The Soccer Thread (Version 10)

Speaking of TV deals ...

ESPN officially announces Bundesliga ESPN+ deal, reportedly paying $30 million per year

 

Putting the interest (and money) of potential Chinese fans and investors over that of those who show up week after week, year after year most likely. La Liga also moves kickoff times to play to the Chinese market, while Portugal (sponsorship deal with the second division included clubs having to field at least one Chinese player) and Germany (letting China's U-20 team play in a lower league) have had half-baked schemes to generate Chinese interest that quickly fell flat. Fans feel like their clubs and leagues are so hooked on chasing new money they're taking for granted those who already support their clubs and provide the atmosphere that is then packaged and sold by the league. Gosh, that almost sounds familiar....

 

"Play 'La Marseillaise.' Play it!"

 

Spurs-Bayern escalated quickly. The Bayern goals were all superb strikes.

 

Spurs seem to be a hot mess right now. In all competitions.

 

Yep.

Inside Tottenham's collapse: Tensions grow as players question Pochettino's tactics

 

Pulisic in street clothes today for Chelsea ... <sigh>

 

That Lloris injury looked ugly.

 

Not a dive but went over easy. I’ll take it.

 

That was South American level of exaggeration by Mane, but it’s only a dive if they call it.

 

A dive implies no contact. There was definitely contact.

 

Watford now on pace for 13 points this season, which is Huddersfield level bad. This is not promising.