: Tue May 26, 2009 8:00 pm  

Asim wrote:

Always makes me laugh the Barca love-in, it's funny how people who claim to admire their "regionalism" and ethics so much don't profess to be Athletic Bilbao fans, then again Athletic don't win much do they?

Don't kid yourselves about the shirt sponsorship situation either, if it wasn't for the way TV rights are sold in Spain (individual clubs rather than a joint deal) they wouldn't have such a financial advantage over everyone except Real Madrid and it would soon change, having Unicef is just a way of preparing their fans for sponsors logos on the shirts full-time anyway. Of course they are quick to close ranks with their hated rivals whenever changes are suggested, and threaten a breakaway European league if the duopoly is threatened.

Anyway I'm sure the powers that be are delighted to be selling shirts to proud Catalans supporting their club in China, Australia and JJB's all over the UK while watching brave Catalan warriors like Alves, Eto, Henry and Messi doing their stuff on the pitch.

The more than a club thing is just another marketing gimmick for the suckers to swallow, it's almost as cringeworthy as Bradford Bulls "the peoples team" offering.

worst post of the year

: Tue May 26, 2009 8:03 pm  

Lord God Jose Mourinho wrote:

Barcelona's claims to be "more than a club" are similar to the geordies with their claims to be different to everyone else.

To do with almost everything EXCEPT football. Try doing a bit of research before you pour out that gash.

: Tue May 26, 2009 8:14 pm  

Asim wrote:

Always makes me laugh the Barca love-in, it's funny how people who claim to admire their "regionalism" and ethics so much don't profess to be Athletic Bilbao fans, then again Athletic don't win much do they?

Don't kid yourselves about the shirt sponsorship situation either, if it wasn't for the way TV rights are sold in Spain (individual clubs rather than a joint deal) they wouldn't have such a financial advantage over everyone except Real Madrid and it would soon change, having Unicef is just a way of preparing their fans for sponsors logos on the shirts full-time anyway. Of course they are quick to close ranks with their hated rivals whenever changes are suggested, and threaten a breakaway European league if the duopoly is threatened.

Anyway I'm sure the powers that be are delighted to be selling shirts to proud Catalans supporting their club in China, Australia and JJB's all over the UK while watching brave Catalan warriors like Alves, Eto, Henry and Messi doing their stuff on the pitch.

The more than a club thing is just another marketing gimmick for the suckers to swallow, it's almost as cringeworthy as Bradford Bulls "the peoples team" offering.

I take it you've got some sort of chip on your shoulder regarding Barcelona then, I think I remember you saying something about this on the La Liga thread.

First of all I'm a big admirer of the continuing philosophy of Athletic Bilbao to select only Basque born players, even when it basically precludes them from winning major titles in modern day football.

OK, but Barca have still never had a shirt sponsor until now, and its better for them to pay UNICEF than say Manchester United with AIG, which has become a by-word for capitalist greed.

The heart of the club is Catalan with Valdes, Pique, Puyol, Busquets and Xavi. Yes thats five Catalans expected to be in the starting XI for tomorrow's Champions League final. I'm sure Laporta and the board are delighted at the clubs commercial success, why should the club not want to make money in this day and age, especially when saddled with the debts of the previous regime.

Mes Que un Club sums Barca up for me. They were always a beacon of hope for the Catalan people during the oppressive years of the Franco regime. The Nou Camp for example was pretty much the only place where Catalan could be spoken without reprisals, and each victory over Franco FC (Real Madrid) made their plight a little more sufferable. Nowadays, while the country may be fully democratic, Barca remain a symbol of Catalan nationalism.

When the Glazers were taking over Man United their fans had all the Not for $ale banners etc. Thats what Barca are, a club in essence owned and run by its members.

I don't really see what's not to like about them TBH.

: Tue May 26, 2009 8:17 pm  

FireWire wrote:

I take it you've got some sort of chip on your shoulder regarding Barcelona then, I think I remember you saying something about this on the La Liga thread.

First of all I'm a big admirer of the continuing philosophy of Athletic Bilbao to select only Basque born players, even when it basically precludes them from winning major titles in modern day football.

OK, but Barca have still never had a shirt sponsor until now, and its better for them to pay UNICEF than say Manchester United with AIG, which has become a by-word for capitalist greed.

The heart of the club is Catalan with Valdes, Pique, Puyol, Busquets and Xavi.

Bojan on bench and don't forget the manager and assistant.

