This summer the eyes of the footballing world will focus on South Africa for the Confederations Cup. The tournament acts as a scaled-down, test run for the following years World Cup, and with question marks still hanging over the hosts preparation for the event, those eyes will be prying.
Privately, if not publicly, some FIFA executives have expressed concern about the planning, organisation and pace of South Africa's World Cup preparations. Still doubts remain as to whether the stadiums will be ready for June 2010, whilst also issues of security, transport and accommodation are yet to be resolved. The Confederations Cup will be a test of that infrastructure which FIFA will expect it to pass.
With so much attention being directed towards the hosting of the event, the fortunes of the hosts have somewhat slipped under the radar. If staging the event is shrouded in confusion, the fare of the national team is nothing short of calamitous. Brazilian Coach Joel Santana is the sixth occupant of the post since South Africa were given the World Cup in 2004, previous incumbent Carlos Alberto Parreira - winner as boss of Brazil in 1994 - had walked out in April 2008 citing the disconcertingly vague 'personal reasons' for his departure, and a catalogue of other managers have also come and gone. Had the World Cup been staged elsewhere, with South Africa not afforded a spot as hosts, it is unlikely the 'Bafana Bafana' would have been participating, and barring a sharp upturn in their fortunes it may well be the team, and not the facilities, which prove the biggest disappointment to the South African people.
Santana is known as 'The Fireman' in his native Brazil. A name formed from a reputation of saving teams from relegation. However, the inferno engulfing South African football is one which has been spreading for some time. Back in 1996 the country hosted and won the African Cup of Nations. This was followed by consecutive World Cup appearances in 1998 and 2002, and although the team failed to get out of the first round on both occasions, qualification reflected progress after decades in the international wilderness due to apartheid.
Post 2002 and that progress is receding fast. The team failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2006. The Cup of Nations the same year was a complete disaster as the team returned home having failed to score a goal. The 2008 Cup of Nations proved little better as they were knocked out in the first round, and to complete the woe, they managed to not qualify for the 2010 event to be held in Angola. The FIFA world rankings currently have South Africa way down in 79th place, not only does that leave them trailing way behind African powerhouses Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast, but it also puts them behind the likes of Gabon, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Uganda. This is a side scheduled to be taking on the worlds elite teams in a little over twelve months time, whom currently find themselves sandwiched in between Uzbekistan and New Zealand in the said world rankings.
The failings at international level are all the more galling given that the domestic Premier Soccer League is by far the most organised and wealthiest on the continent, yet little of this structure is being reaped by the national side. The majority of the players in the current squad derive from domestic clubs such as the instantly recognisable Kaizer Chiefs, the Orlando Pirates and defending champions, Supersport United. Whilst Cameroon boast Samuel Eto'o, Ghana have Michael Essien and Didier Drogba leads the Ivory Coast, South Africa cannot claim to possess one player of true world class calibre. Aaron Mokoena, Portsmouth's new recruit from Blackburn, and Everton's Steven Pienaar are the most familiar faces to British audiences, with a handful of other players playing in Belgium, Israel, Greece, Spain and Serbia. Individually as well as collectively the ‘Bafana Bafana’ fall behind their continental rivals.
But all is not lost. Comparisons can be drawn with the South Korea side of 2002 World Cup, who, despite only being armed with a modest squad made the semi-finals of that competition held on home soil. Indeed South Africa can look back at a proud recent tradition of delivering the goods when competitions are held in their back garden. The Springbok Rugby Union team succeeded at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, as did the football team a year later when the African Nations were held there. With momentum and belief, a partisan home crowd at stadiums such as the 94,000 capacity Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg could prove an invaluable factor.
That momentum and belief must start at this summers Confederations. South Africa have been dealt a favourable hand in the group draws being placed with Spain, New Zealand and Iraq in Group A, with Italy, Brazil, USA and Egypt making up Group B. Spain would be expected to canter through, while New Zealand and Iraq should both be negotiable hurdles. Expectations won't be high, but they will be expected to get through the group, a poor showing here could critically jeopardise Santana's position and all but extinguish the hopes of the nation.
Much of that hope will fall onto the shoulders of Mokoena – the countries most capped player – and Pienaar, who have both enjoyed steady if unspectacular form over the last few seasons in the English Premier League. Aside from them, Michael Modubi and Elrio van Heerden are midfielders playing in Belgium for Westerlo and Brugge respectively, and Bernard Parker is a goal-scoring midfielder from Red Star Belgrade. There is also clamour for the magnificently named Kermit Romeo Erasmus to be selected. As yet uncapped, the 18-year-old Erasmus has recently made his debut for Feyenoord and is seen to be by far the most promising of South Africa’s next generation. One man they will have to do without is Blackburn's Benni McCarthy, chief attacking threat and national idol, whom appears to have fallen into the Coach's bad books. With a dearth of talent elsewhere, it remains to be seen whether the parties kiss and make up prior to the World Cup for the benefit of all.
Much of the global focus of the Confederations Cup will fall onto how smoothly the tournament runs, yet the most faltering aspect of South Africa’s bid could still be the side that takes the field. If there are any issues, on and off field, time is ticking, with only a year left to complete building the stadiums, and to re-build a team.
Friday, 29 May 2009
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Madrid’s advances earn Mourinho a new deal.
Last Saturday the Inter players and staff stayed up long into the night to toast winning the Scudetto. The celebrations didn't affect their performance too much the following night during an entertaining 3-0 victory over Siena, however the hangover did come - a week later during a trip to Sardinia to face Cagliari.
The game was largely inconsequential with the Nerazzuri having wrapped up the league and the Rossoblu comfortably tucked away in mid-table. A glorious summers day pre-empted a relaxed game with plenty of chances for both sides. Jose Mourinho chose to rotate his ample squad, resting a few weary limbs and giving starting opportunities to Francesco Toldo, Nicolas Burdisso, Francesco Bolzoni, Luis Jimenez and Julio Cruz. The changes to the cast list didn't alter the story line, and a familiar narrative looked to be unfolding when Zlatan Ibrahimovic took centre stage to score another magnificent solo goal after just seven minutes, eluding a trail of Cagliari defenders before rifling low past Federico Marchetti in goal. The strike was the Swedish star's 23rd of the league campaign, pulling himself back level with Marco Di Vaio in the hunt for the Capocannoniere.
All seemed to be going according to script for the newly crowned champions until Andrea Cossu levelled for the Isolani after fine work by Daniele Conti. All that was needed now was an intriguing sub-plot to conclude the piece, and right on cue, Robert Acquafresca - owned by Inter - popped up to score the winner against his parent club. A fine piece of theatre.
A couple of rungs down the acting hierarchy from 'fine theatre' comes 'soap opera' and if anyone were ever to make a soap opera based on football - a sort of El Dorado with a ball - then one episode could revolve around an extremely wealthy Spanish businessman with a political background, who is an ex - but soon to be again - president of a famous football club. Now this chap is intent on taking over the world so decides he needs to seduce a suave, sophisticated, yet slightly egotistical Portuguese coach, who would flirtatiously welcome and then unwelcome the advances of the said Spanish president, before committing his not-so-undying love for his current partner.
All of which sounds slightly preposterous until you realise that these two characters do actually exist in the form of Florentino Perez and Jose Mourinho. Reports suggest that Perez, who is hot favourite to regain the Real Madrid presidency, has identified Mourinho as the man to take over the managerial reigns at the Bernabeu. The existence of a clause in Mourinho's contract which allows him to leave during his first season for a fee of £6million has only heightened speculation, as did Mourinho's cryptic comments about his future; "I am 99.9 per cent sure I’ll stay on the Inter bench. It is honest to say Real Madrid are a little tempting. I made a mistake in the past when I said I was 100 per cent sure, as there is always a 0.1 per cent that is in the hands of fate." Mourinho has made no secret of his desire to manage in La Liga, where he has previously worked as an assistant at Barcelona. The speculation was almost inevitable given the parties involved, with Perez keen to show his intentions for Madrid by targeting the best in the business. Mourinho too can also be reluctant to play down gossip, especially when it may benefit him. Mourinho is no fool and knew full well that the interest from Madrid could be used as a bargaining tool by himself to earn a new contract, but also solidify his grip and control of all aspects of running Inter.
First came the new contract. Extended to June 2012 with a pay rise taking his annual salary to an estimated £10million a year. "This is in response to the Coach's wish to continue the project we started together - a desire that has been welcomed by the club as a sign of dedication and a winning spirit.” The threat from Real Madrid, although speculative, would not have been idle. Inter, Moratti and Mourinho knew this and the subsequent contract and statement indicate that all is well for la Benemeata. Inter and Moratti keep their man, whilst Jose gets the control he so much craves.
The Portuguese coach was not the only person agreeing new deals this week, as a number of player transfers, both in and outbound were completed, or about to be completed. Relations between the Nerazzuri and Genoa must be going well, as the duo have conducted a variety of player swap deals which couldn't have been done with any less animosity had they been done with Panini stickers in the playground. First in were long time Inter targets Diego Milito and Thiago Motta, although Genoa do receive Robert Acquafresca in return. Hernan Crespo's contract is up this summer and he was due to sign for Fiorentina but a last-minute change of heart means he is now set for Genoa. Returning from an unsuccessful loan at Chelsea is Ricardo Quaresma, although he isn't expected to be at the Giuseppe Meazza for long, with a loan move being arranged to...Genoa. The love-in didn't stop there, Genoa are expected to complete a deal for Estudiantes full-back Marcos Angeleri, fending off interest from a host of Spanish sides. The 26-year-old Argentinian is rumoured to be staying at the Luigi Ferraris until 2011 by which time he could be sold to...Inter.
