previous game. I think fatigue is a factor, but the whole defence feels very unstable at the moment. We’re changing combinations a lot and it shows.
-
It seems clear that Tim isn't trusted by Unai to start games that matter.
-
Since his England call up Konsa has been anywhere between bang average and horrible . As a RB he is dire . I wish Emery would cease with the experiment, it doesn't work.
-
Since his England call up Konsa has been anywhere between bang average and horrible . As a RB he is dire . I wish Emery would cease with the experiment, it doesn't work.
Apart from beating Man City and Arsenal (twice) etc etc...
The main problem with Konsa at right back is, again, all about the midfield. The midfield needs to work if anything in our system is to work; if it goes awry, all sorts of things go wrong.
-
I still think since the call up he's been a bit too casual in his approach . It was a really clumsy challenge at Brighton which could be very costly .
-
I still think since the call up he's been a bit too casual in his approach . It was a really clumsy challenge at Brighton which could be very costly .
I think that's coincidence though - I think he's just tired like the rest of them. It was a clumsy challenge for sure, but also an exhausted one.
-
It's called the magic of the cup. Players know. No point saving anything for next week. Put it all on the line to reach the final. It will be tough. But they will get nervous if we put on a show.
So it’s a bit of a wing and a prayer? We’ll need more than that I think.
Lord I offer you my word on a wing
And I am trying hard to fit among your scheme of things
The european canon is here.
-
Konsa should have in my opinion been on bwnch weekend and given a breather. Would have gone digne pau and carlos at cb cash rb
Saved konsa for thursday night
I have a feeling its going to be lenglet and carlos at cb thurs night and konsa on bench
-
Yeah be Lenglet swan song before his next loan move .
-
Since his England call up Konsa has been anywhere between bang average and horrible . As a RB he is dire . I wish Emery would cease with the experiment, it doesn't work.
Apart from beating Man City and Arsenal (twice) etc etc...
The main problem with Konsa at right back is, again, all about the midfield. The midfield needs to work if anything in our system is to work; if it goes awry, all sorts of things go wrong.
Agree he massively struggles if the midfield cover isn’t there and it just a mess on that side at the weekend.
-
Time to be heroes and do something incredible or give everything trying to! It would be fairytale to get through this round considering the predicament we are in, but I think we're capable.
-
If Yuri available?
No, died on March 27, 1968.
And Laika?
She founded a chocolate company.
-
The club are asking for video messages of encouragement...
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/may/07/send-your-video-messages-to-the-team-/ (https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/may/07/send-your-video-messages-to-the-team-/)
-
Don't let some on here get near the camera.....
-
Don't let some on here get near the camera.....
I bloody smoulder, I'll have you know! ;D
-
Don't let some on here get near the camera.....
Thought it was another Laika pun, till I read Dogtanian's post.
-
It seems clear that Tim isn't trusted by Unai to start games that matter.
Which makes moving Dendoncker on in January and not replacing him a bit of an oversight for me. I accept Dendoncker is not the greatest, but he's an experienced international who could have filled in at times. Maybe they thought Iroegbunam was ready and no replacement was required, but that hasn't worked out really.
-
Don't let some on here get near the camera.....
Just sent mine, words to the effect 'Since the last match, you have spent 100 hours lying down getting your muscles rubbed. So get out there and do your fucking job. Fatigue - my arse'
Hope it helps.
-
I'm not sure how "GET IT IN THE FUCKING MIXER, WE'RE TWO DOWN FOR FUCKS SAKES" is going to help the team.
-
I'm sure they'll think 'well fuck me, I guess I was wrong, I can run faster.'
-
If Yuri available?
No, died on March 27, 1968.
And Laika?
She founded a chocolate company.
Geller's around though if we need the ball to bend.
-
I don’t suppose “Earn your money you lazy fuckers” is going to help much either!
-
It seems clear that Tim isn't trusted by Unai to start games that matter.
I know our injury situation is bad but I honestly don’t think Unai is even considering using VillaTim
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
He sounds like a drunken cat.
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Having previously served a six month ban for match fixing.
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Having previously served a six month ban for match fixing.
Oh ffs you couldn’t make this shit up
-
Do bungs show up for FFP? ::)
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Having previously served a six month ban for match fixing.
He should have reffed in England, far less chance of being caught.
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Having previously served a six month ban for match fixing.
Oh ffs you couldn’t make this shit up
I think he has.
-
Surely our owners could out-bribe him?
-
Was Ref for the Nations League Final last year.
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Having previously served a six month ban for match fixing.
Oh ffs you couldn’t make this shit up
I think he has.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_German_football_match-fixing_scandal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_German_football_match-fixing_scandal)
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Having previously served a six month ban for match fixing.
Oh ffs you couldn’t make this shit up
I think he has.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_German_football_match-fixing_scandal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_German_football_match-fixing_scandal)
Fucking hell! I mean, I just assumed that wouldn't...and then again, it's UEFA. Insane.
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Having previously served a six month ban for match fixing.
He supposedly took a payment of 300 euros as a bribe by the actual match ref (who was the main match fixer) when a young lino. He then dobbed himself in and the ref in and was obviously punished for it but as he whistle blowed, was banned for 6 months only. That was 20 years ago.
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Having previously served a six month ban for match fixing.
He supposedly took a payment of 300 euros as a bribe by the actual match ref (who was the main match fixer) when a young lino. He then dobbed himself in and the ref in and was obviously punished for it but as he whistle blowed, was banned for 6 months only. That was 20 years ago.
Buuuuuuuuurn him! >:(
-
Hmmm, I think he'll be fine..
-
No Emery presser today?
-
I don't know how people get the time or money to go to these games , wish i could . I imagine some fans have done them all too from Hibs to Athens .
-
No Emery presser today?
It's usually the day before the game.
-
18:00 is the coach meet at Panathinaikos ground for this. Seems really early to me, unless it's a bit like Warsaw and the first busses leave at 18:00. Why you'd want to be inside a ground 3 hours + before hand I don't know.
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Having previously served a six month ban for match fixing.
He supposedly took a payment of 300 euros as a bribe by the actual match ref (who was the main match fixer) when a young lino. He then dobbed himself in and the ref in and was obviously punished for it but as he whistle blowed, was banned for 6 months only. That was 20 years ago.
Buuuuuuuuurn him! >:(
Yes, check what his other career is on the link to his own Wiki - a real-estate broker!
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Having previously served a six month ban for match fixing.
Oh ffs you couldn’t make this shit up
I think he has.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_German_football_match-fixing_scandal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_German_football_match-fixing_scandal)
I had only seen it on Fb to be fair, but seemed a decent standard post on a decent group. Not one of the awful clickbait type ones
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Having previously served a six month ban for match fixing.
Fixer Swayer. He can sway either way.
-
I don't know how people get the time or money to go to these games , wish i could . I imagine some fans have done them all too from Hibs to Athens .
I've done 4/7. Legia, Alkmaar, Ajax.and Lille.Achieved via Remote working and budgeting carefully.
A few friends of mine have done them all. One is retired. The other is single! Enough said.
-
I don't know how people get the time or money to go to these games , wish i could . I imagine some fans have done them all too from Hibs to Athens .
I've done 4/7. Legia, Alkmaar, Ajax.and Lille.Achieved via Remote working and budgeting carefully.
A few friends of mine have done them all. One is retired. The other is single! Enough said.
I've been lucky enough to get to all of them as I've been retired for nearly 10 years. If I'd been working there's no way I would have been able to attend any of the away games at all.
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Having previously served a six month ban for match fixing.
He supposedly took a payment of 300 euros as a bribe by the actual match ref (who was the main match fixer) when a young lino. He then dobbed himself in and the ref in and was obviously punished for it but as he whistle blowed, was banned for 6 months only. That was 20 years ago.
Buuuuuuuuurn him! >:(
Yes, check what his other career is on the link to his own Wiki - a real-estate broker!
Then you also have the Olympiacos/Forest owner who also has previous for match fixing!? WTF!
-
Edit: Noticed the referee has already been brought up so no point rehashing it
-
Maybe he fixes matches for English clubs rather than Greek ones. *THUMBS UP! ROCK ON!*
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Having previously served a six month ban for match fixing.
He supposedly took a payment of 300 euros as a bribe by the actual match ref (who was the main match fixer) when a young lino. He then dobbed himself in and the ref in and was obviously punished for it but as he whistle blowed, was banned for 6 months only. That was 20 years ago.
I mean given that, it could be that he's been put on duty precisely because he has has a track record of reporting bribes.
Well, that's my hope anyway
-
Edit: Noticed the referee has already been brought up so no point rehashing it
German ref i believe.
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Having previously served a six month ban for match fixing.
Oh ffs you couldn’t make this shit up
I think he has.
It’s okay, he’s German. The British and Germans are not natural enemies.
I read that somewhere.
-
Edit: Noticed the referee has already been brought up so no point rehashing it
German ref i believe.
Klaus Von Whistle.
*nods*
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Thank Christ for that.
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Thank Christ for that.
Apparently, the ref on Thursday was done match fixing I kid you not. Felix Zwayer who was banned for 6 months.
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Thank Christ for that.
Apparently, the ref on Thursday was done match fixing I kid you not. Felix Zwayer who was banned for 6 months.
Same ref that Bellingham had a go at on social media.
-
I don't know how people get the time or money to go to these games , wish i could . I imagine some fans have done them all too from Hibs to Athens .
I've done 4/7. Legia, Alkmaar, Ajax.and Lille.Achieved via Remote working and budgeting carefully.
A few friends of mine have done them all. One is retired. The other is single! Enough said.
I've been lucky enough to get to all of them as I've been retired for nearly 10 years. If I'd been working there's no way I would have been able to attend any of the away games at all.
Fair play must have cost a few bob. Will you be doing it again next season ?
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Having previously served a six month ban for match fixing.
Oh ffs you couldn’t make this shit up
I think he has.
It’s okay, he’s German. The British and Germans are not natural enemies.
I read that somewhere.
In a publication just before 1914
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Thank Christ for that.
Apparently, the ref on Thursday was done match fixing I kid you not. Felix Zwayer who was banned for 6 months.
Same ref that Bellingham had a go at on social media.
So the ref hates Blose and loves the Villa. That's a start.
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Having previously served a six month ban for match fixing.
Oh ffs you couldn’t make this shit up
I think he has.
It’s okay, he’s German. The British and Germans are not natural enemies.
I read that somewhere.
Probably something to do with English being a Germanic language.
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Having previously served a six month ban for match fixing.
Oh ffs you couldn’t make this shit up
I think he has.
It’s okay, he’s German. The British and Germans are not natural enemies.
I read that somewhere.
Probably something to do with English being a Germanic language.
Our shared love of sausages
-
Take away the world wars and the football, haven’t we generally been allies with the German states through most of their history?
-
18:00 is the coach meet at Panathinaikos ground for this. Seems really early to me, unless it's a bit like Warsaw and the first busses leave at 18:00. Why you'd want to be inside a ground 3 hours + before hand I don't know.
Subtle difference as it’s Panathenaic Stadium rather than Panathinaikos ground.
-
How does it work for away games, do they expect you to go on the coach from a meeting spot or can you go under your own steam?
