When Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, or the unmistakable Kaká, crowned a glorious campaign with the prestigious Fifa World Player of the Year and Ballon D'Or awards in 2007, even an artist blessed with the cutting vision and devastating creative foresight of the Brazilian himself could not have envisaged the events of the past days which have captivated the football world and threatened to revolutionise the game as we know it. The fleet footed playmaker, revered by coaches and players alike, had been the subject of an incredible nine-figure bid from...Manchester City.
Of course, as we know, this does not even begin to scratch the surface of the goings on at Eastlands ever since September 1, 2008, when sensationally on transfer deadline day, the club was sold to Abu Dhabi United Group for Investment and Development, a consortium from the Middle East with plans that would have left even a certain Russian billionaire scratching his head. The City faithful could be forgiven for feelings of joy, ecstacy or just sheer disbelief, reinforced straight away with the capture of Samba star Robinho from Real Madrid for a staggering £32.5m, and the well documented bid for Dimitar Berbatov, ultimately ending in disappointment as United sealed the deal. However, this latest potential coup has the capacity to leave all previous actions floundering in the shade.
Despite all this, however outrageous it may sound, it is still very feasible to bring into question the short term intentions of Mark Hughes, Garry Cook and ADUG - simply by looking at the Premier League table. Despite the instant impact of Robinho and the consistency of a certain Stephen Ireland, City remain perilously close to the relegation zone - just two points from dropping into it - and knowing the unpredictable nature of the finest league in the world this season with just 8 points seperating the top 10, it is very plausible that they will find themselves sucked into a roller-coaster ride of a relegation battle as the season draws on. Certainly not the impact Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan had hoped to have made. It is now that City's intentions and short-term plans be questioned - is Kaká the answer to dragging a so far very average team out of a relegation battle? Certainly people would say they could not suggest better, but the Brazilian with a glittering CV is used to challenging for Champions League trophies - could he really be the answer when a City team leaking goals needs a win at the Britannia Stadium?
Another factor overlooked amidst the shock of this transfer is Mark Hughes' - or should we say the Sheikh's - other moves in this January window. Clearly the fans want another marquee name to go alongside those of Robinho and any others that will inevitably be targetted in the summer, and who better than Kaká or another mooted target, Fernando Torres? Whilst negotiating a record breaking deal for possibly the most talented player in Europe, City have also turned to that world beater...Craig Bellamy. Hmm. As well as questioning why on earth they want anything to do with the hot-headed Welsh international who failed to make an impact at Liverpool, a club that City hope to eclipse in the near future...one has to ask - what direction are the club looking to go? Who does Mark Hughes really want to sign? Are these his targets? Do the Arabs even want Hughes at the helm?
It is hard to believe that amidst the fever of potentially one of the greats arriving to ply his trade in England, so many questions still need to be raised.
Thursday, 15 January 2009
The Kaka Saga
I'm a Manchester United fan. As a result, I obviously don't favour Man City. But, who would not want to see Kaka exhibiting his skills in the greatest League on Earth week in, week out. Whether you love it or hate it, you can't deny that the prospect is exciting.
Crazy sums of money have been suggested to prise the former World Player of the year away from the San Siro - and rightfully so. You get what you pay for (unless your Sir Alex Ferguson in which case you either get double (Cantona, Ronaldo, Vidic) or half (Veron, Berbatov, Tevez(?)).
But £100 million (think about that figure) is a hell of a lot of money. Surely Manchester City could do a Robinho style move and get another big name for (comparatively) small money. Well, considering Real Madrid sold 1 million "Beckham" shirts in 2003, I'd say this galactico style signing might be a smart move. Real Madrid were almost instantly able to confirm profit made on the Beckham signing due due to shirt sales, constant full match attendance, increased pay days for touring abroad etc. Now I know Kaka isn't David Beckham. He's probably not as marketable. Maybe not as recognisable (maybe) as say, a Ronaldinho. But, with Manchester City's already strong and growing support base abroad (China especially), this signing would surely capture both attention and headlines.
If Manchester City want to be a global force to be reckoned with, they must win both points on the field and inches in newspapers.
As for the reported £500,000 a week Kaka will be offered.....what credit crunch?