This weeks transfer rumours seem to be mainly concentrated on Mourinho raiding Chelsea for any combination of Ashley Cole, Ricardo Carvalho and/or Didier Drogba (again).
The end of another successful season for il Biscione arrives on Sunday with the final game of the schedule. Inter host Atalanta aiming to sign off Mourinho’s first season in style, although the coach says he won’t be on the bench for the occasion, choosing instead to leave the honours to his trusted backroom staff of Daniele Bernazzani, Rui Faria and Silvio Louro; “This is not to disrespect Atalanta, but just the right way to give credit to those who work so hard during the week.” The dug-out may be missing one familiar face, but after this week and this season, nobody is in any doubt as to who’s boss at Inter.
The game was largely inconsequential with the Nerazzuri having wrapped up the league and the Rossoblu comfortably tucked away in mid-table. A glorious summers day pre-empted a relaxed game with plenty of chances for both sides. Jose Mourinho chose to rotate his ample squad, resting a few weary limbs and giving starting opportunities to Francesco Toldo, Nicolas Burdisso, Francesco Bolzoni, Luis Jimenez and Julio Cruz. The changes to the cast list didn't alter the story line, and a familiar narrative looked to be unfolding when Zlatan Ibrahimovic took centre stage to score another magnificent solo goal after just seven minutes, eluding a trail of Cagliari defenders before rifling low past Federico Marchetti in goal. The strike was the Swedish star's 23rd of the league campaign, pulling himself back level with Marco Di Vaio in the hunt for the Capocannoniere.
All seemed to be going according to script for the newly crowned champions until Andrea Cossu levelled for the Isolani after fine work by Daniele Conti. All that was needed now was an intriguing sub-plot to conclude the piece, and right on cue, Robert Acquafresca - owned by Inter - popped up to score the winner against his parent club. A fine piece of theatre.
A couple of rungs down the acting hierarchy from 'fine theatre' comes 'soap opera' and if anyone were ever to make a soap opera based on football - a sort of El Dorado with a ball - then one episode could revolve around an extremely wealthy Spanish businessman with a political background, who is an ex - but soon to be again - president of a famous football club. Now this chap is intent on taking over the world so decides he needs to seduce a suave, sophisticated, yet slightly egotistical Portuguese coach, who would flirtatiously welcome and then unwelcome the advances of the said Spanish president, before committing his not-so-undying love for his current partner.
All of which sounds slightly preposterous until you realise that these two characters do actually exist in the form of Florentino Perez and Jose Mourinho. Reports suggest that Perez, who is hot favourite to regain the Real Madrid presidency, has identified Mourinho as the man to take over the managerial reigns at the Bernabeu. The existence of a clause in Mourinho's contract which allows him to leave during his first season for a fee of £6million has only heightened speculation, as did Mourinho's cryptic comments about his future; "I am 99.9 per cent sure I’ll stay on the Inter bench. It is honest to say Real Madrid are a little tempting. I made a mistake in the past when I said I was 100 per cent sure, as there is always a 0.1 per cent that is in the hands of fate." Mourinho has made no secret of his desire to manage in La Liga, where he has previously worked as an assistant at Barcelona. The speculation was almost inevitable given the parties involved, with Perez keen to show his intentions for Madrid by targeting the best in the business. Mourinho too can also be reluctant to play down gossip, especially when it may benefit him. Mourinho is no fool and knew full well that the interest from Madrid could be used as a bargaining tool by himself to earn a new contract, but also solidify his grip and control of all aspects of running Inter.
First came the new contract. Extended to June 2012 with a pay rise taking his annual salary to an estimated £10million a year. "This is in response to the Coach's wish to continue the project we started together - a desire that has been welcomed by the club as a sign of dedication and a winning spirit.” The threat from Real Madrid, although speculative, would not have been idle. Inter, Moratti and Mourinho knew this and the subsequent contract and statement indicate that all is well for la Benemeata. Inter and Moratti keep their man, whilst Jose gets the control he so much craves.
The Portuguese coach was not the only person agreeing new deals this week, as a number of player transfers, both in and outbound were completed, or about to be completed. Relations between the Nerazzuri and Genoa must be going well, as the duo have conducted a variety of player swap deals which couldn't have been done with any less animosity had they been done with Panini stickers in the playground. First in were long time Inter targets Diego Milito and Thiago Motta, although Genoa do receive Robert Acquafresca in return. Hernan Crespo's contract is up this summer and he was due to sign for Fiorentina but a last-minute change of heart means he is now set for Genoa. Returning from an unsuccessful loan at Chelsea is Ricardo Quaresma, although he isn't expected to be at the Giuseppe Meazza for long, with a loan move being arranged to...Genoa. The love-in didn't stop there, Genoa are expected to complete a deal for Estudiantes full-back Marcos Angeleri, fending off interest from a host of Spanish sides. The 26-year-old Argentinian is rumoured to be staying at the Luigi Ferraris until 2011 by which time he could be sold to...Inter.
This weeks transfer rumours seem to be mainly concentrated on Mourinho raiding Chelsea for any combination of Ashley Cole, Ricardo Carvalho and/or Didier Drogba (again).
The end of another successful season for il Biscione arrives on Sunday with the final game of the schedule. Inter host Atalanta aiming to sign off Mourinho’s first season in style, although the coach says he won’t be on the bench for the occasion, choosing instead to leave the honours to his trusted backroom staff of Daniele Bernazzani, Rui Faria and Silvio Louro; “This is not to disrespect Atalanta, but just the right way to give credit to those who work so hard during the week.” The dug-out may be missing one familiar face, but after this week and this season, nobody is in any doubt as to who’s boss at Inter.
Monday, 25 May 2009
Christian Vieri - Genius or journeyman?
It's one of life's many wonderful indiosyncracies that some people just don't get the credit they deserve. We can certainly move the anology over to football, and any fan of any club can reel off names of players whom, they perceive, never receive the sort of praise and acclamation their efforts merit. More often than not these players take the form of diligent full-backs, marathon-men midfielders or selfless front-runners. Rarely do such accolades escape ridiculously prolific goalscorers.
Remembered, he certainly will be, but whether Christian Vieri will be remembered as one of the true modern greats is another matter. The case of the Italian-born Australian raised striker is a curious one; where sentiments attached to his name invariably focus on his nomadic club career and merciless quest for money, rather than his merciless goal scoring exploits.
Despite an inauspicious start to his career, and a injury plagued finale, in his prime, at the peak of his fitness, there was no more dynamic and devastating striker than Vieri. During that period, his goal scoring record was equalled by no man, hitting the back of the net with ferocious regularity, in all competitions, including at major international tournaments with the national team. Vieri was simply a goal machine, with a goals-to-game ration almost peerless in modern day Italian football. However, rarely does Vieri get mentioned amongst such luminaries as Ronaldo, Batistuta, Henry or Van Basten as one of the greatest forwards of our generation. But why? Analyse his record, and for a time 'Bobo' was as good as they come.
By the age of 26, Vieri had already been through the doors of ten professional clubs, following an almost ritual like format of moving on each pre-season having spent only one season with each employer. Before hitting the relative big-time with a move to Juventus, Vieri could already list the services of Prato, Torino, Pisa, Ravenna, Venezia and Atalanta on his C.V. From such humble beginnings did great things grow, and after linking up with Marcelo Lippi at the Stadio delle Alpi, Vieri embarked on a scoring spree lasting almost a decade, utilising every inch of his 6ft 3" frame to combined incredible strength with the grace and mobility of a dainty winger, all in an effort to unleash a left foot packed with power and panache.
The 1996/7 season saw Vieri arrive in Turin, largely to play understudy to Alen Boksic. despite this he managed to become joint top-scorer at the club with 8 Serie A goals, enough to persuade Atletico Madrid to take him to Spain. Acclimatising didn't take long; a now familiar one year stint at a club saw a hugely impressive return of 24 league goals in 24 games landing him the Pichichi trophy as Spain's top goalscorer. Following on from his season in the Spanish captal came the 1998 World Cup - not the Azzuri's finest hour - but still Vieri hit five goals, prompting a move to Sven goran Eriksson's upwardly mobile Lazio outfit.
Hitting another twelve league goals in only 22 games, Vieri almost shot the Biancocelesti to the Scudetto only to see them miss out on the final day, nevertheless, silverware was still brought back to the Olimpico in the form of the Cup-Winners Cup, with Vieri scoring in the final. Another summer prompted yet another move, this time Inter paid a then world record transfer fee of £30million to take Vieri to his nnth Italian club in little over ten seasons, yet the San Siro saw the best of Vieri's services, during an uncharacteristically long six season stay. Here, you could say Vieri found his niche and settled, or you could argue he'd ran out of clubs to play for, regardless, over the next 144 Serie A games he plundered an incredible 103 goals. The potentially unstoppable partnership with Ronaldo never materialised due to injuries to one party or the other, but that did not stop Vieri's personal goals quest. Thirteen in 19 games in his first season, 18 in 27 in his second, the 2001-02 season saw 22 goals come in just 25 games - an amazing record he somehow managed to beat the season after whilst scoring 24 goals in only 23 games. Catenaccio? Somebody should tell the big man.
After four seasons with the Nerazzuri, his record stood at a quite preposterous 94 appearances and 77 goals, in arguably the most difficult league in Europe to score in. It is this record that should have Vieri constantly mentioned in the same breath as the rest of the goalscoring greats, yet he rarely features. Criticism rather than credit more attributed.
