If rumours are to be believed , Wigan's manager Roberto Martinez is to be the next Liverpool Manager after the dismissal of Anfield Favourite , Kenny Dalglish by Fenway Sports group . By all accounts , Martinez happens to be on holiday in the caribbean island , and an interview / meeting with Liverpool's American owners have evidently taken place . With Wigan's Chairman acting as unofficial spokesperson / PR consultant , for his perhaps, soon to be departing manager , Roberto Martinez . I am just puzzled at the manner in which events seem to be unravelling .
Let's face it , Dalglish for all his Legendary status deserved the chop , but I would have envisaged Fenway sports group to have gone about acquiring the services of his successor in a more dignified way - such as , at least having the mechanics of the process right . All the speculation surrounding who the next manager will be is hurtful enough for the fans of Liverpool football Club whom as i stated earlier, see Kenny Dalglish as a Legend . With that point on board , they must do better with their ideas for getting a replacement in place ; and perhaps a more famous person , with a richer pedigree / association with foot balling and / or managerial success would be the sort to placate the fans , who are spitting blood over the sacking of their idol . I sincerely hope lessons have been learnt from the penultimate manager they sacked - a certain Roy Hodgson . Not in the sense that Roy Hodgson was not competent enough to do the job , as we all know, Liverpool fans breath and worship their Club's illustrious history and heritage , and would fiercely demand Dalglish's replacement has a record to stand -up to their sharp and harsh scrutiny .
I concur with giving Fenway Sports Group the benefit of doubt , and hold-on till a name is officially announced before mouthing them off , but they cannot afford not to get it right this time . Liverpool Football Club have decelerated in the last two and half years , and getting this appointment wrong would potentially usher in a period of downward spiral for this great Club. The Club needs forward momentum . As such , the next manager has to hit the ground running . Getting back into the Champions' League at first go , and winning the disgruntled fans over is no mean feat for any manager , but sounds like his brief. If indeed Martinez has been " offered " the job , and turns round to reject it for one thing or the other , that sort of snub , not by a big name manager will be damaging for the Club and it's new owners. A few have already turned down the chance for an interview already . This must not become a moral hazard , we are talking of a global brand , and a Club of tremendous stature .
I have been historically an admirer of Roberto Martinez . As a pundit working for sky sports on Spanish Football , and his successful managerial stint at Swansea . Eloquent , balanced , thoughtful , a student of the game , and as we witnessed in Wigan's last 10 games , has the tactical nous , and motivational skills to handle a group of players . I am convinced Mr. Martinez would get to the very top of his profession , but there is also caveat to it - it's called taking the right job . I am sure a thing or two would have been learnt by all budding Foot ball managers from the experience of Paul Ince ( at Blackburn ) and notably Andreas Villas Boas ( at Chelsea ) . Big Clubs , sometimes go for young , up and coming managers without putting in place structures to nurture their fledgling careers . Yes , I know that is hard to do in foot ball , hence young , unripe managers like martinez , take heed , and bid their time before joining big Clubs - with their fickle fans , and burgeoning expectations ; or risk the withering of their young careers. The season is not right for martinez at Anfield . He has to learn that making Wigan a team sound and secure , and elevated to the level of a mid-table premiership Club in 2 or 3 year would do his career more good - as he would have learnt invaluable experience in far less vulgar surroundings . It's the scenic route to success in the shark infested waters that is football management .
As for Mr . Dave Whelan , Chairman of Wigan Foot ball Club : A deservedly , widely respected , self-made man , maybe i do not get it : but i hold an opposite view to yours in the way you tout Roberto Martinez . I understand your affection for him , and your promoting of his talents . However , i believe making Martinez learn the value of continuous hard work , patience , dedication , and the realization that at this point , his talent is not bigger than the level of Wigan Foot ball club will suffice . Ask Mark Zuckerburg about this week's Face book initial public offering - some due diligence , and keeping it real is more profitable than grand ambitions . Watch this Space.......
Friday, 25 May 2012
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Chelsea and Drogba : A parting of ways best for both
Encore , Encore !!!! Must be the rallying cry for Chelsea players and fans after this Top , Top , Centre forward's display contributed immensely to Chelsea's Champions League final success last saturday.
