Thanks to my friend for passing on the following links, which I'll gratefully pass on for anyone else to check up on. Here's an article from Slate on why we should root against the Dutch, a Vanity Fair piece by David Winner (he of the fantastic book Brilliant Orange) on the changing Dutch and German rivalry, and a really interesting blog post, a little older, on Barcelona and the Idea of the Beautiful Game.
It's always a pleasure to read good writing, and good writing on football is an even greater pleasure (makes me realize I'm not so good of a writer, at least not when I'm just posting randomly here and don't have much time to really compose something worthwhile).
The Barca piece was particularly interesting but I'd argue it wasn't entirely accurate in describing Madrid as existing solely to win without regard to aesthetics. Clearly Real doesn't try to sustain a moral idealism through their style like Barca, and they truly do exist to win more than anything else. But my friend who is a lifelong die-hard madridista would argue that there is a constant tension between that desire to win and the desire to do so beautifully, and it's a much greater aspect of the Real Madrid psyche than the article wants to give credit. It's the reason Capello was constantly pilloried for his pragmatism and was fired despite winning La Liga, while the madridistas looked longingly upon the previously unsuccessful galactico era simply because they played more adventurous football.
As for the Slate article arguing that we should root against the Dutch, well beside the fact that I'll be rooting for Spain because they attack better, don't have dirty midfielders, and I have Spanish blood, I sort of do think that there's something endearing about the image of the Dutch as the "almost" team, the purveyors of skillful football that can't quite win the big one. A loss by this team, even if they are far removed from the long deceased total football, would keep up the image of the Netherlands as everyone's favorite team that hasn't won the World Cup and would add another layer on top of the already complicated interrelationship between the Dutch philosophies regarding football, the desire to win and win beautifully, and the growing recognition of the benefits of pragmatism and the desire to simply win for all the lost opportunities of the great Dutch teams of yore (thereby also alleviating those past national traumas from the collective psyche). Not to mention the psychological intrigue that would result from losing to what is probably the closest relative to the total football ethos (as the article correctly notes, this Spanish team's style is largely based on Barca's style, and that style is largely the offspring of it's one-time star and ex-coach, Cryuff).
On an somewhat tangential note, it'd be nice if people would stop overplaying the angle of the Spanish as being historical underachievers. Yes the Dutch teams underachieved in the past. But Spain? The reputation of Spanish football is largely built on the reputations of its great domestic clubs, and those clubs built their reputations on foreigners from Puskas and di Stéfano (he's Argentine, let's not consider him Spanish please) to Zidane and Messi. Sure the Spanish have had good teams in the past that underachieved relatively, but as far as I can remember, and I've never really read otherwise, Spain has never come into a tournament as big favorites.
This version of la furia roja are favorites however and I expect them to keep up that artistic tiki-taka and win one for the lifelong lovers of the beautiful game and newcomers alike. You know there is something great about them because even the people who don't follow soccer and are just caught up in the spectacle of the World Cup appreciate Spain because they really do manage to create sudden coherence and eloquence out of chaos.
Need further reasons to cheer for Spain. I give you... paella and sangria v. Gouda and Heineken (does anyone who's not from the Netherlands even know a Dutch dish?). The defense rests.
Showing posts with label Real Madrid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Real Madrid. Show all posts
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Bendtner Still Sucks and Beckham Returns
Champions League football has returned and we now have the first two teams in teh quarter finals after Arsenal trounced Porto 5-0 and Bayern Munich got a screamer from Arjen Robben to push them past Fiorentina on away goals.
Here's Robben's goal:
Arsenal appear to be hitting full stride at the right time, not just in the Champions League but also in the EPL, where they sit level on points with Chelsea, just two back of Manchester United. Although Samir Nasri scored a nice solo goal, the real talk has been of Nicklas Bendtner's hat trick. This comes after critics were railing on him for a series of egregious misses against Burnley. Bendtner has long thought highly of himself and Arsene Wenger has given the young man plenty of chances despite his too oft profligacy in front of goal. No matter how many he scored, I still say he's overrated and he rarely strikes fear in the heart of opposing defenses.
Today's big drama is the return of David Beckham to Old Trafford as AC Milan have a mountain to climb against Man U. The 3-2 away victory for the Red Devils puts them squarely in the driver's seat, but let's see if Ronaldinho can conjure up some old magic.
More intriguing possibly is the Real Madrid-Lyon match. Lyon take a 1-0 lead into the Bernabeu, the key there being they did not concede an away goal in France. This will be an all important match for Madrid, as they have not reached the Champions League quarterfinals five years running, and nothing less was expected of the new galacticos this season. They should probably complete the task, but it could be a tense affair. Coming off the 3-2 victory over Sevilla and taking over top spot in La Liga will give the home side confidence, but you always get the sense that that confidence can be easily rattled and the crowd made nervous.
Lyon have probably overacheived, though that seems to be the consensus in the Champions League every year from the general public who don't fancy them as much as the big boys from the big three leagues. Of course to the Lyonnaise, they have perpetually underachieved, never taking the next step forward in the Champions League that their domestic dominance would call for. Still, I don't think today will be that day.
Here's Robben's goal:
Arsenal appear to be hitting full stride at the right time, not just in the Champions League but also in the EPL, where they sit level on points with Chelsea, just two back of Manchester United. Although Samir Nasri scored a nice solo goal, the real talk has been of Nicklas Bendtner's hat trick. This comes after critics were railing on him for a series of egregious misses against Burnley. Bendtner has long thought highly of himself and Arsene Wenger has given the young man plenty of chances despite his too oft profligacy in front of goal. No matter how many he scored, I still say he's overrated and he rarely strikes fear in the heart of opposing defenses.
Today's big drama is the return of David Beckham to Old Trafford as AC Milan have a mountain to climb against Man U. The 3-2 away victory for the Red Devils puts them squarely in the driver's seat, but let's see if Ronaldinho can conjure up some old magic.
More intriguing possibly is the Real Madrid-Lyon match. Lyon take a 1-0 lead into the Bernabeu, the key there being they did not concede an away goal in France. This will be an all important match for Madrid, as they have not reached the Champions League quarterfinals five years running, and nothing less was expected of the new galacticos this season. They should probably complete the task, but it could be a tense affair. Coming off the 3-2 victory over Sevilla and taking over top spot in La Liga will give the home side confidence, but you always get the sense that that confidence can be easily rattled and the crowd made nervous.
Lyon have probably overacheived, though that seems to be the consensus in the Champions League every year from the general public who don't fancy them as much as the big boys from the big three leagues. Of course to the Lyonnaise, they have perpetually underachieved, never taking the next step forward in the Champions League that their domestic dominance would call for. Still, I don't think today will be that day.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Is There Anybody Out There?
Well, mine has been an extended absence, so I think it's only appropriate to inquire if there's anyone out there. With the World Cup fast approaching, Champions League starting up again, and domestic leagues kicking it up into full throttle, I hope you are still out there. Out there or not, it's probably time to take a solid look at European football through the Champions League lens.
First off, you may not yet know, I certainly didn't (and UEFA seems to have done a poor job of advertising) Champions League has a brand spanking new schedule format. It's good for viewers, but questionable for the participating teams. Last year and in recent memory the round of sixteen would bless us with four games on Tuesday and four games on Wednesday, followed by a one week layover sans European footie. Now, this Tuesday will host two games (Lyon v. Real Madrid; AC Milan v. Manchester United) as will Wednesday (Bayern Munich v. Fiorentina; Porto v. Arsenal). Then, the following week, the first leg of the away matches are played, the second leg for Lyon, Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Manchester United is then completed the following week, and then the final second legs of the round of sixteen close out. In efect, we have a month of Champions League uninterrupted until the weeklong break between this round and the quarterfinals. As viewers this new format probably allows more people to watch more games. Whether or not the layovers and differing timetables for play between rounds affects the teams remains to be seen.
As for this week's matchups, an interesting pair. Oddly enough, Real Madrid may be the only true favorite in these first four games. Lyon lost Benzema this past summer, to Madrid no less, and last year also saw their six consecutive Ligue championships come to an end. They simply are not the team they once were. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, this Champions League's topscorer is back with MAdrid after injury and red card setbacks this season, and will add his usual pace and skill to the merengues. More worrying for the French side however, will be the return from injury of team top goalscorer Gonzalo Higuain, who is on pace to become a top European striker this year. Similarly Kaka seems to have shaken off his sports hernia and be finding his form. Nevermind that the Madrid back four have adapted remarkably well to losing Pepe, and the midfield is slowly becoming a unit capable of success despite, or perhaps because of their flexibility (Kaka, Granero, Guti, Van der Vaart, Lass, Xabi Alonso, et al. have all played and well this season). The team has Barcelona on its sights in la Liga, but the club from the capital makes no bits about it - May 22nd at the Bernabeu would be the sweetest reward for los blancos. All that said, Real has never beaten Lyon in the Champions League, and has not gotten past the round of sixteen in five years. With Benzema likely out for the first leg, and Lyon expected to be snow covered and at below freezing temperatures this Tuesday, don't count Lyon out yet, at least not on the first leg.
Meanwhile Manchester United has hoisted themselves to within one point of Chelsea after a draw at Aston Villa and a Chelsea loss to Everton courtesy of Landycakes and Louis Saha. But the red devils may be facing AC Milan at their most dangerous. Seemingly out of contention for the Serie A despite being only eight points behind Inter, the rossoneri have hardly sparkled this season. But they are European regulars, and you can bet Ronaldinho will play his best against top opposition like Manchester. Well, at least for a few minutes, though it doesn't take much more from the Brazilian. Huntelaar has also found the back of the net recently, and may be looking to prove he's not a player meant to play in the Dutch league exclusively. Nonetheless, Manchester will stand behind the man that's carried them this season, and in impressive fashion, Wayne Rooney. Almost a force of nature, Rooney has done nothing short of put the red devils on his back amidst a series of defensive injuries and an erratic midfield that sorely misses Cristiano Ronaldo. Certainly Rooney has seen more of goal without the Portuguese, but the team has felt the loss. Nani is hit or miss, Giggs is injured, and Valencia though pacey, still has not found his form. It will be interesting to see if Leonardo, with his job likely on the line, will be able to expose Manchester United weaknesses on the biggest stage. But with Manchester United given almost a full week off with no EPL this weekend, it is hard to pick against the devils over the two legs, though a tie or even a one goal loss isn't out of the question at the San Siro.
On Wednesday the matchups are bit less thrilling on paper, but may prove equally exciting on the pitch. Beating Liverpool 1-0 last week, Arsenal appeared to get themselves back in the title race, at six behind Chelsea aka Team Drogba. But Wenger's boys have yet to prove that they can beat the big boys around town, having dropped games to Manchester United and Chelsea before the Liverpool match, and not in hotly contested games. The loss of Van Persie has certainly hurt the gunners, but truth be told the trade off Wenger has made seems to be one of adding youth to lose meddle and confidence. These last two attributes seem absent from both Arsenal sides fielded against the top two. Simply put, the gunners lack the verve to run with the big boys, and Arshavin's absence for their clash against Porto will not help. In my opinion, the gunners also seem to lack a holding midfielder, as Diaby remains unconvincing, and that position would seem to be essential for a team who needs to maintain possession. So will Porto test Arsenal the way the other seventeen EPL teams test them, or the way Chelsea and Man. U. have? Though they sit third in the Portuguese League, Porto always come to play in Champions League, lest we forget that Porto's two European Cups are two more than Arsenal have managed. Moreover, Porto has absolutely demolished its opponents in recent weeks, and despit losing several key players this summer, Porto still has Hulk and always finds a way to find suitable replacement for losses. This team took eventual runners-up Manchester United to the brink last season, and will look to do the same against Arsenal. Both teams will look to pass and play openly, so this should be an entertaining match to say the least. Over two legs, I'd bet on Porto over Arsenal though.
Finally, the Bayern Munich v. Fiorentina matchup. Here's what you need to know. Fiorentina are doing dreadfully in the Serie A, and have lost their last two (1-0 losses to Inter and Roma). Bayern Munich have gotten Ribery back, he's in a contract year (just not with Bayern Munich) and Robben is on form. The Germans will surely prove too much for the Italians, and should win easily. But no one ever wins easily against an Itlaian side, do they? If Inter and Roma could be held to 1-0 wins, what are the chances Fiorentina arrives at Allianz Arena looking for a tie or 1-0 loss and gamble on their chances at the Artemio Franchi? I say high. Very high even. Will it work? Probably not, as Fiorentina's been off form recently and Bayern should have enough firepower to get through, but it'll be interesting.
Next week I'll get to that mouthwatering Chelsea v. Inter clash, and the other three, rather less interesting matchups.
In other news, The Copa del Rey will be played between Atletico Madrid and Sevilla on May 26, 2010, four days after the Champions League final. Both teams play attacking open football and have several world superstars on their rosters. If Real Madrid, Barcelona and maybe Valencia weren't going to be in the final, these would certainly be your top choices. It's been ten yars since Atletico played in a final, and almsot fifteen since they've won anything. Sevilla on the other hand, has battled Valencia in recent years to take that third Liga spot Atletico once held. In the last five years the sevillistas have won two UEFA Cups, a Copa del Rey, a Spanish Super Cup and a European Super Cup. It's hard to gauge form and injury status this far in advance, but Sevilla should be the slight favorites in what I suspect may be one of the last, if not the last, competitive matches before South Africa. Hopefully no players miss the final due to national team commitments.
This weekend, Cristiano Ronaldo returns to action at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday against Xerex. Meanwhile, Barcelona travel to the Vicente Calderon to face an Atletico team on the ascent. "On the ascent" for Atletico Madrid usually means "before the fall." But despite Atletico's ability be alternatively amazing or horrifying, Aguero and Forlan will be facing a depleted Barcelona defense (no Alves, Pique, Marquez, Abidal, Toure, or Chygrynsky) that may start a youth club player or a modified winger as a defender in Jeffren. While it's hard to see Barcelona lose a game, if ever there was a time...
First off, you may not yet know, I certainly didn't (and UEFA seems to have done a poor job of advertising) Champions League has a brand spanking new schedule format. It's good for viewers, but questionable for the participating teams. Last year and in recent memory the round of sixteen would bless us with four games on Tuesday and four games on Wednesday, followed by a one week layover sans European footie. Now, this Tuesday will host two games (Lyon v. Real Madrid; AC Milan v. Manchester United) as will Wednesday (Bayern Munich v. Fiorentina; Porto v. Arsenal). Then, the following week, the first leg of the away matches are played, the second leg for Lyon, Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Manchester United is then completed the following week, and then the final second legs of the round of sixteen close out. In efect, we have a month of Champions League uninterrupted until the weeklong break between this round and the quarterfinals. As viewers this new format probably allows more people to watch more games. Whether or not the layovers and differing timetables for play between rounds affects the teams remains to be seen.
As for this week's matchups, an interesting pair. Oddly enough, Real Madrid may be the only true favorite in these first four games. Lyon lost Benzema this past summer, to Madrid no less, and last year also saw their six consecutive Ligue championships come to an end. They simply are not the team they once were. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, this Champions League's topscorer is back with MAdrid after injury and red card setbacks this season, and will add his usual pace and skill to the merengues. More worrying for the French side however, will be the return from injury of team top goalscorer Gonzalo Higuain, who is on pace to become a top European striker this year. Similarly Kaka seems to have shaken off his sports hernia and be finding his form. Nevermind that the Madrid back four have adapted remarkably well to losing Pepe, and the midfield is slowly becoming a unit capable of success despite, or perhaps because of their flexibility (Kaka, Granero, Guti, Van der Vaart, Lass, Xabi Alonso, et al. have all played and well this season). The team has Barcelona on its sights in la Liga, but the club from the capital makes no bits about it - May 22nd at the Bernabeu would be the sweetest reward for los blancos. All that said, Real has never beaten Lyon in the Champions League, and has not gotten past the round of sixteen in five years. With Benzema likely out for the first leg, and Lyon expected to be snow covered and at below freezing temperatures this Tuesday, don't count Lyon out yet, at least not on the first leg.