Crazy sums of money have been suggested to prise the former World Player of the year away from the San Siro - and rightfully so. You get what you pay for (unless your Sir Alex Ferguson in which case you either get double (Cantona, Ronaldo, Vidic) or half (Veron, Berbatov, Tevez(?)).
But £100 million (think about that figure) is a hell of a lot of money. Surely Manchester City could do a Robinho style move and get another big name for (comparatively) small money. Well, considering Real Madrid sold 1 million "Beckham" shirts in 2003, I'd say this galactico style signing might be a smart move. Real Madrid were almost instantly able to confirm profit made on the Beckham signing due due to shirt sales, constant full match attendance, increased pay days for touring abroad etc. Now I know Kaka isn't David Beckham. He's probably not as marketable. Maybe not as recognisable (maybe) as say, a Ronaldinho. But, with Manchester City's already strong and growing support base abroad (China especially), this signing would surely capture both attention and headlines.
If Manchester City want to be a global force to be reckoned with, they must win both points on the field and inches in newspapers.
As for the reported £500,000 a week Kaka will be offered.....what credit crunch?
Sunday, 11 January 2009
Manchester United vs Chelsea
Manchester United vs Chelsea 11/01/2009
Kick Off : 16:00
Venue : Old Trafford
This, in recent times, has been the fixture that United and Cheslea fans look forward two. Undisputedly the top two teams in England of the last 5 years collide at Old Trafford. Cheslea know a win will all but eradicate the gap to leaders Liverpool, whilst United need to turn games-in-hand into points. When the giants collided earlier this season, late Kalou equaliser canceled out Park's early tap in finish to send both sides home relatively happy. Now, there's more on the line as both teams look to turn good seasons into great ones.
Alex Ferguson has a disappointing tendency to field workaholic Ji-Sung Park in the big games, sacrificing the flair and sparkle of Nani, or the level-headed Ryan Giggs. Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra return after injuries and suspensions respectively. Long term absentee Owen Hargreaves is still on the treatment table and Wes Brown also sits out.
Cheslea are boosted by two returning big names; John Terry and Michael Ballack - both previously suspended. It is as of yet unknown as to whether Jose Bosingwa will play. The increasingly impressive Florent Malouda misses out.
A draw here for Manchester United wouldn't be so bad. It would still mean United could go within touching distance of Liverpool - although they will relinquish the chance to go top after games-in hand. Chelsea cannot afford another slip up as in recent weeks Liverpool have been let of the hook by the Blues matching their poop points return. A win here puts Chelsea 1 point behind Liverpool and makes them Premier League favourites. Chelsea must be weary that a loss here puts Aston Villa one point behind them with equal games played - Arsenal a further 3 points back. A loss today could have spiralling consequences for the Blues. Expect Scolari to go for the win.
Possible Lineups
Manchester United - 1 d. v. E. Sar, 2 G. Neville, 15 N. Vidic, 23 J. Evans, 3 P. Evra, 7 C. Ronaldo, 16 M. Carrick, 18 P. Scholes, 13 JS. Park, 10 W. Rooney, 9 D. Berbatov
Chelsea : 1 P. Cech, 17 J. Bosingwa, 26 J. Terry, 33 R. Alex, 3 A. Cole, 21 S. Kalou, 13 M. Ballack, 12 O. J. Mikel, 8 F. Lampard, 10 J. Cole, 11 D. Drogba
Kick Off : 16:00
Venue : Old Trafford
This, in recent times, has been the fixture that United and Cheslea fans look forward two. Undisputedly the top two teams in England of the last 5 years collide at Old Trafford. Cheslea know a win will all but eradicate the gap to leaders Liverpool, whilst United need to turn games-in-hand into points. When the giants collided earlier this season, late Kalou equaliser canceled out Park's early tap in finish to send both sides home relatively happy. Now, there's more on the line as both teams look to turn good seasons into great ones.
Alex Ferguson has a disappointing tendency to field workaholic Ji-Sung Park in the big games, sacrificing the flair and sparkle of Nani, or the level-headed Ryan Giggs. Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra return after injuries and suspensions respectively. Long term absentee Owen Hargreaves is still on the treatment table and Wes Brown also sits out.
