For every cloud there is a silver lining and in the case of the Italian scandal you have to conclude that La Liga has been the greatest beneficiary. The strong have become even stronger.
If you believe the UEFA co-efficient rankings clubs from Spain lead Europe by a significant margin and if you don’t, then just look at their record in European competition in the last seven seasons. Spanish clubs have won three Champions League titles during that time, as well as being runners-up twice. In the UEFA Cup Valencia and Sevilla have won the competition while Alaves finished as runners-up.
Now with the arrival of Gianluca Zambrotta and Lilian Thuram at Barcelona, and Fabio Cannavaro and Emerson at Real Madrid, Spain’s big two look set to dominate the domestic league once more and again challenge for the Champions League.
Zambrotta and Thuram will strengthen a back four that looked to be Barcelona’s weakest link last year. Meanwhile the arrival of Eidur Gudjohnsen to replace Henrik Larsson might turn out to be an inspirational move. Gudjohnsen may not score 20 goals this season but his intelligent running and ability to play just behind the main striker will be invaluable coming off the bench. Given that we are likely to see a full season of Lionel Messi - if he stays injury free - Barcelona has the look of a side that is significantly stronger than last year.
If Fabio Capello - more collateral damage from the Moggi affair – had not arrived at the Bernabeu then I would be predicting a cakewalk for Barcelona. However, his record of success over the years is so impressive that Real Madrid may have to budget for a celebration this season. Real fans need no reminding that the club has not undergone a barren spell of three years without a major trophy since before the arrival of Alfredo di Stefano in 1953.
Mahamadou Diarra signed from Lyon earlier this week, and with the addition of Emerson and Cannavaro, the spine of the side will be much stronger. It will show in a reduction in the goals conceded statistic. In the midfield and attacking areas the question is who plays and who will be left to sulk on the bench?
With two wide positions in midfield and two up front available Capello has to choose between the likes of David Beckham, Guti, Van Nistelrooy, Ronaldo, Raúl, Robinho, Antonio Cassano and Julio Baptista. Milan seems poised to take Ronaldo to the San Siro and Spurs have renewed their interest in Julio Baptista, so that might be a problem or two less for the boss.
Valencia and Villarreal appear to be in the best position to challenge Spain’s version of the Old Firm. Long serving defender Amedeo Carboni is now the Valencia technical director and he has been a busy man. Pablo Aimar was sold to Real Zaragoza while full back Fabio Aurelio joined former Valencia boss Rafa Benitez at Anfield. Fernando Morientes has moved in the opposite direction, Asier Del Horno has returned to Spain from a one year sojurn at “Chez Money is No Object” and midfielder David Silva recalled after a loan spell at Celta Vigo. Both players scored in Champions League qualifying during this week as Valencia moved into the group stage.
The crown jewel, however, is the securing of winger Joaquin Sanchez from Real Betis. If the oft-injured left winger Vicente can remain injury free then Valencia could be an exciting side to watch this season. The acquisition of Francesco Tavano from Empoli is another interesting move given the failure of Italians Fiore, Corradi and Di Vaio just a couple of seasons ago. Few Italians have made the move to Spain over the years and even fewer have proven successful. At 27 Tavano has been a late bloomer and it has only been in the last two years that he has rattled in goals on a regular basis.
Villarreal looked to be in a position to turn an early exit from European competition into a positive by focusing totally on domestic competitions. However this summer, there has been - and still is - a transfer cloud hanging over the Madrigal. South Americans Marcos Senna and Juan Pablo Sorin have been on the trading block but have still to move. Former Arsenal midfield man Robert Pires went down with torn cruciate knee ligaments in the pre-season and might miss the whole season. However, if Nihat Kahveci can regain the form of 2002/03 when he almost led Real Sociedad to surprise La Liga title, Villarreal may yet prosper this year.
Other sides have strengthened their squads over the summer with Sevilla (Christian Poulsen, Andreas Hinkel and Javier Chevanton), and Atletico Madrid (Sergi Aguero, George Seitaridis, Costinha, Mariano Pernia) the most prominent. Atletico, a side that has promised so much, but delivered so little over the last decade, also changed manager – although Atletico not changing manager would be more newsworthy – and former Mexican boss Javier Aguirre is now the occupier of the manager’s office that doubles as a revolving door.
For what it’s worth here's how I see La Liga come the end of the season. The 2005/06 position is in the brackets.
Great insights on the Spanish League. I think it will be a great race for the title, but I have to think Barca will edge Madrid for the title. Both teams have tons of talent, but Barca seem to have much better team chemistry on the pitch. I think that gives them a huge edge.
