Two down, one to go. Inter head to the Bernabeu with a historic treble just ninety minutes away.
The story is familiar. For 45 years now the Nerazzurri have craved the ‘Big Eared’ cup which Helenio Herrera last brought home in the mid 60’s. The fascination has become an obsession, recent failures only provoking the desire for la Benemeata to elevate themselves to the stature of European Cup winners once again.
Having eliminated Chelsea and Barcelona, il Biscione head into the match as the bookies favourites, but let us not forget, Bayern Munich are too chasing their third trophy of the season. Last week the German champions added the DFB Pokal to the Bundesliga they wrapped up a few weeks before. Apart from the obvious prize, and the glory of a treble, the clash also throws up a number of other intriguing subtexts.
Essentially, the winner will be doing club and country a favour as the game represents a de facto play-off as to whether Serie A or the Bundesliga has four Champions League places from 2011/12. Not that will be at the forefront of the Coach’s minds, as the once sorcerer and apprentice combination seek to outdo each other for individual gain. Long before he was special, Mourinho was assistant to Louis van Gaal at Barcelona. Both tacticians have had to use every ounce of their knowledge and experience to land their respective clubs in the final, and who gets the better from the dug-out will play a crucial role in the eventual victors of the tie. Whoever that may be, the winning coach will also enter an elite list of coaches to win the European Cup with two different clubs.
Should that be Mourinho and Inter, the win may very well defeat the ends for the San Siro giants. Saturday’s showpiece now increasingly looks like being Mourinho’s swansong. His cryptic warblings suggest as much, and with Real Madrid ending another season potless and set to dispose of Manuel Pellegrini, a Mourinho-Madrid marriage seems likely. In just two seasons on the peninsula, Mourinho can indelibly write his name into Italian football history. It is a similar position to when he was at Porto and believed he had achieved all he could at the club. On the back of five successive Scudetto’s and the trophy he was brought into bring, the Special One may see this as a natural parting point on which to depart.
Speculation has been rife throughout Spain and Italy that a deal for Mourinho to take over the los Blanco’s is all but done. Mourinho himself has done little to dampen those rumours, and indeed has largely fuelled them himself over recent months by disclosing problems about his difficulties with Italy, and his admiration and desire to coach Real. However, on what grounds will Jose leave Italy? His name will forever be in the record books but will it be in the hearts? There is no doubting the gravitas of a treble. Previously no Italian club has ever achieved it, and the unique band of clubs who have stop at Celtic, Ajax, PSV, Manchester United and Barcelona. However, could Mourinho really leave Calcio saying he has created a truly great side? Is his work really done? Could he really not take Inter any further?
On the back of this season Mourinho could have gone onto build a dynasty at Inter. Everything is in place for him to do so, and over a period of time there would be nothing to stop the Portuguese emaciating himself into Inter and creating a power to be in position to dominate European football for the foreseeable future. His current production is far from flawless, there is scope for development, and thus domination. Seemingly though, that is not his mentality and after triumphant visits to England, Italy and now probably Spain, it would be interesting to hear the prospective career plan of a man who has seen and done most of it by the age of 47. The legend is there, the legacy is not.
Part of the problem is Mourinho’s relationship with everyone bar his own flock. However, the verbals with the press and various authorities are all part of his modus operandi. Mourinho has no problem finding a house, more problematic is turning it into a home, and that situation is unlikely to change once he’s passed through the revolving doors of the Bernabeu. Madrid have hired and fired ten managers in the past ten seasons, and quite how Mourinho’s firestarter style will fit in with the complex and commandeering Real hierarchy remains to be seen. Much of that depends on Mourinho and what he wants to achieve. Over small periods of time his brief renaissances have been glorious, but as Napoleon Bonaparte told us, glory is fleeting, obscurity is forever.
Monday, 24 May 2010
Triesman gives Russia an unneeded leg-up.
Before he was made Chairman of the English Football Association, Lord Triesman was a member of the doomed Labour government as Parliamentary under-secretary for the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills. It certainly took some innovation and skill to completely derail England’s once promising World Cup 2018 bid in such calamitous circumstances.
Triesman was forced to tender his resignation earlier this week after excerpts from a secretly recorded interview were published in the Sunday press. In a conversation with a former aide, Triesman directly stated that the Spanish FA were attempting to bribe officials at this summer’s World Cup, and sought the help of their Russian counterparts to do so. In return, Triesman alleged, the Spanish would drop their own World Cup bid for 2018, and instead offer their support to the Russian attempt to stage the event.
The article, published in the Mail on Sunday quotes Triesman as saying: "There's some evidence that the Spanish football authorities are trying to identify the referees... and pay them. Spain are looking for help from the Russians to help bribe the referees in the World Cup, their votes may then switch to Russia."
Treisman’s comments have received condemnation from all quarters and the issue has been passed on to FIFA’s spuriously named ‘ethics committee’ for investigation. It is fairly damning stuff and could do fatal damage to the English effort. Just days earlier David Beckham had personally hand delivered the England bid book to FIFA President Sepp Blatter. That colossal 1,752 page document is now looking like the longest suicide note in history.
Unsurprisingly, the Triesman-less English FA hastily apologised to the respective boards they had upset, but that didn’t cut much cloth as first the Spanish, and then Russian boards launched their own reprisals. Head of the Russian bid, Aleksey Sorokin soon went on the offensive, “It is not the first time we hear something absurd being directed towards us. It’s a sign that we are going in the right direction that the quality of our bid leaves no other alternative for our competitors but to bring up these absurd allegations.”
Even before the scandal broke, Sepp Blatter had described the Russian proposals as ‘remarkable’ and within the country they are becoming increasingly confident their bid will win the hearts and minds of the FIFA executive through its own merits. Crucially, Prime Minister Putin has promised to underwrite the whole package, investing billions into the project to bring infrastructure, facilities and stadia up to and above the level of its competitors. Plans are currently afoot to build ten brand new state of the art stadiums whilst also renovating the already UEFA accredited Luzhniki as its showpiece. What may also tick FIFA boxes is that no former Soviet territory has ever hosted one of the sports major international tournaments, and staging the World Cup would effectively complete the renaissance of Russia as a global economic and sporting superpower.
Putin can also count on the backing of several Kremlin friendly oligarch’s to weigh in. Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov has already come forward as an official partner, and Roman Abramovich is set to do likewise. With such hefty backing, Russia could effectively guarantee there would be no financial insecurities which have plagued decisions to grant South Africa, Ukraine and Poland the upcoming World Cup and European Championships. Decisions which have raised questions about the wisdom and process of granting developing nations such prestigious events. Either way, it is yet another example of Russia’s insatiable appetite to become a major player in world football.
With all this talk of World Cup’s we must remember that Andrei Arshavin and co will be watching events unfold from the beach following their failure to qualify. In the aftermath, Guus Hiddink’s reign as national boss is over with him due to take up the position as the boss of Turkey this summer. Replacing the man who led the country to a semi final place in Austria and Switzerland in 2008 is another Dutchman, Dick Advocaat. ‘The Little General’ is no stranger to the land having coached Zenit St Petersburg between 2006 and 2008, when, fuelled by Gazprom cash, Advocaat led Zenit to their first domestic title since the break-up of the Soviet Union and followed that up with the UEFA Cup the year after. Advocaat arrives from managing the Belgian national team, whilst also being caretaker of AZ Alkmaar, having previously had international experience with the Netherlands, twice, the United Arab Emirates and South Korea.
Advocaat’s old club Zenit this week picked up the first piece of silverware of the domestic season by winning the Russian Cup. Zenit just about saw off Sibir Novosibirsk 1-0 thanks to a first half Roman Shirokov penalty. The staging of the final was moved to Rostov, as previous games staged at the 80,000 capacity Luzhniki were invariably had more empty seats visible than punters. Similarly to other continental cups dotted around Europe the Russian Cup really does not get much love from the footballing public. The first round’s containing the lower league sides starts mid-season and concludes the following year. The first round of games for the 2010 cup which Zenit have just won started last July, and the Premier League sides do not enter until the last 32, at which point they largely treat it with disdain and send out a mixture of reserve and youth team players. Anyway, Luciano Spalletti now has a pot to put on top of the telly and his side are also well placed to make that a double by gaining their first league title since 2007. Zenit are a point clear of CSKA and three ahead of Rubin with a game in hand over both. The league now enters a break until the start of July while players disperse for the World Cup. With the national side not involved the Russian people will watch from afar with fleeting interest. Come 2018, they will hope it’s a lot closer to home.
Triesman was forced to tender his resignation earlier this week after excerpts from a secretly recorded interview were published in the Sunday press. In a conversation with a former aide, Triesman directly stated that the Spanish FA were attempting to bribe officials at this summer’s World Cup, and sought the help of their Russian counterparts to do so. In return, Triesman alleged, the Spanish would drop their own World Cup bid for 2018, and instead offer their support to the Russian attempt to stage the event.
The article, published in the Mail on Sunday quotes Triesman as saying: "There's some evidence that the Spanish football authorities are trying to identify the referees... and pay them. Spain are looking for help from the Russians to help bribe the referees in the World Cup, their votes may then switch to Russia."
Treisman’s comments have received condemnation from all quarters and the issue has been passed on to FIFA’s spuriously named ‘ethics committee’ for investigation. It is fairly damning stuff and could do fatal damage to the English effort. Just days earlier David Beckham had personally hand delivered the England bid book to FIFA President Sepp Blatter. That colossal 1,752 page document is now looking like the longest suicide note in history.
Unsurprisingly, the Triesman-less English FA hastily apologised to the respective boards they had upset, but that didn’t cut much cloth as first the Spanish, and then Russian boards launched their own reprisals. Head of the Russian bid, Aleksey Sorokin soon went on the offensive, “It is not the first time we hear something absurd being directed towards us. It’s a sign that we are going in the right direction that the quality of our bid leaves no other alternative for our competitors but to bring up these absurd allegations.”
Even before the scandal broke, Sepp Blatter had described the Russian proposals as ‘remarkable’ and within the country they are becoming increasingly confident their bid will win the hearts and minds of the FIFA executive through its own merits. Crucially, Prime Minister Putin has promised to underwrite the whole package, investing billions into the project to bring infrastructure, facilities and stadia up to and above the level of its competitors. Plans are currently afoot to build ten brand new state of the art stadiums whilst also renovating the already UEFA accredited Luzhniki as its showpiece. What may also tick FIFA boxes is that no former Soviet territory has ever hosted one of the sports major international tournaments, and staging the World Cup would effectively complete the renaissance of Russia as a global economic and sporting superpower.
Putin can also count on the backing of several Kremlin friendly oligarch’s to weigh in. Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov has already come forward as an official partner, and Roman Abramovich is set to do likewise. With such hefty backing, Russia could effectively guarantee there would be no financial insecurities which have plagued decisions to grant South Africa, Ukraine and Poland the upcoming World Cup and European Championships. Decisions which have raised questions about the wisdom and process of granting developing nations such prestigious events. Either way, it is yet another example of Russia’s insatiable appetite to become a major player in world football.
