On August 22 2014 01:28 Rokomish wrote:
I certainly understand why some people (justifiably) hate Balo, but I freaking love the guy. He was sensational in his first six months in Milan, and still above average on a sinking ship last season. He was scapegoated for Italy's WC exit, but really wasn't any worse than the rest of the squad.

This Liverpool switch could be a stroke of genius (if it indeed goes through). Italy, especially Milan right now, is toxic for him. In England, at least he doesn't have to be the symbol of an entire anti-racist movement.

Also, I have an as yet un-numbered Liverpool kit from the Chicago preseason game this summer. Time to become "that d-bag who already has a Liverpool Balotelli kit within a week of the signing."

you should just do it now so you can be like "i was on the bandwagon BEFORE the bandwagon even happened"

Ferrose

United States11378 Posts

August 21 2014 17:08 GMT

#2363

It's just dumb politics to blame him. In reality the entire team played like shit and that's why they didn't make it out of the group stage.

What Mario needs is a family, someone to love him for who he is and someone who will let him be himself. He's like the basketball player Dennis Rodman. He was a misfit with no future ahead of him, but then he found a team who loved him and embraced him, and he flourished, becoming one of the best players of his era.

He didn't work in Inter and Man City because he's just one of many egos in those clubs. He needs a club where he isn't fighting with all the other stars.

Rokomish

United States68 Posts

August 21 2014 17:48 GMT

#2364

Haha, I like the Rodman comparison (imagine Mario in North Korea...), and I agree with your point. For example, he has been, by and large, extremely successful for the Italian national team for just that reason. I think he truly respects his teammates and the coaching staff, and it shows in his play - especially how hard he works for the team.

Hopefully he finds the same kind of thing with BR and Liverpool. Maybe Sturridge can teach him how to still have personality on and off the pitch without getting into trouble. Seems to have worked (so far) with Sterling.

{CC}StealthBlue

United States41117 Posts

August 21 2014 20:39 GMT

#2365

https://twitter.com/BrianStraus/status/502538093149159424/photo/1

Ysellian

Netherlands9029 Posts

August 21 2014 22:46 GMT

#2366

WTF Howard is on my fantasy league

edit: nvm. completely misread the tweet. Thought it read he was taking a break in the us

Pantagruel

United States1427 Posts

August 22 2014 04:04 GMT

#2367

Unbelievable price for Balotelli in my opinion... 16 million pounds... dirt cheap. It's obviously a bit of a gamble for Liverpool, they might not be able to get the best out of him, but he's undeniably a fantastic footballer on his day. I also think Bredan Rodgers could possibly get the best out of him. I feel like Balotelli is a player who responds better to an arm around the shoulder then a kick in the ass and I think Rodgers always shows his players a lot of loyalty (not that he's a soft touch either) as can be seen with Suarez. Even if it all goes pear-shaped... well it's only 16 million pounds haha... almost peanuts in footballing terms for Liverpool. They've had a damn good summer.

zulu_nation8

China26351 Posts

August 22 2014 06:39 GMT

#2368

holy fuck please just sign Di Maria or stop pursuing, this is the most painful transfer window I can remember. So many links, so few deals, can't keep anything quiet. Where would Di Maria play anyway? He would be wasted as a wingback in 3-5-2, if he plays the Robben position during WC then he's taking Rooney's role. Defensive cover is the most important concern right now, spend all the Di Maria money on paying Benatia pls.

zeo

Serbia6298 Posts

August 22 2014 07:00 GMT

#2369

Yeah, 16 million pounds is a bit on the low side (in todays market). But Mario will have an insane weekly wage that will more than make up for it.

lprk

Poland2249 Posts

August 22 2014 07:08 GMT

#2370

90k, not that insane considering United paying Nani 120k per week to play for other team.

MaZza[KIS]

Australia2110 Posts

August 22 2014 07:15 GMT

#2371

On August 22 2014 16:00 zeo wrote:
Yeah, 16 million pounds is a bit on the low side (in todays market). But Mario will have an insane weekly wage that will more than make up for it.

Doubt he'll get more than 100-150k a week.

EDIT: Oops, comment above.

Yea, $90K a week is nothing considering newcastle united had an average $100K a week salary (for their first team squad) when they got relegated to the championship.

lprk

Poland2249 Posts

August 22 2014 07:53 GMT

#2372

On August 22 2014 15:39 zulu_nation8 wrote:
holy fuck please just sign Di Maria or stop pursuing, this is the most painful transfer window I can remember. So many links, so few deals, can't keep anything quiet. Where would Di Maria play anyway? He would be wasted as a wingback in 3-5-2, if he plays the Robben position during WC then he's taking Rooney's role. Defensive cover is the most important concern right now, spend all the Di Maria money on paying Benatia pls.

Do you really expect that mid table team without CL and already bad start of the season is primary option for them when they have offers from Bayer or PSG. On top of that Jones just got contract offer with wage rise so buying another defender seems less likely.

zulu_nation8

China26351 Posts

August 22 2014 07:58 GMT

#2373

I dont think Di Maria, being the CL MoM would go to a team not in europe, so it makes me wonder why he is linked at all. Jones is not a convincing defender, too many lapses in concentration, the need for a real leader and a rock in central defense is apparent.

lprk

Poland2249 Posts

August 22 2014 08:07 GMT

#2374

Apart from PSG there was no other CL club linked to di Maria, and there rumours of loan to PSG to avoid FFP calmed down recently and both Lavezzi and Cavani are available to according to many articles, so if Real and PSG cannot agree on the loan terms and PSG need to offload someone but they won't manage to do it before window closes playing in ManU is probably a better option than sitting on RM bench.

smr

Germany4808 Posts

August 22 2014 08:57 GMT

#2375

F* this. Wanted to make my Bundesliga power rank prediction thingie in a few words and misclicked to close the tab. Noob mistake. I'm stupid.

warding

Portugal2394 Posts

August 22 2014 12:05 GMT

#2376

I'm a Benfica fan and I've got to say that Porto's Ruben Neves is going to be huge. It's been rare to see Portuguese players break out in the top teams at 17 but this guy plays with a lot of maturity already.

nitram

Canada5412 Posts

August 22 2014 12:06 GMT

#2377

On August 22 2014 17:57 smr wrote:
F* this. Wanted to make my Bundesliga power rank prediction thingie in a few words and misclicked to close the tab. Noob mistake. I'm stupid.

Go to history and reopen tab?

Pandemona

Charlie Sheens House51490 Posts

August 22 2014 12:12 GMT

#2378

I had same issue with a blog post Nitram, i spoke with R1CH about it and he said the website doesn't keep post history like that. So as soon as you close a tab or press refresh you will lose your post.
Best way to avoid this is, if your making a big post is to write it in word/notepad first then copy it across

I learnt the hard way too smr t.t
Had a 4,000 word blog wiped from brazil trip LOL