I admit to being one of those who thought £ 24 million was a crazy sum by Chelsea to pay for his services 8 years ago. None of such thoughts now. He was well worth every penny , and as an investment, the club have certainly maximized his value. Chelsea gave Drogba the platform to fulfill his talents, and he most definitely fought indomitably for the cause, which culminated in the biggest Club prize of all last saturday. Make no error, Didier Drogba would go down as a legend in Chelsea's folklore alongside John Terry , Frank Lampard , and Ashley Cole, as players who represent a special period for Chelsea Football Club
Drogba in many ways was much misunderstood . Jupp Heynkes - Bayern Munich's Trainer called him a "performer " , and a lot of commentators have down the years echoed that sentiment. Theatrical he may be at times , but it is part of his persona - his permed hair , that knee sliding goal celebration , his gamesmanship , to me, are all conceived for the Drogba effect . Behind all of that is a swashbuckling forward , a winner , and a formidable personality. 157 goals in 341games for Chelsea does not even start to tell the story of what his presence meant on and off the pitch for them.
There is a gripping synergy of factors that would predominate this reality for Drogba : The demand and supply side of a contract , his financial future, sporting ambition , nostalgia , and not least : those adoring Chelsea fans . Perhaps a paradox for player , Club , and fans . Shanghai Shenhua are reportedly on the verge of sealing a deal with him , willing to pay as much as £250.000.00 a week to play in China . Droggy is very fortunate to be one of the few players who potentially can make more Hay at sunset , in a short career . Chelsea would not begrudge him the chance to earn big bucks ; from all indications , their offer pales in comparison to that of the Chinese Club. It could be argued Drogba's prospective wages in China is an exception, not the rule for a 34 year old . Chelsea realize trying to match such astronomical wages would be counter productive. Their interests is best served investing in another striker to play with Torres ( the enigma ) , than breaking the bank to keep a player who diminishes the value and worth of the £ 50 million man Torres . Short term gain ( to keep Drogba ) or long term value for investment ( making Torres the focal point for next season ) After all , Drogba will soon be struggling to the demands and rigors of a premiership , and European football season .
It is a classic case of demand and supply interplay that has paved the way for a separation . To the encore, encore !! yelling fans : This is about economics and finance . A parting of ways makes sense for both parties . Foot ball is not always a fairy tale , not even for a "performer " like Didier Drogba , and the mega rich owner of Chelsea , with an antecedence for defying financial logic. I sure shall miss you - your play and antics too.
I admit to being one of those who thought £ 24 million was a crazy sum by Chelsea to pay for his services 8 years ago. None of such thoughts now. He was well worth every penny , and as an investment, the club have certainly maximized his value. Chelsea gave Drogba the platform to fulfill his talents, and he most definitely fought indomitably for the cause, which culminated in the biggest Club prize of all last saturday. Make no error, Didier Drogba would go down as a legend in Chelsea's folklore alongside John Terry , Frank Lampard , and Ashley Cole, as players who represent a special period for Chelsea Football Club
Drogba in many ways was much misunderstood . Jupp Heynkes - Bayern Munich's Trainer called him a "performer " , and a lot of commentators have down the years echoed that sentiment. Theatrical he may be at times , but it is part of his persona - his permed hair , that knee sliding goal celebration , his gamesmanship , to me, are all conceived for the Drogba effect . Behind all of that is a swashbuckling forward , a winner , and a formidable personality. 157 goals in 341games for Chelsea does not even start to tell the story of what his presence meant on and off the pitch for them.
There is a gripping synergy of factors that would predominate this reality for Drogba : The demand and supply side of a contract , his financial future, sporting ambition , nostalgia , and not least : those adoring Chelsea fans . Perhaps a paradox for player , Club , and fans . Shanghai Shenhua are reportedly on the verge of sealing a deal with him , willing to pay as much as £250.000.00 a week to play in China . Droggy is very fortunate to be one of the few players who potentially can make more Hay at sunset , in a short career . Chelsea would not begrudge him the chance to earn big bucks ; from all indications , their offer pales in comparison to that of the Chinese Club. It could be argued Drogba's prospective wages in China is an exception, not the rule for a 34 year old . Chelsea realize trying to match such astronomical wages would be counter productive. Their interests is best served investing in another striker to play with Torres ( the enigma ) , than breaking the bank to keep a player who diminishes the value and worth of the £ 50 million man Torres . Short term gain ( to keep Drogba ) or long term value for investment ( making Torres the focal point for next season ) After all , Drogba will soon be struggling to the demands and rigors of a premiership , and European football season .
