I voted Bayern because: 1:They will be desperate to make up for their disappointing showing in this years competition. 2:I support them and my heart and head says they'll win.
The Champions League will be a little weaker than previous years with the absence of two regular quarter finalists Barcelona and Valencia. As Spanish teams seem to be the nemesis of English clubs perhaps we will see more of them in the latter stages.
2003/04 CL predictions Let's take a look at the field. Munich are a joke and proved that to everyone last season, they will most definitely be hungrier but who isn't to win club soccer's biggest trophy. I love Arsenal with all my heart but I can't see them winning it just yet, but then again you never know. I'm not saying much about Madrid and Juve for i expect them in the final four, any of those two winning will bring a smile to my face. Inter will definitely not be holding the trophy, they need some heart. Look at the 2nd leg semi against Milan. They didn't start trying until Obafemi Martins scored late in the second half. Man U should never be discounted especially with the way Van Nistelrooy is performing. If they happen to acquire little Ron that could make for a dynamic duo. If AC pull it off again i'll put off futbol for a year. I can't stand AC and especially Inzaghi the penalty box poacher. Ajax were the surprise team last year, but I still think they need a little more experience before they can reclaim their glory days. Lastly Sociedad. They've done extremely well in La Liga but how well can they hold up against Europe's top teams is something I can't wait to see. They lack experience in the CL and could be overwhelmed. i expect them to get past the 1st group stage. Any further I can't really see. There are also a ton of other great teams out there such as Chelsea, Porto, Deportivo, etc. These are just my opinions and i could be totally wrong for all I know. i guess the only way to really know is to wait and see. Forza Juve and Hala Madrid!
That's always what these threads turn into anyway. Besdies, anyone attempting to be rational about this would probably want to wait until the transfer silly season is over before making any picks.
I hate to say this but I reckon the SCUM will win it......Obviously the SCUM is Manchester United. Although if Arsenal manage to get themselves a decent centre half (i.e not Pascal Cygan), a good goalkeper and Harry Kewell then we be in with a good cance. Arsenal really frustrate me in europe because on their day they can spank anyone. We can also be dog shite an take a spanking. Arsenal just need consistancy.
As long as Real Madrid doesn't win I am happy. I have nothing against the good citizens of Madrid, but this club is now holding so much power, talent and cash that to me they are like the Empire in Star Wars. I would really like someone to outdo them just like Juventus and Milan did this year based on good honest teamwork. My pick for next year would be Inter. But this is purely b/c of my own bias of "your favorite big team". It appears there will be an even bigger Turkish contingent playing there next year if transfer rumors are to be believed.
I have nothing against you, but I, as Madrid supporter, have a legitimate interest in my team being the best of all. If your favourite team were in a dominating position, would you like not to try to have the best players?
DC UNITED!!!! just kidding...sucks that Barcelona won't be there because Saviola is exciting to watch....AC Milan is boring and I hope they don't win it again....Real Madrid is an all star team but my vote goes to Ajax Amsterdam as long as they don't lose any of their big name players. They are young, hungry and won't have as much pressure on them compared to the other big teams from the big Euro leagues.
Yes, and? What has this to do with what puma128 said? He wasn't critizicing Beckham's signing, but that a single club held that much talnet, cash, etc... If you ask me, I'll tell you I'm not thrilled with this Beckham thing.
So clearly he was the 'best' player to get, because his transfer means Madrid will have more moolah in the future to buy the other 'best' players.
Yes, but in the meantime Real will continue to lose to sides with even the least bit of tactical balance. I personally think Juventus will win it next season, because they played half the season last year without Del Piero, Trezeguet and other players who were injured for long stretches yet still won the Scudetto and proceeded to the Champions League Final. They have remarkable mental toughness.
Oh yeah, because that Bayern vs. Valencia final was awesome! I just want the final to be a bit more exciting, whoever it is that plays in it. I think Milan will make another run at it, although I think Juve will do much better in a final if they have Nedved, even if they do still have Trezeguet. Unless Real buys a defender pretty soon, I don't think they have a chance of winning.