Copa Sudamericana, the second most important club tournament in the conmebol region, has instituted two changes w/r/t who takes part. CONCACAF have decided their teams will not be allowed to participate, presumably because they think it takes legitimacy away from their own confederation competition, the CONCACAF Champion's League. I like this quite a bit. It has always seemed strange to me that Mexican teams take part in club tournaments in two different zones. Of course, they are still allowed to play Copa Libertadores, which matters a lot more, but it is a small step. I fully understand why conmebol wants Mexican teams in their competitions- there is millions to be made. But as a fan that means nothing to me. Mexican teams never bring anything to the table that I enjoy as a spectator and it is not like their level is so far beyond what is in their own region that they need better competition. So that is a good move.
Conmebol itself has instituted a change, starting in 2010 teams will have to qualify through their domestic tournaments. Since 2002 Boca Juniors and River Plate were always invited to the tournament because of the tradition and aura they lent the event. This is kind of absurd and one of the reasons the Copa S. lacks the legitimacy of the Libertadores. Good moves as well.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Part Time Patriots
FIFA's adjustment of who is eligible for a national team seems to benefit the US. Under the new rules a player who has appeared for a national team at youth or olympic level, or only played in friendlies can then pull on another shirt, provided he meets citizenship requirements. There is the well publicized case of Jermaine Jones, the German holding midfielder who played three friendlies for his country but never appeared in competition. He has an American father and is thus eligible for the US team and recently stated his desire to play for them. And then there is this: Edgar Castillo, born in the US and an American citizen wants to play for America despite having appeared in olympic qualifiers for Mexico.
Of course this is good for the US, which is good for the game domestically, which I like. But I have to admit I am not crazy about this rule. In my opinion players should have very compelling reasons to wear the shirt of a country they were not born in. Those situations exist, for sure, but legitimate reasons for doing so do not include not being able to get a game (Jones) or the new coach doesn't like me (Castillo). Pablo Mastroeni moved here as a child and grew up in the US, that is legitimate. Players whose families escaped persecution or political turmoil can play for the country that gave them asylum. Even someone who has heritage from outside their homeland and makes their career in the old country, without being tapped by their national squad, has an okay argument. Guys like Mauro Camoranesi and Mariano Pernia I don't have a huge problem. with. But I hate the idea of players jockeying around the world trying to find what shirt will give them the quickest route to appearing on the biggest athletic stage in the world. It is cheap and opportunistic and against everything international football should be about.
And before Mexicans start crying about losing Castillo, consider how many Argentines and Brazilians have made up their national team over the last decade. Guys that couldn't make their real national teams, but had no real connection to Mexico.
Of course this is good for the US, which is good for the game domestically, which I like. But I have to admit I am not crazy about this rule. In my opinion players should have very compelling reasons to wear the shirt of a country they were not born in. Those situations exist, for sure, but legitimate reasons for doing so do not include not being able to get a game (Jones) or the new coach doesn't like me (Castillo). Pablo Mastroeni moved here as a child and grew up in the US, that is legitimate. Players whose families escaped persecution or political turmoil can play for the country that gave them asylum. Even someone who has heritage from outside their homeland and makes their career in the old country, without being tapped by their national squad, has an okay argument. Guys like Mauro Camoranesi and Mariano Pernia I don't have a huge problem. with. But I hate the idea of players jockeying around the world trying to find what shirt will give them the quickest route to appearing on the biggest athletic stage in the world. It is cheap and opportunistic and against everything international football should be about.
And before Mexicans start crying about losing Castillo, consider how many Argentines and Brazilians have made up their national team over the last decade. Guys that couldn't make their real national teams, but had no real connection to Mexico.
Dopple-Dudes Deux!
Here is the second installment of dopple-dudes. Ex Boca Junior Manager Carlos Ischia looks quite a bit like Joe The Plumber, American stage prop, political commentator, cultural icon, and not really a plumber or named Joe. Think about this connection, what does it say about the state of international football? Has the balance of power shifted after Pitch Itchy pointed out the similarities? Let me know.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Confed Final
Been a busy few days and I haven't posted, but tomorrow should be awesome. I was (gladly) wrong for the second time in a row w/r/t the US. Everything has pretty much been said about the upset against Spain so I am just looking forward to tomorrow' rematch against Brazil. The Conmebol Champs are clearly the favorites again but there is a possibility for a shocker. The main differences I see between this game and their meeting in the group stage are: A) This American team is much more confident than it was two weeks ago. They came out against Brazil looking like they were just waiting to be down a goal and when it happened they shrunk even more. I expect an American side that will come out and fight tomorrow and not allow their opponent's identity to intimidate them. B) Carlos Bocanegra at left back. He probably would have been in the squad from the beginning if he had been healthy but he just made his first appearance of the tournmanet against Spain. Although he plays leftback at Rennes he has mostly been in the middle when in the national team shirt. Putting him wide seemed to help stop the Spanish attack and allowed the Onyewu/Demerit partnership which has been solid to continue. Maicon OWNED the right flank in the first game and although you probably can't take him out of the game entirely having Bocanegra there will help. C) Brazil are without Juan and the less experienced Luisao will be taking his place in central defense. He is a very good defender as well but if the US manage to play a ball to Altidore and he can run at him one on one, it could be the chance they need.
The US will need to be extremely mindful of details and execute to perfection. This Brazilian team pounces on mistakes and turns them into counter-attacks. They are also lethal on set-pieces. All the running and grit and hardwork the US will put in may be in vain if they lose focus for even a second. Given everything that has happened since the tournament began I expect tomorrow to be a great game. I haven't tabbed the US to win either of the last two games and that has worked out well. So I am going to say Brazil 2-1. Although I hope I am wrong. There is no team in any league or competition anywhere in the world I hate more than Brazil.
The US will need to be extremely mindful of details and execute to perfection. This Brazilian team pounces on mistakes and turns them into counter-attacks. They are also lethal on set-pieces. All the running and grit and hardwork the US will put in may be in vain if they lose focus for even a second. Given everything that has happened since the tournament began I expect tomorrow to be a great game. I haven't tabbed the US to win either of the last two games and that has worked out well. So I am going to say Brazil 2-1. Although I hope I am wrong. There is no team in any league or competition anywhere in the world I hate more than Brazil.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Confed Cup Semi # 1
MUSIC: Joe Strummer- Arms Aloft
After the shocking results on Sunday we are looking at a different semi-final tomorrow than what I expected. I was totally wrong about the USA against Egypt. They played great and really made the most of the opportunity. Fortunately the Brazilians cooperated and stomped on Italy, putting us through on goals-for.
For me the game was decided in first five minutes. On one of the very first sequences of the match Jay Demerit misjudged a bouncing ball and it slipped by him, resulting in an Egyptian scoring opportunity. This and a few other incidents looked to give Egypt the run of play. In an earlier game the US would have been instantly demoralized and accept the inevitable goal from their opponents, but on Sunday the team stood their ground, worked together, and kept grinding. The Davies goal is proof of the effort and to me symbolizes all that went right on Sunday. He worked and worked, got in on a play that looked dead and used a nice bit of skill to put the ball in. Good job all around.