-
It’s been mixed. Warsaw was the most regimented with buses from centre to an isolated area of the ground, transport was provided for AZ and Zrinjski, I messed up for Ajax away and Lille was freedom of do what you want.
-
Im glad its this ref that got done foe fixing because if something fishy happens tomorrow we can at least make a complaint about him.
He knows he will be under the microscope for such a hige game so hw wont be able tk vet away with taking a bribe
-
How on earth is he still reffing with essentially a criminal record for fraud .
-
Perhaps we could demand a rematch due to the compromised integrity?
-
The social media keeps hyping the players will give everything Thursday night. I bloody hope so if we gonna gi out lets gi oyt fighting not like defeated losers.
If we score early the nerves will hit them
-
18:00 is the coach meet at Panathinaikos ground for this. Seems really early to me, unless it's a bit like Warsaw and the first busses leave at 18:00. Why you'd want to be inside a ground 3 hours + before hand I don't know.
Don’t get going to Panathinaikos’s ground! Hope nobody makes that mistake. Look for a big horseshoe shape stadium with terracing around a very tight narrow running track, lots of flagpoles, the Olympic rings and more marble than Highbury. The main giveaway though will be lots of Villa fans and a long row of coaches.
-
18:00 is the coach meet at Panathinaikos ground for this. Seems really early to me, unless it's a bit like Warsaw and the first busses leave at 18:00. Why you'd want to be inside a ground 3 hours + before hand I don't know.
Subtle difference as it’s Panathenaic Stadium rather than Panathinaikos ground.
Ah misread. Handy as I'm staying not too far from there and I'm planning to do the 07:30 run that they let you do for €10. A bit different running a 2000+ year old stadium than Sutton Leisure Centre St Helens.
-
How on earth is he still reffing with essentially a criminal record for fraud .
One, is not a criminal record as it wasn't a criminal offence.
Two, Because as a young linesman just coming through and with a senior referee who could make or break him, he accepted 300 euros not to question any decisions he might make. The investigation into that match seemed to show no actual dodgy decisions were made in the end (I'm guessing the result went the way the ref wanted). So as a whilsteblower and someone who had done it once with no actual action on the result, I suspect they decided a 6 month ban was enough. And after 20 years, and only one disgruntled Bellingham tweet, I also suspect nothing shows any more match fixing.
-
It’s not the same ref as last week now, I’ve just read. Felix Swayer is now the ref.
Having previously served a six month ban for match fixing.
Oh ffs you couldn’t make this shit up
I think he has.
It’s okay, he’s German. The British and Germans are not natural enemies.
I read that somewhere.
Probably something to do with English being a Germanic language.
Our shared love of sausages
I expected our intelligent community on here to understand it as a Hitler quote.
Never mind.
-
I expected our intelligent community on here to understand it as a Hitler quote.
Never mind.
Your struggle ...
-
Why can't we contest this?
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2024/05/07/aston-villa-olympiacos-conference-semi-referee-match-fixer/
-
Because there is nothing to contest.
-
Why can't we contest this?
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2024/05/07/aston-villa-olympiacos-conference-semi-referee-match-fixer/
Injuries, fatigue...
-
18:00 is the coach meet at Panathinaikos ground for this. Seems really early to me, unless it's a bit like Warsaw and the first busses leave at 18:00. Why you'd want to be inside a ground 3 hours + before hand I don't know.
Subtle difference as it’s Panathenaic Stadium rather than Panathinaikos ground.
Ah misread. Handy as I'm staying not too far from there and I'm planning to do the 07:30 run that they let you do for €10. A bit different running a 2000+ year old stadium than Sutton Leisure Centre St Helens.
That’s an experience. Enjoy.
-
Because there is nothing to contest.
UEFA Secretary with direct links to Olympiacos
Corrupt referee appointed
You don't see this reeks of a set up?
-
Because there is nothing to contest.
UEFA Secretary with direct links to Olympiacos
Corrupt referee appointed
You don't see this reeks of a set up?
The final being in athens also...
-
Enjoy the run Ads. A couple of us did a run around the old city walls in Lille on the morning of the match.
-
I don't know how people get the time or money to go to these games , wish i could . I imagine some fans have done them all too from Hibs to Athens .
I've done 4/7. Legia, Alkmaar, Ajax.and Lille.Achieved via Remote working and budgeting carefully.
A few friends of mine have done them all. One is retired. The other is single! Enough said.
I've been lucky enough to get to all of them as I've been retired for nearly 10 years. If I'd been working there's no way I would have been able to attend any of the away games at all.
Fair play must have cost a few bob. Will you be doing it again next season ?
Yes. The wife has already been given the heads up!
-
It’s been mixed. Warsaw was the most regimented with buses from centre to an isolated area of the ground, transport was provided for AZ and Zrinjski, I messed up for Ajax away and Lille was freedom of do what you want.
For Warsaw, AVFC82EC and I gave the main square a miss and we found a delightful road of bars. From there we just caught an Uber to the ground.
-
Because there is nothing to contest.
UEFA Secretary with direct links to Olympiacos
Hmmm..... https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2016/03/02/matt-scott-uefa-s-oversight-on-olympiacos-has-opened-dangerous-ground/
"But when I tweeted my reminder to FIFA voters, even I could not have anticipated what would happen during Olympiacos’s Europa League match against Anderlecht in Piraeus that very night.
Over the 90 minutes of that match there were so many questionable refereeing decisions that went in Olympiacos’s favour that the Belgian match commentator for RTL Sport felt obliged to question the integrity of the match officials. Having spoken out during the match commentary, and having slept on it, he was asked the following day if he thought the refereeing had been deliberately dodgy. “At the beginning, no, honestly at the start, no. The first few decisions were tough to take but you think it’s possible for him to have got them wrong,” said Delire.
“But then, when they all went the same way and they were just so flagrant, you had a doubt. And that became a suspicion. A suspicion that became, ‘OK, now there’s something that’s not right.’ And let’s not forget that there is precedent involving Olympiacos, precedents that have been proven, phenomena of corruption, [with allegations that] they have bought four Greek-league titles… this referee was very, very doubtful.”
That sounds faintly familiar.
-
Article in The Athletic on the match;
https://theathletic.com/5476608/2024/05/08/aston-villa-unai-emery-leaders-olympiacos/ (https://theathletic.com/5476608/2024/05/08/aston-villa-unai-emery-leaders-olympiacos/)
"Players and management are undimmed in their confidence that they can overturn a two-goal deficit in Greece."
"...he has learned his lesson of not asking Emery, on behalf of the players, for days off, knowing the brick-wall response he will be given."
"We have to go there full of energy and fight until the end. I know Villa will do this."
Come on, lads, do us proud, 8)
-
Article in The Athletic on the match;
https://theathletic.com/5476608/2024/05/08/aston-villa-unai-emery-leaders-olympiacos/ (https://theathletic.com/5476608/2024/05/08/aston-villa-unai-emery-leaders-olympiacos/)
"Players and management are undimmed in their confidence that they can overturn a two-goal deficit in Greece."
"...he has learned his lesson of not asking Emery, on behalf of the players, for days off, knowing the brick-wall response he will be given."
"We have to go there full of energy and fight until the end. I know Villa will do this."
Come on, lads, do us proud, 8)
Bit of a fucking contrast with someone else we've heard about this week.
-
"We have the mentality of winners & I want to get to the final. I believe in my team. We will win there, for sure. We have to go there full of energy, fight until the end. I know Villa will do this -- we have to show them Aston Villa are the best." Moussa Diaby
-
"We have the mentality of winners & I want to get to the final. I believe in my team. We will win there, for sure. We have to go there full of energy, fight until the end. I know Villa will do this -- we have to show them Aston Villa are the best." Moussa Diaby
Just words moussa show us on the pitch please starting tomorrow !
-
It’s been mixed. Warsaw was the most regimented with buses from centre to an isolated area of the ground, transport was provided for AZ and Zrinjski, I messed up for Ajax away and Lille was freedom of do what you want.
For Warsaw, AVFC82EC and I gave the main square a miss and we found a delightful road of bars. From there we just caught an Uber to the ground.
My missus and I did the same. Accepting that it is always different traveling as a couple rather than a group of lads, we walked to the ground after a decent boozy lunch and had a beer in one of the pubs round the corner from the ground all hassle free. That said, I think we'll take the coaches tomorrow.
-
The Moose BANG up for hearing his song against Liverpool and Palace.
You can't get in the ground without coming on the coach.
-
The Moose BANG up for hearing his song against Liverpool and Palace.
You can't get in the ground without coming on the coach.
Yeah. I know.
-
Alright fair enough.
-
Anyhoo. They've drawn 2 and lost 3 of their last 6 meetings with the Anglais at their ground. Bunch of 2nd rate bottlers perhaps? Score first and listen for the sound of 28k ring pieces twitching.
-
Because there is nothing to contest.
UEFA Secretary with direct links to Olympiacos
Corrupt referee appointed
You don't see this reeks of a set up?
We seem fairly nonplussed about it, and we can usually tell pretty quickly when something doesn't smell right.
-
It doesn't bother me really. If they wanted a dodgy ref they could have bought one with a spotless record, rather than one who has probably been under scrutiny now for most of his career.
I don't know the ins and outs of it, but from what I've read it seems like he was a young and inexperienced lad who was given cash to not kick up a fuss, and later realised the implications of it.
How many of us haven't had a situation at work as a youngster where you've gone along with or not argued with something that you felt wasn't right, but all the senior and more experienced people just cracked on with?
-
It doesn't bother me really. If they wanted a dodgy ref they could have bought one with a spotless record, rather than one who has probably been under scrutiny now for most of his career.
I don't know the ins and outs of it, but from what I've read it seems like he was a young and inexperienced lad who was given cash to not kick up a fuss, and later realised the implications of it.
How many of us haven't had a situation at work as a youngster where you've gone along with or not argued with something that you felt wasn't right, but all the senior and more experienced people just cracked on with?
He’s a bent referee. He shouldn’t be anywhere near professional football.
-
"We have the mentality of winners & I want to get to the final. I believe in my team. We will win there, for sure. We have to go there full of energy, fight until the end. I know Villa will do this -- we have to show them Aston Villa are the best." Moussa Diaby
Actions speak louder than words .
-
Because there is nothing to contest.
UEFA Secretary with direct links to Olympiacos
Corrupt referee appointed
You don't see this reeks of a set up?
No.
-
It doesn't bother me really. If they wanted a dodgy ref they could have bought one with a spotless record, rather than one who has probably been under scrutiny now for most of his career.
I don't know the ins and outs of it, but from what I've read it seems like he was a young and inexperienced lad who was given cash to not kick up a fuss, and later realised the implications of it.
How many of us haven't had a situation at work as a youngster where you've gone along with or not argued with something that you felt wasn't right, but all the senior and more experienced people just cracked on with?
He’s a bent referee. He shouldn’t be anywhere near professional football.
Why? He never made any decisions which were dodgy in the match when he took the money to look the other way? He also gave evidence to the fact not knowing if he would have a career at the end of it. And in the 20 years since that incident, apart from one exasperated Bellingham tweet, there has not been one hint of dodginess.
-
If the Ref is corrupt it will manifest itself during the game . Will be watching closely .
-
If the Ref is corrupt it will manifest itself during the game . Will be watching closely .
