Where is Michel Platini ?

[aghabullogue 1890]

With Real Madrid throwing money around like confetti, where is Platini in all of this? Last year he criticised English clubs for being in debt and owing for players bought. Also I thought that clubs could only spend a certain percentage of their turnover on wages to comply with UEFA regulations. It seems there is one rule for RM and another for all the rest. That is why I have a huge regard for Barcelona and for what they have achieved down through the years. Eventhough a Man Utd fan I must say that I would rather see Liverpool win the CL than RM at least they've got more soul than RM. Along with the rest of the top 8 in Europe apart from Chelsea I will be shouting ABRM. Again Platini looks tainted by his silence. P.S. Super business by Fergie £68m profit.

[AmadeusDC]

Having spoken in the last few weeks with lots of people from loads of different countries about the new Madrid transfer policy I must say that it is Man Utd fans that are main ones truly rattled by happenings at the Bernabeu. Barcelona fans have seen it all before and realize they still have the better team. Fans of the big Italian clubs have more to worry about than what's going on in La Liga (except maybe Inter fans). Chelsea fans would be hyprocrites to comment. Arsenal and Liverpool have never truly competed in the market for this level of player which leaves Manchester United. A significant number of their fans are disgusted by what Madrid are doing. Is it jealousy, fear or both. Jealousy that they have now been once and for all shown up as a lesser club than Madrid when it comes to power and prestige or scared because they were recently humbled by one Spanish outfit and now another club seems to be doing much more to catch this same opponent. -AmadeusDC-

[AmadeusDC]

With Real Madrid throwing money around like confetti, where is Platini in all of this? Last year he criticised English clubs for being in debt and owing for players bought. Also I thought that clubs could only spend a certain percentage of their turnover on wages to comply with UEFA regulations. It seems there is one rule for RM and another for all the rest. That is why I have a huge regard for Barcelona and for what they have achieved down through the years. Eventhough a Man Utd fan I must say that I would rather see Liverpool win the CL than RM at least they've got more soul than RM. Along with the rest of the top 8 in Europe apart from Chelsea I will be shouting ABRM. Again Platini looks tainted by his silence. P.S. Super business by Fergie £68m profit.

Yup, him and Blatter always bitch about the Premier league clubs but not a word now. What a joke! -AmadeusDC-

[STEVIEG]

I don't have a major problem with it myself

Football has been morally bankrupt for many years as long as it's legal clubs will act this way

I agree UEFA and FIFA should maybe act but they won't and United benefit too


Nothing is free though

Madrid will be under immense pressure now

[stevetharlear]

(As a neutral) I'd fancy Barca will win La Liga next year.

And I wouldn't be surprised if Utd won the CL.

I'll be stunned and disappointed if RM win either.

[de mange]

em.. here ya go

Platini concerned over transfer fees


UEFA president Michel Platini has reiterated his concern over the amounts of money changing hands in the transfer market this summer.

Platini: Admits to worrying times


On Wednesday night, Real Madrid agreed a deal with Lyon for Karin Benzema which would take their close-season spending spree over the 200million euro mark following the acquisitions of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul Albiol.
The Frenchman told L'Equipe: "Ronaldo's transfer stood out for me, but if Real have guarantees from the banks... On a personal note, I don't understand how anyone can spend 90million (euros) on a player. I'm embarrassed.
"But I remember the Maradona transfer from Barcelona to Napoli (in 1984). This would be the equivalent of 6.5 million and I found that vulgar. I think there is something wrong there.
"I don't like that, and even less given the fact that today players sign contracts only to then go and break them. But, as I said, if clubs have the money, what can I do?"
Platini last month described Madrid's £80million swoop for Ronaldo, which came just days after the £56million signing of Kaka from AC Milan, as "excessive" and revealed UEFA considered ongoing talks with clubs in a bid to establish a new set of financial rules their "top priority".
The 54-year-old remains keen to ensure there is "financial fair play", but warns it will take time before measures, such as a salary cap, are introduced.
"We will do something," he said. "We are working on that. But it will take a little time. Perhaps two or three years. I want to establish rules."

