I was up last night to catch some Champions League action and i flipped between Celtic vs Manchester United and Real Madrid vs Juventus. I noticed a stark difference between their styles of play and it is this difference that resulted in 3 of the 4 semi-finalists in the same competition last year to be English. The modern game is characterized by pace and the tempo which the team is capable of playing at. The faster and higher tempo u can play in, and the longer you can keep that up, the better team you are.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool were, and still are, capable of playing fast-paced games and can keep the tempo up for long periods in the game. The likes of Real Madrid, Juventus and Milan have been left behind in the wake of this revolution for some years now, and have yet to see continental success in the last 5 years. They are languid and pensive in their approach, patiently probing for openings. Although cautious, it is harder to get a result against swifter opponents.
They may have to rethink their strategy in tactics and player recruitment if they were to stay competitve with not just the clubs from England, but also examples like Inter Milan and to a lesser extent, Lyon.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Get off His Back
This is my reponse to the criticism on Robinho's move to Manchester City.
It is ok to argue that he went to City for the money, but to criticize him on the fact that the Sky Blues are too weak a club for him is, in my opinion, disrespectful. What is wrong with a club with ambition? Was not Chelsea in the same boat as City is? Chelsea was only in weak reckoning for a Champions League league finish till they spent 300mil on players. I certainly do not see why Manchester City would not be able to match the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal after spending 300mil.
What is wrong with a little ambition? Shame on those people who argued along those lines! Sour grapes meets ill-logic.
It is ok to argue that he went to City for the money, but to criticize him on the fact that the Sky Blues are too weak a club for him is, in my opinion, disrespectful. What is wrong with a club with ambition? Was not Chelsea in the same boat as City is? Chelsea was only in weak reckoning for a Champions League league finish till they spent 300mil on players. I certainly do not see why Manchester City would not be able to match the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal after spending 300mil.
What is wrong with a little ambition? Shame on those people who argued along those lines! Sour grapes meets ill-logic.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
More on the Sky Blues
There is a lot to be said about the potential new entrant into Champions League football, wresting the power base from the traditional big four we have been so used to for over a decade. There is serious cause for concern as far as Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, even though City's chances may seem vague as of now. Here's why...
1. No Significant Debts
Arsenal has to pay for their new stadium; while Liverpool is looking to build a new one; the Glazers still got countless millions to settle in bank loans they took to buy United over, and maybe the only one without clearcut debts would be Chelsea. As such we saw, and will be seeing, the spending power of City in the years to come. However, to compete with them it would seem inevitable that City upgrade or even build a new stadium and they could possibly face the same problems.
2. Single Owner
The issues we have seen surfaced between Tom Hicks, George Gillett and Benitez is high profile, divisive and highly disruptive. Yes this is just one club of the big four, but the ultimate goal is to just sneak into the top four isn't it? They just need one of them to collaspe. Managerial patience from the Abu Dhabi group has yet been tested but if they can keep things peaceful, it could help the team's cause on the pitch.
3. Ambition
The capture of Robinho is as much a tactical coup as it is a symbolic one. His presence in the Sky Blues could attract other big name players to the club, signifying the ambitions of the club. Big moves are expected from them at the end of this current season. Besides, there is no league with a bigger audience worldwide than the Barclays Premier League.
1. No Significant Debts
Arsenal has to pay for their new stadium; while Liverpool is looking to build a new one; the Glazers still got countless millions to settle in bank loans they took to buy United over, and maybe the only one without clearcut debts would be Chelsea. As such we saw, and will be seeing, the spending power of City in the years to come. However, to compete with them it would seem inevitable that City upgrade or even build a new stadium and they could possibly face the same problems.
2. Single Owner
The issues we have seen surfaced between Tom Hicks, George Gillett and Benitez is high profile, divisive and highly disruptive. Yes this is just one club of the big four, but the ultimate goal is to just sneak into the top four isn't it? They just need one of them to collaspe. Managerial patience from the Abu Dhabi group has yet been tested but if they can keep things peaceful, it could help the team's cause on the pitch.
3. Ambition
The capture of Robinho is as much a tactical coup as it is a symbolic one. His presence in the Sky Blues could attract other big name players to the club, signifying the ambitions of the club. Big moves are expected from them at the end of this current season. Besides, there is no league with a bigger audience worldwide than the Barclays Premier League.
********
The dynamics have shifted as now there are potentially four new fixtures in a season which could determine Champions League football for five clubs instead of four. If Manchester City can put in a strong and consistent foundation, they will benefit from the technical stability and could move on to depose one of the big four. Liverpool and Arsenal are most precarious with the problems they have exhibited, cēterīs paribus. Let's not speak too soon and see whether the moves City makes and their performances on the pitch can bring them in two seasons.
The dynamics have shifted as now there are potentially four new fixtures in a season which could determine Champions League football for five clubs instead of four. If Manchester City can put in a strong and consistent foundation, they will benefit from the technical stability and could move on to depose one of the big four. Liverpool and Arsenal are most precarious with the problems they have exhibited, cēterīs paribus. Let's not speak too soon and see whether the moves City makes and their performances on the pitch can bring them in two seasons.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The Window Closes; Clamped Shut and Stifling
What a crazy night of events for BPL fans. Here’s a recap of the most notable in my opinion.