I look forward to your final analysis being as you had plenty to say about the way Liverpool behaved when the VAR bollock was dropped.
-
If the Ref is corrupt it will manifest itself during the game . Will be watching closely .
What will you do if you see actual manifestations of corruption Coops? Have a moan?
-
It doesn't bother me really. If they wanted a dodgy ref they could have bought one with a spotless record, rather than one who has probably been under scrutiny now for most of his career.
I don't know the ins and outs of it, but from what I've read it seems like he was a young and inexperienced lad who was given cash to not kick up a fuss, and later realised the implications of it.
How many of us haven't had a situation at work as a youngster where you've gone along with or not argued with something that you felt wasn't right, but all the senior and more experienced people just cracked on with?
He’s a bent referee. He shouldn’t be anywhere near professional football.
Why? He never made any decisions which were dodgy in the match when he took the money to look the other way? He also gave evidence to the fact not knowing if he would have a career at the end of it. And in the 20 years since that incident, apart from one exasperated Bellingham tweet, there has not been one hint of dodginess.
He accepted a bribe. Guess integrity means different things to different people.
-
He had enough integrity to dob himself in and accept the consequences and stop the actual match fixer continuing to referee.
-
He had enough integrity to dob himself in and accept the consequences and stop the actual match fixer continuing to referee.
He took a bribe in his position as a referee.
-
He had enough integrity to dob himself in and accept the consequences and stop the actual match fixer continuing to referee.
He took a bribe in his position as a referee.
Yes, you keep saying that. Why do you think the third time will miraculously change my opinion?
-
He had enough integrity to dob himself in and accept the consequences and stop the actual match fixer continuing to referee.
He took a bribe in his position as a referee.
Yes, you keep saying that. Why do you think the third time will miraculously change my opinion?
You seem to fail to understand what a referee’s role is.
-
He had enough integrity to dob himself in and accept the consequences and stop the actual match fixer continuing to referee.
He took a bribe in his position as a referee.
Yes, you keep saying that. Why do you think the third time will miraculously change my opinion?
You seem to fail to understand what a referee’s role is.
He was an assistant referee
-
Is it to uphold justice and be the absolute paragon of integrity and virtue? No.
It's pretty much to make a decision so that a group of grown men, who otherwise would descend into arguments every five minutes, can continue to kick a ball about on the grass.
They are not here to ensure a just universe.
-
It doesn't bother me really. If they wanted a dodgy ref they could have bought one with a spotless record, rather than one who has probably been under scrutiny now for most of his career.
I don't know the ins and outs of it, but from what I've read it seems like he was a young and inexperienced lad who was given cash to not kick up a fuss, and later realised the implications of it.
How many of us haven't had a situation at work as a youngster where you've gone along with or not argued with something that you felt wasn't right, but all the senior and more experienced people just cracked on with?
He’s a bent referee. He shouldn’t be anywhere near professional football.
Why? He never made any decisions which were dodgy in the match when he took the money to look the other way? He also gave evidence to the fact not knowing if he would have a career at the end of it. And in the 20 years since that incident, apart from one exasperated Bellingham tweet, there has not been one hint of dodginess.
He accepted a bribe. Guess integrity means different things to different people.
And then he grassed himself up for taking the bribe, knowing it might have ended his fledgeling career before it had fully started.
-
He had enough integrity to dob himself in and accept the consequences and stop the actual match fixer continuing to referee.
He took a bribe in his position as a referee.
Yes, you keep saying that. Why do you think the third time will miraculously change my opinion?
You seem to fail to understand what a referee’s role is.
He was an assistant referee
Ah yes, they are allowed to take bribes. They don’t have to bother with making sure the game is fair and the rules are followed.
-
He had enough integrity to dob himself in and accept the consequences and stop the actual match fixer continuing to referee.
He took a bribe in his position as a referee.
Yes, you keep saying that. Why do you think the third time will miraculously change my opinion?
You seem to fail to understand what a referee’s role is.
He was an assistant referee
Ah yes, they are allowed to take bribes. They don’t have to bother with making sure the game is fair and the rules are followed.
He didn't make any bent calls though, more paid to look the other way if any did occur. He didn't though as none did in that match at the time. And shortly afterwards he then came forward to provide evidence that the other ref was doing that.
-
It doesn't bother me really. If they wanted a dodgy ref they could have bought one with a spotless record, rather than one who has probably been under scrutiny now for most of his career.
I don't know the ins and outs of it, but from what I've read it seems like he was a young and inexperienced lad who was given cash to not kick up a fuss, and later realised the implications of it.
How many of us haven't had a situation at work as a youngster where you've gone along with or not argued with something that you felt wasn't right, but all the senior and more experienced people just cracked on with?
He’s a bent referee. He shouldn’t be anywhere near professional football.
Why? He never made any decisions which were dodgy in the match when he took the money to look the other way? He also gave evidence to the fact not knowing if he would have a career at the end of it. And in the 20 years since that incident, apart from one exasperated Bellingham tweet, there has not been one hint of dodginess.
He accepted a bribe. Guess integrity means different things to different people.
And then he grassed himself up for taking the bribe, knowing it might have ended his fledgeling career before it had fully started.
That’s funny. I hope you wouldn’t follow the same logic with some other criminal behaviour.
-
Surely if a referee was there to ensure a fair game, they'd have the power to make Man City play with 9 men against Sheffield United? Or that if a player slips over on the ball and the opposition score, the goal gets disallowed. That would be both fair and sporting, the kind of things you'd do with your kids in the park.
I'm not sure I've seen many fair games of football.
But I firmly believe that a lad in his early twenties who has made a mistake, owned up to it, and been punished for it should not have his whole life ruined by it. I don't think that would be fair at all.
-
Is it to uphold justice and be the absolute paragon of integrity and virtue? No.
It's pretty much to make a decision so that a group of grown men, who otherwise would descend into arguments every five minutes, can continue to kick a ball about on the grass.
They are not here to ensure a just universe.
They are in position to enforce the laws of the game. Not to take some grubby bank notes and alter the outcomes of matches.
-
That’s funny. I hope you wouldn’t follow the same logic with some other criminal behaviour.
Well criminal????? Want to tell me where the crime was?
But he also served his time, and has not been hinted at for being "bent", "corrupt" or whatever other word you want to use in the last 20 years, apart from tweets from Bellingham and some on here, especially as you would have expected he would be scrutinised more.
-
If he is a bent ref, why don’t we just bribe him? Sorted.
-
That’s funny. I hope you wouldn’t follow the same logic with some other criminal behaviour.
Well criminal????? Want to tell me where the crime was?
But he also served his time, and has not been hinted at for being "bent", "corrupt" or whatever other word you want to use in the last 20 years, apart from tweets from Bellingham and some on here, especially as you would have expected he would be scrutinised more.
No, he didn’t get a criminal conviction - but he took the bribe - that money came from a Croatian gambling syndicate.
You don’t think he’s scrutinised in almost every game now? A quick news search suggests otherwise.
-
I think the morally principled position to take on this is that if he gives them every decision tomorrow then it is an outrage he is allowed anywhere near football, and if he gives them all to us then it is a beautiful demonstration of the power of redemption.
-
We could offer the ref a couple of tickets into the Lower Grounds - over to you Mr. Heck
-
I think the morally principled position to take on this is that if he gives them every decision tomorrow then it is an outrage he is allowed anywhere near football, and if he gives them all to us then it is a beautiful demonstration of the power of redemption.
Hmm... can we switch between positions minute by minute though? As events unfold?
-
We could offer the ref a couple of tickets into the Lower Grounds - over to you Mr. Heck
I don't think the Big Heck's communication skills are up to this. God knows what he'd think we asked for or how we decided to let the world know.
-
He had enough integrity to dob himself in and accept the consequences and stop the actual match fixer continuing to referee.
He took a bribe in his position as a referee.
Yes, you keep saying that. Why do you think the third time will miraculously change my opinion?
You seem to fail to understand what a referee’s role is.
He was an assistant referee
Ah yes, they are allowed to take bribes. They don’t have to bother with making sure the game is fair and the rules are followed.
You failed to understand what his role was, that’s all. Might as well be as factually correct as possible.
-
I think the morally principled position to take on this is that if he gives them every decision tomorrow then it is an outrage he is allowed anywhere near football, and if he gives them all to us then it is a beautiful demonstration of the power of redemption.
Hmm... can we switch between positions minute by minute though? As events unfold?
One should always reconsider one’s position in the light of changes in the facts.
-
I’d be amazed if he looks any more corrupt than the ref in the home game, who presumably didn’t need a bribe to be so one-sided.
-
Some 'wag' has edited his Wiki page
On Thursday 9th May 2024 Felix Zwayer refereed the second leg semi final match between Olympiacos and Aston Villa. After trailing 4.2 from the first leg, Aston villa scored 3 first half goals and looked like they would reach the final, only before Felix Zwayer awarding Olympiacos a 93rd minute penalty for what looked like a blatant dive. It was then rumoured that Felix Zwayer took a 20,000€ bribe from the Olympiacos and Nottingham Forest owner.
-
Some 'wag' has edited his Wiki page
On Thursday 9th May 2024 Felix Zwayer refereed the second leg semi final match between Olympiacos and Aston Villa. After trailing 4.2 from the first leg, Aston villa scored 3 first half goals and looked like they would reach the final, only before Felix Zwayer awarding Olympiacos a 93rd minute penalty for what looked like a blatant dive. It was then rumoured that Felix Zwayer took a 20,000€ bribe from the Olympiacos and Nottingham Forest owner.
EUR 20k? A place in the final is worth EUR 2m even for the loser. I think he's got his pricing strategy wrong there.
-
We could offer the ref a couple of tickets into the Lower Grounds - over to you Mr. Heck
I reckon we should offer him tickets to dr xias theme park
-
just watched UTV podcast - where Luke is walking around their stadium - Hoping that we can do this, it would be fantastic if we could.
Heart says 0-3 to the VILLA
Unfortunately my head is telling me that we are going to be disappointed.
-
They have nothing to lose. If we get the first goal, suddenly it will look in the balance.
Do or do not. There is no try.
-
just watched UTV podcast - where Luke is walking around their stadium - Hoping that we can do this, it would be fantastic if we could.
Heart says 0-3 to the VILLA
Unfortunately my head is telling me that we are going to be disappointed.
Listen to your heart, as Roxette would say.
-
Any vids of our fans signing in the sun yet?
-
That’s funny. I hope you wouldn’t follow the same logic with some other criminal behaviour.
Well criminal????? Want to tell me where the crime was?
But he also served his time, and has not been hinted at for being "bent", "corrupt" or whatever other word you want to use in the last 20 years, apart from tweets from Bellingham and some on here, especially as you would have expected he would be scrutinised more.
No, he didn’t get a criminal conviction - but he took the bribe - that money came from a Croatian gambling syndicate.
You don’t think he’s scrutinised in almost every game now? A quick news search suggests otherwise.
I'm talking about the German Federation, the refs and UEFA scrutinising every decision made for obvious dishonesty, not fans going he cheated once 20 year ago so is now a nine bob note.
And for him, the money came from the ref in the middle.
-
Any vids of our fans signing in the sun yet?