Within the game Vieri is seen as a mercenary. Moving from club to club, wage increase after wage increase, collecting his cut of transfer fees and contractual clauses. His transfer from Lazio to Inter was described as an "offence to the poor" by the Vatican. Admired, but not endeared, Vieri cuts a lonely figure, a man who seems hard to love. His club hopping antics mean fans have never taken to him and championed his cause as one of the greats. Before he became loved he was on his way again, leaving behind memories but no emotion. Even at Inter the bond with the Interisti was not strong. He went through a spell of not celebrating goals in protest at criticism from the terrace, he was seen as a playboy - landing a string of beautiful girlfriends - aswell as opening bars, restaurants, launching fashion lines and even bringing out a brand of condom. After six years with Inter, the San Siro could be classed as a house and not a home. He launched a lawsuit against the club after President Moratti admitted the club had tapped Vieri's phone to keep tabs on him. His association with il Biscione ended when he accepted a reported £6million contract pay-off in 2005, before repaying the club by signing for rivals Milan almost immediately.
Herein lies the problem with Vieri. Managing to constantly alienate himself from almost all admiration. It is difficult to be loved when loathed, praise will not follow when opinion is so low, and friends so few. His on-field performances will forever be overshadowed by his off-field attitude, and as a result his goal scoring abilities will never be fully appreciated. Vieri's actions are synonymous with greed and glamour, two of the most gauling distinctions for the common football fan. Vieri is not alone in this field, but he is one of the most identifiable.
The perceptions about Vieri are ones still largely based on old fashioned footballing principles of loyalty and commitment, but his career path could be seen as the pre-cursor to a changing pattern of club and player loyalty in the modern era. Long gone are the days of young boys going from terrace to pitch, teams nowadays largely consist of players with little geographic or sentimental ties to their employers, and clubs are just as ruthless in their treatment of players as the players and agents are to clubs. The Carlos Tevez ownership situation shows that players are just a commodity, essentially owned by no-one, ruled by no-one. Changing employment laws and rights could vastly shape the face of football transfers in the future, and the career path of a Christian Vieri will certainly become more familiar than that of a Paolo Maldini.
Whether Vieri saw himself as some pioneer of player freedom is highly doubtful, what is more likely is that he will always be remembered for the frequency of his clubs just as much as the frequency of his goals. The great irony for Vieri, is that by the time his frequency of clubs becomes the norm, his frequency of goals will be forgotten.
Remembered, he certainly will be, but whether Christian Vieri will be remembered as one of the true modern greats is another matter. The case of the Italian-born Australian raised striker is a curious one; where sentiments attached to his name invariably focus on his nomadic club career and merciless quest for money, rather than his merciless goal scoring exploits.
Despite an inauspicious start to his career, and a injury plagued finale, in his prime, at the peak of his fitness, there was no more dynamic and devastating striker than Vieri. During that period, his goal scoring record was equalled by no man, hitting the back of the net with ferocious regularity, in all competitions, including at major international tournaments with the national team. Vieri was simply a goal machine, with a goals-to-game ration almost peerless in modern day Italian football. However, rarely does Vieri get mentioned amongst such luminaries as Ronaldo, Batistuta, Henry or Van Basten as one of the greatest forwards of our generation. But why? Analyse his record, and for a time 'Bobo' was as good as they come.
By the age of 26, Vieri had already been through the doors of ten professional clubs, following an almost ritual like format of moving on each pre-season having spent only one season with each employer. Before hitting the relative big-time with a move to Juventus, Vieri could already list the services of Prato, Torino, Pisa, Ravenna, Venezia and Atalanta on his C.V. From such humble beginnings did great things grow, and after linking up with Marcelo Lippi at the Stadio delle Alpi, Vieri embarked on a scoring spree lasting almost a decade, utilising every inch of his 6ft 3" frame to combined incredible strength with the grace and mobility of a dainty winger, all in an effort to unleash a left foot packed with power and panache.
The 1996/7 season saw Vieri arrive in Turin, largely to play understudy to Alen Boksic. despite this he managed to become joint top-scorer at the club with 8 Serie A goals, enough to persuade Atletico Madrid to take him to Spain. Acclimatising didn't take long; a now familiar one year stint at a club saw a hugely impressive return of 24 league goals in 24 games landing him the Pichichi trophy as Spain's top goalscorer. Following on from his season in the Spanish captal came the 1998 World Cup - not the Azzuri's finest hour - but still Vieri hit five goals, prompting a move to Sven goran Eriksson's upwardly mobile Lazio outfit.
Hitting another twelve league goals in only 22 games, Vieri almost shot the Biancocelesti to the Scudetto only to see them miss out on the final day, nevertheless, silverware was still brought back to the Olimpico in the form of the Cup-Winners Cup, with Vieri scoring in the final. Another summer prompted yet another move, this time Inter paid a then world record transfer fee of £30million to take Vieri to his nnth Italian club in little over ten seasons, yet the San Siro saw the best of Vieri's services, during an uncharacteristically long six season stay. Here, you could say Vieri found his niche and settled, or you could argue he'd ran out of clubs to play for, regardless, over the next 144 Serie A games he plundered an incredible 103 goals. The potentially unstoppable partnership with Ronaldo never materialised due to injuries to one party or the other, but that did not stop Vieri's personal goals quest. Thirteen in 19 games in his first season, 18 in 27 in his second, the 2001-02 season saw 22 goals come in just 25 games - an amazing record he somehow managed to beat the season after whilst scoring 24 goals in only 23 games. Catenaccio? Somebody should tell the big man.
After four seasons with the Nerazzuri, his record stood at a quite preposterous 94 appearances and 77 goals, in arguably the most difficult league in Europe to score in. It is this record that should have Vieri constantly mentioned in the same breath as the rest of the goalscoring greats, yet he rarely features. Criticism rather than credit more attributed.
Within the game Vieri is seen as a mercenary. Moving from club to club, wage increase after wage increase, collecting his cut of transfer fees and contractual clauses. His transfer from Lazio to Inter was described as an "offence to the poor" by the Vatican. Admired, but not endeared, Vieri cuts a lonely figure, a man who seems hard to love. His club hopping antics mean fans have never taken to him and championed his cause as one of the greats. Before he became loved he was on his way again, leaving behind memories but no emotion. Even at Inter the bond with the Interisti was not strong. He went through a spell of not celebrating goals in protest at criticism from the terrace, he was seen as a playboy - landing a string of beautiful girlfriends - aswell as opening bars, restaurants, launching fashion lines and even bringing out a brand of condom. After six years with Inter, the San Siro could be classed as a house and not a home. He launched a lawsuit against the club after President Moratti admitted the club had tapped Vieri's phone to keep tabs on him. His association with il Biscione ended when he accepted a reported £6million contract pay-off in 2005, before repaying the club by signing for rivals Milan almost immediately.
Herein lies the problem with Vieri. Managing to constantly alienate himself from almost all admiration. It is difficult to be loved when loathed, praise will not follow when opinion is so low, and friends so few. His on-field performances will forever be overshadowed by his off-field attitude, and as a result his goal scoring abilities will never be fully appreciated. Vieri's actions are synonymous with greed and glamour, two of the most gauling distinctions for the common football fan. Vieri is not alone in this field, but he is one of the most identifiable.
The perceptions about Vieri are ones still largely based on old fashioned footballing principles of loyalty and commitment, but his career path could be seen as the pre-cursor to a changing pattern of club and player loyalty in the modern era. Long gone are the days of young boys going from terrace to pitch, teams nowadays largely consist of players with little geographic or sentimental ties to their employers, and clubs are just as ruthless in their treatment of players as the players and agents are to clubs. The Carlos Tevez ownership situation shows that players are just a commodity, essentially owned by no-one, ruled by no-one. Changing employment laws and rights could vastly shape the face of football transfers in the future, and the career path of a Christian Vieri will certainly become more familiar than that of a Paolo Maldini.
Whether Vieri saw himself as some pioneer of player freedom is highly doubtful, what is more likely is that he will always be remembered for the frequency of his clubs just as much as the frequency of his goals. The great irony for Vieri, is that by the time his frequency of clubs becomes the norm, his frequency of goals will be forgotten.
Monday, 18 May 2009
I Campioni dell Italia siumo noi!!!
Congratulations Internazionale, the champions of Italy. After ten long months, 36 games, blood, sweat and tears, the Nerazzuri have been crowned champions of Italy once again. It is the fourth season in succession Inter have proved to be the top club side in the peninsula, and perhaps more importantly, especially for the Interisti, this Scudetto brings the total won by the illustrious club to 17, drawing level with city rivals Milan.
Indeed it was due to the generosity of their not-so-friendly neighbours that il Biscione were able to celebrate the title late on Saturday evening at their Pinetina training complex. The Rossoneri losing away to Udinese, a result that meant it was mathematically impossible to overhaul their arch-rivals. An assembly of Inter players, coaches, backroom and technical staff huddled around televisions at their base to see goals from Gaetano D'Agostino and Cristian Zapata condemn il Diavolo to defeat, and finally end the futile pursuit of Jose Mourinho's men.
The final whistle at the Stadio Friuli was met with joyous celebrations amongst the Inter entourage, which also included President Massimo Moratti on his 64th birthday. Any curfew's usually set for match nights were lifted, presumably along with drinking bans as the champagne flowed and terrace song and dance resounded around HQ. The partying wasn't just confined to Pinetina, with players clambering aboard an open-top bus and joining thousands of ecstatic fans in the Piazza del Duomo to further toast their latest success well into the early hours. Events eventually wound up at around 2am, allowing the newly crowned champions some much needed sleep ahead of Sunday’s visit of Siena, and a chance to savour the momentous occasion in front of a capacity crowd at the San Siro.
