Carlo Garganese
We have seen it so many times in the past where great players don’t make great coaches, and it now seems to have happened again with the greatest player of them all – Diego Maradona.
With the players he has at his disposal, Argentina should already be qualified for South Africa. Yet with just three games of their Conmebol group to go – two of them difficult trips to Paraguay and Uruguay – and only two points separating the fourth-placed Albicelestes from Colombia and Ecuador in fifth and sixth, there is the very real possibility of missing out on their first World Cup for 40 years. There is no doubt that the main reason why Argentina find themselves in such a predicament is due to Maradona. Football is sometimes over-complicated. If you pick the best players at your disposal, providing there is balance, you are likely to have a far greater chance of success than if you choose lesser players. This has been proven by Maradona, whose squad selection has been absolutely bizarre at times. The coach has an unhealthy obsession with local players, almost as if he is on some quest to prove that South American football can still stand up against the poachers of Europe. Ten on Diego’s roster for the Brazil clash were from the Argentine League, including 35-year-old Martin Palermo, who has not played internationally for 10 years, and 36-year-old defender Rolando Schiavi earning his maiden call-up. It is no secret that Argentina are weak in defence, yet Maradona overlooked his only top-class centre-back in Inter’s Walter Samuel, offering a baptism of fire for debutant Sebastian Dominguez of Velez Sarsfield. Meanwhile, despite such an embarrassment of riches in midfield, he started with the 34-year-old Juan Sebastian Veron – whom regardless of his fine domestic form with Estudiantes has been playing out of Europe now for three years – and Jesus Datolo, who admittedly was one of Argentina’s best players and scored a wonder goal, but has been nothing more than average for Napoli since joining them in January of this year. There are so many complaints that can be thrown at Maradona’s door. Why is the calamitous Gabriel Heinze still playing? Why was Carlos Tevez preferred in attack when his start to the season has been so inferior to the red-hot Diego Milito? Why is Lazio's Mauro Zarate still being snubbed when he is such a phenomenon? And what about Argentina’s formation? Why is Maradona employing an England-style 4-4-2, especially in a game against a Dunga-led Brazil who are renowned for loading the midfield and hitting on the counter-attack through the rigid gaps? Argentina should be playing a 4-2-3-1 – with this formation they would have every country in the world quaking in their boots. Javier Mascherano and (the currently injured) Esteban Cambiasso holding in midfield, Diego Milito as the lone marksman, and any three from Lionel Messi, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Sergio Aguero, Zarate, Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain, Lucho Gonzalez, and Maxi Rodriguez in the attacking midfield trident. With Inter stars Samuel and Javier Zanetti patrolling the defence, Argentina have a team capable of blitzing the World Cup. By using the 4-4-2, the Albicelestes waste all their strengths that are located in midfield and attack and expose all their weaknesses in defence. Another example is captain Mascherano. Maradona once said that his Argentina team is “Mascherano and 10 others”, yet the Liverpool man has largely struggled and he was torn apart by Kaká. This is the same Mascherano who marked the Brazilian so expertly during the 2007 Champions League Final. The reason why the former West Ham man is labouring comes down to formation. He is not suited to the 4-4-2 (even West Ham's Hayden Mullins was preferred to him in this system!). To play centre midfield at the highest level in a 4-4-2 you need to be an all-action runner who can combine attacking, defending and physical play. Mascherano is a reader of the game, a man-marker, and needs to sit deeper or play in a more compact midfield. All romantics of the game want Maradona to do well, but should he have another negative result against Paraguay on Wednesday, then the Argentine FA will have a big decision to make on whether they should replace him as coach before the final two decisive October qualifiers versus Peru and Uruguay.
Carlo Garganese
Monday, September 7, 2009
Ghana reach 2010 World Cup
Collins Udoh
The Black Stars outclassed Sudan 2-0 at home, allowing them to be the first African country to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. Group D consists of Ghana, Mali, Benin and Sudan. Before the game Ghana topped the group with a maximum points tally of 9, while Mali had 4.