(https://media.tenor.com/59Q1eTkoY20AAAAM/ace-of-base-the-sign.gif)
-
We could offer the ref a couple of tickets into the Lower Grounds - over to you Mr. Heck
I reckon we should offer him tickets to dr xias theme park
Recon Towers
-
It doesn't bother me really. If they wanted a dodgy ref they could have bought one with a spotless record, rather than one who has probably been under scrutiny now for most of his career.
I don't know the ins and outs of it, but from what I've read it seems like he was a young and inexperienced lad who was given cash to not kick up a fuss, and later realised the implications of it.
How many of us haven't had a situation at work as a youngster where you've gone along with or not argued with something that you felt wasn't right, but all the senior and more experienced people just cracked on with?
He’s a bent referee. He shouldn’t be anywhere near professional football.
That is my view too.
Any referee that is caught being bent should be banned for fucking life...
-
I hope unai will keep his cards close to his chest about who is available to keep olympiakos on their toes
-
Because there is nothing to contest.
UEFA Secretary with direct links to Olympiacos
Corrupt referee appointed
You don't see this reeks of a set up?
No.
The officiating in the 1st leg was contentious to say the least and I'm fearing worse will come tomorrow night. When you read about Olympiacos’s history of match fixing and bribing officials, it starts to look questionable.
We obviously didn't know we would play them at that point, but I remember thinking at the time that their results against Maccabi Haifa was suspicious. Lose 1-4 at home, but then win 1-6 away a week later?
-
Surely if it was a set up we would have had the same crap ref in both legs?
-
All the refs we've seen in the euopean games have been somewhere on the scale of bad to attrocious. The one last week wasn't the worst we've had & he did give us a penalty, but only after he'd disallowed a perfectly good goal & not given an obvious penalty for a foul on Bailey.
Usually over the number of games we've played you'd expect things to even themselves out, but I can't think of a single decision that's gone our way. Personally, I think it's a bias against Premier League clubs.
-
All the refs we've seen in the euopean games have been somewhere on the scale of bad to attrocious. The one last week wasn't the worst we've had & he did give us a penalty, but only after he'd disallowed a perfectly good goal & not given an obvious penalty for a foul on Bailey.
Usually over the number of games we've played you'd expect things to even themselves out, but I can't think of a single decision that's gone our way. Personally, I think it's a bias against Premier League clubs.
Bailey played for that . I've seen them given but it was never a pen .
-
With regard to the options for the
Poll - the "Villa get completely fucked over by dodgy Referee" option is a glaring omission.
-
Bailey played for that . I've seen them given but it was never a pen .
To paraphrase a certain someone on kit design, "How can one person confirm how we all feel, when a penalty decision is often totally subjective?"
-
With regard to the options for the
Poll - the "Villa get completely fucked over by dodgy Referee" option is a glaring omission.
Plus - “Whatever result you like - EUR 20k”
-
Bailey played for that . I've seen them given but it was never a pen .
To paraphrase a certain someone on kit design, "How can one person confirm how we all feel, when a penalty decision is often totally subjective?"
Which is why i said i've seen them given, many times, cheats prosper when it comes to winning pens , just look at rat face and his antics . Kane is another . Bailey was wearing the wrong kit .
-
No presser? Bizarre
-
No presser? Bizarre
There has been one. Normal.
-
Looks like Dougie was interviewed at the presser.
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1788278581015023878 (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1788278581015023878)
-
I see we’ve got Fiorentina in the final then!
-
I see we’ve got Fiorentina in the final then!
The refs are still counting their envelopes! :P
-
Bailey played for that . I've seen them given but it was never a pen .
To paraphrase a certain someone on kit design, "How can one person confirm how we all feel, when a penalty decision is often totally subjective?"
Which is why i said i've seen them given, many times, cheats prosper when it comes to winning pens , just look at rat face and his antics . Kane is another . Bailey was wearing the wrong kit .
If was definitely a penalty and I have seen em not given.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GNE0lqzWoAEphQk?format=jpg&name=small)
-
Bailey played for that . I've seen them given but it was never a pen .
To paraphrase a certain someone on kit design, "How can one person confirm how we all feel, when a penalty decision is often totally subjective?"
Which is why i said i've seen them given, many times, cheats prosper when it comes to winning pens , just look at rat face and his antics . Kane is another . Bailey was wearing the wrong kit .
If was definitely a penalty and I have seen em not given.
... is the correct answer!!
-
No presser? Bizarre
There has been one. Normal.
Cheers
No one really knows who is out and back. Imagine if rodgers is fit?
Cant see it but thought unai would ahve confirmed he is out for season if he was
-
Emery mentions he has some players with concerns, then states Emi has travelled but they will check on him tomorrow. No mention on if Youri has travelled or not. I don't think he was in any of the training pics either (Emi was).
-
Bailey played for that . I've seen them given but it was never a pen .
To paraphrase a certain someone on kit design, "How can one person confirm how we all feel, when a penalty decision is often totally subjective?"
Which is why i said i've seen them given, many times, cheats prosper when it comes to winning pens , just look at rat face and his antics . Kane is another . Bailey was wearing the wrong kit .
If was definitely a penalty and I have seen em not given.
Definitely an oscar for Bailey . He's been watching Saka just needs to add acoustic now .
-
There has been a presser….SSN showed a bit, live around 7pm.
I guess it will be posted later.
-
Bailey played for that . I've seen them given but it was never a pen .
To paraphrase a certain someone on kit design, "How can one person confirm how we all feel, when a penalty decision is often totally subjective?"
Which is why i said i've seen them given, many times, cheats prosper when it comes to winning pens , just look at rat face and his antics . Kane is another . Bailey was wearing the wrong kit .
And there's Kane with another brilliant dive . Ref didn't buy it though . Cheating .
-
Turning round a 2 goal home deficit is difficult but not impossible.
-
They have nothing to lose. If we get the first goal, suddenly it will look in the balance.
Do or do not. There is no try.
Imagine Bailey racing through early doors and one of theirs getting a red card for a professional foul.
Not totally unthinkable.
-
In 2011, 70 people were linked to one of the biggest football match-fixing scandals in Greece. Among the people charged was the President of Olympiacos FC, Vangelis Marinakis, who, on the proposal of the prosecutor, was finally acquitted.
-
I wonder how much he bunged our players to let the ball in four times in the first leg.
-
In Greece, Marinakis owns a considerable chunk of the media, including a television station, newspapers, magazines and websites. It gives him a certain amount of control over the messages that go out in a country where media ownership is often about power as well as profit.
-
Robbie Keane masterminded a 4-1 win here for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 2nd round and he's not exactly the brain of Tallaght (for Brits, pronounced "Ta-la").
Let's mash'em !
-
Robbie Keane masterminded a 4-1 win here for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 2nd round and he's not exactly the brain of Tallaght (for Brits, pronounced "Ta-la").
They'll probably think that's a Scouser expressing his gratitude.
-
Robbie Keane masterminded a 4-1 win here for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 2nd round and he's not exactly the brain of Tallaght (for Brits, pronounced "Ta-la").
Let's mash'em !
Haven't you heard. Those matches were rigged apparently.
-
I think a 2-1 win on the night. Sadly I just can't see us not conceding.
Also no doub,t a couple of blatant penalties disallowed for us and some level of VAR drama
-
We've generally been average-poor in this competition for various reasons. There's nothing to say we finally turn up and put six past them.
Unai just needs to tell the lads to treat it as a big game rather than going through the motions.
Let's show them what we are really about and make our 150th anniversary extra special and one to remember.
-
Robbie Keane masterminded a 4-1 win here for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 2nd round and he's not exactly the brain of Tallaght (for Brits, pronounced "Ta-la").
They'll probably think that's a Scouser expressing his gratitude.
Apparently it was Stephen Warnock's parting expression to O'Neill when the cvnt flounced-off.
-
I think that we win the game but it might not be enough to draw the tie... I'd be starting Duran with Watkins in behind.. Martinez starting would be a boost...
-
2-1 (6-3 agg)
They’ll score early.
Home empty handed.
What a wasted chance.
-
Great football cliche but first goal tomorrow so important.... we get it, game on... they get it, game over...
-
Here we go. Come on Villa boys don’t let this be the last trip to Athens this season.
(https://i.ibb.co/FnZKXgF/IMG-3494.jpg) (https://ibb.co/FnZKXgF)
-
Not confident on this one at all. But even if we do go out it’s been a hell of a journey
-
Going with low expectations so i wont be disappointed afterwards
Utv
-
Robbie Keane masterminded a 4-1 win here for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 2nd round and he's not exactly the brain of Tallaght (for Brits, pronounced "Ta-la").
Let's mash'em !
The Olympiacos manager had only been through the door less than a month when they met. Different prospect now - Has them organised and looking a proper unit. Still think Unai can do it mind.
Also, their coach masterminded Sevilla's Europa League win last season. No pressure boys!
-
Robbie Keane masterminded a 4-1 win here for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 2nd round and he's not exactly the brain of Tallaght (for Brits, pronounced "Ta-la").
Let's mash'em !
The Olympiacos manager had only been through the door less than a month when they met. Different prospect now - Has them organised and looking a proper unit. Still think Unai can do it mind.
Also, their coach masterminded Sevilla's Europa League win last season. No pressure boys!
Unai has masterminded a fair few himself.
-
Article by Gary Jacob in today’s Times
It was back in the autumn when Peter Withe visited Aston Villa’s training ground and spoke to Unai Emery and Ollie Watkins about the memorable times when the club were the best team in England and Europe. Withe was one of the heroes, scoring 20 league goals as Villa were crowned champions in 1981 and, on an unforgettable night a year later in Rotterdam, tapping home to defeat Bayern Munich 1-0 to deliver the European Cup.
After recovering from celebrations that involved the dynamic striker tipping 26 bottles of champagne into the trophy, Villa took part as holders the following season, reaching the quarter-finals, and they are on course to qualify for the rebranded Champions League for the first time since then — possibly confirming their place on Saturday.
To boot, Watkins needs one goal to become the first Villa player to score 20 top-flight goals in a season since Withe. But before all that there is the small matter of trying to reach the Europa Conference League final by overturning a 4-2 deficit against Olympiacos in Greece on Thursday.
Withe, who was born in Liverpool, scored 74 league goals in his five years at Villa, having signed from Newcastle United for a club-record £500,000 in 1980 as a league winner with Nottingham Forest in 1978. Now 72, he travelled from his temporary home in Perth, Australia, this season to watch Emery put his players through their paces, before being invited into the team’s dressing room before the 4-1 win over West Ham United in October.
He told Emery a tale about Villa needing to beat Middlesbrough as they chased the title in their penultimate match of the season in 1981.
“My team-mates were apprehensive and said, ‘Middlesbrough are our bogey team,’ ” Withe says. “I replied that it was ironic because I’ve never been on the losing side against Middlesbrough and always scored against them. When the game came, I scored, hit the post twice, and we beat them 3-0. It could have been ten. After the game the lads told me, ‘You kept your record going.’ I replied, ‘It was a little white lie, it was just to change your mental attitude.’ They were perplexed and I said, ‘You were so down in the dumps I used it to get you on a positive front.’ “Unai liked it and said maybe you should come into the dressing room and tell a few stories. He agreed with me that sometimes you have to change the way people think, that you’re not battling against relegation, you’re going for the top half of the table. I told Unai he was doing a tremendous job in changing the mental attitude of players. I thought they would achieve it by getting into the top ten but he’s taken it a stage further.”