Meanwhile Manchester United has hoisted themselves to within one point of Chelsea after a draw at Aston Villa and a Chelsea loss to Everton courtesy of Landycakes and Louis Saha. But the red devils may be facing AC Milan at their most dangerous. Seemingly out of contention for the Serie A despite being only eight points behind Inter, the rossoneri have hardly sparkled this season. But they are European regulars, and you can bet Ronaldinho will play his best against top opposition like Manchester. Well, at least for a few minutes, though it doesn't take much more from the Brazilian. Huntelaar has also found the back of the net recently, and may be looking to prove he's not a player meant to play in the Dutch league exclusively. Nonetheless, Manchester will stand behind the man that's carried them this season, and in impressive fashion, Wayne Rooney. Almost a force of nature, Rooney has done nothing short of put the red devils on his back amidst a series of defensive injuries and an erratic midfield that sorely misses Cristiano Ronaldo. Certainly Rooney has seen more of goal without the Portuguese, but the team has felt the loss. Nani is hit or miss, Giggs is injured, and Valencia though pacey, still has not found his form. It will be interesting to see if Leonardo, with his job likely on the line, will be able to expose Manchester United weaknesses on the biggest stage. But with Manchester United given almost a full week off with no EPL this weekend, it is hard to pick against the devils over the two legs, though a tie or even a one goal loss isn't out of the question at the San Siro.
On Wednesday the matchups are bit less thrilling on paper, but may prove equally exciting on the pitch. Beating Liverpool 1-0 last week, Arsenal appeared to get themselves back in the title race, at six behind Chelsea aka Team Drogba. But Wenger's boys have yet to prove that they can beat the big boys around town, having dropped games to Manchester United and Chelsea before the Liverpool match, and not in hotly contested games. The loss of Van Persie has certainly hurt the gunners, but truth be told the trade off Wenger has made seems to be one of adding youth to lose meddle and confidence. These last two attributes seem absent from both Arsenal sides fielded against the top two. Simply put, the gunners lack the verve to run with the big boys, and Arshavin's absence for their clash against Porto will not help. In my opinion, the gunners also seem to lack a holding midfielder, as Diaby remains unconvincing, and that position would seem to be essential for a team who needs to maintain possession. So will Porto test Arsenal the way the other seventeen EPL teams test them, or the way Chelsea and Man. U. have? Though they sit third in the Portuguese League, Porto always come to play in Champions League, lest we forget that Porto's two European Cups are two more than Arsenal have managed. Moreover, Porto has absolutely demolished its opponents in recent weeks, and despit losing several key players this summer, Porto still has Hulk and always finds a way to find suitable replacement for losses. This team took eventual runners-up Manchester United to the brink last season, and will look to do the same against Arsenal. Both teams will look to pass and play openly, so this should be an entertaining match to say the least. Over two legs, I'd bet on Porto over Arsenal though.
Finally, the Bayern Munich v. Fiorentina matchup. Here's what you need to know. Fiorentina are doing dreadfully in the Serie A, and have lost their last two (1-0 losses to Inter and Roma). Bayern Munich have gotten Ribery back, he's in a contract year (just not with Bayern Munich) and Robben is on form. The Germans will surely prove too much for the Italians, and should win easily. But no one ever wins easily against an Itlaian side, do they? If Inter and Roma could be held to 1-0 wins, what are the chances Fiorentina arrives at Allianz Arena looking for a tie or 1-0 loss and gamble on their chances at the Artemio Franchi? I say high. Very high even. Will it work? Probably not, as Fiorentina's been off form recently and Bayern should have enough firepower to get through, but it'll be interesting.
Next week I'll get to that mouthwatering Chelsea v. Inter clash, and the other three, rather less interesting matchups.
In other news, The Copa del Rey will be played between Atletico Madrid and Sevilla on May 26, 2010, four days after the Champions League final. Both teams play attacking open football and have several world superstars on their rosters. If Real Madrid, Barcelona and maybe Valencia weren't going to be in the final, these would certainly be your top choices. It's been ten yars since Atletico played in a final, and almsot fifteen since they've won anything. Sevilla on the other hand, has battled Valencia in recent years to take that third Liga spot Atletico once held. In the last five years the sevillistas have won two UEFA Cups, a Copa del Rey, a Spanish Super Cup and a European Super Cup. It's hard to gauge form and injury status this far in advance, but Sevilla should be the slight favorites in what I suspect may be one of the last, if not the last, competitive matches before South Africa. Hopefully no players miss the final due to national team commitments.
This weekend, Cristiano Ronaldo returns to action at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday against Xerex. Meanwhile, Barcelona travel to the Vicente Calderon to face an Atletico team on the ascent. "On the ascent" for Atletico Madrid usually means "before the fall." But despite Atletico's ability be alternatively amazing or horrifying, Aguero and Forlan will be facing a depleted Barcelona defense (no Alves, Pique, Marquez, Abidal, Toure, or Chygrynsky) that may start a youth club player or a modified winger as a defender in Jeffren. While it's hard to see Barcelona lose a game, if ever there was a time...
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Barca Among Greatest Ever Teams
Today Barcelona beat North American champions Atlante 3-1 in Abu Dhabi in the Club World Cup. Barca already had a historic season, becoming the first Spanish team to win the treble last year (La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League). But they just continue to win everything imaginable, simply leaving all in their wake.
At one point in 2009, after winning the Football League Cup, a.k.a. the Carling Cup, Manchester United were the holders of five trophies - the reigning champions of the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Community Shield, Club World Cup, and lastly the League Cup.
Well, Barca looks like they'll do Man U one better. The Club World Cup final has yet to be played, and I'll be on vacation when it happens, but if the the blaugrana win they will hold six championships: La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey, Spanish Supercup, European Supercup, and the Club World Cup.
Read that again. Just ridiculous.
And it will have all happened in one season proper (with the Supercups and Club World Cup following the previous season because they use the champions from the previous year). Yes Man U held their five trophies at once, but their League Cup title was really in the cycle for the following year.
Equally amazing, in scoring today, Pedro became the first person ever to score in six competitions in the same season. And I barely even knew of him last season.
With youngsters like Pedro, Bojan Krkic, Sergi Busquets, a 22 year old named Leo Messi , and 22 year old Gerard Piqué and 23 year old Dmytro Chygrynskiy in defense, not to mention that players like Andrés Iniesta and Dani Alves are only 25 and 26 respectively, they seem pretty nicely set to dominate for quite some time.
(For comparison at Real Madrid, Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, Fernando Gago, Marcelo, Raul Albiol, and Lass Diara are all 24 or younger. Which set of under 25s would you take, meaning excluding Iniesta (otherwise it would've been an absolute no brainer to me that you pick Barca)? Tougher than one would think when you consider the general notion that Barca breeds their players from youth and Real Madrid sign up stars in their primes or just entering them.)
At one point in 2009, after winning the Football League Cup, a.k.a. the Carling Cup, Manchester United were the holders of five trophies - the reigning champions of the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Community Shield, Club World Cup, and lastly the League Cup.
Well, Barca looks like they'll do Man U one better. The Club World Cup final has yet to be played, and I'll be on vacation when it happens, but if the the blaugrana win they will hold six championships: La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey, Spanish Supercup, European Supercup, and the Club World Cup.
Read that again. Just ridiculous.
And it will have all happened in one season proper (with the Supercups and Club World Cup following the previous season because they use the champions from the previous year). Yes Man U held their five trophies at once, but their League Cup title was really in the cycle for the following year.
Equally amazing, in scoring today, Pedro became the first person ever to score in six competitions in the same season. And I barely even knew of him last season.
With youngsters like Pedro, Bojan Krkic, Sergi Busquets, a 22 year old named Leo Messi , and 22 year old Gerard Piqué and 23 year old Dmytro Chygrynskiy in defense, not to mention that players like Andrés Iniesta and Dani Alves are only 25 and 26 respectively, they seem pretty nicely set to dominate for quite some time.
(For comparison at Real Madrid, Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, Fernando Gago, Marcelo, Raul Albiol, and Lass Diara are all 24 or younger. Which set of under 25s would you take, meaning excluding Iniesta (otherwise it would've been an absolute no brainer to me that you pick Barca)? Tougher than one would think when you consider the general notion that Barca breeds their players from youth and Real Madrid sign up stars in their primes or just entering them.)
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Road Field Advantage
Who said that there's a big team monopoly over the Champions League? And what happened to home field advantage? This most recent round of UEFA Champions League matches bucked a few generally held assumptions and may have livened things up for some teams, while sending a few others into downward spirals from which there appears a long march back.
Tuesday in particular saw a few big upsets. First and foremost among those was FK Rubin Kazan stunning Barcelona 2-1 at the Camp Nou. On the heels of their 0-0 draw with Valencia over the weekend, not too mention an unconvincing 1-0 win over Almeria before that, and suddenly the Barca machine has lost it's luster. Maybe Messi needs to get some of that Maradona-Argentina stench off him. He hasn't been as dynamic recently, and the return to health of Andrés Iniesta hasn't provided the boost yet that we would expect. No one doubts they will rebound and are still among the favorites to win both La Liga and the Champions League, but maybe they are not so invincible.
FC Unirea Urziceni went to Glasgow and crushed an embarrassed Rangers team 4-1, and Dynamo Kiev continued the great day for Eastern European teams by going to the San Siro and drawing Inter 2-2. Inter continue to underwhelm, with some people even already putting pressure on Mourinho. But let's face it, they're not a great squad and they won't win the Champions League, although they probably will win the Serie A with main rivals Juve and Milan looking underwhelming (and few would put money on Sampdoria and Fiorentina to keep up their current pace through the entire season). Actually speaking of Fiorentina, they also went on the road and pulled out a 4-3 thriller against Drebrecen.
Also on the road Tuesday was Sevilla, who is in fine form and look their typical dangerous and exciting side, beating Stuttgart 3-1. Stuttgart have stuttered so far this year and seem in rather dissaray, and they will probably miss out on Europe altogether without an unbelievable run from here on out.
And if we're talking about disarray and missing out on Europe, who better to move on to than Liverpool. Liverpool probably couldn't be in a worse state. They lost at Chelsea and then at Sunderland via beachball-gate, so Anfielf, usually a fortress on European nights, must have seemed a wonderful sight. Yet without injured striker supreme Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard limping off again after 25 minutes, you could tell that the Liverpool season was going down the drain all at once. A 1-2 loss to Lyon later, with Manchester United coming to town Saturday, and well, the odds on Rafa Benetiz's job security are certainly not getting better. I guess that's what happens when you don't strengthen an already thin squad and also sell one of your key midfielders in the offseason.
Meanwhile, Arsenal, who are playing some of their wonderful silky football, may have been expected to win at AZ Alkmaar. Of course Arsenal always think they're better than they are, while always having something of an inferiority complex in Europe I feel. AZ might not have the traditional name recognition of PSV Eindhoven or Ajax, but they have been a good team in recent years, and they managed to hold Arsenal 1-1.
Bucking the home trend was Olympiakos, who held fort 2-1 over Standard Liege. So in recap, it was a 1-5-2 day for home teams. Rather striking, and none of the road victories were by any of the "giants" of Europe. A good day indeed for those who like upsets and drama.
Wednesday returned some sanity to the regular order or things, but there were still a few curveballs thrown to keep up the spice.
If you can call it business as usual, the unsurprising results including Juve beating Maccabi Haifa 1-0 in Turin, Man U beating CSKA Moscow 1-0 in Moscow, Marseille beating Zurich on the road 1-0, FC Porto beating Apoel Nicosia 2-1 at home, and Chelsea crushing Atlético Madrid 4-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Of those matches clearly Chelsea looked the best, but the result is also indicative of the utter collapse occurring at Atlético, which HalaMadrid has touched on here in the past. Sad. Man U's win was nice, on the road, and getting a goal in the second straight game from Antonio Valencia will boost them ahead of this weekend's clash at Anfield. I'll be looking forward to seeing if they can put Liverpool's season to bed and put Rafa's head on the chopping block so early in the season. Meanwhile, Juve continues to be underwhelming despite getting a result, and it's clear that this year probably won't involve any trophies for them, but they hopefully are on the right track for next year, as long as Gigi Buffon continues to play out of his mind and can come back healthy and on form after surgery for his right knee that he's hoping to have in late December after playing through the Inter Milan game.
There were three more results, however, which did not necessarily fall as predicted. First, Bayern Munich continues to be the epitome of inconsistency and lost 2-1 to Bordeaux. While most people would be surprised by this, but Bordeaux are not to be taken too lightly, and while I'd expect them to not last too long in the knockout stages, one of Bayern or Juve could very well end up in the Europa League. Bordeaux even won despite missing two pks. Besiktas held Wolfsburg 0-0 at the Wolkswagen Arena. Pretty amazing to hold this high flying team scoreless, though much of that was from super scoring Bosnian Edin Dzeko missing a few great chances.
(By the way, most people are focusing on the France-Ireland World Cup playoff draw, but Bosnia-Portugal with Bosnia getting the second leg at home could very well be the best matchup. Bosnia is still up and coming and doesn't have all the greatest results, including a 2-5 whacking at the hands of Spain, but they have the talent to send Ronaldo home pouting.)
Last and best of all though was AC Milan's 3-2 upset of Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. This was a very exciting game, including huge gaffes by Dida and Casillas gifting goals to the other team, a wonder shot out of nothing from Andrea Pirlo, Pato scoring a game winning brace, and signs of life from one Mr. Ronaldinho. The result was rather amazing because Milan was basically playing like a shell of its former self this year. But the amazing thing about having ageing players of the skill of Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, and Ronaldinho is that if they start clicking they can put on an occasional show of beautiful passing football. It was also very heartening and pleasing to Ronaldinho having fun with flicks and skills and generally reminding the world that there was once a time where he put on a perfect show that even the Bernabéu stood and applauded (unsurprisingly, he was jeered every time he touched the ball yesterday). Granted he had large stretches where he was somewhat invisible yesterday and there's still a long way to go before he nears any semblance of being on form for him, but even just those glimpses yesterday were enough to make me happy as a football fan.
And while I applauded the nice midfield work in the second half between Ronaldinho, Pirlo, Seedorf, and Pato, I doubt the Madridistas were very happy. I've not seen much of them this year so I can't really compare it to anything, but I wasn't really impressed with Kaká and Karim Benzema looks a little off kilter. I thought Lassana Diarra and Xabi Alonso were alright and I liked Royston Drenthe off the bench, but there still needs time for this team to gel. And how much does Ronaldo mean to them, maybe too much already? Madrid will certainly argue no, and although I don't doubt they can get it right and play great without him, they need to prove it. Nonetheless, let's hope that by November 29, we're not seeing the Barca and Real Madrid of the past two days.
Tuesday in particular saw a few big upsets. First and foremost among those was FK Rubin Kazan stunning Barcelona 2-1 at the Camp Nou. On the heels of their 0-0 draw with Valencia over the weekend, not too mention an unconvincing 1-0 win over Almeria before that, and suddenly the Barca machine has lost it's luster. Maybe Messi needs to get some of that Maradona-Argentina stench off him. He hasn't been as dynamic recently, and the return to health of Andrés Iniesta hasn't provided the boost yet that we would expect. No one doubts they will rebound and are still among the favorites to win both La Liga and the Champions League, but maybe they are not so invincible.
FC Unirea Urziceni went to Glasgow and crushed an embarrassed Rangers team 4-1, and Dynamo Kiev continued the great day for Eastern European teams by going to the San Siro and drawing Inter 2-2. Inter continue to underwhelm, with some people even already putting pressure on Mourinho. But let's face it, they're not a great squad and they won't win the Champions League, although they probably will win the Serie A with main rivals Juve and Milan looking underwhelming (and few would put money on Sampdoria and Fiorentina to keep up their current pace through the entire season). Actually speaking of Fiorentina, they also went on the road and pulled out a 4-3 thriller against Drebrecen.
Also on the road Tuesday was Sevilla, who is in fine form and look their typical dangerous and exciting side, beating Stuttgart 3-1. Stuttgart have stuttered so far this year and seem in rather dissaray, and they will probably miss out on Europe altogether without an unbelievable run from here on out.
And if we're talking about disarray and missing out on Europe, who better to move on to than Liverpool. Liverpool probably couldn't be in a worse state. They lost at Chelsea and then at Sunderland via beachball-gate, so Anfielf, usually a fortress on European nights, must have seemed a wonderful sight. Yet without injured striker supreme Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard limping off again after 25 minutes, you could tell that the Liverpool season was going down the drain all at once. A 1-2 loss to Lyon later, with Manchester United coming to town Saturday, and well, the odds on Rafa Benetiz's job security are certainly not getting better. I guess that's what happens when you don't strengthen an already thin squad and also sell one of your key midfielders in the offseason.
Meanwhile, Arsenal, who are playing some of their wonderful silky football, may have been expected to win at AZ Alkmaar. Of course Arsenal always think they're better than they are, while always having something of an inferiority complex in Europe I feel. AZ might not have the traditional name recognition of PSV Eindhoven or Ajax, but they have been a good team in recent years, and they managed to hold Arsenal 1-1.