It is a classic case of demand and supply interplay that has paved the way for a separation . To the encore, encore !! yelling fans : This is about economics and finance . A parting of ways makes sense for both parties . Foot ball is not always a fairy tale , not even for a "performer " like Didier Drogba , and the mega rich owner of Chelsea , with an antecedence for defying financial logic. I sure shall miss you - your play and antics too.
Sunday, 20 May 2012
The FA Should have gone for the win-win option
Well , it's all unravelling now..... 3 weeks to England's first game in the European Championship , and the new manager Roy Hodgson has yet to meet his players in flesh. It was evident from his press conference last wednesday he is pretty much fire fighting at this stage , and the manager's lack of preparation time would most likely have an adverse effect on England in the tournament . Nothing particularly wrong that England are not already encamped , but worrying that the new manger might not have the time to implement his ideas . One thing is to watch the players live , or on TV ; but it's another to actually start working with them before a tournament of such magnitude. I would imagine you need to observe how they react to you as a person and vice- versa , your methods , and your tactical drills . These elements impact on players' ability to peak during tournaments .
England are going into the Euro Championship at a crossroads in a number of ways . It's likely the final bow for stalwarts John Terry , Frank Lampard , Ashley Cole , Garreth Barry , Steven Gerrard , Scot Parker. That's practically the nucleus of the current England team , you could argue.... but one thing is for sure , the new manager has to create a new team for Brazil 2014 . We have a number of neophytes emerging - the likes of Phil Jones , Ashley Young , Chris Smalling , Danny Welbeck , Andy Carroll , Gary Cahill bedding in slowly . Those at the middle of their careers are quite painfully thin : you'd be looking to the likes of Rooney , Walcott , Joe Hart , perhaps , then you scratch your head. This serves to highlight the backdrop to England's current situation , and i would have imagined that should have weighed heavily in choosing the new manager . Only the FA can answer that....
Most had assumed Harry Redknapp would get the job , but i support the FA's decision not to even consider him based on the fact that Hodgson was practically out of contract , had more international experience , and actual tournament experience . Most importantly , Roy does not carry a circus with him. People would have had too much expectations , and connections with Harry, and that would have detracted from his work. Perhaps , Harry's Charisma potentially would have worked against him getting the England job , or doing the England job effectively . Too many had bought into Harry's charm , and the FA were right to ignore someone who theoretically might have had to serve more than one master.
Having said that , i do disagree with the timing of Roy Hodgson's appointment . I believe Stuart Pearce should have taken the team to the European Championship because he has worked with the players , and within the ambience for enough time as to have at least a short term advantage over Hodgson - who detrimentally would have to be forgiven if England do badly at the tournament . So , why go with the option of a new manager straight away ? Has Stuart Pearce's time as Capello's assistant counted for nothing , even in the decision making of the FA at such a crucial juncture !
If Roy Hodgson had been named England manager when he was , but to commence official duties in july , it would have made more sense . It would have afforded him time to watch the players, meet with them, plan , and put together ideas for an England team of the future , and mull over a lot more without the stress , nor spotlight on him. For added benefit , the Players Stuart Pearce chose would have been more motivated to play well , now , and for their future , as Roy would be watching. This ought to have been the win-win option.
England are going into the Euro Championship at a crossroads in a number of ways . It's likely the final bow for stalwarts John Terry , Frank Lampard , Ashley Cole , Garreth Barry , Steven Gerrard , Scot Parker. That's practically the nucleus of the current England team , you could argue.... but one thing is for sure , the new manager has to create a new team for Brazil 2014 . We have a number of neophytes emerging - the likes of Phil Jones , Ashley Young , Chris Smalling , Danny Welbeck , Andy Carroll , Gary Cahill bedding in slowly . Those at the middle of their careers are quite painfully thin : you'd be looking to the likes of Rooney , Walcott , Joe Hart , perhaps , then you scratch your head. This serves to highlight the backdrop to England's current situation , and i would have imagined that should have weighed heavily in choosing the new manager . Only the FA can answer that....