With all this talk of World Cup’s we must remember that Andrei Arshavin and co will be watching events unfold from the beach following their failure to qualify. In the aftermath, Guus Hiddink’s reign as national boss is over with him due to take up the position as the boss of Turkey this summer. Replacing the man who led the country to a semi final place in Austria and Switzerland in 2008 is another Dutchman, Dick Advocaat. ‘The Little General’ is no stranger to the land having coached Zenit St Petersburg between 2006 and 2008, when, fuelled by Gazprom cash, Advocaat led Zenit to their first domestic title since the break-up of the Soviet Union and followed that up with the UEFA Cup the year after. Advocaat arrives from managing the Belgian national team, whilst also being caretaker of AZ Alkmaar, having previously had international experience with the Netherlands, twice, the United Arab Emirates and South Korea.
Advocaat’s old club Zenit this week picked up the first piece of silverware of the domestic season by winning the Russian Cup. Zenit just about saw off Sibir Novosibirsk 1-0 thanks to a first half Roman Shirokov penalty. The staging of the final was moved to Rostov, as previous games staged at the 80,000 capacity Luzhniki were invariably had more empty seats visible than punters. Similarly to other continental cups dotted around Europe the Russian Cup really does not get much love from the footballing public. The first round’s containing the lower league sides starts mid-season and concludes the following year. The first round of games for the 2010 cup which Zenit have just won started last July, and the Premier League sides do not enter until the last 32, at which point they largely treat it with disdain and send out a mixture of reserve and youth team players. Anyway, Luciano Spalletti now has a pot to put on top of the telly and his side are also well placed to make that a double by gaining their first league title since 2007. Zenit are a point clear of CSKA and three ahead of Rubin with a game in hand over both. The league now enters a break until the start of July while players disperse for the World Cup. With the national side not involved the Russian people will watch from afar with fleeting interest. Come 2018, they will hope it’s a lot closer to home.
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Inter - How they got there.
At the start of the season, the Champions League final seemed a distant prospect for Internazionale.
Four successive Serie A titles had been accumulated against the disappointment of premature elimination from Europe’s premiere club competition. Not since 2002/03 - when Inter reached the semi finals of the competition, only to be ousted by city rivals Milan – had the Nerazzurri made significant in-roads, their last few efforts when they entered as Italian champions were poor fare. Inter couldn’t venture past the quarter finals in any of the next six campaigns as the club desperately sought to end the five decade drought since the side managed by the legendary Helenio Herrera were last crowned kings of Europe.
Jose Mourinho - a champion with unfancied Porto in 2004 - was brought in by President Moratti to rectify the failings of Roberto Mancini, but when the Special One’s collective bowed out meekly to Manchester United last term, pertinent questions were raised about the actual strength of Inter, and in many respects, Italian football itself. The peninsula’s teams, once so dominant in European competition, were struggling to cope in the face of the strong and dominant English and Spanish contingent, and even for large parts of this year’s run, those questions remained unanswered.
Inter were dealt a tricky but ultimately negotiable group containing defending European champions Barcelona, unpredictable Ukrainians Dynamo Kyiv and unknown Russian package Rubin Kazan. La Benemeata kicked off proceedings by hosting Barca at the San Siro and held the Spaniards to a goalless draw in a drab encounter. Next up was a trip to chilly Kazan, 850km east of Moscow to square off against newly crowned Russian champions Rubin. The Ruby, who later went onto win at Barcelona, took an early lead before Wesley Sneijder equalised but the Nerazzurri had to be satisfied with a second successive draw.
Matchday three saw Kyiv arrive in Milan, and surprisingly twice took the lead only to be pegged back from goals by Dejan Stankovic and Walter Samuel. Three games, three draws. It was fairly uninspiring stuff and with two of the remaining three games to come away from home, including a hazardous trip to the Camp Nou, qualification was looking increasingly suspect.
Increasingly suspect became alarmingly bleak with five minutes to play of the return fixture in Kyiv, when Mourinho’s men found themselves trailing by a goal from their old foe Andrei Shevchenko’s first half strike. As things stood approaching time at the Lobanovsky Stadium, Inter were at the foot of Group F with just three points, and would more than likely require a win away to Barca. However, a late equaliser from Diego Milito followed by an even later winner from that man Sneijder swung the table around and left Inter top of the group with two to play.
The picture was further muddied after Matchday five when Inter crumbled to two early Barca goals in Spain. The Catalans comprehensively outplayed their visitors in a tie which, following a disjointed qualification period, once again raised concerns towards the Nerazzurri’s calibre against Europe’s elite. After faltering in previous years and proving no match for the holders of the cup, Mourinho was not only facing a battle to win the thing, but to actually get out of the group. However, a comfortable win over Rubin at home ended any palpitations the Interisti had about appearing in the Europa League, but they did have to settle for second place and theoretically a tougher draw in the last 16.
Those fears were raised when the Italian champions were dealt a stern test at Mourinho’s former club and Premier League leaders, Chelsea. Having gone close in the seasons when Inter had done anything such, the Londoners looked well equipped for another shot at the trophy which had proved so elusive for Roman Abramovich’s billions. As it proved, they would have to wait another year after Mourinho returned to haunt the oligarch with a tactical masterclass over two legs.
First-up, Chelsea came to the Giuseppe Meazza and the close to 80,000 crowd were rocking after three minutes when the dangerous Milito evaded a John Terry challenge to put the hosts ahead. Salomon Kalou squared things in the second half only for Esteban Cambiasso to rattle home the decisive first-leg strike a few minutes later. Inter were afforded a priceless goal lead heading to Stamford Bridge, but the whole complexion of the game, the tie and indeed Inter’s march towards the Bernabeu could have changed dramatically just before half-time when Kalou, clean through on goal was bundled to the dancefloor by Walter Samuel. Had either the referee or the linesman spotted the offence, it would have given the Blues a penalty to equalise and Samuel would have had first use of the shower. As it was, the foul was missed and Inter remained in front, with player parity and took a slender advantage to Mourinho’s old stomping ground.
Given Kalou’s away goal, holding off the soon-to-be Premier League champions – who had scored in all bar one game during the season – looked a tough ask, so it came as a timely boost for Mourinho and the Nerazzurri to deliver their finest European performance in years. Mourinho surprised his detractors who suggested he may ‘park the bus’ by deploying a bold three-man strike force with Sneijder pulling the strings from an advanced midfield role. The affront took Chelsea by surprise and Carlo Ancelotti’s team never found their stride. Their attacks rebuffed by the colossal Lucio and Samuel, and regularly cut apart by the Sneijder infused counters, Chelsea were well outdone on their own patch and the result was put beyond them when yet another incisive Sneijder through ball found Samuel Eto’o to race away and lash home. 3-1 on aggregate and deserved. It was a performance which exorcised the demons which had gathered around Inter’s European challenges of previous campaigns.
After doing for Chelsea, CSKA Moscow lay in wait in the quarters and were swatted aside with 1-0 wins in either tie. Milito again notched in the first leg and Sneijder finished the job off in Moscow to set up an intriguing clash of styles with Barcelona in the semi final. Inter had come under fire following the group games between the two for their lack of forward intent in either game, but buoyed by the confidence boosting dismantling of Chelsea, il Biscione were a different proposition this time around.
Mourinho, ‘el tradutor’, or ‘the translator’ as he was unaffectionately known after his time in Catalonia, wove another tactical spell in the first-leg to inflict Pep Guardiola’s heaviest defeat of his Barcelona tenure. Despite going ahead with a Pedro strike, inter seized the game thereafter, nullified the mischief of Lionel Messi and plundered three goals themselves to take a healthy lead back to Barcelona. Firstly, Sneijder found space to rifle home in the Barca box shortly before the interval and soon after the restart Douglas Maicon made strides forward to put the Nerazzurri in front. With Barca pushing at every opportunity, Inter exploited the vast expanse behind the Blaugrana’s rickety backline to increase their lead further thanks to the tireless Milito with his fourth goal of the competition.
Inter turned up at the Camp Nou knowing Barca had to score twice to progress and didn’t so much park the bus but land the plane across their goalmouth. Any vague attacking intentions they did have were ended when Thiago Motta was harshly sent-off for sending a stray arm at Sergio Busquets. Down to ten men, Inter produced a fine rearguard action to stave off the Barca advances, relinquishing possession to the tune of almost 80% in Barcelona’s favour. Gerard pique’s cool spin and finish with five minutes to go made things tense and inter again relied on some favourable officiating to rule out a Bojan strike in injury time to put the Nerazzurri through. Their ultra-defensive tactics came in from widespread condemnation from the puritans but it mattered little to Mourinho and his men as they celebrated a date at the Santiago Bernabeu.
At times Inter have been ordinary, at times exceptional. From being on the cusp of elimination, to the verge of immortality. It has been a strange and varied run for La Benemeata, but few can deny they deserve to be where they have gotten. The struggles in Kazan and at home to Kyiv have been superseded by the humblings of Chelsea and Barcelona. It is a marathon not a sprint and the tortoises of the group stage have morphed into the thoroughbreds of the knockout stages. Only Bayern Munich can stop them now.
Four successive Serie A titles had been accumulated against the disappointment of premature elimination from Europe’s premiere club competition. Not since 2002/03 - when Inter reached the semi finals of the competition, only to be ousted by city rivals Milan – had the Nerazzurri made significant in-roads, their last few efforts when they entered as Italian champions were poor fare. Inter couldn’t venture past the quarter finals in any of the next six campaigns as the club desperately sought to end the five decade drought since the side managed by the legendary Helenio Herrera were last crowned kings of Europe.
Jose Mourinho - a champion with unfancied Porto in 2004 - was brought in by President Moratti to rectify the failings of Roberto Mancini, but when the Special One’s collective bowed out meekly to Manchester United last term, pertinent questions were raised about the actual strength of Inter, and in many respects, Italian football itself. The peninsula’s teams, once so dominant in European competition, were struggling to cope in the face of the strong and dominant English and Spanish contingent, and even for large parts of this year’s run, those questions remained unanswered.
Inter were dealt a tricky but ultimately negotiable group containing defending European champions Barcelona, unpredictable Ukrainians Dynamo Kyiv and unknown Russian package Rubin Kazan. La Benemeata kicked off proceedings by hosting Barca at the San Siro and held the Spaniards to a goalless draw in a drab encounter. Next up was a trip to chilly Kazan, 850km east of Moscow to square off against newly crowned Russian champions Rubin. The Ruby, who later went onto win at Barcelona, took an early lead before Wesley Sneijder equalised but the Nerazzurri had to be satisfied with a second successive draw.
Matchday three saw Kyiv arrive in Milan, and surprisingly twice took the lead only to be pegged back from goals by Dejan Stankovic and Walter Samuel. Three games, three draws. It was fairly uninspiring stuff and with two of the remaining three games to come away from home, including a hazardous trip to the Camp Nou, qualification was looking increasingly suspect.