Realistically, it will be very difficult for the US to beat Spain, but that does not mean there is nothing to play for. A second strong showing will do wonders for this squad and there is all that people say about showing up being half of it. But...
It is not just that Spain are the European Champs and on a current unbeaten run approaching 3 dozen games. The match up does not look good for the US. The Spanish attack often culminates in the sublime and deft final touch from Fernando Torres or David Villa, but those is just the finishing touch on an effort many passes, yards, and sometimes even minutes in the making. The essence of this team is the artful passing through which they move the ball forward, pull markers off their positions, and create chances for their forwards. I think this will be an extremely difficult attack for the American midfield to slow and contain. Michael Bradley has been a superman for the US thus far and will have to be at it again. But he will need help. If they use the same line-up as they did on Sunday, two of the more advance players will need to drop back and pitch in some work in the midfield, leaving only guy high. And then there is David Silva, who has been declared fit and will likely start. He does not have the acclaim (and probably doesn't deserve it to be honest) that some of the elite wide-men do, but in this squad he can be lethal. Picking up balls from X & X then spotting out one of the strikers he might be a key point in the Spanish attack. The fact that flanks of the American defense have been targeted, justifiably so, in the two losses I think Spain will try to copy Brazil's game plan. Expect Sergio Ramos to move up the right side in overlapping runs the way Maicon did.
At this point the US are playing with house money and they should make the most of it tomorrow.
After the shocking results on Sunday we are looking at a different semi-final tomorrow than what I expected. I was totally wrong about the USA against Egypt. They played great and really made the most of the opportunity. Fortunately the Brazilians cooperated and stomped on Italy, putting us through on goals-for.
For me the game was decided in first five minutes. On one of the very first sequences of the match Jay Demerit misjudged a bouncing ball and it slipped by him, resulting in an Egyptian scoring opportunity. This and a few other incidents looked to give Egypt the run of play. In an earlier game the US would have been instantly demoralized and accept the inevitable goal from their opponents, but on Sunday the team stood their ground, worked together, and kept grinding. The Davies goal is proof of the effort and to me symbolizes all that went right on Sunday. He worked and worked, got in on a play that looked dead and used a nice bit of skill to put the ball in. Good job all around.
Realistically, it will be very difficult for the US to beat Spain, but that does not mean there is nothing to play for. A second strong showing will do wonders for this squad and there is all that people say about showing up being half of it. But...
It is not just that Spain are the European Champs and on a current unbeaten run approaching 3 dozen games. The match up does not look good for the US. The Spanish attack often culminates in the sublime and deft final touch from Fernando Torres or David Villa, but those is just the finishing touch on an effort many passes, yards, and sometimes even minutes in the making. The essence of this team is the artful passing through which they move the ball forward, pull markers off their positions, and create chances for their forwards. I think this will be an extremely difficult attack for the American midfield to slow and contain. Michael Bradley has been a superman for the US thus far and will have to be at it again. But he will need help. If they use the same line-up as they did on Sunday, two of the more advance players will need to drop back and pitch in some work in the midfield, leaving only guy high. And then there is David Silva, who has been declared fit and will likely start. He does not have the acclaim (and probably doesn't deserve it to be honest) that some of the elite wide-men do, but in this squad he can be lethal. Picking up balls from X & X then spotting out one of the strikers he might be a key point in the Spanish attack. The fact that flanks of the American defense have been targeted, justifiably so, in the two losses I think Spain will try to copy Brazil's game plan. Expect Sergio Ramos to move up the right side in overlapping runs the way Maicon did.
At this point the US are playing with house money and they should make the most of it tomorrow.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Thanks For Playing
The US lost again and are essentially out of the Confed Cup. Brazil stomped on the US for a commanding 3-0 victory. It was a comprehensive beating that confirmed things beyond the score. The current American squad is inadequate in many ways and in need of a major overhaul. In the 4 games the US has played since the end of the European club season it has lost 3, compiled a goal differential of minus-6, and scored 1 (one) goal in open play. There is no end to the things that need to change to avoid embarrassment at next summer's World Cup, but here are three broad areas that need improvement:
1, Heart. I am generally not a fan of saying things like "they just don't want it" and extolling "grit" and "commitment" as things that matter more than skill, but it is undeniable the US team has lacked the required tenacity to compete on this level. Every time they go down early, and they have allowed the first goal in the opening 20 minutes 3 of their last 4 games, you see heads drop and shoulders slump and a general defeatedness infect the team. If you contrast the body English of the Americans with that of the Egyptians, who played today's later game and beat Italy, it is like night and day. You could tell the Egyptians would do anything to defend the shirt and poured their heart into every tackle, every ball, every run. The US have never been a powerhouse but earlier editions of this squad showed dedication for beyond what we have seen at the Confed Cup.
2, Details. This is going to sound obvious but the skill level of the current squad is not good enough. There were at least six times a Brazilian straight up took the ball off the foot of an American player. The most egregious was clearly Lucio's mugging of Altidore, one of the more embarrassing things I have seen at a tournament of this level, but there were others. American tackling is also shoddy as evidenced by two red cards in two games (I think today's was a bit harsh) and for a team that plays three forwards their paucity of goals says it all about touch in the box. There needs to be more focus on honing and maintaining basic skills.
3, The coach. I thought Bradley was the right guy for the job but I was wrong. The Costa Rica game raised some questions, but these two last games have exposed him. He is really not fit to lead a team at this level. Maybe he is a good motivator and administrator but his squad selection and formations are wrong and he is so tactically guileless the team's only chance to win is having everything break their way. His explanation that certain players didn't play because of a lack of regular playing time at their clubs was negated by his inexplicable inclusion of DeMarcus Beasley in the starting eleven. If the US want to turn it around, he has to go.
That said, a more likely scenario is something like this: The US lose to Egypt but show a little more than in the first two games. Then they return home and win the sham tournament that is the Gold Cup and everyone forgets about how bad they looked at the Confed Cup so Bradley stays on. They do enough to qualify for the World Cup and a year from now we see them same list of excuses (the refs hate us! our players are tired from long seasons!) when we grind out a draw and two losses in three group stage matches. Before people get carried away with the Gold Cup and inevitable "hard fought" victory over Mexico in the final keep in mind that the US shares a group with Honduras, Haiti, and Granada. Walloping these teams doesn't mean the problems exposed in South Africa have been fixed.
I don't know who should be the next coach but I know there are three things he must have to succeed. He needs to accept that certain players like Beasley and Mastroeni are beyond their prime or in bad form or simply not a good fit for this team and leave them out of the squad. He needs communicate to the European based players that they are not superstars and have to work and play as a team (specifically Dempsey who for some reason thinks he is Ronaldinho circa 2005 every time he pulls on the US National Team shirt with directionless flicks and useless back-heels). And he needs to have competitive tactical knowledge and the ability to adapt to changing realities on the field. Dick Advocaat would have been a good choice but he took the Belgium job. SGE is intriguing although I have a feeling he is waiting for a club in Europe. Bora Milutinovic is probably going to be looking for a job since Iraq are out of WC qualifying and seriously, do you want to coach Iraq?
