Villa vs Bayern

I think the new format seems to have given us some competitive one off games which the old mini-league format rarely did. Enjoyed last night's Villa/Bayern game though I missed the Martinez save at the end. I reckon he is probably the best keeper in the world at the moment. Yes, he is a master of sh*thousery but does it with a smile on his face. I've always had a forgiving space for players who smile while playing, Son (Spurs) is another, contrast with any number of miserable fkkers who won't crack a smile when scoring a "worldie".
I like him but don’t think he’s the best in the world, he still makes quite frequent costly errors in between the great saves he makes. Saying that I don’t know who I’d pick as best in the world, Oblak maybe.
 
I think he's absolutely class Martinez, has to be an argument for him being one of the best keepers seen in the game. Bayern must be so frustrated because if it weren't for him they'd have been comfortable, really ..

But Martinez has the lot, talent, and character to match ... just has a huge presence and seems to get everywhere, I would hate to be a striker taking a penna against him in a major tourny :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO:
 
Think it will be interesting to see what happens later in this format when the big clubs start resting players and what impact it will have.
Yes absolutely.

It's top 8 go through automatically, 9-24 in a two legged playoff isn't it?

Am not sure how the playoff opponents or draw after that is seeded but there seems to be some incentive to keep playing hard until the end.

It seems like clubs don't really know how it's going to pan out either. The 'superleague' format is way more unpredictable than the groups of 4, so maybe they won't rest players - we'll see!
 
Yes absolutely.

It's top 8 go through automatically, 9-24 in a two legged playoff isn't it?

Am not sure how the playoff opponents or draw after that is seeded but there seems to be some incentive to keep playing hard until the end.

It seems like clubs don't really know how it's going to pan out either. The 'superleague' format is way more unpredictable than the groups of 4, so maybe they won't rest players - we'll see!
New format makes a change, wonder if there is any benefit in the new format from finishing 1st rather than 8th and 9th rather than 16th etc…. in terms of seedings etc….? If not there will still potentially be games where there is little jeopardy for some towards the end of the league phase.
 
Kane completely static again. I think he’s lost at elite level.

Just caught up with highlights - he brought some fantastic saves from the keeper.
From positions that few centre forwards would have done.

Think its a bit early to right him off
 
Yes absolutely.

It's top 8 go through automatically, 9-24 in a two legged playoff isn't it?

Am not sure how the playoff opponents or draw after that is seeded but there seems to be some incentive to keep playing hard until the end.

It seems like clubs don't really know how it's going to pan out either. The 'superleague' format is way more unpredictable than the groups of 4, so maybe they won't rest players - we'll see!
I know how it's going to pan out as I've played it on football manager.
10 points guarantees a place in the round of 32.
16 or 17 I forget will get you into the round of sixteen.

There are fewer out and out dead rubbers. Though it's very easy to rest players if you are playing a s***y team.
You also have a choice as a manager to settle for round of 32 and so could choose to rest players. This would be sensible for a team like villa, who will have a small squad and little chance of winning.
 
My favourite thing about this is that he’s done it on multiple occasions, it’s clearly one of his favourite things to do and I can fully get behind that.
There's a real test of his commitment to it now as he's been banned for seven games for his behaviour.
If he does it in the next final despite the threat of a ban hanging over him, he will be elevated to a folk hero in my eyes.
 
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