The Nerazzuri faithful illuminated the stadium with a superbly choreographed mosaic of the Inter club crest and displayed a variety of triumphant flags and banners, many of which highlighted the '17' achievement, whilst others offered a pointed reminder as to the success of Milan and Juventus this season. In return the team responded by producing an entertaining encounter, seeing off a spirited Siena side by three goals to nil thanks to efforts from unsung hero Esteban Cambiasso, and strikers Mario Balotelli and Zlatan Ibrahimovic - the Swede dispatching his 22nd league goal of the season to keep himself hot on the heals of Marco Di Vaio in the race for the capocannoniere.
Post match and following a vibrant fireworks display to cap off the celebrations, it was time for Coach, Captain and President to reflect on yet another Italian championship. Jose Mourinho bore a satisfactory tone after earning a fifth domestic championship in his third different country; "This was a tournament in which I do not remember a single easy game and one where Milan and Juve were stronger than last season. It wasn't easy to win on my first year in Italy. The best team wins in a League and I have always said that, both when I won and when I didn’t."
Captain Javier Zanetti chose to reflect on the importance of the 17th Scudetto; "This title has immense value for us and a very special feel to it. It's the fourth in a row and enters the history books."
President Morrati was quick to praise Mourinho's impact on the squad; "Mourinho helped them start from scratch on a psychological level, as it is not easy to win for a fourth straight title. He will invent something next year to get them hungry and raring to go."
Even for the most ardent la Benemeata critics, it is difficult for anybody to argue they did not deserve to win the league. For large parts of the season Inter failed to demonstrate the air of invincibility that the mantra of four time champions would suggest, however they showed a level of consistency way beyond the capabilities of main challengers Milan and Juventus. Despite a fairly inauspicious start for Inter which yielded 18 points from a possible 27, Milan and Juve were never able to assert sufficient points or pressure to sustain a worthy championship assault. This, of course, was of no concern to Mourinho who ruddered his side through the occasional strong current to have the Scudetto effectively tied up by February.
The one sided nature of the championship is perhaps more of reflection of Milan and Juve's failings than any unabated dominance from Inter. A point’s haul in the mid 80's is by no means insurmountable, especially if the correct on and off field acquisitions are made by the Rossoneri and Bianconeri for 2009/10. Mourinho himself oversaw a 24 point swing when guiding Chelsea to the English Premier League in 2005, de-throning Arsenal who had gone through the previous campaign unbeaten.
Evolution though, is historically an easier proposition than revolution, and a man as shrewd as the Portuguese tactician will already have identified deficiencies he wishes to address both in his first X1 and squad. The failings highlighted by the Nerazzuri's Champions League showing cannot be papered over, and if Inter are to have any chance of succeeding in Europe, as well as staving of the likely resurgence from at least one of Milan or Juve, a number of personal changes will be required, with the reduction in age of the squad paramount to any rebuilding.
Of the old guard, Luis Figo is the first to announce he will no longer be with il biscione next season. The former European and World footballer of the year has announced his retirement after four seasons at the Giuseppe Meazza. The thirty-five year old winger who won 127 caps for Portugal in a glittering career which also saw him play for Sporting Lisbon, Barcelona and Real Madrid confirmed; "I will not play again at the highest level and I will most likely not accept any offer. This is the best way to end." Meanwhile, Patrick Vieira has strongly hinted at a return to France, Hernan Crespo is wanted by Fiorentina and Julio Cruz's contract is due to expire.
Transfer rumours will be plentiful throughout the summer, the pick of this week’s salacious gossip being that Thiago Motta, Fabio Quagliarella, Simon Kjaer, Nemanja Vidic and Robin van Persie are all Inter-bound. One deal which does looks to be close to conclusion is that of Diego Milito after Mourinho confirmed a deal for the Genoa front-man is almost done.
Opinion has been firmly divided as to the relative success of the self-proclaimed Special One during his first season in Serie A, and although the domestic stranglehold has been continued from Roberto Mancini’s reign, more will be expected next term and crucial to the development of the team will be the transfer dealings during the summer. Mourinho will be keen to sculpt a squad of his own desires, rather than be handed a collective of ageing pro’s. Given the autonomy to bring in his own players whom fit into his system and style of play, Inter may well be a different proposition both home and abroad. If Mourinho is to fulfil his remit of bringing home the European Cup, the President must fulfil his obligation to support his coach. Job done for this year, job only just starting for next.
Indeed it was due to the generosity of their not-so-friendly neighbours that il Biscione were able to celebrate the title late on Saturday evening at their Pinetina training complex. The Rossoneri losing away to Udinese, a result that meant it was mathematically impossible to overhaul their arch-rivals. An assembly of Inter players, coaches, backroom and technical staff huddled around televisions at their base to see goals from Gaetano D'Agostino and Cristian Zapata condemn il Diavolo to defeat, and finally end the futile pursuit of Jose Mourinho's men.
The final whistle at the Stadio Friuli was met with joyous celebrations amongst the Inter entourage, which also included President Massimo Moratti on his 64th birthday. Any curfew's usually set for match nights were lifted, presumably along with drinking bans as the champagne flowed and terrace song and dance resounded around HQ. The partying wasn't just confined to Pinetina, with players clambering aboard an open-top bus and joining thousands of ecstatic fans in the Piazza del Duomo to further toast their latest success well into the early hours. Events eventually wound up at around 2am, allowing the newly crowned champions some much needed sleep ahead of Sunday’s visit of Siena, and a chance to savour the momentous occasion in front of a capacity crowd at the San Siro.
The Nerazzuri faithful illuminated the stadium with a superbly choreographed mosaic of the Inter club crest and displayed a variety of triumphant flags and banners, many of which highlighted the '17' achievement, whilst others offered a pointed reminder as to the success of Milan and Juventus this season. In return the team responded by producing an entertaining encounter, seeing off a spirited Siena side by three goals to nil thanks to efforts from unsung hero Esteban Cambiasso, and strikers Mario Balotelli and Zlatan Ibrahimovic - the Swede dispatching his 22nd league goal of the season to keep himself hot on the heals of Marco Di Vaio in the race for the capocannoniere.
Post match and following a vibrant fireworks display to cap off the celebrations, it was time for Coach, Captain and President to reflect on yet another Italian championship. Jose Mourinho bore a satisfactory tone after earning a fifth domestic championship in his third different country; "This was a tournament in which I do not remember a single easy game and one where Milan and Juve were stronger than last season. It wasn't easy to win on my first year in Italy. The best team wins in a League and I have always said that, both when I won and when I didn’t."
Captain Javier Zanetti chose to reflect on the importance of the 17th Scudetto; "This title has immense value for us and a very special feel to it. It's the fourth in a row and enters the history books."
President Morrati was quick to praise Mourinho's impact on the squad; "Mourinho helped them start from scratch on a psychological level, as it is not easy to win for a fourth straight title. He will invent something next year to get them hungry and raring to go."
Even for the most ardent la Benemeata critics, it is difficult for anybody to argue they did not deserve to win the league. For large parts of the season Inter failed to demonstrate the air of invincibility that the mantra of four time champions would suggest, however they showed a level of consistency way beyond the capabilities of main challengers Milan and Juventus. Despite a fairly inauspicious start for Inter which yielded 18 points from a possible 27, Milan and Juve were never able to assert sufficient points or pressure to sustain a worthy championship assault. This, of course, was of no concern to Mourinho who ruddered his side through the occasional strong current to have the Scudetto effectively tied up by February.
The one sided nature of the championship is perhaps more of reflection of Milan and Juve's failings than any unabated dominance from Inter. A point’s haul in the mid 80's is by no means insurmountable, especially if the correct on and off field acquisitions are made by the Rossoneri and Bianconeri for 2009/10. Mourinho himself oversaw a 24 point swing when guiding Chelsea to the English Premier League in 2005, de-throning Arsenal who had gone through the previous campaign unbeaten.
Evolution though, is historically an easier proposition than revolution, and a man as shrewd as the Portuguese tactician will already have identified deficiencies he wishes to address both in his first X1 and squad. The failings highlighted by the Nerazzuri's Champions League showing cannot be papered over, and if Inter are to have any chance of succeeding in Europe, as well as staving of the likely resurgence from at least one of Milan or Juve, a number of personal changes will be required, with the reduction in age of the squad paramount to any rebuilding.
Of the old guard, Luis Figo is the first to announce he will no longer be with il biscione next season. The former European and World footballer of the year has announced his retirement after four seasons at the Giuseppe Meazza. The thirty-five year old winger who won 127 caps for Portugal in a glittering career which also saw him play for Sporting Lisbon, Barcelona and Real Madrid confirmed; "I will not play again at the highest level and I will most likely not accept any offer. This is the best way to end." Meanwhile, Patrick Vieira has strongly hinted at a return to France, Hernan Crespo is wanted by Fiorentina and Julio Cruz's contract is due to expire.
Transfer rumours will be plentiful throughout the summer, the pick of this week’s salacious gossip being that Thiago Motta, Fabio Quagliarella, Simon Kjaer, Nemanja Vidic and Robin van Persie are all Inter-bound. One deal which does looks to be close to conclusion is that of Diego Milito after Mourinho confirmed a deal for the Genoa front-man is almost done.
Opinion has been firmly divided as to the relative success of the self-proclaimed Special One during his first season in Serie A, and although the domestic stranglehold has been continued from Roberto Mancini’s reign, more will be expected next term and crucial to the development of the team will be the transfer dealings during the summer. Mourinho will be keen to sculpt a squad of his own desires, rather than be handed a collective of ageing pro’s. Given the autonomy to bring in his own players whom fit into his system and style of play, Inter may well be a different proposition both home and abroad. If Mourinho is to fulfil his remit of bringing home the European Cup, the President must fulfil his obligation to support his coach. Job done for this year, job only just starting for next.
