Off Topic Thread: Hey lurkers, post ffs!!

[RTHerringbone]

The Balotelli incident wasn't public was it? I thought it happened in a closed training session but someone from the media somehow got in and took pictures? Then they made it public.

As far as I'm aware City's training ground is adjacent to a public footpath and it was there that the incident occurred; if not the Mancini/Balotelli one then another of Balotelli's various scraps with teammates. It needn't have been a pap who took the shots, could have been anyone walking past with a camera.

Either way, the fact that it was captured isn't necessarily Mancini's fault, but the fact that he allowed his professional exterior to buckle in a public place is his fault.

I agree overall with what you're saying - tactically dubious domestically and in Europe and never truly backed, apart from in a financial sense.

[fmFutbolManager]

Still haven't come up any instances of him "not controlling the dressing room" from his first two years at the club.........

I don't recall his handling of Craig Bellamy to be the best man management I've ever seen. Bellamy was very open when he left City about how Mancini was when he first arrived. Making it very clear that it was his way or you're out of the club (in relation to his training and knee). When you refuse to open a dialogue with people you're opening yourself up to ill-discipline and confrontation. This draconian method of management is the polar opposite of how things are at Old Trafford where the player are full of praise for Sir Alex always having his door open to the players.

Again, this is just my opinion. Feel free disagree.

[Cleon]

As far as I'm aware City's training ground is adjacent to a public footpath and it was there that the incident occurred; if not the Mancini/Balotelli one then another of Balotelli's various scraps with teammates. It needn't have been a pap who took the shots, could have been anyone walking past with a camera.

Either way, the fact that it was captured isn't necessarily Mancini's fault, but the fact that he allowed his professional exterior to buckle in a public place is his fault.

I agree overall with what you're saying - tactically dubious domestically and in Europe and never truly backed, apart from in a financial sense.

Part of it is public, where the incident took place wasn't though. It was a closed off area at the very far side of the complex. And there both Italian's so are naturally hotheads anyways

Plus it was only a bit of shoving, all blown out of proportion by the media to sell papers and make the public think the incident was bigger and more aggressive than it actually was. If you actually look at the pictures its nomore than handbags;

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2256586/Mario-Balotelli-Roberto-Mancini-training-ground-fight.html

[Cleon]

I don't recall his handling of Craig Bellamy to be the best man management I've ever seen. Bellamy was very open when he left City about how Mancini was when he first arrived. Making it very clear that it was his way or you're out of the club (in relation to his training and knee). When you refuse to open a dialogue with people you're opening yourself up to ill-discipline and confrontation. This draconian method of management is the polar opposite of how things are at Old Trafford where the player are full of praise for Sir Alex always having his door open to the players.

Telling Bellamy

Again, this is just my opinion. Feel free disagree.

This isn't true though is it? The boot incident with Beckham? Stam's book? Keano? and a few others haven't been so welcoming about him either. I think you're comments are blinded by fan loyalty tbh. His door isn't always open, it was while you are doing what he wants. The second that stops you're out of the club.

I do think Mancini must have lost some of the dressing room though but I'd not like to speculate on who without facts.

[fmFutbolManager]

This isn't true though is it? The boot incident with Beckham? Stam's book? Keano? and a few others haven't been so welcoming about him either. I think you're comments are blinded by fan loyalty tbh. His door isn't always open, it was while you are doing what he wants. The second that stops you're out of the club.

Perhaps polar opposite is extreme, but from the interviews with players that have left City, Mancini never listened to anyone. It was his way or you're out of the club. He didn't have time for the players, according to reports. Creating a barrier between him and his players, so it would appear.

I don't have access to the dressing rooms at either club, but from reports and what you see on TV, Sir Alex was a lot more accommodating to his players needs than Mancini which allows them to build a relationship. A 'father figure' is commonly used when talking about the former. How many players can say the same about Mancini? Granted he wasn't really given the time.

But this is all conjecture. My own subjective views on how it appears to me. I could be completely wrong. He might be kind and accommodating to his players and have their complete respect and trust. From reports I doubt that's true.

[tomtuck01]

Any advance on Carlos Tevez, seemingly a point you have been somewhat keen to emphasise?

Also there was nothing wrong with how he dealt with Bellamy. He decided he didn't like the new training regime and whined in public about it rather than speaking to his manager. I know who I see as been at fault there.

[fmFutbolManager]

Also there was nothing wrong with how he dealt with Bellamy. He decided he didn't like the new training regime and whined in public about it rather than speaking to his manager. I know who I see as been at fault there.