During his visit Withe had photos taken with the players and staff and was shown a sign labelled “Withe Way 82” on a road at the club’s Bodymoor Heath training complex. He was presented with a shirt, inscribed on the back with his name and the No9. John McGinn, the captain, took him to see Watkins, the forward who wears No11 and is hoping to emulate Withe’s 20-goal haul from 1980-81.
“It was quite emotional shaking hands with the players,” Withe says. “Watkins was having a massage and I said, ‘I’m going to tell you something you probably don’t know about Aston Villa and this club is synonymous with a certain number. Do you know what the number is?’ He did not know. I said, ‘No9s, not No11s, going back to Tom “Pongo” Waring in the 1930s. If you want to be a centre forward at Aston Villa, No9 is the number you should wear as a goalscorer from next season.’ ”
Withe, then 29, formed a prolific partnership with Gary Shaw, the Holte End’s homegrown hero, and scored 20 times in 36 games to finish joint-top scorer in the league with Tottenham Hotspur’s Steve Archibald in 1981. Shaw got 18 and Tony Morley ten that season. “My record has gone too long and if you’re going to be successful, in the top-four places, you need someone to get you 20 goals,” he says. “The big difference is that before Watkins was getting into the positions and not scoring — and now he is finishing.”
Withe’s Villa side were a testament to the success of teamwork and built by Ron Saunders, who resigned on February 9, 1982 due to a disagreement over his contract when his team were mid-table and in the European Cup quarter-finals. Tony Barton, his assistant, took over.
Villa reached their first European Cup final after beating Anderlecht 1-0 at home and securing a goalless draw in the second leg. For the final Bayern were overwhelming favourites. They had a star-studded team boasting 13 West Germany internationals and household names including Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Paul Breitner and Klaus Augenthaler.
Villa’s main hero on the day was Nigel Spink, a largely unknown 23-year-old goalkeeper with only one previous appearance in the first team, who was called into action after nine minutes when Jimmy Rimmer was injured. But it was Withe who scored the winning goal, in the 67th minute. Villa were penned back and, on a rare counterattack, Morley turned Hans Weiner inside out and crossed for Withe to score after the ball bobbled on the surface. “My momentum took me into the goal and I ended up holding the net, looking at the supporters,” Withe says.
On the front of Villa Park’s North Stand is a banner recalling Brian Moore’s commentary of the build-up to the goal. Withe swapped shirts with Augenthaler and pocketed a £2,000 winning bonus from Villa, more than three times his wage. He and Augenthaler were among the players called for a urine test after the final.
“We said we would never fill a bottle as we’d been running around,” he says. “We saw someone walking with a crate of beer towards the Villa dressing room. We took it off him, opened the beers and offered them to Augenthaler and Wolfgang Dremmler. They said no. It did the job but by the time I got inside the dressing room, only the kit man was there. I sat in the bath with a bottle of champagne thinking, ‘We won the biggest trophy in Europe, and I am sitting on my own in a bath, sipping champagne.’ ”
On the coach journey back to the team’s base in Amsterdam, they thought they had lost the trophy but Withe had stashed it in the toilet for safekeeping. Once back at their hotel, Withe and his team-mates tipped 26 bottles of champagne into it — and still, Withe says, it was not full.
“I said to [Villa centre back] Ken [McNaught] we have to stop this as we need to pick up the trophy,” he says. “It weighed a ton. By the time we lifted it up and put our lips on the brim, the bubbly came flowing out and splashed over our faces. My wife, Kathy, who was sitting by the hotel window, wanted to have a sip. She nearly fell out of the window and into the canal below when I passed the trophy to her. I was hanging on to her and the European Cup by the ledge of a window.”
Withe briefly became a manager with Wimbledon in 1991, then returned to Villa as chief scout, before coaching Thailand to the semi-finals of the 1998 Asian Games. He resigned in 2003 and had spells in charge of Indonesia, non-League Stockport Sports, and Thai sides PTT Rayong and Nakhon Pathom United.
He travels between continents to visit his three sons, and while in Australia he usually watches Villa’s matches on repeat the following day. He has lost none of his dry humour. “It’s only taken 40 years to get back,” he says. “But Villa are going in the right direction without a doubt.”
-
Robbie Keane masterminded a 4-1 win here for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 2nd round and he's not exactly the brain of Tallaght (for Brits, pronounced "Ta-la").
Let's mash'em !
The Olympiacos manager had only been through the door less than a month when they met. Different prospect now - Has them organised and looking a proper unit. Still think Unai can do it mind.
Also, their coach masterminded Sevilla's Europa League win last season. No pressure boys!
Yeah Mendilibar's a real coach. Never going to be Real Madrid or Barcelona manager, but still a proper one.
-
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/aston-villa-olympiacos-match-fixing-32758695
This is interesting, between the dodgy owner and the dodgy ref, we are going to be up against it tonight.
-
Might be good that there are all these stories about corruption knocking about, the ref might over compensate
-
I think we can do this, we can most definatley do it because we're more than good enough. I can see them scoring though.
Time to believe.
-
I think we can do this, we can most definatley do it because we're more than good enough. I can see them scoring though.
Time to believe.
Yep, I have a feeling in me water. The boys need to get out there and fight. They had their pants pulled down at home in front of the watching world, it's time to go and show what we're made of.
-
I also have a strange feeling of optimism.
I also have niggling doubts about how knackered we are and that we going to have to break them down, whilst they will presumably sit very deep.
Still, have a feeling something mad is going to happen.
-
Keep the faith. Thats it.
-
They've got it all to lose and we've got nothing. If we can exploit that dynamic we can get through.
Two legged semis can be topsy turvey.
-
I also have a strange feeling of optimism.
I also have niggling doubts about how knackered we are and that we going to have to break them down, whilst they will presumably sit very deep.
Still, have a feeling something mad is going to happen.
We've definitely got the quality to do it, but the tiredness is obviously a huge problem, as is the inability to keep a clean sheet. If we score first, and hopefully early enough it's game on. If they score first it's pretty much game over.
-
I also have a strange feeling of optimism.
I also have niggling doubts about how knackered we are and that we going to have to break them down, whilst they will presumably sit very deep.
Still, have a feeling something mad is going to happen.
We've definitely got the quality to do it, but the tiredness is obviously a huge problem, as is the inability to keep a clean sheet. If we score first, and hopefully early enough it's game on. If they score first it's pretty much game over.
I would normally say even then there's a chance, but given how leggy we are I think it would finish us mentally, whereas getting in front could give us the adrenaline to push on.
-
Its one of the main stories on greek news today. They taking this game seriously. Its one of the biggest nights in domestic greek football in history
Only winning the euros tops this.
Gonna be tough but not impossible. Got to make them nervy as they know they are under pressure ro finish the job
-
Its one of the main stories on greek news today. They taking this game seriously. Its one of the biggest nights in domestic greek football in history
Only winning the euros tops this.
Gonna be tough but not impossible. Got to make them nervy as they know they are under pressure ro finish the job
This is what we need to use to our advantage. They're two up in the tie, at home, final up the road and the biggest game in Greece for donkeys years. The pressure is all on them, get in front and lets see how they cope.
-
Its one of the main stories on greek news today. They taking this game seriously. Its one of the biggest nights in domestic greek football in history
Only winning the euros tops this.
Gonna be tough but not impossible. Got to make them nervy as they know they are under pressure ro finish the job
This is what we need to use to our advantage. They're two up in the tie, at home, final up the road and the biggest game in Greece for donkeys years. The pressure is all on them, get in front and lets see how they cope.
Yep, it's gonna be in the biggest comeback shock in Greece since Olivia Newton-John rocked up in leathers, stinking of fags.
-
Its one of the main stories on greek news today. They taking this game seriously. Its one of the biggest nights in domestic greek football in history
Only winning the euros tops this.
Gonna be tough but not impossible. Got to make them nervy as they know they are under pressure ro finish the job
That all plays into our hands. I hope they keep building it up. Early goal and they will starting shitting it.
I was going to watch it in the house tonight, but my wife has looked at how nervous I am already and asked me to go to the pub.
-
Have a good feeling about this game.
So far in the competition we have done 'as little as possible' to proceed to the next round. Conserving energy, resting players etc.
Reckon Unai will give the licence to go full pelt. He loves a European trophy. We have the better players and are capable of scoring three or more against Olympiakos.
I also think that 'on the bounds of probability' Unai reckons Man City will beat Spuds and 4th place is already secure. Therefore, no need to conserve energy and it will be all guns blazing tonight. A calculated risk.
Them 1 Us 4. COYVB
-
It’s good that the Greek press are heaping pressure on this. We need to use this to our advantage, their whole thing around the Euros when they won that was using underdog status to help them. Olympiacos do not have that, they are favourites no doubt about it. That brings pressure.
-
(https://i.ibb.co/ZHSFhMx/B67-F9-F46-DAFE-4-A62-B366-A9-F79-A42-DF05.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZHSFhMx)
-
(https://i.ibb.co/nLwHjDc/Screenshot-2024-05-09-at-09-57-45.png) (https://ibb.co/nLwHjDc)
-
(https://i.ibb.co/nLwHjDc/Screenshot-2024-05-09-at-09-57-45.png) (https://ibb.co/nLwHjDc)
Shit! Bringing the big guns!
-
Its one of the main stories on greek news today. They taking this game seriously. Its one of the biggest nights in domestic greek football in history
Only winning the euros tops this.
Gonna be tough but not impossible. Got to make them nervy as they know they are under pressure ro finish the job
This is what we need to use to our advantage. They're two up in the tie, at home, final up the road and the biggest game in Greece for donkeys years. The pressure is all on them, get in front and lets see how they cope.
My thoughts exactly lee. Its unusual situation for olympiakos as they went in as underdogs against fenebache and us and won both their first legs. Now they find themselves with all the pressure as not many expect us to over turn this and the expectations of their nation.
Need a early goal but i expect them know this so wilk try hit us on the break likethey did at villa aprk effectively. However we had no pau or emi that game. Which makes a massive difference
Just praying emi and youri are back tonight
-
Shit! Bringing the big guns!
Cometh the hour, cometh the orange dot.
-
Olympiakos fan here. Some comments make me wonder if we saw a different game. No one can disagree that Villa is the better team by far and for us to win the 1st leg happened because of luck, villa's injuries, villas overconfidence, tiredness and a very friendly ref towards us. But there is a huge difference between a friendly ref who gave the few disputed incidents in our favor than the AL Capone that many of you present him. He is not the Tunisian ref who allowed Maradona score with his hand. Sure he could.have allowed the goal instead of giving a foul but it's not like he invented something non existing. We all saw the attacker pulling the defenders shirt and then the ball hitting his head while he was down for an easy goal for Bailey. He could have given Baileys penalty sure. But also in this case the defender kicks the ball first before their feet entangled. About the penalty we were given, extended arm is always considered penalty and doesn't matter if he wasn't looking or if he had no intention. If all those cases were in favor of Villa instead, then it would have been us complaining about a hostile ref. Anyway we are expecting a tough game against a better team that won't make the same mistake to underestimate us this time. It's 50/50
-
Olympiakos fan here. Some comments make me wonder if we saw a different game. No one can disagree that Villa is the better team by far and for us to win the 1st leg happened because of luck, villa's injuries, villas overconfidence, tiredness and a very friendly ref towards us. But there is a huge difference between a friendly ref who gave the few disputed incidents in our favor than the AL Capone that many of you present him. He is not the Tunisian ref who allowed Maradona score with his hand. Sure he could.have allowed the goal instead of giving a foul but it's not like he invented something non existing. We all saw the attacker pulling the defenders shirt and then the ball hitting his head while he was down for an easy goal for Bailey. He could have given Baileys penalty sure. But also in this case the defender kicks the ball first before their feet entangled. About the penalty we were given, extended arm is always considered penalty and doesn't matter if he wasn't looking or if he had no intention. If all those cases were in favor of Villa instead, then it would have been us complaining about a hostile ref. Anyway we are expecting a tough game against a better team that won't make the same mistake to underestimate us this time. It's 50/50
I think it might be 60/40 in our favour now the orange dot is out
You have no idea the power of that dot
-
Don’t think we underestimated you, we were just shit.