1, Heart. I am generally not a fan of saying things like "they just don't want it" and extolling "grit" and "commitment" as things that matter more than skill, but it is undeniable the US team has lacked the required tenacity to compete on this level. Every time they go down early, and they have allowed the first goal in the opening 20 minutes 3 of their last 4 games, you see heads drop and shoulders slump and a general defeatedness infect the team. If you contrast the body English of the Americans with that of the Egyptians, who played today's later game and beat Italy, it is like night and day. You could tell the Egyptians would do anything to defend the shirt and poured their heart into every tackle, every ball, every run. The US have never been a powerhouse but earlier editions of this squad showed dedication for beyond what we have seen at the Confed Cup.
2, Details. This is going to sound obvious but the skill level of the current squad is not good enough. There were at least six times a Brazilian straight up took the ball off the foot of an American player. The most egregious was clearly Lucio's mugging of Altidore, one of the more embarrassing things I have seen at a tournament of this level, but there were others. American tackling is also shoddy as evidenced by two red cards in two games (I think today's was a bit harsh) and for a team that plays three forwards their paucity of goals says it all about touch in the box. There needs to be more focus on honing and maintaining basic skills.
3, The coach. I thought Bradley was the right guy for the job but I was wrong. The Costa Rica game raised some questions, but these two last games have exposed him. He is really not fit to lead a team at this level. Maybe he is a good motivator and administrator but his squad selection and formations are wrong and he is so tactically guileless the team's only chance to win is having everything break their way. His explanation that certain players didn't play because of a lack of regular playing time at their clubs was negated by his inexplicable inclusion of DeMarcus Beasley in the starting eleven. If the US want to turn it around, he has to go.
That said, a more likely scenario is something like this: The US lose to Egypt but show a little more than in the first two games. Then they return home and win the sham tournament that is the Gold Cup and everyone forgets about how bad they looked at the Confed Cup so Bradley stays on. They do enough to qualify for the World Cup and a year from now we see them same list of excuses (the refs hate us! our players are tired from long seasons!) when we grind out a draw and two losses in three group stage matches. Before people get carried away with the Gold Cup and inevitable "hard fought" victory over Mexico in the final keep in mind that the US shares a group with Honduras, Haiti, and Granada. Walloping these teams doesn't mean the problems exposed in South Africa have been fixed.
I don't know who should be the next coach but I know there are three things he must have to succeed. He needs to accept that certain players like Beasley and Mastroeni are beyond their prime or in bad form or simply not a good fit for this team and leave them out of the squad. He needs communicate to the European based players that they are not superstars and have to work and play as a team (specifically Dempsey who for some reason thinks he is Ronaldinho circa 2005 every time he pulls on the US National Team shirt with directionless flicks and useless back-heels). And he needs to have competitive tactical knowledge and the ability to adapt to changing realities on the field. Dick Advocaat would have been a good choice but he took the Belgium job. SGE is intriguing although I have a feeling he is waiting for a club in Europe. Bora Milutinovic is probably going to be looking for a job since Iraq are out of WC qualifying and seriously, do you want to coach Iraq?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Dopple-Dudes
So the Argentine tournamnet is winding down and there is a three way race for the title. Lanus, Velez Sarsfeild, and Huracan all play attractive football under very astute managers and are locked in a tight battle for the crown with three games to go. This is very interesting but not as interesting as the uncanny resemblance I have noticed between Argentine managers and American (sometimes pseudo) celebrities. I will be posting these periodically. First up is former Boca Juniors coach and current sort-of-manager-lurk-in-the-shadows guy Carlos Bianchi who looks very much like Seinfeld-Curb Your Enthusiasm's all around misanthrope Larry David. Right?
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
A Question About Rossi
I am just wondering: Is it possible for a media outlet to say Giuseppe Rossi's name without mentioning he was born in New Jersey? I think by this point anyone interested in soccer knows, and it is just annoying. He scored two goals against the US yesterday, we get it. Here are some examples: Goal, Big Soccer, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, NY TIMES. I get it dudes, we can just assume people already know.
Monday, June 15, 2009
USA vs Italy
MUSIC: Husker Du- Whatever
The US lost its opening Confed Cup game to Italy by a 3-1 score but did not play poorly. It was a much better effort than the two qualifiers against Costa Rica and Honduras. They struck first and took a 1-0 lead into the break but on 10 men the second half was a different story. Coming away empty handed means American prospects for progressing beyond the group stage is slim, but there were some positives to take from the game. Here are some thoughts/observations:
1. Ricardo Clark's sending off could have gone either way. If it had been a yellow it would be understandable, just like the red was within the bounds of reason. I know a lot of people have complained about it but the challenge was late, studs-up, knee-high, and nowhere near the ball. It lacked the viciousness and resulting injury of some red cards but there was grounds for dismissal. Referee's call.
2. The difference between American internationals and those of the elite squads is much smaller than it once was and continues to narrow. Today's game showed what sets them apart most is polish. 2 quick examples: the should-I-shouldn't-I hesitation on De Rossi's incoming shot facilitated the second Italian goal, and Charlie Davies' settled for getting a head to the ball on a wide open opportunity in front of goal where a more elite striker would have directed it into the back of the net. Those were very visible shortcomings but the US deserves credit for doing many other things well.
3. Fatigue seems to plague this side. In the loss to Costa Rica there was the indelible image of Michael Bradley getting wheeled for the third goal and being unable to run and recover the ball. Jay Demirt looked like a pylon as Andrea Pirlo danced by him to set up the third goal today. Both of these occured late in games and looked much more like fatigue than lack of effort or commitment. Why are US players so tired? The Italian squad is fully comprised of players at European clubs where they have just come off the end of a long season, the same as the bulk of the US team. In fact the US by my count had 4 starters on MLS teams who are not even at the halfway point of their campaign and should be fresh.
4. Bradley's tactics. Being a man down for more than half the game is a tremendous challenge, but if you get a lead early on as the US dead it helps. With that goal he should have left Altidore high by himself and tightened up a block of 8 behind the ball. The Italians were down and had to chase the game, I think a more creative approach to the second half would have made it harder on them and perhaps allowed a counter attack where Altidore could use his speed one on one with a defender.
5. It's tough to commend a goalkeeper who concedes 3 goals but I think Tim Howard had a good game. Two saves in particular were eye-opening. The first, I think on Iaquinta, showed his awareness and ability to read the game as he got out in anticipation and shut down a close range shot. On the second a beautiful through ball from Pirlo but Toni in alone and Howard played it perfectly.
*I only saw highlights from the Egypt-Brazil game but here is a thought: the Egyptian did all that can be expected in the situation the resulted in the penalty, but maybe be more creative next time. If you are going to roll around and pretend the ball hit your face instead of your hand maybe bite your lip and draw some blood. The officials did a great job there, getting the call right in a difficult spot late in the game.