Increasingly suspect became alarmingly bleak with five minutes to play of the return fixture in Kyiv, when Mourinho’s men found themselves trailing by a goal from their old foe Andrei Shevchenko’s first half strike. As things stood approaching time at the Lobanovsky Stadium, Inter were at the foot of Group F with just three points, and would more than likely require a win away to Barca. However, a late equaliser from Diego Milito followed by an even later winner from that man Sneijder swung the table around and left Inter top of the group with two to play.
The picture was further muddied after Matchday five when Inter crumbled to two early Barca goals in Spain. The Catalans comprehensively outplayed their visitors in a tie which, following a disjointed qualification period, once again raised concerns towards the Nerazzurri’s calibre against Europe’s elite. After faltering in previous years and proving no match for the holders of the cup, Mourinho was not only facing a battle to win the thing, but to actually get out of the group. However, a comfortable win over Rubin at home ended any palpitations the Interisti had about appearing in the Europa League, but they did have to settle for second place and theoretically a tougher draw in the last 16.
Those fears were raised when the Italian champions were dealt a stern test at Mourinho’s former club and Premier League leaders, Chelsea. Having gone close in the seasons when Inter had done anything such, the Londoners looked well equipped for another shot at the trophy which had proved so elusive for Roman Abramovich’s billions. As it proved, they would have to wait another year after Mourinho returned to haunt the oligarch with a tactical masterclass over two legs.
First-up, Chelsea came to the Giuseppe Meazza and the close to 80,000 crowd were rocking after three minutes when the dangerous Milito evaded a John Terry challenge to put the hosts ahead. Salomon Kalou squared things in the second half only for Esteban Cambiasso to rattle home the decisive first-leg strike a few minutes later. Inter were afforded a priceless goal lead heading to Stamford Bridge, but the whole complexion of the game, the tie and indeed Inter’s march towards the Bernabeu could have changed dramatically just before half-time when Kalou, clean through on goal was bundled to the dancefloor by Walter Samuel. Had either the referee or the linesman spotted the offence, it would have given the Blues a penalty to equalise and Samuel would have had first use of the shower. As it was, the foul was missed and Inter remained in front, with player parity and took a slender advantage to Mourinho’s old stomping ground.
Given Kalou’s away goal, holding off the soon-to-be Premier League champions – who had scored in all bar one game during the season – looked a tough ask, so it came as a timely boost for Mourinho and the Nerazzurri to deliver their finest European performance in years. Mourinho surprised his detractors who suggested he may ‘park the bus’ by deploying a bold three-man strike force with Sneijder pulling the strings from an advanced midfield role. The affront took Chelsea by surprise and Carlo Ancelotti’s team never found their stride. Their attacks rebuffed by the colossal Lucio and Samuel, and regularly cut apart by the Sneijder infused counters, Chelsea were well outdone on their own patch and the result was put beyond them when yet another incisive Sneijder through ball found Samuel Eto’o to race away and lash home. 3-1 on aggregate and deserved. It was a performance which exorcised the demons which had gathered around Inter’s European challenges of previous campaigns.
After doing for Chelsea, CSKA Moscow lay in wait in the quarters and were swatted aside with 1-0 wins in either tie. Milito again notched in the first leg and Sneijder finished the job off in Moscow to set up an intriguing clash of styles with Barcelona in the semi final. Inter had come under fire following the group games between the two for their lack of forward intent in either game, but buoyed by the confidence boosting dismantling of Chelsea, il Biscione were a different proposition this time around.
Mourinho, ‘el tradutor’, or ‘the translator’ as he was unaffectionately known after his time in Catalonia, wove another tactical spell in the first-leg to inflict Pep Guardiola’s heaviest defeat of his Barcelona tenure. Despite going ahead with a Pedro strike, inter seized the game thereafter, nullified the mischief of Lionel Messi and plundered three goals themselves to take a healthy lead back to Barcelona. Firstly, Sneijder found space to rifle home in the Barca box shortly before the interval and soon after the restart Douglas Maicon made strides forward to put the Nerazzurri in front. With Barca pushing at every opportunity, Inter exploited the vast expanse behind the Blaugrana’s rickety backline to increase their lead further thanks to the tireless Milito with his fourth goal of the competition.
Inter turned up at the Camp Nou knowing Barca had to score twice to progress and didn’t so much park the bus but land the plane across their goalmouth. Any vague attacking intentions they did have were ended when Thiago Motta was harshly sent-off for sending a stray arm at Sergio Busquets. Down to ten men, Inter produced a fine rearguard action to stave off the Barca advances, relinquishing possession to the tune of almost 80% in Barcelona’s favour. Gerard pique’s cool spin and finish with five minutes to go made things tense and inter again relied on some favourable officiating to rule out a Bojan strike in injury time to put the Nerazzurri through. Their ultra-defensive tactics came in from widespread condemnation from the puritans but it mattered little to Mourinho and his men as they celebrated a date at the Santiago Bernabeu.
At times Inter have been ordinary, at times exceptional. From being on the cusp of elimination, to the verge of immortality. It has been a strange and varied run for La Benemeata, but few can deny they deserve to be where they have gotten. The struggles in Kazan and at home to Kyiv have been superseded by the humblings of Chelsea and Barcelona. It is a marathon not a sprint and the tortoises of the group stage have morphed into the thoroughbreds of the knockout stages. Only Bayern Munich can stop them now.
A year older, a year unwiser as Berlusconi stands still
Milan and Leonardo have announced by mutual consent that the Brazilian coach will be leaving the San Siro following Sunday’s home game with Juventus.
The decision will bring an end to Leo’s 13 year association with the Rossoneri, split across terms as a player, sporting director and coach. The move had been mooted for a number of months now, with the tactician reportedly keen on a move back to Brazil, and his relationship with club president Silvio Berlusconi believed to be strained beyond repair. Under Leonardo Milan have comfortably finished third but have never really found themselves in genuine contention for the Scudetto, and as the season winds up, they must rebuild for next term knowing they are literally and metaphorically closer to the Champions League chasers than the champions.
Given the circumstances in which Leonardo arrived and his affiliation to the club, it has been a fairly unacrimonious split, probably the best for all concerned. Leo, similarly to the deposed Gianfranco Zola, is seen as one of Calcio’s nice guys and in a battle of longevity with Berlusconi, was never likely to outstay the Milan supremo. Having towed the party line for a season and assured another campaign in the Champions League, Leo can walk away with his head held high whereas Berlusconi, Galliani and co will be left to scratch theirs as to where to go from here.
Looking back on the 2009/10 campaign as a whole it’s been a pretty fruitless affair for il Diavolo. Barring a fine win in the Bernabeu, Milan have struggled to keep pace with Inter, have seen Roma surge past them as the Nerazzurri’s main challengers and were mauled by Manchester United in the knock-out stages of the Champions League. Normally, having lost the steadying influence of a manager that had been there for eight years, such failings wouldn’t necessarily call for much panic and a season of transition would be begrudgingly acceptable. However, and now none of Leonardo’s concern, is the lack of progress which Milan have made in the past twelve months.
Rewind twelve months ago, and with Carlo Ancelotti off to Chelsea, the club had an opportunity to freshen things up. Ancelotti had done as much as he could and with an old and lingering player pool, things needed freshening up. A decent start was made with the appointment of the bright, young and noble Leonardo but what since then? The squad remained virtually untouched albeit yet another year older and Leo was unable to coax much more out of them. Perhaps a slight on his managerial capabilities, but more so on the reluctance and naivety of the board to adequately reinforce. So, a year down the line and a sense of de ja vu must be sweeping the corridors of the Giuseppe Meazza. Inter are about to be crowned champions and Milan can do little but sit back and admire. Nothing won and nothing gained. It has been a wasted year for Milan, something Berlusconi must consider when he decides who next to chop in his myopic game of blame.
Leonardo’s swansong will be at home against Juventus in a fixture which reinforces what an anti-climax this term has been for both sides. When the league schedule was released prior to the start of the season, there was a belief in each camp that this match-up could potentially be a winner-takes-it-all Scudetto showdown. A microcosm of the pair’s stuttering season is in their respective forms tripping into the match. Milan have won one of the last five, Juventus, two. The fact that this game represents little more than a footnote to games being played in Bergamo, Verona, Genoa and Siena, shows just how far the mighty have fallen. To possibly quote a line from a hierarchal source at either Milan or Juve from this time last season, ‘there’s always next year.’
That is likely to be a sentiment echoed by Claudio Ranieri on Monday morning if as expected, Inter clinch their fifth successive title by avoiding defeat at already relegated Siena. It has been a brave and bold push by il Lupi, but one which may essentially prove too much. Nevertheless, Milan and Juve may wish to take note.
Really the only other two games of importance is to settle the battle for fourth place, with Sampdoria in the box seat. Palermo will fancy knocking over Atalanta meaning the Blucerchiati must negotiate the visit of Napoli to the Luigi Ferraris. In another season of highs and lows, peaks and troughs and under and over achievement, will we have one more twist to the plot? Who will be consoling themselves that there’s always next year?
The decision will bring an end to Leo’s 13 year association with the Rossoneri, split across terms as a player, sporting director and coach. The move had been mooted for a number of months now, with the tactician reportedly keen on a move back to Brazil, and his relationship with club president Silvio Berlusconi believed to be strained beyond repair. Under Leonardo Milan have comfortably finished third but have never really found themselves in genuine contention for the Scudetto, and as the season winds up, they must rebuild for next term knowing they are literally and metaphorically closer to the Champions League chasers than the champions.
Given the circumstances in which Leonardo arrived and his affiliation to the club, it has been a fairly unacrimonious split, probably the best for all concerned. Leo, similarly to the deposed Gianfranco Zola, is seen as one of Calcio’s nice guys and in a battle of longevity with Berlusconi, was never likely to outstay the Milan supremo. Having towed the party line for a season and assured another campaign in the Champions League, Leo can walk away with his head held high whereas Berlusconi, Galliani and co will be left to scratch theirs as to where to go from here.
Looking back on the 2009/10 campaign as a whole it’s been a pretty fruitless affair for il Diavolo. Barring a fine win in the Bernabeu, Milan have struggled to keep pace with Inter, have seen Roma surge past them as the Nerazzurri’s main challengers and were mauled by Manchester United in the knock-out stages of the Champions League. Normally, having lost the steadying influence of a manager that had been there for eight years, such failings wouldn’t necessarily call for much panic and a season of transition would be begrudgingly acceptable. However, and now none of Leonardo’s concern, is the lack of progress which Milan have made in the past twelve months.
Rewind twelve months ago, and with Carlo Ancelotti off to Chelsea, the club had an opportunity to freshen things up. Ancelotti had done as much as he could and with an old and lingering player pool, things needed freshening up. A decent start was made with the appointment of the bright, young and noble Leonardo but what since then? The squad remained virtually untouched albeit yet another year older and Leo was unable to coax much more out of them. Perhaps a slight on his managerial capabilities, but more so on the reluctance and naivety of the board to adequately reinforce. So, a year down the line and a sense of de ja vu must be sweeping the corridors of the Giuseppe Meazza. Inter are about to be crowned champions and Milan can do little but sit back and admire. Nothing won and nothing gained. It has been a wasted year for Milan, something Berlusconi must consider when he decides who next to chop in his myopic game of blame.
