This week’s fixture double-header took us past the completion of the first quarter of the season. The quarter-mark is one of those occasions - like a particularly unwelcome birthday or anniversary - which creeps up surprisingly quickly, and when it does arrive, it provokes a sense of worrying realisation; That this is it, this is the moment, this is how it's going to be - you'd better get used to it.
If you looked into the bathroom mirror on the morning of this particularly unwelcome birthday or anniversary, what would you see? Would you see an Inter? Thrilling nobody. Far from complete, yet assuming an air of relative success, partially borne out of others failings rather than your own brilliance? Could a Juventus look back at you? You see potential, you see a winning formula, you see all the credentials of past glories returning, but then you see the unconvincing unit unlikely to deliver the promises. What about a Milan? A withering wreck, old and tired, but with a deep, underlying sense of achievement you are determined to regain? Or is it a Roma? A life in crisis? A shambles?
Two home wins this week mean Mourinho's Nerazzurri occupy their resident top-spot with a four-point lead over Juve. Well documented on these pages, il Biscione's problems lie further afield than their Serie A domain, where already they look the most accomplished side in the league. The first ten games have taught us nothing new about the Campione d'Italia, but without doubt they remain the strongest and most consistent team on the peninsula. Without regularly ascending to the heights they could and possibly should, Inter's stranglehold on the Scudetto should remain if they can avoid venturing into the sort of self-destruction favoured by their title rivals in recent years.
Over in Turin and tides are high following a 5-1 drubbing of surprise forerunners, Sampdoria. Following on from the weekends 1-0 defeat of Siena, the Bianconeri leapfrogged Samp into second with a sublime performance at the Stadio Olipmpico. The destructive performance over a previously impressive Blucerchiati, is an indication of the sort of football Juve could play if they can effectively harness the talent at their disposal. Certainly they appear the most likely pretenders to Inter's crown, and the nature of their humbling of Samp led to Brazilian trequartista Diego to suggest, "The Juve we see today are the Juve side able to win the Scudetto." Unfortunately, Diego, nobody knows when that Juve is likely to re-appear. Proceeding Samp, an Amauri header was just enough to squeeze past basement dwellers Siena, which was la Vecchia Signora's first win in five. The first part of the season has seen only brief glimpses of what Juve are capable of, the rest has
been an eclectic mish-mash of nearly men. A disjointed team, changing tactics and personnel, served with a general lack of conviction that they can actually topple Inter. Wednesday nights offering needs to become the norm rather than an anomaly if Ciro Ferrara is to break the Inter monopoly.
The chance of a Scudetto for Milan seemed a distant wish just a few weeks ago, and despite a mini-resurgence, their prospects have improved little. Three wins from four have lifted the immediate threat to Coach Leonardo's job, but sat in 5th place, nine points off old foe's Inter, the Rossoneri's peerage can be found in the Champions League chasing pack rather than any closer to the summit. The chronic lack of goals has been restored of late - finding the net nine times in the four match sequence - but the defensive frailties are at large, with six goals being shipped in over the same period, including two in injury time as Napoli rescued a point at the San Paolo. The club have this week finally confirmed the arrival of David Beckham back for a second stint in January. Beckham's arrival will not be sufficient to breach the gaping chasm between il Diavolo and their cross-town rivals, the focus should instead be on securing that top four finish.
If only Roma could have their eye on a top four finish. For 2007 and 2008’s Serie A runners-up, the terminal slide continues. I Giallorossi have now lost their last three games to find themselves mired in mid-table mediocrity. The 1-0 home reverse to Livorno summarises the inadequacies of a team riddled with injuries, poor form and an overall sense of demoralised dissatisfaction surrounding the club. They are still over-reliant on Francesco Totti, and given his medical record, that’s not wise. The ownership issues and rumours of debt surrounding the club will not go away, and supporters are being left to wander will the squad be revitalised come January or broken down for scrap? Given i Lupi have gotten to the knock-out stages of the Champions League in the last few seasons, it’s difficult to see what would constitute a good finish this time around given all going on. Euro football of some sort, should be attainable.
In other news, if any of the above clubs decide a change of Coach is needed, that figure you see on the horizon dusting down the touchline rain-jacket and scarf combo is ex Nerazzurri tactician, Roberto Mancini. Mancini has finally terminated himself from his Inter contract, thus allowing him to negotiate with other interested parties. As part of his severance deal thrashed out with President Moratti, Mancini remained on Inter’s payroll, meaning any club wishing to use his services would have to presumably match his £6m a year annual salary, whilst also reach a compensation package with the San Siro giants.
That arrangement has all been ended now, and as a result it seems Mancini could be about to land himself a new job at Real Madrid, or if he’s not careful, Notts County. Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini is feeling the heat following one win in the last five games, including the humiliation of a 4-0 rout by minnows Alcoron in the Copa del Rey. Of course, this hasn’t gone down too well with Florentino Perez and the £200m or so he’s splashed out on a new team. Just three months into the season and rumours are rife that Perez fancies a new coach for his new team, with Mancini top of the list. The speculation was not exactly dampened by Mancini himself who told Sky Sport Italia, “At times you never think you will train a certain team and then you end up training that very team. We’ll see what happens in the coming weeks.”
Pellegrini beware, unless Mancini’s talking about Notts County?
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Friday, 23 October 2009
News from the Peninsula # 4
News regarding Internazionale is beginning to take on a rather familiar theme. On home soil, although far from perfect, things are pretty much going according to plan. An impressive 5-0 humbling of Genoa at the weekend kept the Nerazzurri safely sat in their resident top spot on the Serie A ladder. Unfortunately, ventures on the European scene are far from cosy, a 2-2 draw with Dynamo Kiev at the San Siro on Tuesday means la Beneamata are faced with the all too real prospect of failing to qualify from their Champions League group.
Although Rubin Kazan’s shock victory in the Camp Nou has congealed Group F together, Inter’s fixtures don’t fall too kind. A trip into the frosty perils of Kiev is next up, before facing Barca on their usually impenetrable home patch. A run of eight Champions League games without a win must be halted immediately if Inter are to be involved in the competition in the New Year. Perhaps the most baffling aspect of the struggles is that their position tells no lies. The performances of the team have not merited results greater than they have achieved, and this case stretches back over a year to the time they last recorded a win in the ‘Big Cup’. For all of their domestic dominance, Jose Mourinho’s side are struggling to adapt to the challenges of facing the Continents best teams. Group F is no stroll, but should prove ultimately manageable for a team of Inter’s ambition. Following the Kiev stumble, Inter legend Marco Tardelli spoke of his former side lacking the ‘DNA’ to play in Europe, and it is certainly a case that in European ties il Biscione lack the conviction of Italian champions.
By trying to dissect what’s gone wrong, there are no obvious signs as to why the transition is such an issue. The squad has been suitably bolstered to a level whereby President Moratti and the Interisti should expect a decent assault on the Champions League, or at the very least there should be signs of improvement and a sense of evolution towards a side capable of winning the competition. Nor have there been any great injury crisis’ or refereeing injustices. Indeed the ‘Special One’ has few excuses as to why his troops are performing so badly on an arena he was hired to excel in. The buck must stop with Mourinho, as a tactician and a motivator, to raise the team from it’s slumber, and resemble the powerhouse club it can be. Given his salary and reputation, Mourinho would be treading very thin ice should the worst happen. Since his 2004 success with Porto, he has enjoyed great resource both from Chelsea and Inter to replicate that achievement. Numerous failed attempts later, the ‘special’ tag is in danger of becoming myth, not legend.
Neighbour’s Milan’s mini resurgence has eased the pressure slightly on Coach Leonardo, although the upturn will have to be sustained for a good few weeks yet to dispel fears that the Rossoneri hot seat is a job too soon for the Brazilian. Some of the many on-field woes for il Diavolo has been about the woeful goals tally they’ve returned. Just six in eight league games has done little to take the pressure off a defence who remain creakier than an Ikea book-shelf. Good news then that Alexandre Pato has kicked into gear, scoring the decisive goal against Roma, and adding another two at the Bernabeu. Since arriving at the San Siro, Pato averages just under a goal every two games – a healthy return for a recently turned twenty-year-old, who’s been used off the bench and had to acclimatise to a new league. With Ronaldinho erratic and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar struggling, Leonardo will be looking to his young countryman to show what all the hype is about.
It has been reported that Luciano Spalletti has politely declined the vacant Coach’s position at Atletico Madrid. Spalletti, 50, has been out of work since quitting Roma in the summer, and decided against taking over from Abel Resino, who picked up his P45 as a result of Atletico’s awful start to the campaign. With the notorious Gil family still having heavy influence on the Atletico board, it is no surprise the job has arose seventeen times in the last nineteen years. Former Valencia tactician Quique Sanchez Flores has bravely stepped up to the slaughter.
Christian Vieri has this week announced he’s decided to hang up his boots. Vieri, now 36, has been without a club since terminating his contract with Atalanta in April, and says he is finished with football, “I no longer have the desire to play and I am not even tempted to move abroad”. ‘Bobo’ terrified Serie A defences in the early part of the decade, his spell at Inter following his then world record transfer move from Lazio in 1999 saw him become the most prolific striker in Europe before injuries caught up with him. The physique of the gladiator has gone - now reminiscent of a Roman ruin. Vieri has joined the world poker tour and is still involved in a legal battle with former employers Inter over alleged tapping of his phones during his time at the Meazza.
Although Rubin Kazan’s shock victory in the Camp Nou has congealed Group F together, Inter’s fixtures don’t fall too kind. A trip into the frosty perils of Kiev is next up, before facing Barca on their usually impenetrable home patch. A run of eight Champions League games without a win must be halted immediately if Inter are to be involved in the competition in the New Year. Perhaps the most baffling aspect of the struggles is that their position tells no lies. The performances of the team have not merited results greater than they have achieved, and this case stretches back over a year to the time they last recorded a win in the ‘Big Cup’. For all of their domestic dominance, Jose Mourinho’s side are struggling to adapt to the challenges of facing the Continents best teams. Group F is no stroll, but should prove ultimately manageable for a team of Inter’s ambition. Following the Kiev stumble, Inter legend Marco Tardelli spoke of his former side lacking the ‘DNA’ to play in Europe, and it is certainly a case that in European ties il Biscione lack the conviction of Italian champions.
By trying to dissect what’s gone wrong, there are no obvious signs as to why the transition is such an issue. The squad has been suitably bolstered to a level whereby President Moratti and the Interisti should expect a decent assault on the Champions League, or at the very least there should be signs of improvement and a sense of evolution towards a side capable of winning the competition. Nor have there been any great injury crisis’ or refereeing injustices. Indeed the ‘Special One’ has few excuses as to why his troops are performing so badly on an arena he was hired to excel in. The buck must stop with Mourinho, as a tactician and a motivator, to raise the team from it’s slumber, and resemble the powerhouse club it can be. Given his salary and reputation, Mourinho would be treading very thin ice should the worst happen. Since his 2004 success with Porto, he has enjoyed great resource both from Chelsea and Inter to replicate that achievement. Numerous failed attempts later, the ‘special’ tag is in danger of becoming myth, not legend.