FireWire wrote:

Yes thats five Catalans expected to be in the starting XI for tomorrow's Champions League final. I'm sure Laporta and the board are delighted at the clubs commercial success, why should the club not want to make money in this day and age, especially when saddled with the debts of the previous regime.

Mes Que un Club sums Barca up for me. They were always a beacon of hope for the Catalan people during the oppressive years of the Franco regime. The Nou Camp for example was pretty much the only place where Catalan could be spoken without reprisals, and each victory over Franco FC (Real Madrid) made their plight a little more sufferable. Nowadays, while the country may be fully democratic, Barca remain a symbol of Catalan nationalism.

When the Glazers were taking over Man United their fans had all the Not for $ale banners etc. Thats what Barca are, a club in essence owned and run by its members.

I don't really see what's not to like about them TBH.

one of the best posts of the year on this thread

: Tue May 26, 2009 8:26 pm  

Owen Coyle for the Celtic job? Something not right about a Catholic club trying to install a Coyle.

: Tue May 26, 2009 8:27 pm  

Sunderland 'want Bruce as boss'

Sunderland 'want Bruce as boss'

: Tue May 26, 2009 8:35 pm  

FireWire wrote:

I take it you've got some sort of chip on your shoulder regarding Barcelona then, I think I remember you saying something about this on the La Liga thread.

First of all I'm a big admirer of the continuing philosophy of Athletic Bilbao to select only Basque born players, even when it basically precludes them from winning major titles in modern day football.

OK, but Barca have still never had a shirt sponsor until now, and its better for them to pay UNICEF than say Manchester United with AIG, which has become a by-word for capitalist greed.

The heart of the club is Catalan with Valdes, Pique, Puyol, Busquets and Xavi. Yes thats five Catalans expected to be in the starting XI for tomorrow's Champions League final. I'm sure Laporta and the board are delighted at the clubs commercial success, why should the club not want to make money in this day and age, especially when saddled with the debts of the previous regime.

Mes Que un Club sums Barca up for me. They were always a beacon of hope for the Catalan people during the oppressive years of the Franco regime. The Nou Camp for example was pretty much the only place where Catalan could be spoken without reprisals, and each victory over Franco FC (Real Madrid) made their plight a little more sufferable. Nowadays, while the country may be fully democratic, Barca remain a symbol of Catalan nationalism.

When the Glazers were taking over Man United their fans had all the Not for $ale banners etc. Thats what Barca are, a club in essence owned and run by its members.

I don't really see what's not to like about them TBH.

Thanks for the history lesson, there's no doubt Barcelona have some very good players, a brilliant style of football and are a successful global brand, trading largely off the back that is seen as trendy to follow them.

Go to Barcelona and Catalonia, and Bilbao and the Basque Country wander round and go watch some football there, then tell me who really represents their region, and people who suffered through the civil war and dictatorship, as a football club. Barcelona doesn't even come close to Bilbao in that respect, but they don't win much nowadays so they are not quite as trendy to follow.

: Tue May 26, 2009 8:38 pm  

Asim wrote:

Go to Barcelona and Catalonia, and Bilbao and the Basque Country wander round and go watch some football there, then tell me who really represents their region, and people who suffered through the civil war and dictatorship, as a football club. Barcelona doesn't even come close to Bilbao in that respect, but they don't win much nowadays so they are not quite as trendy to follow.

As someone who lives in Catalonia and has been to Bilbao I can soundly say you're miles off.
That bad experience in Catalonia must have really affected you. Looks like it goes deep

: Tue May 26, 2009 8:41 pm  

Mike Ashley has issued a statement apologising for all his mistakes that he has made.

Good for him to apologise, but a bit too late.

: Tue May 26, 2009 8:50 pm  

Catalancs wrote:

As someone who lives in Catalonia and has been to Bilbao I can soundly say you're miles off.
That bad experience in Catalonia must have really affected you. Looks like it goes deep

I've spent plenty of time in both.

I've never seen a city where the streets are dead because their team is playing like Bilbao, I've never been in a city where just about every shop, bar and household has some sort of flag, pennant etc regarding their team on display.

You can't whore yourself around the world then claim some great regional ethos, not without being hypocritical, but thats the people of Barcelona all over, they're not Spanish - until Spain win the Euros, then they're out on the streets.

Barcelona sympathisers like to play the victim and underdog, but it is they (along with Real) who are largely responsible for preventing a more even playing field in Spanish Football

They are the Scousers of Spain with their self-pitying, hypocritical attitudes.