1. Oil Money for Man C
With money dripping from their nostrils, it was about time the BPL was graced with some oil money from Arabia. What an introduction it was too –a hijacked £32.5m deal for Robinho, with an audacious £135m bid for Cristiano Ronaldo lined up (what a story that would be). This could very well mean another club making an appearance in the Champions League other than the Big Four. Definitely one to keep our eyes and ears out for.
2. Weird Spurs
They now have a decent goalie, a great defensive line-up, a decent midfield and a dismal front-line. This is a complete reversal from the kind of team they were last season. If you look up the word erratic on the dictionary you will see Tottenham Hotspurs beside it. I can’t really see Bent and Pavlyuchenko making big splashes in the league this season, and Ramos is essentially a “cup manager”. A UEFA league placing this season will be an excellent result for them, but they could get more if they can get some rhythm going forward.
3. Messiah Crucified (edited)
After just eight months, barely enough time to prove anything to anyone, Keegan has been sacked. A tad bit unfair to Silver-Hair, who has had his differences with the board over the post-season; and it was ultimately a clash of personalities that led to his dismissal. Perhaps he could take the job of Paul Ince when Blackburn is threatened by relegation twenty matches into the season, or even Ole-Bristles Rafa’s potentially vacant job (who himself has had his fair share of boardroom bust-ups).
Edit: Looks like he was not sacked after all. There is still some justice left in this world. Or so i thought...
* * * * * * * * * *
Money is the name of the game in this era of football and I see no slowing down of it. Titles are beginning to be bought as more and more Abramovic-es pop up. They may say it’s a hobby, but it’s actually big business, and a chance to write your name in popular history. Could this progress happen at the expense of the traditional values associated with sports like excellence, human development and the (mythical) level playing field? The pervasiveness of capitalism and its inherent consequence of stratification strangles sporting tradition. So just make sure you support the right team. If that team you support has billionaire funding (read Chelsea and now Man City), a Prime Minister’s backing (read AC Milan) or a whole city behind them (read Real Madrid) then you are on the right track as long as they got the moolah.
1. Oil Money for Man C
With money dripping from their nostrils, it was about time the BPL was graced with some oil money from Arabia. What an introduction it was too –a hijacked £32.5m deal for Robinho, with an audacious £135m bid for Cristiano Ronaldo lined up (what a story that would be). This could very well mean another club making an appearance in the Champions League other than the Big Four. Definitely one to keep our eyes and ears out for.
2. Weird Spurs
They now have a decent goalie, a great defensive line-up, a decent midfield and a dismal front-line. This is a complete reversal from the kind of team they were last season. If you look up the word erratic on the dictionary you will see Tottenham Hotspurs beside it. I can’t really see Bent and Pavlyuchenko making big splashes in the league this season, and Ramos is essentially a “cup manager”. A UEFA league placing this season will be an excellent result for them, but they could get more if they can get some rhythm going forward.
3. Messiah Crucified (edited)
After just eight months, barely enough time to prove anything to anyone, Keegan has been sacked. A tad bit unfair to Silver-Hair, who has had his differences with the board over the post-season; and it was ultimately a clash of personalities that led to his dismissal. Perhaps he could take the job of Paul Ince when Blackburn is threatened by relegation twenty matches into the season, or even Ole-Bristles Rafa’s potentially vacant job (who himself has had his fair share of boardroom bust-ups).
Edit: Looks like he was not sacked after all. There is still some justice left in this world. Or so i thought...
* * * * * * * * * *
Money is the name of the game in this era of football and I see no slowing down of it. Titles are beginning to be bought as more and more Abramovic-es pop up. They may say it’s a hobby, but it’s actually big business, and a chance to write your name in popular history. Could this progress happen at the expense of the traditional values associated with sports like excellence, human development and the (mythical) level playing field? The pervasiveness of capitalism and its inherent consequence of stratification strangles sporting tradition. So just make sure you support the right team. If that team you support has billionaire funding (read Chelsea and now Man City), a Prime Minister’s backing (read AC Milan) or a whole city behind them (read Real Madrid) then you are on the right track as long as they got the moolah.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Random Laughs
One's Christian Malcolm, finalist in the Men's 200m.
The other's Eddie Murphy.
One used to make people laugh while the other used to win stuff in his college years.
Both are pretty much B-grade now. Your still a legend Eddie.
And yes, that's Colin vs Norbit. Just had to put that.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Some Beginning Thoughts
The first round of games is over and there were few surprises in my opinion. Some comments on my predicted top 6 and other selected teams -
Manchester United
I expect a mediocre season from them for two reasons – Ronaldo will play without putting in the heart and soul we saw him do last season, and the loss of Carlos Quieroz. The need for an out-and-out forward never seem more obvious in a toothless performance against a resurgent Newcastle side. Look out for Fletcher this season as I see him getting more games and making his mark finally as a vastly improved player.