Off topic for a second, I saw the Ben Thatcher/Pedro Mendes incident for the first time today. What a horrible challenge. I know the ref only gave Thatcher a yellow, which probably means he and the linesmen didn't see it, and only give him the card because Mendes was having a seizure.
But, I've read that while the standard FA guidelines can't punish Thatcher anymore for the yellow, the FA is considering punishment as a special exception and that the Greater Manchester Police are considering assault charges.
Do you think the FA will punish him as a special exception, especially considering his past incidents at Wimbledon (1 nasty elbow and 1 nasty 2 footed challenge)? Do you think the Manchester police will charge him with assault?
I know about the huge punishments Eric Cantona received for his Kung Fu kick on that Cyrstal Palace fan, but are there any other footballers that you know of who have been punished in this way?
It would be a shame if Thatcher went unpunished for that elbow. It was vicious, and didn't look accidental to me. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Last edited by MrRedDevil on August 24th at 8:25 PM.
Bobby,
I know everyone has their own opinion, but I think 3rd is too high for Villareal this season, 5th maybe. I do like the signings this season, (though sadly at the expense of my beloved Juve). I'm a Barca fan so I hope you're wrong on the prediction you made. Capello will make a huge difference though, Real and Barca can now put out 2 teams with the amount of players they have got. My favorite signing though is Joaquin to Valencia, he's the man I wanted Man U to replace Ronaldo with if he was sold...he is an exceptional talent. Zaragoza will be interesting with Aimar and D'Alessandro too.
With all of the moves I am having a hard time going through Real's starting linup in my head. Any help with a prediction of starters and the likly rotation?
Before the Italian scandal I was predicting a really tough year for Real Madrid. However it's been a real boon for Spain. Quite a transformation for Real. I agree that Real will once again be back at the top, but I believe Barca will finish first, chemistry will be the difference.
Although I've not been the biggest fan of Italian football, I never the less tuned in to watch it on a regular basis. I enjoy watching the big teams and have cheered AC Milan when with my italian friends (all Juve fans). I still can't understand the arrogance of the scandal implicated teams. Most of all Juve or Milan., one of which surely would have won the Serie A without the additional help. I feel sorry for the Juve fans, who are the ones most betrayed in this affair. By the way the italian appeal procees is a joke. If it keeps up Juve will have their titles back.
Regarding the Thatcher affair. The FA must punish him. The infraction was appalling and I might add deliberate, not to mention passed infractions. As for police charges that opens a whole can of worms when related to a sport that is filled with strong tackling at a breakneck speeds.
How well the new crop at RM gel seems to be the key to success for them. I can RM push barcelona all the way.
Thatcher ought to face criminal charges and be banned for a long time for that blatant attack on mendez. A cheap shot, which could have had even more serious consequences. Get well soon Mendez.
I like the changes that Real have made, but still think that Barcelona will have the edge this year. They seem to have fantastic team chemistry, and that was sorely lacking at Real last year, and it will take some time to build up.
As for Thatcher, that was just di####able... If ever there was an example of 'intent to injure', this has to be it. That elbow came up late and deliberately. He can have no excuses over this one.
If they can kick a player out for 18 months for drug use, why can't they do the same for something like this? Thuggery like this just doesn't belong in the game, and personally, I'd like to see a significant ban (more then 2 or 3 games which is probably what he'll end up with).
Re: Thatcher. With the police "showing an interest in the case" I think the FA is backed into a corner and will be forced into action. Otherwise they will be in the potentially ridiculous position of having the police lay charges while doing nothing except to say that the referee dealt with an assault by issuing a yellow card.
Bobby,
Thank you for showing faith in real. Barca do look incredibly strong this season. But claiming the title for a 3rd straight season just doesn't seem to be in the cards. The past few seasons have been very painful for real fans and i believe that fabio has the stuff to make madrid the champs of La Liga this season.
Speaking of Real, do you think that Baptista would be a sensible signing for Spurs? They have keane, defoe and berba but seem to be lacking reinforcements at the back four. Do you think JB's physical play would make his transition to the EPL go smoother?
I thik Valencia look to be strong contenders this year as well with Joaqin and Vicente on the same team, and Villa and Morientes up front, it looks as though there will be some great highlights on FSW report!