The two-goal win sent Ghana to 12 points, allowing them to create a substantial gap over the other sides in their standings. The Black Stars pushed forward from the start, and they were soon rewarded for their efforts with a 14th minute goal from Sulley Muntari. Sudan struggled to get back into the game, with few chances falling the way of the visitors. Ghana consolidated their lead in the 54th minute with Chelsea star Michael Essien scored putting the game beyond the Sudanese.
With regards to qualification to the World Cup next year, Ghana is the first African country after hosts South Africa to qualify for the event. The Black Stars did so with their 2-0 win over Sudan, thanks to Benin registering a draw against Mali.
This means that none of the other sides in the group can qualify for next year’s World Cup.As far as the African Nations Cup goes, Ghana has already qualified, and the other two spots are still up for grabs.
The Black Stars outclassed Sudan 2-0 at home, allowing them to be the first African country to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. Group D consists of Ghana, Mali, Benin and Sudan. Before the game Ghana topped the group with a maximum points tally of 9, while Mali had 4.
The two-goal win sent Ghana to 12 points, allowing them to create a substantial gap over the other sides in their standings. The Black Stars pushed forward from the start, and they were soon rewarded for their efforts with a 14th minute goal from Sulley Muntari. Sudan struggled to get back into the game, with few chances falling the way of the visitors. Ghana consolidated their lead in the 54th minute with Chelsea star Michael Essien scored putting the game beyond the Sudanese.
With regards to qualification to the World Cup next year, Ghana is the first African country after hosts South Africa to qualify for the event. The Black Stars did so with their 2-0 win over Sudan, thanks to Benin registering a draw against Mali.
This means that none of the other sides in the group can qualify for next year’s World Cup.As far as the African Nations Cup goes, Ghana has already qualified, and the other two spots are still up for grabs.
Tunisia hold Nigeria
Colin Udoh
Nigeria were held to a 2-2 draw by Tunisia at the Abuja National Stadium, compromising the Super Eagles' chances of qualifying for next year's World Cup in South Africa.Osaze Odemwingie opened scoring for Nigeria after 25 minutes, driving his way past his marker on the left to crash a shot into the roof of the net.But the Nigerian celebrations were still on when Nabil Sliti levelled with an unstoppable effort from long range.Tunisia were the better side, and looked dangerous on the break as they tormented the Nigerian side.But Michael Eneramo restored Nigeria's advantage on 85 minutes after good work down the left by John Mikel Obi and Obinna Nsofor.That lead didn't last long either as, with time running out, Esperance midfielder Oussama Darragi replicated Odemwingie's first half goal, cutting down the right hand side and rifling his shot into the roof of the net. The result keep Tunisia two points ahead of Nigeria, and means that the north Africans stay in the driving seat for World Cup qualification, while the Super Eagles are on a wing and a prayer. Live scoring as it happened:
Nigeria LINE UP1. Vincent Enyeama; 13.
Adefemi Olubayo, 3.
Taye Taiwo, 2.
Joseph Yobo, 6.
Dele Adeleye; 14.
Seyi Olofinjana, 10.
John Mikel Obi, 16,
Kalu Uche; 11.
Osaze Odemwingie, 15.
Ike Uche, 8.
Chinedu Obasi Subs12.
Dele Aiyenugba, 4.
Nwankwo Kanu, 5.
Onyekachi Apam, 7.
Sani Kaita, 9.
Obinna Nsofor, 17.
Yusuf Mohammed, 18.
Michael Eneramo
The Tunisia line-up is still not out, but we think it will be something like this Kasraoui, Soussi, Ghazel, Haggui, Mikari; Ragued, Korbi, Taider; Darragi, Ben Saada and JemaaThat may look like a 4-3-3, but its actually a 4-5-1, with the hard men being Ragued and Taider. Darragi and Ben Saada will be the ones looking to thread balls behind the Nigerian wall.Its about an hour to the game, and the stadium is full already, nearly to capacity. Its such an intimidating atmosphere, for anybody. And the Tunisia line up is out. We got it almost spot on. First choice goalkeeper Kasraoui has been dropped to the bench. Now, thats a surprise. Did he [ick up something?