Neighbour’s Milan’s mini resurgence has eased the pressure slightly on Coach Leonardo, although the upturn will have to be sustained for a good few weeks yet to dispel fears that the Rossoneri hot seat is a job too soon for the Brazilian. Some of the many on-field woes for il Diavolo has been about the woeful goals tally they’ve returned. Just six in eight league games has done little to take the pressure off a defence who remain creakier than an Ikea book-shelf. Good news then that Alexandre Pato has kicked into gear, scoring the decisive goal against Roma, and adding another two at the Bernabeu. Since arriving at the San Siro, Pato averages just under a goal every two games – a healthy return for a recently turned twenty-year-old, who’s been used off the bench and had to acclimatise to a new league. With Ronaldinho erratic and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar struggling, Leonardo will be looking to his young countryman to show what all the hype is about.
It has been reported that Luciano Spalletti has politely declined the vacant Coach’s position at Atletico Madrid. Spalletti, 50, has been out of work since quitting Roma in the summer, and decided against taking over from Abel Resino, who picked up his P45 as a result of Atletico’s awful start to the campaign. With the notorious Gil family still having heavy influence on the Atletico board, it is no surprise the job has arose seventeen times in the last nineteen years. Former Valencia tactician Quique Sanchez Flores has bravely stepped up to the slaughter.
Christian Vieri has this week announced he’s decided to hang up his boots. Vieri, now 36, has been without a club since terminating his contract with Atalanta in April, and says he is finished with football, “I no longer have the desire to play and I am not even tempted to move abroad”. ‘Bobo’ terrified Serie A defences in the early part of the decade, his spell at Inter following his then world record transfer move from Lazio in 1999 saw him become the most prolific striker in Europe before injuries caught up with him. The physique of the gladiator has gone - now reminiscent of a Roman ruin. Vieri has joined the world poker tour and is still involved in a legal battle with former employers Inter over alleged tapping of his phones during his time at the Meazza.
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Will the real Ibrahimovic please stand up?
The shortlist for the 2009 European Footballer of the Year was revealed this week, and it makes pretty grim reading for Calcio fans. Only four of the nominees currently ply their trade in Serie A, none of whom are actually Italian. The bulk of the shortlist was made up from the Premier League and La Liga - reflecting the dominance the English and Spanish clubs have had on the continents football scene over the last few years.
How times have changed since the halcyon days of Italian football, when the wealth of the Agnelli's, the Moratti's and Silvio Berlusconi bankrolled the arrival of footballs illuminati. During the 1980's and 90's, the Ballon d'Or took up semi-permanent residence on the peninsula - no fewer than thirteen times during this period did the winner of the award play for an Italian club. In 1988 and 1989 alone, the top three spots for the player of the year all went to members of the great Milan side of the day. Serie A was the place to be seen. But the order of rule has changed. An indictment of the definite power-shift in Europe, is that both of Serie A's top commodities - Kaka and Zlatan Ibrahimovic - felt it necessary to abscond to Spain this summer to maximise their peak footballing years. Kaka, winner of the ‘Golden Ball’ in 2007, has made the France Football shortlist but appears to be defaulted in by association rather than any great achievements in 2009. Ibrahimovic on the other hand, thoroughly does merit his place - but has no chance of winning it.
The abruptness of the last statement may sound harsh given that Lionel Messi's unparalleled brilliance over the last 18-months means he's almost certain to be handed the moniker of Europe’s best player. However, Ibra still fails to attain the greater kudos afforded to some of his peers, and outside of the peninsula, scepticism remains about his effectiveness and big-game temperament. Aged 28, and with five years in Italy behind him, the Swedish striker has never been able to fully cement his reputation as one of the game's true world-class performers. Even this season - Ibra's annus mirabilis - in which his 25 league goals and countless inspirational displays carried Inter to a third successive Scudetto, the prosecution is strong. Once again 'Ibracadabra' failed to prove his undoubted ability on the biggest stage. One goal in eight Champions League games, including two insipid showings against Manchester United, only fuelled the fire of his critics who suggest he is nothing more than a show pony - a flat-track bully - who fails to live up to his billing when it is needed most. In truth, this mantle has been assigned to Ibra for some years now, with the argument strengthened with each indifferent showing against Europe’s elite. Quite simply, Ibrahimovic has never produced enough when it matters - against the strongest teams, when under pressure - to be universally lauded as one of the best.
Alongside Messi, the main contenders for the Ballon d'Or are Barcelona's creative combo of Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. The strength of Barca meant the pair were never relied upon to the extent Ibrahimovic was for the Nerazzurri. Even Ibra's single-minded, single-handed rescuing of Inter, is surpassed by the excellence of Xavi and Iniesta who effortlessly rose to task when the occasion came. The duo both excelled in the latter stages of La Blaugrana's triumphant Champions League campaign, culminating in an exquisite showing in the Final of the competition - their midfield artistry decimating Man Utd, laying the foundations for their team to win footballs biggest club game. On such showings do reputations and recognition grow. Such showings have been notable only by there absence from Ibra's portfolio.
So now he finds himself at the Camp Nou, an interesting acquisition in itself. The value of the transfer (including Samuel Eto'o as a makeweight) is second only to that of Cristiano Ronaldo. Given the sum paid, it is feasible the Catalan giants could have prized away Fernando Torres or David Villa from their respective clubs - strikers with a proven pedigree of goals at the highest level. Yet Pep Guardiola opted for Ibrahimovic, despite the unanswered questions. Given that Barca swept the board last season, there will be no place to hide. The disappearing acts will be quickly seized upon by the observant ‘culers’. His predecessor, Eto’o, had just fired thirty-six goals and had been the focal point of an unstoppable attacking unit. Aided by the invention of Messi, Henry, Xavi and Iniesta, a tailors dummy could regularly find the net for Barcelona. To maintain their current status, Barca will be expecting Ibrahimovic to deliver his much promised excellence in times which warrant his price tag. Should he fail, he will never shift the perception of being one of football’s nearly men. Should he succeed, the individual awards and acclaim will follow. Over to you, Zlatan.
How times have changed since the halcyon days of Italian football, when the wealth of the Agnelli's, the Moratti's and Silvio Berlusconi bankrolled the arrival of footballs illuminati. During the 1980's and 90's, the Ballon d'Or took up semi-permanent residence on the peninsula - no fewer than thirteen times during this period did the winner of the award play for an Italian club. In 1988 and 1989 alone, the top three spots for the player of the year all went to members of the great Milan side of the day. Serie A was the place to be seen. But the order of rule has changed. An indictment of the definite power-shift in Europe, is that both of Serie A's top commodities - Kaka and Zlatan Ibrahimovic - felt it necessary to abscond to Spain this summer to maximise their peak footballing years. Kaka, winner of the ‘Golden Ball’ in 2007, has made the France Football shortlist but appears to be defaulted in by association rather than any great achievements in 2009. Ibrahimovic on the other hand, thoroughly does merit his place - but has no chance of winning it.
The abruptness of the last statement may sound harsh given that Lionel Messi's unparalleled brilliance over the last 18-months means he's almost certain to be handed the moniker of Europe’s best player. However, Ibra still fails to attain the greater kudos afforded to some of his peers, and outside of the peninsula, scepticism remains about his effectiveness and big-game temperament. Aged 28, and with five years in Italy behind him, the Swedish striker has never been able to fully cement his reputation as one of the game's true world-class performers. Even this season - Ibra's annus mirabilis - in which his 25 league goals and countless inspirational displays carried Inter to a third successive Scudetto, the prosecution is strong. Once again 'Ibracadabra' failed to prove his undoubted ability on the biggest stage. One goal in eight Champions League games, including two insipid showings against Manchester United, only fuelled the fire of his critics who suggest he is nothing more than a show pony - a flat-track bully - who fails to live up to his billing when it is needed most. In truth, this mantle has been assigned to Ibra for some years now, with the argument strengthened with each indifferent showing against Europe’s elite. Quite simply, Ibrahimovic has never produced enough when it matters - against the strongest teams, when under pressure - to be universally lauded as one of the best.
Alongside Messi, the main contenders for the Ballon d'Or are Barcelona's creative combo of Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. The strength of Barca meant the pair were never relied upon to the extent Ibrahimovic was for the Nerazzurri. Even Ibra's single-minded, single-handed rescuing of Inter, is surpassed by the excellence of Xavi and Iniesta who effortlessly rose to task when the occasion came. The duo both excelled in the latter stages of La Blaugrana's triumphant Champions League campaign, culminating in an exquisite showing in the Final of the competition - their midfield artistry decimating Man Utd, laying the foundations for their team to win footballs biggest club game. On such showings do reputations and recognition grow. Such showings have been notable only by there absence from Ibra's portfolio.
So now he finds himself at the Camp Nou, an interesting acquisition in itself. The value of the transfer (including Samuel Eto'o as a makeweight) is second only to that of Cristiano Ronaldo. Given the sum paid, it is feasible the Catalan giants could have prized away Fernando Torres or David Villa from their respective clubs - strikers with a proven pedigree of goals at the highest level. Yet Pep Guardiola opted for Ibrahimovic, despite the unanswered questions. Given that Barca swept the board last season, there will be no place to hide. The disappearing acts will be quickly seized upon by the observant ‘culers’. His predecessor, Eto’o, had just fired thirty-six goals and had been the focal point of an unstoppable attacking unit. Aided by the invention of Messi, Henry, Xavi and Iniesta, a tailors dummy could regularly find the net for Barcelona. To maintain their current status, Barca will be expecting Ibrahimovic to deliver his much promised excellence in times which warrant his price tag. Should he fail, he will never shift the perception of being one of football’s nearly men. Should he succeed, the individual awards and acclaim will follow. Over to you, Zlatan.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Chelsea - safe in their castle, look to get back on track.
It's amazing what effect a humble little beach ball can have on proceedings. The sheer insanity of a goal coming courtesy of a deflection via the key component of Liverpool FC's £10 beach set seemed to send the nation into a tizz. The nature of the goal served to exasperate the problems afoot for Rafa Benitez and his men, it also tapered the praise Sunderland should have got for what was otherwise a thoroughly deserved victory, and a few hundred miles south, sneaking quietly out of Villa Park were a Chelsea team smarting from their second defeat in three Premier League outings.