Depends who you believe I guess. I know Bellamy is hardly a saint himself and this is from his point of view but Bellamy claims he spoke with the board, Marwood and staff to ensure his training schedule wouldn't change and they gave him reassurances it wouldn't as he has his own specialist he paid for himself working with him on a training regime that worked for him.

Mancini arrived and told him to stop his personal schedule and do what he says or he is out (when questioned). Apparently Bellamy refused to change his training on the advice of his knee specialist as it would have ruined his career, so he left.

How Bellamy dealt with it is by the by, but Mancini clearly wasn't interested in debating it and felt he knew what was better for him (double training sessions).

But I guess there are always three sides to any story.

[tomtuck01]

How Bellamy dealt with it is "by the by"? Christ almighty that's probably the stupidest thing anyone has ever said. Makes everythingbyou say about Mancini irrelevant, as how he deals with things is, well, by the by.

[Cleon]

Perhaps polar opposite is extreme, but from the interviews with players that have left City, Mancini never listened to anyone. It was his way or you're out of the club. He didn't have time for the players, according to reports. Creating a barrier between him and his players, so it would appear.

I don't have access to the dressing rooms at either club, but from reports and what you see on TV, Sir Alex was a lot more accommodating to his players needs than Mancini which allows them to build a relationship. A 'father figure' is commonly used when talking about the former. How many players can say the same about Mancini? Granted he wasn't really given the time.

But this is all conjecture. My own subjective views on how it appears to me. I could be completely wrong. He might be kind and accommodating to his players and have their complete respect and trust. From reports I doubt that's true.

The father figure speech and comparisons cannot be used though, because the players who praise him are the likes of Scholes, Giggs, Neville etc all players who came through the ranks and saw Fergie as the authority figure for 20 odd seasons compared to Mancini's short time as Eastlands. A lot of foreign players who have played for United haven't been as nice about him as those core who came through the ranks though.

Ayways, I thought you didn't listen to reports/gossip just facts

Bellamy is same as Joey Barton, a gob ***** and causes friction at all clubs he's ever been at. I think City did the right thing there with regards to him. I've seen Fergie bury plenty more players compared to Mancini when they go public though.

But like you point out, it's all subjective

[SRL88]

But Bellamy is . He is good friends with Alan Shearer though, if I remember correctly .

[Cleon]

Depends who you believe I guess. I know Bellamy is hardly a saint himself and this is from his point of view but Bellamy claims he spoke with the board, Marwood and staff to ensure his training schedule wouldn't change and they gave him reassurances it wouldn't as he has his own specialist he paid for himself working with him on a training regime that worked for him.

Mancini arrived and told him to stop his personal schedule and do what he says or he is out (when questioned). Apparently Bellamy refused to change his training on the advice of his knee specialist as it would have ruined his career, so he left.

How Bellamy dealt with it is by the by, but Mancini clearly wasn't interested in debating it and felt he knew what was better for him (double training sessions).

But I guess there are always three sides to any story.

I never bought into this story purely for the fact the club fined Bellamy over this. If it was true you'd expect the club would have stepped in and resolved it.

[tomtuck01]

Carlos Tevz? No? Interesting.

[fmFutbolManager]

The father figure speech and comparisons cannot be used though, because the players who praise him are the likes of Scholes, Giggs, Neville etc all players who came through the ranks and saw Fergie as the authority figure for 20 odd seasons compared to Mancini's short time as Eastlands. A lot of foreign players who have played for United haven't been as nice about him as those core who came through the ranks though.

Ayways, I thought you didn't listen to reports/gossip just facts

Bellamy is same as Joey Barton, a gob ***** and causes friction at all clubs he's ever been at. I think City did the right thing there with regards to him. I've seen Fergie bury plenty more players compared to Mancini when they go public though.

But like you point out, it's all subjective

Yeah as I said Mancini never had time to build that relationship. Ronaldo was a foreign player that is full of praise, but you're right they're more reserved for the youth players.

And we all know Bellamy has a big mouth and complained to the press after he left, but the fact (according to Bellamy) is that he had been allowed to adhere to a personalised training regime under Hughes in order to protect long-term knee problems. He had spoken with Cook and Marwood to ensure this could continue, to which they were in agreement but when Mancini came in he refused to allow it to continue, insisting he remains on double session training.

As you say though, I think they did the right thing in getting Bellamy out, despite his good form for them at the time.

How do you think the big game will go tonight? Both teams need a win really, Wigan more so than Arsenal. I think 1-1 personally.