Most had assumed Harry Redknapp would get the job , but i support the FA's decision not to even consider him based on the fact that Hodgson was practically out of contract , had more international experience , and actual tournament experience . Most importantly , Roy does not carry a circus with him. People would have had too much expectations , and connections with Harry, and that would have detracted from his work. Perhaps , Harry's Charisma potentially would have worked against him getting the England job , or doing the England job effectively . Too many had bought into Harry's charm , and the FA were right to ignore someone who theoretically might have had to serve more than one master.
Having said that , i do disagree with the timing of Roy Hodgson's appointment . I believe Stuart Pearce should have taken the team to the European Championship because he has worked with the players , and within the ambience for enough time as to have at least a short term advantage over Hodgson - who detrimentally would have to be forgiven if England do badly at the tournament . So , why go with the option of a new manager straight away ? Has Stuart Pearce's time as Capello's assistant counted for nothing , even in the decision making of the FA at such a crucial juncture !
If Roy Hodgson had been named England manager when he was , but to commence official duties in july , it would have made more sense . It would have afforded him time to watch the players, meet with them, plan , and put together ideas for an England team of the future , and mull over a lot more without the stress , nor spotlight on him. For added benefit , the Players Stuart Pearce chose would have been more motivated to play well , now , and for their future , as Roy would be watching. This ought to have been the win-win option.
ROMAN , DO NOT LOOK PAST ROBBIE...
I am enjoying Roberto Di matteo's incredible personal triumph . The very fact that he has conquered against all odds ; and has become the one who achieved the missing piece of Roman Abramovich's trophy puzzle . I am not surprised Chelsea claimed the champions' League prize , it was destined. I had likened this scenario in my last blog ( hypothetically then ) to the unlikely events in The Euro 92' Championship ( Denmark's fairy tale victory ) and Greece's incredible achievement in winning Euro 2004 . Add to that list of fairy tales - Chelsea : champions of Europe 2012 .
When Roberto Di Matteo broke his leg playing for Chelsea 12 years ago , i was sad for him , and then Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri . Even sadder when his playing Career had to end as a result of the injury. But it's all come full circle now with this " unlikely set of circumstances " ( refer to my previous blog ) being a self-fulfilling prophesy . I certainly feel very happy for the man - someone i see as a nice bloke , a good man manager , and one with an infectious enthusiasm and aura , last but not least : tactically competent .
So , what does Chelsea's owner reckon , after having this long standing desire come true.... not even the great Mourinho surmounted the champions League conundrum this fast for the owner after spending hundreds of millions in player purchase in over 3 years of stewardship . What Roberto Di Mateo has helped the owner do is to conclusively banish the ghosts of The Special one not only from Chelsea's boardroom , but also from the players' lockers . No longer shall it be that success could only come via mourinho's currency. The Club can now lay claim to another layer of success in the aftermath.
The big question now is : what happens next ? Di matteo cannot be sacked because he is only an interim manager still contracted as assistant manager ; for a fact his stature has been enhanced courtesy of his FA Cup and Champions League successes , those in power at the Club must realize they have to keep him . With speculation that Fabio Cappello is interested in the job , I would offer Roman a simple piece of advice : Roman , Robbie will save you not only wasted millions , but potentially worse , the specter of being the laughing stock of European foot ball - as a man who has sacked so many managers , blown fortunes in consultancy , and severance packages , and mad enough NOT to make full time manager the one who brought him success at the quickest , and the cheapest , and in unprecedented circumstances . That's a fact . Do you want to tempt fate? Check out Chelsea's final premier league position - 6th . Talk about buying into flawed decision making ! With Robbie , even if you are not convinced ; even if you had some big-wig lined-up , you could offer him a year's contract, with a modest pay rise , spend little , or nothing on transfers for 2012-13 season , keep your aging stars for another year , there is life left in them , and as Robbie has proved , he is just the man to maximize the gains of your investment on the playing side. A Year on " trial " is the least everyone deserves , especially common sense . Heroes sometimes unexpectedly emerge - Liverpool may find an answer to their questions if madness prevails at The Bridge.
When Roberto Di Matteo broke his leg playing for Chelsea 12 years ago , i was sad for him , and then Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri . Even sadder when his playing Career had to end as a result of the injury. But it's all come full circle now with this " unlikely set of circumstances " ( refer to my previous blog ) being a self-fulfilling prophesy . I certainly feel very happy for the man - someone i see as a nice bloke , a good man manager , and one with an infectious enthusiasm and aura , last but not least : tactically competent .