There was a huge roar when Nigeria trotted in from the dressing room. The noise here can bring down Jericho. Will the Tunisians be suitably intimidated? We'll just have to wait and see.Warm-ups are complete. The teams are back in the dressing room. They should be coming out anytime now for pre-match formalities.Here come the Tunisian subs bench.
Colin Udoh
Nigeria were held to a 2-2 draw by Tunisia at the Abuja National Stadium, compromising the Super Eagles' chances of qualifying for next year's World Cup in South Africa.Osaze Odemwingie opened scoring for Nigeria after 25 minutes, driving his way past his marker on the left to crash a shot into the roof of the net.But the Nigerian celebrations were still on when Nabil Sliti levelled with an unstoppable effort from long range.Tunisia were the better side, and looked dangerous on the break as they tormented the Nigerian side.But Michael Eneramo restored Nigeria's advantage on 85 minutes after good work down the left by John Mikel Obi and Obinna Nsofor.That lead didn't last long either as, with time running out, Esperance midfielder Oussama Darragi replicated Odemwingie's first half goal, cutting down the right hand side and rifling his shot into the roof of the net. The result keep Tunisia two points ahead of Nigeria, and means that the north Africans stay in the driving seat for World Cup qualification, while the Super Eagles are on a wing and a prayer. Live scoring as it happened:
Nigeria LINE UP1. Vincent Enyeama; 13.
Adefemi Olubayo, 3.
Taye Taiwo, 2.
Joseph Yobo, 6.
Dele Adeleye; 14.
Seyi Olofinjana, 10.
John Mikel Obi, 16,
Kalu Uche; 11.
Osaze Odemwingie, 15.
Ike Uche, 8.
Chinedu Obasi Subs12.
Dele Aiyenugba, 4.
Nwankwo Kanu, 5.
Onyekachi Apam, 7.
Sani Kaita, 9.
Obinna Nsofor, 17.
Yusuf Mohammed, 18.
Michael Eneramo
The Tunisia line-up is still not out, but we think it will be something like this Kasraoui, Soussi, Ghazel, Haggui, Mikari; Ragued, Korbi, Taider; Darragi, Ben Saada and JemaaThat may look like a 4-3-3, but its actually a 4-5-1, with the hard men being Ragued and Taider. Darragi and Ben Saada will be the ones looking to thread balls behind the Nigerian wall.Its about an hour to the game, and the stadium is full already, nearly to capacity. Its such an intimidating atmosphere, for anybody. And the Tunisia line up is out. We got it almost spot on. First choice goalkeeper Kasraoui has been dropped to the bench. Now, thats a surprise. Did he [ick up something?
There was a huge roar when Nigeria trotted in from the dressing room. The noise here can bring down Jericho. Will the Tunisians be suitably intimidated? We'll just have to wait and see.Warm-ups are complete. The teams are back in the dressing room. They should be coming out anytime now for pre-match formalities.Here come the Tunisian subs bench.
Colin Udoh
End of the road to S/Africa? - Super Eagles held to 2-2 draw by Tunisia
By Dimeji Ojo,
THE dream of Nigeria’s Super Eagles to qualify for the 2010 World Cup suffered a major setback on Sunday at the National Stadium, Abuja, as they were held to 2-2 draw by the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia.The Tunisian side maintained its lead on the table with eight points, leaving the Nigerian Eagles on six points.For the Super Eagles, however, to be at the 2010 mundial billed for South Africa, they have to beat the Harambee Stars of Kenya at away and also Mozambique in Abuja to finish with 12 points.Also, Nigerians would have to pray fervently for the Carthage Eagles to lose at away to Mozambique that would make them to finish 11 points if at all they beat Kenya in the last game.Tribunesports recalls that the Super Eagles once scaled through this similar setting on the way to the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup as they defeated Sudan 4-0 in Omdurman when all hopes seemed to have been lost.It was a disappointing performance by the Shaibu Amodu - piloted Eagles on Sunday.The team put smiles on the faces of Nigerians in the 22nd minute as Osaze Odemwingie out of sheer brilliance shot into the roof of the net after making a solo run down the box.However, the celebration that greeted the curtain raiser hardly ended when Nabil Taider got the equaliser for the visitors with a powerful low drive which stretched goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama to the limit.The Tunisians were more organised in the second half as they held onto the ball to keep the homers at bay.Substitute Tunisia-based Michael Eneramo put Nigeria ahead again in the 80th minute when he connected a cross from Obinna Nsofor with a jab past goalkeeper Mathlouthi Aymen.Nigerians were waiting anxiously for the final whistle before Darragi Oussma got the leveller, when he intelligently chipped the ball into the roof of the net in the 89th minute with Enyeama at his mercy.
