pash

There were many years where Karagounis was widely panned, especially on the gs.com forums. This is nothing new. "The dreaded KKM midfield" was a topic of much discussion for a long time; unfortunately, once a player retires, we treat his memory like that of a dead person - he is somehow unimpeachable. I don't particularly care if Holebas was kept out because of Kara, or if he even has that kind of influence. My feelings on him were solidified while he was still an active player, and has little to do with these events. Since we now are awful, there is plenty of blame to go around for recent results, at any rate.

Welcome! And yes, agreed on all points. Although it should be an easy match!

I find it interesting how our opinions of Karagounis sway every six months or so. I feel that he should have retired after the 2010 WC, as he clearly did not have the legs after. It's nice to cheer on his passion and so on, and I kinda-sorta got a bit misty after this last Cup, but we should never forget that his performances (and presence) have held us back time and again. As a PAOK fan, I've seen what happens when a former player takes over this kind of decision making. And I can see it all happening again now.

Don't worry, he'll be out in six months anyway.

You also look like a penis.

I guess I'm just letting myself get confused by the timing! I will now apply to every match you are going to, but not in a creepy way.

Today's big news - the IMF has walked away from the talks. Tick tock. 19 days left, right?

It looks like the UEFA ticket application site is now live for the Euro. Isn't it a bit odd that we can apply for specific games without knowing who's playing where?

If he got injured while training with the NT, why would he be in the doghouse?

If Fortounis is out, it's a shame, but this vastly increases the chances of Ninis making an appearance.

I doubt Kone would be playing as a DM. He'll probably be played right in the center, while Lazaros (or Fetfa, or Fortounis) would be right behind Mitroglou. -Karnezis- -Torosidis-Manolas-Sokratis-Stafylidis- -Samaris- -Kone- -Fetfa-Lazaros-Fortounis- -Mitroglou- This, my sweet ofis, would be my ideal lineup, especially since Lazaros and Kone seem to be pretty out of form.

So even more reason not to get him! If he can fail with a team like Schalke, what hope do we have with him at PAOK's helm?

I have a knack for googling things in the most roundabout way possible. "ok google give me uefa ranks or something + wags"

That would be an absolute shock. Would also prefer someone who has something to prove. Di Matteo just screams to me "Ranieri"

Seems odd that Ninis would be left out. But if one of Kone or Lazaros doesn't show up (which is almost inevitable), then at least he's an option off the bench.

I'd be happy FI had to forfeit because half their team got lost in the belly of a North Sea sea monster. Just give me the win.

Akrivws...einai para polu shmantiko (and not just so we can watch more matches). Den mporeis na xtiseis kati otan den uparxoun agwnes - and isn't building something, the point? As far as I'm concerned, we really need to make it to the group stages. Dutch Eagle, I was just looking for that site the other day, thank you for posting it again!

That's true, it's just hard to think that things will truly change and that we'll suddenly enter a promised land. One can hope though.

Our rebuilding seems to start anew each year. I can handle a defeat every few games if it means we pick a plan and stick with it. I can't wait to see what the rumors about Frankie are going to be about when they begin. Maybe incest? Alcoholic? Spat on the Parthenon?

Never doubt the power of Karagounis.

Hellas Verona is not a wealthy club. Transfermarkt lists their players' total market value at 38.5mm, and he's third in that list. I don't know what their budget is, but 2.5mm on what looks to me to be an average player - one who still needs a lot of development time - might be more than they can stomach.

I keep hoping my team keeps its manager for more than half a season. It makes me feel oh so slightly better that the grass isn't greener on the other side, Chairman. Rodgers keeping his job for so long is inexplicable.

I like Kone, but I really think that form should play a big part of who gets selected. 1789's list seems like the best option for us. And most realistic, since Katsouranis will inevitably play. Karnezis Torosidis---Manolas---Sokratis---Stafyllidis Samaris---Katsouranis Fetfatzidis---Ninis---Karelis Mitroglou Fortounis in for Karelis sounds like a good move to me as well. Perhaps Moras over Katsouranis?

That's true, it'll be tough to be ready to play even a minnow if the team meets each other for the first time on the flight there. I could see Rat and Noboa being given the boot, although I'm not entirely happy about it. Rat had a big dropoff between the two halves of the season. It seems we can only ever extract three or four good months out of any particular player, which is frustrating. Noboa is class, but I honestly think he's just a shadow of Natcho, who I don't believe cost all that much more. I don't mind Tzavellas's skill level, LB-wise, but his attitude (and multiple coach's insistence on playing him as CB) mean he absolutely needs to go. I was trying to figure out Jacobo's status the other day - I thought his contract was up with this season anyway? Blackhawk, any idea which young players Frankie thinks look good? I'm going to guess Konstantinidis, Koulouris, and Pozoglou. Unless this is a reference to our actual youth squads?

Very crafty. If Lucas's only issue is that he wasn't impressed by the teammates he would be working with, than I could see - maybe - him being happy with the situation last year. Assuming we actually make some serious moves. Anyone else have a dozen they think will be cut?