Normally, in news terms, a title challenging side losing two out of three games ranks somewhere between a Royal death and Jordan's latest toyboy. However, thanks to 'beachball-gate' the Blues tucked themselves nicely into the middle of the footballing supplements, happy to allow their Merseyside rivals to wear the punches. Whilst their own failings may he been masked from wider public scrutiny, such defeats and dropped points will do nothing for Chelsea's inner confidence and collectiveness. Now with two losses in nine games, had in not been for injury time winners against Hull and Stoke, Carlo Ancelotti could be feeling the same sort of heat as Benitez.
Having won all four home games this season, scoring ten goals and conceding just one, the visit of Blackburn Rovers this weekend presents an immediately winnable opportunity for the Londoners to regain course. The recent defeats to Wigan and Aston Villa have not proved as critical as they should have been, with their nearest competitors also shedding unnecessary points. Question marks still remain over the lack of width the diamond formation provides, and how Chelsea deal with set-pieces. Both aspects will be tested by a Rovers side who will look to throttle the midfield, and test Chelsea's vulnerability to the aerial ball whenever possible.
Ancelotti welcomes back Michael Ballack to midfield, with Branislav Ivanovic set to deputise for the injured Jose Bosingwa. Didier Drogba comes back following European suspension; Joe Cole, Yuri Zhirkov and Jon Obi Mikel are striving for match-fitness and will have to settle for places on the bench.
Sam Allardyce is without derby day hero Franco Di Santo who is unavailable against his parent club, Jason Roberts should deputise with the rest of the side staying the same from that which beat neighbours Burnley last week. Rovers have yet to pick up a point on their travels this season, and were thumped 6-2 last time on the road to Arsenal. David Dunn who played off Di Santo in a forward role against Burnley is likely to shuffle back into a more orthodox midfield role to help stifle Chelsea's possession.
Nothing short of three points will do for Chelsea, who will hope to exorcise some of their demons dealing with balls into the box - which will surely come aplenty from a Sam Allardyce production. Blackburn, sat in twelfth place appear some way off challenging the likes of Villa, Sunderland and Everton for a Europa League place, and are nowhere near as bad as Portsmouth, Hull and the rest of the relegation fodder to get sucked into that mire. A season of mid-table mediocrity beckons, this is a game they need to get out of the way, offer them a point at Stamford Bridge and they'll rip your hand off. Chelsea should be good enough to take all three though.
Normally, in news terms, a title challenging side losing two out of three games ranks somewhere between a Royal death and Jordan's latest toyboy. However, thanks to 'beachball-gate' the Blues tucked themselves nicely into the middle of the footballing supplements, happy to allow their Merseyside rivals to wear the punches. Whilst their own failings may he been masked from wider public scrutiny, such defeats and dropped points will do nothing for Chelsea's inner confidence and collectiveness. Now with two losses in nine games, had in not been for injury time winners against Hull and Stoke, Carlo Ancelotti could be feeling the same sort of heat as Benitez.
Having won all four home games this season, scoring ten goals and conceding just one, the visit of Blackburn Rovers this weekend presents an immediately winnable opportunity for the Londoners to regain course. The recent defeats to Wigan and Aston Villa have not proved as critical as they should have been, with their nearest competitors also shedding unnecessary points. Question marks still remain over the lack of width the diamond formation provides, and how Chelsea deal with set-pieces. Both aspects will be tested by a Rovers side who will look to throttle the midfield, and test Chelsea's vulnerability to the aerial ball whenever possible.
Ancelotti welcomes back Michael Ballack to midfield, with Branislav Ivanovic set to deputise for the injured Jose Bosingwa. Didier Drogba comes back following European suspension; Joe Cole, Yuri Zhirkov and Jon Obi Mikel are striving for match-fitness and will have to settle for places on the bench.
1 Cech
2 Ivanovic – 6 Carvalho – 26 Terry – 3 A. Cole
5 Essien
13 Ballack – 20 Deco – 8 Lampard
11 Drogba – 39 Anelka
Sam Allardyce is without derby day hero Franco Di Santo who is unavailable against his parent club, Jason Roberts should deputise with the rest of the side staying the same from that which beat neighbours Burnley last week. Rovers have yet to pick up a point on their travels this season, and were thumped 6-2 last time on the road to Arsenal. David Dunn who played off Di Santo in a forward role against Burnley is likely to shuffle back into a more orthodox midfield role to help stifle Chelsea's possession.
1 Robinson
2 Jacobsen –4 Samba –6 Nelsen –39 Chimbonda
18 Diouf – 15 Nzonzi – 17 Andrews – 12 Pedersen
8 Dunn
9 Roberts
Nothing short of three points will do for Chelsea, who will hope to exorcise some of their demons dealing with balls into the box - which will surely come aplenty from a Sam Allardyce production. Blackburn, sat in twelfth place appear some way off challenging the likes of Villa, Sunderland and Everton for a Europa League place, and are nowhere near as bad as Portsmouth, Hull and the rest of the relegation fodder to get sucked into that mire. A season of mid-table mediocrity beckons, this is a game they need to get out of the way, offer them a point at Stamford Bridge and they'll rip your hand off. Chelsea should be good enough to take all three though.
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Ballon d'Or Nominations, European Footballer of the Year 2009
Across the globe 96 journalists have had their say. Each scribe loosely working to a similar personal formula of statistics, opinion and preference to try to ascertain who is the European Footballer of the Year for 2009.
Of course, like any awards, the mystique is created by the deliberation and conjecture of the subject, rather than the eventual prestige of the crowning. According to a special edition of Rolling Stone magazine produced in 2003, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is the greatest album of all time. Is it? The beauty of this fantastically audacious statement is that it almost certainly isn't correct. It can't be, and nor is there a definitive answer. So - with no definitive answer - as we eagerly await the regal gala to be held in Paris on December 1, who has been the best footballer on the continent for 2009? Let the debating begin.
For a start, our first contentious issue revolves around the timescale of performances. The award is technically given for the calender year of 2009, but it is safe to assume nominations are considered for endeavours over the footballing annum of 2008/09. Arguably the best international and club sides throughout this period have been Spain and Barcelona respectively. As such, both are heavily represented in the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or, produced by award organisers France Football Magazine. The thirty players - from fourteen different nations - are drawn from fourteen individual clubs in five seperate leagues. Barcelona have the most nominees of any club with six, Spain has the most nominations as a nation, also with six, whilst la Liga has the most players of any league on the list with thirteen. Interestingly, an indication of the monopoly of power the Champions League holds, only one player from the thirty - David Villa - will not be playing for a club in Europe's premier competition this season.
Villa is amongst the Spanish contingent recognised for their Euro 2008 success and imperious qualifying for South Africa 2010, along with Cesc Fabregas, Iker Casillas, Fernando Torres and Barcelona pair Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez. Barca's magnificent 2008/09 campaign saw Pep Guardiola's men conquer all before them to complete a domestic and European treble, and joining Xavi and Iniesta on the shortlist from the Camp Nou is Yaya Toure, Thierry Henry, the newly arrived Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and the man most believe will soon be European Footballer of the Year, Lionel Messi.
The facts and figures to substantiate Messi's claim to the crown are themselves frankly overwhelming. The Argentine ace scored an incredible 38 goals in 51 outings during 2008/09. He was the top-scorer in Los Blaugrana's Champions League winning side with nine goals, and his exploits in that competition saw him voted UEFA Club Forward, and UEFA Club Player of the Year. Bare statistics do not do justice to what Messi has produced over the last 12-18 months, and no figure can be placed on the amount of defenders he's slalomed past, or number of goals and chances he has created with his unique, rapier-like dribbling skills. In an outstanding team, Messi still shone brighter than most, and even this outstanding side often relied on their most outstanding asset to get results. In an early Champions League Group game away to Shakhtar Donetsk, Messi was summoned from the bench with his team trailing 1-0, two late Messi goals - the second a sublime chip over the keeper - won the game for Barca. He repeated this trick in a league fixture away to Racing Santander when he almost single handedly gained three points from a losing position with another brace. He scored in both El Classico games versus Real Madrid, earned a standing ovation from the Atletico Madrid supporters at the Vicente Calderon after scoring a hat-trick, and simply terrorised a bemused Bayern Munich defence during an unstoppable first 45 minutes of a Champions League quarter-final in which he scored two and set-up another. His 38th and final goal of a remarkable season was fittingly the deciding goal against Manchester United at the Stadio Olimpico to cap a simply amazing season for player and club. After that night in Rome, France Football may have well sent the 'Golden Ball' to the engravers.
From the outset it appears Messi just needs to show up in Paris to pick up the gong, deliver the obligatory acceptance speech and hob-nob with the Gnomes of Nyon and other various UEFA dignitaries, safe in the knowledge he's the best player in Europe. But, apart from the material nature of a trophy and your name added to a list of previous winners. Does the title actually exist, and should Messi be bestowed with the honour, have we got the right man? Take a step back, have a breather and make a good strong cup of rationlity with two spoon-fulls of lateral thinking.
By general consensus it's agreed Spain and Barcelona are currently elevated above their peers in the international and club game. The modus operandi of both teams is based on the seductive, rhythmic passing and movement of the ball, the domination of possesion allowing a fluency of player movement which proves so difficult to stop. The two constants in both Barcelona and Spain are the afforementioned Xavi and iniesta, two players largely credited with being pivotal to the style and subsequent success of both sides. Unfortunately for these players, statistics like those at Messi's disposal are less available to demonstrate just how important and influential they are to club and country. The unmistakeable fact is that these two players make the two best teams in the world tick. Without their presence in midfield, controlling and constructing games, Barca and Spain would not be as good as they are. Would the Torres-Villa partnership have flourished so without them? Could the Henry-Eto'o-Messi trident have blazed home over 100 goals last season in their absence? Unlike with an individual such as Messi, remove a Xavi or an Iniesta and a teams whole ethos can be taken away, their identity lost, and their effectiveness reduced, and it is this great indignity which too often sees such brilliant players overlooked when it comes to individual accolades.
A brief glimpse back through the Ballon d'Or alumini shows a liberal sprinkling of star strikers, dashing wingers and elegant playmakers. Defenders and other unfashionable niche's are harder to find, with only Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 and Matthias Sammer in 1996 topping the poll. In truth this has always been the case and always will be. The headline-makers make the headlines, and claim the glamour and the glory. Rather than fending off Xavi and Iniesta, instead Messi's main contender will be reigning European player of the year, and chief purveyor of glamour and glory, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Messi-Ronaldo debate is akin to Blur and Oasis at the birth of Britpop. Each remarkably similar yet worlds apart, both equally striving for supremacy, each having aquired an ardent and loyal fanbase, unwaivering to the others abilities. This year, Messi's merits mirror those on which Ronaldo was named both European and World Player of the year for 2008, combining tremendous individual displays with the end product of trophies won as a team collective. Ronaldo's own form over 2008/09 was indeed impressive, scoring 26 goals for Manchester United, and so far having fired in nine goals in his opening seven games following his world record transfer move to Real Madrid. The blistering start to life at the Bernabeu may have come a little too late to adjourn the coronation of Messi as the continents king, but in an interesting sub-plot, the two come head-to-head at the Camp Nou in the El Classico on November 29, just two days before France Football announce whether Messi has dethroned Ronaldo.