-
I think it might be 60/40 in our favour now the orange dot is out
You have no idea the power of that dot
Yep, we should have the orange dot as our new crest, we'd win every game.
-
Welcome gkap.
The ref definitely looked a wrong un and the constant decisions in your favour limited our momentum.
The Luiz penalty was correct and came at the worst time for us.
-
How come the Fiorentina-Brugges game went rogue and was played on a Weds instead of the usual Thursday? TV/money? Can't have been worth more than 50p.
-
How come the Fiorentina-Brugges game went rogue and was played on a Weds instead of the usual Thursday? TV/money? Can't have been worth more than 50p.
Because Atalanta are at home tonight? UEFA try to avoid clashes like that.
-
There's a religious festival in Bruges today.
-
How come the Fiorentina-Brugges game went rogue and was played on a Weds instead of the usual Thursday? TV/money? Can't have been worth more than 50p.
So it wouldn't clash with Belgians drinking loads of quality beer on a school night celebrating Ascension Day with a 'Procession of the Holy Blood'.
-
(https://i.ibb.co/nLwHjDc/Screenshot-2024-05-09-at-09-57-45.png) (https://ibb.co/nLwHjDc)
'Kin hell. They've got no chance now mate. Bringing out our trump card.
-
Welcome gkap.
The ref definitely looked a wrong un and the constant decisions in your favour limited our momentum.
The Luiz penalty was correct and came at the worst time for us.
Truth is i caught myself wondering if ref caught his wife in bed with someone from Birmingham. I totally agree with ya that Luiz penalty changed the momentum. I was expecting you to score another 2-3 goals after 2-2
-
'Kin hell. They've got no chance now mate. Bringing out our trump card.
Is it so-called because it's orange?
-
There's a religious festival in Bruges today.
Was that the script idea handed to Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson (a Villa man, no less)?
-
Olympiakos fan here. Some comments make me wonder if we saw a different game. etc
Welcome.
I think the overall feeling was that we were shit, we didn't expect you to be so adventurous but ALL of the marginal refereeing calls went against us, all of them. On another day, we get at least some of those calls our way and we go into the second leg at least even.
As for tonight, if we get the first goal I fancy us. If we dont we have no chance. All to play for.
-
Olympiakos fan here. Some comments make me wonder if we saw a different game. No one can disagree that Villa is the better team by far and for us to win the 1st leg happened because of luck, villa's injuries, villas overconfidence, tiredness and a very friendly ref towards us. But there is a huge difference between a friendly ref who gave the few disputed incidents in our favor than the AL Capone that many of you present him. He is not the Tunisian ref who allowed Maradona score with his hand. Sure he could.have allowed the goal instead of giving a foul but it's not like he invented something non existing. We all saw the attacker pulling the defenders shirt and then the ball hitting his head while he was down for an easy goal for Bailey. He could have given Baileys penalty sure. But also in this case the defender kicks the ball first before their feet entangled. About the penalty we were given, extended arm is always considered penalty and doesn't matter if he wasn't looking or if he had no intention. If all those cases were in favor of Villa instead, then it would have been us complaining about a hostile ref. Anyway we are expecting a tough game against a better team that won't make the same mistake to underestimate us this time. It's 50/50
Welcome re
The ref we felt wasnt great kast week tbh but thats taking nothing away from olympiakos as they were excellent and deserved the win. We played really really bad last week.
We of course are hoping for a improved performance today. I think we can play well we may make it nervy it all depends.
We also had some key players missing last week. We are hopinv they will be back tonight
-
Olympiacos were better than we thought they would be, we were worse than we thought we would be, they had some good luck, we had some cruddy luck, the referee was shit. All of these things are true.
-
Huge night for the club, third tier competition or not, it wasn't so long ago we were playing the likes of Rotherham away. We will create plenty of chances but are very vulnerable on the counter and at set pieces these days. Martinez is critical as he will need to be at his best. Early goal and that will put them under pressure. Nonsense selections like Konsa at RB need to be avoided at all costs but I've a horrible feeling Emery might do something daft like bringing in Carlos into a back 5. I know he has had a difficult season but Moreno could have a big impact tonight.
Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne
Luiz, McGinn
Diaby, Tielemans, Bailey
Watkins
-
Emery is keeping his card close to his chest about who is available or not.
I'm expecting John McGinn to walk out the tunnel alone and muddy, when suddenly he stops and whirling tunnels of light start opening with players stepping out, ready for battle - Mings, Kamara, Buendia, Martinez, Ramsey, Tielemans, Ginger... - and then stirring music pipes up and they all charge into battle against the ref's hordes.
The ref is purple and for some reason has a giant glove, too.
-
Were you eating Cheese before bed last night?
-
Were you eating Cheese before bed last night?
I did actually have a cheese baguette. 8)
-
Given there has been no mention of Tielemans at all my uneducated guess is he’s out and possibly for the last few games.
If that is the case and Rogers and Zaniolo are out too, I wonder if Moreno might play ahead of Digne as an almost last option. I always thought this was a stupid idea that would never happen, but it worked well for the last 20-30 against Arsenal.
If all those injured are still out (other than Emi which i can’t contemplate)
Martinez
Cash
Konsa
Torres
Digne
Luiz
McGinn
Moreno
Watkins
Diaby
Bailey
-
The ref wasn't to blame for the performance last week. We looked slow and leggy, Olympiacos moved the ball quicker and were much more direct (in the first half in particular). Dragging it back to 2-2 was an achievement - but give away penalties and then miss them, then that is down to us.
On paper tonight is of course do-able - but it's a massive ask and with how we defend we'll need at least 3 goals...
A lot will depend on if Pau and Teilemans play (assuming Emi starts) - without them I don't think we stand a chance.
-
He wasn't to blame but he didn't help.
-
The ref wasn't to blame for the performance last week. We looked slow and leggy, Olympiacos moved the ball quicker and were much more direct (in the first half in particular). Dragging it back to 2-2 was an achievement - but give away penalties and then miss them, then that is down to us.
On paper tonight is of course do-able - but it's a massive ask and with how we defend we'll need at least 3 goals...
A lot will depend on if Pau and Teilemans play (assuming Emi starts) - without them I don't think we stand a chance.
It can be more than 1 thing. They took their chances, got the best of ref ddecisions and got a bit of good fortune. We had everything that could go against us do so. a win to us would've been just as fair a reflection of the game as the result we got, in my opinion.
-
Olympiakos fan here. Some comments make me wonder if we saw a different game. No one can disagree that Villa is the better team by far and for us to win the 1st leg happened because of luck, villa's injuries, villas overconfidence, tiredness and a very friendly ref towards us. But there is a huge difference between a friendly ref who gave the few disputed incidents in our favor than the AL Capone that many of you present him. He is not the Tunisian ref who allowed Maradona score with his hand. Sure he could.have allowed the goal instead of giving a foul but it's not like he invented something non existing. We all saw the attacker pulling the defenders shirt and then the ball hitting his head while he was down for an easy goal for Bailey. He could have given Baileys penalty sure. But also in this case the defender kicks the ball first before their feet entangled. About the penalty we were given, extended arm is always considered penalty and doesn't matter if he wasn't looking or if he had no intention. If all those cases were in favor of Villa instead, then it would have been us complaining about a hostile ref. Anyway we are expecting a tough game against a better team that won't make the same mistake to underestimate us this time. It's 50/50
Hi GK thanks for contributing a greek perspective.
What is your knowledge about
Interpol Probing Greek Football Teams for Alleged Match-Fixing?
Interpol, Eurojust and the Betting Fraud Detection Company Sportradar are investigating 18 Greek football teams for suspected participation in an illegal betting ring, a website revealed last year.
Also what are your views of Marinakis?
-
Villa beware – the wild world of Olympiakos and Forest owner Marinakis
https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/aston-villa-beware-wild-world-olympiakos-forest-owner-evangelos-marinakis-3035008
Is an interesting read from last week
-
FV works in the diplomatic corps I believe.
-
Villa beware – the wild world of Olympiakos and Forest owner Marinakis
https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/aston-villa-beware-wild-world-olympiakos-forest-owner-evangelos-marinakis-3035008
Is an interesting read from last week
Is it bad? I prefer the Cat Stevens original.
-
FV works in the diplomatic corps I believe.
A very Palmerstonian line of questioning - let's send a gunboat. Cives romani sumus!
-
Qualified from the Alan Hardaker school of international diplomacy.
-
Olympiakos fan here. Some comments make me wonder if we saw a different game. No one can disagree that Villa is the better team by far and for us to win the 1st leg happened because of luck, villa's injuries, villas overconfidence, tiredness and a very friendly ref towards us. But there is a huge difference between a friendly ref who gave the few disputed incidents in our favor than the AL Capone that many of you present him. He is not the Tunisian ref who allowed Maradona score with his hand. Sure he could.have allowed the goal instead of giving a foul but it's not like he invented something non existing. We all saw the attacker pulling the defenders shirt and then the ball hitting his head while he was down for an easy goal for Bailey. He could have given Baileys penalty sure. But also in this case the defender kicks the ball first before their feet entangled. About the penalty we were given, extended arm is always considered penalty and doesn't matter if he wasn't looking or if he had no intention. If all those cases were in favor of Villa instead, then it would have been us complaining about a hostile ref. Anyway we are expecting a tough game against a better team that won't make the same mistake to underestimate us this time. It's 50/50
Hi GK thanks for contributing a greek perspective.
What is your knowledge about
Interpol Probing Greek Football Teams for Alleged Match-Fixing?
Interpol, Eurojust and the Betting Fraud Detection Company Sportradar are investigating 18 Greek football teams for suspected participation in an illegal betting ring, a website revealed last year.
Also what are your views of Marinakis?
Our 2nd and 3rd division (something like your championship and league1) are absolutely corrupted. Most of the teams if not all since they are lacking funds, they set up games and they bet accordingly mostly to Asian bookmakers. My opinion for Marinakis is very bad but not many share my point of view. If you want your team to be n1 no matter how, then he is the best owner for your club. But if you dont like shady methods like i dont, then its difficult to admire him.
-
Be typical of Villa to go 2 0 in front ( 4 4 agg) at half time and then fuck it up in the second half and heads drop 1-2 ( 5 4 ) , maybe give a silly pen away or get hit in te 48th minute .
anyway Im still beliving.