After looking at the roster, I see three central defenders with the left and right fullbacks given more freedom to push up. Two holding midfielder. Two strikers. And the "creator" behind the two strikers. Because the midfield is very thin. However, that is me. Capello will probably opt for 4-4-2, with the midfield diamond. Raul will find a place in the starting 11 playing behind the two strikers (Cassano, Guti and Robinho can cover). Cassano, Robinho, VanNistelrooy, Ronaldo will fight for a place for the two striker positions.
Goalie: Casillas
Backline:
R. Bravo (R. Carlos), Cannavaro (Pavon), Helguera (S. Ramos or Mejia), S. Ramos (Cicinho or Salgado)
Midfield:
Diarra and Emmerson will be fighting for the holding mid position while Gravesen and Garcia provide cover. I think Diarra will get more playing time. Grevesen will be sold in January.
Beckham will begin playing, but eventually lose his place Salgado or Cicinho. On the left wing, I think he could start with Guti and using one of the left backs as cover.
Raul plays the top of the mid diamond.
Forwards:
Cassano and Van Nistelrooy (Ronaldo and Robinho will be coming off the bench a lot.) Ronaldo will be Capello's new Del Piero. Ronaldo will score a lot of late goals.
I agree Real Madrid does look good this year. But my concern is that all the money they spent and players they picked up are simply a band-aid. With impressive players like Cannavaro, Beckham, Ronaldo, Van Nistlerooy, etc. I see wonderful atheltes, but I also see aging stars, I'm led to wonder how many more years these guys have in them, and what happens after they leave. Does Real Madrid have what it takes to stay on top even after the likes of Ronaldo and company retire?
I don't think Depor is going to be quite down this season. Since many time ago Depor has been one of the sides that shows more talent and must be quite high in the classification next year. I don't think Atleti de Madrid will be quite high in the rank, I do hope el Atleti might win the competition, but I don't believe so. Madrid will finish in 4th place in my opinion since Cannavaro and others will have a lot of troubles. Cannavaron won't stand playing in La Liga, which exhibits the most prominent talent on Earth. Strikers will "hurt" him, unfortunetaly. This is NOT a competition of 7 matches only!!!
Wishes,
Mr. Daniel Jacome
Last edited by DanielDo on August 25th at 5:33 PM.
DanielDo - I think you're mistaken. I think Cannavaro will be the stand out player for Madrid. He is under rated! Emmerson is who I question, that is why I believe Diarra will get more playing time.
Will La Liga is back and it has been the best league in the world for a couple of years now. it this season could be the best yet.
at for the table i see barca and RM fighting out to the bitter end, but i see barca edge in this season because.
1) Barca has a better team chemistry and team sprit plus have a defined football philosophy. so they can it the group running, while RM Will have to develop all of this thought this season.
2) RM New signing are a bet too old, sure they could get off to a good start. but those older legs will begin to give at some point this season.(as seen with capello's juve last year where Cana,Thuram and Emerson feel just could get in down in the final stretch) especially if the make a run in the CL. and they will drop a few points at the beginning as they will take about a month are two to properly get.
Top 4
Barca
RM
Valencia
Villarreal
Bottom three
Real Sociedad
Nastic
Recreativo
In closing for all those would do not have goltv i recommend you get it. if just to watch la liga because it the league to watch this season. sure they are the BIG Two but they are at least another 5-7 top class team in the league. let me repeat la liga is the league to watch this season.
Bobby will FSC be broadcasting La Liga anytime in the near future. because i love FSC but hate that thier is only 1 World class league being broadcasted this seasom.
Real Madrid will continue playing poorly, despite creating a new backbone. They have failed to reinforce the positions that truely needed reinforcements, such as a left midfielder, and a creative midfielder for the center. Also their defense is extremly aging and WAY past their prime, they will have problems dealing with the speedy fowards from La Liga. I predict that unless things change drastically throughout the league, especially during the christmas market, they will suffer just to make it into the top 4, maybe even to make it into uefa cup places for next year.
As for the teams that might break the "mighty 2" Valencia have reinforced themselves well, if they can forget the squimirishes they are having between the manager and the new sports director, ex-player Carboni. But the other team that will challenge the top two is non other than the current UEFA CUP and EURO-SUPER CUP champions, Sevilla. They have been growing in leaps and bounds throughout the years, reaching Uefa Cup places the last three years, just missing out of Champions League action the last 2, and 2 points away from Real Madrid last season. They just outplayed Barca in the Euro Super Cup winning 3-0, showing the same great team chemistry and talent which lead them to sweep 'Boro in the Uefa final, as well as to sweep Barca and Real Madrid at the end of the season. They also have great talent within the squad, especially in Jesus Navas and Daniel Alves, possibly the most dangerous right side flank in the whole league. Watch out for them, this year they just might challenge for the title.
