2024/2025 International Club Football Thread

[Locke]

Al Hilal announced on Monday that they had reached an agreement with Neymar to terminate his contract and open the door for the Brazil international to return to Santos.

The Saudi Pro League club said on social media that the two sides had agreed to mutually part ways and wished Neymar luck in his future.

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/...ad-santos-move

And another one bites the dust. I think these guys saw the dollar signs but didnt realize what playing and living in Saudi Arabia would be like.

[devo22]

during the last 18 months, Neymar fathered more children (3) than scored goals (2). Impressive.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by devo22

during the last 18 months, Neymar fathered more children (3) than scored goals (2). Impressive.

And all that on a busted ACL...Impressive indeed.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Locke

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/...ad-santos-move

And another one bites the dust. I think these guys saw the dollar signs but didnt realize what playing and living in Saudi Arabia would be like.

Al Hilal are in the World Club Cup. Opens the door for them to get Ronaldo!

[CroFlames]

Dinamo leading 1-0 early vs Milan. The points would get them into a playoff for knockouts

[Locke]

Gakpo scores against PSV.

[devo22]

Niko Kovac apparently taking over in Dortmund. And so the decline continues

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by devo22

Niko Kovac apparently taking over in Dortmund. And so the decline continues

He was a better player than he was a coach I think. He's not the answer at BVB.

Still dapper AF in his mid 50s though.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by devo22

Niko Kovac apparently taking over in Dortmund. And so the decline continues

Theres all kinds of crap out there about Kovac, including that he's being interviewed for the as-yet-unavailable Tottenham job...

[Locke]

Originally Posted by devo22

Niko Kovac apparently taking over in Dortmund. And so the decline continues

Ummm...

Amid a lackluster season there is growing frustration among fans over the performance of head coach Postecoglou and rumours about his potential replacement have been circulating.

https://www.news18.com/football/niko...s-9206789.html

Last Updated: January 30, 2025, 04:30 IST

[CroFlames]

Milan down to 10 men after about 100 yellows in the first half already. Dream is alive.

[Senator Clay Davis]

City heading out in the group stage would surely be one of the most embarrassing things in CL history. Especially with the new format designed to protect teams like them.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Milan down to 10 men after about 100 yellows in the first half already. Dream is alive.

Those cards are flying thick and fast today!

[devo22]

they'll still make it somehow, but the fact that City are that close to actually crashing out is embarrassing. Especially in this format.

[Senator Clay Davis]

I don't think they will make it. They have zero shots on target and Brugge are surely going full bus now. And with how open City have been all year to counters and breaks it might be more likely Brugge score next than City.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by devo22

they'll still make it somehow, but the fact that City are that close to actually crashing out is embarrassing. Especially in this format.

I gotta say, I'm not really too sure what to think of this format.

For instance, right now Liverpool are losing 3-2 to PSV after the first half. But its almost entirely the Reserves.

There are 2 mainstay first-team players in Gakpo and Robertson, and even they've been subs lately, a case could be made for Tsimikas and there are no first-team players on the bench.

I'd be pissed if I paid to watch this match.

[devo22]

if all else fails, they'll be handed a lifeline. "Questionable" penalty decision incoming if they are still down with a few minutes to go.

[CroFlames]

I'm gonna go ahead and need City to lose here OK. That would be great.

[devo22]

Originally Posted by Locke

I gotta say, I'm not really too sure what to think of this format.

For instance, right now Liverpool are losing 3-2 to PSV after the first half. But its almost entirely the Reserves.

There are 2 mainstay first-team players in Gakpo and Robertson, and even they've been subs lately, a case could be made for Tsimikas and there are no first-team players on the bench.

I'd be pissed if I paid to watch this match.

regularly happened in the old format too though. Top teams cruising through their group could easily afford to field a B team in their last group game.

[Senator Clay Davis]

New format is more about getting more big teams in and protecting them from risk. Unless Man City got the easiest group ever they'd be in worse trouble in the old format, likely already out. Their form has been abysmal regardless of opposition.