The US lost its opening Confed Cup game to Italy by a 3-1 score but did not play poorly. It was a much better effort than the two qualifiers against Costa Rica and Honduras. They struck first and took a 1-0 lead into the break but on 10 men the second half was a different story. Coming away empty handed means American prospects for progressing beyond the group stage is slim, but there were some positives to take from the game. Here are some thoughts/observations:
1. Ricardo Clark's sending off could have gone either way. If it had been a yellow it would be understandable, just like the red was within the bounds of reason. I know a lot of people have complained about it but the challenge was late, studs-up, knee-high, and nowhere near the ball. It lacked the viciousness and resulting injury of some red cards but there was grounds for dismissal. Referee's call.
2. The difference between American internationals and those of the elite squads is much smaller than it once was and continues to narrow. Today's game showed what sets them apart most is polish. 2 quick examples: the should-I-shouldn't-I hesitation on De Rossi's incoming shot facilitated the second Italian goal, and Charlie Davies' settled for getting a head to the ball on a wide open opportunity in front of goal where a more elite striker would have directed it into the back of the net. Those were very visible shortcomings but the US deserves credit for doing many other things well.
3. Fatigue seems to plague this side. In the loss to Costa Rica there was the indelible image of Michael Bradley getting wheeled for the third goal and being unable to run and recover the ball. Jay Demirt looked like a pylon as Andrea Pirlo danced by him to set up the third goal today. Both of these occured late in games and looked much more like fatigue than lack of effort or commitment. Why are US players so tired? The Italian squad is fully comprised of players at European clubs where they have just come off the end of a long season, the same as the bulk of the US team. In fact the US by my count had 4 starters on MLS teams who are not even at the halfway point of their campaign and should be fresh.
4. Bradley's tactics. Being a man down for more than half the game is a tremendous challenge, but if you get a lead early on as the US dead it helps. With that goal he should have left Altidore high by himself and tightened up a block of 8 behind the ball. The Italians were down and had to chase the game, I think a more creative approach to the second half would have made it harder on them and perhaps allowed a counter attack where Altidore could use his speed one on one with a defender.
5. It's tough to commend a goalkeeper who concedes 3 goals but I think Tim Howard had a good game. Two saves in particular were eye-opening. The first, I think on Iaquinta, showed his awareness and ability to read the game as he got out in anticipation and shut down a close range shot. On the second a beautiful through ball from Pirlo but Toni in alone and Howard played it perfectly.
*I only saw highlights from the Egypt-Brazil game but here is a thought: the Egyptian did all that can be expected in the situation the resulted in the penalty, but maybe be more creative next time. If you are going to roll around and pretend the ball hit your face instead of your hand maybe bite your lip and draw some blood. The officials did a great job there, getting the call right in a difficult spot late in the game.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Is the Balance of Power Shifting?
MUSIC: Nas- Halftime
Of the many, many things the Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka signings mean, one of the most hotly debated right now is whether this signals the shifting of power away from the Premiership and toward La Liga, or if they are the capricious urges of a singularly powerful club. Like everything the truth is probably somewhere in the middle, but I am slightly more inclined to the latter than the former.
The premiership still has more money at its disposal. Its tv packages and gate revenues will continue to be ahead of Spain's. The level of football is more or less open to debate because there are different styles played in England and the continent, but when they go head to head the results are difficult to ignore. 3 years running now 3 of the 4 semi-finalists in the Champs League have been English teams. In the last 5 years only 2 teams outside of the Prem have even appeared in a Champion's League final.
The reason there is some consideration of a shift to Spain is simple: The prem, as a league, holds the balance of power but Spain has a) the best club in the world in Barcelona and b) the most powerful single club in Real Madrid. But league to league the Prem still occupies the first spot. Compare teams further down the table from La Liga to their counterparts in the Prem. Is there a mid-table team in Spain splashing cash like Manchester City? Is there a pedestrian Tottenham-like team that has no real hope of winning a place in the CL but can make moves for Keane and Defoe and Pavlyuchenko (14 million pounds)? Absolutely not. There are no flavor of the moment guys making a move to Getafe or Malaga after an exceptional performance at the Euros the way Pavlyuchenko did. At the very top Spain holds the edge but that is due to circumstances unique to Barcelona (they have produced more elite players themselves than anyone in the last quarter century) and Real Madrid (they are unfathomably wealthy and have an inimitable appeal in Spain, Portugal, and Ibero-America). But the premeirship is still number one.
Now here is some devil's advocating of my own theory: Chelsea were rumored to have beat any Real offer for Kaka by 10 million pounds and it didn't work, then they were snubbed by David Villa despite bidding more than 12 million dollars above Real Madrid. Franck Ribery said, although perhaps half-joking, that he wouldn't approve a move to England because the weather sucks. These things might signal a Spanish allure that overrides money. Maybe. But it will take more than Real Madrid buying the super-duper-stars to convince me. When guys like Benzema and Luis Suarez and Mauro Zarate go to clubs like Sevilla and Deportivo over Everton or Manchester City I will concede I am wrong.
Of the many, many things the Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka signings mean, one of the most hotly debated right now is whether this signals the shifting of power away from the Premiership and toward La Liga, or if they are the capricious urges of a singularly powerful club. Like everything the truth is probably somewhere in the middle, but I am slightly more inclined to the latter than the former.
The premiership still has more money at its disposal. Its tv packages and gate revenues will continue to be ahead of Spain's. The level of football is more or less open to debate because there are different styles played in England and the continent, but when they go head to head the results are difficult to ignore. 3 years running now 3 of the 4 semi-finalists in the Champs League have been English teams. In the last 5 years only 2 teams outside of the Prem have even appeared in a Champion's League final.
The reason there is some consideration of a shift to Spain is simple: The prem, as a league, holds the balance of power but Spain has a) the best club in the world in Barcelona and b) the most powerful single club in Real Madrid. But league to league the Prem still occupies the first spot. Compare teams further down the table from La Liga to their counterparts in the Prem. Is there a mid-table team in Spain splashing cash like Manchester City? Is there a pedestrian Tottenham-like team that has no real hope of winning a place in the CL but can make moves for Keane and Defoe and Pavlyuchenko (14 million pounds)? Absolutely not. There are no flavor of the moment guys making a move to Getafe or Malaga after an exceptional performance at the Euros the way Pavlyuchenko did. At the very top Spain holds the edge but that is due to circumstances unique to Barcelona (they have produced more elite players themselves than anyone in the last quarter century) and Real Madrid (they are unfathomably wealthy and have an inimitable appeal in Spain, Portugal, and Ibero-America). But the premeirship is still number one.
Now here is some devil's advocating of my own theory: Chelsea were rumored to have beat any Real offer for Kaka by 10 million pounds and it didn't work, then they were snubbed by David Villa despite bidding more than 12 million dollars above Real Madrid. Franck Ribery said, although perhaps half-joking, that he wouldn't approve a move to England because the weather sucks. These things might signal a Spanish allure that overrides money. Maybe. But it will take more than Real Madrid buying the super-duper-stars to convince me. When guys like Benzema and Luis Suarez and Mauro Zarate go to clubs like Sevilla and Deportivo over Everton or Manchester City I will concede I am wrong.