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Inter make their fans play a waiting game
It's like waiting for a bus. You know it is coming, it will be here any minute and yet it is not here. You check your watch and have another look before reassuring yourself it will be along any time now…very soon...just a little longer and then it'll be here...
Reflecting on that opening gambit, it does seem a little harsh, not to mention discrediting, to compare Inter winning a fourth consecutive Scudetto, to waiting for a bus, but considering Jose Mourinho is fond of using strange bus analogies, we'll carry on. Anyhow, that's probably how the Interisti feel at the moment, being forced to wait at least another week until their side are once again crowned Serie A champions. A Nerazzurri victory over Chievo in Week 35, along with a Juventus defeat of Milan would have sealed the deal, but with both games ending in draws, the gap remains at seven points, and the champagne remains on ice.
Twice Inter took the lead against the Flying Donkeys, twice pegged back. Hernan Crespo's opportunistic strike after three minutes was cancelled out by Michele Marcolini's crisp drive, before Mario Balotelli gave another indication of his prowess by thumping a sweet volley into the top corner to restore il Biscione's lead. Uncharacteristically poor marking allowed Luciano to equalise again for Ceo to take a share of the spoils, and ease their own relegation fears. Inter travelled to Verona without Capocannoniere Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but will have been pleased at the way Mario Balotelli once again stepped into the breach, his clinically executed volley at the Stadio Bentegodi was his seventh goal in only 13 starts this season. Not even 19 until August, Balotelli's output in his first full season has been impressive with goals in key games against Roma and Juve. What is equally impressive is Balotelli's conduct in the face of continued racial abuse, most notably at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino, and again during the Chievo game.
Balotelli's attributes are immediate on the eye. Like most modern forwards he has a combination of pace and power aligned with a fleet of foot that make him difficult to stop. Two-footed and with a good footballing brain, it is easy to see why he has attracted so much admiration. Balotelli has benefited from Adriano's departure, and Mourinho's faith in his young tyro has seen him regularly picked ahead of Crespo and Julio Cruz. Next season will be an interesting proposition for the Azzurrini forward, where attention and expectation will be increased. As well as seven goals this term, Super Mario has contrived to pick up seven bookings, not bad going for a striker who's started thirteen games, whilst there have also been questions raised about his work-ethic in training.
Earlier this season, Mourinho criticised Balotelli's effort in training claiming: “If Balotelli trained at just 50 per-cent he would be one of the best in the world, however, Balotelli doesn't even train at 25 per-cent.” A potentially frightening thought for Serie A defences, all the more frightening is that an 18-year-old should show such disdain for honing his skills, especially at the champions of Italy and under supervision of one of the most respected Coaches in world football. With a sketchy disciplinary record, and a lax attitude in training, Balotelli could well do with being reminded that there is a fine line between the have's and the have-not's, those who do and those who don't, and young talented footballers with the world at your feet can easily end up with their heads in their hands. Just ask Adriano.
Talking of whom, 'The Emperor' has signed for Brazilian side Flamengo just weeks after claiming he wanted a break from football ‘for two or three months.’ Having had his contract terminated by la Beneamata, Adriano said; “I have come back to Brazil to find happiness again. I am back home where I grew up and there is nothing better than being here amongst friends and family.”
The Adriano void at Inter could well be filled this summer by a Brazilian called…Adriano. Adriano Correia to be precise, and if we are to believe a combination of the Sevilla player’s agent and Spanish newspaper Marca, he could well be on his way to the San Siro: “I spoke to my agent on Wednesday and we agreed to talk about things at the end of the season. I was pleased to hear about the interest from Inter.”
Also pedalling interest from Inter was the agent of Roma midfielder Matteo Brighi: “Obviously knowing he is appreciated by such an important club as Inter makes him honoured and very pleased. Matteo’s season has seen his reputation grow and among the Italian midfielders out there right now he is among the most complete, as he can push forward and has great timing on counter-attacks.”
Completing what would be a heavily congested midfield following the arrivals of Brighi and Adriano, are Cesc Fabregas and John Obi Mikel for a combined sum of approaching £60m, although a more viable recruit from Stamford Bridge could be Didier Drogba, with the Nerazzurri certain to bolster their attacking ranks, and
Roman Abramovich said to have had enough of the Ivorian’s antics.
This weekend sees Inter host Siena knowing a victory in front of their home support will finally confirm their status as champions. The Giuseppe Meazza will be packed to capacity to see if Mourinho’s men can get the points to record their 17th Scudetto, equalling the number of city rivals Milan. The Rossoneri play Udinese 24 hours earlier, with the unpalatable thought that defeat at the Stadio Friuli would hand the title to their old foes. Both Coach Carlo Ancelotti and President Silvio Berlusconi have this week begrudgingly conceded that Inter are worthy Champions, with Berlusconi admitting il Biscione ‘deserve’ the Scudetto whilst a resigned Ancelotti added: “I don’t know whether the best team won even if they were the most consistent.”
Heaping praise on Inter is one thing, handing them their trophy is another. Either way, here comes the bus, open topped, open for celebration, and ready for the opened champagne.
Reflecting on that opening gambit, it does seem a little harsh, not to mention discrediting, to compare Inter winning a fourth consecutive Scudetto, to waiting for a bus, but considering Jose Mourinho is fond of using strange bus analogies, we'll carry on. Anyhow, that's probably how the Interisti feel at the moment, being forced to wait at least another week until their side are once again crowned Serie A champions. A Nerazzurri victory over Chievo in Week 35, along with a Juventus defeat of Milan would have sealed the deal, but with both games ending in draws, the gap remains at seven points, and the champagne remains on ice.
Twice Inter took the lead against the Flying Donkeys, twice pegged back. Hernan Crespo's opportunistic strike after three minutes was cancelled out by Michele Marcolini's crisp drive, before Mario Balotelli gave another indication of his prowess by thumping a sweet volley into the top corner to restore il Biscione's lead. Uncharacteristically poor marking allowed Luciano to equalise again for Ceo to take a share of the spoils, and ease their own relegation fears. Inter travelled to Verona without Capocannoniere Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but will have been pleased at the way Mario Balotelli once again stepped into the breach, his clinically executed volley at the Stadio Bentegodi was his seventh goal in only 13 starts this season. Not even 19 until August, Balotelli's output in his first full season has been impressive with goals in key games against Roma and Juve. What is equally impressive is Balotelli's conduct in the face of continued racial abuse, most notably at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino, and again during the Chievo game.
Balotelli's attributes are immediate on the eye. Like most modern forwards he has a combination of pace and power aligned with a fleet of foot that make him difficult to stop. Two-footed and with a good footballing brain, it is easy to see why he has attracted so much admiration. Balotelli has benefited from Adriano's departure, and Mourinho's faith in his young tyro has seen him regularly picked ahead of Crespo and Julio Cruz. Next season will be an interesting proposition for the Azzurrini forward, where attention and expectation will be increased. As well as seven goals this term, Super Mario has contrived to pick up seven bookings, not bad going for a striker who's started thirteen games, whilst there have also been questions raised about his work-ethic in training.
Earlier this season, Mourinho criticised Balotelli's effort in training claiming: “If Balotelli trained at just 50 per-cent he would be one of the best in the world, however, Balotelli doesn't even train at 25 per-cent.” A potentially frightening thought for Serie A defences, all the more frightening is that an 18-year-old should show such disdain for honing his skills, especially at the champions of Italy and under supervision of one of the most respected Coaches in world football. With a sketchy disciplinary record, and a lax attitude in training, Balotelli could well do with being reminded that there is a fine line between the have's and the have-not's, those who do and those who don't, and young talented footballers with the world at your feet can easily end up with their heads in their hands. Just ask Adriano.
Talking of whom, 'The Emperor' has signed for Brazilian side Flamengo just weeks after claiming he wanted a break from football ‘for two or three months.’ Having had his contract terminated by la Beneamata, Adriano said; “I have come back to Brazil to find happiness again. I am back home where I grew up and there is nothing better than being here amongst friends and family.”
The Adriano void at Inter could well be filled this summer by a Brazilian called…Adriano. Adriano Correia to be precise, and if we are to believe a combination of the Sevilla player’s agent and Spanish newspaper Marca, he could well be on his way to the San Siro: “I spoke to my agent on Wednesday and we agreed to talk about things at the end of the season. I was pleased to hear about the interest from Inter.”
Also pedalling interest from Inter was the agent of Roma midfielder Matteo Brighi: “Obviously knowing he is appreciated by such an important club as Inter makes him honoured and very pleased. Matteo’s season has seen his reputation grow and among the Italian midfielders out there right now he is among the most complete, as he can push forward and has great timing on counter-attacks.”
Completing what would be a heavily congested midfield following the arrivals of Brighi and Adriano, are Cesc Fabregas and John Obi Mikel for a combined sum of approaching £60m, although a more viable recruit from Stamford Bridge could be Didier Drogba, with the Nerazzurri certain to bolster their attacking ranks, and
Roman Abramovich said to have had enough of the Ivorian’s antics.