THE dream of Nigeria’s Super Eagles to qualify for the 2010 World Cup suffered a major setback on Sunday at the National Stadium, Abuja, as they were held to 2-2 draw by the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia.The Tunisian side maintained its lead on the table with eight points, leaving the Nigerian Eagles on six points.For the Super Eagles, however, to be at the 2010 mundial billed for South Africa, they have to beat the Harambee Stars of Kenya at away and also Mozambique in Abuja to finish with 12 points.Also, Nigerians would have to pray fervently for the Carthage Eagles to lose at away to Mozambique that would make them to finish 11 points if at all they beat Kenya in the last game.Tribunesports recalls that the Super Eagles once scaled through this similar setting on the way to the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup as they defeated Sudan 4-0 in Omdurman when all hopes seemed to have been lost.It was a disappointing performance by the Shaibu Amodu - piloted Eagles on Sunday.The team put smiles on the faces of Nigerians in the 22nd minute as Osaze Odemwingie out of sheer brilliance shot into the roof of the net after making a solo run down the box.However, the celebration that greeted the curtain raiser hardly ended when Nabil Taider got the equaliser for the visitors with a powerful low drive which stretched goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama to the limit.The Tunisians were more organised in the second half as they held onto the ball to keep the homers at bay.Substitute Tunisia-based Michael Eneramo put Nigeria ahead again in the 80th minute when he connected a cross from Obinna Nsofor with a jab past goalkeeper Mathlouthi Aymen.Nigerians were waiting anxiously for the final whistle before Darragi Oussma got the leveller, when he intelligently chipped the ball into the roof of the net in the 89th minute with Enyeama at his mercy.
Friday, September 4, 2009
MANCHESTER UNITED'S FOUNDATION
By Sir Alex Ferguson
Manchester United Foundation was formed to celebrate 50 years of the Club playing in Europe. It aims to use the passion for Manchester United to educate, motivate and inspire young people to build a better life for themselves and improve the communities they live in. The Foundation delivers football coaching, skills training, personal development and life changing experiences, providing young people with opportunities to change their lives for the better. Through football, we encourage young people to develop as players and more importantly as people. Our work to benefit communities and improve the lives of young people is delivered through:
"Manchester United
- innovative and educational programmes
- promoting a greater understanding of social issues through education
- developing unique and relevant partnerships
Our goal is to educate, motivate and inspire future generations to build better communities for all.
"Through working in partnerships, Manchester United Foundation will develop our youngsters so that they are able to acquire qualities which will remain with them through life - being positive, believing in themselves, working hard and recognising the importance of team work. These are all attributes which I instil every day in our players."
Manchester United Foundation was formed to celebrate 50 years of the Club playing in Europe. It aims to use the passion for Manchester United to educate, motivate and inspire young people to build a better life for themselves and improve the communities they live in. The Foundation delivers football coaching, skills training, personal development and life changing experiences, providing young people with opportunities to change their lives for the better. Through football, we encourage young people to develop as players and more importantly as people. Our work to benefit communities and improve the lives of young people is delivered through:
"Manchester United
recognises the important role
which we can play in engaging with young people".
- innovative and educational programmes
- promoting a greater understanding of social issues through education
- developing unique and relevant partnerships
Our goal is to educate, motivate and inspire future generations to build better communities for all.
"Through working in partnerships, Manchester United Foundation will develop our youngsters so that they are able to acquire qualities which will remain with them through life - being positive, believing in themselves, working hard and recognising the importance of team work. These are all attributes which I instil every day in our players."