Prediction: 3rd
Arsenal
Of the big four, I once again see Arsenal as the one which would most probably end up the worst. A fourth place finish this season would be a real achievement with the players they have. They really should open themselves for sale so as to free up some funds they desperately need to add some experience to a gutsy but lacking side. Those sorry Gunner fans…
Prediction: 4th or 5th
Liverpool
They may have seemed average against Sunderland, but I think credit has to be given to Keane and the Sunderland side he has put together. If Benitez learns his lesson on rotation, Liverpool would actually have a fantastic chance of challenging for the title this season. Always spending big on overvalued quality, this season was no different as they splashed 20mil on Keane (which I think is a good buy) and Benitez’s annoyance at the board’s lack of support in his chase for Barry (which I see as an absolute waste of money). If Keane and Torres can put together a working partnership, there will be little anyone in the League can do to stop them and finally put some value to the big money transfers.
Prediction: 1st or 2nd
Chelsea
What else to say about Scolari? Many have doubted his credentials when at club level but I tell you now he will bring attacking football that Abramovic has been looking for and Chelsea will produce the goods, IF he is able to keep the massive egos in the team in check. Deco is a brilliant buy and I see him as possibly being the key player this season for Chelsea, unless the other “indian-chiefs” have something to say about that (aka Frank Laanpah and the other mupps).
Prediction: 1st or 2nd
Tottenham
Well well money can’t buy success, or can it. The biggest spenders saw defeat at Teeside and look to let their fans down again, despite spending. I however think they can make a challenge for 4th place this season when Ramos gets it right within a month. The crucial factor here is who they will purchase to replace the impending departure of Berbatov.
Prediction: 4th or 5th
Aston Villa
Martin O’Neil did wonders last season with a paper thin squad and I see him performing miracles again this time round. The impressive duo of Agblonlahor and Young will continue to torment defences with their pace, and if they manage to stay fit, could carry the Villains all the way to Europe on their shoulders.
Prediction: 6th
Possible surprises this season include a resilient Sunderland and Newcastle. Whether the blue side of Manchester sees success this season is entirely dependent on the issues their owner faces in this part of the world. Stoke looks to do a Derby; while Wigan should join them with WBA, Hull and possibly Blackburn, Bolton and Fulham vying for the final relegation spot.
Manchester United
I expect a mediocre season from them for two reasons – Ronaldo will play without putting in the heart and soul we saw him do last season, and the loss of Carlos Quieroz. The need for an out-and-out forward never seem more obvious in a toothless performance against a resurgent Newcastle side. Look out for Fletcher this season as I see him getting more games and making his mark finally as a vastly improved player.
Prediction: 3rd
Arsenal
Of the big four, I once again see Arsenal as the one which would most probably end up the worst. A fourth place finish this season would be a real achievement with the players they have. They really should open themselves for sale so as to free up some funds they desperately need to add some experience to a gutsy but lacking side. Those sorry Gunner fans…
Prediction: 4th or 5th
Liverpool
They may have seemed average against Sunderland, but I think credit has to be given to Keane and the Sunderland side he has put together. If Benitez learns his lesson on rotation, Liverpool would actually have a fantastic chance of challenging for the title this season. Always spending big on overvalued quality, this season was no different as they splashed 20mil on Keane (which I think is a good buy) and Benitez’s annoyance at the board’s lack of support in his chase for Barry (which I see as an absolute waste of money). If Keane and Torres can put together a working partnership, there will be little anyone in the League can do to stop them and finally put some value to the big money transfers.
Prediction: 1st or 2nd
Chelsea
What else to say about Scolari? Many have doubted his credentials when at club level but I tell you now he will bring attacking football that Abramovic has been looking for and Chelsea will produce the goods, IF he is able to keep the massive egos in the team in check. Deco is a brilliant buy and I see him as possibly being the key player this season for Chelsea, unless the other “indian-chiefs” have something to say about that (aka Frank Laanpah and the other mupps).
Prediction: 1st or 2nd
Tottenham
Well well money can’t buy success, or can it. The biggest spenders saw defeat at Teeside and look to let their fans down again, despite spending. I however think they can make a challenge for 4th place this season when Ramos gets it right within a month. The crucial factor here is who they will purchase to replace the impending departure of Berbatov.
Prediction: 4th or 5th
Aston Villa
Martin O’Neil did wonders last season with a paper thin squad and I see him performing miracles again this time round. The impressive duo of Agblonlahor and Young will continue to torment defences with their pace, and if they manage to stay fit, could carry the Villains all the way to Europe on their shoulders.
Prediction: 6th
Possible surprises this season include a resilient Sunderland and Newcastle. Whether the blue side of Manchester sees success this season is entirely dependent on the issues their owner faces in this part of the world. Stoke looks to do a Derby; while Wigan should join them with WBA, Hull and possibly Blackburn, Bolton and Fulham vying for the final relegation spot.
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