John Baines's European Footballer of the Year 2009
1) Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina
2) Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona and Spain
3) Andres Iniesta, Barcelona and Spain
4) Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Barcelona and Sweden
5) Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Spain.
Of course, like any awards, the mystique is created by the deliberation and conjecture of the subject, rather than the eventual prestige of the crowning. According to a special edition of Rolling Stone magazine produced in 2003, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is the greatest album of all time. Is it? The beauty of this fantastically audacious statement is that it almost certainly isn't correct. It can't be, and nor is there a definitive answer. So - with no definitive answer - as we eagerly await the regal gala to be held in Paris on December 1, who has been the best footballer on the continent for 2009? Let the debating begin.
For a start, our first contentious issue revolves around the timescale of performances. The award is technically given for the calender year of 2009, but it is safe to assume nominations are considered for endeavours over the footballing annum of 2008/09. Arguably the best international and club sides throughout this period have been Spain and Barcelona respectively. As such, both are heavily represented in the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or, produced by award organisers France Football Magazine. The thirty players - from fourteen different nations - are drawn from fourteen individual clubs in five seperate leagues. Barcelona have the most nominees of any club with six, Spain has the most nominations as a nation, also with six, whilst la Liga has the most players of any league on the list with thirteen. Interestingly, an indication of the monopoly of power the Champions League holds, only one player from the thirty - David Villa - will not be playing for a club in Europe's premier competition this season.
Villa is amongst the Spanish contingent recognised for their Euro 2008 success and imperious qualifying for South Africa 2010, along with Cesc Fabregas, Iker Casillas, Fernando Torres and Barcelona pair Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez. Barca's magnificent 2008/09 campaign saw Pep Guardiola's men conquer all before them to complete a domestic and European treble, and joining Xavi and Iniesta on the shortlist from the Camp Nou is Yaya Toure, Thierry Henry, the newly arrived Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and the man most believe will soon be European Footballer of the Year, Lionel Messi.
The facts and figures to substantiate Messi's claim to the crown are themselves frankly overwhelming. The Argentine ace scored an incredible 38 goals in 51 outings during 2008/09. He was the top-scorer in Los Blaugrana's Champions League winning side with nine goals, and his exploits in that competition saw him voted UEFA Club Forward, and UEFA Club Player of the Year. Bare statistics do not do justice to what Messi has produced over the last 12-18 months, and no figure can be placed on the amount of defenders he's slalomed past, or number of goals and chances he has created with his unique, rapier-like dribbling skills. In an outstanding team, Messi still shone brighter than most, and even this outstanding side often relied on their most outstanding asset to get results. In an early Champions League Group game away to Shakhtar Donetsk, Messi was summoned from the bench with his team trailing 1-0, two late Messi goals - the second a sublime chip over the keeper - won the game for Barca. He repeated this trick in a league fixture away to Racing Santander when he almost single handedly gained three points from a losing position with another brace. He scored in both El Classico games versus Real Madrid, earned a standing ovation from the Atletico Madrid supporters at the Vicente Calderon after scoring a hat-trick, and simply terrorised a bemused Bayern Munich defence during an unstoppable first 45 minutes of a Champions League quarter-final in which he scored two and set-up another. His 38th and final goal of a remarkable season was fittingly the deciding goal against Manchester United at the Stadio Olimpico to cap a simply amazing season for player and club. After that night in Rome, France Football may have well sent the 'Golden Ball' to the engravers.
From the outset it appears Messi just needs to show up in Paris to pick up the gong, deliver the obligatory acceptance speech and hob-nob with the Gnomes of Nyon and other various UEFA dignitaries, safe in the knowledge he's the best player in Europe. But, apart from the material nature of a trophy and your name added to a list of previous winners. Does the title actually exist, and should Messi be bestowed with the honour, have we got the right man? Take a step back, have a breather and make a good strong cup of rationlity with two spoon-fulls of lateral thinking.
By general consensus it's agreed Spain and Barcelona are currently elevated above their peers in the international and club game. The modus operandi of both teams is based on the seductive, rhythmic passing and movement of the ball, the domination of possesion allowing a fluency of player movement which proves so difficult to stop. The two constants in both Barcelona and Spain are the afforementioned Xavi and iniesta, two players largely credited with being pivotal to the style and subsequent success of both sides. Unfortunately for these players, statistics like those at Messi's disposal are less available to demonstrate just how important and influential they are to club and country. The unmistakeable fact is that these two players make the two best teams in the world tick. Without their presence in midfield, controlling and constructing games, Barca and Spain would not be as good as they are. Would the Torres-Villa partnership have flourished so without them? Could the Henry-Eto'o-Messi trident have blazed home over 100 goals last season in their absence? Unlike with an individual such as Messi, remove a Xavi or an Iniesta and a teams whole ethos can be taken away, their identity lost, and their effectiveness reduced, and it is this great indignity which too often sees such brilliant players overlooked when it comes to individual accolades.
A brief glimpse back through the Ballon d'Or alumini shows a liberal sprinkling of star strikers, dashing wingers and elegant playmakers. Defenders and other unfashionable niche's are harder to find, with only Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 and Matthias Sammer in 1996 topping the poll. In truth this has always been the case and always will be. The headline-makers make the headlines, and claim the glamour and the glory. Rather than fending off Xavi and Iniesta, instead Messi's main contender will be reigning European player of the year, and chief purveyor of glamour and glory, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Messi-Ronaldo debate is akin to Blur and Oasis at the birth of Britpop. Each remarkably similar yet worlds apart, both equally striving for supremacy, each having aquired an ardent and loyal fanbase, unwaivering to the others abilities. This year, Messi's merits mirror those on which Ronaldo was named both European and World Player of the year for 2008, combining tremendous individual displays with the end product of trophies won as a team collective. Ronaldo's own form over 2008/09 was indeed impressive, scoring 26 goals for Manchester United, and so far having fired in nine goals in his opening seven games following his world record transfer move to Real Madrid. The blistering start to life at the Bernabeu may have come a little too late to adjourn the coronation of Messi as the continents king, but in an interesting sub-plot, the two come head-to-head at the Camp Nou in the El Classico on November 29, just two days before France Football announce whether Messi has dethroned Ronaldo.
John Baines's European Footballer of the Year 2009
1) Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina
2) Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona and Spain
3) Andres Iniesta, Barcelona and Spain
4) Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Barcelona and Sweden
5) Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Spain.
Friday, 16 October 2009
Lippy Marcello blast the Tifosi
It's probably a good job that Diego Maradona isn't the coach of la Nazionale. Anybody who has seen or heard his rather vivid proposal to the Argentine press pack to engage in a particular act to a particular part of his body, could only dream of what he would have come up with had he been in Marcello Lippi's shoes on Wednesday night.
Having already qualified for the World Cup as Group winners, Lippi opted to change the whole of his starting X1 from the Republic of Ireland game, to that which was to face Cyprus at the Ennio Tardini. As a consequence, the plan backfired on a spectacularly bad Azzurri outfit who found themselves 2-0 down after 76 minutes to the unfancied Cypriots. The performance provoked a barrage of jeers and derisory chants from the 15,000 tifosi in the 28,000 capacity Tardini, who's very audible and collective abuse of the team enraged the Commissario Tecnico.
An enraged Lippi branded the fans as 'shameful' and 'a disgrace', but thankfully stopped short of re-enacting El Diego's hand movements and hip gyrations. "The supporters should show more love and recognition for this Nazionale. This team are World Champions. These players deserve a lot of respect.” Lippi added.
The lip service dished out from the terraces, in truth, was more than just a criticism of their efforts against Cyprus. The growing feeling amongst the support is that the side has been in decline since their 2006 World Cup heroics. Their long unbeaten run was vanquished by Brazil at the start of the year, a result that preceded a catastrophic Confederations Cup when the Italians failed to get out of their group. Even this qualifying campaign hasn't all been plain sailing, and though they remained unbeaten, a series of late goals masked a plethora of under-whelming showings.
But isn’t this just the Italian way? Always a dilemma? Never far from a disaster? A quick re-cap of qualifying for 2006 shows the Azzurri arrived in Germany having scored less, conceded more and with less points than this time around. As in so many previous tournaments, 1982 being another classic example, it is rare for the Italians to have their house completely in order. Stumbling through qualification or the early rounds is almost traditional, before getting things right when it matters. Lippi has already proved he can get things right when it matters.
By the end of the weekend when Serie A has resumed and commands the attention, all will be forgotten. Subliminally, Wednesday nights spat comes down to honour and allegiance. The tifosi giving a timely reminder that they are watching, and waiting. Lippi’s paternal instincts protecting his flock. The acrimonious love won’t waiver. Expect more mud-slinging before the tournament begins, but when it does, Italy and Lippi will be there, knowing they can - and have – be transformed into champions.
If Lippi’s rant was slightly out of character, another given by a certain Jose Mourinho certainly was not. If a week is a long time in politics, then a fortnight International break must seem like a lifetime for the Portuguese tactician, whom for some reason seized an opportunity to criticise old sparring partners Arsene Wenger and Rafael Benitez. When asked about his own future at Inter, Mourinho ventured off down an ally which saw him question the achievements of Wenger and Benitez, “To stay here I must keep winning and doing well. Wenger has been Arsenal's manager for 15 years but he hasn't even won a Carling Cup for six years. Benitez hasn't won a League title in six years, but he continues to be Liverpool's manager.” Okay, Jose. Or is it Jesus? Not according to Carlo Ancelotti it isn’t. The former Milan boss has made no attempts to disguise his lack of affection for the ‘Special One’, appearing on Italian chat show Chiambretti Night, Carletto rebuffed sarcastic claims made by Mourinho comparing himself to Jesus, ““If Mourinho is Jesus, I am certainly not one of his apostles.” Said Ancelotti.
If Mourinho was trying to compare himself to Jesus, then David Beckham could be modelling himself on the Son of God judging by the beard he was sporting for England. Not even Goldenballs could pull the ‘Barry Gibb’ look off amongst the fashionista’s of Milan when he arrives in January. A deal between the Rossoneri and Major Deal Soccer is imminent with Becks confirming a deal is ‘95% done’, claiming he always wanted to return to the San Siro. A repeat of his form at the San Siro in the second half of last season would be a welcome hand for the struggling il Diavolo, with an upturn in form drastically needed if Coach Lenoardo has any chance of ah-ah-ah-ah staying alive…
Having already qualified for the World Cup as Group winners, Lippi opted to change the whole of his starting X1 from the Republic of Ireland game, to that which was to face Cyprus at the Ennio Tardini. As a consequence, the plan backfired on a spectacularly bad Azzurri outfit who found themselves 2-0 down after 76 minutes to the unfancied Cypriots. The performance provoked a barrage of jeers and derisory chants from the 15,000 tifosi in the 28,000 capacity Tardini, who's very audible and collective abuse of the team enraged the Commissario Tecnico.