[fmFutbolManager]

How Bellamy dealt with it is "by the by"? Christ almighty that's probably the stupidest thing anyone has ever said. Makes everythingbyou say about Mancini irrelevant, as how he deals with things is, well, by the by.

Okay, Tom.

[Cleon]

I'm hoping Wigan repeat last year and get a 2-1 win.

[tomtuck01]

The silence regarding a certain Argentine speaks for its self. Shock horror, you know nothing. What's Wayne Rooney up to by the way? How is he coping with all these made up about him asking for a transfer? Oh wait.....

[fmFutbolManager]

I would like Wigan to win, it'd certainly make next week more interesting. And after seeing what the FA Cup meant to their players and fans last week it'd be good to see them stay up.

[SRL88]

I'm hoping Wigan repeat last year and get a 2-1 win.

Wigan .

[fmFutbolManager]

659 million Manchester United fans around the world will join together to bring Ronaldo home! Through the use of crowd-funding fans will pledge to buy Ronaldo's shirt. If our target is reached, Manchester United can secure Ronaldo's transfer and make History...

I love the internet.

[fmFutbolManager]

Oh and Neymar to Bayern Munich apparently...

[RTHerringbone]

I'd love Wigan to win, but they'll be running on fumes after the FA Cup whilst Arsenal are at home and rested.

Both sides have to win and I know from experience that the Emirates crowd will get on their own teams' back if they aren't ahead within the first half hour. If Wigan can manage to keep it 0-0 up until then, they have a chance.

[Cleon]

Oh and Neymar to Bayern Munich apparently...

Bayern released a statement saying its not true. Which everyone knows anyway considering Santos sold the first option to Barca 2 years ago

[fmFutbolManager]

Bayern released a statement saying its not true. Which everyone knows anyway considering Santos sold the first option to Barca 2 years ago

Oh did they? Couldn't see anything on the internet about a denial. How long do they have to exercise that option, do you know?

EDIT: found something "'This story has no basis', has simply said the Director of Communications Markus Horwick Bayern in the German media Sport1."

http://www.footballdeluxe.com/2013/05/14/bayern-munich-denies-rumor-neymar/#ixzz2TH9f88Si

[Cleon]

Oh did they? How long do they have to exercise that option? Do you know?

No idea. But he'll be there in January window if not before. Last year of his contract this season. It all goes on 3rd party though because I think they own 45% of his rights.

Do Utd fans really think Ronaldo is a possibility? I can't see how you'd find the funding personally

[RTHerringbone]

Do Utd fans really think Ronaldo is a possibility? I can't see how you'd find the funding personally

Not a United fan, but would be great to see him back in England.

I think he'll rejoin them when he's run his contract down.

Real won't sell him on the cheap as he's in his prime and still has 2 years left on his contract, and United probably won't pay a premium for a 28(?) year old.

EDIT - I guess Ronaldo has a degree of say in the matter, but is he actually unhappy at Real anyway? He joined them before Mourinho so joined the club rather than the manager, so Mourinho leaving needn't influence his thinking.

[tomtuck01]

Do Utd fans really think Ronaldo is a possibility? I can't see how you'd find the funding personally

Honestly? I can see why people think it is, but personally I can't see it. Atleast not this summer.

[Cleon]

Honestly? I can see why people think it is, but personally I can't see it. Atleast not this summer.

It's the fee what would be the issue isn't it? That would be the main stumbling block.

Would he still see Utd as appealing without Fergie? I know he is still around the club but its not the same.

[tomtuck01]

It's the fee what would be the issue isn't it? That would be the main stumbling block.

Would he still see Utd as appealing without Fergie? I know he is still around the club but its not the same.

I think the fee, which I'd imagine to be around £60million, would be doable on the basis that it'd pay for its self in next to no time through merchandise sales, etc.

And it's not just Ferguson that was the appeal, though of course it is/was a big part, it's the whole place. He's already said that he prefers Old Trafford to the Bernabeu because the crowd make him feel wanted. Also he has still got a lot of friends here.

Anyway, just get a fee agreed and lock him in a room with Fergie for a few minutes, that'll get him sorted.

[Nottingham Forest]

That would be awesome for the PL if Ronaldo went back to United. Rumours are that Fabregas could be moving to United as well? If that's true, they could be an amazing side next season. Didn't Rooney have one of his better seasons with Ronaldo at the club?

[tomtuck01]

That would be awesome for the PL if Ronaldo went back to United. Rumours are that Fabregas could be moving to United as well? If that's true, they could be an amazing side next season. Didn't Rooney have one of his better seasons with Ronaldo at the club?