[STEVIEG]

Yup Platini has in fairness voiced concerns

Blatter is a joke anyway

[markinmanc]

Yup Platini has in fairness voiced concerns



It's not about an English club so would get little coverage.

[STEVIEG]

It's not about an English club so would get little coverage.

It was reported widely at the time

[markinmanc]

It was reported widely at the time

I did not see it, therefore it did not happen! :p

[STEVIEG]

I did not see it, therefore it did not happen! :p

:)

[xvis]

Having spoken in the last few weeks with lots of people from loads of different countries about the new Madrid transfer policy I must say that it is Man Utd fans that are main ones truly rattled by happenings at the Bernabeu. Barcelona fans have seen it all before and realize they still have the better team. Fans of the big Italian clubs have more to worry about than what's going on in La Liga (except maybe Inter fans). Chelsea fans would be hyprocrites to comment. Arsenal and Liverpool have never truly competed in the market for this level of player which leaves Manchester United. A significant number of their fans are disgusted by what Madrid are doing. Is it jealousy, fear or both. Jealousy that they have now been once and for all shown up as a lesser club than Madrid when it comes to power and prestige or scared because they were recently humbled by one Spanish outfit and now another club seems to be doing much more to catch this same opponent. -AmadeusDC-

I'd disagree that United are the main team affected.

Galacticos mk1 hurt Barcelona. ..It left them with a EC/CL count of 9 to 1. It took Figo from them and got them first thinking that they'd have to put a name on the shirt to bridge the financial gap. They were in trouble til Ronaldinho etc turned things around.

Italien clubs have to worry about the prestige of their league as it stands and losing Kaka continues that trend.

United have a young squad with good continuity and a settled manager.

United have just ended the longest unbeaten run in the history of top European club competition, 25 matches unbeaten, ..an unbeaten run longer than Real Madrid of the fifties, Ajax and Bayern of the seventies achieved. It was a good effort.

United will look after their own house and are in good shape.
I don't have a problem with Real, just as I didn't have a problem with Chelsea. My problem is with the lawmakers.

United have never competed to sign the best players in the world. (Veron probably excepted)


The ones who I think are most affected by the Real extravaganza are Chelsea and City, ...as it blows any plans that Chelsea had of stepping up to the elite right out of the water.

[KolaKubes]

I'd disagree that United are the main team affected.

Galacticos mk1 hurt Barcelona. ..It left them with a EC/CL count of 9 to 1. It took Figo from them and got them first thinking that they'd have to put a name on the shirt to bridge the financial gap. They were in trouble til Ronaldinho etc turned things around.

Italien clubs have to worry about the prestige of their league as it stands and losing Kaka continues that trend.

United have a young squad with good continuity and a settled manager.

United have just ended the longest unbeaten run in the history of top European club competition, 25 matches unbeaten, ..an unbeaten run longer than Real Madrid of the fifties, Ajax and Bayern of the seventies achieved. It was a good effort.

United will look after their own house and are in good shape.
I don't have a problem with Real, just as I didn't have a problem with Chelsea. My problem is with the lawmakers.

United have never competed to sign the best players in the world. (Veron probably excepted)


The ones who I think are most affected by the Real extravaganza are Chelsea and City, ...as it blows any plans that Chelsea had of stepping up to the elite right out of the water.

Chelsea have been pretty quiet this summer despite needing a major re-build with a squad that's not getting any younger.

[AmadeusDC]

I'd disagree that United are the main team affected.

Galacticos mk1 hurt Barcelona. ..It left them with a EC/CL count of 9 to 1. It took Figo from them and got them first thinking that they'd have to put a name on the shirt to bridge the financial gap. They were in trouble til Ronaldinho etc turned things around.

Italien clubs have to worry about the prestige of their league as it stands and losing Kaka continues that trend.

United have a young squad with good continuity and a settled manager.

United have just ended the longest unbeaten run in the history of top European club competition, 25 matches unbeaten, ..an unbeaten run longer than Real Madrid of the fifties, Ajax and Bayern of the seventies achieved. It was a good effort.

United will look after their own house and are in good shape.
I don't have a problem with Real, just as I didn't have a problem with Chelsea. My problem is with the lawmakers.