Cheslea are boosted by two returning big names; John Terry and Michael Ballack - both previously suspended. It is as of yet unknown as to whether Jose Bosingwa will play. The increasingly impressive Florent Malouda misses out.
A draw here for Manchester United wouldn't be so bad. It would still mean United could go within touching distance of Liverpool - although they will relinquish the chance to go top after games-in hand. Chelsea cannot afford another slip up as in recent weeks Liverpool have been let of the hook by the Blues matching their poop points return. A win here puts Chelsea 1 point behind Liverpool and makes them Premier League favourites. Chelsea must be weary that a loss here puts Aston Villa one point behind them with equal games played - Arsenal a further 3 points back. A loss today could have spiralling consequences for the Blues. Expect Scolari to go for the win.
Possible Lineups
Manchester United - 1 d. v. E. Sar, 2 G. Neville, 15 N. Vidic, 23 J. Evans, 3 P. Evra, 7 C. Ronaldo, 16 M. Carrick, 18 P. Scholes, 13 JS. Park, 10 W. Rooney, 9 D. Berbatov
Chelsea : 1 P. Cech, 17 J. Bosingwa, 26 J. Terry, 33 R. Alex, 3 A. Cole, 21 S. Kalou, 13 M. Ballack, 12 O. J. Mikel, 8 F. Lampard, 10 J. Cole, 11 D. Drogba
Rafa's Rant - my two cents
I disagreed with Rafa saying Uniteda are nervous. Nervous teams draw with Stoke.
I disagree with Rafa saying United are playing mind games before pulling out a piece of paper with his pre-written mind games.
I think it's hypocritical of him to criticise Sir Alex Ferguson for having a go at Martin Atkinson moments after he suggested Steve Benntett is biased.
Also, Rafa says the Reds pressure referees to give decisions...does he mean decisons like when Gerrard dived in the last minuite to get a penalty and steal a point from Athletico?
Finally, isn't there irony in complaining about complaining?
Just my thoughts.
I disagree with Rafa saying United are playing mind games before pulling out a piece of paper with his pre-written mind games.
I think it's hypocritical of him to criticise Sir Alex Ferguson for having a go at Martin Atkinson moments after he suggested Steve Benntett is biased.
Also, Rafa says the Reds pressure referees to give decisions...does he mean decisons like when Gerrard dived in the last minuite to get a penalty and steal a point from Athletico?
Finally, isn't there irony in complaining about complaining?
Just my thoughts.
Sunday, 16 November 2008
Title Chances : Arsenal
Arsenal must be one of the most frustrating football teams to support. At times they play the majestic, clinical sort of football we saw against Manchester United - and at times they play the desperate, inadequate form of football we've seen against Stoke and Aston Villa. Talismanic Adebayor and Fabregas have failed to stand up and be counted this season resulting in Arsenal falling 9 points of the lead with Aston Villa and Everton closing in on the 4th Champions League place from behind them. All this has rightfully resulted in doubts over both manager Wenger's ability and suitability to the job which has historically suited him to the ground.
Arsenal's problems continue in a shaky defence - Mikael Silvestre at times looking like a good aquisition compared to the shambles of Gael Clichy.
Arsenal are a very hot and cold team but their ability is undeniable. Until form comes to the Emirates, Arsenal must learn to win ugly - a skill displayed all to regularly by the top teams this season.
As to whether their title bid is over, I'm inclined to say yes. In past years, Arsenal could have made a similarly slow start and had only Chelsea and occasionally Manchester United ahead of them. Now, with the emergence of Liverpool as genuine title contenders, it seems likely that the top 3 will be more determined to secure difficult results - fearful that more dropped points could be critical.
Arsenal's problems continue in a shaky defence - Mikael Silvestre at times looking like a good aquisition compared to the shambles of Gael Clichy.
Arsenal are a very hot and cold team but their ability is undeniable. Until form comes to the Emirates, Arsenal must learn to win ugly - a skill displayed all to regularly by the top teams this season.
As to whether their title bid is over, I'm inclined to say yes. In past years, Arsenal could have made a similarly slow start and had only Chelsea and occasionally Manchester United ahead of them. Now, with the emergence of Liverpool as genuine title contenders, it seems likely that the top 3 will be more determined to secure difficult results - fearful that more dropped points could be critical.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)