No, he had lesser seasons as he was sacrificing himself for Cristiano.

[SRL88]

'Mon Wigan.

[RTHerringbone]

I've sorted out the main details of my mate's Stag Do now.

It was literally more complicated than arranging my own wedding, don't want to be a best man again!

Sounds like a good day to me:

The Stag is a tee-totaller so it's not a full on drink fest. We get to spend the morning karting and the afternoon running round a disused warehouse shooting the hell out of each other with imitation guns, grenades and that sort of stuff.

Then the late afternoon and evening is spent on the beer, with a brief interlude for curry. Nice.

[fmFutbolManager]

I've sorted out the main details of my mate's Stag Do now.

It was literally more complicated than arranging my own wedding, don't want to be a best man again!

Sounds like a good day to me:

The Stag is a tee-totaller so it's not a full on drink fest. We get to spend the morning karting and the afternoon running round a disused warehouse shooting the hell out of each other with imitation guns, grenades and that sort of stuff.

Then the late afternoon and evening is spent on the beer, with a brief interlude for curry. Nice.

Imitation guns? Is that like playing war when you were 5 or can you actually shoot each other?

[Welshace]

Is there really no Wigan team thread? was looking to start a save and couldn't find a thread.... flabbergasted.

[SRL88]

Create one welsh .

[Welshace]

Noooo, I don't know enough to do that.. and I don't like doing the whole wiki copy pasta stuff like you fella

[SRL88]

My threads are fantastic I will have you know.

I have my hands on the Liverpool one for FM14 .

[RTHerringbone]

This sounds like a load of tosh: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/may/15/wayne-rooney-newcastle-united-sports-direct

Going to be proper silly season without any international footy all summer

[RTHerringbone]

Imitation guns? Is that like playing war when you were 5 or can you actually shoot each other?

Think it's like some sort of laser quest thing.

There shouldn't be any actual maiming or killing.

[fmFutbolManager]

This sounds like a load of tosh: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/may/15/wayne-rooney-newcastle-united-sports-direct

Going to be proper silly season without any international footy all summer

I wouldn't say it is completely beyond the realms of possibility. Rooney needs to be mollycoddled and if he isn't the star of the show he gets fed up. As evidenced by van Persie taking the limelight this season and Rooney being second choice to him in the important games.

That being said, I don't think Newcastle could afford him or his agent. He would be better suited to Chelsea.

Think it's like some sort of laser quest thing.

There shouldn't be any actual maiming or killing.

Ah okay. Any reason you opted against paintballing? I know it's the cliche stag activity, but it's satisfying shooting your mates knowing they're not just going to get a slight buzz from their laser jacket.

[RTHerringbone]

Ah okay. Any reason you opted against paintballing? I know it's the cliche stag activity, but it's satisfying shooting your mates knowing they're not just going to get a slight buzz from their laser jacket.

Partly because it's next door to the karting, partly because it apparently involves less running - the Stag isn't the smallest physical specimen around, so this involves less running for him (smaller arena), and more humiliating peppering of his enormous frame for the rest of us!

[fmFutbolManager]

Partly because it's next door to the karting, partly because it apparently involves less running - the Stag isn't the smallest physical specimen around, so this involves less running for him (smaller arena), and more humiliating peppering of his enormous frame for the rest of us!

Sounds perfect for paintballing. Plenty to aim at!

I do love karting though. We have a place local that has a good indoor track.

[RTHerringbone]

Sounds perfect for paintballing. Plenty to aim at!

I do love karting though. We have a place local that has a good indoor track.

The one we're going to is indoors and has a 700m long track, which I think is longer than any indoor one I've been on before.

As a result the karts can get up to 50mph, which is always a nice adrenaline rush when your arse is a couple of inches off the track.

[Welshace]

My threads are fantastic I will have you know.

I have my hands on the Liverpool one for FM14 .

And how much of it will be copy pasted from the net with some fancy html editing/font changing?

[SRL88]

And how much of it will be copy pasted from the net with some fancy html editing/font changing?

Knowing me....none .

[SRL88]

Early wake up today, thanks to the cats .

[Cleon]

Really enjoying the blog at the minute, much more relaxed compared to on here.

What's everyone upto today on this sunny day?

[SRL88]

Working till 5 .

[Tommy_Styles]

I never realized this forum had a scary random part also..

[fmFutbolManager]

It used to be hidden for just a few select members. We'd vote them in and keep them if we like them. But SI told us we couldn't do that anymore so we had to make it public.