United have never competed to sign the best players in the world. (Veron probably excepted)


The ones who I think are most affected by the Real extravaganza are Chelsea and City, ...as it blows any plans that Chelsea had of stepping up to the elite right out of the water.

When I said rattled, I was on about the United fans though for the most part Xvis not the club or the management.

The big 4 will always have their pick of Britain's elite players as Madrid/Barca do in Spain. United being the biggest of the 4 will be in an even stronger position to secure these players. These players also tend to be more likely to stay for a long time and not want to move on to another club. Fergie has known this for years which is why he has always had a strong back bone of British players.

Where United have lost ground on Madrid and Barcelona now is in the recruiting of top foreign players. Benzema picked Madrid, Ribery seemingly wants Madrid, Ronaldo peaced on your lot, Ronaldinho didn't want to go there a few years back etc. This is also where I believe the United fans are rattled so badly. They now know that they aren't going to be the frontrunner for the worlds super elite talent. If they ever truly were is debatable but they have definitely lost ground now. The fans want to believe they can sign a Ribery but a Valencia is more realistic. They are freaking about Madrid as a result. The club itself will be fine though.

Also, regarding the above, 2 of the 3 other English teams will suffer even more than United in this area. What would happen to Liverpool if Benitez went in the morning? The Spanish backbone would probably follow him out the door. Would they have ever got Torres if say Martin O'Neill was manager? Chelsea for their troubles, are fucked because they no longer have the ability to lure with wages alone. Above anything else that was their single biggest asset (well that and Jose). Now they have to replace a squad of aging players and can't offer the prestige of the big 2 in Spain, the success of United in England or even the money of Man City. Arsenal of the 4 are alright because they use a different transfer policy but if the last few years have proven anything with them it is that a couple of established elite players need to be blended in with the prospects. Can they attract these guys? Arshavin for example seemed to indicate he'd prefer Barcelona when he was available and he may have been the closest thing to a finished product they've signed in years (Gallas was a part of a deal).

Anyhow, the thing is that the fans of the other 3 aren't as worried as United fans appear to be. Chelsea fans know that they can't complain about what Madrid or even City are doing. Arsenal never expect that they can sign these superstars and Liverpool know that their best chance of success is adding a little to what's already in place and not rocking the boat. United fans who basked in their "biggest club in the world" claims and asked "who wouldn't want to join United" are now facing the reality that the answer is quite a large percentage of the world's finest players.

-AmadeusDC-

[STEVIEG]

Where United have lost ground on Madrid and Barcelona now is in the recruiting of top foreign players. Benzema picked Madrid, Ribery seemingly wants Madrid, Ronaldo peaced on your lot, Ronaldinho didn't want to go there a few years back etc. This is also where I believe the United fans are rattled so badly.

There is a big difference between what keyboard supporters want and what the likes of Fergie want

There is little concrete evidence to say that United want to spend absolutely crazy money on Ribery, a player who has been playing in Europes 4th best league for the last couple of years and a player who despite his obvious talent, is not necessarily a must have at United

United bounced back from the dissapointment of their former chief executive missing out and screwing up on Ronaldinho by buying a player who became better over time and who was now sold after helping deliver 3 leagues and a Champions league to the club (in the same era as Madrid didn't threaten the last 8, yes, the last 8 in Europe)

Benzema would have been a very good buy for me but he is hardly a 100% bet

Fergie in my opinion, knows exactly his financial limits and has a good idea of what he actually wants, i wouldn't judge him on his signings this summer yet

The transfer muppets who think that it is fantasy football have little clue anyway and are hardly a reflection of the many who trust the manager who see that things will be alright in the end

Madrid were like a glorified Newcastle the other day, with 50,000 turning up to see Kaka, but football games are won on the pitch and the club is gonna be under big pressure to win everything now

I know which club i'd be more comfortable managing, playing for and supporting

[STEVIEG]

What would happen to Liverpool if Benitez went in the morning? The Spanish backbone would probably follow him out the door. Would they have ever got Torres if say Martin O'Neill was manager?