Bucking the home trend was Olympiakos, who held fort 2-1 over Standard Liege. So in recap, it was a 1-5-2 day for home teams. Rather striking, and none of the road victories were by any of the "giants" of Europe. A good day indeed for those who like upsets and drama.
Wednesday returned some sanity to the regular order or things, but there were still a few curveballs thrown to keep up the spice.
If you can call it business as usual, the unsurprising results including Juve beating Maccabi Haifa 1-0 in Turin, Man U beating CSKA Moscow 1-0 in Moscow, Marseille beating Zurich on the road 1-0, FC Porto beating Apoel Nicosia 2-1 at home, and Chelsea crushing Atlético Madrid 4-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Of those matches clearly Chelsea looked the best, but the result is also indicative of the utter collapse occurring at Atlético, which HalaMadrid has touched on here in the past. Sad. Man U's win was nice, on the road, and getting a goal in the second straight game from Antonio Valencia will boost them ahead of this weekend's clash at Anfield. I'll be looking forward to seeing if they can put Liverpool's season to bed and put Rafa's head on the chopping block so early in the season. Meanwhile, Juve continues to be underwhelming despite getting a result, and it's clear that this year probably won't involve any trophies for them, but they hopefully are on the right track for next year, as long as Gigi Buffon continues to play out of his mind and can come back healthy and on form after surgery for his right knee that he's hoping to have in late December after playing through the Inter Milan game.
There were three more results, however, which did not necessarily fall as predicted. First, Bayern Munich continues to be the epitome of inconsistency and lost 2-1 to Bordeaux. While most people would be surprised by this, but Bordeaux are not to be taken too lightly, and while I'd expect them to not last too long in the knockout stages, one of Bayern or Juve could very well end up in the Europa League. Bordeaux even won despite missing two pks. Besiktas held Wolfsburg 0-0 at the Wolkswagen Arena. Pretty amazing to hold this high flying team scoreless, though much of that was from super scoring Bosnian Edin Dzeko missing a few great chances.
(By the way, most people are focusing on the France-Ireland World Cup playoff draw, but Bosnia-Portugal with Bosnia getting the second leg at home could very well be the best matchup. Bosnia is still up and coming and doesn't have all the greatest results, including a 2-5 whacking at the hands of Spain, but they have the talent to send Ronaldo home pouting.)
Last and best of all though was AC Milan's 3-2 upset of Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. This was a very exciting game, including huge gaffes by Dida and Casillas gifting goals to the other team, a wonder shot out of nothing from Andrea Pirlo, Pato scoring a game winning brace, and signs of life from one Mr. Ronaldinho. The result was rather amazing because Milan was basically playing like a shell of its former self this year. But the amazing thing about having ageing players of the skill of Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, and Ronaldinho is that if they start clicking they can put on an occasional show of beautiful passing football. It was also very heartening and pleasing to Ronaldinho having fun with flicks and skills and generally reminding the world that there was once a time where he put on a perfect show that even the Bernabéu stood and applauded (unsurprisingly, he was jeered every time he touched the ball yesterday). Granted he had large stretches where he was somewhat invisible yesterday and there's still a long way to go before he nears any semblance of being on form for him, but even just those glimpses yesterday were enough to make me happy as a football fan.
And while I applauded the nice midfield work in the second half between Ronaldinho, Pirlo, Seedorf, and Pato, I doubt the Madridistas were very happy. I've not seen much of them this year so I can't really compare it to anything, but I wasn't really impressed with Kaká and Karim Benzema looks a little off kilter. I thought Lassana Diarra and Xabi Alonso were alright and I liked Royston Drenthe off the bench, but there still needs time for this team to gel. And how much does Ronaldo mean to them, maybe too much already? Madrid will certainly argue no, and although I don't doubt they can get it right and play great without him, they need to prove it. Nonetheless, let's hope that by November 29, we're not seeing the Barca and Real Madrid of the past two days.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Heads or Tails for Football in Madrid
This past week has only served to highlight the distance between the two Madrid teams and reinforce the depressed state of Atletico Madrid. This past weekend saw Valencia and Atletico square off in a matchup from which the rojiblancos desperately needed three points. Despite Kun Aguero putting the boys from Madrid up in Mestalla in the 7th minute, goals from Pablo Hernandez (25th) and Villa (27th) put the home team up in just over a minute. The game was marked by terrible defense and a chaotic pace that was more reminiscent of feeding frenzy footage on the Discovery Channel than a football match.
A win would have been too much reward for a Valencia side that has similar failings to Atletico (weak at back, thin squad) but whose strike force is in better current form (Villa/Mata/Silva v. Kun/Forlan). Maxi evened the game out in the 92nd, and the game would go final at 2-2. Meanwhile Real Madrid still hasn't quite figured out how they play, and went into the second half tied with recently ascended Tenerife, 0-0. As is the case among the Madrid press, they rang the alarm. This team, in light of the investment made, is terrible, doesn't know how to play, and is not as good as Barca.
Nevermind that they've been together far less time and are still getting the same results as Barca, someone needed fired to hear the reactionary Madrid press tell it. Neverthless, Pellegrini subbed in Kaka and Guti, and "voila!" Benzema scored a brace in eleven minutes time (47, 58) and Kaka got his just deserts by scoring the third in the 77th minute. While the press' exasperation is expected, sometimes the irrationality of the criticisms leveled at this Madrid side call into question the profesionalism and intelligence of Madrid's press corps. Reason, it seems, is superfluous in analyzing the team. That, however, is the burden of every large side, especially one that has just spend a country's GDP in signings.
At midweek, Atletico was put to the fire by a strong Porto side that exploited Atletico's meek defense and basically eliminated the rojiblancos from Europe barring a set of surprising results against Chelsea in their next two games against the Londoners. Atletico is bottom of their group, and at best will be hoping for Europa. Real Madrid are at the head of their group, but like the weekend looked similarly inept in the first 45 against Marseille. But three pieces of brilliance from CR9, one of which resulted in Kaka converting a penalty, and the dismantling was complete.
Unlike flipping a coin, the footballing stature in Madrid seems rather predictable with Real drawing heads, and Atletico always ending up tails. This applies to both Champions League groups or the table itself, where they sit 18th with three points.
More preoccupying for Real is the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo to injury (on the midweek penalty tackle) that will keep him out of the Sevilla game. Sevilla currently sits three points behind Real and Barcelona in 3rd place, and looked impressive crushing Rangers 4-1 in Glasgow midweek and fourth place Athletic Bilbao 4-0 in San Mames last weekend. This is the first true test for a Real Madrid side that has a wonderful ability to strike and lots of "goal" as they say in Spanish, but has yet to prove that they're a footballing "machine." Sevilla on the other hand have established that they play from memory and are in fine form. Real's eighth consecutive win in all competitions, even with Ronaldo, was not guaranteed, and is less so without him. Real will have to see if it's up to the task of taking on another world class team in Sevilla. Expect alarms to go off if they lose, but an expected sigh if they win. Such is the plight of Real Madrid.
Atletico ... well I'm rather sure they'd be ecstatic to grab three points from a decent Zaragoza side and leave the bottom of the table. But smart money's on a tie if you ask me. And if so, Atletico will truly by coasting downhill without brakes. Forlan has re-signed this past week, but look for Kun Aguero to look for the door if Atletico continues on this path for the season. Indeed, it looks like another year of heads or tails in Madrid's footballing hierarchy.
A win would have been too much reward for a Valencia side that has similar failings to Atletico (weak at back, thin squad) but whose strike force is in better current form (Villa/Mata/Silva v. Kun/Forlan). Maxi evened the game out in the 92nd, and the game would go final at 2-2. Meanwhile Real Madrid still hasn't quite figured out how they play, and went into the second half tied with recently ascended Tenerife, 0-0. As is the case among the Madrid press, they rang the alarm. This team, in light of the investment made, is terrible, doesn't know how to play, and is not as good as Barca.
Nevermind that they've been together far less time and are still getting the same results as Barca, someone needed fired to hear the reactionary Madrid press tell it. Neverthless, Pellegrini subbed in Kaka and Guti, and "voila!" Benzema scored a brace in eleven minutes time (47, 58) and Kaka got his just deserts by scoring the third in the 77th minute. While the press' exasperation is expected, sometimes the irrationality of the criticisms leveled at this Madrid side call into question the profesionalism and intelligence of Madrid's press corps. Reason, it seems, is superfluous in analyzing the team. That, however, is the burden of every large side, especially one that has just spend a country's GDP in signings.
At midweek, Atletico was put to the fire by a strong Porto side that exploited Atletico's meek defense and basically eliminated the rojiblancos from Europe barring a set of surprising results against Chelsea in their next two games against the Londoners. Atletico is bottom of their group, and at best will be hoping for Europa. Real Madrid are at the head of their group, but like the weekend looked similarly inept in the first 45 against Marseille. But three pieces of brilliance from CR9, one of which resulted in Kaka converting a penalty, and the dismantling was complete.
Unlike flipping a coin, the footballing stature in Madrid seems rather predictable with Real drawing heads, and Atletico always ending up tails. This applies to both Champions League groups or the table itself, where they sit 18th with three points.
More preoccupying for Real is the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo to injury (on the midweek penalty tackle) that will keep him out of the Sevilla game. Sevilla currently sits three points behind Real and Barcelona in 3rd place, and looked impressive crushing Rangers 4-1 in Glasgow midweek and fourth place Athletic Bilbao 4-0 in San Mames last weekend. This is the first true test for a Real Madrid side that has a wonderful ability to strike and lots of "goal" as they say in Spanish, but has yet to prove that they're a footballing "machine." Sevilla on the other hand have established that they play from memory and are in fine form. Real's eighth consecutive win in all competitions, even with Ronaldo, was not guaranteed, and is less so without him. Real will have to see if it's up to the task of taking on another world class team in Sevilla. Expect alarms to go off if they lose, but an expected sigh if they win. Such is the plight of Real Madrid.
Atletico ... well I'm rather sure they'd be ecstatic to grab three points from a decent Zaragoza side and leave the bottom of the table. But smart money's on a tie if you ask me. And if so, Atletico will truly by coasting downhill without brakes. Forlan has re-signed this past week, but look for Kun Aguero to look for the door if Atletico continues on this path for the season. Indeed, it looks like another year of heads or tails in Madrid's footballing hierarchy.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
One Month in the World's Best League (Which one?)
In the past week several mainstream outlets have addressed how exciting the EPL is , how boring la Liga is, and how badly the EPL's defenses are playing. So my first urge is to launch into another ardent defense of la Liga. But, as we say in Spanish, "Las comparaciones son odiosas." Or, "Comparisons are detestable." Not to mention subjective. The EPL is either lax at the back, or exciting because of the goals scored. La Liga's received that criticism for several years now. Alternatively, this year's liga is the most exciting as Ronaldo v. Messi and Barcelona v. Madrid take center stage ... or as Lucy Turner argues in the above link, the most boring with the two favorites running away with it. Alas, there are truly two sides to every coin. So perhaps I'll just lean back, enjoy that over here in the New World we're seeing more of both leagues than ever, and stick to loving on my league, rather than going all District 9 and marginalizing the EPL.
So, speaking of lovin' on la Liga...
We're four games in, and already some judgments can be made. For example, after 62 years in second division, Xerex (0 pts.) will be returning there very shortly. But it's a bit early to be judging on points alone, so let's take a closer look at the table and check in on the form of la Liga thus far.
Directly above Xerex are Atletico Madrid and Villarreal, with two apiece. For Villarreal sitting at 18th is somewhat surprising as they're representing Spain in the Europa Cup this year and have fared remarkably well in recent years (2nd place, Champions League semis). To be fair, they've looked a strong side and picked up all three points in Europe and lost to a strong Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao side. Not to mention new coach Ernesto Valverde has rolled into town and key player Marcos Senna has been out to injury. They looked good with only ten men at midweek against Real Madrid and gave the merengues all they could handle. I'm still looking for them to return to "Europa" next season.
Somehow, though more talented, this Atletico side is the more worrying of these two bottom dwellers. Blessed with Aguero and Forlan, the team's management learned nothing from last season's European adventure. Atletico's starting eleven, especially midfield forward can run with anyone. Their back four are strictly pedestrian, and the team has only gotten thinner. Going down to Porto last year, only a rally at the close of the league and Valencia's collapse saved them from christening the Europa Cup. Perhaps more worrisome is the mental fragility of the team in all senses - on the pitch, the fans, and the management. It's often the plight of the loveable losers, but it truly is time for Atletico to step it up. They couldn't get past a goalless draw against Cypriot outfit APOEL in Madrid, or against Almeria and Racing in league. Not to mention the humiliation at the Camp Nou. Eventually, their talent will (hopefully) propel them to, at worst, a middle of the table spot. But by then the side could be out of Europe (especially with Chelsea and Porto in their group), and back on their way to mediocrity.
Malaga (17th, 3 pts.) and Zaragoza (15th, 4 pts.) are two teams that have always had a soft spot in my heart. Malaga's a beautiful city, and you can see Malaga's stadum, la Rosaleda, from the back side of the city's gorgeous Arab castle, the Alcazaba. Zaragoza I've never been to, but have some ties to and I'll always remember seeing the sight of thousands of fans weeping as their team went down to segunda in 2008 on the last matchday, after 40 plus years in primera. Both sit above Atletico and Villarreal, are competitive but probably can't aspire to much more than that last European spot or a nice showing in the King's Cup. Malaga is into their second year in the first division and continue to play a nice brand of attacking football. Their three points came at the expense of Atletico in an opening day 3-0 blanking of the boys from the capital. Zaragoza is far from the side that went down to second division in 2008 in a year they had hoped to aspire to a European berth of some kind. Their year in hell has rather depleted the side, and they'll do well to stay up and keep rebuilding. Up and onwards, hopefully, for these two.
Indeed, the 7th place spot all the way down to 16th is a cluster of 4, 5, or 6 points, with only a few teams standing out as teams that could surprise and compete for a Champions League spot. If any of the teams earning six points might have a chance, then the goal differential actually does a good job of identifying them this week: Deportivo (7th), Getafe (8th), and Espanyol (9th) look the best of the middle. Otherwise, its difficult to determine who will pull away from the pack over the course of the season. But as we gaze upwards is where things really get interesting.
Valencia sits in 6th with 7 points, and Mallorca occupies the spot directly above with the same point total. Valencia, alongside Villarreal, were the two teams that most Liga fans hoped would represent it in this year's Champions League, as the vulnerabilities of Atletico were apparent a long way out. The "ches" (a nickname picked up when the club was inundated with Argentines) did well to keep Villa, Silva, and Mata this summer, and their attacking trident continues to play well. A bit deeper than Atletico, Valencia's real problem may have been the loss of Raul Albiol. Already an undisputed starter in Madrid, the Valencia rearguard has looked disoriented for much of this season. It will be interesting if Unai Emery's men can get their act together and compete in the Europa League as well as grab a Champions League spot for next year. One would hope so, though it seems just as likely that Sir Alex snaps up Silva in that time, and Valencia falter even further. Mallorca won't occupy their current spot for much longer, as this Gregorio Manzano side lost several key players last summer, including Venezuelan star Arango, and were set to do little more than avoid relegation. Hats off to them for their early success, but middle of table should be about right in a few months.
Sevilla (3rd) and Athletic (4th) are tied with 9 points, and this comes as no surprise for the men from Andalusia. The Sevillans have built their success on the back of loudmouth president Jose Maria Del Nido and more importantly sporting director "Monchi." Despite the losses of Sergio Ramos, Dani Alves, Julio Baptista, Reyes, and Saviola in recent years, the club always finds a way to regenerate itself and keep its top spots. Their zeal for attacking football doesn't hurt either. Their form has been tops this season, with their only loss coming opening day after they were reduced to ten men (red to Kanoute) against Valencia. These are the odds on favorites for that third place spot ... again. Athletic is the more novel of the two teams. Historically one of la Liga's great teams (Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Athletic are the only sides never to go down), the Basques have been less than impressive in recent years. But a glut of young talent and the development of a striker of Llorente's caliber have catapulted the men from la Catedral to Champions Leagues spots. They tend to score with their head, and if they keep it on straight, these "chicarrones del Norte" might just be with Europe's elite next year. It's ambitous, but you'd be hard pressed to find someone who'd complain in seeing Athletic's return to glory.
Of course, recent debate has centered around the top two teams, Barcelona (1st) and Real Madrid (2nd) both with twelve points. Is it a two horse race? Probably, but can you honestly tell me the EPL isn't? (Smart money's on Manchester Utd. and Chelsea). And by "probably" I mean, "I see no way in hell any team but these two could win the league." Do I care? Somewhat, but it's a special year when the world's greatest team is met by a team aspiring (and actually making the moves necessary) to take their place.
