Did you just provide an argument to debunk your own post, or what? He's a specialist in going out in the semis or quarters of the CL.
UEFA Champions League Quarter Final fixtures (9th - 10th, 16th - 17th April 2019)
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I see Guardiola mostly like a very decent system designer, someone who could design - or at least build - a clock when given the right pre-made items. But I’m not sure if he is a good improviser though, since he is used to having so much quality players on board that his systems rarely fail. Not sure how well he fairs with less developed players either.
When a system of his does fail, I’m under the impression (could be wrong as I havn’t seen too many matches of his various teams) he relies on individual class to make the difference rather than applying a masterful, swooping strategy change.
Lack of adaptation might be an issue with many teams not used to facing some sort of stronger opposition.
Historically, City never beat Ajax though.
2012-2013 results: 2-2 and 3-1 against PL and FA Cup runners up ManC (who were defending champions that season). ManC drew against Dortmund, Ajax and Madrid in the group stages and lost the three other matches by one goal each. I can't say that was a weak team, just a very strong group and Ajax clinged the third place in the group owing to that victory and draw (4 pts over ManC's 3 pts).
Back then it was a less experienced, 'less in a flow', less balanced Ajax team who got utterly humiliated by Madrid at home and away and sadly lost to Dortmund in some fun games to watch (with sad ending), whereas City was doing quite well in the PL at the time.
This year, quite the opposite is true. Ajax is on a roll, balanced, experienced, fit, daring and City... is not much different from back then, got lucky some times and lost several matches in the CL already.
As such, I'd give this Ajax team far more of a chance against City than I gave the team then and you should probably as well.
Would still prefer facing Spurs, not in the least because of general dislike towards 'arbitrary oligarch plaything' clubs like ManC, but also to see Verthongen & Co. back at their nest.
Agreed. People are STILL writing off Ajax, especially over 2 legs. Regardless of how crap people think Juve and Real now apparently are, Ajax went and won away at both. In knockout ties. And completely deserved both victories.
I wouldn't have City as overwhelming favourites at all.
Would be genuinely amazing to play Ajax in the semi final. I'd love it, for so many reasons. It would be like a reunion! Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Eriksen and Sanchez.
This is a strong argument isn it ?
Guardiola is a strong argument especially in the Champions league considering he failed to win the big ear 7 years in a row despite back then inheriting a Bayern side that just won the treble at the time arguably one of the best bayern sides ever, he got trashed along the way 5 nil over two legs against Madrid, with the history' s biggest home loss of bayern.
He also lost with the most expensive squad to Monaco , a team really similar to ajax of this year, even though Monaco were more a counter attacking team, ajax play a more attractive football.
If I have to sum up Guardiola career in the CL with one sentence I would say: no messi no party.
From what I saw of Barcelona over the two legs against United, I'd make Liverpool firm favourites to beat them in the Semis. This would be a couple of games and a very rare occasion where I'd love to see Suarez banging in a few goals.
Barcelona didnt get out of second gear in both games against United.
Obviously Liverpool wont play their usually high pressing and high backline game against Barcelona. Yes, Barcelona is vulnerable for that kind of pressing, but when they do beat the pressing its Messi, Suarez and Dembele vs 3/4 defenders. That just wont end well for any team. Even Liverpool will play more conservative then they usually do, against this Barcelona. It would be suicide to play a "open attacking" game against with those 3 up front - waiting for plays in open spaces.
Obviously Liverpool wont play their usually high pressing and high backline game against Barcelona. Yes, Barcelona is vulnerable for that kind of pressing, but when they do beat the pressing its Messi, Suarez and Dembele vs 3/4 defenders. That just wont end well for any team. Even Liverpool will play more conservative then they usually do, against this Barcelona. It would be suicide to play a "open attacking" game against with those 3 up front - waiting for plays in open spaces.
People were laughing at Bayern for struggling against Ajax in the group stages, now they are watching from home too.
At least Bayern have beaten them.
Disagree about them being a lot better, especially in the CL. Sounds a conclussion made in hindsight after Juve and Real got eliminated.
You seriously believe the current City side 'is not much different' from the 12-13 side under Mancini?
Real Madrid have looked shite in La Liga since the season started, and every Juve fan will tell you their points total is INCREDIBLY flattering. The only thing they had over City is experience in the tournament, which can't be underestimated, but still... Squad for squad? City's is a tier above, as is their manager.
Bayern didn't beat them. Drew both matches (1-1 and 3-3).
That being said, to say they 'schooled' Bayern is childish. They needed a last minute goal to equalize.
FiveThirtyEight have had Ajax as a strong, genuine team this season and peers of Juventus. They currently now have Ajax as a slightly stronger side than Juve after last night.
https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/global-club-soccer-rankings/
The thing about Juve is that which I had said many times earlier in the season. They don't blow you away. They've scored four once all season. The opposition will always be in the game against them and if they are a match, then there is a good chance you'll beat them.
Looks like a shit list. Hard to take seriously when Bayern is two spots ahead of Liverpool who beat them comprehensively over two legs just a month ago.
Ajax schooled Bayern in Munich and the second half at home.
Dortmund at 23 
United at 24 As bad as things are at United, I'd expect them to better 10 or so of the teams ranked above them over 2 legs.
Arsenal at 13
United at 24 As bad as things are at United, I'd expect them to better 10 or so of the teams ranked above them over 2 legs.Arsenal at 13
Yes, no doubt City has the best squad on paper.
