Spanish Musings.

      What a week it has been. I wanted to write about a specific topic but every time I started a new story would break out. So I figured I would just give my thoughts on the biggest stories to occur this week.

1. Ballon D' Or.

        Ronaldo was the obvious winner, despite my Blaugrana leanings its hard to argue with his statistics last season: 51 goals and 15 assists in 47 appearances in all competitions, 17 goals in the Champions League with 11 appearances. Simply put Ronaldo was insatiable last season and despite a tepid World Cup performance by Portugal, it wasn't enough to deny him the trophy. My issue with the award is that no known criteria is given. For example in a World Cup year, does that month long tournament eclipse the achievements of players over a 9 month season? And whichever team wins the World Cup, which player is given the award if there was no outstanding individual but rather and outstanding team? These are questions that I believe should be clarified when deciding who is the best player. However, congratulations to Ronaldo, you may not like his personality but his talent is undeniable.

2. Barca stables ship.

          "A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on" Winston Churchill. Depending on what publication you believe its the House of Cards at Barca and Messi is Frank Underwood, deviously scheming and plotting to take over. In football players and coaches argue a lot, especially a coach with the  hard graft approach of Luis Enrique who, as a player fought for every ball and wore the badge on his sleeve, has brought that approach as a manager. In a week were Zubizaretta, the Sporting Director since the summer of 2010 was fired, and elections were brought forward; a lot hinged on whether Barca would capitulate under the pressure surrounding the club. Messi and Luis Enrique reported tensions with each other, which lead to reports that Messi requested him fired, all of that and then facing Spanish Champions Atletico Madrid who had comfortably beaten their city rivals in the Copa, the script seemed written for the Titanic to hit the iceberg and sink. Instead Barca came out united on the pitch and the front three of Neymar, Suarez and Messi linked up extremely well, the midfield pressed and controlled the game and the defense (Pique and Alba especially) were solid. Messi then came out after the match and denied all the stories that made him Napoleon and said they were all "lies". I believe the truth is somewhere in the middle, Messi and Luis Enrique probably had a disagreement that was then blown out of proportion. Sometimes the most sensational stories are just that, stories.  Can Barca use the win vs Atletico to improve their overall state of play? Will Luis Enrique settle on a starting 11?  These are the more pertinent questions, football related questions that should occupy our minds not salacious headlines

Until next time, peace.

Stats for Ronaldo from www.messivsronaldo.net

Memorable moments of 2014

Only days left before 2014 is confined to the history books. Its been a year that has been entertaining and one of those years were monumental experiences (good and bad) occurred for teams. So without boring you too much here are my 5 moments of 2014:


5.    Atletico Madrid clinching their first league title in 18 years was a feat that at the beginning of the 2013/2014 felt like a laughable task- a task that got less humorous as the season plugged along. Their win wasn't just important for the fans (obviously) but also for the league. La Liga rightly or wrongly has been accused of being a two horse race and the league for the last 10 years has fluctuated between Madrid and Barcelona. Atletico winning on a smaller budget and the sheer will of Diego Simeone (who won the league as a player) is something to be applauded and acknowledged as the Barca fans did at the Nou Camp. The runs and finishing of Diego Costa, the assists of Koke and the defensive marshalling of Godin and Miranda with Courtois in goal. Atletico Madrid almost made a great season an excellent one in the Champions League final if not for Sergio Ramos. Skeptics speculate that last season was a one off, 2015 will either confirm or deny that.



4. Madrid winning La Decima. Sergio Ramos 92nd minute. After that the rest was history. Zidane's picturesque volley in 2002 was the last time Madrid held the trophy with the big ears aloft. Even as someone who is a confessed Barca supporter, 10 European cups is an impressive trophy haul of the biggest club competition in Europe. Players such as Ronaldo, Bale, Benzema, Modric, Ramos, Pepe, and new comers like Kroos, and James Rodriguez means that they could dominate for the foreseeable future as long as their sporting decisions are sound and do not repeat the failed Galatico experiment in 2003.

3. Messi breaks scoring records. People with more articles and several accolades than me will argue this wasn't Messi's year, no league title, no Copa del Rey, no Champions League yet he ends the calendar year with 58 goals and 21 assists for both club and country. All time Champions League scorer, and all time La Liga scorer at the age of 27. We judge him on his atmospherically high standards but those numbers speak for themselves. I am just happy I live in an era of Messi and Ronaldo. I was too young to witness Maradona in his prime and only have video evidence of Pele's time. To fully appreciate these players I believe you have to witness them as they break records. The real question is what will his records look like when he hangs his boots?