So , what does Chelsea's owner reckon , after having this long standing desire come true.... not even the great Mourinho surmounted the champions League conundrum this fast for the owner after spending hundreds of millions in player purchase in over 3 years of stewardship . What Roberto Di Mateo has helped the owner do is to conclusively banish the ghosts of The Special one not only from Chelsea's boardroom , but also from the players' lockers . No longer shall it be that success could only come via mourinho's currency. The Club can now lay claim to another layer of success in the aftermath.
The big question now is : what happens next ? Di matteo cannot be sacked because he is only an interim manager still contracted as assistant manager ; for a fact his stature has been enhanced courtesy of his FA Cup and Champions League successes , those in power at the Club must realize they have to keep him . With speculation that Fabio Cappello is interested in the job , I would offer Roman a simple piece of advice : Roman , Robbie will save you not only wasted millions , but potentially worse , the specter of being the laughing stock of European foot ball - as a man who has sacked so many managers , blown fortunes in consultancy , and severance packages , and mad enough NOT to make full time manager the one who brought him success at the quickest , and the cheapest , and in unprecedented circumstances . That's a fact . Do you want to tempt fate? Check out Chelsea's final premier league position - 6th . Talk about buying into flawed decision making ! With Robbie , even if you are not convinced ; even if you had some big-wig lined-up , you could offer him a year's contract, with a modest pay rise , spend little , or nothing on transfers for 2012-13 season , keep your aging stars for another year , there is life left in them , and as Robbie has proved , he is just the man to maximize the gains of your investment on the playing side. A Year on " trial " is the least everyone deserves , especially common sense . Heroes sometimes unexpectedly emerge - Liverpool may find an answer to their questions if madness prevails at The Bridge.
Monday, 23 April 2012
Jose , The Blues are coming to get you !!!!
Can anyone remember that scene from from FIRST BLOOD 2 , when Rambo was tortured , and forced by the Russians to radio base ( Wolf Den ) and confirm he had been caught as a spy in vietnam ? When he finally caved in to their demands , what he said to his boss - Murdoch , on whose orders it was to "abort the mission " abandoning him , and evidence that would have ultimately proved there were American soldiers left behind in Vietnam : " Murdoch " , Rambo called over the radio..... , "am coming to get you !! " cue mayhem , as Rambo smashed his way out of captivity .
I am sure Abramovich would relate to that scene assuming the climax of the plot i am envisaging comes true - A REAL MADRID VS CHELSEA champions league final . Watch out Jose, your old chums would have a nice slice of your bum in munich - pay back time, baby !! i can imagine The Chelsea benefactor conceiving , with a wry smile when Captain John Terry holds aloft the greatest prize in European football.
Pay back ? yes , for Jose Mourinho has said in the past : he won " a lot of trophies ", and Chelsea a " few" since he departed Stamford Bridge . Mourinho has always alluded Abramovich made a mistake sacking him , and Chelsea have been worse of for it . Probably true , but hypothetically , the stage is being prepared for the Blues and Abramovich to stick-it to their former manager , and say : " we got the one major prize you never could give us " . In addition , they would have stolen the thunder of the truculent Portuguese . We all know how Real Madrid covet The Champions League , and if Mourinho fails to win it this season due to a Chelsea triumph in the final , Abramovich would have gotten even with Mourinho for his jibes before the Champions League semi-final 2 years ago while the latter was still Inter Millan's Manager .
Get real , i hear you blurt ! But strange things do happen in soccer - remember the Danes winning Euro 92 when they were a last minute replacement for Yugoslavia ! More recently , in 2004 , we witnessed Otto Rahhagel inspire the Greeks to an unexpected victory in The European championship . If the Chelsea players dare to dream to the same proportion as their elevated performances lately , they can make their owner's dreams come true. On paper , they are the weakest of the 4 semi-finalists , and cannot match the pedigree of Madrid , Barcelona , nor Bayern Munich. But under Roberto Di Mateo , they have regained a lot of the elements they had under Mourinho's tutelage . Notably , being solid , and difficult to beat. I know Chelsea have to first get past the wounded Barcelona , and if they are unlucky to face a Barca backlash tomorrow night , then this hypothesis would remain just that. But i do have a hunch we are set for some of the most un-usual set of circumstances this illustrious competition has seen.