Poor Judgement, My Bad
MUSIC: The National- Karen
Yesterday I predicted Cristiano Ronaldo would remain at Manchester United, and today he was sold to Real Madrid. So I blew that one. 80 million pounds is the fee being reported, making him the most expensive athlete ever transferred/sold. Wow. I am a little bit stunned at the amount of cash they have thrown around and it looks like they may not be done. Is Real Madrid better with CR7 than without? Absolutely. But they still haven't addressed the back 4. I suspect in the coming weeks a group of players will be leaving the club and could bring in some money to offset these buys. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the off season goes at the Bern.
Here is an interesting story: Following Chelsea's spurned 48 million Euro offer for David Villa the club as given up and recognized Real Madrid is his first choice. Real's bid is reported to be around 35 million euros, but Valencia is trying to get them to include Alvaro Negredo, a striker currently at Almeria over whom Real Madrid have some sort of ownership, in the transaction. He would be an ideal replacement for Villa having scored 19 goals in 34 games for what is by all accounts a mid-table club at best. If that deal went through Valencia might be able to salvage next season and even bid for a European spot despite the economically dictated overhaul they are in the midst of. And RM could add yet another attacking player to their roster. Who knows, he might even get a game.
Yesterday I predicted Cristiano Ronaldo would remain at Manchester United, and today he was sold to Real Madrid. So I blew that one. 80 million pounds is the fee being reported, making him the most expensive athlete ever transferred/sold. Wow. I am a little bit stunned at the amount of cash they have thrown around and it looks like they may not be done. Is Real Madrid better with CR7 than without? Absolutely. But they still haven't addressed the back 4. I suspect in the coming weeks a group of players will be leaving the club and could bring in some money to offset these buys. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the off season goes at the Bern.
Here is an interesting story: Following Chelsea's spurned 48 million Euro offer for David Villa the club as given up and recognized Real Madrid is his first choice. Real's bid is reported to be around 35 million euros, but Valencia is trying to get them to include Alvaro Negredo, a striker currently at Almeria over whom Real Madrid have some sort of ownership, in the transaction. He would be an ideal replacement for Villa having scored 19 goals in 34 games for what is by all accounts a mid-table club at best. If that deal went through Valencia might be able to salvage next season and even bid for a European spot despite the economically dictated overhaul they are in the midst of. And RM could add yet another attacking player to their roster. Who knows, he might even get a game.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Pitch Itchy 11
Pinback- X.I.Y.
I meant to do this a while ago but sort of forgot. Here is my 11, the All Pitch Itchy team, for the season that just closed. They are in a 4-4-2.
I meant to do this a while ago but sort of forgot. Here is my 11, the All Pitch Itchy team, for the season that just closed. They are in a 4-4-2.
Lionel Messi Fernando Torres
Cristiano Ronaldo Xavi Andres Iniesta
Javier Mascherano
Jose Bosingwa Nemanja Vidic Giorgio Chellini Douglas Maicon
Julio Cesar
On the bench:
Dani Alves
John Terry
Esteban Cambiasso
Franck Ribery
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (as long as the game doesn't mean anything)
Diego Forlan
The starting 11 feature 3 players from Barcelona, 2 from Inter, 2 from United, 2 from Liverpool, 1 from Chelsea, and 1 from Juve. OR, 3 Spaniards, 2 Argentines, 2 Brazilians, 2 Portuguese, 1 Italian, and 1 Serb. Food for thought.
Some good qualies today if you can stream them at work in the afternoon.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The Meaning of Kaka
Hot Snakes- This Mystic Decade (will finish here)
The witty title is what you can expect on this, the most literary of all soccer blogs in the universe. The Kaka saga came to a relatively painless and quick conclusion, sparing us the will-he won't-he we endured with CR7 last year. The transfer came in at 59 million pounds/67.2 million euros/94 million dollars and depending on exchange rates is either the largest buy ever or second to Madrid's acquisition of Zidane from Juventus. Regardless it makes Kaka the most expensive active player in the world. Despite the shocking amount of money they spent I don't think this really "set the market" in a meaningful way. In today's economic climate there are less than a handful of teams that can afford to make those kind of moves. What I keep thinking is that Madrid indirectly helped out Manchester United and Barcelona with this move.
If Kaka, the third best player in the world is worth 59 million pounds, how much are Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo worth? They are both clearly better than Kaka, both younger, both coming off better seasons, both have a better history regarding health/fitness, and at least Ronaldo (although probably both) are more marketable than Kaka.
Seeing this I am nearly positive Ronaldo will not be coming to Madrid this summer. And since they wouldn't sell him to Manchester City or Chelsea he is probably going to be back at Old Trafford next season after all.
-AM
The witty title is what you can expect on this, the most literary of all soccer blogs in the universe. The Kaka saga came to a relatively painless and quick conclusion, sparing us the will-he won't-he we endured with CR7 last year. The transfer came in at 59 million pounds/67.2 million euros/94 million dollars and depending on exchange rates is either the largest buy ever or second to Madrid's acquisition of Zidane from Juventus. Regardless it makes Kaka the most expensive active player in the world. Despite the shocking amount of money they spent I don't think this really "set the market" in a meaningful way. In today's economic climate there are less than a handful of teams that can afford to make those kind of moves. What I keep thinking is that Madrid indirectly helped out Manchester United and Barcelona with this move.
If Kaka, the third best player in the world is worth 59 million pounds, how much are Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo worth? They are both clearly better than Kaka, both younger, both coming off better seasons, both have a better history regarding health/fitness, and at least Ronaldo (although probably both) are more marketable than Kaka.
Seeing this I am nearly positive Ronaldo will not be coming to Madrid this summer. And since they wouldn't sell him to Manchester City or Chelsea he is probably going to be back at Old Trafford next season after all.
-AM
Monday, June 8, 2009
USA Out of Copa America 2011
*Before I get to the post just wanted to say I am going to start listing what I am listening to, if anything, as I post. Because why? I don't know really, just seems like a fun idea.
Social Distortion- Mainliner
The two invites for the next edition of Copa America will go to Japan and perennial hangers-on Mexico. This is the second time Japan has taken part in a Copa America. It is my understanding they have been invited due to cultural/heritage links with the western part of the conmebol region. Spain once took part for similar reasons. The big news here, for me at least, is the exclusion of the United States in favor of Japan. In 2007 the US took part in the tournament for the third time after a dozen year absence. However it seems the half-ass "b-team" they sent to Venezuela did not impress and the power brokers of conmebol felt somewhat disrespected.
I totally understand that point of view. Copa America is a 12 team tournament and the invite slots could go to any number of countries eager to participate (Costa Rica for example), so for an invitee to send a weakened squad comes across as unappreciative. It would be one thing if it was a still-competitive Spanish or Dutch b-team but the US delegation lost all 3 of the games in the group phase and piled up a goal differential near the negative double digits.