By Sir Alex Ferguson
Manchester’s Top contenders in Europe
BARCELONA
Who’s in charge? Pep Guardiola. A Treble in his first season has set the bar sky-high. Repeating the European leg would be a fantastic achievement for the 38-year-old, who has no need to tinker with a winning formula.What’s new? Barça’s big summer signing will have surprised many United fans, thoroughly underwhelmed by Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s appearance at OT with Inter last term. Still, he scored 25 goals in Serie A and someone thinks he’s worth €70million.
Main man
Lionel Messi. Little argument there; the Argentinian offers eye-popping sleight of foot, plus ball-on-a-string control. And as Rio and Edwin will ruefully attest, he’s not bad in the air either.How they got here By winning the league nine points clear of second-placed Real – with 105 goals to boot.Last time out Er… they did OK. Beat Wisla Krakow to qualify, topped Group C, crushed Lyon and Bayern, edged past Chelsea in the semis then… oh, let’s move on, shall we?Verdict Holders, favourites and a team others will want to avoid.
REAL MADRID
Who’s in charge? Former president and Galacticos godfather Florentino Perez was re-elected Bernabéu president this summer. Perez duly appointed Chilean Manuel Pellegrini as head coach after five years piloting the Yellow Submarine of Villarreal. However, he won’t have that long to deliver trophies in Madrid.What’s new? Unprecedented summer spending, even by Galactico standards. Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema, Xabi Alonso, Raul Albiol, Alvaro Arbeloa and Esteban Granero arrived in arecruited from AZ Alkmaar (with whom he’d won the Dutch Eredivisie) after Bayern sacked beleaguered Jürgen Klinsmann towards the end of a disappointing (ie they didn’t win it) 2008/09 Bundesliga.
What’s new? Bayern flexed their muscles this summer, spending €30m on Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez and €14m on Russian midfielder Anatoliy Tymoshchuk.
Also in:
forward Ivica Olic, midfielders Danijel Pranjic and Alexander Baumjohann, and defender Edson Braafheid. The biggest coup of all, however, was keeping Franck Ribéry.
Main man
Ribéry's been Bayern’s best player in the last two years and will be again. Keep an eye on Gomez, too – he has a phenomenal scoring record. How they got here Parallels with Juve: sacked their manager in the season run-in, appointed a caretaker, rallied to finish second and qualify outright. Last time out Topped their group, demolished Sporting Lisbon in the first knockout game, then a drubbing by Barcelona.
Verdict
Recruited well on the pitch and in the dugout; likely to be in the quarters again.
AC MILAN
Who’s in charge?
Leonardo – former Brazilian international who lit up the San Siro between 1997 and 2001 – steps into the position vacated by Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti. Leonardo has no direct managerial experience, but has worked as technical director at Milan so knows the gaffer’s brief.What’s new? Klaas-Jan Huntelaar arrived for €14.5m from the Dutch firesale at Real, but after a dire pre-season (featuring defeats by Chelsea, Inter, Bayern – twice – and Benfica), there have been howls for further reinforcements.
Main man
Andrea Pirlo. Pin-point passer and creative heart of the Milan side was subject to west London overtures, but remains at the San Siro; he’ll be vital.How they recruited from AZ Alkmaar (with whom he’d won the Dutch Eredivisie) after Bayern sacked beleaguered Jürgen Klinsmann towards the end of a disappointing (ie they didn’t win it) 2008/09 Bundesliga.
What’s new?
Bayern flexed their muscles this summer, spending €30m on Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez and €14m on Russian midfielder Anatoliy Tymoshchuk.
Also in: forward Ivica Olic, midfielders Danijel Pranjic and Alexander Baumjohann, and defender Edson Braafheid. The biggest coup of all, however, was keeping Franck Ribéry.
Main man
Ribéry's been Bayern’s best player in the last two years and will be again. Keep an eye on Gomez, too – he has a phenomenal scoring record.How they got here Parallels with Juve: sacked their manager in the season run-in, appointed a caretaker, rallied to finish second and qualify outright.Last time out Topped their group, demolished Sporting Lisbon in the first knockout game, then a drubbing by Barcelona.
Verdict
Recruited well on the pitch and in the dugout; likely to be in the quarters again.
INTER MILAN
Who’s in charge?