-
Olympiakos fan here. Some comments make me wonder if we saw a different game. No one can disagree that Villa is the better team by far and for us to win the 1st leg happened because of luck, villa's injuries, villas overconfidence, tiredness and a very friendly ref towards us. But there is a huge difference between a friendly ref who gave the few disputed incidents in our favor than the AL Capone that many of you present him. He is not the Tunisian ref who allowed Maradona score with his hand. Sure he could.have allowed the goal instead of giving a foul but it's not like he invented something non existing. We all saw the attacker pulling the defenders shirt and then the ball hitting his head while he was down for an easy goal for Bailey. He could have given Baileys penalty sure. But also in this case the defender kicks the ball first before their feet entangled. About the penalty we were given, extended arm is always considered penalty and doesn't matter if he wasn't looking or if he had no intention. If all those cases were in favor of Villa instead, then it would have been us complaining about a hostile ref. Anyway we are expecting a tough game against a better team that won't make the same mistake to underestimate us this time. It's 50/50
Hi GK thanks for contributing a greek perspective.
What is your knowledge about
Interpol Probing Greek Football Teams for Alleged Match-Fixing?
Interpol, Eurojust and the Betting Fraud Detection Company Sportradar are investigating 18 Greek football teams for suspected participation in an illegal betting ring, a website revealed last year.
Also what are your views of Marinakis?
Our 2nd and 3rd division (something like your championship and league1) are absolutely corrupted. Most of the teams if not all since they are lacking funds, they set up games and they bet accordingly mostly to Asian bookmakers. My opinion for Marinakis is very bad but not many share my point of view. If you want your team to be n1 no matter how, then he is the best owner for your club. But if you dont like shady methods like i dont, then its difficult to admire him.
Now that's some honesty, fair play to you mate.
(Γενναίος εκ μέρους σου, Google is telling me to say...!)
-
Olympiakos fan here. Some comments make me wonder if we saw a different game. No one can disagree that Villa is the better team by far and for us to win the 1st leg happened because of luck, villa's injuries, villas overconfidence, tiredness and a very friendly ref towards us. But there is a huge difference between a friendly ref who gave the few disputed incidents in our favor than the AL Capone that many of you present him. He is not the Tunisian ref who allowed Maradona score with his hand. Sure he could.have allowed the goal instead of giving a foul but it's not like he invented something non existing. We all saw the attacker pulling the defenders shirt and then the ball hitting his head while he was down for an easy goal for Bailey. He could have given Baileys penalty sure. But also in this case the defender kicks the ball first before their feet entangled. About the penalty we were given, extended arm is always considered penalty and doesn't matter if he wasn't looking or if he had no intention. If all those cases were in favor of Villa instead, then it would have been us complaining about a hostile ref. Anyway we are expecting a tough game against a better team that won't make the same mistake to underestimate us this time. It's 50/50
Hi GK thanks for contributing a greek perspective.
What is your knowledge about
Interpol Probing Greek Football Teams for Alleged Match-Fixing?
Interpol, Eurojust and the Betting Fraud Detection Company Sportradar are investigating 18 Greek football teams for suspected participation in an illegal betting ring, a website revealed last year.
Also what are your views of Marinakis?
Our 2nd and 3rd division (something like your championship and league1) are absolutely corrupted. Most of the teams if not all since they are lacking funds, they set up games and they bet accordingly mostly to Asian bookmakers. My opinion for Marinakis is very bad but not many share my point of view. If you want your team to be n1 no matter how, then he is the best owner for your club. But if you dont like shady methods like i dont, then its difficult to admire him.
Extended welcome to GK. Thank you.
This is an excellent opportunity to gain insider knowledge from a genuine Greek who understands Greek football. There could be a lot of spectacular coverage in the media. But it sounds like it isn't from what you're saying he's not to be trusted.
Thank you Olympicao fan. Let's see what happens this evening regards officiating. Well I think its great to have someone here and I think it's good H and V allows this and we are all here to be open to hearing opinions and insight.
Ayoub El Kaabi has been quite the revelation hasn't he! Evangelos Marinakis must have all the contacts in Qatar!
Great signing there and would you expect him to be sold on?
He's a very impressive striker isn't he and not just last week but this season. How impressed are you ? And how do Olympicao tend to perform at home this season ?
Evangelos Marinakis must have all the contacts in Qatar!
Thank you once again for your posts.
-
Be typical of Villa to go 2 0 in front ( 4 4 agg) at half time and then fuck it up in the second half and heads drop 1-2 ( 5 4 ) , maybe give a silly pen away or get hit in te 48th minute .
anyway Im still beliving.
You have good chances mate because we cant defend properly. After the great score we got on 1st leg, 2nd leg would have been ideal to play park the bus system and lets face it you have very good team but you re not City to score 3 goals against 10 men defending their own area properly. But since we cant play good defence in our own half and you ll score many goals if we try it, we ll play the same way as 1st leg. Pressing in your own half to keep the ball away from our defenders and try to steal balls in the middle for counter attacks.
-
Olympiakos fan here. Some comments make me wonder if we saw a different game. No one can disagree that Villa is the better team by far and for us to win the 1st leg happened because of luck, villa's injuries, villas overconfidence, tiredness and a very friendly ref towards us. But there is a huge difference between a friendly ref who gave the few disputed incidents in our favor than the AL Capone that many of you present him. He is not the Tunisian ref who allowed Maradona score with his hand. Sure he could.have allowed the goal instead of giving a foul but it's not like he invented something non existing. We all saw the attacker pulling the defenders shirt and then the ball hitting his head while he was down for an easy goal for Bailey. He could have given Baileys penalty sure. But also in this case the defender kicks the ball first before their feet entangled. About the penalty we were given, extended arm is always considered penalty and doesn't matter if he wasn't looking or if he had no intention. If all those cases were in favor of Villa instead, then it would have been us complaining about a hostile ref. Anyway we are expecting a tough game against a better team that won't make the same mistake to underestimate us this time. It's 50/50
Hi GK thanks for contributing a greek perspective.
What is your knowledge about
Interpol Probing Greek Football Teams for Alleged Match-Fixing?
Interpol, Eurojust and the Betting Fraud Detection Company Sportradar are investigating 18 Greek football teams for suspected participation in an illegal betting ring, a website revealed last year.
Also what are your views of Marinakis?
Our 2nd and 3rd division (something like your championship and league1) are absolutely corrupted. Most of the teams if not all since they are lacking funds, they set up games and they bet accordingly mostly to Asian bookmakers. My opinion for Marinakis is very bad but not many share my point of view. If you want your team to be n1 no matter how, then he is the best owner for your club. But if you dont like shady methods like i dont, then its difficult to admire him.
Extended welcome to GK. Thank you.
This is an excellent opportunity to gain insider knowledge from a genuine Greek who understands Greek football. There could be a lot of spectacular coverage in the media. But it sounds like it isn't from what you're saying he's not to be trusted.
Thank you Olympicao fan. Let's see what happens this evening regards officiating. Well I think its great to have someone here and I think it's good H and V allows this and we are all here to be open to hearing opinions and insight.
Ayoub El Kaabi has been quite the revelation hasn't he! Evangelos Marinakis must have all the contacts in Qatar!
Great signing there and would you expect him to be sold on?
He's a very impressive striker isn't he and not just last week but this season. How impressed are you ? And how do Olympicao tend to perform at home this season ?
Evangelos Marinakis must have all the contacts in Qatar!
Thank you once again for your posts.
I doubt Marinakis has the power to manipulate situations so high as to arrange a convenient ref for a european semi final against an english team but if he could he wouldnt hesitate. For Greece is another matter since he is a big fish here. El Kaabi is a killer in front, not the fastest, not great technic or creativity but he knows how to score and its been around 30 years ago since the last time we had a striker with +30 goals. He is 30yo so i dont expect him to be sold. He wont bring high offers so i expect to keep him. He came as free sign from a small turkish club. I dont think Marinakis has such good contacts with middle east to get good players. when you change 20 players every year, its normal that some of them are good. Anyway this year until Mendilibar came was shit. 2 coaches already fired, 4th in greece, bad results and bad football. we considered it a wasted year and then new coach changed everything. no matter if we reach the final or manage to win the greek champ, he made us happy again and hope for good things next year when he ll be able to prepare the team during summer with players he picks on his own
-
Thank you GKap7 it's fascinating to hear insider views and what's occurred for your team this season.
Forgive me in my research I thought El Kaabi had come direct from Qatar and that he'll just be another one sold off in the many ins and outs that occur at your club!
I not sure if Mendilibar will be able to pick his own players though as you know the owner likes a transfer for whatever purpose so be looking at some new signings once again which hopefully work well for your team.
I like the look of your coach and his attitude last week.
-
Bit dead in the area they want Villa to congregate in. Omonoia a bit livelier.
-
Thank you GKap7 it's fascinating to hear insider views and what's occurred for your team this season.
Forgive me in my research I thought El Kaabi had come direct from Qatar and that he'll just be another one sold off in the many ins and outs that occur at your club!
I not sure if Mendilibar will be able to pick his own players though as you know the owner likes a transfer for whatever purpose so be looking at some new signings once again which hopefully work well for your team.
I like the look of your coach and his attitude last week.
you re right, just checked it. he played only 7 games with the team from Qatar since he joined at the end of their season but i remember evrywhere they wrote that he joined from turkish Hataysport. Teams in Greece dont work like English where usually the manager signs the players he wants but even here when they trust the coach they ll follow his recommendations and sign the players he wants.
-
Bit dead in the area they want Villa to congregate in. Omonoia a bit livelier.
Ask for Himeros and Pothos. They'll show you a good time.
-
Were you eating Cheese before bed last night?
I did actually have a cheese baguette. 8)
Crikey! I almost got the Kenneth Williams gif out.
-
and for all us old guys...
"Villans get on your prayer mats"
RIP Tone
Between this and the dot we are sure to qualify.
-
Bit dead in the area they want Villa to congregate in. Omonoia a bit livelier.
Ask for Himeros and Pothos. They'll show you a good time.
Friends of Dogtanian's, aren't they?
-
Bit dead in the area they want Villa to congregate in. Omonoia a bit livelier.
Ask for Himeros and Pothos. They'll show you a good time.
Friends of Dogtanian's, aren't they?
Nearly! I did look twice.
-
I would be more confident if we had a somewhat healthy squad, but I just think it's too much with all the players who are out. The balance of the team and shape just doesn't seem like it can work....I would love to be proven wrong of course.
-
Bit dead in the area they want Villa to congregate in. Omonoia a bit livelier.
Ask for Himeros and Pothos. They'll show you a good time.
Friends of Dogtanian's, aren't they?
Nearly! I did look twice.
Porthos was my nickname at my first proper job for having the temerity to wear a pair of shiny boots.
-
Bit dead in the area they want Villa to congregate in. Omonoia a bit livelier.
Ask for Himeros and Pothos. They'll show you a good time.
Friends of Dogtanian's, aren't they?
Nearly! I did look twice.
Porthos was my nickname at my first proper job for having the temerity to wear a pair of shiny boots.
Haha. Not for drinking, womanising, and a capacity for food?
-
No, unfortunately.