An enraged Lippi branded the fans as 'shameful' and 'a disgrace', but thankfully stopped short of re-enacting El Diego's hand movements and hip gyrations. "The supporters should show more love and recognition for this Nazionale. This team are World Champions. These players deserve a lot of respect.” Lippi added.
The lip service dished out from the terraces, in truth, was more than just a criticism of their efforts against Cyprus. The growing feeling amongst the support is that the side has been in decline since their 2006 World Cup heroics. Their long unbeaten run was vanquished by Brazil at the start of the year, a result that preceded a catastrophic Confederations Cup when the Italians failed to get out of their group. Even this qualifying campaign hasn't all been plain sailing, and though they remained unbeaten, a series of late goals masked a plethora of under-whelming showings.
But isn’t this just the Italian way? Always a dilemma? Never far from a disaster? A quick re-cap of qualifying for 2006 shows the Azzurri arrived in Germany having scored less, conceded more and with less points than this time around. As in so many previous tournaments, 1982 being another classic example, it is rare for the Italians to have their house completely in order. Stumbling through qualification or the early rounds is almost traditional, before getting things right when it matters. Lippi has already proved he can get things right when it matters.
By the end of the weekend when Serie A has resumed and commands the attention, all will be forgotten. Subliminally, Wednesday nights spat comes down to honour and allegiance. The tifosi giving a timely reminder that they are watching, and waiting. Lippi’s paternal instincts protecting his flock. The acrimonious love won’t waiver. Expect more mud-slinging before the tournament begins, but when it does, Italy and Lippi will be there, knowing they can - and have – be transformed into champions.
If Lippi’s rant was slightly out of character, another given by a certain Jose Mourinho certainly was not. If a week is a long time in politics, then a fortnight International break must seem like a lifetime for the Portuguese tactician, whom for some reason seized an opportunity to criticise old sparring partners Arsene Wenger and Rafael Benitez. When asked about his own future at Inter, Mourinho ventured off down an ally which saw him question the achievements of Wenger and Benitez, “To stay here I must keep winning and doing well. Wenger has been Arsenal's manager for 15 years but he hasn't even won a Carling Cup for six years. Benitez hasn't won a League title in six years, but he continues to be Liverpool's manager.” Okay, Jose. Or is it Jesus? Not according to Carlo Ancelotti it isn’t. The former Milan boss has made no attempts to disguise his lack of affection for the ‘Special One’, appearing on Italian chat show Chiambretti Night, Carletto rebuffed sarcastic claims made by Mourinho comparing himself to Jesus, ““If Mourinho is Jesus, I am certainly not one of his apostles.” Said Ancelotti.
If Mourinho was trying to compare himself to Jesus, then David Beckham could be modelling himself on the Son of God judging by the beard he was sporting for England. Not even Goldenballs could pull the ‘Barry Gibb’ look off amongst the fashionista’s of Milan when he arrives in January. A deal between the Rossoneri and Major Deal Soccer is imminent with Becks confirming a deal is ‘95% done’, claiming he always wanted to return to the San Siro. A repeat of his form at the San Siro in the second half of last season would be a welcome hand for the struggling il Diavolo, with an upturn in form drastically needed if Coach Lenoardo has any chance of ah-ah-ah-ah staying alive…
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Internationals over; now it's back to business.
To the football fan hooked on the high octane, adrenaline frenzy of the Premier League, an International double-header can prove a real inconvenience. Starved of the wall-to-wall action provided by England's best sides slugging it out, instead making do with the more sedate and civilised affairs of World Cup Qualifiers. Not only for the fans do these International breaks prove irksome. Squads are decimated by call-ups, and the players suddenly move out of the daily brotherhood of club football, jetting to an assortment of worldwide footballing enclaves, changing tongue, team-mates, climate and atmosphere. Immediately after reporting back to base, they are expected to flip mode once again and asked to re-acclimatise to the velocity of the English game. It's no surprise then, when sides heavily laden with internationals often appear a tad jet-lagged when the league recommences.
At least that's what Aston Villa will be hoping. Chelsea, visitors to Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime, will travel to the Midlands carrying much more match time and air miles than their hosts. Expect a tenacious Villa to be quick out of the blocks to stop the league leaders finding their feet. Last time out, the home side rattled the previously impressive Manchester City into rescuing a late draw, and could - maybe should - have claimed the full share of the points. Martin O'Neill will hope that a result against The Blues will provide the impetus for his side to move through the gears in what has been an otherwise stop start campaign. To begin with, O'Neill is unlikely to stray from his trusted 4-4-2, but has the option to utilise the pace and width that Ashley Young, James Milner and Gabriel Agbonlahor give, by getting them to play high and wide to restrict the raids of Jose Bosingwa and Ashley Cole. A starter for England, Emile Heskey has been on the bench for The Villains recently, with John Carew preferred as the foil to Agbonlahor - who has scored four goals in his last five club appearances.
The timing of the International break didn't come at a particularly good point for Carlo Ancelotti's men. Beating Liverpool at Stamford Bridge had put them back along the planned narrative after the unexpected plot twist at Wigan. The performance against Liverpool was not one for the purists, but was synonymous with the noble art Chelsea have developed of simply getting results by any means. If any side are used to negotiating potential pitfalls, it is Chelsea. Saturday's outing may be another occasion where substance takes preference over style, against a well-organised and motivated Villa, who pose more than their fair share of problems offensively. Of late, The Blues opposition have cottoned-on and countered the influence of their Full-backs, leaving much of the play to be conducted through a narrow and congested midfield. Such proceedings would suit the hosts; on a ground the visitors have won just once in the last decade. Ancelotti will persist with the diamond blueprint, and must decide which two from Michael Ballack, Florent Malouda, Yuri Zhirkov, Deco, Joe Cole and Jon Obi Mikel, will accompany Frank Lampard and Michael Essien in the midfield foursome.
A patchy start sees Villa lay in 7th spot, yet only two points behind Liverpool and Arsenal. The Holte End faithful would like to see their club jostling for a Champions League berth. The size and limitations of the squad may decide otherwise, although humbling the table toppers will provide them with belief they can realistically challenge for a top four finish.
Ancelotti’s remit is a much simpler equation -. the title – and testing assignments such as this fixture truly test the mettle of aspiring champions. As they showed against Liverpool, Chelsea can rough it with the best of them, whilst possessing enough individual talent to pluck a goal when necessary. The finer details of this encounter could hinge on whether Lampard brings his shooting boots or Drogba or Anelka fire. Small margins add up to big differences.
At least that's what Aston Villa will be hoping. Chelsea, visitors to Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime, will travel to the Midlands carrying much more match time and air miles than their hosts. Expect a tenacious Villa to be quick out of the blocks to stop the league leaders finding their feet. Last time out, the home side rattled the previously impressive Manchester City into rescuing a late draw, and could - maybe should - have claimed the full share of the points. Martin O'Neill will hope that a result against The Blues will provide the impetus for his side to move through the gears in what has been an otherwise stop start campaign. To begin with, O'Neill is unlikely to stray from his trusted 4-4-2, but has the option to utilise the pace and width that Ashley Young, James Milner and Gabriel Agbonlahor give, by getting them to play high and wide to restrict the raids of Jose Bosingwa and Ashley Cole. A starter for England, Emile Heskey has been on the bench for The Villains recently, with John Carew preferred as the foil to Agbonlahor - who has scored four goals in his last five club appearances.
1 Friedel
24 Cuellar – 5 Dunne – 29 Collins – 25 Warnock
8 Milner – 4 Sidwell – 19 Petrov – 7 Young
11 Agbonlahor - 10 Carew
The timing of the International break didn't come at a particularly good point for Carlo Ancelotti's men. Beating Liverpool at Stamford Bridge had put them back along the planned narrative after the unexpected plot twist at Wigan. The performance against Liverpool was not one for the purists, but was synonymous with the noble art Chelsea have developed of simply getting results by any means. If any side are used to negotiating potential pitfalls, it is Chelsea. Saturday's outing may be another occasion where substance takes preference over style, against a well-organised and motivated Villa, who pose more than their fair share of problems offensively. Of late, The Blues opposition have cottoned-on and countered the influence of their Full-backs, leaving much of the play to be conducted through a narrow and congested midfield. Such proceedings would suit the hosts; on a ground the visitors have won just once in the last decade. Ancelotti will persist with the diamond blueprint, and must decide which two from Michael Ballack, Florent Malouda, Yuri Zhirkov, Deco, Joe Cole and Jon Obi Mikel, will accompany Frank Lampard and Michael Essien in the midfield foursome.
40 Hilario
17 Bosingwa – 6 Carvalho – 26 Terry – 3 A. Cole
5 Essien
13 Ballack - 8 Lampard – 15 Malouda
11 Drogba – 39 Anelka
A patchy start sees Villa lay in 7th spot, yet only two points behind Liverpool and Arsenal. The Holte End faithful would like to see their club jostling for a Champions League berth. The size and limitations of the squad may decide otherwise, although humbling the table toppers will provide them with belief they can realistically challenge for a top four finish.
Ancelotti’s remit is a much simpler equation -. the title – and testing assignments such as this fixture truly test the mettle of aspiring champions. As they showed against Liverpool, Chelsea can rough it with the best of them, whilst possessing enough individual talent to pluck a goal when necessary. The finer details of this encounter could hinge on whether Lampard brings his shooting boots or Drogba or Anelka fire. Small margins add up to big differences.
Sunday, 11 October 2009
England, still a work in progress
In the grand scheme of things, it mattered little, few tears will be shed. At the start of the week when the squad communed for duty, the final two qualifying matches were largely inconsequential for England, mildly incentivised by the prospect of being able to boast a 100% record throughout the campaign. The winning streak was safely brought to a halt by an energetic Ukraine performance, one which resembled a team enthusiastically chasing the play-off carrot. In all truth it was no surprise the Ukrainians set about the task with more vigour than their already qualified counterparts, and once another worrying lapse from Rio Ferdinand preceded Rob Green's dismissal, the chances of England getting anything tangible from the game faded quicker than the flare smoke which had smothered the Dnipro Arena.