For conmebol the exclusion of the US may have some cost. Mostly forfeiting exposure for its countries' stars and the clubs they play for to the growing US market. I have heard several times, although I don't know if it is a fact, that the 2007 tournament had better ratings than the Stanley Cup final in the US that year.
The cost is heavier on the American side of the equation. South Americans living in the US will do anything to watch the tournament, but there is a potential to build on that and make the tournament a huge marketing tool for the game to the casual fan. Seeing the US compete with the giants of the hemisphere can only be a good thing for football in the United States. And it is beneficial from a footballing standpoint as well. Playing good teams makes you better, and the US is desperate for good competition. Some people argue the only way for the US to take part in Copa America is with a b-team squad because the Gold Cup is played the same summer, already putting a strain on the MLS season. This is insanity. The Gold Cup is a sham of a tournament, but for the sake of argument lets say the US wanted to do both. There are two options:
1. send the b-team to the Gold Cup to deal with powerhouses like Granada and Panama and let the best players go to South America. The GC is ridiculous, it is the only tournament where only one nation in the confederation is allowed to host it, and it involves teams that aren't even fully recognized by FIFA. Does anyone really care?
2. there are enough Americans playing in Europe, and some doing so very well, who can make up a Copa America squad. Every major European league is dormant in late June/early July, and many of the Americans' club teammates are on international duty during these months. It would seem a tournament like C.A. would benefit everyone involved.
There are some people who have a bizarre pathological obsession with beating Mexico for the Gold Cup every few years. Fine, knock yourselves out. But since Mexico are always in the Copa America wouldn't it be even better to send our best against theirs and hopefully beat them when it matters? This is all a moot point for now because the US won't be in Argentina for 2011, but there is plenty of time to lobby for inclusion in the 2015 tournament.
-AM
Social Distortion- Mainliner
The two invites for the next edition of Copa America will go to Japan and perennial hangers-on Mexico. This is the second time Japan has taken part in a Copa America. It is my understanding they have been invited due to cultural/heritage links with the western part of the conmebol region. Spain once took part for similar reasons. The big news here, for me at least, is the exclusion of the United States in favor of Japan. In 2007 the US took part in the tournament for the third time after a dozen year absence. However it seems the half-ass "b-team" they sent to Venezuela did not impress and the power brokers of conmebol felt somewhat disrespected.
I totally understand that point of view. Copa America is a 12 team tournament and the invite slots could go to any number of countries eager to participate (Costa Rica for example), so for an invitee to send a weakened squad comes across as unappreciative. It would be one thing if it was a still-competitive Spanish or Dutch b-team but the US delegation lost all 3 of the games in the group phase and piled up a goal differential near the negative double digits.
For conmebol the exclusion of the US may have some cost. Mostly forfeiting exposure for its countries' stars and the clubs they play for to the growing US market. I have heard several times, although I don't know if it is a fact, that the 2007 tournament had better ratings than the Stanley Cup final in the US that year.
The cost is heavier on the American side of the equation. South Americans living in the US will do anything to watch the tournament, but there is a potential to build on that and make the tournament a huge marketing tool for the game to the casual fan. Seeing the US compete with the giants of the hemisphere can only be a good thing for football in the United States. And it is beneficial from a footballing standpoint as well. Playing good teams makes you better, and the US is desperate for good competition. Some people argue the only way for the US to take part in Copa America is with a b-team squad because the Gold Cup is played the same summer, already putting a strain on the MLS season. This is insanity. The Gold Cup is a sham of a tournament, but for the sake of argument lets say the US wanted to do both. There are two options:
1. send the b-team to the Gold Cup to deal with powerhouses like Granada and Panama and let the best players go to South America. The GC is ridiculous, it is the only tournament where only one nation in the confederation is allowed to host it, and it involves teams that aren't even fully recognized by FIFA. Does anyone really care?
2. there are enough Americans playing in Europe, and some doing so very well, who can make up a Copa America squad. Every major European league is dormant in late June/early July, and many of the Americans' club teammates are on international duty during these months. It would seem a tournament like C.A. would benefit everyone involved.
There are some people who have a bizarre pathological obsession with beating Mexico for the Gold Cup every few years. Fine, knock yourselves out. But since Mexico are always in the Copa America wouldn't it be even better to send our best against theirs and hopefully beat them when it matters? This is all a moot point for now because the US won't be in Argentina for 2011, but there is plenty of time to lobby for inclusion in the 2015 tournament.
-AM
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Seperation Saturday
Busy weekend on the qualies front. Japan was the first in for the World Cup, good job. They were joined later in the day by South Korea (who I hate), Australia, and Holland. England are on the version and just need a win against Andorra in midweek. Here are some thoughts:
The US fell behind against Honduras and fought back and earned a 2-1 win. I was still not super impressed with this team but they did what they had to and ground out a result. Also, the Landon Donovan pre-penalty production is embarrassing and really needs to stop. In Costa Rica there was so much to criticize I sort of forgot about it, but really do you need to go through those theatrics when you are 3-0 down in the 89th minute? I wonder if he did that before he took penalty kicks at Bayern... oh wait, nevermind. Loser.
I didn't see the Mexico game but by all accounts they were dominated by El Salvador and now sit fifth out of six. It is far from over as Mexico have the majority of their games at home and one away to T&T, but no one expected Mexico to be in such bad shape at this point. Maybe it wasn't all SGE's fault after all. The perception in a lot of places is that Mexico will be in South Africa even if they have to win a play-off against a team from conmebol. I wouldn't be so quick to make that assumption. The team currently sitting in the play-off spot is Uruguay and despite suffering a humiliating 4-0 thumping at the hands of Brazil in Montevideo over the weekend at this moment I would take Uruguay over Mexico in 2-leg play-off. We will see.
Argentina played poorly and were lucky to get a 1-0 result over Colombia. The solid debut of Andujar in goal and a rejuvenated JS Veron providing the odd spark in attack were the only real positives. The team selection and formation were suspect and after 3 competitive matches in charge Diego is an okay 2-1 with a not-s0-awesome goal differential of zero (6 for 6 against). Not off to the start many envisioned. The 3-man backline was overwhelmed (which is not a surprise) and he had to bring on Zanetti to act as a hybrid midfielder/right-back in the second half. The glut of three small, quick strikers didn't produce the myriad chances it did against Venezuela, but really why would it? Jonas was invisible on the flank. I expect a radically different approach for their midweek match in Quito. Mascherano will miss the game due to suspension. Aguero was taken off in the 40th with an injury, but even if it is not serious I expect a different configuration in attack which may leave him on the bench. Heinze played shockingly and really doesn't deserve to start but given the lack of another proven left back in the pool of players called up he might. Still, 3 points is 3 points and Argentina opened up a gap between them and chasing Uruguay. They are on the verge of clinching while Colombia's hopes are dwindling.
The US fell behind against Honduras and fought back and earned a 2-1 win. I was still not super impressed with this team but they did what they had to and ground out a result. Also, the Landon Donovan pre-penalty production is embarrassing and really needs to stop. In Costa Rica there was so much to criticize I sort of forgot about it, but really do you need to go through those theatrics when you are 3-0 down in the 89th minute? I wonder if he did that before he took penalty kicks at Bayern... oh wait, nevermind. Loser.