Real Madrid have looked shite last season in La Liga too and I'm aware Juve's point total is flattering, however they looked like they would focus just on the CL with the title locked up, while City still have the league to worry about.
Can focus on something all you want, but if your midfield is that average & your manager is that pragmatic, you're going to have trouble in one way or another. Says a lot when Sczcesny was arguably their MOTM along with Ronaldo
Liverpool, Barca, Ajax and hopefully Spurs in the semis. Anyone can win it from here. I want a Barca-Ajax final.
Okay... but what are we (Bayern) doing up there?
You pretty much dominate most weeks and give little away. The chances of Dortmund competing with you this season based on performances is virtually nil. This is a different site, but who can match Bayern mauling people like this every week in terms of xG.Okay... but what are we (Bayern) doing up there?
https://understat.com/team/Bayern_Munich/2018
Yeah that's a huge flaw in that post.
Anyone would be silly to write Ajax off, but Guardiola's side is a cut above Juventus and Bayern and Madrid when it comes to creating clear cut chances and dominating the midfield. The only things that would work for Ajax's favor is the unpredictability of cup competition and Guardiola over-complicating things.
I'd rather Spurs go through (a final would be a stellar accomplishment for either Spurs or Ajax) but I'm very intrigued as to how 2 sides that are direct descendants of Cryuff will play against each other.
Regarding Liverpool, I think people are going out of their way to underrate how mediocre their midfield is (is that correct grammar)?
I don't see how anyone can have them as slight favorites against Barcelona (if they make it through against Porto). And one day I'll fully understand the phrase "they can be got at"
I don't see how anyone can have them as slight favorites against Barcelona (if they make it through against Porto). And one day I'll fully understand the phrase "they can be got at"
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I haven't been overly impressed with Barcelona this season, even against us. However, I think this is because they are a more functional team now than they were previously. I think the more similar comparison rather than the Man City one most will make is actually Liverpool. Liverpool were more exciting before but it felt like they were further away from winning something despite reaching a final. Now they've become a more functional side they have a huge chance. This Barcelona team feels similar in some senses, but it's not like they can't be got at when you play against them the right way.
I personally don't see them as favourites for the trophy despite having Messi. I think Liverpool will beat them and I think City should be favourites - just - even with the 1-0 deficit to overturn tonight.
If City go out, I can see Barcelona and Messi raising their game massively against Liverpool, but at the moment I still fancy Liverpool to knock out Barcelona.
I personally don't see them as favourites for the trophy despite having Messi. I think Liverpool will beat them and I think City should be favourites - just - even with the 1-0 deficit to overturn tonight.
If City go out, I can see Barcelona and Messi raising their game massively against Liverpool, but at the moment I still fancy Liverpool to knock out Barcelona.
I hope Messi does VVD in like Boateng.
When people talk about how poor our midfield is with the ball, seldom do they recall that Liverpool operate with Henderson, Milner, Wijnaldum; None of those three are good technically. None of those players would look good if they played for us, but they've got the right combination of physicality, stamina and discipline, and that makes Liverpool's system work incredibly well......
But I think Liverpool are going to struggle to dominate the way they're used to with so many press-resistant players in Barca's team.
That's my main point, absolutely
I think City will complete the quadruple if they make it through tonight.
They are currently 9/2 with Bet365 to complete it.
Scary thought.
They are currently 9/2 with Bet365 to complete it.
Scary thought.
Not bad odds. I'm still happy with the 4/1 I got on Liverpool going trophy-less after City lost to Newcastle
Never, like I said in another thread yesterday a Mike Smalling type forearm from good ol Virg will soon knock the short arse into his shell. Bloody nosed Messi or not I think we will do Barca, this has the feel of a very special tie no matter what happens.God we're all just so dismissive of Porto - imagine if they actually did us over tonight
Don’t make me dream.God we're all just so dismissive of Porto - imagine if they actually did us over tonight
No fear at all of that happening.God we're all just so dismissive of Porto - imagine if they actually did us over tonight
Man. City:
Ederson, Walker, Kompany (C), Laporte, Mendy, Gundogan, Silva, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Sterling, Aguero
Subs: Muric, Stones, Sane, Fernandinho, Mahrez, Otamendi, Jesus
Spurs:
Lloris, Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose, Wanyama, Sissoko, Eriksen, Alli, Son, Lucas
Subs: Gazzaniga, Sanchez, Lamela, Llorente, Foyth, Davies, Skipp.
Ederson, Walker, Kompany (C), Laporte, Mendy, Gundogan, Silva, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Sterling, Aguero
Subs: Muric, Stones, Sane, Fernandinho, Mahrez, Otamendi, Jesus
Spurs:
Lloris, Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose, Wanyama, Sissoko, Eriksen, Alli, Son, Lucas
Subs: Gazzaniga, Sanchez, Lamela, Llorente, Foyth, Davies, Skipp.
Fernandinho benched Did not expect that.
COYS.
Did not expect that.COYS.
Congratulations, I think your team are through. That City midfield is light and I fancy a confident Lucas to run riot tonight.
Never underestimate the power of the Tottenham bottling.
I love scousers.
If it wasn’t for that utter twat Fernandinho we would have won at the Etihad in January, how has he benched him even with the Injury I would play him because it’s not like they will really need him to beat the likes of Burnley and United (no offence).