Basel vs Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[Villafirst]

Made the trip to Basel and managed to bag a ticket in the home end, joining up with the rest of the Villa fans in the neutral section at half-time. The result was achieved in 3rd gear!  Stayed over the border in St. Louis, France and had no trouble commuting from my front door to Block B of the stadium, the tram system is that impressive...Birmingham take note! Basel is a lovely, friendly city especially this time of year with all the Christmas markets going on.  UTV.

I'm sure you'll be equally impressed by the warm welcome and transport link to the new stadium planned for Bordesley Green, East Birmingham in 2030/31?

[Nev]

In order to produce barnstorming performances of the like we saw last weekend, we need to conserve energy, rotate the squad and look workmanlike and effective. That's what we did last night, it's not always about the performance, but it is always about the result.

In a similar way, despite the urgings of so many from the Holte, we are not going to up the tempo of our play for the sake of it, we are not going to go forward every time we are in possession and we are certainly not going to panic.

That's the Managers approach, and while it takes some getting used to, it's working. All we need is a trophy at the end of it.

[algy]

Yep - during the league stage, the result is the key thing. We need to keep the whole squad as fresh as possible - it's a long season, and if we can get through to the top 8 with a minimum of fuss and without overplaying anyone ... that's perfect for us really.  Get a trophy at the end of it and nobody will care that we've not hammered Basel in the group stage.

[AV82EC]

In order to produce barnstorming performances of the like we saw last weekend, we need to conserve energy, rotate the squad and look workmanlike and effective. That's what we did last night, it's not always about the performance, but it is always about the result.

In a similar way, despite the urgings of so many from the Holte, we are not going to up the tempo of our play for the sake of it, we are not going to go forward every time we are in possession and we are certainly not going to panic.

That's the Managers approach, and while it takes some getting used to, it's working. All we need is a trophy at the end of it.

Spot on Nev.

[PeterWithesShin]

[Ads]

European away ends are inevitably the slippiest places going. Concourse that rivals QPR or Wigan for crush factoring.

Opining as I nurse my way through just exactly what I spent Ch150 on yesterday, that we've beat a side that's won 7 on the bounce at home and not lost in 10 years in Europe there? Something daft like that anyway. And we've rolled up, made 8 changes, popped the machine on cruise control and strolled about with ease. They're a moody bunch and ambushed a few Villa last night, but any intimidation the ground might have for others, passed us by.

I wouldn't say its an inconvenience that we have to play all these games before our inevitable return to Istanbul in May, but that's the way we're managing affairs. Just the right energy expended, no more no less.

Top 3. No complaints. The job is being jobbed.

[rob_bridge]

In order to produce barnstorming performances of the like we saw last weekend, we need to conserve energy, rotate the squad and look workmanlike and effective. That's what we did last night, it's not always about the performance, but it is always about the result.

In a similar way, despite the urgings of so many from the Holte, we are not going to up the tempo of our play for the sake of it, we are not going to go forward every time we are in possession and we are certainly not going to panic.

That's the Managers approach, and while it takes some getting used to, it's working. All we need is a trophy at the end of it.

Spot on Nev.

Seconded - this approach has worked for the last 3 years. When it stops working we do something different.

We have no inferiority complex anymore, especially at Villa Park.

This calendar year we have beaten Arsenal, Cit-eh and PSG at the majestic complex.
We beat media Big 6 Spuds 3 times, twice without breaking sweat. We hammered an in form Newcastle and beat Chelsea.

Supporting Villa at the moment is very enjoyable. So enjoy it.

[dorsetvillian]

Haven't been to Basel for about 20 years. Really enjoyed it. Even the sunny weather is a bonus today exploring the city. The football is sometimes a side show to the places we have been lucky enough to visit over the past 3 seasons. If only away fans weren't treated as we were back in 80's in the UK...

[AV82EC]

Haven't been to Basel for about 20 years. Really enjoyed it. Even the sunny weather is a bonus today exploring the city. The football is sometimes a side show to the places we have been lucky enough to visit over the past 3 seasons. If only away fans weren't treated as we were back in 80's in the UK...

We still haven’t had a trip to Italy, Spain or Portugal yet though! I love the whole Central European nice cities, great architecture and brilliant beer as much as the next man but I’d like some heat at some point on one of these trips.

[dorsetvillian]

Agreed Italy, Spain, Portugal would be great.

[Sexual Ealing]

Their teams tend to be good though.

[JUAN PABLO]

Im sure Porto, Betis and Roma  will be coming up .

[algy]

Overall I think I favour us playing shit teams that our stiffs can beat without breaking in to a sweat.

[Bent Neilsens Screamer]

Overall I think I favour us playing shit teams that our stiffs can beat without breaking in to a sweat.

Yes, shite teams all the way to the final and preferably one there as well!