Positives were few for Fabio Capello, with the sending off exasperating problems, as only 14 early minutes of numerical parity were possible to partially view the performance. Green's opportunity to impress was short-lived, albeit slightly unfortunate. After that, Aaron Lennon was sacrificed and so terminating the developing bond between himself and Glen Johnson. So too was the Wayne Rooney-Emile Heskey partnership, with the former hauled back into midfield leaving the latter high and dry up-front. Nothing new was learnt.
In a sense, how you qualify has little bearing once the ribbon's cut in Johannesburg come Friday June 11. If you're in it, you can win it. The hard yards start after qualification, with nine months before the big kick-off to hone the finished article, despite an impressive qualifying campaign, England are anything but.
If we learnt nothing new from Saturday’s performance, then certain dilemmas were again reinforced. The most immediate concerns surround a settled Goalkeeper and a lead striker to operate with Rooney. Neither post has been suitably filled, with the situation becoming murkier rather than clearer as time elapses. Between the sticks, based on domestic form, David James leads the pack by a few lengths, but he has never transmitted that level of performance consistently onto the international stage. The pretenders - Green and Ben Foster - are doing little to command the gloves.
Further forward and the role of Emile Heskey is becoming a worry, although the notion of a little and large duo in attack seems to be here to stay. Heskey's woeful goal-scoring ratio is criminally overlooked, and even worse, is justified by claims that his work rate and hold-up play serves him for a place in the team. Saturday's game saw the Villa man stranded without support for large parts, but he never looked like a viable out-ball. His leaden touch and immobility saw him surrender possession frequently, allowing the opposition to regain control too easily. Such turnover of the ball has proved fatal in tournaments past, namely Brazil in 2002 and the Portuguese humblings in 2004 and 2006. Unfortunately, Carlton Cole also looks short of genuine international pedigree, whilst the even more immobile Peter Crouch is likely to be used as a desperation substitute. Should Capello trust the little and little combo, Jermaine Defoe apart, we are also thin on the ground. Are you ready Michael Owen?
The full extent of the Three Lions striking dearth should become apparent against Belarus at Wembley on Wednesday night, as Rooney has pulled out with a calf strain. The creation of a double act permed from Heskey, Cole, Crouch and Gabriel Agbonlahor does not inspire too much confidence should anything happen to Rooney. Argentina, prat-falling their way through the South American qualifiers, had Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero to call from the bench last time out. Big difference.
The Belarus game should grant the chance for a few faces to press their claims for starting X1 and squad places. James Milner has fleetingly impressed so far, Michael Carrick should get more chances to reproduce his club form, and Aaron Lennon will want to cement his place on the right flank. It may also be time to have a look at who's going to come forward as the main rival to John Terry and Ferdinand's previously unchallenged perches. Ferdinand certainly needs to reappraise his position following a calendar year of patchy form and fitness.
The defeat to the Ukraine may become a blessing, as they will not head to South Africa carrying the expectation and potential burden collecting maximum points could bring. The delirium of the first eight performances has been tapered slightly, and a sense of perspective has been regained. As England prepare for their last competitive match before the World Cup begins, there is no doubt Capello has progressed the team since he's been in charge. Progressed only to the extent of a glossy qualification, but much work is left to do.
Positives were few for Fabio Capello, with the sending off exasperating problems, as only 14 early minutes of numerical parity were possible to partially view the performance. Green's opportunity to impress was short-lived, albeit slightly unfortunate. After that, Aaron Lennon was sacrificed and so terminating the developing bond between himself and Glen Johnson. So too was the Wayne Rooney-Emile Heskey partnership, with the former hauled back into midfield leaving the latter high and dry up-front. Nothing new was learnt.
In a sense, how you qualify has little bearing once the ribbon's cut in Johannesburg come Friday June 11. If you're in it, you can win it. The hard yards start after qualification, with nine months before the big kick-off to hone the finished article, despite an impressive qualifying campaign, England are anything but.
If we learnt nothing new from Saturday’s performance, then certain dilemmas were again reinforced. The most immediate concerns surround a settled Goalkeeper and a lead striker to operate with Rooney. Neither post has been suitably filled, with the situation becoming murkier rather than clearer as time elapses. Between the sticks, based on domestic form, David James leads the pack by a few lengths, but he has never transmitted that level of performance consistently onto the international stage. The pretenders - Green and Ben Foster - are doing little to command the gloves.
Further forward and the role of Emile Heskey is becoming a worry, although the notion of a little and large duo in attack seems to be here to stay. Heskey's woeful goal-scoring ratio is criminally overlooked, and even worse, is justified by claims that his work rate and hold-up play serves him for a place in the team. Saturday's game saw the Villa man stranded without support for large parts, but he never looked like a viable out-ball. His leaden touch and immobility saw him surrender possession frequently, allowing the opposition to regain control too easily. Such turnover of the ball has proved fatal in tournaments past, namely Brazil in 2002 and the Portuguese humblings in 2004 and 2006. Unfortunately, Carlton Cole also looks short of genuine international pedigree, whilst the even more immobile Peter Crouch is likely to be used as a desperation substitute. Should Capello trust the little and little combo, Jermaine Defoe apart, we are also thin on the ground. Are you ready Michael Owen?
The full extent of the Three Lions striking dearth should become apparent against Belarus at Wembley on Wednesday night, as Rooney has pulled out with a calf strain. The creation of a double act permed from Heskey, Cole, Crouch and Gabriel Agbonlahor does not inspire too much confidence should anything happen to Rooney. Argentina, prat-falling their way through the South American qualifiers, had Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero to call from the bench last time out. Big difference.
The Belarus game should grant the chance for a few faces to press their claims for starting X1 and squad places. James Milner has fleetingly impressed so far, Michael Carrick should get more chances to reproduce his club form, and Aaron Lennon will want to cement his place on the right flank. It may also be time to have a look at who's going to come forward as the main rival to John Terry and Ferdinand's previously unchallenged perches. Ferdinand certainly needs to reappraise his position following a calendar year of patchy form and fitness.
The defeat to the Ukraine may become a blessing, as they will not head to South Africa carrying the expectation and potential burden collecting maximum points could bring. The delirium of the first eight performances has been tapered slightly, and a sense of perspective has been regained. As England prepare for their last competitive match before the World Cup begins, there is no doubt Capello has progressed the team since he's been in charge. Progressed only to the extent of a glossy qualification, but much work is left to do.
Friday, 9 October 2009
News from the Peninsula - Cannavaro stung by doping claims.
The Azzurri’s preparations ahead of their crucial Group Eight World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland have been hit, with news that Captain Fabio Cannavaro has failed a drugs test.
The 2006 World Player of the Year was allegedly treated with a banned cortisone substance, received to remedy a wasp sting sustained during training with his club, Juventus. It is understood that Juve medics knew the drug was prohibited, but requested exemption in case of an emergency. An administrative error meant paperwork was missing to fully clarify the situation, and therefore a separate anti-doping test returned a positive result.
Cannavaro – Italy’s record appearance maker with 129 caps – would not have featured against the Irish in any case due to a suspension for accumulating yellow cards. He had hoped to travel with the squad to Dublin, before returning home ahead of Wednesday’s final qualifying game versus Cyprus in Parma. Although no action has been taken against the player, it is unclear as to whether the issue will have been resolved in time for him to be considered for selection at the Ennio Tardini. Cannavaro is due to meet with the Italian Olympic Committee’s anti-doping investigator on Friday.
Juventus are adamant they followed all medical procedures correctly, and even informed the Italian national team doctors about the injection. The issue is likely to revolve more around red tape and specific formalities not being completed than any serious drug taking offence. This incident is not the first time that Cannavaro, or Juve have found themselves shrouded in a drugs controversy.
On the eve of the 1999 UEFA Cup Final, a video emerged of Cannavaro – then at Parma – being injected with a creatine phosphate, traditionally used in cardio surgery. The substance was not banned, and despite a few raised eyebrows, the player faced no repercussions.
Before ‘Calciopoli’ tarnished the Old Ladies reputation, there were previously question marks surrounding the doping procedures used by the club in the mid 1990’s. Question marks which subsequently led to a six-year investigation by public prosecutors, who accused the Turin giants of systematically doping its players between 1994-1998 - a period in which i bianconeri won three Scudetti and the Champions League. In a fairly ambiguous chain of trials and enquiries, Juve were cleared of all charges by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, even though in a separate case Juventus doctor Riccardo Agricola was found guilty, and given a 22month suspended prison sentence, for administering the banned drug Erythropoietin (EPO) to Juve players. Juventus and Cannavaro might not have done anything untoward this time around, but in the always sceptical and oft sinister world of Calcio, suspicious quarters may query their conduct.
So, the Azzurri need to make do without their skipper for the visit to Ireland, where only a point is needed to seal automatic qualification to World Cup 2010. Both sides are undefeated in the group so far, with the Irish four points adrift of Italy and occupying the play-off spot. The Italians are past masters at obtaining results, and even without Cannavaro, must remain confident of subduing the partisan crowd at Croke Park and seeing off the threat of the men from the Emerald Isle. Former Commissario Tecnico Giovanni Trapattoni will be keen to devoid his countrymen top spot in the group, but even an Ireland win means the Azzurri will still qualify in pole by beating Cyprus the following Wednesday.
Back in the peninsula, and with an international break creating a news void for a few days, an interesting story arose regarding Adriano, currently plying his trade in Brazil with Flamengo. After mutually having his contract terminated with Internazionale at the end of last season due to alcoholism and depression, the Brazilian striker has found his way back to form and fitness, crashing home 15 goals in 22 games in the Brasilerio Serie A. This has apparently interested Inter’s great rivals Milan, whom may be considering taking a punt on the player in the January transfer window after club director Ariedo Braida returned from a scouting mission in Brazil raving about the revitalised Adri.
Milan’s goal-scoring travails this season have been well documented, a problem which a fit and focussed ‘il emperor’ could address. What makes this story slightly fantastical is that a return to the San Siro would pair the recovering alcoholic Adriano up with Ronaldinho – this week reported partying away again at a samba concert in Paris, just hours after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Atalanta. Two great talents and two troubled souls could mean one big headache for Coach Leonardo, as if he hasn’t got enough to worry about already.
The 2006 World Player of the Year was allegedly treated with a banned cortisone substance, received to remedy a wasp sting sustained during training with his club, Juventus. It is understood that Juve medics knew the drug was prohibited, but requested exemption in case of an emergency. An administrative error meant paperwork was missing to fully clarify the situation, and therefore a separate anti-doping test returned a positive result.
Cannavaro – Italy’s record appearance maker with 129 caps – would not have featured against the Irish in any case due to a suspension for accumulating yellow cards. He had hoped to travel with the squad to Dublin, before returning home ahead of Wednesday’s final qualifying game versus Cyprus in Parma. Although no action has been taken against the player, it is unclear as to whether the issue will have been resolved in time for him to be considered for selection at the Ennio Tardini. Cannavaro is due to meet with the Italian Olympic Committee’s anti-doping investigator on Friday.