2.Brazil humiliation. This was one of those moments when you remember exactly what, where and who you were with when it happened. I was at Smithfield in NYC with friends. The amount of goals the Germans scored could have made for a very useful drinking game that would have landed you in the ER. I've been following football since my earliest memory and Brazil has always had an aura of invincibility mixed with outrageously skillful players. Growing up in Nigeria you wanted to play like a Brazilian player not a German player. You wanted to emulate, Ronaldo (original) Rivaldo, Romario, Bebeto, Denilson or even shoot like Roberto Carlos. Going into this past tournament only player I assume you'd wish to play like was either Neymar or Oscar. I told a friend that if Brazil won the World Cup with Fred as the No 9 it'd be a travesty, but I didn't expect the assault that Germany laid on them in the semifinal. I felt I watched a snuff film.

1. "If you could make God bleed, people would cease to believe in Him. There will be blood in the water, the sharks will come. All I have to do is sit back and watch as the world consumes you." Ivan  Vanko (Iron Man 2)  That's what Spain felt this year as they bled all over the pitch in Brazil. There were signs in 2013 at the Confederations Cup, be it aging players or success dulling an athletes hunger for or teams finally finding out how to counter their tactics. Either way no one expected Spain to be humiliated at against Netherlands. The Dutch were quick full of invention and looked like what Spain looked like in 2008.  I didn't expect Spain to retain their World title this year but a first round exit in dramatic fashion wasn't something I counted on either. Del Bosque was faced with keeping with the veterans that brought so much success or giving the new guard a chance at the tournament, hindsight is always 20/20 and unfortunately that decision cost Spain dearly.

    That's it for 2014, hopefully 2015 will be as if not more intriguing as the past 12 months have been.
 

I'm back.

     Its been a while since i posted but next year i will strive to be more active on this blog. Lots of things to review and discuss that occurred this year. From Atletico Madrid's first league title in 18 years to Madrid's decima, Spain's catastrophy in the World Cup only to be bettered by Brazil's display vs Germany. Its been a good year for football and here's hoping next will be too. I'll post the top 5 stories of 2014 tomorrow.  Until next time.

Neymar signing necessary

It's been a year since the last post, work coupled with procrastination delayed my return, but fear not I'm back. So instead of recapping all that has happened in football the last 12 months, I'll just jump into the biggest(and probably first of many) transfer of the season: Neymar Jr.

    A year ago if asked I would have said that the Brazilian while talented, was not needed at the Camp Nou due to the exploits of Messi, Alexis and the introduction of Tello. Fast forward to the latter stages of this recently concluded season and to me it became apparent the reliance on Messi was detrimental to the progress of the club. Messi is a phenomenon and is clearly the most talented player of his generation, but even he is fallible to injuries and dips in form. The matches against AC Milan (1st leg), PSG (2nd leg) and Bayern at the Allianz Arena showed that there isn't much creativity or dynamism of Messi is off par or contained in a well honed marking system. The arrival of Neymar in theory and in hope for fans is that he has the same impact or close to it as Ronaldinho did in the early parts of the Rijkaard era. The ability to take on opponents, draw defenders onto himself therefore creating space for Messi or Pedro or runs from deep as Fabregas did so well at Arsenal and parts of last season. Neymar would add much needed creativity to an attack that is heavily focused on everything going through Messi, and in some extents it's understandable; his stats show his insatiable hunger for goals and assists. However, he needs help (I know how silly that sounds for a 4 time Ballon D'Or winner) and Neymar is in my opinion is as crucial for FCB this summer as signing a replacement for Puyol.

That's all I can write for now i will update soon on more transfer news and anything in football in general.

Bossman.

Title Race pt 2: Momentum.