Barcelona need little introduction, as for all intents and purposes they've only grown more compact as a unit and increased their fluid play this year, cementing them as the best club in Europe (for now). Ibrahimovic has scored in each of the first four games, and Messi only seems spurred on by this, picking up a brace against Racing Santander in response to Zlatan's opener. Guardiola has complained the squad is a bit thin, which could cost them considering the enormously draining season that awaits them after winning everything known to man last year. Not to mention the adverse effects of the African Cup of Nations on Barca's roster. Messi has five goals in four games, and the blaugrana train just keeps churning forward destroying everything in its path. It's a joy to watch, even for someone who hates Barcelona, because to truly hate them, you have to love football. And on the club level they're the greatest exponent of the sport right now, as demonstrated in their destruction of Racing midweek with two crackers from Messi. And don't even get me started on the six-touch from keeper to Ibra chip goal against Atletico, or Ibra's heel flick feed to Pique against Racing. If a team from the capital hadn't made it a point to compete with the machine known as Barcelona, this league might well be over now.
Real Madrid, to be fair, has sputtered out of the gate, if not in results certainly in style. The Madrid press is starting to get nervous, ridiculously so, since the team added seven new starters this summer. Pellegrini has done well to rotate the players thus far, keeping all the egos in check. He has not, however, quite figured out the perfect formation and alternates between a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-2-2. Both would probably work, and my instinct is that it's more a matter of time playing together and less one of formation for Real. Once the players truly get to know each other and their natural positioning I have very litte doubt that the show the merengues will put on will rival if not surpass the Catalans. Pellegrini's penchant for attacking football meshed with strong defending, and his encouragement of fluidity for the men up top bode well for the team. But everything takes time and patience, and so far the results are buying the Chilean these assets. CR9, meanwhile, also has five goals in four games (seven in five if you count Champions League) and is already paying dividends. Kaka may have a better handle on the team as a whole by virtue of his position, but Ronaldo is bringing the spectacle, scoring in every way known to man. The Portuguese international's midfield slolem against Villarreal was a masterpiece, and once the team begins to play as one instead of surviving on individuals, well, let's just say this year's Clasico (end of November) will be must see TV of the highest order.
But focusing in on this weekend, Valencia greet Atletico in a game the colchoneros need much more than the ches. That said, the weak defenses and superlative attackers in this game should make for an open, fluid, and highscoring affair. Sad to say, it could also be a determinative game for Atletico, as one more debacle could send the team into a tailspin. A less critical but equally interesting match will be the 3 v. 4 encounter between Sevilla and Athletic. Can the Basques bounce back from midweek defeat and use their pragmatism to defeat freeflowing Sevilla? I think not, but we'll have to wait and see. Villarreal v. Deportivo is another attractive match, but of course, all eyes will be on Barcelona and Real Madrid, as these two giants continue on their paths to greatness. As Ronaldo pointed out this week, we'll only know who the best is at season's end. It'll be a joy to watch them along the way, and while someone's heart will be broken come May, it'd be foolish not to enjoy this honeymoon of a season.
So, speaking of lovin' on la Liga...
We're four games in, and already some judgments can be made. For example, after 62 years in second division, Xerex (0 pts.) will be returning there very shortly. But it's a bit early to be judging on points alone, so let's take a closer look at the table and check in on the form of la Liga thus far.
Directly above Xerex are Atletico Madrid and Villarreal, with two apiece. For Villarreal sitting at 18th is somewhat surprising as they're representing Spain in the Europa Cup this year and have fared remarkably well in recent years (2nd place, Champions League semis). To be fair, they've looked a strong side and picked up all three points in Europe and lost to a strong Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao side. Not to mention new coach Ernesto Valverde has rolled into town and key player Marcos Senna has been out to injury. They looked good with only ten men at midweek against Real Madrid and gave the merengues all they could handle. I'm still looking for them to return to "Europa" next season.
Somehow, though more talented, this Atletico side is the more worrying of these two bottom dwellers. Blessed with Aguero and Forlan, the team's management learned nothing from last season's European adventure. Atletico's starting eleven, especially midfield forward can run with anyone. Their back four are strictly pedestrian, and the team has only gotten thinner. Going down to Porto last year, only a rally at the close of the league and Valencia's collapse saved them from christening the Europa Cup. Perhaps more worrisome is the mental fragility of the team in all senses - on the pitch, the fans, and the management. It's often the plight of the loveable losers, but it truly is time for Atletico to step it up. They couldn't get past a goalless draw against Cypriot outfit APOEL in Madrid, or against Almeria and Racing in league. Not to mention the humiliation at the Camp Nou. Eventually, their talent will (hopefully) propel them to, at worst, a middle of the table spot. But by then the side could be out of Europe (especially with Chelsea and Porto in their group), and back on their way to mediocrity.
Malaga (17th, 3 pts.) and Zaragoza (15th, 4 pts.) are two teams that have always had a soft spot in my heart. Malaga's a beautiful city, and you can see Malaga's stadum, la Rosaleda, from the back side of the city's gorgeous Arab castle, the Alcazaba. Zaragoza I've never been to, but have some ties to and I'll always remember seeing the sight of thousands of fans weeping as their team went down to segunda in 2008 on the last matchday, after 40 plus years in primera. Both sit above Atletico and Villarreal, are competitive but probably can't aspire to much more than that last European spot or a nice showing in the King's Cup. Malaga is into their second year in the first division and continue to play a nice brand of attacking football. Their three points came at the expense of Atletico in an opening day 3-0 blanking of the boys from the capital. Zaragoza is far from the side that went down to second division in 2008 in a year they had hoped to aspire to a European berth of some kind. Their year in hell has rather depleted the side, and they'll do well to stay up and keep rebuilding. Up and onwards, hopefully, for these two.
Indeed, the 7th place spot all the way down to 16th is a cluster of 4, 5, or 6 points, with only a few teams standing out as teams that could surprise and compete for a Champions League spot. If any of the teams earning six points might have a chance, then the goal differential actually does a good job of identifying them this week: Deportivo (7th), Getafe (8th), and Espanyol (9th) look the best of the middle. Otherwise, its difficult to determine who will pull away from the pack over the course of the season. But as we gaze upwards is where things really get interesting.
Valencia sits in 6th with 7 points, and Mallorca occupies the spot directly above with the same point total. Valencia, alongside Villarreal, were the two teams that most Liga fans hoped would represent it in this year's Champions League, as the vulnerabilities of Atletico were apparent a long way out. The "ches" (a nickname picked up when the club was inundated with Argentines) did well to keep Villa, Silva, and Mata this summer, and their attacking trident continues to play well. A bit deeper than Atletico, Valencia's real problem may have been the loss of Raul Albiol. Already an undisputed starter in Madrid, the Valencia rearguard has looked disoriented for much of this season. It will be interesting if Unai Emery's men can get their act together and compete in the Europa League as well as grab a Champions League spot for next year. One would hope so, though it seems just as likely that Sir Alex snaps up Silva in that time, and Valencia falter even further. Mallorca won't occupy their current spot for much longer, as this Gregorio Manzano side lost several key players last summer, including Venezuelan star Arango, and were set to do little more than avoid relegation. Hats off to them for their early success, but middle of table should be about right in a few months.
Sevilla (3rd) and Athletic (4th) are tied with 9 points, and this comes as no surprise for the men from Andalusia. The Sevillans have built their success on the back of loudmouth president Jose Maria Del Nido and more importantly sporting director "Monchi." Despite the losses of Sergio Ramos, Dani Alves, Julio Baptista, Reyes, and Saviola in recent years, the club always finds a way to regenerate itself and keep its top spots. Their zeal for attacking football doesn't hurt either. Their form has been tops this season, with their only loss coming opening day after they were reduced to ten men (red to Kanoute) against Valencia. These are the odds on favorites for that third place spot ... again. Athletic is the more novel of the two teams. Historically one of la Liga's great teams (Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Athletic are the only sides never to go down), the Basques have been less than impressive in recent years. But a glut of young talent and the development of a striker of Llorente's caliber have catapulted the men from la Catedral to Champions Leagues spots. They tend to score with their head, and if they keep it on straight, these "chicarrones del Norte" might just be with Europe's elite next year. It's ambitous, but you'd be hard pressed to find someone who'd complain in seeing Athletic's return to glory.
Of course, recent debate has centered around the top two teams, Barcelona (1st) and Real Madrid (2nd) both with twelve points. Is it a two horse race? Probably, but can you honestly tell me the EPL isn't? (Smart money's on Manchester Utd. and Chelsea). And by "probably" I mean, "I see no way in hell any team but these two could win the league." Do I care? Somewhat, but it's a special year when the world's greatest team is met by a team aspiring (and actually making the moves necessary) to take their place.
Barcelona need little introduction, as for all intents and purposes they've only grown more compact as a unit and increased their fluid play this year, cementing them as the best club in Europe (for now). Ibrahimovic has scored in each of the first four games, and Messi only seems spurred on by this, picking up a brace against Racing Santander in response to Zlatan's opener. Guardiola has complained the squad is a bit thin, which could cost them considering the enormously draining season that awaits them after winning everything known to man last year. Not to mention the adverse effects of the African Cup of Nations on Barca's roster. Messi has five goals in four games, and the blaugrana train just keeps churning forward destroying everything in its path. It's a joy to watch, even for someone who hates Barcelona, because to truly hate them, you have to love football. And on the club level they're the greatest exponent of the sport right now, as demonstrated in their destruction of Racing midweek with two crackers from Messi. And don't even get me started on the six-touch from keeper to Ibra chip goal against Atletico, or Ibra's heel flick feed to Pique against Racing. If a team from the capital hadn't made it a point to compete with the machine known as Barcelona, this league might well be over now.
Real Madrid, to be fair, has sputtered out of the gate, if not in results certainly in style. The Madrid press is starting to get nervous, ridiculously so, since the team added seven new starters this summer. Pellegrini has done well to rotate the players thus far, keeping all the egos in check. He has not, however, quite figured out the perfect formation and alternates between a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-2-2. Both would probably work, and my instinct is that it's more a matter of time playing together and less one of formation for Real. Once the players truly get to know each other and their natural positioning I have very litte doubt that the show the merengues will put on will rival if not surpass the Catalans. Pellegrini's penchant for attacking football meshed with strong defending, and his encouragement of fluidity for the men up top bode well for the team. But everything takes time and patience, and so far the results are buying the Chilean these assets. CR9, meanwhile, also has five goals in four games (seven in five if you count Champions League) and is already paying dividends. Kaka may have a better handle on the team as a whole by virtue of his position, but Ronaldo is bringing the spectacle, scoring in every way known to man. The Portuguese international's midfield slolem against Villarreal was a masterpiece, and once the team begins to play as one instead of surviving on individuals, well, let's just say this year's Clasico (end of November) will be must see TV of the highest order.
But focusing in on this weekend, Valencia greet Atletico in a game the colchoneros need much more than the ches. That said, the weak defenses and superlative attackers in this game should make for an open, fluid, and highscoring affair. Sad to say, it could also be a determinative game for Atletico, as one more debacle could send the team into a tailspin. A less critical but equally interesting match will be the 3 v. 4 encounter between Sevilla and Athletic. Can the Basques bounce back from midweek defeat and use their pragmatism to defeat freeflowing Sevilla? I think not, but we'll have to wait and see. Villarreal v. Deportivo is another attractive match, but of course, all eyes will be on Barcelona and Real Madrid, as these two giants continue on their paths to greatness. As Ronaldo pointed out this week, we'll only know who the best is at season's end. It'll be a joy to watch them along the way, and while someone's heart will be broken come May, it'd be foolish not to enjoy this honeymoon of a season.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Manchester, Barcelona, Real Madrid Highlights
Highlights from the Manchester Derby:
Barcelona thrashing Atletico Madrid 5-2:
Not to be outdone, Real Madrid dropping five on Xerez (how bad was the defending on the third goal?):
Barcelona thrashing Atletico Madrid 5-2:
Not to be outdone, Real Madrid dropping five on Xerez (how bad was the defending on the third goal?):
Friday, September 11, 2009
News and Reading Before the Weekend
The international break is over and we'll soon be back with all your favorite European Leagues (and well how about that, the MLS never stopped! Two DC United games simultaneous with two USA World Cup qualifiers in one week, wonder which games I watched).
A lot is being made of Argentina's precarious qualifying position, well the Telegraph chimes in on the Maradona comedy roadshow. The picture alone is enough to make you laugh, and then cry when you realize this is one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. ESPNsoccernet follows suit. Of course, HalaMadrid was leading the way prior to Wednesday's matches, examining the many reasons Argentina is doing so poorly. However, the Guardian takes a different approach to examining the Argentina mess, noting that the Argentina Football Association and the Argentine press have created such a poor working situation that every major coaching candidate has stated that they want no part in the job, so firing Maradona could actually make the current mess a full blown disaster.
Of course Argentina isn't the only team struggling right now, with a few big guns in Europe also in danger. One squad is France, who actually played well in managing a 1-1 draw at Serbia while a man down, yet still looks likely to find themselves in a second place playoff spot rather than an automatic qualifier. Apparently what's happening is that Thierry Henry is staging a coup and taking over the team from puppet coach Raymond Domenech, much the way Zinadine Zidane also apparently did in 2006 when he inspired that aging team to the World Cup final.
Now on to the club stuff. HalaMadrid is expecting big things from this latest version of Madrid's galacticos, but one madridista finds much to be worried about, seeing through the rose colored glasses and the blinding light shining off the perfectly gelled coif of #9.
Don't fret though, you can now ridicule Barcelona for the absurdity of signing 7-year old future wonder adolescent Kais from Lyon. I don't have much else to say about this one.
Finally, this may be in Italian, but supposedly it says that Juventus may be preparing to swoop in for Benedict "Giuseppe Rossi" Arnold. I know this because Goal.com confirms it. That's real journalism right there. Anyway, Rossi, who has expressed a desire to return to Italy, has been linked with Juve in the past, and Rossi didn't do much to quelle those rumours other than saying he has a contract with Villareal. With Trezeguet set to leave after the season, and Del Piero on his last legs, this would be a good signing.
A lot is being made of Argentina's precarious qualifying position, well the Telegraph chimes in on the Maradona comedy roadshow. The picture alone is enough to make you laugh, and then cry when you realize this is one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. ESPNsoccernet follows suit. Of course, HalaMadrid was leading the way prior to Wednesday's matches, examining the many reasons Argentina is doing so poorly. However, the Guardian takes a different approach to examining the Argentina mess, noting that the Argentina Football Association and the Argentine press have created such a poor working situation that every major coaching candidate has stated that they want no part in the job, so firing Maradona could actually make the current mess a full blown disaster.
Of course Argentina isn't the only team struggling right now, with a few big guns in Europe also in danger. One squad is France, who actually played well in managing a 1-1 draw at Serbia while a man down, yet still looks likely to find themselves in a second place playoff spot rather than an automatic qualifier. Apparently what's happening is that Thierry Henry is staging a coup and taking over the team from puppet coach Raymond Domenech, much the way Zinadine Zidane also apparently did in 2006 when he inspired that aging team to the World Cup final.
Now on to the club stuff. HalaMadrid is expecting big things from this latest version of Madrid's galacticos, but one madridista finds much to be worried about, seeing through the rose colored glasses and the blinding light shining off the perfectly gelled coif of #9.
Don't fret though, you can now ridicule Barcelona for the absurdity of signing 7-year old future wonder adolescent Kais from Lyon. I don't have much else to say about this one.
Finally, this may be in Italian, but supposedly it says that Juventus may be preparing to swoop in for Benedict "Giuseppe Rossi" Arnold. I know this because Goal.com confirms it. That's real journalism right there. Anyway, Rossi, who has expressed a desire to return to Italy, has been linked with Juve in the past, and Rossi didn't do much to quelle those rumours other than saying he has a contract with Villareal. With Trezeguet set to leave after the season, and Del Piero on his last legs, this would be a good signing.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Saturday Previews
It's a big football day today with one blockbuster match in England, Spain, and Italy respectively. Check the FutbolNation "What to Watch and Where" (right panel) for game times and channel listings.
The first match of the day could be the biggest: Manchester United v. Arsenal. Wenger's boys travel to Old Trafford to take on a Manchester United side that has stumbled at the start of the season despite their strong second-half showing against Wigan. Meanwhile the Gunners have gotten off to a smashing start, pummelling their opposition into submission. Both teams will be missing key players, with Ferdinand and Cesc losing their personal fitness battles. There's no reason to believe that both these teams won't be in the title race April, and the three points up for grabs today could signal a momentum shift for either side. Arsenal's youngsters could be exposed, or Manchester United's cracks could be, as Valencia, Berbatov, and Nani don't appear ready to cover all the roles Ronaldo played for the side.