Leonardo’s swansong will be at home against Juventus in a fixture which reinforces what an anti-climax this term has been for both sides. When the league schedule was released prior to the start of the season, there was a belief in each camp that this match-up could potentially be a winner-takes-it-all Scudetto showdown. A microcosm of the pair’s stuttering season is in their respective forms tripping into the match. Milan have won one of the last five, Juventus, two. The fact that this game represents little more than a footnote to games being played in Bergamo, Verona, Genoa and Siena, shows just how far the mighty have fallen. To possibly quote a line from a hierarchal source at either Milan or Juve from this time last season, ‘there’s always next year.’
That is likely to be a sentiment echoed by Claudio Ranieri on Monday morning if as expected, Inter clinch their fifth successive title by avoiding defeat at already relegated Siena. It has been a brave and bold push by il Lupi, but one which may essentially prove too much. Nevertheless, Milan and Juve may wish to take note.
Really the only other two games of importance is to settle the battle for fourth place, with Sampdoria in the box seat. Palermo will fancy knocking over Atalanta meaning the Blucerchiati must negotiate the visit of Napoli to the Luigi Ferraris. In another season of highs and lows, peaks and troughs and under and over achievement, will we have one more twist to the plot? Who will be consoling themselves that there’s always next year?
Spartak: the dream of the people
What is the greatest satisfaction of winning a league title? Is it the sense of achievement and reward a season of hard toil brings? Or is it the feeling of status that you are the best team around? Or, more cynically, is it being able to have the bravado and arrogance to turn and look at your rivals and say, “we’re better than you.”
In a self-appreciating sort of way it is all three plus many more besides and behind every champion there is a desire to win but a conscious motivation to out-do. Across football, across time and across the world, behind so many teams there is the incentive to do for yourself, but just as much, to do for someone else. Football rivalries stem from geographics, demographics, political, historical and sociological facets, yet they are all fuelled and flamed by on-field success, and results always matter more against those whom mean more.
Spartak Moscow are by far Russia’s most decorated club. With twelve Soviet titles and another nine Russian titles attained since perestroika, ‘the meat’ and their fans duly claim to be the best football club in Russia. In the old Soviet regime, Spartak – named after Spartacus, the slave who led a revolt against the Romans – were the only Moscow club who were not directly affiliated with a particular regime, and unlike CSKA who were ran by the army, and Dynamo, by the interior ministry, they remained neutral, and as a result where seen as ‘the people’s club’, leading them to become the most heavily supported team of the nation.
Following the fall of the former Soviet, Spartak were thus able to stabilise themselves in the financial chaos which inevitably came with the total breakdown of the world’s largest country. They won the first Russian Premier League in 1992 and made it a hat-trick by winning the next two. Those titles coincided with the birth of the Champions League and the corporate riches to be had there. Spartak became a cyclical dominance under the management of the moustachioed, chain-smoking, vodka swilling Coach Oleg Romantsev. They won the league, got money from Europe, strengthened, won the league again, got back in Europe and so forth, and so, for the entire 1990’s, Spartak dominated the whole Russian scene, winning nine of the first ten championships.
There ninth and last championship came in 2001, and was precipitated by Romantsev’s mental and physical deterioration, but also by the big bucks that the black gold brought. After playing second fiddle for over a decade, CSKA could suddenly turn to Evgeni Giner and Zenit were spoilt with Gazprom cash. The gap between Spartak and the rest was eradicated in no time and they were forced to release their perch to their bitterest city rivals CSKA. The Army Men took three out of four championships and secured the 2005 UEFA Cup to go with it. After years of winning based on their own good practices, Spartak’s legacy was essentially wiped out by cash, and this resentment has harboured ever since.
Spartak fans still see their club as some sort of pariah of fair play and principal. They pour scorn on the way CSKA have bought what Spartak bred, and vocally accuse their arch enemy of foul play – bribing referee’s and strong-arming games. The Meat cannot lay claim to being the country’ top team for nine years now, and with every failed attempt to wrestle back the mantle, their desperation grows. However, simply winning the league for the sake of it will not do. Spartak wish to be the pinnacle of football in Russia, achieved in the manner and spirit of the people, and therefore not just hold a sporting supremacy over CSKA, but a moral stance too.
Unfortunately this utopian dream of lovely football in a green grass, birds tweeting world has so far failed to materialise. Spartak have finished second in four of the last five seasons and have earned themselves a bridesmaid tag of recent years – the good guys falling short. Once again this term they’re not exactly convincing with their assault on top spot and their chances suffered an eye-watering blow after capitulating to a 5-2 reverse away to lowly Alaniya Vladikavkaz last time out. Such results have done for managers in the past. Valery Karpin’s predecessor Michael Laudrup was given the boot after a 3-0 loss to Dynamo and before him, Stanislav Cherchesov was gone after a 5-1 beating by CSKA. For the moment it looks like Karpin has been spared a one-man game of Russian roulette, but patience to return to the summit is wearing thin.
There is only one round of fixtures left in the Premier League before the competition dissolves for a few weeks for the World Cup. After ten completed rounds, Zenit are unbeaten, sit top and have opened a nice four point gap going into the break after stitching together four wins on the bounce, the latest a 2-0 win at Amkar. CSKA are trailing Zenit after coming off second best when the pair met a few weeks back and champions Rubin are the only other unbeaten side in the league having only conceded twice all year. Dynamo have yet to register a win under new boss Miodrag Bozovic, but have announced they will be joined by German international Striker Kevin Kuranyi for the resumption of the season.
The last set of fixtures before the break-up sees CSKA travel to Rubin in a battle to assume who will pursue Zenit, who themselves will look to maintain their four point lead at home to Anzhi. Lokomotiv will hope to end a miserable first period by beating Alaniya, and Spartak can write the wrongs of last weeks debacle when basement boys Sibir travel to the Luzhniki.
In a self-appreciating sort of way it is all three plus many more besides and behind every champion there is a desire to win but a conscious motivation to out-do. Across football, across time and across the world, behind so many teams there is the incentive to do for yourself, but just as much, to do for someone else. Football rivalries stem from geographics, demographics, political, historical and sociological facets, yet they are all fuelled and flamed by on-field success, and results always matter more against those whom mean more.
Spartak Moscow are by far Russia’s most decorated club. With twelve Soviet titles and another nine Russian titles attained since perestroika, ‘the meat’ and their fans duly claim to be the best football club in Russia. In the old Soviet regime, Spartak – named after Spartacus, the slave who led a revolt against the Romans – were the only Moscow club who were not directly affiliated with a particular regime, and unlike CSKA who were ran by the army, and Dynamo, by the interior ministry, they remained neutral, and as a result where seen as ‘the people’s club’, leading them to become the most heavily supported team of the nation.
Following the fall of the former Soviet, Spartak were thus able to stabilise themselves in the financial chaos which inevitably came with the total breakdown of the world’s largest country. They won the first Russian Premier League in 1992 and made it a hat-trick by winning the next two. Those titles coincided with the birth of the Champions League and the corporate riches to be had there. Spartak became a cyclical dominance under the management of the moustachioed, chain-smoking, vodka swilling Coach Oleg Romantsev. They won the league, got money from Europe, strengthened, won the league again, got back in Europe and so forth, and so, for the entire 1990’s, Spartak dominated the whole Russian scene, winning nine of the first ten championships.
There ninth and last championship came in 2001, and was precipitated by Romantsev’s mental and physical deterioration, but also by the big bucks that the black gold brought. After playing second fiddle for over a decade, CSKA could suddenly turn to Evgeni Giner and Zenit were spoilt with Gazprom cash. The gap between Spartak and the rest was eradicated in no time and they were forced to release their perch to their bitterest city rivals CSKA. The Army Men took three out of four championships and secured the 2005 UEFA Cup to go with it. After years of winning based on their own good practices, Spartak’s legacy was essentially wiped out by cash, and this resentment has harboured ever since.
Spartak fans still see their club as some sort of pariah of fair play and principal. They pour scorn on the way CSKA have bought what Spartak bred, and vocally accuse their arch enemy of foul play – bribing referee’s and strong-arming games. The Meat cannot lay claim to being the country’ top team for nine years now, and with every failed attempt to wrestle back the mantle, their desperation grows. However, simply winning the league for the sake of it will not do. Spartak wish to be the pinnacle of football in Russia, achieved in the manner and spirit of the people, and therefore not just hold a sporting supremacy over CSKA, but a moral stance too.
Unfortunately this utopian dream of lovely football in a green grass, birds tweeting world has so far failed to materialise. Spartak have finished second in four of the last five seasons and have earned themselves a bridesmaid tag of recent years – the good guys falling short. Once again this term they’re not exactly convincing with their assault on top spot and their chances suffered an eye-watering blow after capitulating to a 5-2 reverse away to lowly Alaniya Vladikavkaz last time out. Such results have done for managers in the past. Valery Karpin’s predecessor Michael Laudrup was given the boot after a 3-0 loss to Dynamo and before him, Stanislav Cherchesov was gone after a 5-1 beating by CSKA. For the moment it looks like Karpin has been spared a one-man game of Russian roulette, but patience to return to the summit is wearing thin.
There is only one round of fixtures left in the Premier League before the competition dissolves for a few weeks for the World Cup. After ten completed rounds, Zenit are unbeaten, sit top and have opened a nice four point gap going into the break after stitching together four wins on the bounce, the latest a 2-0 win at Amkar. CSKA are trailing Zenit after coming off second best when the pair met a few weeks back and champions Rubin are the only other unbeaten side in the league having only conceded twice all year. Dynamo have yet to register a win under new boss Miodrag Bozovic, but have announced they will be joined by German international Striker Kevin Kuranyi for the resumption of the season.
The last set of fixtures before the break-up sees CSKA travel to Rubin in a battle to assume who will pursue Zenit, who themselves will look to maintain their four point lead at home to Anzhi. Lokomotiv will hope to end a miserable first period by beating Alaniya, and Spartak can write the wrongs of last weeks debacle when basement boys Sibir travel to the Luzhniki.
Joe-ker in the pack worth the risk.
Fabio Capello is a man that appears to give short shrift to reputation. After all, he was the man who had the rocks to drop David Beckham at Real Madrid, and has been the first England manager to jettison Steven Gerrard out to the problematic left flank. Throughout the course of his England tenure he has vocalised and abided by a strict remit to select players based on form and fitness. However, as the World Cup draws ever nearer and d-day for the 23 approaches, his stance has somewhat waivered.
Based on form and fitness alone it’s stretching it to justify Joe Cole’s inclusion in the provisional 30 let alone the final 23. Since rupturing his knee ligaments 15 months ago, the Chelsea midfielder has struggled to produce anything approaching his best form – which to many observers would be the 2005/06 season, culminating in his starring role for the Three Lions at the last World Cup.