I didn't see the Mexico game but by all accounts they were dominated by El Salvador and now sit fifth out of six. It is far from over as Mexico have the majority of their games at home and one away to T&T, but no one expected Mexico to be in such bad shape at this point. Maybe it wasn't all SGE's fault after all. The perception in a lot of places is that Mexico will be in South Africa even if they have to win a play-off against a team from conmebol. I wouldn't be so quick to make that assumption. The team currently sitting in the play-off spot is Uruguay and despite suffering a humiliating 4-0 thumping at the hands of Brazil in Montevideo over the weekend at this moment I would take Uruguay over Mexico in 2-leg play-off. We will see.
Argentina played poorly and were lucky to get a 1-0 result over Colombia. The solid debut of Andujar in goal and a rejuvenated JS Veron providing the odd spark in attack were the only real positives. The team selection and formation were suspect and after 3 competitive matches in charge Diego is an okay 2-1 with a not-s0-awesome goal differential of zero (6 for 6 against). Not off to the start many envisioned. The 3-man backline was overwhelmed (which is not a surprise) and he had to bring on Zanetti to act as a hybrid midfielder/right-back in the second half. The glut of three small, quick strikers didn't produce the myriad chances it did against Venezuela, but really why would it? Jonas was invisible on the flank. I expect a radically different approach for their midweek match in Quito. Mascherano will miss the game due to suspension. Aguero was taken off in the 40th with an injury, but even if it is not serious I expect a different configuration in attack which may leave him on the bench. Heinze played shockingly and really doesn't deserve to start but given the lack of another proven left back in the pool of players called up he might. Still, 3 points is 3 points and Argentina opened up a gap between them and chasing Uruguay. They are on the verge of clinching while Colombia's hopes are dwindling.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Real Madrid in Danger of Making Wise Move
Just when I was convinced Florentino was on the verge of a spending spree on 5 players who all do the same thing, there is this. Apparently a deal with Roma is about to go down that would bring Brazilian center half Juan to Madrid in exchange for K.J. Huntelaar. This move would benefit both teams and set Madrid on the path to regaining their stature. Juan still needs a partner but this is a solid first step. W/R/T Roma they have lacked a true "9" for some time now and Huntelaar is a born goal scorer. The other attack players for Roma will provide him a lot of opportunities, he just has to show the killer insinct he had at Ajax and this move could put them back in the top 4. It also clears some room in the striker depratment at Real Madrid. Speaking of which.... the other hot topic in the Spanish media seems to be: Who should Madrid sign Forlan or Villa? Forlan is clearly the better of the two but there is no way he is coming over from the other side of the city.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Costa Rica Stomps on USA
The US went into one of its House of Horrors on Wednesday night and the result wasn't any better than the last half dozen times. The national team's record in qualifiers away to Costa Rica is now 0-7-1. They did get on the board in the 3-1 loss, a first since 2000. Before people get carried away it is important to recognize the US still has a decent squad, remains in qualifying position, and has a very winnable game in Chicago versus Honduras on Saturday. In all probability the United States will be at the World Cup in South Africa (ugh) next year. Wednesday's game was a disaster but I think they can get beyond it and qualify. I am not going to dwell on it too much but here are some quick observations:
1. Pablo M. looked gassed even before the half. It might be time for someone else to step in his spot.
2. Bob Bradley has mostly done a good job with the NT but a big share of the blame has to fall on his shoulder for last night. Knowing the US historically struggles in Costa Rica, knowing you are facing a strong and motivated squad, and knowing the game will be played on quick artificial turf why would you come out in a 4-3-3? This ensured that three of the US players were effectively severed from the game. The Costa Ricans romped through the US half of the field in the opening minutes and grabbed a two goal league. The game was done before the 15 minute mark.
3. Michael Bradley I thought played well most of the game, the only one of the starters. He was unfortunate to have a harsh yellow put him out of Saturday's game in Chicago. But despite his mostly solid performance he got wheeled for the third goal in a nightmarish sequence I am sure will live on in youtube clips of US lowlights. He looked really bad but his teammates didn't do him any favors and share the blame for standing around while they get danced for a goal that shouldnt' have happened.
4. Watching both teams handle the ball in different situations the difference on the night was clear. The Costa Ricans always moved it with purpose and certainty, knowing exactly where their teammates were, and having an end in mind. For the most part the US was miserable. Countless times in the defensive end they just booted the ball over the touchline for a gasp of air. Movement in attack was sporadic and more than once a promising run was negated by an errant ball. If this is a result of being shell-shocked and intimidated by the atmosphere it is unfortunate but understandable. If it happened because the team doesn't understand itself yet then there is a real problem.
I think this is one of those games you can just throw away and put behind you. The good news is they have the chance to do that quickly in Chicago just over 48 hours from now. Hopefully we see a better display then.
1. Pablo M. looked gassed even before the half. It might be time for someone else to step in his spot.
2. Bob Bradley has mostly done a good job with the NT but a big share of the blame has to fall on his shoulder for last night. Knowing the US historically struggles in Costa Rica, knowing you are facing a strong and motivated squad, and knowing the game will be played on quick artificial turf why would you come out in a 4-3-3? This ensured that three of the US players were effectively severed from the game. The Costa Ricans romped through the US half of the field in the opening minutes and grabbed a two goal league. The game was done before the 15 minute mark.
3. Michael Bradley I thought played well most of the game, the only one of the starters. He was unfortunate to have a harsh yellow put him out of Saturday's game in Chicago. But despite his mostly solid performance he got wheeled for the third goal in a nightmarish sequence I am sure will live on in youtube clips of US lowlights. He looked really bad but his teammates didn't do him any favors and share the blame for standing around while they get danced for a goal that shouldnt' have happened.
4. Watching both teams handle the ball in different situations the difference on the night was clear. The Costa Ricans always moved it with purpose and certainty, knowing exactly where their teammates were, and having an end in mind. For the most part the US was miserable. Countless times in the defensive end they just booted the ball over the touchline for a gasp of air. Movement in attack was sporadic and more than once a promising run was negated by an errant ball. If this is a result of being shell-shocked and intimidated by the atmosphere it is unfortunate but understandable. If it happened because the team doesn't understand itself yet then there is a real problem.
I think this is one of those games you can just throw away and put behind you. The good news is they have the chance to do that quickly in Chicago just over 48 hours from now. Hopefully we see a better display then.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Argentine line-up for Saturday
Unless training-ground injuries force a change, Argentina's starting 11 to face Colombia in Buenos Aires on Saturday will be:
Tevez Aguero Messi
Veron (!)
J. Gutierrez Gago Mascherano
Heinze Demichelis Diaz
Andujar
This is an interesting formation that is fairly uncommon. Considering that Jonas is mostly a wide specialist it seems to be built on the assumption that Argentina will dominate the possession and spend the bulk of the game in attack. Given the circumstances that is reasonable, but if it does not play out like that it could be costly. It is interesting to note that Maradona has acknowledged there is likely to be changes for the game in Quito next week, even before any cards or injuries force his hand on Saturday. This indicates he is tailoring the lineup and approach to the opponent. Colombia has only scored a paltry 6 goals in 12 games thus far. This along with being at home and counting so many on-form superstars among his players makes the bet-it-all-in-attack approach a sound one I think.