As for Real , i am almost certain they are going to breeze past Bayern on wednesday night . Madrid's fire power is simply awesome , and the Bavarians shall wilt at The Bernabeu . Jose Mourinho's team have power , pace , and goals.... and the special one has transformed them into a side with an extra-ordinary desire to win . That is till they match-up with Chelsea in the final . Unlikely events lay in wait .
I am sure Abramovich would relate to that scene assuming the climax of the plot i am envisaging comes true - A REAL MADRID VS CHELSEA champions league final . Watch out Jose, your old chums would have a nice slice of your bum in munich - pay back time, baby !! i can imagine The Chelsea benefactor conceiving , with a wry smile when Captain John Terry holds aloft the greatest prize in European football.
Pay back ? yes , for Jose Mourinho has said in the past : he won " a lot of trophies ", and Chelsea a " few" since he departed Stamford Bridge . Mourinho has always alluded Abramovich made a mistake sacking him , and Chelsea have been worse of for it . Probably true , but hypothetically , the stage is being prepared for the Blues and Abramovich to stick-it to their former manager , and say : " we got the one major prize you never could give us " . In addition , they would have stolen the thunder of the truculent Portuguese . We all know how Real Madrid covet The Champions League , and if Mourinho fails to win it this season due to a Chelsea triumph in the final , Abramovich would have gotten even with Mourinho for his jibes before the Champions League semi-final 2 years ago while the latter was still Inter Millan's Manager .
Get real , i hear you blurt ! But strange things do happen in soccer - remember the Danes winning Euro 92 when they were a last minute replacement for Yugoslavia ! More recently , in 2004 , we witnessed Otto Rahhagel inspire the Greeks to an unexpected victory in The European championship . If the Chelsea players dare to dream to the same proportion as their elevated performances lately , they can make their owner's dreams come true. On paper , they are the weakest of the 4 semi-finalists , and cannot match the pedigree of Madrid , Barcelona , nor Bayern Munich. But under Roberto Di Mateo , they have regained a lot of the elements they had under Mourinho's tutelage . Notably , being solid , and difficult to beat. I know Chelsea have to first get past the wounded Barcelona , and if they are unlucky to face a Barca backlash tomorrow night , then this hypothesis would remain just that. But i do have a hunch we are set for some of the most un-usual set of circumstances this illustrious competition has seen.
As for Real , i am almost certain they are going to breeze past Bayern on wednesday night . Madrid's fire power is simply awesome , and the Bavarians shall wilt at The Bernabeu . Jose Mourinho's team have power , pace , and goals.... and the special one has transformed them into a side with an extra-ordinary desire to win . That is till they match-up with Chelsea in the final . Unlikely events lay in wait .
Saturday, 21 April 2012
Have Barcelona peaked ?
Okay , I shall do the unthinkable.... I will state what may amount to heresy in some quarters : Barcelona are in decline !! I am just as enthusiastic an admirer as anyone of this all conquering team , and it's Argentinian maestro LIONEL MESSI . I am not here to recite all what they have won and achieved in the last 4 years , nor all the personal achievements and accolades Messi has deservedly won . This current Barcelona team will undoubtedly be ranked alongside the great teams foot-ball history has recorded .
Anyhow , when i take off the rose-tinted spectacles , i do honestly reckon they are in decline . Messi's goals in basket-full has well masked some of their deficiencies as it has kept them winning matches , and maybe we start to repeat the superlatives, the cliches , and it grows into a chorus that has become automotive , perhaps laced with bias . Barcelona's 11 straight La liga wins to date is their best winning sequence this season . It's no surprise they trail Real Madrid in The La Liga standings , even though winning 11 on the bounce has helped cut the lead to 4 points . Last season , by the 3rd week of January , Barcelona had won 16 on the bounce - a record achievement . Pedro scored no less than 22 goals ( in total ) last season ; this season , I doubt if he has 8 goals to his name - being in- and- out of the side due to injury , and form ; not to add David Villa's injury robbing them of fire-power , and goals . Messi has simply taken on more of the goal scoring burden the afore-mentioned have not been able to help out with this term . Very few observe Iniesta is treading water - for me no longer possessing twinkle toes , nor the magic he had to get past players like he did 2 years ago ; So too with Busquets : Not at the level he was a couple of years back ; the only ones you still give the usual kudos is probably Xavi , Dani Alves , and Puyol . Alexis Sanchez has not quite settled- in , Fabregas has been mercurial . Decay usually starts from with-in , and it's typically unnoticed from the outside . When a great team cannot boast the performance of individuals is continuing to rise , to me that indicates a decline . There is only one player apart from Messi whose stock is on the rise , that would be mascherano . Winning , and having lots of plaudits masks these sort of issues , and often people are merely extrapolating in a very subjective , and misleading way.