If we look at Cole’s statistics this season they don’t particularly strengthen shouts for a seat on the plane. Although the former West Ham man missed the start of the season, and the importance of a decent pre-season with it, he has had ample time since his comeback to forge a starting role for club and country, yet those shouts have barely registered a whimper. His first game of the season was in mid-October and Chelsea have played over 40 games since then. In all competitions Cole has started only 22 of those games, being withdrawn in the majority, and has come off the bench in a further 16. In a side that have scored nearly 150 goals this season, Cole has found the net just twice and has dramatically fallen down the attacking pecking order at Stamford Bridge. The stand-off over a contract extension is partly due to differences over wage, but given the peripheral part he has played for the club this season, may just as much be about his value to Carlo Ancelotti’s team. And that’s a worry.
After an indifferent term Cole can no longer class himself as a first team regular and that has manifested itself into Ancelotti’s team selections with Little Joey regularly overlooked for the most important games. His goal and overall showing in the title decider at Old Trafford was a timely reminder of his talent but that game was the silver lining round a cloud, for the most part, Cole has struggled.
So, does he go? Cole’s case is partially enhanced thanks to the failings of his competitors with the likes of Walcott, Young, Wright-Phillips and Lennon not affirming a place on their own merits, and essentially being slight variations on the same touchline-hugging whippet theme. So often in international football pace can be nullified whereas a bit of nous can make the difference. At least Cole can offer some choice and can play all across the front and potentially has the guile and creativity to open any defence. Also in his favour was his showing in Germany in 2006 and a catalogue of Champions League campaigns for club. The problem with Cole is at the moment all this is theoretical and in the past. In practice he is struggling to deliver and taking him to South Africa represents a gamble, but no more so than any of his rivals. At some point, England will need some spark and invention from the bench, and Joe Cole – regardless of his domestic campaign – is the best man to do that job. If there is a space for a wildcard, he is still worth the gamble.
Based on form and fitness alone it’s stretching it to justify Joe Cole’s inclusion in the provisional 30 let alone the final 23. Since rupturing his knee ligaments 15 months ago, the Chelsea midfielder has struggled to produce anything approaching his best form – which to many observers would be the 2005/06 season, culminating in his starring role for the Three Lions at the last World Cup.
If we look at Cole’s statistics this season they don’t particularly strengthen shouts for a seat on the plane. Although the former West Ham man missed the start of the season, and the importance of a decent pre-season with it, he has had ample time since his comeback to forge a starting role for club and country, yet those shouts have barely registered a whimper. His first game of the season was in mid-October and Chelsea have played over 40 games since then. In all competitions Cole has started only 22 of those games, being withdrawn in the majority, and has come off the bench in a further 16. In a side that have scored nearly 150 goals this season, Cole has found the net just twice and has dramatically fallen down the attacking pecking order at Stamford Bridge. The stand-off over a contract extension is partly due to differences over wage, but given the peripheral part he has played for the club this season, may just as much be about his value to Carlo Ancelotti’s team. And that’s a worry.
After an indifferent term Cole can no longer class himself as a first team regular and that has manifested itself into Ancelotti’s team selections with Little Joey regularly overlooked for the most important games. His goal and overall showing in the title decider at Old Trafford was a timely reminder of his talent but that game was the silver lining round a cloud, for the most part, Cole has struggled.
So, does he go? Cole’s case is partially enhanced thanks to the failings of his competitors with the likes of Walcott, Young, Wright-Phillips and Lennon not affirming a place on their own merits, and essentially being slight variations on the same touchline-hugging whippet theme. So often in international football pace can be nullified whereas a bit of nous can make the difference. At least Cole can offer some choice and can play all across the front and potentially has the guile and creativity to open any defence. Also in his favour was his showing in Germany in 2006 and a catalogue of Champions League campaigns for club. The problem with Cole is at the moment all this is theoretical and in the past. In practice he is struggling to deliver and taking him to South Africa represents a gamble, but no more so than any of his rivals. At some point, England will need some spark and invention from the bench, and Joe Cole – regardless of his domestic campaign – is the best man to do that job. If there is a space for a wildcard, he is still worth the gamble.
Carragher, better inside the camp than out.
The inclusion of Jamie Carragher in Fabio Capello’s provisional 30 man England squad has caused a fair bit of debating amongst the amateur squad selectors and pub pundits the length and breadth of the country.
Since his decision to exile himself from international selection in 2007, it is fair to say Carragher has barely been missed. The Liverpool stalwart had won a rather sparse total of 34 caps, spread across eight years before he announced his decision to quit the international scene. Carragher was never an automatic choice for any England manager, and a combination of other strong defensive candidates and reservations about his lack of pace at international level meant he was regularly overlooked despite his brilliantly consistent performances for his club. Now, after three years in the wilderness and on the back of a less than wholly convincing domestic season, Carra looks like he’ll be given a slot in the final 23 for South Africa.
Amongst some fans there are still grievances that Carragher should not be selected after turning his back on the national team. That should not even be an issue. What matters is that when approached, when asked to report for duty, when his country needed him, Carragher was there, and he needs to be there in South Africa.
What is of a more pressing matter is whether he is now up to the standard of a World Cup place. His form for Liverpool has not been of the standard Kop fans have been accustomed to, but again there are mitigating factors. The overall decline of the team has highlighted flaws all over the pitch, and after losing the screening of Xabi Alonso and the steady hand of Alvaro Arbeloa, Carragher’s defensive unit has been more exposed and vulnerable than in previous campaigns. When isolated, Carragher can been troubled by pace, but as the old adage goes – the first yard is in the head. Similarly to John Terry, these defenders are pro-active rather than re-active, and their experience and intelligence means they can usually avert any danger by using their vast savvy rather than their not so vast speed. Also similarly to Terry, Carra is at his best when able to dominate an organised defensive line. Some of his finest games have been those in away European ties such as Barcelona and Juventus, when flanked with support, his stoic efforts have rebuffed wave after wave of attacks. If England find themselves a goal up in the last twenty minutes of a knock-out game, there are few better options to plug a gap than the 32-year-old scouser.
What Carragher's selection also does is potentially free up a space elsewhere. His versatility means he could easily do a job anywhere across the back, and at a push in the anchor role. The modus operandi for a World Cup 23 is to take eight defenders, given that Carragher can fill three defensive spots, there is the option to only take seven defenders and bolster the attacking options with an extra man. All in all, given that Carragher is a defender of proven quality, he is fit, virtually bullet proof, has the heart of a lion, is dependable, can play in more than one position, has impeccable temperament and desire, has a decade of top-level experience behind him and will not be overawed with any task or occasion he is faced with, there isn’t much discussion. Carragher goes.
Since his decision to exile himself from international selection in 2007, it is fair to say Carragher has barely been missed. The Liverpool stalwart had won a rather sparse total of 34 caps, spread across eight years before he announced his decision to quit the international scene. Carragher was never an automatic choice for any England manager, and a combination of other strong defensive candidates and reservations about his lack of pace at international level meant he was regularly overlooked despite his brilliantly consistent performances for his club. Now, after three years in the wilderness and on the back of a less than wholly convincing domestic season, Carra looks like he’ll be given a slot in the final 23 for South Africa.
Amongst some fans there are still grievances that Carragher should not be selected after turning his back on the national team. That should not even be an issue. What matters is that when approached, when asked to report for duty, when his country needed him, Carragher was there, and he needs to be there in South Africa.
What is of a more pressing matter is whether he is now up to the standard of a World Cup place. His form for Liverpool has not been of the standard Kop fans have been accustomed to, but again there are mitigating factors. The overall decline of the team has highlighted flaws all over the pitch, and after losing the screening of Xabi Alonso and the steady hand of Alvaro Arbeloa, Carragher’s defensive unit has been more exposed and vulnerable than in previous campaigns. When isolated, Carragher can been troubled by pace, but as the old adage goes – the first yard is in the head. Similarly to John Terry, these defenders are pro-active rather than re-active, and their experience and intelligence means they can usually avert any danger by using their vast savvy rather than their not so vast speed. Also similarly to Terry, Carra is at his best when able to dominate an organised defensive line. Some of his finest games have been those in away European ties such as Barcelona and Juventus, when flanked with support, his stoic efforts have rebuffed wave after wave of attacks. If England find themselves a goal up in the last twenty minutes of a knock-out game, there are few better options to plug a gap than the 32-year-old scouser.
What Carragher's selection also does is potentially free up a space elsewhere. His versatility means he could easily do a job anywhere across the back, and at a push in the anchor role. The modus operandi for a World Cup 23 is to take eight defenders, given that Carragher can fill three defensive spots, there is the option to only take seven defenders and bolster the attacking options with an extra man. All in all, given that Carragher is a defender of proven quality, he is fit, virtually bullet proof, has the heart of a lion, is dependable, can play in more than one position, has impeccable temperament and desire, has a decade of top-level experience behind him and will not be overawed with any task or occasion he is faced with, there isn’t much discussion. Carragher goes.
Friday, 7 May 2010
Inter find friends and foes in Rome
A home from home, Inter have enjoyed a fine week in the Italian capital.
Firstly, and most controversially, their Scudetto march was not so much obstructed as waved through by an uninspired Lazio who did little to assist their city rivals Roma’s attempts to displace the reigning champions.
The Biancocelesti’s efforts were largely condemned from all quarters, as the effort, or lack of it, they expanded against the Nerazzurri raised further questions about the integrity and processes of Calcio. Coming against the backdrop of the ongoing Calciopoli trial and revelations in Napoli, Lazio’s meek surrender to prevent their neighbours from acquiring the title once again tarnished the legitimacy of football on the peninsula.
Having endured an awful season, one could forgive the La Aquile fans for not wanting their nearest and not so dearest to revel in further glory, but those excuses cannot be extended to the players, who’s responsibility it is to uphold the name of the club, the league and the sport. The Lazio fans cheering each Inter goal and holding up sarcastic banners can easily be dismissed as terrace banter, but the reluctance of the players to compete and present Inter with a tangible opposition has been construed as effectively throwing a game. It was pretty ugly stuff.
Apart from Jose Mourinho’s men, there were few winners from this farce. The endeavours of both sides over 36, and eventually 38 games will be tainted as the nations football fans will not truly know who deserved to win this years title. Of course, had Roma not carelessly slipped against Sampdoria the week before, the result and performance of Lazio against Inter would have lost some significance and criticism, but the title race deserves equality for champions to prevail, and the attitude of the Lazio players on Sunday has given an unfair advantage to a team who should need no assistance. It is a sad indictment of the mentality of Lazio as a club, and the depths they have plummeted that they should embrace another defeat in such fashion.
With Inter firmly in position to once again defend their Serie A crown, the first leg of a domestic double and overall treble was attained on Wednesday night back at the Olimpico when they defeated Roma in the Coppa Italia. Given the events of the proceeding weekend there was an air of hostility to events, which manifested itself into a fractious, uncohesive and largely forgettable game between the countries two best sides. A rare moment of quality provided by Diego Milito proved the difference. Tensions were visibly simmering and could have erupted but were just about kept in-check until injury time when Francesco Totti was ashamedly sent off for viciously booting Mario Balotelli round the leg. It was a brainless, spiteful and potentially dangerous action from the il Lupi skipper, who will now sit out the remainder of his sides championship challenge. There have been allegations of racism towards Balo labelled at Totti, and the final whistle also saw a gathering of Roma players tussle with their counterparts by the corner flag in scenes which transmitted themselves that Roma know they are a beaten beast. Their chase futile, their quest for silverware nearly over.