Overall, the game is of much greater importance to Manchester United than to Arsenal. Having left points on the table early, and playing at home will force United to go after the game. Add to that this week's Champions League draw that will see United travelling to Turkey and Russia, and facing worthy opposition in a tough Wolfsburg side, and United won't be afforded much slack between now and September, domestically or in Europe. Arsenal's draw, on the other hand, is easy enough that Arsene will be tempted to run experimental youth sides and probably still finish first in the group. A lengthier preview found here. A brief history of Ferguson and Wenger's particular "relationship" here. Lineups, injuries, and historical notes, here. Finally, the Telegraph puts together a nice visual history of the matchup here.
My prediction: Manchester United 3 - Arsenal 2
Others would argue the biggest game of the day is actually the Milan derbi. Certainly in a strictly historical sense it is the biggest game of the day. But coming so early in the season it lacks the league-wide impact a later matchup might have. And the decline of the Serie A has been well covered here at FutbolNation by ARF. Nevertheless, the match remains a worldwide event and one Inter needs to win as it couldn't get past a draw against first division newcomers Bari last week. Indeed, Inter's first official match, the Italian Super Cup saw them go down to Lazio, so the interistas will be expecting great things from their side. Meanwhile, AC Milan, after a disastrous preseason, game out firing against Siena last week, and find Ronaldinho in his self-proclaimed "best moment" in Italy.
The side stories in this matchup are worth mentioning as well. While Ronaldinho may finally be back on the ascent, the Eto'o-Milito strikeforce has not quite exploded as anticipated (yet). And let's not forget that the Ronaldinho-Eto'o rift played a part in the demise of that spectacular 2005-06 Champions League winning Barcelona side. Unfortunately for Inter, their Real Madrid-brokered Dutch import, Sneijder, will not be playing today. AC Milan's Real Madrid-brokered Dutch import, Huntelaar, will be. What it all means, as usual, will be determined at the San Siro. The man to watch is ex-Madrid, ex-Barcelona man Samuel Eto'o. Always a big game player, I expect him to find the back of the net today.
Prediction: AC Milan 1 - Inter Milan 2.
The biggest game of the day for me is, shockingly, the Real Madrid v. Deportivo la Coruna home opener. It's the first matchday for la Liga, the best league in the world (Doubtful? I proved it in this post, ace) and looks to be an exciting one. Deportivo wants to return to the dizzying heights reached during the magical decade between 1994 and 2005 when the Gallicians participated in five consecutive Champions Leagues (2000-2005), reaching the semifinals in 2003-04, won a Spanish League (1999-2000), two King's Cups (1994-95, 2001-02), three Spanish Super Cups (1995, 2000, 2005) and earned several second place League finishes (1993-94, 1994-95, 2000-01, 2001-02).
Real Madrid...well, I suppose the past three months have served as a bit of a preview of what's going on there. Let's just say that except signing Ribery, Real did everything it could to build a team equipped to run with a history-making, overpowering and dazzling Barcelona side. Of the eight signings, seven will start today (Ronaldo, Kaka, Benzema, Xabi Alonso, Albiol, Arbeloa, Garay). And they need to score early, because the Bernabeu is not for the faint of heart. The madridista faithful will be expecting a show, and I expect they'll turn on the team if it's 0-0 at half. It's the name of the game when you spend 252 million euros and only bring in 90. People expect a 162 million euro investment to show on the pitch.
Prediction: Real Madrid 4 - Deportivo 1.
Enjoy!
The first match of the day could be the biggest: Manchester United v. Arsenal. Wenger's boys travel to Old Trafford to take on a Manchester United side that has stumbled at the start of the season despite their strong second-half showing against Wigan. Meanwhile the Gunners have gotten off to a smashing start, pummelling their opposition into submission. Both teams will be missing key players, with Ferdinand and Cesc losing their personal fitness battles. There's no reason to believe that both these teams won't be in the title race April, and the three points up for grabs today could signal a momentum shift for either side. Arsenal's youngsters could be exposed, or Manchester United's cracks could be, as Valencia, Berbatov, and Nani don't appear ready to cover all the roles Ronaldo played for the side.
Overall, the game is of much greater importance to Manchester United than to Arsenal. Having left points on the table early, and playing at home will force United to go after the game. Add to that this week's Champions League draw that will see United travelling to Turkey and Russia, and facing worthy opposition in a tough Wolfsburg side, and United won't be afforded much slack between now and September, domestically or in Europe. Arsenal's draw, on the other hand, is easy enough that Arsene will be tempted to run experimental youth sides and probably still finish first in the group. A lengthier preview found here. A brief history of Ferguson and Wenger's particular "relationship" here. Lineups, injuries, and historical notes, here. Finally, the Telegraph puts together a nice visual history of the matchup here.
My prediction: Manchester United 3 - Arsenal 2
Others would argue the biggest game of the day is actually the Milan derbi. Certainly in a strictly historical sense it is the biggest game of the day. But coming so early in the season it lacks the league-wide impact a later matchup might have. And the decline of the Serie A has been well covered here at FutbolNation by ARF. Nevertheless, the match remains a worldwide event and one Inter needs to win as it couldn't get past a draw against first division newcomers Bari last week. Indeed, Inter's first official match, the Italian Super Cup saw them go down to Lazio, so the interistas will be expecting great things from their side. Meanwhile, AC Milan, after a disastrous preseason, game out firing against Siena last week, and find Ronaldinho in his self-proclaimed "best moment" in Italy.
The side stories in this matchup are worth mentioning as well. While Ronaldinho may finally be back on the ascent, the Eto'o-Milito strikeforce has not quite exploded as anticipated (yet). And let's not forget that the Ronaldinho-Eto'o rift played a part in the demise of that spectacular 2005-06 Champions League winning Barcelona side. Unfortunately for Inter, their Real Madrid-brokered Dutch import, Sneijder, will not be playing today. AC Milan's Real Madrid-brokered Dutch import, Huntelaar, will be. What it all means, as usual, will be determined at the San Siro. The man to watch is ex-Madrid, ex-Barcelona man Samuel Eto'o. Always a big game player, I expect him to find the back of the net today.
Prediction: AC Milan 1 - Inter Milan 2.
The biggest game of the day for me is, shockingly, the Real Madrid v. Deportivo la Coruna home opener. It's the first matchday for la Liga, the best league in the world (Doubtful? I proved it in this post, ace) and looks to be an exciting one. Deportivo wants to return to the dizzying heights reached during the magical decade between 1994 and 2005 when the Gallicians participated in five consecutive Champions Leagues (2000-2005), reaching the semifinals in 2003-04, won a Spanish League (1999-2000), two King's Cups (1994-95, 2001-02), three Spanish Super Cups (1995, 2000, 2005) and earned several second place League finishes (1993-94, 1994-95, 2000-01, 2001-02).
Real Madrid...well, I suppose the past three months have served as a bit of a preview of what's going on there. Let's just say that except signing Ribery, Real did everything it could to build a team equipped to run with a history-making, overpowering and dazzling Barcelona side. Of the eight signings, seven will start today (Ronaldo, Kaka, Benzema, Xabi Alonso, Albiol, Arbeloa, Garay). And they need to score early, because the Bernabeu is not for the faint of heart. The madridista faithful will be expecting a show, and I expect they'll turn on the team if it's 0-0 at half. It's the name of the game when you spend 252 million euros and only bring in 90. People expect a 162 million euro investment to show on the pitch.
Prediction: Real Madrid 4 - Deportivo 1.
Enjoy!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
And the Pendulum Swings: La Liga Rules the World - Again
Oh, it's time for this one. I've been anxiously anticipating writing this post. Make sure you've got some time for the cathartic unloading of resentment I'm about to drop on the Premiership-ophiles out there. La Liga starts this weekend, and what better time to tell you why it's the best league in the world than before any games have been played?
After three years of hearing EPL fans announce their supremacy to the four corners of the world, hitching their arguments to three consecutive years with three of four Champions League semifinalists, finally, at long last, La Liga has returned to its rightful place in world football - the pinnacle, the apex, the zenith. The past three years have seen me grasping at straws defending la Liga. Barcelona's undeniable class and a superior middle class of teams were my calling card in these debates. Sevilla's consecutive Europa Cups, and parity among quality sides like Villarreal, Valencia, and Atletico Madrid were needed to mask a poor Real Madrid side who had underperformed dramatically in Europe while contending in Spain. Throw in quality sides like the Euro-Getafe that gave the mighty Bayern Munich all they could handle in the Europa Cup, and Espanyol who lost a Europa Cup final to Sevilla, and I was always willing to go to bat for la Liga as a better all around league.
Not to mention the drastic fall-off of EPL sides beyond the Big Four, with talent-starved teams like Everton, Aston Villa, or Tottenham occupying spots five through seven. Where's their David Villas, Luis Fabianos, or Kun Agueros? That's right - they don't have them. And then, of course, there was my trump card - style, technique, grace, or tiqui-taka as the Spanish call it. Even the worst Liga team attacked, triangulated a path towards goal, and played attractive champagne football. Turn on a Mallorca v. Racing Santander I'd say, and tell me you don't have fun. Then watch Wigan v. Stoke, and wake me up when I fall asleep after the 47th long ball upfield.
But, at the end of the day, Europe was always the final arbiter of quality. Despite Barcelona's historic rise, the truth was that Real Madrid has struggled mightily in recent years, and managed to win la Liga with little more than testicular fortitude, Higuain, Casillas, and Robben. So what's changed, you ask? Shouldn't I wait to write this in May, once Champions League has shaken out? Of course not. That'd be silly, and it would deny me the chance to write another post then about how right I am now. Plus, the EPL's own players have seen the writing on the wall this summer. Torres still thinks the EPL is better, but Ferdinand concedes la Liga is better.
There is no debate that the EPL and la Liga are vying for the top spot in world football leagues. Italy is still rebuilding after the match-fixing scandals, and their economic woes. Germany may or may not jump over their southern competitors, but lack the number of quality sides to compete with England or Spain. So how do I know la Liga is better than the EPL? Easy.
1) Better football. The foundation of la Liga is attacking, champagne football. Fun to watch and highly technical, these tenets of the league as a whole have bolstered la Liga in the past few lean years. This mentality remains, and will remain. Less direct and aggressive than its English counterpart, the only thing it envies the EPL is sheer velocity, a product of the EPL's direct style. The Spanish prefer to "controlar los tiempos" that is to "control the time" or manage the pace and rhythm of the game. I prefer it too.
2) La Liga kept its stars. World class players such as Kun Aguero, Diego Forlan, David Villa, David Silva, Cazorla, Luis Fabiano, and Frederic Kanoute all stayed on Spanish shores. Arguably Samuel Eto'o was the only world class player to leave la Liga this year - and he went to Italy. So Valencia, Atletico Madrid, and Sevilla will all build on their past successes with largely identical teams composed of elite talent. Villarreal - well they never had stars, but always achieved well above their lot in life, and I expect that to continue. And Barcelona - well, last I checked Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Henry, and Dani Alves still play for the blaugrana. La Liga's only top losses were Eto'o and Robben. Otherwise, stability reigned in Spain's export market this summer.
3) An influx of stars and quality. Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Benzema, Xabi Alonso, and Ibrahimovic were the biggest names of the summer. In Ronaldo the EPL saw its brightest light find his way to Spain. Brazilian star Nilmar joined Villarreal. A series of lesser-known EPL players found their way to Spain as well: Jermaine Pennant, Alvaro Arbeloa, and Didier Zokora. Throw in some transfers whose footballing may be overshadowed by their goegraphical marketing reach, such as Nakamura, Manucho, and Boateng, and la Liga's visibility is on the rise too. Jozy Altidore is the only significant loss in this respect, but he'll be back at Villarreal soon enough. The EPL meanwhile, has largely cannibalized itself. Manchester City's big signings all came from the EPL. Manchester United signed Valencia from Wigan and Owen on a free transfer. Arsenal signed no one of great consequence. The fact is, in a list of the top ten players in the world - most are in la Liga. Ronaldo, Messi, Kaka, Ibrahimovic, Xavi, Iniesta, Casillas, Villa, and Aguero. The EPL has Rooney, Gerrard, Drogba, Cesc, Ferdinand, Torres and Lampard. Ribery looks set for Spanish sun next summer, as does Cesc. But we need not go that far - even now, la Liga's burgeoning superiority is apparent.
Don't get me wrong - the game's still played on the field. And la Liga has to prove its superiority there. But when la Liga was a cut below, I liked to remind the EPLites surrounding me that these things tend to be cyclical (something I'll promptly forget when four Spanish teams make the Champions League semis). It seems that the pendulum is swinging back towards the Mediterranean, and a chapter is closing on the EPL. The Big Four will compete in Europe, no doubt. But with la Liga looking to field Barcelona and Real Madrid, plus Sevilla, Atletico, Valencia, and Villarreal la Liga looks to have the best elite teams, the best upper middle class, and the best players. What more do you want? Real Madrid lifting their tenth European Cup in the Bernabeu over a weeping Puyol? Just wait for it. Valencia winning the inaugural Europa Cup. No prob. The EPL can have the marketing titles, Spain will settle for the footballing ones. And believe me when I tell you the European silverware is postmarked for somewhere in Spain this year. I'll leave those ridiculous arguments about the middle class and cycles to the EPL. Loser talk if you ask me.
After three years of hearing EPL fans announce their supremacy to the four corners of the world, hitching their arguments to three consecutive years with three of four Champions League semifinalists, finally, at long last, La Liga has returned to its rightful place in world football - the pinnacle, the apex, the zenith. The past three years have seen me grasping at straws defending la Liga. Barcelona's undeniable class and a superior middle class of teams were my calling card in these debates. Sevilla's consecutive Europa Cups, and parity among quality sides like Villarreal, Valencia, and Atletico Madrid were needed to mask a poor Real Madrid side who had underperformed dramatically in Europe while contending in Spain. Throw in quality sides like the Euro-Getafe that gave the mighty Bayern Munich all they could handle in the Europa Cup, and Espanyol who lost a Europa Cup final to Sevilla, and I was always willing to go to bat for la Liga as a better all around league.
Not to mention the drastic fall-off of EPL sides beyond the Big Four, with talent-starved teams like Everton, Aston Villa, or Tottenham occupying spots five through seven. Where's their David Villas, Luis Fabianos, or Kun Agueros? That's right - they don't have them. And then, of course, there was my trump card - style, technique, grace, or tiqui-taka as the Spanish call it. Even the worst Liga team attacked, triangulated a path towards goal, and played attractive champagne football. Turn on a Mallorca v. Racing Santander I'd say, and tell me you don't have fun. Then watch Wigan v. Stoke, and wake me up when I fall asleep after the 47th long ball upfield.
But, at the end of the day, Europe was always the final arbiter of quality. Despite Barcelona's historic rise, the truth was that Real Madrid has struggled mightily in recent years, and managed to win la Liga with little more than testicular fortitude, Higuain, Casillas, and Robben. So what's changed, you ask? Shouldn't I wait to write this in May, once Champions League has shaken out? Of course not. That'd be silly, and it would deny me the chance to write another post then about how right I am now. Plus, the EPL's own players have seen the writing on the wall this summer. Torres still thinks the EPL is better, but Ferdinand concedes la Liga is better.
There is no debate that the EPL and la Liga are vying for the top spot in world football leagues. Italy is still rebuilding after the match-fixing scandals, and their economic woes. Germany may or may not jump over their southern competitors, but lack the number of quality sides to compete with England or Spain. So how do I know la Liga is better than the EPL? Easy.
1) Better football. The foundation of la Liga is attacking, champagne football. Fun to watch and highly technical, these tenets of the league as a whole have bolstered la Liga in the past few lean years. This mentality remains, and will remain. Less direct and aggressive than its English counterpart, the only thing it envies the EPL is sheer velocity, a product of the EPL's direct style. The Spanish prefer to "controlar los tiempos" that is to "control the time" or manage the pace and rhythm of the game. I prefer it too.
2) La Liga kept its stars. World class players such as Kun Aguero, Diego Forlan, David Villa, David Silva, Cazorla, Luis Fabiano, and Frederic Kanoute all stayed on Spanish shores. Arguably Samuel Eto'o was the only world class player to leave la Liga this year - and he went to Italy. So Valencia, Atletico Madrid, and Sevilla will all build on their past successes with largely identical teams composed of elite talent. Villarreal - well they never had stars, but always achieved well above their lot in life, and I expect that to continue. And Barcelona - well, last I checked Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Henry, and Dani Alves still play for the blaugrana. La Liga's only top losses were Eto'o and Robben. Otherwise, stability reigned in Spain's export market this summer.