-
Olympiakos fan here. Some comments make me wonder if we saw a different game. No one can disagree that Villa is the better team by far and for us to win the 1st leg happened because of luck, villa's injuries, villas overconfidence, tiredness and a very friendly ref towards us. But there is a huge difference between a friendly ref who gave the few disputed incidents in our favor than the AL Capone that many of you present him. He is not the Tunisian ref who allowed Maradona score with his hand. Sure he could.have allowed the goal instead of giving a foul but it's not like he invented something non existing. We all saw the attacker pulling the defenders shirt and then the ball hitting his head while he was down for an easy goal for Bailey. He could have given Baileys penalty sure. But also in this case the defender kicks the ball first before their feet entangled. About the penalty we were given, extended arm is always considered penalty and doesn't matter if he wasn't looking or if he had no intention. If all those cases were in favor of Villa instead, then it would have been us complaining about a hostile ref. Anyway we are expecting a tough game against a better team that won't make the same mistake to underestimate us this time. It's 50/50
Nothing I can disagree with their gkap7. Well deserved victory at VP What surprised me most was Olympiakos still going for goals deep into added time when most teams head for the corners. Don’t worry too much about the referee conspiracies. Some folks live their life that way and need to get their excuses in early.
-
There must of been some footage of who has travelled and who has not
No sign of Rogers, Tielemans or Zaniolo anywhere near the training ground in the build up
-
We've played the build up cards close to our chest. I would love to see Tielemans back.
-
Why is it, if we were level going into today, I'd think we'd have no chance BUT being two goals down and knowing what we have to do, I'm quietly confident?
-
Why is it, if we were level going into today, I'd think we'd have no chance BUT being two goals down and knowing what we have to do, I'm quietly confident?
The only thing I can think of is a deficit brings clarity. If I were going to look positively I think in a lot of the away (and some of the home) European games we’ve played in a really stodgy way. I think in an effort to maintain control, but it’s not really come off. The deficit means we have no choice but to be more proactive. Doesn’t mean being reckless, but we’re going to have to be on the front foot. It’s still a disadvantage clearly, but it might free us up from a mentality point of view.
-
And the example of that type of display came against Lille in the last round. Clearly they’re a good side, but I think we got caught between sticking or twisting and we nearly paid the price.
-
I find I'm only ever nervous when we are winning and have something to lose.
-
Coventry were 3 down with 20 minutes to go a few weeks back having not been in the game at all until that point. Things can change very quickly.
-
problem we have is we’ve got to go for it tonight and we arn’t a team that really does that
We do that patient passing around the back looking for a opening, and that will suit them as we need to build up pressure on their goal and get them panicking a bit
-
Imagine they'll sit back park the bus and look to counter . We have it all to do, 1st goal absolutely crucial .
-
problem we have is we’ve got to go for it tonight and we arn’t a team that really does that
We do that patient passing around the back looking for a opening, and that will suit them as we need to build up pressure on their goal and get them panicking a bit
we've scored plenty of goals this season by playing this way, and unai certainly isn't going to change his methods now. If we go all gung ho from the start and caught on the counter the game is over.
In an ideal world we find the ability to play our usual game, control the ball and exert the pressure that way. A goal in the first half makes the tie very jittery for them
-
https://www.itv.com/news/central/2024-05-09/villa-fans-in-athens-brace-themselves-for-europa-conference-league-semi-final
This is great to read
Martin Garnham an Aston Villa fan! runs the Athens Sports Bar.
He said: "It was kind of a dream come true to get all the Villa fans here. We run the Greek Lions Villa Supporters Club. So we've normally got about five or six fans at the bar watching the game. But now we're going to have a bar that's actually full of fans, which is fantastic."
One Villa fan who travels alone tells me, "You always meet everyone. It's just a massive community and it's genuinely like going on holiday with your mates, people you've never met before, and you come away with lasting friendships."
-
Are there any Greek Lions Villa supporters on H and V?
Be great to hear some insight from over there!
Closer gets to kick off more excited I'm getting for the comeback !
-
Get Him To The Greek. Worst film ever (after Sex Lives Of The Potato Men). I haven't seen either but you just know.
-
Are there any Greek Lions Villa supporters on H and V?
Be great to hear some insight from over there!
Closer gets to kick off more excited I'm getting for the comeback !
Demitri_C i think is
-
problem we have is we’ve got to go for it tonight and we arn’t a team that really does that
We do that patient passing around the back looking for a opening, and that will suit them as we need to build up pressure on their goal and get them panicking a bit
George Graham was questioned when Arsenal needed to win by two at Liverpool in '89 and played a defensive looking formation. His theory was to stay in the game as long as possible rather than trying to score two goals as quick as possible. There's more than one way to skin a cat. I just don't back us to keep a clean sheet sadly
-
Queue at the Parathenaic Stadium with a dilapidated building up top.
(https://i.ibb.co/jgVfWHg/A997-A512-BC54-43-EF-AA33-94-F40429-C361.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jgVfWHg)
-
Yeah, they're back four was the best since sliced bread. Ours is more like the cheese from Dogtanion's supper-baguette with holes in it.
-
We are good enough to beat these by a cricket score on paper.
Unfortunately the games played on grass and I just don't think we have th nouse to get over the line. Come out of the traps flying and who knows but our line was wank last week and if we do that again tonight they will just pick us off on the counter. If we score first there's a chance but if they get a goal at all I think it's curtains.
-
I don't think their counter will be as effective with Pau and hopefully Emi playing.
-
Villa’s players spent the early part of this week in full recovery mode, with Emery reiterating this was the immediate priority and did not want to look towards Greece too early.
But now tonight the time has arrived!
Come on Villa!!
-
Wonder how the Castore fabric will hold up in the heat . Probably start dissolving .
-
Right, off to mow the lawn to take my mind off the game! Hopefully, celebrating later! UTV
-
90 mins until we find out the team. I’m nervous
-
90 mins until we find out the team. I’m nervous
75 minutes. Comes out 15 minutes earlier for European games
-
'Kin hell. They've got no chance now mate. Bringing out our trump card.
Is it so-called because it's orange?
No, because it fucks over everyone in its path.
-
problem we have is we’ve got to go for it tonight and we arn’t a team that really does that
We do that patient passing around the back looking for a opening, and that will suit them as we need to build up pressure on their goal and get them panicking a bit
George Graham was questioned when Arsenal needed to win by two at Liverpool in '89 and played a defensive looking formation. His theory was to stay in the game as long as possible rather than trying to score two goals as quick as possible. There's more than one way to skin a cat. I just don't back us to keep a clean sheet sadly
They were defensively brilliant though, hence the "1-0 to the Arsenal" chant. They conceded 36 goals all season that year, less than 1 a game. We've conceded miles more than that and since Xmas are running at about two a match. Keeping it tight doesn't really suit our play.
-
They pressed really well in the first leg and we looked a bit rabbit in the headlights trying to deal with it.
With the match situation they won't be as commited to the press, so we should be controlling the ball and the tempo for large spells tonight
-
Right, off to mow the lawn to take my mind off the game! Hopefully, celebrating later! UTV
Fuck me, what are you mowing? Cannon Hill Park!
-
Wonder how the Castore fabric will hold up in the heat . Probably start dissolving .
you re extremely lucky today. its raining and its like 10 degrees lower than previous days. its closer to english weather than greek. damn >:(
-
Wonder how the Castore fabric will hold up in the heat . Probably start dissolving .
you re extremely lucky today. its raining and its like 10 degrees lower than previous days. its closer to english weather than greek. damn >:(
24c over here 8)
-
Wonder how the Castore fabric will hold up in the heat . Probably start dissolving .
you re extremely lucky today. its raining and its like 10 degrees lower than previous days. its closer to english weather than greek. damn >:(
Don't worry you battered us in English weather haha
-
Queue at the Parathenaic Stadium with a dilapidated building up top.
(https://i.ibb.co/jgVfWHg/A997-A512-BC54-43-EF-AA33-94-F40429-C361.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jgVfWHg)
Lots of middle-aged blokes in shorts. Poor form from our fans. :(
-
We just need all the lads to be focused and on their game tonight. Manage that and we're a different team. Tonight they have the opportunity to go down as legends who will be talked about for years.
I'm a believer!
-
Rumours online emi and youri both starting 🤩
-
Rumours online emi and youri both starting 🤩
oooh i love rumours like that
-
Rumours online emi and youri both starting 🤩
oooh i love rumours like that
The rumour seems to be coming a twitter account called gate 7 international
Quini is starting lb with richards and ortega out for them. If true that mwans they have a right back playing on left. It would be like us playing cash at left back
-
We need to score the first goal.
If we can get it before 60 mins I think we can win it.
If we haven’t scored by the hour, I will start to worry.
-
Rumours online emi and youri both starting 🤩
Oooo! I do hope so! We'll know for sure in about half an hour.
Getting nervous now: I fear my that my heart will start ruling my head!
-
Come on you Billa boys!
-
Rumours online emi and youri both starting 🤩
Oooo! I do hope so! We'll know for sure in about half an hour.
Getting nervous now: I fear my that my heart will start ruling my head!
It’s allowed on nights like these
-
Appears that Emi and Tielemans starting tonight
-
Appears that Emi and Tielemans starting tonight
Half right
-
Let the housery from Emi commence!
PS Nice to meet you gkap7 (wave emoji)!
-
That team, and in particular the bench, show how decimated we are!
-
Appears that Emi and Tielemans starting tonight
Half right
I was overly optimistic and wrong. Sadly
-
What's with Cash on the wing? Does that mean diaby through the middle and bailey out wide?
-
Olympiakos fan here. Some comments make me wonder if we saw a different game. No one can disagree that Villa is the better team by far and for us to win the 1st leg happened because of luck, villa's injuries, villas overconfidence, tiredness and a very friendly ref towards us. But there is a huge difference between a friendly ref who gave the few disputed incidents in our favor than the AL Capone that many of you present him. He is not the Tunisian ref who allowed Maradona score with his hand. Sure he could.have allowed the goal instead of giving a foul but it's not like he invented something non existing. We all saw the attacker pulling the defenders shirt and then the ball hitting his head while he was down for an easy goal for Bailey. He could have given Baileys penalty sure. But also in this case the defender kicks the ball first before their feet entangled. About the penalty we were given, extended arm is always considered penalty and doesn't matter if he wasn't looking or if he had no intention. If all those cases were in favor of Villa instead, then it would have been us complaining about a hostile ref. Anyway we are expecting a tough game against a better team that won't make the same mistake to underestimate us this time. It's 50/50
Welcome.
We had a rubbish ref in the second leg in Lille. Flamboyant and inept in equal measure.
Flamboyantly inept, if you will. But he was that way for both sides, and kinda killed the game as a spectacle sadly.
The Italian fella last week looked like he had an offer he couldn't refuse. Which - with respect - when you have the kind of owner you do - isn't totally out of question. You can see with how he's tried to bully officialdom here with Notts Forest he's used to getting his own way. It seems to be a genuine shock to him here that he can't (usually) get away with it in the UK.
Maybe it's magic Marinakis or ropey Italian betting syndicates yanking Filippo Meli's chain. Either way, a more skilled grey cardinal wouldn't have made it as blatant.
And as if by magic, we have an official this evening previously done for match fixing. Hmm.
Best of luck for the rest of the season - after this game, obv.