It was an acrimonious end for Claudio Ranieri and his troops, who have gallantly kept chase with il Biscione all season. Their efforts to peg back and pass la Benemeata has caught the hearts and mind of the public, their football, their spirit, their belief and their desire to succeed under such adversity almost deserves the title alone. If that doesn’t come, Roma should at least keep their head and their honour. If they cannot win the league, they should not lower themselves to the level of Lazio.
With just two rounds left to play, the title is in Inter’s hands and the relegation battle is all over bar the shouting, the European places have been settled, the only issue to resolve is the rather intriguing prospect of who gets fourth place. Over in Sicily there is a tasty encounter afoot between Palermo and current incumbents of the last Champions league place, Sampdoria.
The Rossanero are just two points behind the Blucerchiati going into what is tantamount to a Champion’s League play-off. A draw should do it for Samp who have won five on the trot but the Renzo Barbera is an imposing venue for visiting sides this term, Palermo unbeaten on their patch all year. So, it is winner takes it all, a one-on-one, man-o-man, no third parties to influence proceedings, or lame opposition to have their bellies tickled. Let battle commence, and let the best team win.
Firstly, and most controversially, their Scudetto march was not so much obstructed as waved through by an uninspired Lazio who did little to assist their city rivals Roma’s attempts to displace the reigning champions.
The Biancocelesti’s efforts were largely condemned from all quarters, as the effort, or lack of it, they expanded against the Nerazzurri raised further questions about the integrity and processes of Calcio. Coming against the backdrop of the ongoing Calciopoli trial and revelations in Napoli, Lazio’s meek surrender to prevent their neighbours from acquiring the title once again tarnished the legitimacy of football on the peninsula.
Having endured an awful season, one could forgive the La Aquile fans for not wanting their nearest and not so dearest to revel in further glory, but those excuses cannot be extended to the players, who’s responsibility it is to uphold the name of the club, the league and the sport. The Lazio fans cheering each Inter goal and holding up sarcastic banners can easily be dismissed as terrace banter, but the reluctance of the players to compete and present Inter with a tangible opposition has been construed as effectively throwing a game. It was pretty ugly stuff.
Apart from Jose Mourinho’s men, there were few winners from this farce. The endeavours of both sides over 36, and eventually 38 games will be tainted as the nations football fans will not truly know who deserved to win this years title. Of course, had Roma not carelessly slipped against Sampdoria the week before, the result and performance of Lazio against Inter would have lost some significance and criticism, but the title race deserves equality for champions to prevail, and the attitude of the Lazio players on Sunday has given an unfair advantage to a team who should need no assistance. It is a sad indictment of the mentality of Lazio as a club, and the depths they have plummeted that they should embrace another defeat in such fashion.
With Inter firmly in position to once again defend their Serie A crown, the first leg of a domestic double and overall treble was attained on Wednesday night back at the Olimpico when they defeated Roma in the Coppa Italia. Given the events of the proceeding weekend there was an air of hostility to events, which manifested itself into a fractious, uncohesive and largely forgettable game between the countries two best sides. A rare moment of quality provided by Diego Milito proved the difference. Tensions were visibly simmering and could have erupted but were just about kept in-check until injury time when Francesco Totti was ashamedly sent off for viciously booting Mario Balotelli round the leg. It was a brainless, spiteful and potentially dangerous action from the il Lupi skipper, who will now sit out the remainder of his sides championship challenge. There have been allegations of racism towards Balo labelled at Totti, and the final whistle also saw a gathering of Roma players tussle with their counterparts by the corner flag in scenes which transmitted themselves that Roma know they are a beaten beast. Their chase futile, their quest for silverware nearly over.
It was an acrimonious end for Claudio Ranieri and his troops, who have gallantly kept chase with il Biscione all season. Their efforts to peg back and pass la Benemeata has caught the hearts and mind of the public, their football, their spirit, their belief and their desire to succeed under such adversity almost deserves the title alone. If that doesn’t come, Roma should at least keep their head and their honour. If they cannot win the league, they should not lower themselves to the level of Lazio.
With just two rounds left to play, the title is in Inter’s hands and the relegation battle is all over bar the shouting, the European places have been settled, the only issue to resolve is the rather intriguing prospect of who gets fourth place. Over in Sicily there is a tasty encounter afoot between Palermo and current incumbents of the last Champions league place, Sampdoria.
The Rossanero are just two points behind the Blucerchiati going into what is tantamount to a Champion’s League play-off. A draw should do it for Samp who have won five on the trot but the Renzo Barbera is an imposing venue for visiting sides this term, Palermo unbeaten on their patch all year. So, it is winner takes it all, a one-on-one, man-o-man, no third parties to influence proceedings, or lame opposition to have their bellies tickled. Let battle commence, and let the best team win.
Dynamo counting on Bozovic
Connoisseurs of the Red Review will recall a couple of weeks ago reading about the travails of Dynamo Moscow, the apparent curse which hangs over the club, and their general slapdash manner in which they go about things. So it will come as no surprise to hear that just seven games into the season, and with signs of their much sought after championship push going pear-shaped already, the club have relieved Coach Andrei Kobelev of his duties.
The former Dynamo midfielder has been in charge of the Policeman since 2006 – an eternity in Russian managerial years – yet after another sluggish start to a season in which expectations were high, has found himself replaced by Montenegrin tactician, Miodrag Bozovic.
Kobelev arrived at the end of the disastrous 2006 season, when, despite massive investment from oligarch owner Alexei Fedorychev, Dynamo contrived to almost get themselves relegated until Kobelev steadied the ship in the last few games. The next two seasons saw promising finishes of sixth and third as Fedorychev’s outlay finally looked to be of some worth but last season the team reclined, slipping back down to eighth and once again out of the European places. In a rare show of solidarity the board showed faith with their man and left him in charge for another go, and once again went on another ambitious pre-season recruitment drive to strive for a place at the north of the table. However, after an opening day win at rivals Spartak, only one more maximum points haul came in the next six fixtures and Kobelev’s time was up, with Bozovic the man to step into the breach.
As a player, Bozovic was a member of the exciting Red Star Belgrade side of the early nineties before starting on a nomadic managerial career that landed him posts in Montenegro, Serbia, Japan and Cyprus, which led to his first flirtation with Russian football at Amkar Perm in 2008. In his first full season in the Urals, Bozovic led Amkar to an all-time club best finish of fourth as well as getting them to the cup final but fell out with the clubs top brass and moved onto FC Moscow. Again, Bozovic did a sterling job, leading the now defunct Muscovite outfit to an impressive sixth place last season – two slots above the more illustrious Dynamo. When FC Moscow went bust before this season began, Bozovic found himself out of work, but in demand.
The move to recruit Bozovic appears an astute one from the Dynamo board. ‘The Count’ – as he is known for a similarity in appearance to Dracula, has a recent track record of over achieving with clubs of limited resource and ambition. Now his ominous task is to convert a vastly under achieving team into one to meet 34 years of high expectation and frequent disappointment. Things haven’t got off on the best of footings with Bozovic falling to a 1-0 loss away to league leaders Spartak Nalchik in his first game and scrambling a 1-1 draw against former side Amkar in his next. Those results leave the Policemen in ninth position, three points off the European places, but with two winnable games against Anzhi and Alania coming up before the mid-season break for the World Cup. Can Dynamo count on ‘the count’ to exorcise their many demons?
There were two rounds of Premier League action this week and a familiar theme, which has run throughout the season, was the indifference for anybody to string wins together. Lokomotiv are faltering badly and drew with Terek before losing at home to Saturn. CSKA dispatched Tom Tomsk 3-1 then surprisingly lost 1-0 at Rostov and goal-shy Rubin are still struggling to hit the net and were held to a 1-1 draw at Alaniya then inched past basement side Sibir by one goal. Spartak and Zenit were the only sides to record back-to-back’s, the Meat’s Brazilian duo Ari and Welliton scored a goal apiece in the 2-0 away at Amkar, with Welliton grabbing two more with another Brazilian, Alex, scoring another as they beat Anzhi 3-0 at home. Now sitting top of the table are Zenit who are moving smoothly through the gears under Luciano Spalletti. After getting the better of CSKA last week, they nicked at late winner at Saturn and then in Thursdays summit battle at the Petrovskij Stadium, they jumped above Spartak Nalchik to the top of the table by condemning Yuri Krasnozhan’s side to their first defeat of the season, Vladimir Bystrov, Roman Shirokov and Danny on the scoresheet in a 3-1 win.
The former Dynamo midfielder has been in charge of the Policeman since 2006 – an eternity in Russian managerial years – yet after another sluggish start to a season in which expectations were high, has found himself replaced by Montenegrin tactician, Miodrag Bozovic.
Kobelev arrived at the end of the disastrous 2006 season, when, despite massive investment from oligarch owner Alexei Fedorychev, Dynamo contrived to almost get themselves relegated until Kobelev steadied the ship in the last few games. The next two seasons saw promising finishes of sixth and third as Fedorychev’s outlay finally looked to be of some worth but last season the team reclined, slipping back down to eighth and once again out of the European places. In a rare show of solidarity the board showed faith with their man and left him in charge for another go, and once again went on another ambitious pre-season recruitment drive to strive for a place at the north of the table. However, after an opening day win at rivals Spartak, only one more maximum points haul came in the next six fixtures and Kobelev’s time was up, with Bozovic the man to step into the breach.
As a player, Bozovic was a member of the exciting Red Star Belgrade side of the early nineties before starting on a nomadic managerial career that landed him posts in Montenegro, Serbia, Japan and Cyprus, which led to his first flirtation with Russian football at Amkar Perm in 2008. In his first full season in the Urals, Bozovic led Amkar to an all-time club best finish of fourth as well as getting them to the cup final but fell out with the clubs top brass and moved onto FC Moscow. Again, Bozovic did a sterling job, leading the now defunct Muscovite outfit to an impressive sixth place last season – two slots above the more illustrious Dynamo. When FC Moscow went bust before this season began, Bozovic found himself out of work, but in demand.
The move to recruit Bozovic appears an astute one from the Dynamo board. ‘The Count’ – as he is known for a similarity in appearance to Dracula, has a recent track record of over achieving with clubs of limited resource and ambition. Now his ominous task is to convert a vastly under achieving team into one to meet 34 years of high expectation and frequent disappointment. Things haven’t got off on the best of footings with Bozovic falling to a 1-0 loss away to league leaders Spartak Nalchik in his first game and scrambling a 1-1 draw against former side Amkar in his next. Those results leave the Policemen in ninth position, three points off the European places, but with two winnable games against Anzhi and Alania coming up before the mid-season break for the World Cup. Can Dynamo count on ‘the count’ to exorcise their many demons?