3) An influx of stars and quality. Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Benzema, Xabi Alonso, and Ibrahimovic were the biggest names of the summer. In Ronaldo the EPL saw its brightest light find his way to Spain. Brazilian star Nilmar joined Villarreal. A series of lesser-known EPL players found their way to Spain as well: Jermaine Pennant, Alvaro Arbeloa, and Didier Zokora. Throw in some transfers whose footballing may be overshadowed by their goegraphical marketing reach, such as Nakamura, Manucho, and Boateng, and la Liga's visibility is on the rise too. Jozy Altidore is the only significant loss in this respect, but he'll be back at Villarreal soon enough. The EPL meanwhile, has largely cannibalized itself. Manchester City's big signings all came from the EPL. Manchester United signed Valencia from Wigan and Owen on a free transfer. Arsenal signed no one of great consequence. The fact is, in a list of the top ten players in the world - most are in la Liga. Ronaldo, Messi, Kaka, Ibrahimovic, Xavi, Iniesta, Casillas, Villa, and Aguero. The EPL has Rooney, Gerrard, Drogba, Cesc, Ferdinand, Torres and Lampard. Ribery looks set for Spanish sun next summer, as does Cesc. But we need not go that far - even now, la Liga's burgeoning superiority is apparent.
Don't get me wrong - the game's still played on the field. And la Liga has to prove its superiority there. But when la Liga was a cut below, I liked to remind the EPLites surrounding me that these things tend to be cyclical (something I'll promptly forget when four Spanish teams make the Champions League semis). It seems that the pendulum is swinging back towards the Mediterranean, and a chapter is closing on the EPL. The Big Four will compete in Europe, no doubt. But with la Liga looking to field Barcelona and Real Madrid, plus Sevilla, Atletico, Valencia, and Villarreal la Liga looks to have the best elite teams, the best upper middle class, and the best players. What more do you want? Real Madrid lifting their tenth European Cup in the Bernabeu over a weeping Puyol? Just wait for it. Valencia winning the inaugural Europa Cup. No prob. The EPL can have the marketing titles, Spain will settle for the footballing ones. And believe me when I tell you the European silverware is postmarked for somewhere in Spain this year. I'll leave those ridiculous arguments about the middle class and cycles to the EPL. Loser talk if you ask me.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid - A Signing Five Years in the Making
Five years ago Florentino Perez could have signed Xabi Alonso from Real Sociedad for a meager 15 million euros. That was Real Sociedad's asking price, but the then and now Real Madrid president wouldn't budge from 12 million. The Basque midfielder headed to try his luck in England. An FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, and UEFA Super Cup later, and today Real Madrid got their man for 30 million euros.
Alonso was a longtime target and dream signing of Florentino Perez. Madridistas far and wide have lamented the day Xabi Alonso got away many times over, as we've watched footballing luminaries like Pablo Garcia, Gravesen, and Gago try their hand (and fail) at filling the role Xabi now assumes. General Director Jorge Valdano announced today that the squad is closed, and no more signings are expected. In Madrid, the tone is one of satisfaction and excitement. Though Real overpaid for Xabi, he is considered a critical piece in this new Madrid.
Marca's internet frontpage proclaims that Xabi will be the "director of this blockbuster," the "brain" of the team, the "piece that completes the puzzle," and, of course, the cherry on top. Prone to hyperbole, the Spanish daily is neverthless spot on. Xabi is likely the best player in his position in the world right now. Willing to do the dirty work required of a midfielder, Xabi alternates between holding and intelligently distributing the ball forward from depths few others would dream of. Pirlo was as good in his day, and certainly there have been others in that position that excelled. But right now, you couldn't name one. Xavi is a better distributor with marginally better passing and finishing, but lacks the size, power, and vision to defend, dispossess, and intercept. Essien, Yaya Toure, and Carrick are fantastic players, but none combine creation from depth, holding, or distributing quite the way Xabi has done at Liverpool. Simply put, he is world class, and it's no surprise Liverpool fans are embittered and worried about losing him. Indeed, they voted him Liverpool's best player behind Gerrard last season.
Perhaps more importantly, he is absolutely indispensable to Pellegrini's current vision of this team. The "Engineer" prefers not to play with pure wingers, and has been devising a complicated 4-2-2-2 formation that requires playmaking from the back to allow Ronaldo free reign up top and Kaka freedom in the middle. Xabi paired with one of the two Diarras (please God, make Gago go away) fits the bill to perfection. Kaka would connect these first tier midfielders with Ronaldo and whichever two strikers make the cut on the day (Higuain, Benzema, Raul, RVN, etc...). Overpriced? Yes, Rafa squeezed every last nickel out of the Basque. But Xabi serves as a bit of insurance that this particular galaxy isn't sucked into a black hole between the back four and Kaka.
And now the hard part - who's leaving, when, and for how much? Valdano may have closed the entryway, but the exit doors remain wide open. Salgado got the boot this morning, but there's still an exit sign flashing, and it's bright Oranje.
Alonso was a longtime target and dream signing of Florentino Perez. Madridistas far and wide have lamented the day Xabi Alonso got away many times over, as we've watched footballing luminaries like Pablo Garcia, Gravesen, and Gago try their hand (and fail) at filling the role Xabi now assumes. General Director Jorge Valdano announced today that the squad is closed, and no more signings are expected. In Madrid, the tone is one of satisfaction and excitement. Though Real overpaid for Xabi, he is considered a critical piece in this new Madrid.
Marca's internet frontpage proclaims that Xabi will be the "director of this blockbuster," the "brain" of the team, the "piece that completes the puzzle," and, of course, the cherry on top. Prone to hyperbole, the Spanish daily is neverthless spot on. Xabi is likely the best player in his position in the world right now. Willing to do the dirty work required of a midfielder, Xabi alternates between holding and intelligently distributing the ball forward from depths few others would dream of. Pirlo was as good in his day, and certainly there have been others in that position that excelled. But right now, you couldn't name one. Xavi is a better distributor with marginally better passing and finishing, but lacks the size, power, and vision to defend, dispossess, and intercept. Essien, Yaya Toure, and Carrick are fantastic players, but none combine creation from depth, holding, or distributing quite the way Xabi has done at Liverpool. Simply put, he is world class, and it's no surprise Liverpool fans are embittered and worried about losing him. Indeed, they voted him Liverpool's best player behind Gerrard last season.
Perhaps more importantly, he is absolutely indispensable to Pellegrini's current vision of this team. The "Engineer" prefers not to play with pure wingers, and has been devising a complicated 4-2-2-2 formation that requires playmaking from the back to allow Ronaldo free reign up top and Kaka freedom in the middle. Xabi paired with one of the two Diarras (please God, make Gago go away) fits the bill to perfection. Kaka would connect these first tier midfielders with Ronaldo and whichever two strikers make the cut on the day (Higuain, Benzema, Raul, RVN, etc...). Overpriced? Yes, Rafa squeezed every last nickel out of the Basque. But Xabi serves as a bit of insurance that this particular galaxy isn't sucked into a black hole between the back four and Kaka.
And now the hard part - who's leaving, when, and for how much? Valdano may have closed the entryway, but the exit doors remain wide open. Salgado got the boot this morning, but there's still an exit sign flashing, and it's bright Oranje.
More Evil: Real Madrid or the Yankees?
Let's say you were looking to pick a team to root for. You want to pick the biggest winner possible, because that's just the kind of fan that you are. And you'd like to have the most obnoxious fans possible, so that your team is widely reviled by anyone who isn't a fan. You'd like to have a soul, but it's not a requirement. Should you become a baseball fan, and root for the Yankees, or a football fan, and root for Real Madrid?
The Case for the Yankees:
The New York Yankees are the most successful team in the history of baseball. They have won 26 world championships and 39 pennants. Incredibly, 36% of all World Series have included the Yankees. No other team has ever won 20 league pennants. A list of the all-time Yankee greats requires no first names: Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, Berra, Jackson, Mattingly, Jeter.
How have the Yankees been so successful? Representing the purity of the American national pastime, the Yankees are the biggest winners because they spent more money than anyone else. They purchased Babe Ruth for $125,000 from the Red Sox. Their current payroll is over $200 million, more than $65 million more than their closest competitors.
Because of their success, Yankee fans are intolerably arrogant. Therefore, the Yankees are widely hated by everyone else. The Yankees have been dubbed the "Evil Empire." Chicago columnist Mike Royko once said, "hating the New York Yankees is as American as apple pie, unwed mothers and cheating on your income tax." Rooting for the Yankees has been described as owning a yacht or, in a bygone era, rooting for U.S. Steel. Overall, a very convincing profile of a team that you would pick if you just want to root for a winner to feel better about yourself.
The Case for Real Madrid:
Real Madrid is the most successful club in the history of European football. In 78 La Liga seasons, Real Madrid have been champions 31 times, and been runners-up 18 times. That's an astonishing 63% of the time that Real Madrid have finished in the top two in the table. Additionally, Real Madrid have won the Copa del Rey 17 times and finished runners-up 19 times. In European competition, Real Madrid are the most successful club in history, having won the European Cup/Champions League 9 times, including the first five competitions held.
That era of Real Madrid dominance was brought about by Real Madrid buying expensive foreign players from overseas, most notably Alfredo di Stefano. Similarly in modern times, Real Madrid has become synonymous with galacticos, essentially buying the most expensive star players from other teams. It's not premature to say that a second galactico squad is currently being assembled, despite the relative failure of the first.
Real Madrid's benefit to the fascist Franco regime is also well documented. Its unclear just how much Real Madrid benefited from Franco's assistance, but Franco's influence on DiStefano ending up in Madrid rather than Barcelona forever changed European football. And at times those fascist links aren't entirely in the past.
From the previously quoted Phil Ball piece, a quote to sum up this Real Madrid section: "Real Madrid do still think that they are in a privileged position in Spanish society, and that all the best players want to come to them, like the little children to Jesus Christ."
Summation:
So which is more evil? Couldn't go wrong with either, in this writer's humble opinion. Is this entire piece a bitter reaction to Xabi Alonso leaving for the Bernabeu today? It's quite possible.
The Case for the Yankees:
The New York Yankees are the most successful team in the history of baseball. They have won 26 world championships and 39 pennants. Incredibly, 36% of all World Series have included the Yankees. No other team has ever won 20 league pennants. A list of the all-time Yankee greats requires no first names: Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, Berra, Jackson, Mattingly, Jeter.
How have the Yankees been so successful? Representing the purity of the American national pastime, the Yankees are the biggest winners because they spent more money than anyone else. They purchased Babe Ruth for $125,000 from the Red Sox. Their current payroll is over $200 million, more than $65 million more than their closest competitors.
Because of their success, Yankee fans are intolerably arrogant. Therefore, the Yankees are widely hated by everyone else. The Yankees have been dubbed the "Evil Empire." Chicago columnist Mike Royko once said, "hating the New York Yankees is as American as apple pie, unwed mothers and cheating on your income tax." Rooting for the Yankees has been described as owning a yacht or, in a bygone era, rooting for U.S. Steel. Overall, a very convincing profile of a team that you would pick if you just want to root for a winner to feel better about yourself.
The Case for Real Madrid:
Real Madrid is the most successful club in the history of European football. In 78 La Liga seasons, Real Madrid have been champions 31 times, and been runners-up 18 times. That's an astonishing 63% of the time that Real Madrid have finished in the top two in the table. Additionally, Real Madrid have won the Copa del Rey 17 times and finished runners-up 19 times. In European competition, Real Madrid are the most successful club in history, having won the European Cup/Champions League 9 times, including the first five competitions held.
That era of Real Madrid dominance was brought about by Real Madrid buying expensive foreign players from overseas, most notably Alfredo di Stefano. Similarly in modern times, Real Madrid has become synonymous with galacticos, essentially buying the most expensive star players from other teams. It's not premature to say that a second galactico squad is currently being assembled, despite the relative failure of the first.
Real Madrid's benefit to the fascist Franco regime is also well documented. Its unclear just how much Real Madrid benefited from Franco's assistance, but Franco's influence on DiStefano ending up in Madrid rather than Barcelona forever changed European football. And at times those fascist links aren't entirely in the past.
From the previously quoted Phil Ball piece, a quote to sum up this Real Madrid section: "Real Madrid do still think that they are in a privileged position in Spanish society, and that all the best players want to come to them, like the little children to Jesus Christ."
Summation:
So which is more evil? Couldn't go wrong with either, in this writer's humble opinion. Is this entire piece a bitter reaction to Xabi Alonso leaving for the Bernabeu today? It's quite possible.
Friday, July 31, 2009
$200 Million Can't Buy You Victories (Especially Against Juve)
Certainly I had to mention this: today saw Real Madrid and their new galacticos face off against Juventus in the Peace Cup semifinals in Seville. And as the title to this post suggests, all that money can buy you superstars, media attention, and all the hype in the world, but it doesn't buy you victories. End result: Juventus 2-Real Madrid 1.
I know, I know. This is a meaningless pre-season friendly. But it's fun nonetheless, so deal with it.
To make things even better, the first goal of the game was scored by, you guessed it, former-turned-current Juventus defender and ex-Real Madrid man Fabio Cannavaro. I must express a certain affinity for Cannavaro. He was great for the Bianconeri in his previous stint, and as a fellow defender I appreciated him at the full height of his powers reading and dominating the game in leading Italy to the 2006 World Cup title. And for a man of his stature he sure knows how to be an aerial threat.
Ronaldo equalized for Madrid from the spot before Hasan Salihamidzic scored the game winner. It would be nice to see him step up this year because many felt he was a bit of a disappointment last season.
Here's the video.
I would be remiss to not give a shout out to Juve legend Alessandro Del Piero. He once again shone brightly with some beautiful service and he remains influential even as he nears 35 years of age. Oh the memories. Now that I'm reminiscing, a few of his great moments have come at Madrid's expense. Let's take a look!
I would be remiss to not give a shout out to Juve legend Alessandro Del Piero. He once again shone brightly with some beautiful service and he remains influential even as he nears 35 years of age. Oh the memories. Now that I'm reminiscing, a few of his great moments have come at Madrid's expense. Let's take a look!
In fact, we only need to go back to last November when Del Piero stole the show at the Bernabeu with a beautiful brace in a 2-0 win. The Madridistas showed their class in recognizing his performance with a standing ovation as he left the field.
That performance came on the heels of the previous encounter between the two teams in the Champions League group stage, this one in Turin with Del Piero again hitting a wonderful strike to lead Juve to a 2-1 victory.
And for good measure I cannot forget one of my all-time favorite matches, a 3-1 victory in Turin in May of 2003 that overturned a semifinal first leg deficit, resulting in a 4-3 aggregate victory and sending Juve to the Champions League final. Juve ran rampant with great goals by David Trezeguet, Del Piero (there he is again!) and Pavel Nedved before Zinadine Zidane grabbed a late goal to make things interesting. Despite the fact that the Stadio Delle Alpi wasn't always the best stadium for atmosphere, the crowd came through great that night (as it often did on big European nights) and I thoroughly enjoyed the attacking football on display. Check out the highlights:
By the way, Aston Villa also won, beating FC Porto 2-1. Two Americans played a part in that one, with Brad Guzan in goal (stepping in for 2002 World Cup hero Brad Friedel) and Eric Lichaj started at right back. You probably don't know who he is. He signed from UNC after a year and he came up through the Chicago Magic youth club system (they are a very good youth club). The Villains take on Juve in the Peace Cup final on Sunday and I'll be sure to fill you in.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Transfers, Audi Cup, All-Star Game, Oh my!
A variety of things to cover this morning.
Transfers first. Liverpool news reports indicate that Xabi Alonso has handed in his transfer request for a £28 million move to Real Madrid, who are in a fight with Manchester City over who will alter this season's Premier League title race the most. Man City's latest such move, signing Kolo Toure on top of Emmanuel Adebayor, has forced Arsenal to seek a replacement for the defender and striker by offering a one year deal to past-his-prime defensive midfielder and former Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira. That makes perfect sense. Granted, Arsenal do need someone to keep the youngsters on their toes and remind them of how hard things used to be, walking miles in the snow without boots just to get to some relic called Highbury. One of the players who Wenger hoped to step in and play a key role this year, Tomas Rosicky, may have had a set back in his attempt to return after 18 months on the sideline.
Proving that Inter really made out like bandits in the Ibrahimovic-Eto'o swap, they don't really seem concerned that Alexander Hleb will be moving to Stuttgart on loan rather than to the San Siro.