This weekend sees Inter host Siena knowing a victory in front of their home support will finally confirm their status as champions. The Giuseppe Meazza will be packed to capacity to see if Mourinho’s men can get the points to record their 17th Scudetto, equalling the number of city rivals Milan. The Rossoneri play Udinese 24 hours earlier, with the unpalatable thought that defeat at the Stadio Friuli would hand the title to their old foes. Both Coach Carlo Ancelotti and President Silvio Berlusconi have this week begrudgingly conceded that Inter are worthy Champions, with Berlusconi admitting il Biscione ‘deserve’ the Scudetto whilst a resigned Ancelotti added: “I don’t know whether the best team won even if they were the most consistent.”
Heaping praise on Inter is one thing, handing them their trophy is another. Either way, here comes the bus, open topped, open for celebration, and ready for the opened champagne.
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Chelsea 1 - 1 Barcelona
As a Chelsea fan i'm writing this in the aftermath of being one minute away from another Champions League final. as always i will try to be fair and objective and analyse the incidents and talking points of the game as I saw it.
Obviously the main talking point was the non-penalty calls from the referee. Listening to radio and sky phone-ins there are a lot of bitter Chelsea fans suggesting conspiracy theories from Michel Platini and UEFA. This is not a theory I subscribe to, I do not think there were any directies or clandestine plots to deny Chelsea a place in the final.
The referee simply got a number of close penalty calls wrong. His whole display was poor, and even his call to dismiss Eric Abidal was incorrect. Firstly, the Malouda penalty was in the box, the referee's positioning was perfect, but he did not have the courage to call what was a foul, a penalty. This decision is indicative of a culture amongst referee's to grant soft fouls outside of the box. Time and again we see fouls given for minimal contact in non-influential areas, but similar incidents are rarely given when it really matters. One has to wonder whether if that call needed to be made at the Nou Camp, in front of the Kop or the Stretford End the referee would have backed down from giving a penalty?
Abidal's foul on Drogba, and the Eto'o handball in the last minute were both 50-50, it was just unfortunate that both were given in Barca's favour, the Pique handball doesn't even need to be discussed.
It begs the question where UEFA get these officials from, and also, what role the 'assistant referee' plays in these matches? The assistant referee, or linesman as I still like to refer to them as, are still there to be seen and not heard. UEFA has still to grant these blokes with flags the autonomy to make decisions on behalf of the referee. Similarly, the assistant referee was conspicuously mute during the Arsenal-Man Utd game when Darren Fletcher was sent off. Replays show the lino was in a much better position to see the incident than the referee, yet did nothing. If he saw Fletcher touch the ball, why not act? if he didn't see the tackle, why do we have officials of this quality running the line?
There was a foul given prior to Fletcher's sending off where eboue mis-kicked the ball some five yards in front of the linesman, yet he did not flag for a foul. The referee blew for a foul, and immediately the linesman started waving his flag like he was stranded out at sea. Where's the assistance in that? They are either assistant referee's or linesman. It's ok glamourising their title, but can we have some clarification of their duties please?
Whilst we are on the topic of refereeing officialdom, it will be interesting to hear UEFA's justification on not rebuking Fletcher and Abidal's red cards. It reduces the responsibility of referee's to admit their mistakes when they can be protected by the kangaroo court of UEFA's disciplinary committee. We all accept that referee's make mistakes, but why is their incompetence given carte blanche from being held to scrutiny? UEFA's remit is to promote good, ethical football. It's brand revolves around fairness, and Europe to unite around the sport and to enjoy the spectacle it produces.
So why then are UEFA allowing two innocent players to miss out on what is arguably the biggest game of their lives? For years these players have shown exemplary dedication and professionalism to rise to the heights of being involved in the biggest club game on the planet, yet their participation has been ended not only by mistakes of individuals clearly not at the top of their profession, but also by a ludicrous judicial system which exemplifies these people from blame.
What is more confusing is that this organisation is ran by a true footballing personality. Prior to Platini, UEFA and its various associations have been ran by businessmen, capitalists, with little understanding outside of the commercial and financial aspects of the sport. How would Platini have reacted to missing a European final in such circumstances? Badly, most probably, so why does he not amend the disciplinary procedures accordingly?
At least he is likely to exercise some of this disciplinary might in the direction of Didier Drogba, for, as far as i can see, swearing at a tv camera. Richard Keys and the Sky panel were quick to lambast Drogba for swearing. If Sky do not want such language blasted over it's airwaves, why do they insist on getting a camera man to trail a group of emotionally charged, embittered footballers around when they are obviously so angry and preturbed at whats gone on before them? There was always the danger of the odd expletive being thrown in, as there is when a goal is scored, or in any other situation when there's the chance of some industrial language being thrown in? What Drogba did wasn't right, but it wasn't wrong. Swearing isn't an offence, and if UEFA decided to incriminate players on the back of a lip-reading expert then most players would rarely play two games in a row.
For Keys to apologise time and again for Drogba's vocab is weak, and shows how much power Sky hold over our game. If swearing infringes Sky's family entertainment policy, they shouldn't have these voyeuristic cameramen trailing players, who are likely to lob in the odd swearword, or at least have the sense to switch the sound off.
Interestingly, there is a programme on Sky Sports called 'Time of our lives' a show hosted by Jeff Stelling, who quizzes members of a team from the past about their memories and experiences, now this show is usually broadcast at 10pm, about 10 minutes after Drogba's little outburst. Watch this show, and you will find a group of old pro's loafing on a sofa, engaging in jovial banter, reminiscing about the good old days, and, quite regularly saying disgusting words like 'pissed', 'arse', 'fuck', 'shit' and other such blue-blooded murders of the english tongue. There is no warning about the nature of the language in the pre-amble to the show, so theoretically a kid could tune in to hear about footballing days of yore, to have his ears lascerated by hearing 'shit' or 'arse' - words the innocent little blighter is unlikely to have ever heard before at home, at school, in public or on television. Expect Sky and the media in general to get unnecessarily hyperbolic of the issue in the coming days/weeks/years/millenia.
Recriminations surely by Drogba, and for Chelsea's general behaviour at the final whistle, which I cannot condone, but the punishment from UEFA will be very interesting. April 20, 2009. Juventus v Inter. Mario Balotelli racially by Juventus fans. Juve were forced to play one game behind closed doors, a sentence later overturned. UEFA took no action.
June 20th 2008 – Croatia 1-1 Turkey – Croatian fans displayed Nazi style banners and were singing Nazi marching songs during the European Championship Quarter Final which Turkey won. UEFA fined the Croatian FA £9875.
17th June 2007 - England U21 2-0 Serbia U21 – Serbian supporters were asked to ’stop racist chanting or leave the stadium’ during the U21s’ victory in Serbia. Despite this then they continued and UEFA launched an investigation costing the Serbian FA £16500 in fines.
Given that racial abuse warrants action somewhere between nothing, and a 16 grand fine, what will UEFA decide is a suitable reprimand for bollocking a bad referee? Knowing UEFA, i really wouldn't want to guess.
Back to football, and overall Chelsea can feel hard done by in losing the tie. Barcelona are a better team, play better football, and are likely to produce a better final for neutrals. But this is not a beauty contest, and despite all of the superlatives levelled at Barca this year, they are only through to the final due to an incompetent referee. For all of Barca's intentions to play beautiful, attacking football, their only goal over 180 minutes of play came from an over-hit cross, mis-control from their striker, and mis-kicked clearance and a shot from the edge of the box. Not that beautiful.
Chelsea showed that English sides won't roll over and have their bellies tickled like the Spanish sides who regularly buckle to Barca. Manchester United will play with a similar physical element, they will be tactically disciplined, organised, but most crucially they have an incisiveness and an attacking threat that Chelsea lack, and that will be the difference in Rome.
Obviously the main talking point was the non-penalty calls from the referee. Listening to radio and sky phone-ins there are a lot of bitter Chelsea fans suggesting conspiracy theories from Michel Platini and UEFA. This is not a theory I subscribe to, I do not think there were any directies or clandestine plots to deny Chelsea a place in the final.
The referee simply got a number of close penalty calls wrong. His whole display was poor, and even his call to dismiss Eric Abidal was incorrect. Firstly, the Malouda penalty was in the box, the referee's positioning was perfect, but he did not have the courage to call what was a foul, a penalty. This decision is indicative of a culture amongst referee's to grant soft fouls outside of the box. Time and again we see fouls given for minimal contact in non-influential areas, but similar incidents are rarely given when it really matters. One has to wonder whether if that call needed to be made at the Nou Camp, in front of the Kop or the Stretford End the referee would have backed down from giving a penalty?
Abidal's foul on Drogba, and the Eto'o handball in the last minute were both 50-50, it was just unfortunate that both were given in Barca's favour, the Pique handball doesn't even need to be discussed.
It begs the question where UEFA get these officials from, and also, what role the 'assistant referee' plays in these matches? The assistant referee, or linesman as I still like to refer to them as, are still there to be seen and not heard. UEFA has still to grant these blokes with flags the autonomy to make decisions on behalf of the referee. Similarly, the assistant referee was conspicuously mute during the Arsenal-Man Utd game when Darren Fletcher was sent off. Replays show the lino was in a much better position to see the incident than the referee, yet did nothing. If he saw Fletcher touch the ball, why not act? if he didn't see the tackle, why do we have officials of this quality running the line?
There was a foul given prior to Fletcher's sending off where eboue mis-kicked the ball some five yards in front of the linesman, yet he did not flag for a foul. The referee blew for a foul, and immediately the linesman started waving his flag like he was stranded out at sea. Where's the assistance in that? They are either assistant referee's or linesman. It's ok glamourising their title, but can we have some clarification of their duties please?