Juventus are adamant they followed all medical procedures correctly, and even informed the Italian national team doctors about the injection. The issue is likely to revolve more around red tape and specific formalities not being completed than any serious drug taking offence. This incident is not the first time that Cannavaro, or Juve have found themselves shrouded in a drugs controversy.
On the eve of the 1999 UEFA Cup Final, a video emerged of Cannavaro – then at Parma – being injected with a creatine phosphate, traditionally used in cardio surgery. The substance was not banned, and despite a few raised eyebrows, the player faced no repercussions.
Before ‘Calciopoli’ tarnished the Old Ladies reputation, there were previously question marks surrounding the doping procedures used by the club in the mid 1990’s. Question marks which subsequently led to a six-year investigation by public prosecutors, who accused the Turin giants of systematically doping its players between 1994-1998 - a period in which i bianconeri won three Scudetti and the Champions League. In a fairly ambiguous chain of trials and enquiries, Juve were cleared of all charges by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, even though in a separate case Juventus doctor Riccardo Agricola was found guilty, and given a 22month suspended prison sentence, for administering the banned drug Erythropoietin (EPO) to Juve players. Juventus and Cannavaro might not have done anything untoward this time around, but in the always sceptical and oft sinister world of Calcio, suspicious quarters may query their conduct.
So, the Azzurri need to make do without their skipper for the visit to Ireland, where only a point is needed to seal automatic qualification to World Cup 2010. Both sides are undefeated in the group so far, with the Irish four points adrift of Italy and occupying the play-off spot. The Italians are past masters at obtaining results, and even without Cannavaro, must remain confident of subduing the partisan crowd at Croke Park and seeing off the threat of the men from the Emerald Isle. Former Commissario Tecnico Giovanni Trapattoni will be keen to devoid his countrymen top spot in the group, but even an Ireland win means the Azzurri will still qualify in pole by beating Cyprus the following Wednesday.
Back in the peninsula, and with an international break creating a news void for a few days, an interesting story arose regarding Adriano, currently plying his trade in Brazil with Flamengo. After mutually having his contract terminated with Internazionale at the end of last season due to alcoholism and depression, the Brazilian striker has found his way back to form and fitness, crashing home 15 goals in 22 games in the Brasilerio Serie A. This has apparently interested Inter’s great rivals Milan, whom may be considering taking a punt on the player in the January transfer window after club director Ariedo Braida returned from a scouting mission in Brazil raving about the revitalised Adri.
Milan’s goal-scoring travails this season have been well documented, a problem which a fit and focussed ‘il emperor’ could address. What makes this story slightly fantastical is that a return to the San Siro would pair the recovering alcoholic Adriano up with Ronaldinho – this week reported partying away again at a samba concert in Paris, just hours after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Atalanta. Two great talents and two troubled souls could mean one big headache for Coach Leonardo, as if he hasn’t got enough to worry about already.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
No time for a blackout; Fabio expects.
It perhaps doesn't come as much of a surprise that most of the pre-match pre-amble to England's penultimate Group Six World Cup qualifier revolves around the issue of the game not being televised. Up and down the land, patriotic folk beat the Three Lions on their chest and boom forthright views about who's to blame for this national outrage: The BBC? ITV? The FA? At least it's not Lampard and Gerrard's fault.
The name of Kentaro has so far been used more in conjunction with the match than that of Capello, suggesting that - with qualification already assured - interest in the game has receded along with it's importance. Eight wins from eight games whilst scoring a remarkable 31 goals has put England into an unassailable position at the head of their group, with two fixtures left to fulfil.
Not since the summer of 2004, when Eriksson's ‘Golden Generation’ were supposedly about to conquer Europe, have the cogs and springs of the England football vehicle moved with such momentum. Five years on, and largely the same group of talented individual's from the class of Sven, have now finally been harnessed into a unit fit to bestow such a grandiose summons. The television blackout means the match in Dnipro will resemble an 80's style dash into the Soviet Bloc, but whilst the performance will be partially screened from the prying eyes of the public, the England squad will not be able to avoid the steely glare of their biggest critic, Fabio Capello.
Paramount to the relative success under Don Fabio has been the emergence of a new bond within the squad. A collective of equals has formed. Reputations, salaries and achievements left at the door. When checking-in for duty you sign-up for team England, Capello's Team England. No wags, no ‘merking’, no baby bentley's, just one last shot at the big prize. You sense the message has been driven home. South Africa 2010 will offer this generation the best and last chance to do something golden.
When evaluating the potential of the England team, it is reassuring to see how many seemingly never ending problems have been ended. We can fit Gerrard and Lampard into the same midfield, we have a solution for the left-midfield berth and we have got Wayne Rooney playing well in his favoured shift just off a main striker. However, with cures come questions, and the shift of focus has moved elsewhere, with pertinent points being raised over who deserves the Goalkeepers jersey, whether Glen Johnson is up to the job defending at international level, and who partners Rooney in attack. Such quandaries help the evolution of a team, and such quandaries will need to be addressed come next June. Wednesday's 'dead rubber' is the perfect place to start.
Capello's AC Milan side of the early 90's was revered for its mentality. It’s stubborn, self-centred pursuit of excellence. Built on a bloodthirsty need for victory and a relentless drive for supremacy. Traditionally, England have fluffed it when the going gets too tough. Quarter’s, semi’s, penalties - the uber-pressure situations. The habit of winning comes with winning, and developing a hunger to win. These qualities need to be ingrained in the psyche of a successful team, one mentally tough enough to win a World Cup. Capello knows his side’s ascent must continue flawlessly between now and the finals, and the maturity and mentality of the team will grow with every game along the way. There is no time, nor place for ‘dead rubbers’.
To speak only in terms of how England must rally themselves for this game would be doing a great disservice to their hosts, Ukraine. Having qualified for the finals of the 2006 World Cup, Oleksiy Mykhaylychenko’s men know a win over the Three Lions would elevate them above Croatia in the race for a play-off spot. Their final game would be against whipping boys Andorra, so effectively they must beat England.
Ironically it is the Ukraine who have come closest to taking points of England during the qualifying process, fairing far better than play-off rivals Croatia. Last April a late Andriy Shevchenko goal looked to have earned the Ukranians a draw at Wembley, before a last gasp John Terry goal snatched all three points. Once again Shevchenko will be the main threat to England’s back line, as he proved at Wembley, he is still able to produce moments of magic, although the reinstated defensive partnership of Terry and Rio Ferdinand will look to nullify the threat.
The points mean more prizes for Ukraine, but home focus lies on the attitude and application of a performance away from the widest scope of England’s ever-optimistic fan base. England are in the unusual position where a result is not essential, but it is expected, and it is this expectation that will continue to grow as 2010 draws closer.
The name of Kentaro has so far been used more in conjunction with the match than that of Capello, suggesting that - with qualification already assured - interest in the game has receded along with it's importance. Eight wins from eight games whilst scoring a remarkable 31 goals has put England into an unassailable position at the head of their group, with two fixtures left to fulfil.
Not since the summer of 2004, when Eriksson's ‘Golden Generation’ were supposedly about to conquer Europe, have the cogs and springs of the England football vehicle moved with such momentum. Five years on, and largely the same group of talented individual's from the class of Sven, have now finally been harnessed into a unit fit to bestow such a grandiose summons. The television blackout means the match in Dnipro will resemble an 80's style dash into the Soviet Bloc, but whilst the performance will be partially screened from the prying eyes of the public, the England squad will not be able to avoid the steely glare of their biggest critic, Fabio Capello.
Paramount to the relative success under Don Fabio has been the emergence of a new bond within the squad. A collective of equals has formed. Reputations, salaries and achievements left at the door. When checking-in for duty you sign-up for team England, Capello's Team England. No wags, no ‘merking’, no baby bentley's, just one last shot at the big prize. You sense the message has been driven home. South Africa 2010 will offer this generation the best and last chance to do something golden.
When evaluating the potential of the England team, it is reassuring to see how many seemingly never ending problems have been ended. We can fit Gerrard and Lampard into the same midfield, we have a solution for the left-midfield berth and we have got Wayne Rooney playing well in his favoured shift just off a main striker. However, with cures come questions, and the shift of focus has moved elsewhere, with pertinent points being raised over who deserves the Goalkeepers jersey, whether Glen Johnson is up to the job defending at international level, and who partners Rooney in attack. Such quandaries help the evolution of a team, and such quandaries will need to be addressed come next June. Wednesday's 'dead rubber' is the perfect place to start.
Capello's AC Milan side of the early 90's was revered for its mentality. It’s stubborn, self-centred pursuit of excellence. Built on a bloodthirsty need for victory and a relentless drive for supremacy. Traditionally, England have fluffed it when the going gets too tough. Quarter’s, semi’s, penalties - the uber-pressure situations. The habit of winning comes with winning, and developing a hunger to win. These qualities need to be ingrained in the psyche of a successful team, one mentally tough enough to win a World Cup. Capello knows his side’s ascent must continue flawlessly between now and the finals, and the maturity and mentality of the team will grow with every game along the way. There is no time, nor place for ‘dead rubbers’.
To speak only in terms of how England must rally themselves for this game would be doing a great disservice to their hosts, Ukraine. Having qualified for the finals of the 2006 World Cup, Oleksiy Mykhaylychenko’s men know a win over the Three Lions would elevate them above Croatia in the race for a play-off spot. Their final game would be against whipping boys Andorra, so effectively they must beat England.
Ironically it is the Ukraine who have come closest to taking points of England during the qualifying process, fairing far better than play-off rivals Croatia. Last April a late Andriy Shevchenko goal looked to have earned the Ukranians a draw at Wembley, before a last gasp John Terry goal snatched all three points. Once again Shevchenko will be the main threat to England’s back line, as he proved at Wembley, he is still able to produce moments of magic, although the reinstated defensive partnership of Terry and Rio Ferdinand will look to nullify the threat.
The points mean more prizes for Ukraine, but home focus lies on the attitude and application of a performance away from the widest scope of England’s ever-optimistic fan base. England are in the unusual position where a result is not essential, but it is expected, and it is this expectation that will continue to grow as 2010 draws closer.
Thursday, 1 October 2009
Italian news round-up
This week’s Champions League action resulted in mixed fortunes for the Italian contingent. Stevan Jovetic’s double earned Fiorentina most of the plaudits for their deserved defeat of Liverpool at the Artemio Franchi. Elsewhere, Juventus collected a credible point away to Bayern Munich, but those achievements could not be matched by the Milanese giants – Inter scraping a point at tournament debutants Rubin Kazan, a result - fortunately for them - eclipsed by Milan’s shock home reverse to FC Zurich.