-AM
Monday, June 1, 2009
Florentino's Finally Here.
In other finally-it-is-official news Florentino Perez is back for a second stint as president of Real Madrid. The Spanish press have been intoxicated with the Florentino-as-Savior story for a month now and have taken it to a level that questions their professionalism. The team he brings with him includes Jorge Valdano, who is invaluable, as general director and Zizou as special adviser. There are some talented people in positions of power, for sure, but the idea that the other superpower clubs around the world are mired in depression, waiting for the might Real Madrid to reclaim global dominance, is absurd and premature.
Perez's first tenure at Real Madrid was successful, but far from the golden age the Spanish press seem to remember. He was granted essentially limitless resources by the club which he used to purchase a string of big-money superstars from all corners of the world. During this time RM won 2 Spanish Leagues (a record equaled in his absence) and 1 Champions' League.
He takes over a side that is comfortably installed in the upper reaches of club and european football, but has miles to go to be at the absolute pinnacle of either. What makes his task a difficult one is not just that he is chasing an exceptional Barcelona, not only that he needs to sign players, and not only the lack of homegrown talent. The real challenge for Florentino is that Real Madrid need elite players in un-glamours positions. If all that were required for a return to glory were to splash cash on CR7 and a targetman like Drogba this would be a done deal. But if Perez wants to succeed he must simultaneously plug the holes in the squad and convince the organization and fans this is a better use of resources than big name attacking players.
At bare minimum Real Madrid need a ball-winning midfielder, a left back, and two central defenders. They probably need another wideman as well. Of their current roster only Sergio Ramos is a truly world-class defender. Heinze could platoon with someone else and is good for filling in but not the player he was when he captained United a few years back. Pepe at his best can be useful but from all accounts is not fit to return.
The guy Perez should make a top priority is Fernando from Porto. Put alongside Gago, who would then play as "double five" he would give them security in the midfield essential for taking on the truly heavyweights. Vidic or Chiellini would be ideal targets but realities at their current clubs take them off the board. He should target Maicon (which as an Inter fan would be a nightmare) and if he can't get a bite then maybe Chivu. Try to pry either Lucio or Demichelis from Bayern. And pick 2 defenders from other Spanish clubs. Guys like Capdevila, Pareja, or Squillaci. These names don't have the sparkling sexiness of Cristiano Ronaldo, Franck Ribery, or Kaka but they would do a lot more to transform Real Madrid from a perpetual Champs League entry to an actual winner.
Pellegrini has been brought on to replace Juande Ramos. He was clearly not the first choice and owes his new job mostly to the fact that Wenger and Mourinho opted to stay put. Still, he is not a bad pick. He has worked his way up from the relative obscurity of Chile and won everywhere he has gone. He was successful at River Plate, a job that comes with pressure, intensity, and scrutiny that rivals what he will face at RM, and has beat expectations at Villarreal, getting the most of his squad.
Perez's first tenure at Real Madrid was successful, but far from the golden age the Spanish press seem to remember. He was granted essentially limitless resources by the club which he used to purchase a string of big-money superstars from all corners of the world. During this time RM won 2 Spanish Leagues (a record equaled in his absence) and 1 Champions' League.
He takes over a side that is comfortably installed in the upper reaches of club and european football, but has miles to go to be at the absolute pinnacle of either. What makes his task a difficult one is not just that he is chasing an exceptional Barcelona, not only that he needs to sign players, and not only the lack of homegrown talent. The real challenge for Florentino is that Real Madrid need elite players in un-glamours positions. If all that were required for a return to glory were to splash cash on CR7 and a targetman like Drogba this would be a done deal. But if Perez wants to succeed he must simultaneously plug the holes in the squad and convince the organization and fans this is a better use of resources than big name attacking players.
At bare minimum Real Madrid need a ball-winning midfielder, a left back, and two central defenders. They probably need another wideman as well. Of their current roster only Sergio Ramos is a truly world-class defender. Heinze could platoon with someone else and is good for filling in but not the player he was when he captained United a few years back. Pepe at his best can be useful but from all accounts is not fit to return.
The guy Perez should make a top priority is Fernando from Porto. Put alongside Gago, who would then play as "double five" he would give them security in the midfield essential for taking on the truly heavyweights. Vidic or Chiellini would be ideal targets but realities at their current clubs take them off the board. He should target Maicon (which as an Inter fan would be a nightmare) and if he can't get a bite then maybe Chivu. Try to pry either Lucio or Demichelis from Bayern. And pick 2 defenders from other Spanish clubs. Guys like Capdevila, Pareja, or Squillaci. These names don't have the sparkling sexiness of Cristiano Ronaldo, Franck Ribery, or Kaka but they would do a lot more to transform Real Madrid from a perpetual Champs League entry to an actual winner.
Pellegrini has been brought on to replace Juande Ramos. He was clearly not the first choice and owes his new job mostly to the fact that Wenger and Mourinho opted to stay put. Still, he is not a bad pick. He has worked his way up from the relative obscurity of Chile and won everywhere he has gone. He was successful at River Plate, a job that comes with pressure, intensity, and scrutiny that rivals what he will face at RM, and has beat expectations at Villarreal, getting the most of his squad.
Carlo. And Also I Was Wrong, Sorry.
Now that the Serie A season is over the long assumed but not confirmed move of Carlo Ancelotti to Chelsea has been confirmed. There has been a lot of speculation and expectation about him taking over the Blues although he never played or coached in England. He certainly has resources at his disposal and has an impressive track record at Italy. Let's see what happens.
I have a correction to make w/r/t the Serie A part of my post from Friday. I said a Genoa win and Fiorentina loss that combined for a margin of three or greater would result in them switching places on the table and Euro competition next year. Well it happened as Genoa won 4-1 and AC Milan blanked Fiorentina 2-0. But..... nothing changed. That is because Serie A's tie-breaker is not goal differential but rather head to head. I am of mixed opinion on this. On one hand it is bad and unnatural and weird and it makes me look like an ass re last week's post. But on the other, given the calciopoli scandal of 2006 and the general tendency of dark behavior in the Italian game maybe it adds some insurance for fairplay late in the season.
I have a correction to make w/r/t the Serie A part of my post from Friday. I said a Genoa win and Fiorentina loss that combined for a margin of three or greater would result in them switching places on the table and Euro competition next year. Well it happened as Genoa won 4-1 and AC Milan blanked Fiorentina 2-0. But..... nothing changed. That is because Serie A's tie-breaker is not goal differential but rather head to head. I am of mixed opinion on this. On one hand it is bad and unnatural and weird and it makes me look like an ass re last week's post. But on the other, given the calciopoli scandal of 2006 and the general tendency of dark behavior in the Italian game maybe it adds some insurance for fairplay late in the season.
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