Official Premiership 2008/09 thread

[therockbox]

Because we don't have a thread for the Bundesliga, I'll put this here:

Bayern Munich coach Jurgen Klinsmann has been sacked after only eight months in charge at the Allianz Arena.

The German giants lost 1-0 to Schalke on Saturday, a result that leaves them third in the league and in danger of missing Champions League qualification.

Bayern also crashed out of Europe at the quarter-final stage of this year's Champions League after an emphatic 5-1 aggregate defeat by Barcelona.

Former coach Jupp Heynckes will take charge for the remainder of the season.

"We did not come to this decision lightly," club chairman Karl-Heinze Rummenigge said in a statement.

"But the results of the past weeks, the way in which they came about and above all, the situation we find ourselves in five games before the end of the season forced us to act out of a sense of responsibility to the club."

Klinsmann reacted to his sacking by thanked the club's fans and employees for "an eventful time".

"Of course, I am very disappointed at the moment. We have laid the foundation for the future," he said.

"I still believe that this team can become German champions this season."

The club website stated that the decision had been taken as a result of the board's concern that the club "may not achieve its minimum targets for the season".

Klinsmann had returned to the club he represented as a player, tasked with restoring them as a force in Europe - his coaching reputation established by Germany's impressive World Cup campaign in 2006 where he guided them to the semi-finals before being beaten by eventual winners Italy.

He had been criticised before the tournament for his insistence on dividing his time between his homeland and the USA, where he was impressed by the psychological preparation undergone by athletes.

But his unorthodox training methods failed to win over either the fans or the Bayern hierarchy as the side struggled in the defence of its Bundesliga title, despite some solid European form.

Heynckes, who has guided Bayern to two league titles in the past and has also coached Borussia Moenchengladbach and Real Madrid, will be assisted by current reserve team coach Hermann Gerland.

News of Klinsmann's departure, along with his assistants Martin Vasquez and Nick Theslof, came following reports that the club had approached Arsenal to enquire about the availability of manager Arsene Wenger.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8020338.stm

And to think if Tom Hicks had had his way this guy would've replaced Rafa.

[9 to 5]

No offense Ben but I really hope your lot lose.

[Ben E.]

None taken, haha. It's football, that's what it's about.

Admittedly I don't take much notice of Leagues outside of England, but has Klinsmann been that bad? Bayern are third, but they're only a win away from tied first. That said, their team is stacked with talent and they would have spent a lot of money bringing in the likes of Ribery and Toni. I guess I'm not a fan of getting rid of a manager late on in a season.

[9 to 5]

They expected to walk the league and now they may not get into the CL. For Bayern, that would be unthinkable stuff.

[IAceI]

Come on Pompey. Lets get Newcastle cut loose because I've been saying now, we aren't staying up because we're too good. We're going down because the rest are too bad, at the minute we're a bad, bad team but I think West Brom, Newcastle, Boro and Hull are all worse at the minute. So lets hope that keeps us up.

[Darloboy]

Hope Portsmouth win tonight, I don't usually wish ill on clubs but I think I may actually die laughing if Newcastle go down.

[Dont Fear The Reaper]

are Newcastle seriously having some bloke to sing Blaydon Races?

[Darloboy]

Who the fucking hell is that clown singing on the pitch? Good grief.

[hugobomb]

:@

Good save.

You stole Johnny's line

Clearly the line is there only as a helpful suggestion. Fergie told the linesman that in his opinion the line had been painted too far forward and the linesman accepted this.

Clearly.

[Matt]

To be honest, this is the one anti-Utd thing I can't comment on since last year the ball was actually grounded about 18 inches behind the line at Elland Road and Casper Ankergren did a terrible job of pretending it never crossed yet the linesman and ref didn't give it...

[Dont Fear The Reaper]

Got a feeling tonights game is going to be a complete and utter borefest. The only reason im watching is for the chance of watching Newcastles season getting worse

[Crybaby Bunting]

Is it going to go the same way as every other 'must win' Newcastle game?

"Come on lads, everyone's counting on us to win"

*Newcastle draw/lose in a horrible/boring match*

[Dont Fear The Reaper]

Jose Enqrique and Butt both Injured?

[Matt]

Yes, hopefully.

Edit; No, Butt's back on.

Edited April 27, 2009 by Footjob Fever

[Dont Fear The Reaper]

I give Butt another 10 mins on the pitch ¬_¬

[Matt]

Has Smith scored yet for Newcastle?

[Dont Fear The Reaper]

Nope

[hugobomb]

no, he's scoreless in 39 games for Newcastle. In fact he's only scored 45 goals in 272 games in his career, not great for a striker, but he does play a lot in midfield these days.

[Matt]

His assists and link up play were always more valuable than his goals, probably why he's been converted to midfield (that and he just runs all the time)

[Matt]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5248505,00.html

Jermaine, just so you know, I'll explain on your behalf.