Staying at the San Siro, AC Milan (more on them in a second) need reinforcements badly, so Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko, who netted 26 times while helping his team to the Bundesliga title last season, has declared his desire to move to Milan. However, it doesn't seem like there's much movement on Milan's end.
If you're not tired of reading about Franck Ribery, well here's more! Bayern put a €94 million price tag on the France winger. By setting a market price, the thought now is that if Real is willing to match that price they can get their man, rather than flatly denying that he's moving at all. Chelsea, who have looked strong in preseason, apparently remain in the hunt for Ribery, even though it seems like they're a ways off from meeting Bayern's valuation of the man.
Back to Milan. Yesterday in Munich began the Audi cup, a short tournament pitting Boca Juniors v. Manchester United and AC Milan v. Bayern Munich, with the winners facing off for the championship.
Let's just say AC Milan looks a little bit in disarray.
They are old. They are slow. They have no strikers (would you want to start the season with 19 year old Pato, still an unproven commodity, and 35 year old Pippo Inzaghi?). The defense looks like Swiss cheese. Oguchi Onyewu's move looks worse every time he steps on the field. While he can't be blamed for it all, he hasn't looked great as part of a defense that allowed 3 more goals once he came on. Yesterday the damage was a 4-1 loss in which Milan was thoroughly outclassed, and even the lone goal from Pirlo's free kick was really the result of a goalkeeping blunder.
Here are the full highlights.
Additionally, Man U defeated Boca Juniors 2-1, with Anderson and Antonio Valencia combining to reproduce what used to be done by Cristiano Ronaldo (Anderson scoring from a nice free kick and Valencia opening his account by making a nice burst slightly in from the wing). Man U looked tentative in its overall approach to a degree, which was disappointing, but it's still early.
Here are highlights (including Anderson becoming the 1 millionth person to honor Michael Jackson by celebrating his goal with a patented leg kick).
I also wanted to briefly comment on how impressive the atmosphere seemed at the Allianz Arena. It was a reminder of how great the crowds were for the 2006 World Cup, particular as Germany made its surprising run to the semi-finals. Too bad 2010 will be marred by those damn vuvuzelas.
Finally, last night was the MLS All-Star game, pitting Everton against a team that wasn't really the best of MLS (with some players out or withheld because of injury or their teams playing in the CONCACAF Champions League). The result was a 1-1 tie after 90 minutes, with Everton prevailing in PKs on the back of superstud goalie Tim Howard. Not sure that game means anything at all, other than Stewart Holden apparently brought with him some of the Gold Cup final karma by sending Louis Saha in alone with a wonderful pass for Everton's lone goal, and it's a great sign to see Howard on top of his game ahead of the upcoming clash against Mexico.
Here's video of how not to take penalty kicks.
Transfers first. Liverpool news reports indicate that Xabi Alonso has handed in his transfer request for a £28 million move to Real Madrid, who are in a fight with Manchester City over who will alter this season's Premier League title race the most. Man City's latest such move, signing Kolo Toure on top of Emmanuel Adebayor, has forced Arsenal to seek a replacement for the defender and striker by offering a one year deal to past-his-prime defensive midfielder and former Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira. That makes perfect sense. Granted, Arsenal do need someone to keep the youngsters on their toes and remind them of how hard things used to be, walking miles in the snow without boots just to get to some relic called Highbury. One of the players who Wenger hoped to step in and play a key role this year, Tomas Rosicky, may have had a set back in his attempt to return after 18 months on the sideline.
Proving that Inter really made out like bandits in the Ibrahimovic-Eto'o swap, they don't really seem concerned that Alexander Hleb will be moving to Stuttgart on loan rather than to the San Siro.
Staying at the San Siro, AC Milan (more on them in a second) need reinforcements badly, so Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko, who netted 26 times while helping his team to the Bundesliga title last season, has declared his desire to move to Milan. However, it doesn't seem like there's much movement on Milan's end.
If you're not tired of reading about Franck Ribery, well here's more! Bayern put a €94 million price tag on the France winger. By setting a market price, the thought now is that if Real is willing to match that price they can get their man, rather than flatly denying that he's moving at all. Chelsea, who have looked strong in preseason, apparently remain in the hunt for Ribery, even though it seems like they're a ways off from meeting Bayern's valuation of the man.
Back to Milan. Yesterday in Munich began the Audi cup, a short tournament pitting Boca Juniors v. Manchester United and AC Milan v. Bayern Munich, with the winners facing off for the championship.
Let's just say AC Milan looks a little bit in disarray.
They are old. They are slow. They have no strikers (would you want to start the season with 19 year old Pato, still an unproven commodity, and 35 year old Pippo Inzaghi?). The defense looks like Swiss cheese. Oguchi Onyewu's move looks worse every time he steps on the field. While he can't be blamed for it all, he hasn't looked great as part of a defense that allowed 3 more goals once he came on. Yesterday the damage was a 4-1 loss in which Milan was thoroughly outclassed, and even the lone goal from Pirlo's free kick was really the result of a goalkeeping blunder.
Here are the full highlights.
Additionally, Man U defeated Boca Juniors 2-1, with Anderson and Antonio Valencia combining to reproduce what used to be done by Cristiano Ronaldo (Anderson scoring from a nice free kick and Valencia opening his account by making a nice burst slightly in from the wing). Man U looked tentative in its overall approach to a degree, which was disappointing, but it's still early.
Here are highlights (including Anderson becoming the 1 millionth person to honor Michael Jackson by celebrating his goal with a patented leg kick).
I also wanted to briefly comment on how impressive the atmosphere seemed at the Allianz Arena. It was a reminder of how great the crowds were for the 2006 World Cup, particular as Germany made its surprising run to the semi-finals. Too bad 2010 will be marred by those damn vuvuzelas.
Finally, last night was the MLS All-Star game, pitting Everton against a team that wasn't really the best of MLS (with some players out or withheld because of injury or their teams playing in the CONCACAF Champions League). The result was a 1-1 tie after 90 minutes, with Everton prevailing in PKs on the back of superstud goalie Tim Howard. Not sure that game means anything at all, other than Stewart Holden apparently brought with him some of the Gold Cup final karma by sending Louis Saha in alone with a wonderful pass for Everton's lone goal, and it's a great sign to see Howard on top of his game ahead of the upcoming clash against Mexico.
Here's video of how not to take penalty kicks.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
A Transfer! A Transfer! My Kingdom for a Transfer!
Finally! While the truly dramatic transfers of the season appear to have passed, the doldrums of July have passed and teams are making moves to improve going into the new season. Few teams (barring Chelsea) have made any kind of statement in their preseason matches yet, so the major currency in football news remains the shifting fortunes of teams and players.
You've already heard, and we've already opined on it here, but in case you missed it, Ibrahimovic signed with Barcelona and was presented before 50,000 fans, who apparanetly were ecstatic that their club was fleeced by Inter. Trust me when I say Real Madrid fans are happy too.
Defensive jack-of-all-trades Alvaro Arbeloa returns to Real Madrid, the club that formed him, for 4 million euros.
Keirrison of Palmeiras finally signed for Barcelona and was promptly loaned out to Benfica to cut his teeth in a European league and in European play.
Manchester City continue to singlehandedly disassemble Arsenal while Arsene Wenger sits back and watches. Kolo Toure's signing proves that Manchester City are aware of a thing called "defense" and that Wenger has no understanding that he's literally selling fourth place to all comers (but probably Man City) this offseason. An interesting article on the struggles facing Arsenal next season here. Trust me (again) when I tell you FutbolNation will be covering this topic soon - probably right after Wenger replaces Fabregas with a 12 year old from Madagascar who shows tons of promise.
Spanish international, deadbeat dad (twice!), and all-around low-class greaseball and scumbucket Dani Guiza will likely be moving from Fenerbahce to Lyon after the Turkish side accepted a 12 million euro offer for the striker. To be fair, the ex-Pichichi can put it in the back of the net.
Marseille has picked up Fernando Morientes on a free transfer. Even at 33 "el Moro" is a winner and should be able to help the French side in a limited role.
Tottenham has given up its efforts to sign lanky striker Huntelaar, and instead signed lanky striker Peter Crouch from Portsmouth.
Ahhhh. Well that felt good. Teams are getting better, teams are getting worse, but things are happening. Thank goodness. Want a bit more on the beautiful game?
WSC has a short bit on Argentine coaching legend and Chilean national team coach Marcelo Bielsa. If you've been following CONMEBOL qualifying, you know Chile is in the nascent stages of what could turn out to be a golden generation.
And in case you forgot, Sir Alex Ferguson still really dislikes Real Madrid. But then again, who hasn't Fergie hated at one time or another?
You've already heard, and we've already opined on it here, but in case you missed it, Ibrahimovic signed with Barcelona and was presented before 50,000 fans, who apparanetly were ecstatic that their club was fleeced by Inter. Trust me when I say Real Madrid fans are happy too.
Defensive jack-of-all-trades Alvaro Arbeloa returns to Real Madrid, the club that formed him, for 4 million euros.
Keirrison of Palmeiras finally signed for Barcelona and was promptly loaned out to Benfica to cut his teeth in a European league and in European play.
Manchester City continue to singlehandedly disassemble Arsenal while Arsene Wenger sits back and watches. Kolo Toure's signing proves that Manchester City are aware of a thing called "defense" and that Wenger has no understanding that he's literally selling fourth place to all comers (but probably Man City) this offseason. An interesting article on the struggles facing Arsenal next season here. Trust me (again) when I tell you FutbolNation will be covering this topic soon - probably right after Wenger replaces Fabregas with a 12 year old from Madagascar who shows tons of promise.
Spanish international, deadbeat dad (twice!), and all-around low-class greaseball and scumbucket Dani Guiza will likely be moving from Fenerbahce to Lyon after the Turkish side accepted a 12 million euro offer for the striker. To be fair, the ex-Pichichi can put it in the back of the net.
Marseille has picked up Fernando Morientes on a free transfer. Even at 33 "el Moro" is a winner and should be able to help the French side in a limited role.
Tottenham has given up its efforts to sign lanky striker Huntelaar, and instead signed lanky striker Peter Crouch from Portsmouth.
Ahhhh. Well that felt good. Teams are getting better, teams are getting worse, but things are happening. Thank goodness. Want a bit more on the beautiful game?
WSC has a short bit on Argentine coaching legend and Chilean national team coach Marcelo Bielsa. If you've been following CONMEBOL qualifying, you know Chile is in the nascent stages of what could turn out to be a golden generation.
And in case you forgot, Sir Alex Ferguson still really dislikes Real Madrid. But then again, who hasn't Fergie hated at one time or another?
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Are Real Madrid Destroying the Game?
As HalaMadrid commented on in his last post, there's been a lot of noise about the Real Madrid signings this summer. It's not every day a signing gets "morally vulgar" or "imperialist". What is the basis of this criticism and how much of it is legitimate? Let's go over a few of the main criticisms of the signing.
Criticism #1: Arrogance
It's been said that Real Madrid are showing their arrogance in these signings. Let's just throw this out there: of course they are. Clubs, like people, have egos, and Real Madrid thinks of themselves as the greatest football club in the world. For a club that was voted the most successful in the 20th century by FIFA, this isn't an entirely unreasonable position. But this attitude is certainly arrogant. Just in this space, it's been argued Real Madrid have saved the football summer (by providing more money for transfers, though football would probably still be played just the same in the fall if fewer players changed teams) and have returned hope to La Liga and maybe Spain itself. Yikes.
Recently, Florentino Perez was talking favorably about the potential "Super League" featuring the top European clubs. He argued that the format doesn't benefit the biggest clubs. The Champions League, of course, does nothing but benefit the biggest clubs. Perez said, "We have to agree a new European Super League which guarantees that the best always play the best - something that does not happen in the Champions League." Ah, now the difficulty is clear. The problem with the Champions League is that there are these smaller clubs involved, and sometimes they actually win. The nerve of them! Some might say the opportunity for David to take down Goliath is part of the fun of Champions League. For Perez, the mere presence of that possibility gives a chance to clubs that don't really deserve it, not being of the ilk of Real Madrid. And therefore that possibility should just be eliminated. It doesn't get more arrogant than that. And it should be pointed out that the "best clubs" would get to play each other in Champions League if they could get past the Round of 16. And Liverpool would probably still be one of the "best clubs".
That said, the fact that Real Madrid is arrogant isn't necessarily a reason for criticizing the signings themselves. They were able to raise the most money, and therefore they bought the best players they could, in order to have the best chance to win. People may (will) hate Real Madrid for this, and be envious of their ability to assemble these new galacticos. But that in itself isn't a reason to say that the club should behaving differently.
Criticism #2: As a Means to Victory
Was the previous galactico side a success? The club won the Champions League in 2002, La Liga in 2003, and then went without a major trophy until winning La Liga in 2007. From a marketing standpoint, the club may have been a success, but that previous era could be described as underachieving on the pitch. In 2004 Real Madrid even managed to finish fourth behind Deportivo de La Coruna.
So this side, for all its talent, is not guaranteed success. Success for this club means winning La Liga and Champions League success. What if Real Madrid fails to win any trophies next year? With Barcelona in La Liga and the difficulties of Champions League, it's certainly not out of the question. Will this team be good enough defensively? Will all the egos mesh together? Will the team play as one? The beauty of football is that talent is nothing without determination and a willingness to work together. A selfish team will not succeed in the end.
But again, these are not really reasons to criticize the signings. It's possible that importing the most expensive talent that can be acquired and just throwing it out there on the pitch is not the ideal way to build a team. But if it isn't, it will be Real Madrid that pays the price. If they can get the pieces to mesh together, they will reap the reward. Let the football gods determine whether assembling these parts is a "proper" way to build a side.
Criticism #3: Morality/Vulgarity/Imperialism
My colleague (and Arsene Wenger) are correct on this point. The morality talk makes no sense. Some may think the signings excessive, but that's a question of market value. Could the banks be lending to small businesses instead? They could, but they would anyway if they thought it was profitable. As corporations, they'll behave in the way that they believe will make the largest profit.
Is it unseemly during a global recession to be spending this kind of money? It can certainly appear that way. But really the fact that Real Madrid thinks it might be worth that amount is a testament to the health of the sport, and how much money it makes on the global stage.
Most of this talk is envy, plain and simple. Most of the other clubs saying things like this would acquire these players if they could.
Criticism #4: Fairness/Competitive Balance
This is by far the most valid/interesting criticism. The spending by the big clubs, and Real Madrid does the most spending, is clearly altering the balance of the game. Is this a good thing? I'm honestly not sure. I believe there can be too much dominance by the big clubs, but I also don't necessarily favor total parity. People enjoy titanic clashes. Look at the level of hype that surrounded that Barca-Man U Champions League final.
So to answer the question, no, Real Madrid are not destroying the game. Are they, and the other big clubs, destroying the competitive balance of the game? If so, should there be some way to limit the amount that clubs can spend? This entry having wandered on long enough, those will have to be questions for another day.
Criticism #1: Arrogance
It's been said that Real Madrid are showing their arrogance in these signings. Let's just throw this out there: of course they are. Clubs, like people, have egos, and Real Madrid thinks of themselves as the greatest football club in the world. For a club that was voted the most successful in the 20th century by FIFA, this isn't an entirely unreasonable position. But this attitude is certainly arrogant. Just in this space, it's been argued Real Madrid have saved the football summer (by providing more money for transfers, though football would probably still be played just the same in the fall if fewer players changed teams) and have returned hope to La Liga and maybe Spain itself. Yikes.
Recently, Florentino Perez was talking favorably about the potential "Super League" featuring the top European clubs. He argued that the format doesn't benefit the biggest clubs. The Champions League, of course, does nothing but benefit the biggest clubs. Perez said, "We have to agree a new European Super League which guarantees that the best always play the best - something that does not happen in the Champions League." Ah, now the difficulty is clear. The problem with the Champions League is that there are these smaller clubs involved, and sometimes they actually win. The nerve of them! Some might say the opportunity for David to take down Goliath is part of the fun of Champions League. For Perez, the mere presence of that possibility gives a chance to clubs that don't really deserve it, not being of the ilk of Real Madrid. And therefore that possibility should just be eliminated. It doesn't get more arrogant than that. And it should be pointed out that the "best clubs" would get to play each other in Champions League if they could get past the Round of 16. And Liverpool would probably still be one of the "best clubs".
That said, the fact that Real Madrid is arrogant isn't necessarily a reason for criticizing the signings themselves. They were able to raise the most money, and therefore they bought the best players they could, in order to have the best chance to win. People may (will) hate Real Madrid for this, and be envious of their ability to assemble these new galacticos. But that in itself isn't a reason to say that the club should behaving differently.