Martin O'neill would probably not have bought about 10 other crap Spaniards either though over the years (though his purchase of Heskey was crap in fairness)

[daithi81]

United fans are well rattled. It's comical to watch this all unfold.

[STEVIEG]

United fans are well rattled. It's comical to watch this all unfold.

speaking of comical

http://i39.tinypic.com/2daai5j.jpg

[STEVIEG]

Absolutely hilarious. 80 gazillion pounds for Ronaldo but nobody wants to play for them besides some nobody from Wigan. They figured they'd get a lot of mileage out of Liverpool's £17m for Johnson (and rightly so) but that died down fairly quickly when they spent 1m less on a fat version of Mascherano.

:lol!::lol!::lol!:

I suppose Ronaldo was some nobody from Sporting once upon a time Cletus?

You obviously don't know the difference between a defensive midfielder and a winger either

[MonTheHoops]

Jesus there's uproar when someone other tha United is spending cash. The time for the European big wigs to step in is when the likes of the Glaziers & Shinawatra were stepping in becoming dictators of enormous clubs. Perez ran Madrid extremely well the last time he was in the position he is at the moment and there's nothing saying he can't do the same now. Why the uproar?

[STEVIEG]

Jesus there's uproar when someone other tha United is spending cash. The time for the European big wigs to step in is when the likes of the Glaziers & Shinawatra were stepping in becoming dictators of enormous clubs.?

I agree

United fans can't complain about this when they would be the first to be gloating if some over expensive mercenary like Kaka arrived for 60 million

[MonTheHoops]

I agree

United fans can't complain about this when they would be the first to be gloating if some over expensive mercenary like Kaka arrived for 60 million


I know it's early days in the transfer market, but it does already look like United's hands are slightly tied, maybe they need to service the debt.

[STEVIEG]

I know it's early days in the transfer market, but it does already look like United's hands are slightly tied, maybe they need to service the debt.

I think so

After the Ronaldo thing i called that they would probably spend less than they earned this summer

No bad thing IMO

It's early July though i'm sure Fergie has plenty of things up his sleeve but i wouldn't expect more than one or two more players

In the summer of 2006 he lost his top scorer and bought one player

Chelsea bought two of the worlds best and lost the league (same as United in 2001 with Ruud and Veron)

Football is a lot more complicated than what the second rate hacks and transfer muppets think


United will be pretty competitive next season, as always

[daithi81]

Rattled.

[MonTheHoops]

I've always been of the opinion that if you have a player that certain teams are willing to pay over the odds for then you should sell them. Celtic could buy 3 players off the back of a McGeadcy sale and should sell him for a decent price should someone arrive with one. United have enormous debts and should be looking to knock them down. They could buy two quality players to supplement the team from the Ronaldo transfer and still pay £20m off the debt.

[daithi81]

I've always been of the opinion that if you have a player that certain teams are willing to pay over the odds for then you should sell them. Celtic could buy 3 players off the back of a McGeadcy sale and should sell him for a decent price should someone arrive with one. United have enormous debts and should be looking to knock them down. They could buy two quality players to supplement the team from the Ronaldo transfer and still pay £20m off the debt.

Yup. Given Uniteds terrible financial position, I think it best that they act as a feeder club to the likes of Real/Barca for the next 5-7 years and maybe then they can return to competitiveness.

[STEVIEG]

Rattled.

Are you not the joker to threatened to run to the admin recently when someone tore you a new one in the music forum?

Now that's what i call rattled

[daithi81]

Are you not the joker to threatened to run to the admin recently when someone tore you a new one in the music forum?

Now that's what i call rattled

*sigh*

Another person who requires on INTERNET manual.

:lol!:

[STEVIEG]

Yup. Given Uniteds terrible financial position, I think it best that they act as a feeder club to the likes of Real/Barca for the next 5-7 years and maybe then they can return to competitiveness.

At least teams want their players too

Not much of a que forming for Joey barton i'd say

[STEVIEG]

*sigh*

Another person who requires on INTERNET manual.

:lol!:


Another person who really should stick to the langers forum

[xvis]

Replies in red

When I said rattled, I was on about the United fans though for the most part Xvis not the club or the management.