There were two rounds of Premier League action this week and a familiar theme, which has run throughout the season, was the indifference for anybody to string wins together. Lokomotiv are faltering badly and drew with Terek before losing at home to Saturn. CSKA dispatched Tom Tomsk 3-1 then surprisingly lost 1-0 at Rostov and goal-shy Rubin are still struggling to hit the net and were held to a 1-1 draw at Alaniya then inched past basement side Sibir by one goal. Spartak and Zenit were the only sides to record back-to-back’s, the Meat’s Brazilian duo Ari and Welliton scored a goal apiece in the 2-0 away at Amkar, with Welliton grabbing two more with another Brazilian, Alex, scoring another as they beat Anzhi 3-0 at home. Now sitting top of the table are Zenit who are moving smoothly through the gears under Luciano Spalletti. After getting the better of CSKA last week, they nicked at late winner at Saturn and then in Thursdays summit battle at the Petrovskij Stadium, they jumped above Spartak Nalchik to the top of the table by condemning Yuri Krasnozhan’s side to their first defeat of the season, Vladimir Bystrov, Roman Shirokov and Danny on the scoresheet in a 3-1 win.
Thursday, 6 May 2010
City and Tottenham leagues apart
Two teams, one prize, one winner. Clearly. A team of talents against a talented team. Last night, and across a long and arduous campaign, the collective merits of Tottenham Hotspur were too much for the individuals of Manchester City.
Essentially, when Harry Redknapp waltzed into White Hart Lane eight games into last season, his job was not to save the club from relegation, but to set the platform for a Champions League push. Those 30 games in charge, in which Redknapp lifted Spurs from bottom of the pile to seventh, were fundamental to their achievements this term. Redknapp has sculpted a team in his own familiar style, a side with a spirit, an organisation and an attacking verve. Co-ordinated and cohesive, Spurs assumed the mantle of a side who knew what they were doing. Two strikers, two wingers, it is a familiar theme. In his own indelible manner this is a Redknapp prototype.
However, in the other corner it was a different story. The ample forward threats of Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor looked like they’d just met, Bellamy foraged alone, Adam Johnson flittered in and out, the two anchor men failed to knit the team and as the game slipped away, City’s attacks gained an ever increasing air of desperation when direction was needed. The margins prior to the match were as misleading as City’s rhetoric.
When Mark Hughes was sacked prior to Christmas with City tucked in the slipstream of fourth, scepticism came from the top about Hughes’s ability to attain the pre-set target of 70 points, and a Champions League finish. City can now only get a maximum of 69, and have not achieved what they set out to do. Would the position have been any better off had the Welshman remained in charge? What blame the owners for making the change or Mancini for failing to capitalise on the platform Hughes set? Have the expensively assembled squad done enough? Do Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure resemble a £50m defensive partnership and have Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz got the goals their transfer fees should command? Herein lies the problem, there are too many avenues to apportion blame, not enough responsibility or guidance. Mancini has cost them points, and has choked over a tough run-in, but the Abu Dhabi group, with their now or never, trigger happy stance, have themselves endangered their own ambition. And where will this end?
Financially, failure to get into the Champions League will have few ramifications for the Sheikhs, but no price can be put on the dent it has made to their perceived progression. Post-match, and Mancini talked optimistically about remaining in charge for next season and the merits of a good pre-season, but privately, he must be fearing that his time is up. If the faith in Hughes could be extinguished with a hunch, why will Sheikh Mansour, Garry Cook and the assorted minions have any more reason to trust the Italian who has failed to negotiate his remit? With Jose Mourinho unlikely to lower his aspirations to the Europa League, Mancini may only be saved by the lack of a genuine candidate to step into the breach.
On the face of it City have made very constructive strides this season. Prior to last night they had lost less games than their neighbours, had beaten the champions elect twice, taken four points off Arsenal and elevated themselves to genuine top four contenders. In ordinary circumstances this should have been enough, and if the owners desires to conquer the world weren’t so immediate, would provide a promising pedestal on which to progress next term. Whoever’s the manager next season, and at present that remains unclear, a large emphasis will fall at the hands of the owners to coax gradual evolution rather than annual revolution. For all the money in the world, the virtue of patience is priceless.
Essentially, when Harry Redknapp waltzed into White Hart Lane eight games into last season, his job was not to save the club from relegation, but to set the platform for a Champions League push. Those 30 games in charge, in which Redknapp lifted Spurs from bottom of the pile to seventh, were fundamental to their achievements this term. Redknapp has sculpted a team in his own familiar style, a side with a spirit, an organisation and an attacking verve. Co-ordinated and cohesive, Spurs assumed the mantle of a side who knew what they were doing. Two strikers, two wingers, it is a familiar theme. In his own indelible manner this is a Redknapp prototype.
However, in the other corner it was a different story. The ample forward threats of Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor looked like they’d just met, Bellamy foraged alone, Adam Johnson flittered in and out, the two anchor men failed to knit the team and as the game slipped away, City’s attacks gained an ever increasing air of desperation when direction was needed. The margins prior to the match were as misleading as City’s rhetoric.
When Mark Hughes was sacked prior to Christmas with City tucked in the slipstream of fourth, scepticism came from the top about Hughes’s ability to attain the pre-set target of 70 points, and a Champions League finish. City can now only get a maximum of 69, and have not achieved what they set out to do. Would the position have been any better off had the Welshman remained in charge? What blame the owners for making the change or Mancini for failing to capitalise on the platform Hughes set? Have the expensively assembled squad done enough? Do Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure resemble a £50m defensive partnership and have Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz got the goals their transfer fees should command? Herein lies the problem, there are too many avenues to apportion blame, not enough responsibility or guidance. Mancini has cost them points, and has choked over a tough run-in, but the Abu Dhabi group, with their now or never, trigger happy stance, have themselves endangered their own ambition. And where will this end?
Financially, failure to get into the Champions League will have few ramifications for the Sheikhs, but no price can be put on the dent it has made to their perceived progression. Post-match, and Mancini talked optimistically about remaining in charge for next season and the merits of a good pre-season, but privately, he must be fearing that his time is up. If the faith in Hughes could be extinguished with a hunch, why will Sheikh Mansour, Garry Cook and the assorted minions have any more reason to trust the Italian who has failed to negotiate his remit? With Jose Mourinho unlikely to lower his aspirations to the Europa League, Mancini may only be saved by the lack of a genuine candidate to step into the breach.
On the face of it City have made very constructive strides this season. Prior to last night they had lost less games than their neighbours, had beaten the champions elect twice, taken four points off Arsenal and elevated themselves to genuine top four contenders. In ordinary circumstances this should have been enough, and if the owners desires to conquer the world weren’t so immediate, would provide a promising pedestal on which to progress next term. Whoever’s the manager next season, and at present that remains unclear, a large emphasis will fall at the hands of the owners to coax gradual evolution rather than annual revolution. For all the money in the world, the virtue of patience is priceless.
Saturday, 1 May 2010
The Ruby’s are not sparkling
If goals are a source of joy, spare a thought for the poor folk of Kazan, where there side, defending Champions, Rubin, have scored just five times in the opening seven fixtures – with only two of those coming in their last five games. Pretty poor fare.
However, this chronic lack of firepower hasn’t detracted the Ruby’s from occupying their customary spot at the business end of the table, because the miserly Tatarstanians have let just one goal in all season. As Jose Mourinho will smugly point out, if you don’t concede you don’t lose. It is not the purists view but Rubin have held a not dissimilar philosophy during the last two campaigns in which they’ve won the league. Never the most aesthetically pleasing of outfit’s, Rubin’s titles have been signatured with a strong team ethic with no passengers, good organisation and mentality, but with enough individual quality and spark on hand to win games. This season, not a great deal has changed, yet Gurban Berdyaev’s gameplan only seems to be working at one end of the field.
Firing four blanks from seven games suggests something’s wrong at the cutting edge of the team, and a large part of the sides creative gene was lost and not replaced when Alejandro Dominguez was sold to Valencia during pre-season. As well as notching sixteen league goals last term, invaluably the Argentinean playmaker possessed the flair and ingenuity to make and create the play and thus chances and goals. By trade, Rubin are an industrious side packed with artisans but lacking an artist, and that much is evident in their play. Too much of the goalscoring emphasis is lumbered on the promising but relatively inexperienced shoulders of Aleksandr Bukharov, who, after scoring sixteen times last season, has been ploughing a lone furrow behind the hustlers and harriers of the Rubin midfield. Bukharov pulled up with an injury on Saturday as Rubin laboured to another goalless draw against Anzhi, thus leaving the champions with a worrying lack of attacking options as they seek to resolve their goal-drought. One thing which may help their cause is that they will be no longer playing their home games on the treacherous surface at their Central Stadium. For weeks now the pitch has resembled the Somme, ruined from the harsh weather and heavy schedule it has endured of late. The Russian football federation have had enough at the sub-standard state of the baize and have ordered them to play home games elsewhere whilst the pitch is fixed. Don’t hold your breath on a glut of goals though.
Compared to Rubin, Zenit have an embarrassment of attacking riches and appear altogether a more stylish vehicle. They now find themselves joint top of the table despite drawing 0-0 with Terek Grozny at the weekend. They improved greatly on that effort and impressed during Wednesday’s re-arranged fixture at CSKA where they dominated things from start to finish winning 2-0 at the Khimki Arena. Zenit’s decisive second goal was indicative of the firepower in the final third that they posses which will make them a real force this season. After a swift break out, Aleksandr Kerzhakov picked up a ball on the left channel and loped goalwards, when on the edge of the box he was faced up by two defenders but cleverly shimmied and then shaped a lovely finish into the far corner. It was a clinical and classy dispatch from a proven scorer. Kerzhakov had earlier in his career earned a move to Sevilla after a number of prolific seasons in his first spell at Zenit. Things didn’t get going in Spain and returning and spending two years with Dinamo, he has returned to add his considerable penalty box prowess to Luciano Spalletti’s arsenal.
The ominous signs from Spalletti’s gun cabinet is that he is not just restricted to the sniper rifle that is Kerzhakov. Behind him Zenit boast Portuguese schemer Danny, the busy Italian winger Alessandro Rosina and Serbian striker Danko Lazovic. The who’s who continues with the national trio of Vladimir Bystrov, Konstantin Zyryanov and Igor Denisov. It’s a handy gathering and Spalletti is a shrewd operator, if he can gel the forward threat with a good base, Zenit will take some stopping.
Prior to being dismantled by Zenit, the Army Men had hit four in a strong showing at basement boys Sibir. Dinamo ended their winless streak by nicking past Saturn 1-0, whilst the league’s top scorer Aleksandr Aliev added his sixth of the campaign in a 2-1 win over Siberian’s Tom Tomsk. Spartak are still stuttering and were involved in another frequently recurring 0-0 draw with Nalchik, a result which kept the Caucasusians top of the pile.
