European Football Thread

[Lineker]

Real Madrid have been disqualified from the Copa del Rey over fielding an ineligible player during the victory over Cádiz on Wednesday, according to reports in Spain.

Denis Cheryshev, who scored the opening goal in the 3-1 win, should have been suspended after he received three yellow cards in the competition for Villarreal last season.

Cheryshev was withdrawn from the action moments after half-time, when Real had realised their error, with the head coach, Rafael Benítez, saying they wanted to “show good faith”.

[FestiveJack]

I'd imagine Real have already filed an appeal.

[Lineker]

Players in Greece are to go on strike indefinitely from next week, the Greek Professional Soccer Players' Association (PSAP) say.

The Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) and top two leagues -- The Super League and The Football League -- have failed to keep to an agreement made two years ago to create a special relief fund to compensate players who have been released by financially-troubled teams, PSAP said in a statement. 

The strike action will begin with the Greek Cup third round matches from 15-17 December and continue with the next rounds of Super League and second division which are scheduled to take place from 19-21 December.

[Baddar]

Just got done watching the Valencia match from earlier today, because Gary Neville, of course. Although in truth, I have always been fond of them.

Ended up drawing 1-1 with Eibar, but played very poorly throughout. It wasn't helped by a bullshit red card for Orban early in the 2nd half. 

[Lineker]

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola says he will give "clarity" on his future at the Bundesliga champions next week.

Litex Lovech have been expelled from the Bulgarian league after their players walked off the pitch in protest over the referee's decisions in Saturday's match against Levski Sofia.

Litex led 1-0 against Levski but their players left the field after a second red card and a penalty against them.

Litex have also been fined 20,000 Levs (£7,434).

"It was the only possible decision," said Bulgarian Football Union disciplinary chairman Yuri Kuchev.

Litex have been one of most successful clubs in Bulgaria over the last two decades, winning four league titles and four domestic cups since 1998.

Bulgarian champions Ludogorets, who currently top the Bulgarian A Football Group table, have said they could quit the league after claiming that referees are favouring title rivals, Levski.

Levski are set to be handed a 3-0 win for Saturday's abandoned game with Litex, which would draw them level at the top.

[Lineker]

 

[stokeriño]

Damn it Carlo, why must you keep moving to these big powerhouse clubs and forcing me to like them?

[TCO]

It's still baffling that Real got rid of him for Rafa Benitez of all people.

[Lineker]

Pep out, Carlo in for Bayern next season is confirmed. 

[stokeriño]

So which Manchester club will Pep be rocking up to next summer?

[FestiveJack]

Fuck it, as much as I don't like Pep, at least we'd be playing attacking football. Break the bank to get him in.

[Baddar]

Surely Chelsea will be trying too? They do have a vacancy, after all. I think he'll end up there. 

[Colly]

Swansea.

[Sam]

Could Arsene call it a day this season if he wins the league? Arsenal would be the perfect club for Pep to take over.

[stokeriño]

13 minutes ago, Baddar said:

Surely Chelsea will be trying too? They do have a vacancy, after all. I think he'll end up there. 

People are talking of Pep or Simeone but I sense it won't be either of them. Maybe we'll end up getting an international manager after the Euros (Conte?) - you know, just to continue mimicking our past choices after Jose's first departure (i.e. Scolari) as much as possible.

Plus since at this exact moment Chelsea is likely the more 'difficult' job in comparison to City or United, I doubt Pep would be interested.  

[Baddar]

I wonder what odds the bookies are offering on a(nother) Jose return once the season is finished. 

This was meant to be jokey but who fucking knows these days.

[TCO]

Pep is surely too clever to go to Man Utd. If he tried to play the way he does with a team of that quality, he'd get demolished.

It has to be Chelsea or City surely.

[stokeriño]

He said the other day (when asked, obviously) that Chelsea need 10 new players. I'm not sure he thinks much of our quality either.  

[Gazz]

Pep only takes managerial jobs at the club that is already the best in the world.

[stokeriño]

Pep to Leicester?