Whilst we are on the topic of refereeing officialdom, it will be interesting to hear UEFA's justification on not rebuking Fletcher and Abidal's red cards. It reduces the responsibility of referee's to admit their mistakes when they can be protected by the kangaroo court of UEFA's disciplinary committee. We all accept that referee's make mistakes, but why is their incompetence given carte blanche from being held to scrutiny? UEFA's remit is to promote good, ethical football. It's brand revolves around fairness, and Europe to unite around the sport and to enjoy the spectacle it produces.
So why then are UEFA allowing two innocent players to miss out on what is arguably the biggest game of their lives? For years these players have shown exemplary dedication and professionalism to rise to the heights of being involved in the biggest club game on the planet, yet their participation has been ended not only by mistakes of individuals clearly not at the top of their profession, but also by a ludicrous judicial system which exemplifies these people from blame.
What is more confusing is that this organisation is ran by a true footballing personality. Prior to Platini, UEFA and its various associations have been ran by businessmen, capitalists, with little understanding outside of the commercial and financial aspects of the sport. How would Platini have reacted to missing a European final in such circumstances? Badly, most probably, so why does he not amend the disciplinary procedures accordingly?
At least he is likely to exercise some of this disciplinary might in the direction of Didier Drogba, for, as far as i can see, swearing at a tv camera. Richard Keys and the Sky panel were quick to lambast Drogba for swearing. If Sky do not want such language blasted over it's airwaves, why do they insist on getting a camera man to trail a group of emotionally charged, embittered footballers around when they are obviously so angry and preturbed at whats gone on before them? There was always the danger of the odd expletive being thrown in, as there is when a goal is scored, or in any other situation when there's the chance of some industrial language being thrown in? What Drogba did wasn't right, but it wasn't wrong. Swearing isn't an offence, and if UEFA decided to incriminate players on the back of a lip-reading expert then most players would rarely play two games in a row.
For Keys to apologise time and again for Drogba's vocab is weak, and shows how much power Sky hold over our game. If swearing infringes Sky's family entertainment policy, they shouldn't have these voyeuristic cameramen trailing players, who are likely to lob in the odd swearword, or at least have the sense to switch the sound off.
Interestingly, there is a programme on Sky Sports called 'Time of our lives' a show hosted by Jeff Stelling, who quizzes members of a team from the past about their memories and experiences, now this show is usually broadcast at 10pm, about 10 minutes after Drogba's little outburst. Watch this show, and you will find a group of old pro's loafing on a sofa, engaging in jovial banter, reminiscing about the good old days, and, quite regularly saying disgusting words like 'pissed', 'arse', 'fuck', 'shit' and other such blue-blooded murders of the english tongue. There is no warning about the nature of the language in the pre-amble to the show, so theoretically a kid could tune in to hear about footballing days of yore, to have his ears lascerated by hearing 'shit' or 'arse' - words the innocent little blighter is unlikely to have ever heard before at home, at school, in public or on television. Expect Sky and the media in general to get unnecessarily hyperbolic of the issue in the coming days/weeks/years/millenia.
Recriminations surely by Drogba, and for Chelsea's general behaviour at the final whistle, which I cannot condone, but the punishment from UEFA will be very interesting. April 20, 2009. Juventus v Inter. Mario Balotelli racially by Juventus fans. Juve were forced to play one game behind closed doors, a sentence later overturned. UEFA took no action.
June 20th 2008 – Croatia 1-1 Turkey – Croatian fans displayed Nazi style banners and were singing Nazi marching songs during the European Championship Quarter Final which Turkey won. UEFA fined the Croatian FA £9875.
17th June 2007 - England U21 2-0 Serbia U21 – Serbian supporters were asked to ’stop racist chanting or leave the stadium’ during the U21s’ victory in Serbia. Despite this then they continued and UEFA launched an investigation costing the Serbian FA £16500 in fines.
Given that racial abuse warrants action somewhere between nothing, and a 16 grand fine, what will UEFA decide is a suitable reprimand for bollocking a bad referee? Knowing UEFA, i really wouldn't want to guess.
Back to football, and overall Chelsea can feel hard done by in losing the tie. Barcelona are a better team, play better football, and are likely to produce a better final for neutrals. But this is not a beauty contest, and despite all of the superlatives levelled at Barca this year, they are only through to the final due to an incompetent referee. For all of Barca's intentions to play beautiful, attacking football, their only goal over 180 minutes of play came from an over-hit cross, mis-control from their striker, and mis-kicked clearance and a shot from the edge of the box. Not that beautiful.
Chelsea showed that English sides won't roll over and have their bellies tickled like the Spanish sides who regularly buckle to Barca. Manchester United will play with a similar physical element, they will be tactically disciplined, organised, but most crucially they have an incisiveness and an attacking threat that Chelsea lack, and that will be the difference in Rome.
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Ibra magic turns jeers to cheers
Enigma: One that is puzzling, ambiguous, or inexplicable. The word derives from the Latin meaning of a mysterious puzzle. You must wonder whether one of the great philosophers of the time came up with the word after predicting the existence of a tall Swedish striker roaming the land, hundreds of years later.
For all the adjectives used to describe Zlatan Ibrahimovic, enigma is possibly the most pertinent. Puzzling, often. Ambiguous, frequently. Inexplicable, certainly. The mercurial Swede posesses an almost un-natural, natural ability, combining an imposing physical stature with the style and grace of a ballerina. His touch and footwork defy his 6ft 3" height, and as well as scoring and creating an abundance of goals, he is capable of some of the most ludicrous pieces of skill imaginable, fit to illuminate any game.
However, that is only one side of the Ibrahimovic coin, and beyond the glorious highlight reels of wonderful goals and trickery, lurks an inconsistent, exasperating figure, a man who offers delight and despair in equal measure, and divides opinion like almost no other player on the planet. Never more so was this indifference so fittingly illustrated than during the Nerazzuri's 2-0 victory of Lazio at the San Siro on Saturday night.
Without a victory in three games, il Biscione's lead at the top of Serie A had been cut to seven points by a resurgent Milan. Three points were necessary to regain the confidence of a weary looking team, who were making heavy weather of securing a fourth consecutive Scudetto. the first half was a tepid affair, a tense and disjointed Inter lacked the urgency of Champions, failing to seize the initiative and impose themselves on the Biancocelesti.
Often a beacon of how Inter play, Ibrahimovic epitomised the lacklustre nature of the Nerazzuri, too often he was wasteful in possession, and spent large periods of the first hour of the game sloping around in his sultry demeanour. Such mannerisms do not sit well with the commonplace football fan, where passion and desire are a pre-requisite for any terrace idol. The half-time whistle was greeted with howls of derision from the Inter tifosi, unsatisfied and underwhelmed at a team about to be crowned champions. Into the second half and following another move which broke down at the feet of Ibra, the growls of disapproval once again rolled down the terraces, this time, aimed directly at their talismatic front man.
Ibrahimovic retaliated with a finger-to-lip gesture, suggesting the crowd keep their thoughts to themselves. Approaching the hour, it was time to retaliate with his feet, doing so with typically individual brilliance to deliver the goal Inter so desperately needed. Picking the ball up some 25-yards out, he slalomed into the box and skipped past David Rozenhal before lashing an unstoppable drive into the far corner past the sprawling dive of Fernando Muslera. Cometh the hour, cometh the man, the 21st goal of an impressive season, putting Ibra joint top of the Capocannoniere. Goals aren't the only currency Ibrahimovic deals in, and Inter's second goal was party to his sublime guile and vision, threading a perfectly weighted ball behind the Lazio backline for Sulley Muntari to latch onto, control and finish, extinguishing the hopes of le Aquile, and putting and end to any lingering doubts as to the whereabouts of this years Scudetto.
Post-match and Ibrahimovic was reticent to criticise the crowd for the jeers aimed at him. He told reporters; "The crowd motivated me further. I scored and only did my job on the field. The rest does not count. Straight after the game, it is all forgotten." However, Jose Mourinho pleaded for more leniency and understanding from the Nerazzuri faithful; "It's not right. There are moments of frustration during the match. The fans want more and for better performances - so do we - but we are doing our best" Opinion divided, but it is fair to say that the main talkpoint which polarises views at Internazionale is Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Lazio game was a perfect microcosm of the player and his career, flirting between frustratingly ineffective and frightfully brilliant.
On a regular basis this season, Jose Mourinho has lauded his star man as the best player in the world. Such proclamations from Mourinho should be treated lightly, but he does have ample personal reason to heap such praise on Ibra. His goals and influence have been fundamental in asserting Inter at the top of Serie A. Indeed during his three seasons at the Guiseppe Meazza, he has notched 53 times in 84 outings, a record comparable with any striker on the continent. Outside of Italy, there is still scepticism about just how good Ibrahimovic is. Six goals in 22 Champions League outings is a poor return for a striker of his calibre. A dismal showing against a patched up Manchester United backline in their Champions League tie did little to dispel the perception that he goes missing on the big occasion. Such yin and yang elements of his game are unlikely to deter potential suitors this summer, should he decide to seek pastures new. His recent hints at a move away from Inter may or may not have contributed to the stick he received on Saturday, but such abuse is unlikely to persuade him to stay. For the moment, Ibrahimovic's form is ensuring another league winners medal shall soon be adorning his mantlepiece, what will happen in the summer, like the player himself, will be much harder to predict.
The gossip columnists have been quick to line up replacements should Ibra move elsewhere. Diego Milito did his prospects no harm with a hat-trick in the Derby della Lanterna. The Genoa hitman has now struck 19 times since his move from Real Zaragoza, and could replace fellow Argentinian's Julio Cruz and Hernan Crespo, who are seemingly surplus to requirements.