Jose Mourinho, whose relationship with the Italian press is a volatile marital hell: one week they love each other, the next they're at each other’s throats. On the pitch, Jose has achieved domestic dominance, but not cracked Europe.What’s new? As makeweights go, Samuel Eto’o is pretty heavy. His arrival as part of the Ibrahimovic deal looks a coup – after all, he’s scored decisive goals in two Champions League finals.
Main man
The arrival of Brazilian centre-back Lucio, from Bayern, bolsters a defence including Marco Materazzi, Cristian Chivu and Walter Samuel meaning Inter will be no pushovers. How they got here Unbeaten at home in Serie A in 2008/09, the Nerazzurri strolled to the title, 10 points clear of Milan and Juve. Last time out Sneaked out of the group to face United, but were bossed by Michael ‘il magnifico’ Carrick at the San Siro and dumped out by early goals in each half at OT.Verdict
So far, so feeble for Jose’s men. They’ll need to improve dramatically to challenge for the trophy. But Jose shouldn’t be written off.
Who’s in charge? Pep Guardiola. A Treble in his first season has set the bar sky-high. Repeating the European leg would be a fantastic achievement for the 38-year-old, who has no need to tinker with a winning formula.What’s new? Barça’s big summer signing will have surprised many United fans, thoroughly underwhelmed by Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s appearance at OT with Inter last term. Still, he scored 25 goals in Serie A and someone thinks he’s worth €70million.
Main man
Lionel Messi. Little argument there; the Argentinian offers eye-popping sleight of foot, plus ball-on-a-string control. And as Rio and Edwin will ruefully attest, he’s not bad in the air either.How they got here By winning the league nine points clear of second-placed Real – with 105 goals to boot.Last time out Er… they did OK. Beat Wisla Krakow to qualify, topped Group C, crushed Lyon and Bayern, edged past Chelsea in the semis then… oh, let’s move on, shall we?Verdict Holders, favourites and a team others will want to avoid.
REAL MADRID
Who’s in charge? Former president and Galacticos godfather Florentino Perez was re-elected Bernabéu president this summer. Perez duly appointed Chilean Manuel Pellegrini as head coach after five years piloting the Yellow Submarine of Villarreal. However, he won’t have that long to deliver trophies in Madrid.What’s new? Unprecedented summer spending, even by Galactico standards. Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema, Xabi Alonso, Raul Albiol, Alvaro Arbeloa and Esteban Granero arrived in arecruited from AZ Alkmaar (with whom he’d won the Dutch Eredivisie) after Bayern sacked beleaguered Jürgen Klinsmann towards the end of a disappointing (ie they didn’t win it) 2008/09 Bundesliga.
What’s new? Bayern flexed their muscles this summer, spending €30m on Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez and €14m on Russian midfielder Anatoliy Tymoshchuk.
Also in:
forward Ivica Olic, midfielders Danijel Pranjic and Alexander Baumjohann, and defender Edson Braafheid. The biggest coup of all, however, was keeping Franck Ribéry.
Main man
Ribéry's been Bayern’s best player in the last two years and will be again. Keep an eye on Gomez, too – he has a phenomenal scoring record. How they got here Parallels with Juve: sacked their manager in the season run-in, appointed a caretaker, rallied to finish second and qualify outright. Last time out Topped their group, demolished Sporting Lisbon in the first knockout game, then a drubbing by Barcelona.
Verdict
Recruited well on the pitch and in the dugout; likely to be in the quarters again.
AC MILAN
Who’s in charge?
Leonardo – former Brazilian international who lit up the San Siro between 1997 and 2001 – steps into the position vacated by Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti. Leonardo has no direct managerial experience, but has worked as technical director at Milan so knows the gaffer’s brief.What’s new? Klaas-Jan Huntelaar arrived for €14.5m from the Dutch firesale at Real, but after a dire pre-season (featuring defeats by Chelsea, Inter, Bayern – twice – and Benfica), there have been howls for further reinforcements.
Main man
Andrea Pirlo. Pin-point passer and creative heart of the Milan side was subject to west London overtures, but remains at the San Siro; he’ll be vital.How they recruited from AZ Alkmaar (with whom he’d won the Dutch Eredivisie) after Bayern sacked beleaguered Jürgen Klinsmann towards the end of a disappointing (ie they didn’t win it) 2008/09 Bundesliga.