Matters shall come to a head starting with failure to beat Madrid tonight . Frankly , i fancy Madrid to win tonight ( even if i cannot stand mourinho ) and go on to be La Liga champions . Against Chelsea on tuesday next week : i do estimate Chelsea to go on and win the tie after all. I did say the first game was not going to be easy for Barca , and so it turned out to be. I am thus emboldened to suggest chelsea will make it through . I hope i am wrong , because i love Barcelona , their identity , and values ; but i can emphatically say the team has peaked , and running out of steam . Who is on the bench to bring on ? Cuenca , or Thiago ? the depth does not exist , the power in the spine of the team is relatively weaker , and i do not see them having what it takes to win La Liga , nor the champions League this season. Sometimes , the more you look, the less you do see . This much romanticized , and legendary team is set for diminishing returns. I'll be delighted to eat my words.
Anyhow , when i take off the rose-tinted spectacles , i do honestly reckon they are in decline . Messi's goals in basket-full has well masked some of their deficiencies as it has kept them winning matches , and maybe we start to repeat the superlatives, the cliches , and it grows into a chorus that has become automotive , perhaps laced with bias . Barcelona's 11 straight La liga wins to date is their best winning sequence this season . It's no surprise they trail Real Madrid in The La Liga standings , even though winning 11 on the bounce has helped cut the lead to 4 points . Last season , by the 3rd week of January , Barcelona had won 16 on the bounce - a record achievement . Pedro scored no less than 22 goals ( in total ) last season ; this season , I doubt if he has 8 goals to his name - being in- and- out of the side due to injury , and form ; not to add David Villa's injury robbing them of fire-power , and goals . Messi has simply taken on more of the goal scoring burden the afore-mentioned have not been able to help out with this term . Very few observe Iniesta is treading water - for me no longer possessing twinkle toes , nor the magic he had to get past players like he did 2 years ago ; So too with Busquets : Not at the level he was a couple of years back ; the only ones you still give the usual kudos is probably Xavi , Dani Alves , and Puyol . Alexis Sanchez has not quite settled- in , Fabregas has been mercurial . Decay usually starts from with-in , and it's typically unnoticed from the outside . When a great team cannot boast the performance of individuals is continuing to rise , to me that indicates a decline . There is only one player apart from Messi whose stock is on the rise , that would be mascherano . Winning , and having lots of plaudits masks these sort of issues , and often people are merely extrapolating in a very subjective , and misleading way.
Matters shall come to a head starting with failure to beat Madrid tonight . Frankly , i fancy Madrid to win tonight ( even if i cannot stand mourinho ) and go on to be La Liga champions . Against Chelsea on tuesday next week : i do estimate Chelsea to go on and win the tie after all. I did say the first game was not going to be easy for Barca , and so it turned out to be. I am thus emboldened to suggest chelsea will make it through . I hope i am wrong , because i love Barcelona , their identity , and values ; but i can emphatically say the team has peaked , and running out of steam . Who is on the bench to bring on ? Cuenca , or Thiago ? the depth does not exist , the power in the spine of the team is relatively weaker , and i do not see them having what it takes to win La Liga , nor the champions League this season. Sometimes , the more you look, the less you do see . This much romanticized , and legendary team is set for diminishing returns. I'll be delighted to eat my words.
WHOLLY TACTICS : Arsene , How about some Salsa on the Flanks !
In the last 2 years or so , i have become one of Arsene Wenger's harshest critics , especially at the beginning of this current season , and how issues involving sale and purchase of players unraveled . Before i launch what probably sounds like another round of criticism of his tactics , it's only fair to applaud the magnificent run of winning league games especially . To be 3rd on the table with 4 games to go , and a champions' league place arguably in the bag ( once more ) means the Manager deserves a lot of praise ; he got the team playing quick incisive foot ball again , and significantly with a pretty new and hastily assembled team after the shambles of a crushing 8 - 2 defeat at the theatre of dreams last August . Arsenal rose from the ashes of that nightmare , and that is entirely to his credit !!! .