The big 4 will always have their pick of Britain's elite players as Madrid/Barca do in Spain. United being the biggest of the 4 will be in an even stronger position to secure these players. These players also tend to be more likely to stay for a long time and not want to move on to another club. Fergie has known this for years which is why he has always had a strong back bone of British players.

Where United have lost ground on Madrid and Barcelona now is in the recruiting of top foreign players. United never had this ground. Benzema picked Madrid, Ribery seemingly wants Madrid, Ronaldo peaced on your lot, Ronaldinho didn't want to go there a few years back etc. This is also where I believe the United fans are rattled so badly. They now know that they aren't going to be the frontrunner for the worlds super elite talent. They always knew that, ..United don't buy the likes of Kaka, ..they need to get players on the rise, like they did with Ronaldo, and probably what they should have gone for Benzema earlier to have a chance If they ever truly were is debatable but they have definitely lost ground now. I think they have gained ground. Who were they buying in the 80's and 90's compared to Real, Barca and Milan? ..United are as strong now in the transfer market in global terms as they've ever been. Rin=bery was a possibility, but as Bayern said 'two years ago they bought Mayfair', ..he was always going to cost 45million in my books and that was too much for United. ..they should have bought off OM if they wanted himThe fans want to believe they can sign a Ribery but a Valencia is more realistic. They are freaking about Madrid as a result. The club itself will be fine though. Any United fan that is freaking about Real's business hasn't a clue, the only chance

Also, regarding the above, 2 of the 3 other English teams will suffer even more than United in this area. What would happen to Liverpool if Benitez went in the morning? The Spanish backbone would probably follow him out the door. Would they have ever got Torres if say Martin O'Neill was manager? Chelsea for their troubles, are fucked because they no longer have the ability to lure with wages alone. Above anything else that was their single biggest asset (well that and Jose). Now they have to replace a squad of aging players and can't offer the prestige of the big 2 in Spain, the success of United in England or even the money of Man City. Arsenal of the 4 are alright because they use a different transfer policy but if the last few years have proven anything with them it is that a couple of established elite players need to be blended in with the prospects. Can they attract these guys? Arshavin for example seemed to indicate he'd prefer Barcelona when he was available and he may have been the closest thing to a finished product they've signed in years (Gallas was a part of a deal).


Liverpool and Chelsea will be fine as they have settled and competitve squads. ..Let's first see how quickly Real Madrid can settle with new players and a new manager. Any of the big four would fancy their chances if they draw them as second seeds in the draw.


Anyhow, the thing is that the fans of the other 3 aren't as worried as United fans appear to be. Chelsea fans know that they can't complain about what Madrid or even City are doing. Arsenal never expect that they can sign these superstars and Liverpool know that their best chance of success is adding a little to what's already in place and not rocking the boat. United fans who basked in their "biggest club in the world" claims and asked "who wouldn't want to join United" who are these people? are now facing the reality that the answer is quite a large percentage of the world's finest players.

-AmadeusDC-

Liverpool should be the most worried, as Real are linked with Alonso ..and I'm not sure we're ready yet for a 'Mascherano and Lucas - as good as it gets?' thread.

Chelsea can't complain, but their project is still being put in the shade.

Arsenal have their own problems to worry about with Van Persie and Cesc on contracts that may fade away to freebies.

[daithi81]

At least teams want their players too

Not much of a que forming for Joey barton i'd say

As I said, I'm not the one running around in a fit because of the behaviiur of other clubs...

[STEVIEG]

As I said, I'm not the one running around in a fit because of the behaviiur of other clubs...

behav what?

Read the thread i have no problem with Real Madrid spending big cash

Note

Read threads

Before shooting your mouth off on the internet without knowing what the fuck you are talking about

[xvis]

I know it's early days in the transfer market, but it does already look like United's hands are slightly tied, maybe they need to service the debt.

Every one is waiting until Real are finished. ..United, Chelsea, Barca, City ..all waiting.


And to be fair to Real it's a beautiful bit of business being done. All nice and swift.

[MonTheHoops]

Every one is waiting until Real are finished. ..United, Chelsea, Barca, City ..all waiting.