La Viola, the men from the renaissance city, provided a brief revival of national pride in a competition, which, in recent seasons, has proved to be a perennial tormentor to the peninsula’s top clubs. However, with Inter failing to win in Europe for the seventh consecutive game and Milan’s woeful early season form continuing, the bloodthirsty editors have chosen to overlook the delight in Florence, instead, focussing on the managerial melee in Milan.
After taking the reigns from three-time Scudetto winning coach Roberto Mancini, the appointment of the ‘Special One’ Jose Mourinho was supposed to herald a renewed assault at winning the European Cup – a trophy which had eluded the Nerazzuri since 1965. The prospect of Mourinho’s men coming vaguely close to ending this drought seemed a distant dream as once again an uncohesive display in Russia raised serious doubts as to the credentials of il Biscione to succeed at Europe’s top table.
The Portuguese coach has won just two of 10 Champions League games in charge of Inter, a fact that has not been lost amongst the Italian media. Mourinho and his side frequently underwhelmed during his first season in charge in which he only replicated the domestic success enjoyed by Mancini, and it is apparent the Portuguese tactician must make advancements in Europe to fully justify his salary, reputation and expenditure.
Despite the loss of talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mourinho’s playing resources have been well bolstered pre-season with the arrival of Samuel Eto’o, Lucio, Wesley Sneijder, Thiago Motta, Diego Milito and Marko Arnautovic. Inter may not contain some of the stellar names of Barcelona, Real Madrid or the English quartet, but they are certainly now well enough stocked in terms of strength, depth and experience in their squad to be expected to significantly challenge for the Champions League crown. Should they fail, President Moratti may well have to decide just how special the ‘Special One’ actually is.
With Mourinho for once seeking refuge from the front page, an unwilling replacement in the form of Milan counterpart Leonardo has taken centre stage. With his side loitering well adrift of the Serie A pace-setters after six games, having already suffered the indignity of a Derby della Maddonina demolishing to Inter - as well as scoring just once in their last five league games – Further misery has been piled upon the Brazilian Coach with a dismal 1-0 reverse at the San Siro to FC Zurich, a side thumped 5-2 by Kaka’s Real Madrid on Matchday One.
Rumours quickly surfaced that the Rossoneri hierarchy had lost patience with the man they themselves installed into Carlo Ancelotti’s old seat just months previous. Marco van Basten’s name immediately appeared as a potential replacement, before Vice-President Adriano Galliano returned with a less than resounding vote of confidence for the current incumbent, “I have little to say other than to confirm our faith in Leonardo. We had many wonderful years and things aren't going well right now.”
Leonardo himself described the performance against the Swiss side as “unacceptable” with striker Pippo Inzaghi hardly lightening the mood by saying, “It's a moment where everything is going wrong, we must improve together.” If things couldn’t get any worse for Leonardo, Galliani then popped up on Milan’s TV channel, revealing how he’s proposed a four-point plan as to how the team could get out of their predicament, whilst also outlining some damningly frank expectations to his beleaguered squad, “Milan are a team that absolutely has to qualify for the Champions League and finish in the top three. It's obligatory for the costs of the club.”
Galliani’s expectations resonate like an offer Leonardo cannot refuse, and to many, it represents a reasonable demand for a club of Milan’s size and stature. But should Leonardo fail, will il Divaolo’s top brass examine their own role in the plight? After all, it was they who entrusted the coaching duties of the club to someone with such little experience. True, Pep Guardiola didn’t do a bad job at Barca last season, and the prospect of a young, debonair ex-terrace idol, developing a stylish, successful side would appeal to any club board. However, replication is the road to ruin, and had President Berlusconi and Galliani decided to simply imitate Barca, the decision deserves to backfire.
From the outset there are similarities between the appointments of Leonardo and Guardiola, but in reality they differ greatly. Guardiola as a coach came equipped with all the relevant FIFA coaching qualifications – Leonardo did not. Guardiola - albeit with Barca’s stable side - had previous managerial experience – Leonardo did not. Guardiola inherited a side packed with world class talent, which needed refreshing and reforming – Leonardo did not. As one of Calcio’s nice guys, it would be good to see Leonardo granted time and patience from his employers. Whether President Berlusconi knows the meaning of time and patience is another matter.
Also this week, former Azzurri hitman Christian Vieri lifted the lid on his deadly strike partnership with ‘o fenomeno’, Ronaldo. Despite playing only a handful of games together in three seasons at Inter, it seems the pair enjoyed a prolific scoring partnership…at least off the field. ‘Bobo’ revealed “We went back home at between 5 and 6 in the morning. We went clubbing, and then I used to sleep for a couple of hours and went on to the pitch to train” It might not be a surprise to find out that Vieri is currently suing his former employers for allegedly hiring a private eye to follow him around and tap his phone calls. I wonder why?
Spare a thought for young Stevan Jovetic. Tuesday evening and the Fiorentina ace is going quietly about his day job, scoring two goals in the Champions League to beat Liverpool, and the next thing he’s subject to mass hysteria about how good he’s going to be. Straight away he was being linked with moves to Manchester United and Real Madrid and excitable comparisons were drawn to Roberto Baggio and Dejan Savicevic. The ‘Montenegrin Messi’ is undoubtedly a fine player, who showcased his abilities superbly against Liverpool, but it is against such kneejerk media attention that careers can be ended before they’ve started. Just think of Antonio Cassano and Nicola Ventola amongst a host of others. Aged just 19, let the boy play football.
La Viola, the men from the renaissance city, provided a brief revival of national pride in a competition, which, in recent seasons, has proved to be a perennial tormentor to the peninsula’s top clubs. However, with Inter failing to win in Europe for the seventh consecutive game and Milan’s woeful early season form continuing, the bloodthirsty editors have chosen to overlook the delight in Florence, instead, focussing on the managerial melee in Milan.
After taking the reigns from three-time Scudetto winning coach Roberto Mancini, the appointment of the ‘Special One’ Jose Mourinho was supposed to herald a renewed assault at winning the European Cup – a trophy which had eluded the Nerazzuri since 1965. The prospect of Mourinho’s men coming vaguely close to ending this drought seemed a distant dream as once again an uncohesive display in Russia raised serious doubts as to the credentials of il Biscione to succeed at Europe’s top table.
The Portuguese coach has won just two of 10 Champions League games in charge of Inter, a fact that has not been lost amongst the Italian media. Mourinho and his side frequently underwhelmed during his first season in charge in which he only replicated the domestic success enjoyed by Mancini, and it is apparent the Portuguese tactician must make advancements in Europe to fully justify his salary, reputation and expenditure.
Despite the loss of talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mourinho’s playing resources have been well bolstered pre-season with the arrival of Samuel Eto’o, Lucio, Wesley Sneijder, Thiago Motta, Diego Milito and Marko Arnautovic. Inter may not contain some of the stellar names of Barcelona, Real Madrid or the English quartet, but they are certainly now well enough stocked in terms of strength, depth and experience in their squad to be expected to significantly challenge for the Champions League crown. Should they fail, President Moratti may well have to decide just how special the ‘Special One’ actually is.
With Mourinho for once seeking refuge from the front page, an unwilling replacement in the form of Milan counterpart Leonardo has taken centre stage. With his side loitering well adrift of the Serie A pace-setters after six games, having already suffered the indignity of a Derby della Maddonina demolishing to Inter - as well as scoring just once in their last five league games – Further misery has been piled upon the Brazilian Coach with a dismal 1-0 reverse at the San Siro to FC Zurich, a side thumped 5-2 by Kaka’s Real Madrid on Matchday One.
Rumours quickly surfaced that the Rossoneri hierarchy had lost patience with the man they themselves installed into Carlo Ancelotti’s old seat just months previous. Marco van Basten’s name immediately appeared as a potential replacement, before Vice-President Adriano Galliano returned with a less than resounding vote of confidence for the current incumbent, “I have little to say other than to confirm our faith in Leonardo. We had many wonderful years and things aren't going well right now.”
Leonardo himself described the performance against the Swiss side as “unacceptable” with striker Pippo Inzaghi hardly lightening the mood by saying, “It's a moment where everything is going wrong, we must improve together.” If things couldn’t get any worse for Leonardo, Galliani then popped up on Milan’s TV channel, revealing how he’s proposed a four-point plan as to how the team could get out of their predicament, whilst also outlining some damningly frank expectations to his beleaguered squad, “Milan are a team that absolutely has to qualify for the Champions League and finish in the top three. It's obligatory for the costs of the club.”
Galliani’s expectations resonate like an offer Leonardo cannot refuse, and to many, it represents a reasonable demand for a club of Milan’s size and stature. But should Leonardo fail, will il Divaolo’s top brass examine their own role in the plight? After all, it was they who entrusted the coaching duties of the club to someone with such little experience. True, Pep Guardiola didn’t do a bad job at Barca last season, and the prospect of a young, debonair ex-terrace idol, developing a stylish, successful side would appeal to any club board. However, replication is the road to ruin, and had President Berlusconi and Galliani decided to simply imitate Barca, the decision deserves to backfire.
From the outset there are similarities between the appointments of Leonardo and Guardiola, but in reality they differ greatly. Guardiola as a coach came equipped with all the relevant FIFA coaching qualifications – Leonardo did not. Guardiola - albeit with Barca’s stable side - had previous managerial experience – Leonardo did not. Guardiola inherited a side packed with world class talent, which needed refreshing and reforming – Leonardo did not. As one of Calcio’s nice guys, it would be good to see Leonardo granted time and patience from his employers. Whether President Berlusconi knows the meaning of time and patience is another matter.
Also this week, former Azzurri hitman Christian Vieri lifted the lid on his deadly strike partnership with ‘o fenomeno’, Ronaldo. Despite playing only a handful of games together in three seasons at Inter, it seems the pair enjoyed a prolific scoring partnership…at least off the field. ‘Bobo’ revealed “We went back home at between 5 and 6 in the morning. We went clubbing, and then I used to sleep for a couple of hours and went on to the pitch to train” It might not be a surprise to find out that Vieri is currently suing his former employers for allegedly hiring a private eye to follow him around and tap his phone calls. I wonder why?
Spare a thought for young Stevan Jovetic. Tuesday evening and the Fiorentina ace is going quietly about his day job, scoring two goals in the Champions League to beat Liverpool, and the next thing he’s subject to mass hysteria about how good he’s going to be. Straight away he was being linked with moves to Manchester United and Real Madrid and excitable comparisons were drawn to Roberto Baggio and Dejan Savicevic. The ‘Montenegrin Messi’ is undoubtedly a fine player, who showcased his abilities superbly against Liverpool, but it is against such kneejerk media attention that careers can be ended before they’ve started. Just think of Antonio Cassano and Nicola Ventola amongst a host of others. Aged just 19, let the boy play football.
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