However, this chronic lack of firepower hasn’t detracted the Ruby’s from occupying their customary spot at the business end of the table, because the miserly Tatarstanians have let just one goal in all season. As Jose Mourinho will smugly point out, if you don’t concede you don’t lose. It is not the purists view but Rubin have held a not dissimilar philosophy during the last two campaigns in which they’ve won the league. Never the most aesthetically pleasing of outfit’s, Rubin’s titles have been signatured with a strong team ethic with no passengers, good organisation and mentality, but with enough individual quality and spark on hand to win games. This season, not a great deal has changed, yet Gurban Berdyaev’s gameplan only seems to be working at one end of the field.
Firing four blanks from seven games suggests something’s wrong at the cutting edge of the team, and a large part of the sides creative gene was lost and not replaced when Alejandro Dominguez was sold to Valencia during pre-season. As well as notching sixteen league goals last term, invaluably the Argentinean playmaker possessed the flair and ingenuity to make and create the play and thus chances and goals. By trade, Rubin are an industrious side packed with artisans but lacking an artist, and that much is evident in their play. Too much of the goalscoring emphasis is lumbered on the promising but relatively inexperienced shoulders of Aleksandr Bukharov, who, after scoring sixteen times last season, has been ploughing a lone furrow behind the hustlers and harriers of the Rubin midfield. Bukharov pulled up with an injury on Saturday as Rubin laboured to another goalless draw against Anzhi, thus leaving the champions with a worrying lack of attacking options as they seek to resolve their goal-drought. One thing which may help their cause is that they will be no longer playing their home games on the treacherous surface at their Central Stadium. For weeks now the pitch has resembled the Somme, ruined from the harsh weather and heavy schedule it has endured of late. The Russian football federation have had enough at the sub-standard state of the baize and have ordered them to play home games elsewhere whilst the pitch is fixed. Don’t hold your breath on a glut of goals though.
Compared to Rubin, Zenit have an embarrassment of attacking riches and appear altogether a more stylish vehicle. They now find themselves joint top of the table despite drawing 0-0 with Terek Grozny at the weekend. They improved greatly on that effort and impressed during Wednesday’s re-arranged fixture at CSKA where they dominated things from start to finish winning 2-0 at the Khimki Arena. Zenit’s decisive second goal was indicative of the firepower in the final third that they posses which will make them a real force this season. After a swift break out, Aleksandr Kerzhakov picked up a ball on the left channel and loped goalwards, when on the edge of the box he was faced up by two defenders but cleverly shimmied and then shaped a lovely finish into the far corner. It was a clinical and classy dispatch from a proven scorer. Kerzhakov had earlier in his career earned a move to Sevilla after a number of prolific seasons in his first spell at Zenit. Things didn’t get going in Spain and returning and spending two years with Dinamo, he has returned to add his considerable penalty box prowess to Luciano Spalletti’s arsenal.
The ominous signs from Spalletti’s gun cabinet is that he is not just restricted to the sniper rifle that is Kerzhakov. Behind him Zenit boast Portuguese schemer Danny, the busy Italian winger Alessandro Rosina and Serbian striker Danko Lazovic. The who’s who continues with the national trio of Vladimir Bystrov, Konstantin Zyryanov and Igor Denisov. It’s a handy gathering and Spalletti is a shrewd operator, if he can gel the forward threat with a good base, Zenit will take some stopping.
Prior to being dismantled by Zenit, the Army Men had hit four in a strong showing at basement boys Sibir. Dinamo ended their winless streak by nicking past Saturn 1-0, whilst the league’s top scorer Aleksandr Aliev added his sixth of the campaign in a 2-1 win over Siberian’s Tom Tomsk. Spartak are still stuttering and were involved in another frequently recurring 0-0 draw with Nalchik, a result which kept the Caucasusians top of the pile.
Inter; the pride of the Peninsula
Congratulations Internazionale. In a season when most of their compatriots have failed badly in Europe, the Nerazzurri will now deservedly compete in the continents biggest showpiece on May 22.
The run to the final hasn’t been completely blemish free. Jose Mourinho’s ultra cautious approach to Wednesday’s return trip to the Camp Nou wasn’t far short of a return to the darks arts of catenaccio, and of course, an Italian team representing Italy have only a few peripheral players from the motherland. However, those are just minor, cynical detractions and as a football team, Inter have pathologically gone about their assigned tasks with a commitment and clarity of vision which has seen them put out the challenge of arguably the two best sides around in Barcelona and Chelsea. Whilst others have faltered, nobody can deny Inter have gotten to where they deserve to be.
What must fill the Interisti with the greatest pride is to see the collective fight their side have amply demonstrated along the way, best illustrated in their abrasive display at Barcelona, where bodies and minds endured the most rigorous of tests, passing with flying colours. Il Biscione’s efforts are all the more satisfying given the ridicule Italian football has been subject to in this competition over the past couple of years. Barring Milan’s 2007 triumph, the rest have regularly dropped off the radar with the minimum of fuss, embarrassingly so on occasions. It was enough to, metaphorically at least, demote the levity of Serie A to way below that of its English and Spanish rivals, and whilst one swallow doesn’t make a summer, Inter have restored a lot of pride to the peninsula. It will also be solely down to la Benemeata to ensure that Serie A still has four Champions League slots for the 2011/12 season. The UEFA coefficients have the Bundesliga and Serie A neck and neck, meaning the tie between Inter and Bayern will essentially take the form of an unofficial play-off to determine which of the leagues is entitled to four Champions League places.
The fact that Serie A is vying with the Bundesliga over fourth and not la Liga or the Premier League for first, does add weight to suggestions that Italy lags behind those powerhouses, but as Inter have proven, the raw materials are there. The playing squads in terms of strength and depth can be concocted, the money and appeal of Calcio is still there, and Inter have remained domestically superior by running a relatively tight ship. It seems that Italy’s deficiencies stem from a kind of Calcio suicide, the sort of irrational, manic management which has spread contagiously through Juventus this season. Inter maybe able to paper over the cracks; the rest must soon sort themselves out.
A case in point is Milan. Change was needed after Carlo Ancelotti left and the general consensus was that things needed freshening up throughout the club. Leonardo was brought in as a highly thought of young tactician and man-manager, yet he was dealt the same collaboration of old and stale players that even Ancelotti struggled to flog much out of. The freshening up process was supposed to consist of two parts. On and off-field, instead, a relatively inexperienced coach was brought in and asked to do the same job as one of the world’s best managers. The results have been predictably familiar, and what has been even more predictable is the response of the Rossoneri board, who have been talking Leo out of the door since the Scudetto went pair shaped after their derby defeat to Inter.
Apparently this week Silvio Berlusconi told confidants that Leonardo was...wait for it... ‘stubborn’, pots and black kettles, and that the Brazilian was due to leave the San Siro this summer. Despite widespread reports of his words in the press, there has been no retraction or clarification of these comments and Leo himself has spoken of his ‘difficult relationship’ with Berlusconi, one which is ‘incompatible.’ One way or another, it is highly unlikely that Leo will be in the il Diavolo hot-seat next season. But what difference would a change of coach make? Are the routes of Milan’s recent travails more deep lying than simply problems attributed to the coach? After all, it was the very same board who appointed Leonardo that will bid Arrivaderci and decide on the next tactician. It is also the same board who have been so frugal in their spending of late, that the playing resource falls way short of their neighbours and dominant force, Inter. Unfortunately, you can’t sack the board, especially when the Prime Minister of the country is its head honcho, but unless things are sorted from the top downwards, whoever holds the team reigns will not be in charge of the ride. And this is the problem.
The run to the final hasn’t been completely blemish free. Jose Mourinho’s ultra cautious approach to Wednesday’s return trip to the Camp Nou wasn’t far short of a return to the darks arts of catenaccio, and of course, an Italian team representing Italy have only a few peripheral players from the motherland. However, those are just minor, cynical detractions and as a football team, Inter have pathologically gone about their assigned tasks with a commitment and clarity of vision which has seen them put out the challenge of arguably the two best sides around in Barcelona and Chelsea. Whilst others have faltered, nobody can deny Inter have gotten to where they deserve to be.
What must fill the Interisti with the greatest pride is to see the collective fight their side have amply demonstrated along the way, best illustrated in their abrasive display at Barcelona, where bodies and minds endured the most rigorous of tests, passing with flying colours. Il Biscione’s efforts are all the more satisfying given the ridicule Italian football has been subject to in this competition over the past couple of years. Barring Milan’s 2007 triumph, the rest have regularly dropped off the radar with the minimum of fuss, embarrassingly so on occasions. It was enough to, metaphorically at least, demote the levity of Serie A to way below that of its English and Spanish rivals, and whilst one swallow doesn’t make a summer, Inter have restored a lot of pride to the peninsula. It will also be solely down to la Benemeata to ensure that Serie A still has four Champions League slots for the 2011/12 season. The UEFA coefficients have the Bundesliga and Serie A neck and neck, meaning the tie between Inter and Bayern will essentially take the form of an unofficial play-off to determine which of the leagues is entitled to four Champions League places.
The fact that Serie A is vying with the Bundesliga over fourth and not la Liga or the Premier League for first, does add weight to suggestions that Italy lags behind those powerhouses, but as Inter have proven, the raw materials are there. The playing squads in terms of strength and depth can be concocted, the money and appeal of Calcio is still there, and Inter have remained domestically superior by running a relatively tight ship. It seems that Italy’s deficiencies stem from a kind of Calcio suicide, the sort of irrational, manic management which has spread contagiously through Juventus this season. Inter maybe able to paper over the cracks; the rest must soon sort themselves out.
A case in point is Milan. Change was needed after Carlo Ancelotti left and the general consensus was that things needed freshening up throughout the club. Leonardo was brought in as a highly thought of young tactician and man-manager, yet he was dealt the same collaboration of old and stale players that even Ancelotti struggled to flog much out of. The freshening up process was supposed to consist of two parts. On and off-field, instead, a relatively inexperienced coach was brought in and asked to do the same job as one of the world’s best managers. The results have been predictably familiar, and what has been even more predictable is the response of the Rossoneri board, who have been talking Leo out of the door since the Scudetto went pair shaped after their derby defeat to Inter.
Apparently this week Silvio Berlusconi told confidants that Leonardo was...wait for it... ‘stubborn’, pots and black kettles, and that the Brazilian was due to leave the San Siro this summer. Despite widespread reports of his words in the press, there has been no retraction or clarification of these comments and Leo himself has spoken of his ‘difficult relationship’ with Berlusconi, one which is ‘incompatible.’ One way or another, it is highly unlikely that Leo will be in the il Diavolo hot-seat next season. But what difference would a change of coach make? Are the routes of Milan’s recent travails more deep lying than simply problems attributed to the coach? After all, it was the very same board who appointed Leonardo that will bid Arrivaderci and decide on the next tactician. It is also the same board who have been so frugal in their spending of late, that the playing resource falls way short of their neighbours and dominant force, Inter. Unfortunately, you can’t sack the board, especially when the Prime Minister of the country is its head honcho, but unless things are sorted from the top downwards, whoever holds the team reigns will not be in charge of the ride. And this is the problem.
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