On monday night , just like many , I turned-up to view ARSENAL take on relegation haunted WIGAN.
Surely , Wigan won't stand a chance to the in-form team at the Emirates..... well , we all know the outcome. It was a repeat of what has happened many times when Arsenal play at home... the less-fancied team takes the lead - smash and grab style , only to retreat into a barricade . Arsenal then have all the possession , but labour in-vain for a break through . This recurring theme highlights a tactical flaw in Wenger's attacking philosophy , particularly since the move to The Emirates. I'll spell it out - Wigan being a case study. They take the lead , The Gunners begin firing in an attempt to blast a hole through Wigan's middle . Yes , predominantly going for one-two's to un-hinge Wigan's centre-halves ; or recycling the ball from flank to flank , but all in front of Wigan's defensive positions . This action was so repetitive one would be forgiven if they thought they were watching a game they had seen before . This tact is easy to defend against not because it is ineffective , but due to Arsenal's lack of disguise , and variance in attack. Most of the attacking play is channeled through the middle , the wide players included have to come in-wards too often ; while taking the Wigan defense on the outside , forcing it wide , with pace and skill fragments it potentially ; if Walcot , or Benayoun took on the full back , took him to the bye-line, before whipping a low ball in - trust me the barricade is less fortified ; and most importantly it starts to feel vulnerable . This tact should have been used in conjunction with attacking at the heart . From this angle , Wenger has been negligent since Jose Reyes departed. Walcot and Gervinho have not mastered this concept . They ought to take lessons from ANTONIO VALENCIA and incidentally VICTOR MOSES
These two force the issue by pinning the full-back down - teasing and tormenting time after time... . This can be unnerving for the full-back , and consequently the entire defense. There is nothing as terrible for an attack like a defense comfortably repelling it . It was amazing to see Victor Moses tear Bacary Sagna to shreds to set-up wigan's winning goal ; did anyone see Phlipp Lahm work on Real Madrid's full back before delivering a cross close to the by-line for Bayern's winner in the champions league semi-final on tuesday.... Wenger certainly needs a bit of this to ally his favoured approach , and unpick well locked defenses at the Emirates .
On monday night , just like many , I turned-up to view ARSENAL take on relegation haunted WIGAN.
Surely , Wigan won't stand a chance to the in-form team at the Emirates..... well , we all know the outcome. It was a repeat of what has happened many times when Arsenal play at home... the less-fancied team takes the lead - smash and grab style , only to retreat into a barricade . Arsenal then have all the possession , but labour in-vain for a break through . This recurring theme highlights a tactical flaw in Wenger's attacking philosophy , particularly since the move to The Emirates. I'll spell it out - Wigan being a case study. They take the lead , The Gunners begin firing in an attempt to blast a hole through Wigan's middle . Yes , predominantly going for one-two's to un-hinge Wigan's centre-halves ; or recycling the ball from flank to flank , but all in front of Wigan's defensive positions . This action was so repetitive one would be forgiven if they thought they were watching a game they had seen before . This tact is easy to defend against not because it is ineffective , but due to Arsenal's lack of disguise , and variance in attack. Most of the attacking play is channeled through the middle , the wide players included have to come in-wards too often ; while taking the Wigan defense on the outside , forcing it wide , with pace and skill fragments it potentially ; if Walcot , or Benayoun took on the full back , took him to the bye-line, before whipping a low ball in - trust me the barricade is less fortified ; and most importantly it starts to feel vulnerable . This tact should have been used in conjunction with attacking at the heart . From this angle , Wenger has been negligent since Jose Reyes departed. Walcot and Gervinho have not mastered this concept . They ought to take lessons from ANTONIO VALENCIA and incidentally VICTOR MOSES
These two force the issue by pinning the full-back down - teasing and tormenting time after time... . This can be unnerving for the full-back , and consequently the entire defense. There is nothing as terrible for an attack like a defense comfortably repelling it . It was amazing to see Victor Moses tear Bacary Sagna to shreds to set-up wigan's winning goal ; did anyone see Phlipp Lahm work on Real Madrid's full back before delivering a cross close to the by-line for Bayern's winner in the champions league semi-final on tuesday.... Wenger certainly needs a bit of this to ally his favoured approach , and unpick well locked defenses at the Emirates .
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