What’s new?
Bayern flexed their muscles this summer, spending €30m on Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez and €14m on Russian midfielder Anatoliy Tymoshchuk.
Also in: forward Ivica Olic, midfielders Danijel Pranjic and Alexander Baumjohann, and defender Edson Braafheid. The biggest coup of all, however, was keeping Franck Ribéry.
Main man
Ribéry's been Bayern’s best player in the last two years and will be again. Keep an eye on Gomez, too – he has a phenomenal scoring record.How they got here Parallels with Juve: sacked their manager in the season run-in, appointed a caretaker, rallied to finish second and qualify outright.Last time out Topped their group, demolished Sporting Lisbon in the first knockout game, then a drubbing by Barcelona.
Verdict
Recruited well on the pitch and in the dugout; likely to be in the quarters again.
INTER MILAN
Who’s in charge?
Jose Mourinho, whose relationship with the Italian press is a volatile marital hell: one week they love each other, the next they're at each other’s throats. On the pitch, Jose has achieved domestic dominance, but not cracked Europe.What’s new? As makeweights go, Samuel Eto’o is pretty heavy. His arrival as part of the Ibrahimovic deal looks a coup – after all, he’s scored decisive goals in two Champions League finals.
Main man
The arrival of Brazilian centre-back Lucio, from Bayern, bolsters a defence including Marco Materazzi, Cristian Chivu and Walter Samuel meaning Inter will be no pushovers. How they got here Unbeaten at home in Serie A in 2008/09, the Nerazzurri strolled to the title, 10 points clear of Milan and Juve. Last time out Sneaked out of the group to face United, but were bossed by Michael ‘il magnifico’ Carrick at the San Siro and dumped out by early goals in each half at OT.Verdict
So far, so feeble for Jose’s men. They’ll need to improve dramatically to challenge for the trophy. But Jose shouldn’t be written off.
Arsenal - We Gave Our Game to United
By Gunners Hawk
Contrary to my standard, I am publishing Manchester’s day-after thoughts two days after the game, for the simply reason that I wanted to read the reaction of Arsenal fans following defeat, and I have to say I’m surprised with what I’ve been reading.
Surprised because many insist on bashing the referee and/or Rooney, when it is as clear that we were our own worst enemy on the day and that we beat ourselves.
Referee mistakes?
That Mike Dein could have been less harsh with Arsenal players and more with the Manchester United ones is true, as is true that Arshavin was clearly fouled and the penalty was not given. But, as things stood in the 60th minute of the game, we were dominating our opponents, creating chances and heading towards a very important win. After that, two mistakes cost us the game.
If you want to blame the referee or Rooney for the defeat, you are free to do so, but let me tell you that Arsenal.com, the club’s official website, wrote that there was contact between Almunia and Rooney so dive or no dive, there was contact in the penalty area and instead of asking what would have happened if it was a different referee, or a different striker or a different team, we should instead ask why Almunia decided to get so far off his line to challenge Rooney.
To err is human but be ready to pay for it against Manchester United.
Three episodes changed the direction of the game on Saturday: Almunia rushing out of his goal to challenge Rooney, Diaby’s own goal and the fact that the team was not able to respond the first time in the season they found themselves trailing.
Allow me to start with Diaby. I can’t blame him for our defeat, he played a very good game and was in the wrong place at the wrong time. That he is a better player when compared to last year is true, but unfortunately he’s still very poor when defending has to be done although in a way that should not be his job.
On Rooney’s penalty, well, we’ve been through it already. The only way a professional diver like Rooney could get something out of that move was indeed to do what he did, and with Gallas keeping up with him, he needed Almunia to come out and slide just the way he did to accomplish his mission.
Finally, that we lack the experience required to raise our head and fight back when we’re hit by such a quick one-two is a known fact. But having said that, one kid who seems to have the balls to actually fight when this happens, Jack Wilshere, was kept on the bench when it would have been wise to use him to replace a tired-looking Arshavin. I love Ramsey, but he’s still a long way to be good enough in these sort of games.