And to be fair to Real it's a beautiful bit of business being done. All nice and swift.


It looks like Utd pulled out of the Benzema race who I would have thought would have been their number 1 target. The Real circus hasn't stopped them from paying almost £20m for that lad from Wigan either

[STEVIEG]

The Valencia thing was probably ready to go as much as six months ago

Fergie would have known that Ronaldo was going (or would have thought there was a good chance) but the Tevez situation may have forced a re-think on forward options

It's likely that he has another plan though, as it has been widely noted for ages that Benzema wanted to join Madrid

as much as i Ribery i can't see United paying such cash for him and i doubt he is a realistic target (if he ever was even one)

[MonTheHoops]

The CL is more competitive now than it has ever been. There is more parity across big teams and big leagues now than there has ever been. Surely the fact that no-one has retained the CL proves that, whereas previously plenty of teams won it on numerous successive occasions? How is there suddenly a bigger gap in football now than there was when Madrid won the CL 6 times in a row? Or when Bayern won it three times in a row?

20 years ago, Milan did exactly the same thing as Madrid are doing. They became the best team in Europe, and they were feckin brilliant to watch. But they still didn't win the CL every year, and they didn't win Serie A every year. They did dominate both competitions though, and then someone else came along that was better. How exactly is that a bad thing?

I've heard all the 'doomed' stuff time and time again, and every time I hear it, it's followed up with 'but this time it's really different'. You know what will happen... Madrid will win a couple of CLs over the next 5 years. They'll win 3 or 4 La Ligas. And then someone else will come along, and we'll be having this same conversation about another team.

And everyone will panic, just like the last time, and the time before that.

[marco 2005]

Are you not the joker to threatened to run to the admin recently when someone tore you a new one in the music forum?

Now that's what i call rattled

what thread is this?

[STEVIEG]

The CL is more competitive now than it has ever been. There is more parity across big teams and big leagues now than there has ever been. Surely the fact that no-one has retained the CL proves that, whereas previously plenty of teams won it on numerous successive occasions? How is there suddenly a bigger gap in football now than there was when Madrid won the CL 6 times in a row? Or when Bayern won it three times in a row?

20 years ago, Milan did exactly the same thing as Madrid are doing. They became the best team in Europe, and they were feckin brilliant to watch. But they still didn't win the CL every year, and they didn't win Serie A every year. They did dominate both competitions though, and then someone else came along that was better. How exactly is that a bad thing?

I've heard all the 'doomed' stuff time and time again, and every time I hear it, it's followed up with 'but this time it's really different'. You know what will happen... Madrid will win a couple of CLs over the next 5 years. They'll win 3 or 4 La Ligas. And then someone else will come along, and we'll be having this same conversation about another team.

And everyone will panic, just like the last time, and the time before that.

I wouldn't be suprised if it went pear-shaped but they are entitled to try it

Madrid built up their original success this way too football has been like this for years

and the Champions league format is excellent IMO, the only thing i would change is maybe tighten up entry a bit but that's happening this season

[STEVIEG]

what thread is this?



http://www.peoplesrepublico fcork.com/~peoplesr/forums/showthread.php?t=160 230&highlight=crude+maga zine

[marco 2005]

http://www.peoplesrepublico fcork.com/~peoplesr/forums/showthread.php?t=160 230&highlight=crude+maga zine

pretty bad alright

[KolaKubes]

I agree

United fans can't complain about this when they would be the first to be gloating if some over expensive mercenary like Kaka arrived for 60 million

Kaka'd be a fantastic signing.

Not at £60m though.

I don't remember "gloating" over the signing of Berbatov last summer at £30m. Give me the development of Evans, Macheda's matchwinning strikes, Welbeck's debut goal against Stoke etc.

Hell, even Pique's performance in the final was gladdening.

Buying in players at big money only proves you've got a lot of money.
It says nothing about the respective merits of the clubs.

I'm delighted Utd got £80m for Ronaldo in the middle of a global recession.
Barcelona should still win La Liga next year. This is going to be great.

[daithi81]

Stevie = rattled

[STEVIEG]

Stevie = rattled

You are in the wrong place here

Go crying to admin there why don't ya