Criticism #2: As a Means to Victory
Was the previous galactico side a success? The club won the Champions League in 2002, La Liga in 2003, and then went without a major trophy until winning La Liga in 2007. From a marketing standpoint, the club may have been a success, but that previous era could be described as underachieving on the pitch. In 2004 Real Madrid even managed to finish fourth behind Deportivo de La Coruna.
So this side, for all its talent, is not guaranteed success. Success for this club means winning La Liga and Champions League success. What if Real Madrid fails to win any trophies next year? With Barcelona in La Liga and the difficulties of Champions League, it's certainly not out of the question. Will this team be good enough defensively? Will all the egos mesh together? Will the team play as one? The beauty of football is that talent is nothing without determination and a willingness to work together. A selfish team will not succeed in the end.
But again, these are not really reasons to criticize the signings. It's possible that importing the most expensive talent that can be acquired and just throwing it out there on the pitch is not the ideal way to build a team. But if it isn't, it will be Real Madrid that pays the price. If they can get the pieces to mesh together, they will reap the reward. Let the football gods determine whether assembling these parts is a "proper" way to build a side.
Criticism #3: Morality/Vulgarity/Imperialism
My colleague (and Arsene Wenger) are correct on this point. The morality talk makes no sense. Some may think the signings excessive, but that's a question of market value. Could the banks be lending to small businesses instead? They could, but they would anyway if they thought it was profitable. As corporations, they'll behave in the way that they believe will make the largest profit.
Is it unseemly during a global recession to be spending this kind of money? It can certainly appear that way. But really the fact that Real Madrid thinks it might be worth that amount is a testament to the health of the sport, and how much money it makes on the global stage.
Most of this talk is envy, plain and simple. Most of the other clubs saying things like this would acquire these players if they could.
Criticism #4: Fairness/Competitive Balance
This is by far the most valid/interesting criticism. The spending by the big clubs, and Real Madrid does the most spending, is clearly altering the balance of the game. Is this a good thing? I'm honestly not sure. I believe there can be too much dominance by the big clubs, but I also don't necessarily favor total parity. People enjoy titanic clashes. Look at the level of hype that surrounded that Barca-Man U Champions League final.
So to answer the question, no, Real Madrid are not destroying the game. Are they, and the other big clubs, destroying the competitive balance of the game? If so, should there be some way to limit the amount that clubs can spend? This entry having wandered on long enough, those will have to be questions for another day.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Moral High Ground and Football
It has become popular in Europe, after Real Madrid's two blockbuster signings, to assert various charges against Real Madrid and president Florentino Perez. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has gone so far as call Real Madrid's strategy "imperialist" and as having airs of arrogance. But the criticisms have come from far and wide, and most share a one remarkable trait - the attacks are founded in some greater footballing morality, some higher, holier ground from which Real Madrid and Florentino Perez may be properly judged.
UEFA president Michel Platini initially remarked that, "These transfers are a serious challenge to the idea of fair play and the concept of financial balance in our competitions." Platini has gone on to say that he's "embarrassed" by the Ronaldo transfer fee, and considered Maradona's transfer to Napoli "vulgar" (equivalent to 6.5 million euros today). Platini is reported to be considering salary caps in the coming years - an odd solution to a problem that has been driven by transfer fees and not player salaries.
Sir Bobby Charlton also found the Ronaldo transfer fee a bit "vulgar." Spanish president Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero considered the transfer fees, "excessive," but at least acknowledged the social power of football. Spanish Economy Minister Elena Salgado said she was "surprised" and felt that the Ronaldo sum "escapes the dimensions she would consider" for a player. Unamused, she stated she'd ask banks, if they have the liquidity, to make the same efforts to loan money to small business and families. The president of the Catalan Generalitat, Jose Montilla agreed, noting that the sums spent were "not exemplary" considering the difficulties families and small business owners were having in securing loans, and the number of unemployed and underemployed in the nation.
Others have been even more reactionary. Frederic Thiriez, president of the French Professional Football League (LPF), tagged the transfer sums as "morally indecent" and "suicidal for European football in the sporting sense." Daniel Harris of ESPN writes Real Madrid's signing policy is: "morally repugnant, crass and vulgar just as it is in any walk of life." Harris continues, stating that teams should earn money "legitimately" (whatever that means) and passes off his opinion of how team-building should be done as fact. He, like Platini, suggests a salary cap, and takes digs galore at Real Madrid. Indeed to read Harris's apocalyptic view of the transfers and you'd think John Connor will need to save football from Real Madrid and Florentino Perez.
Certainly, there is a sense that the British critics are chomping at the bit to tear into Real Madrid for what the EPL's big four have been doing a lot of recently. These nationalistic fractures, however, are best left for another day. What is surprising, is the play on morality and vulgarity that continually enters the discussion of transfer fees. "Vulgarity" in this context carries the that classist connotation of criticism for being nouveau riche. As in, "Never speak about how much something cost - how vulgar." Think every rapper ever on MTV Cribs as they rattle how much it cost them to frame a Scarface poster in platinum. What this even means in relation to a transfer fee is unclear to me.
Presumably, those finding the fee "vulgar" would have preferred Real Madrid sit contently back (with proper form) and observe their footballing mediocrity, starkly accentuated by their rival FC Barcelona's meteoric rise. Oddly enough, if there is a club in the world that is not new money, it is Real Madrid. Even more contradictory, the classist overtones of this criticism stand in relief to the ostensible goal of the attack - to protect football's "middle class." Attacking a club's vulgarity may make for a good soundbite, or convey an appropriate anger at the moves, but this doesn't mean it's any less outlandish and unfounded of a critique. Particularly coming from ex-footballers and politicians, whose spending habits are themselves questionable at best.
The argument of "morality" is equally absurd. What morality the critics refer to is unclear. How, exactly, does Real Madrid's signing policy in any way affect banks lending to families or businesses? Did Florentino steal people's food to fund the signings? Had Kaka and Ronaldo not been signed, would Perez have donated the money to charity? I think not. Listen, I'm the first person to put AIG or Chrysler or Merrill Lynch to the sword for fiscal irresponsibility. But these are major corporations whose stake in the world economy is such that their actions affect everyone. Further, the irresponsibility of those financial entities has no bearing on the actions of a football club. And actually, Real Madrid's signing are not even fiscally irresponsible. The footballing repercussions are debatable, but financially, these moves are most likely sound. Why?
Because Real Madrid as an entity has only four goals: (1) turn a profit to survive as a club; (2) win; (3) win; and (4) win. Florentino thinks Real Madrid, caught in an extended institutional and footballing crisis for the past five years, has a better chance of winning if they have the world's best players. That's not so preposterous, is it? On top of that, signings like Kaka and Ronaldo, mean money, and lots of it. Observers have estimated that Kaka's signing alone could generate an additional 100 million euros a year for Real Madrid. Ronaldo sold 2,000 shirts in one day. Each shirt costs approximately $100 - do the math. Moreover, what price can you even put on a Champions League title? On a league title? On beating Barcelona? On top of making fiscal sense, these signings carry on a historical tradition at Real Madrid, they from part of the club's tradition too.
Real Madrid's General Director Jorge Valdano spoke eloquently on the subject when put to the flame by a journalist on TVE recently. Valdano explained that Santiago Bernabeu had a plan in place when he built a 120,000 person stadium in the heart of Madrid in 1947. This was to increase the club's revenues by filling the stadium. To do so, Bernabeu (the stadium didn't carry his name until much later), brought the world and Spain's finest players to play in the stadium and draw the necessary crowds (see: Di Stefano, Gento, Puskas etc...). The plan worked.
Valdano explained to the hardheaded journalist that today it's not an issue of filling the stadium, but of assuring that when a TV is turned on in China, Africa or Asia for a weekly football match, that Real Madrid be the match that's chosen. In his usual convincing way, Valdano stated that no one would have the audacity to question a production company's payment for a top billed star or director for the summer's latest blockbuster. Yet, somehow, everyone questions Real Madrid's decision to do much the same thing - produce a spectacle known as football with the highest production values possible. Valdano passingly mentioned, but it is a critical point to consider, that Real Madrid, unlike most of the rich clubs has no owner, and is rather owned by its "socios" or shareholders/season ticket holders (think Green Bay Packers). Therefore, its ability to market itself is its lifeblood. No wealthy Russian, American, or Arab benefactors in the Spanish capital.
And yet, everyone seems to be losing substantial hours of sleep due the vulgar immorality of Florentino Perez and Real Madrid. Needless to say, I'm sleeping just fine. Only two figures in the footballing world have gotten it right. Sepp Blatter commented that these fees demonstrate the economic health of football in the world and acknowledging the societal context of football. Arsene Wenger went further, and even while criticizing Real Madrid, admitted that morality should not be the judge of the signings, leaving all judgment to profitability. And we all know, profits in football come in cash or silverware.
So if morality is, as Nietzsche says, the herd instinct of the individual, then Real Madrid should embrace its alleged immorality. Rather than embracing the collective fear the majority of European clubs used to justify their complacency in the transfer market, Real Madrid stood apart and pushed its chips to the center of the table. Perhaps they had to do so for footballing reasons. Perhaps they owed it to their fans since the world's richest team had become one of the poorest on the field of play (certainly of the elite teams). Whatever the reason, Florentino rebuilt, reloaded, and recharged in the space of one month. He's returned hope to a team, a city, a league, and in some ways a country.
For those who read vulgarity and immorality into such actions, let them. But I assure you, once the whistle blows, it'll be those same naysayers who are tuning in to the end product of that alleged vulgarity - a football team, who madridistas hope, is anything but vulgar. And as for morality, well, there's only one judge of morality in sports, and it's the trophy room. So we'll soon find out how immoral Real Madrid is. If history were to serve as a guide...
UEFA president Michel Platini initially remarked that, "These transfers are a serious challenge to the idea of fair play and the concept of financial balance in our competitions." Platini has gone on to say that he's "embarrassed" by the Ronaldo transfer fee, and considered Maradona's transfer to Napoli "vulgar" (equivalent to 6.5 million euros today). Platini is reported to be considering salary caps in the coming years - an odd solution to a problem that has been driven by transfer fees and not player salaries.
Sir Bobby Charlton also found the Ronaldo transfer fee a bit "vulgar." Spanish president Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero considered the transfer fees, "excessive," but at least acknowledged the social power of football. Spanish Economy Minister Elena Salgado said she was "surprised" and felt that the Ronaldo sum "escapes the dimensions she would consider" for a player. Unamused, she stated she'd ask banks, if they have the liquidity, to make the same efforts to loan money to small business and families. The president of the Catalan Generalitat, Jose Montilla agreed, noting that the sums spent were "not exemplary" considering the difficulties families and small business owners were having in securing loans, and the number of unemployed and underemployed in the nation.
Others have been even more reactionary. Frederic Thiriez, president of the French Professional Football League (LPF), tagged the transfer sums as "morally indecent" and "suicidal for European football in the sporting sense." Daniel Harris of ESPN writes Real Madrid's signing policy is: "morally repugnant, crass and vulgar just as it is in any walk of life." Harris continues, stating that teams should earn money "legitimately" (whatever that means) and passes off his opinion of how team-building should be done as fact. He, like Platini, suggests a salary cap, and takes digs galore at Real Madrid. Indeed to read Harris's apocalyptic view of the transfers and you'd think John Connor will need to save football from Real Madrid and Florentino Perez.
Certainly, there is a sense that the British critics are chomping at the bit to tear into Real Madrid for what the EPL's big four have been doing a lot of recently. These nationalistic fractures, however, are best left for another day. What is surprising, is the play on morality and vulgarity that continually enters the discussion of transfer fees. "Vulgarity" in this context carries the that classist connotation of criticism for being nouveau riche. As in, "Never speak about how much something cost - how vulgar." Think every rapper ever on MTV Cribs as they rattle how much it cost them to frame a Scarface poster in platinum. What this even means in relation to a transfer fee is unclear to me.
Presumably, those finding the fee "vulgar" would have preferred Real Madrid sit contently back (with proper form) and observe their footballing mediocrity, starkly accentuated by their rival FC Barcelona's meteoric rise. Oddly enough, if there is a club in the world that is not new money, it is Real Madrid. Even more contradictory, the classist overtones of this criticism stand in relief to the ostensible goal of the attack - to protect football's "middle class." Attacking a club's vulgarity may make for a good soundbite, or convey an appropriate anger at the moves, but this doesn't mean it's any less outlandish and unfounded of a critique. Particularly coming from ex-footballers and politicians, whose spending habits are themselves questionable at best.
The argument of "morality" is equally absurd. What morality the critics refer to is unclear. How, exactly, does Real Madrid's signing policy in any way affect banks lending to families or businesses? Did Florentino steal people's food to fund the signings? Had Kaka and Ronaldo not been signed, would Perez have donated the money to charity? I think not. Listen, I'm the first person to put AIG or Chrysler or Merrill Lynch to the sword for fiscal irresponsibility. But these are major corporations whose stake in the world economy is such that their actions affect everyone. Further, the irresponsibility of those financial entities has no bearing on the actions of a football club. And actually, Real Madrid's signing are not even fiscally irresponsible. The footballing repercussions are debatable, but financially, these moves are most likely sound. Why?
Because Real Madrid as an entity has only four goals: (1) turn a profit to survive as a club; (2) win; (3) win; and (4) win. Florentino thinks Real Madrid, caught in an extended institutional and footballing crisis for the past five years, has a better chance of winning if they have the world's best players. That's not so preposterous, is it? On top of that, signings like Kaka and Ronaldo, mean money, and lots of it. Observers have estimated that Kaka's signing alone could generate an additional 100 million euros a year for Real Madrid. Ronaldo sold 2,000 shirts in one day. Each shirt costs approximately $100 - do the math. Moreover, what price can you even put on a Champions League title? On a league title? On beating Barcelona? On top of making fiscal sense, these signings carry on a historical tradition at Real Madrid, they from part of the club's tradition too.
Real Madrid's General Director Jorge Valdano spoke eloquently on the subject when put to the flame by a journalist on TVE recently. Valdano explained that Santiago Bernabeu had a plan in place when he built a 120,000 person stadium in the heart of Madrid in 1947. This was to increase the club's revenues by filling the stadium. To do so, Bernabeu (the stadium didn't carry his name until much later), brought the world and Spain's finest players to play in the stadium and draw the necessary crowds (see: Di Stefano, Gento, Puskas etc...). The plan worked.
Valdano explained to the hardheaded journalist that today it's not an issue of filling the stadium, but of assuring that when a TV is turned on in China, Africa or Asia for a weekly football match, that Real Madrid be the match that's chosen. In his usual convincing way, Valdano stated that no one would have the audacity to question a production company's payment for a top billed star or director for the summer's latest blockbuster. Yet, somehow, everyone questions Real Madrid's decision to do much the same thing - produce a spectacle known as football with the highest production values possible. Valdano passingly mentioned, but it is a critical point to consider, that Real Madrid, unlike most of the rich clubs has no owner, and is rather owned by its "socios" or shareholders/season ticket holders (think Green Bay Packers). Therefore, its ability to market itself is its lifeblood. No wealthy Russian, American, or Arab benefactors in the Spanish capital.
And yet, everyone seems to be losing substantial hours of sleep due the vulgar immorality of Florentino Perez and Real Madrid. Needless to say, I'm sleeping just fine. Only two figures in the footballing world have gotten it right. Sepp Blatter commented that these fees demonstrate the economic health of football in the world and acknowledging the societal context of football. Arsene Wenger went further, and even while criticizing Real Madrid, admitted that morality should not be the judge of the signings, leaving all judgment to profitability. And we all know, profits in football come in cash or silverware.
So if morality is, as Nietzsche says, the herd instinct of the individual, then Real Madrid should embrace its alleged immorality. Rather than embracing the collective fear the majority of European clubs used to justify their complacency in the transfer market, Real Madrid stood apart and pushed its chips to the center of the table. Perhaps they had to do so for footballing reasons. Perhaps they owed it to their fans since the world's richest team had become one of the poorest on the field of play (certainly of the elite teams). Whatever the reason, Florentino rebuilt, reloaded, and recharged in the space of one month. He's returned hope to a team, a city, a league, and in some ways a country.
For those who read vulgarity and immorality into such actions, let them. But I assure you, once the whistle blows, it'll be those same naysayers who are tuning in to the end product of that alleged vulgarity - a football team, who madridistas hope, is anything but vulgar. And as for morality, well, there's only one judge of morality in sports, and it's the trophy room. So we'll soon find out how immoral Real Madrid is. If history were to serve as a guide...
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