I think you also greatly underestimate Pep's influence on the Barca players, especially the home grown players. And it's his big challenge pre-Barca. Can he have that sort of influence on the Bayern players? What I am arguing is that Pep played a huge role in turning Barca into the team they were and he was more than just a man that got lucky. Could another manager done what Pep did at Barca? I truly doubt it because he had a link with the likes of Xavi,Iniesta and Messi that no other manager could have found. In doing so, he had trouble with the likes of Ibra and co, but he that did not stop them winning all the trophies that they did.
I think one thing is clear though, next season in Germany will be epic, Guardiola v Klopp, time for each man to prove themselves.
It was karma of the highest order. All the tainted victories Barca have had over the years just came back and bitch slapped them in the face tonight. The whole world was cheering for Bayern.
Under Pep's management, they never lost to a German side and in fact dished out some really trashings. No wonder Beckenbauer and co were impressed.
Because he'd have direct competition from 2 other teams as opposed to none. There isn't a Bayern Munich or Barca/Real in England. Sure United/City are ahead of Chelsea/Spurs/Arsenal/Liverpool, but not by that much. On any given day all 4 of those could best United or City with ease. Whilst the likes of Real Betis may cave in at 2-0 down away from home, the likes of Newcastle and Everton are never going to in England. English football is kryptonite to Pep, as German football is to Mourinho and European football is to Fergie. That was their only bad year. Previous season they were level on points with 1st place Real but lost due to head to head despite having a far superior GD (I'm a heavy critic of H2H in league format btw).
A bit OTT? The only side he struggled against is Chelsea, that's one team. He handed Man Utd an utter beating in the two finals and we got also got a hiding or two. But did manage the one win.
Also, if he comes to England, Chelsea are going to be first in the queue. Seeing as Roman is probably his biggest fan.
Maybe. But that does not take away from some of the football they played against us. Their first half performance in that 2-2 draw at the Emirates was some of the best I have ever seen.
I've been thinking about this very thing, and I think that the key to beating Bayern is to break through their midfield. In Munich they had no Schweini and we were therefore able to bypass their midfield quite easily for the first goal. That and their own complacency nearly lead to their demise. I think people underestimate how much of an impact Schweinsteiger has on their game though, he is a world class midfielder and the difference is noticeable when he doesn't play for them.
Looking ahead to our rivals games over the weekend. Spurs vs Southampton - Sadly, I can't see Spurs dropping any points here. A comfortable home win. Manchester United vs Chelsea - United have nothing to play for now and in the head to head meetings between both teams this season, I think Chelsea have looked stronger. A narrow Chelsea win.
The only thing about the Chelsea/United game is the Midweek game for Chelsea. It wasnt away, and Rafa rotates his squad, but the stats show that a midweek game definitely affects week-end performances. As for Spurs, they look like they are feeling the pressure, their 2-2 with Wigan was baffling. I wouldln't be surprised to see either one of these end in a draw.
Spurs kicked off 30 minutes late, something to do with a car crash. I thought they saved bad things for on-field?