Continuing the Argentinian striker theme, moves us to Carlos Tevez. Manchester United's failure to conclude a permanent deal for Tevez has led to the man himself admitting his future is likely to be away from Old Trafford. With Mourinho keen to replenish his striking stock, an Inter move is plausible, with Tevez's high-octane work-rate a favourable attribute for Mourinho.
Off the field and the verbal tit-for-tat between Inter and arch rivals Milan continues to rumble on. Some months ago, Mourinho wound up the Rossoneri, and Massimo Ambrosini in particular, by saying Milan would end up winning nothing this season. Ambrosini saw this is disrespectful, and having seen the Nerazzuri's lead cut to seven points, responded by saying he hoped Inter blew the title and that Mourinho should apologise if they did. In turn, Mourinho has said he will apologise should Milan pip his side to the league, however took the opportunity to further incite Ambrosini by referring to an incident at the end of Milan's Champions League triumph of 2007 when Ambrosini unfurled an offensive banner aimed at Inter fans; "I remember very well that Ambrosini once offended ten million interisti and he has never apologised for that. He doesn't have great moral authority speaking like this."
Ambrosini, biting the bait, then produced a wordy riposte on AC's official club website, sniping back at Mourinho; "I am surprised and embittered by how Mourinho, who's usually precise in his verbal communication, commented with such superficiality on my declarations of yesterday, which were not at all meant to create polemics or provoke, and I absolutely do not accept morality lessons from this man when, two days after the episode of the banner, I apologized to Inter's players and fans. I showed the kind of moral values which he, with little attention or knowledge of the facts, put in doubt." The ball is now back in Mourinho's court, and with Inter sitting pretty following the Lazio win, he is sure to deliver another of his trademark tirade's. Look out Massimo!!
Not to be outdone, both club's illuminati got in on the act. President Berlusconi suggested that had Adriano's handball goal been disallowed in the Derby della Madonnina back in February, the gap at the top of Serie A would have been smaller. President Moratti came back and explained; "I'm not scared of Milan." before questioning the amount of penalties Milan have been awarded this year (12). The if's and but's continued to rain in from Milan when Vice-President Adriano Galliani piped up; "If Inter had lost Ibrahimovic for as many games as we did kaka, the scudetto would have been a lot different. Inter are more consistent, but we are playing better football."
An air of resignation in Galliani's thoughts? Probably. This weekend sees Inter travel to Chievo, with Milan entertaining Juventus. An Inter win coupled with the Bianconeri beating Milan would see Inter confirmed as champions. The battle would be over, but the war of words has only just begun.
For all the adjectives used to describe Zlatan Ibrahimovic, enigma is possibly the most pertinent. Puzzling, often. Ambiguous, frequently. Inexplicable, certainly. The mercurial Swede posesses an almost un-natural, natural ability, combining an imposing physical stature with the style and grace of a ballerina. His touch and footwork defy his 6ft 3" height, and as well as scoring and creating an abundance of goals, he is capable of some of the most ludicrous pieces of skill imaginable, fit to illuminate any game.
However, that is only one side of the Ibrahimovic coin, and beyond the glorious highlight reels of wonderful goals and trickery, lurks an inconsistent, exasperating figure, a man who offers delight and despair in equal measure, and divides opinion like almost no other player on the planet. Never more so was this indifference so fittingly illustrated than during the Nerazzuri's 2-0 victory of Lazio at the San Siro on Saturday night.
Without a victory in three games, il Biscione's lead at the top of Serie A had been cut to seven points by a resurgent Milan. Three points were necessary to regain the confidence of a weary looking team, who were making heavy weather of securing a fourth consecutive Scudetto. the first half was a tepid affair, a tense and disjointed Inter lacked the urgency of Champions, failing to seize the initiative and impose themselves on the Biancocelesti.
Often a beacon of how Inter play, Ibrahimovic epitomised the lacklustre nature of the Nerazzuri, too often he was wasteful in possession, and spent large periods of the first hour of the game sloping around in his sultry demeanour. Such mannerisms do not sit well with the commonplace football fan, where passion and desire are a pre-requisite for any terrace idol. The half-time whistle was greeted with howls of derision from the Inter tifosi, unsatisfied and underwhelmed at a team about to be crowned champions. Into the second half and following another move which broke down at the feet of Ibra, the growls of disapproval once again rolled down the terraces, this time, aimed directly at their talismatic front man.
Ibrahimovic retaliated with a finger-to-lip gesture, suggesting the crowd keep their thoughts to themselves. Approaching the hour, it was time to retaliate with his feet, doing so with typically individual brilliance to deliver the goal Inter so desperately needed. Picking the ball up some 25-yards out, he slalomed into the box and skipped past David Rozenhal before lashing an unstoppable drive into the far corner past the sprawling dive of Fernando Muslera. Cometh the hour, cometh the man, the 21st goal of an impressive season, putting Ibra joint top of the Capocannoniere. Goals aren't the only currency Ibrahimovic deals in, and Inter's second goal was party to his sublime guile and vision, threading a perfectly weighted ball behind the Lazio backline for Sulley Muntari to latch onto, control and finish, extinguishing the hopes of le Aquile, and putting and end to any lingering doubts as to the whereabouts of this years Scudetto.
Post-match and Ibrahimovic was reticent to criticise the crowd for the jeers aimed at him. He told reporters; "The crowd motivated me further. I scored and only did my job on the field. The rest does not count. Straight after the game, it is all forgotten." However, Jose Mourinho pleaded for more leniency and understanding from the Nerazzuri faithful; "It's not right. There are moments of frustration during the match. The fans want more and for better performances - so do we - but we are doing our best" Opinion divided, but it is fair to say that the main talkpoint which polarises views at Internazionale is Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Lazio game was a perfect microcosm of the player and his career, flirting between frustratingly ineffective and frightfully brilliant.
On a regular basis this season, Jose Mourinho has lauded his star man as the best player in the world. Such proclamations from Mourinho should be treated lightly, but he does have ample personal reason to heap such praise on Ibra. His goals and influence have been fundamental in asserting Inter at the top of Serie A. Indeed during his three seasons at the Guiseppe Meazza, he has notched 53 times in 84 outings, a record comparable with any striker on the continent. Outside of Italy, there is still scepticism about just how good Ibrahimovic is. Six goals in 22 Champions League outings is a poor return for a striker of his calibre. A dismal showing against a patched up Manchester United backline in their Champions League tie did little to dispel the perception that he goes missing on the big occasion. Such yin and yang elements of his game are unlikely to deter potential suitors this summer, should he decide to seek pastures new. His recent hints at a move away from Inter may or may not have contributed to the stick he received on Saturday, but such abuse is unlikely to persuade him to stay. For the moment, Ibrahimovic's form is ensuring another league winners medal shall soon be adorning his mantlepiece, what will happen in the summer, like the player himself, will be much harder to predict.
The gossip columnists have been quick to line up replacements should Ibra move elsewhere. Diego Milito did his prospects no harm with a hat-trick in the Derby della Lanterna. The Genoa hitman has now struck 19 times since his move from Real Zaragoza, and could replace fellow Argentinian's Julio Cruz and Hernan Crespo, who are seemingly surplus to requirements.
Continuing the Argentinian striker theme, moves us to Carlos Tevez. Manchester United's failure to conclude a permanent deal for Tevez has led to the man himself admitting his future is likely to be away from Old Trafford. With Mourinho keen to replenish his striking stock, an Inter move is plausible, with Tevez's high-octane work-rate a favourable attribute for Mourinho.
Off the field and the verbal tit-for-tat between Inter and arch rivals Milan continues to rumble on. Some months ago, Mourinho wound up the Rossoneri, and Massimo Ambrosini in particular, by saying Milan would end up winning nothing this season. Ambrosini saw this is disrespectful, and having seen the Nerazzuri's lead cut to seven points, responded by saying he hoped Inter blew the title and that Mourinho should apologise if they did. In turn, Mourinho has said he will apologise should Milan pip his side to the league, however took the opportunity to further incite Ambrosini by referring to an incident at the end of Milan's Champions League triumph of 2007 when Ambrosini unfurled an offensive banner aimed at Inter fans; "I remember very well that Ambrosini once offended ten million interisti and he has never apologised for that. He doesn't have great moral authority speaking like this."
Ambrosini, biting the bait, then produced a wordy riposte on AC's official club website, sniping back at Mourinho; "I am surprised and embittered by how Mourinho, who's usually precise in his verbal communication, commented with such superficiality on my declarations of yesterday, which were not at all meant to create polemics or provoke, and I absolutely do not accept morality lessons from this man when, two days after the episode of the banner, I apologized to Inter's players and fans. I showed the kind of moral values which he, with little attention or knowledge of the facts, put in doubt." The ball is now back in Mourinho's court, and with Inter sitting pretty following the Lazio win, he is sure to deliver another of his trademark tirade's. Look out Massimo!!
Not to be outdone, both club's illuminati got in on the act. President Berlusconi suggested that had Adriano's handball goal been disallowed in the Derby della Madonnina back in February, the gap at the top of Serie A would have been smaller. President Moratti came back and explained; "I'm not scared of Milan." before questioning the amount of penalties Milan have been awarded this year (12). The if's and but's continued to rain in from Milan when Vice-President Adriano Galliani piped up; "If Inter had lost Ibrahimovic for as many games as we did kaka, the scudetto would have been a lot different. Inter are more consistent, but we are playing better football."
An air of resignation in Galliani's thoughts? Probably. This weekend sees Inter travel to Chievo, with Milan entertaining Juventus. An Inter win coupled with the Bianconeri beating Milan would see Inter confirmed as champions. The battle would be over, but the war of words has only just begun.
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