Speaking of experience, Wenger believes we lack it when under pressure
Many praised the performance of our midfield but fortunately, others were more honest and realised that after United equalised and we were under some pressure, the midfield faded away and was not able to step it up a gear. We missed Cesc Fabregas of course, with him, it would have been a complete different story and what annoys me is that Wenger knows that we need more experience as he said in one of his post-match interviews yet I’m not sure if he intends to solve this problem in the near future.
Looking Forward
I’m sorry if contrary to many I just can’t see this defeat as the result of referee mistakes but I always prefer to focus on our team, our performance. I’m also sorry if you believe I’m starting to show some pessimism. Actually, I’m satisfied with what I’ve seen in this first month of football, after all, Nasri, Rosicky, Vela and Walcott are yet to kick a ball, but the small minor adjustments required need to be fixed soon.
I’ll be back for the Manchester City game, maybe before, but I’m afraid we need to get all three points against Adebayor’s side, since losing could result in being six points below the likes of Chelsea and Spurs and I would hate that, if it happens
Contrary to my standard, I am publishing Manchester’s day-after thoughts two days after the game, for the simply reason that I wanted to read the reaction of Arsenal fans following defeat, and I have to say I’m surprised with what I’ve been reading.
Surprised because many insist on bashing the referee and/or Rooney, when it is as clear that we were our own worst enemy on the day and that we beat ourselves.
Referee mistakes?
That Mike Dein could have been less harsh with Arsenal players and more with the Manchester United ones is true, as is true that Arshavin was clearly fouled and the penalty was not given. But, as things stood in the 60th minute of the game, we were dominating our opponents, creating chances and heading towards a very important win. After that, two mistakes cost us the game.
If you want to blame the referee or Rooney for the defeat, you are free to do so, but let me tell you that Arsenal.com, the club’s official website, wrote that there was contact between Almunia and Rooney so dive or no dive, there was contact in the penalty area and instead of asking what would have happened if it was a different referee, or a different striker or a different team, we should instead ask why Almunia decided to get so far off his line to challenge Rooney.
To err is human but be ready to pay for it against Manchester United.
Three episodes changed the direction of the game on Saturday: Almunia rushing out of his goal to challenge Rooney, Diaby’s own goal and the fact that the team was not able to respond the first time in the season they found themselves trailing.
Allow me to start with Diaby. I can’t blame him for our defeat, he played a very good game and was in the wrong place at the wrong time. That he is a better player when compared to last year is true, but unfortunately he’s still very poor when defending has to be done although in a way that should not be his job.
On Rooney’s penalty, well, we’ve been through it already. The only way a professional diver like Rooney could get something out of that move was indeed to do what he did, and with Gallas keeping up with him, he needed Almunia to come out and slide just the way he did to accomplish his mission.
Finally, that we lack the experience required to raise our head and fight back when we’re hit by such a quick one-two is a known fact. But having said that, one kid who seems to have the balls to actually fight when this happens, Jack Wilshere, was kept on the bench when it would have been wise to use him to replace a tired-looking Arshavin. I love Ramsey, but he’s still a long way to be good enough in these sort of games.
Speaking of experience, Wenger believes we lack it when under pressure
Many praised the performance of our midfield but fortunately, others were more honest and realised that after United equalised and we were under some pressure, the midfield faded away and was not able to step it up a gear. We missed Cesc Fabregas of course, with him, it would have been a complete different story and what annoys me is that Wenger knows that we need more experience as he said in one of his post-match interviews yet I’m not sure if he intends to solve this problem in the near future.
Looking Forward
I’m sorry if contrary to many I just can’t see this defeat as the result of referee mistakes but I always prefer to focus on our team, our performance. I’m also sorry if you believe I’m starting to show some pessimism. Actually, I’m satisfied with what I’ve seen in this first month of football, after all, Nasri, Rosicky, Vela and Walcott are yet to kick a ball, but the small minor adjustments required need to be fixed soon.
I’ll be back for the Manchester City game, maybe before, but I’m afraid we need to get all three points against Adebayor’s side, since losing could result in being six points below the likes of Chelsea and Spurs and I would hate that, if it happens
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