    Momentum is the key word in this entry because it is crucial in giving teams that extra push over the finish line, or in some cases its can be that slippery slope towards an end to a promising season. This past weekend we have two examples of what momentum can do to a team's aspirations, in England Manchester City's dreams are all but dead thanks to Arteta,( Arsenal fans will have great pleasure in putting the nail in Nasri's title) aspirations, while Manchester United took another step in retaining their crown that surely will theirs in May. My focus however, is not in the race in England (more on that in another post) but rather in the events that took place in Spain this weekend.
     In February Madrid had a 10 point lead over Barcelona, and it appeared that they had finally broken Barca's domestic dominance to claim their first title since May 2008 (they still might). Barca where going through their most difficult period, and that was highlighted in their 3-2 defeat at Osasuna, after which Guardiola claimed that league was lost. A loss of form and the incredible points accumulated up by their rivals, it seemed a true statement. But what intrigued me and something that journalist Guillem Balague touched this weekend on twitter, was that Guardiola claiming the league was lost gave Barcelona time to focus on going back to basics in terms of work off the ball (pressing) work on the ball (attacking well which leads to defending well), more importantly (if you believe mind games work) it devalued Madrid's 10 point lead. It meant that since Barca were no longer playing for the league anymore, Madrid's wins would be taken for granted and lifts pressure off Barcelona while handing the initiative to Madrid.
    What has happened since then? Barca have won 9 straight matches, Messi has been insatiable in deciding games and Madrid have dropped 6 points with three draws. I believe that having a 10 point lead with months to go in the league is very dangerous, because subconsciously Madrid dropped their level and gives way for margins for error, therefore the intense level that Madrid had leading up in gaining that considerable advantage drops. How is that reflected? Chances that would usually be converted in ruthless fashion are not, players don't press as much as before, games that would be killed off tend to drag and then you get hit with sucker punches, e.g Malaga 90 min, and Villarreal 82 min. While draws are not bad at all, it is energy sapping when you have been controlling the game and creating numerous chances. And with in an environment where draws are seen as defeats and refereeing decisions are scrutinized, it leads to enormous pressure.
    Madrid are still favorites and if they remain calm they should win the title. However, momentum is important and Barcelona is on a streak, no pressure in the sense that Guardiola still insists that the league is "hard" to win. Once you factor in Barcelona playing 24 hours before Madrid tomorrow against Getafe, a win would take them provisionally 1 point behind Madrid. It would be interesting to see how Madrid handle this psychological pressure against Atletico, a rival they have pummeled for 12 years in a row.
 Fasten your seat belts for the 21st of April, the season just got interesting.

Goal of the week
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAipvfzh4IA
Still fresh in my mind, incredible!

Bossman.

Champions league Preview pt 2

      The next matches of this quarter finals feature one of the most historical and prestigious ties, while the other  game consists of a team trying to obtain home advantage in the final, and the first winner in the champions league era.

MARSEILLE VS BAYERN MUNICH:

          The home team go into this match in 9th in Ligue 1, scoring 36 times and conceding 30, losing 9 and drawing 10. To say that their form this season has been poor is an understatement. Didier Deschamps saving grace is the champions league this season, after knocking out an aging Inter Milan squad in the previous round, their work against Bayern seems an insurmountable task. Goals have been hard to come by for the south of France outfit, and they struggled to score against Inter in the first leg of the last round,  Bayern will provide a stiffer test for Marseille, and that could be ominous with Steve Mananda missing through suspension. Valbuena has 11 assists in Ligue 1 any chance creation will have to come through him and Marseille must be lethal when the opportunity presents itself.
         As for Bayern, Ribery returns to the club he left 5 years ago, so he will need no extra motivation to add to his exceptional form in helping Bayern score 20 goals in three games. Mario Gomez is two goals away form Lionel Messi in the goalscoring list and will look to add more against an out of form Marseille. With the final being hosted in Munich, Bayern will be extremely focused on getting there, which means zero room for mishaps ala Basel in the first leg.
          Expect Bayern to make a statement of intent at Velodrome, this tie could be over after 90 mins, unless Marseille put in a superhuman performance.


AC MILAN VS BARCELONA:

      The biggest draw of the round and also a rematch of the group stages, except now with a semi final at stake. This game has a lot of sub plots such as Zlatan vs Messi, Zlatan vs Guardiola etc. This game comes for Milan at the right time in terms of form but it also comes at the wrong time when considering injuries and suspensions. The Rossoneri are without Thiago Silva (injured), Van Bommel (suspended), Abate (suspended) adding to the long term woes of Pato (though it must be stated that they have coped well without the injury-prone forward). I see this game as very similar to the 2-3 match in the group stages, not necessarily the scoreline, but in terms of attacking.
         Milan are not set up to defend deep against opposition like Barcelona, which means that they will have to attack and use the aggressiveness of Kevin Boateng and the ability of Nocerino in scoring vital goals when needed. Ibrahimovic is in the form of his life at the moment, and will be unplayable when defending set pieces, he's also extremely clever in dropping deep and playing like a No 10 in creating chances for others like he did in the first leg against Arsenal in the San Siro.  It should also be noted that Milan are more capable now than in previous seasons to press and deny Barcelona time on the ball, now that their midfield is younger and more competitive after some shrewd signings, like Emanuelson for example. The only concern they will have will be the centre of defence, with Thiago Silva missing to compliment Nesta, it means Mexes will probably start ( and keep odds on him getting sent off) with Bonera, Nesta if fully fit will be preferred by Allegri.
        Barcelona we know how they will play, they will not disperse from their philosophy, what may change are the tactical variances for this match. With the situation of Abidal and Adriano being injured it means that Puyol will probably start at left back, with Mascherano and Pique as centre backs and Alves as right back.  It will be interesting to see if Guardiola will deploy a 3-4-3 formation or 4-3-3. Now i know some Barca fans are not enthusiastic about 3-4-3 because it leaves you open to counterattacks as proved by Valencia earlier in the season, but i like that formation because it gives you more possession in the midfield. That possession creates more goal scoring opportunities and its also the best form of protecting your back three (which can be made into four, with Busquets dropping back), due to your superiority in ball control and numbers in the middle. Bear in mind that Messi often drops deep to interchange with Fabregas (hence his goal display this season since coming from Arsenal)combined with the direct play of Alexis Sanchez who stretches defenses, you have a team that will eventually tire out Milan.
          The weak point in any formation whether a 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 (which i believe Pep will use for this game) is Mascherano in a possible duel with Ibrahimovic, without Puyol's quickness and sense of urgency i fear for Mascherano, coupled with Pique's inconsistent form that is an area Milan will look to exploit.
           It's an evenly balanced game and should be intriguing, i think Barca win it  3-2 if its an all out attacking match.

Full review of quarter finals next week after second legs decided,
Bossman.

Champions League Preview pt 1

       Finally after about two weeks, champions league football is back, we have two games in store, one that appears straight forward and another that to me is more complicated than people realize. So let me break down the match ups tomorrow as best as possible.

APOEL VS REAL MADRID

      It will be the upset of the champions league era if Apoel get a result against Madrid. This was the one team that every club wanted as a "guarantee" into the semis,and it looks like Madrid got what they wanted.   By reaching the quarter finals Apoel have shown tenacity and courage, especially in their last match against Lyon, by going on to win on penalties. They will need to be fearless and attack Madrid (which my prove suicidal) and play the "perfect" game according to their coach Ivan Jovanovic, and not give away cheap possession or free kicks against a team like Madrid that needs no encouragement to score.

     Real enter this game on the back of thumping Real Sociedad 5-1, to end a bad week that contained two consecutive draws, sending offs, media blackouts and just about everyone losing their heads in a Real shirt. They should negotiate this first leg comfortably even though Xabi Alonso will be absent due to suspension. There is a saying that the hardest games to win are the ones where everyone expects a victory, complacency  will be Madrid's biggest rival in this match, and Mourinho will have to ensure his players are focused 100% to avoid embarrassment. 

     Barring any surprises this tie could be over in this leg making the return at the Bernabeu a dead rubber.

BENFICA VS CHELSEA

     This is a tie that is more complicated than people might realize. Benfica arguably dominated against Manchester United in the group stages and saw off a very talented Zenit side in the last round. With players like Gaitan, Aimar, Cardozo, Saviola and Nolito; they have players that are technically gifted and can control   the midfield a characteristic that can be Chelsea's undoing in this first leg. 

     Frank Lampard recently said that Chelsea were not "as good as we used to be" which means that while they are still capable of glorious nights like against Napoli, they can no longer hold that level of consistency as witnessed in the matches after the European tie. The question is whether they can raise their game for Benfica; is it in them to give another performance or was the match in the last round a one-off, a reaction needed due to the Villas-Boas sacking. Their match on the weekend against Spurs again highlighted the lethargic movement in their midfield, Chelsea can no longer control games so they must find a way to nullify Benfica's attacks while still remaining potent for the ever crucial away goal. Drogba starts in attack for me no because of Torres' form this season but because the midfield is set up for him to feed off scraps and use his strength to create chances. A player like Torres flourishes best in a quick and fluid midfield, something that will need to be addressed in the summer.

 Benfica to win 2-1 with Stamford Bridge playing the all decisive match next week.

Notes:

Ranieri fired. No surprise here, doesn't make much of a difference. This season is a write off for Inter with serious rebuilding required in the summer, but with financial fair play coming it seems they will have pick up some gems from their recently crowned NextGen U-19 champs.

PlayStation players do exist, just look at the scoring records of Messi and Ronaldo.They are racking up the type of numbers you get if playing on amateur on Fifa.

Euro's are getting closer, just wanted to state that.

Goal of the week

Crouch vs Man City

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=Jcjr4F-pbcA

Bossman.