Cannavaro will suffer a lot!!! Few years ago the same thing happened to "the wall" Walter Samuel. Strikers in La Liga are the best in the World. Cannavaro will have a lots of troubles with Munitis, Dani, Joaquin, Ronaldinho, Deco, Aguero, Torres, Messi, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc. It is my opinion.
On the other hand, I don't think Real Sociedad will be one of the worst teams in La Liga this season. I don't hope so and don't think like that. Teams from the Basque Country are usually very good. Please, remember Osasuna last season.
Finally, FSC does not only broadcast one important competition! They broadcast the EPL, the ARGENTINIAN Championships (which is better than EPL), the Mexican tournament among others, but those three just mentioned are the best of the best in the World.
Thanks,
Mr. Daniel Jacome
Last edited by DanielDo on August 25th at 8:32 PM.
even though Osasuna did AMAZING last year, Athletic and Real Sociedad struggled to stay in the first division. This year I dont think Athletic and la real will do much better, and Osasuna will have a hard time achieving the same league position. If they challenge for a Uefa Cup spot they should consider themselves satisfied, since they lost their most important asset, their coach Javier Aguirre.
Athletic Bilbao might do well to score mid table, due to their admirable, yet antiquated, view of just having a squad of Basque players, especially after the Bosman Law was passed and now their are many teams with more foreigners than national players.
Real Sociedad will probably suffer the most, since they lost Nihat and Mark Gonzalez, probalby their most effective players last year. Only if their new signing Diego Rivas, from Getafe, can organize the defense and midfield and stop the other teams attack like he did in Getafe.
Bobby, I can not see how you can pick Real to win when you can not even name the core of this time. That will be Fabio's first job - getting a steady line up. On the other hand, Rijkaard has a sure fire core up front [Etoo, Ronaldinho], midfield [Deco, Messi, Edmilson ] and back line [Marquez, Puyol].
Whereas Real will be a very good team, I think it will take a while to form team chemistry, something Barca has shown it has. The other issues, the old legs of Ronaldo, Raul, the plodding Emerson etc. Real has to deal also with the superstar egos - Fabio will handle that. Barca players know their roles and for that it is a threepeat season for Frank and the boys.
Bobby, I can not see how you can pick Real to win when you can not even name the core of this time. That will be Fabio's first job - getting a steady line up. On the other hand, Rijkaard has a sure fire core up front [Etoo, Ronaldinho], midfield [Deco, Messi, Edmilson ] and back line [Marquez, Puyol].
Whereas Real will be a very good team, I think it will take a while to form team chemistry, something Barca has shown it has. The other issues, the old legs of Ronaldo, Raul, the plodding Emerson etc. Real has to deal also with the superstar egos - Fabio will handle that. Barca players know their roles and for that it is a threepeat season for Frank and the boys.
I hate to break the ice of the Barca and Real Mad. chase for the title because I am an underdog type of guy. I have always admired and loved the style of play even before the F. Torres days. Once an Atletico fan, always an Atletico fan. Let's go Atletico! Let's show the world that there is another dominant squad in Spain, and surprise everyone!
i think that manchester will be the champs this season,and i think that the fans need to give ronaldo a break,and i think that we will win seven straight wins i know we have a long way to go but i think that we can do it what do u think.
I think you should watch more Basque country teams, sincerely. In fact, you should watch more Spanish teams because Depor and Madrid reached outstanding positions in European tournaments in the last few years with many Spanish players. Please, review the seasons 1999-2000 and 2003-2004 and check the rosters of each team and the Champions League best teams for each of those seasons. You will figure out what I am talking about.
Finally, I don't think Real and Athletic have struggled a lot. Please, refer to the 1998 last positions of La Liga and the history background of La Copa del Rey. You can see after Barsa, Athletic is the most historic club in such a competition. Muy por encima del Madrid y otros, me parece.
If you have any further questions, please let me know.
Excellent round-up of the La Liga. Slight deviation in my book though:
1) Real Madrid - high hopes of a fan perhaps, but Capello's discipline and the talent level finally come together. Too many options on the bench and too much hunger from all sides combines to a league title. Finally. That said, while I'm sure of a title this year, it could well be the King's Cup instead. We all know the Champion's League is too hard to call quite yet. The defense will be tough to crack no doubt, though Capello's favorable treatment of Salgado is disturbing.
2) Barcelona - Weaker defense somehow, competing egos (see Eto'o at the Spanish Super Cup) and the inability top play full throttle all the time as the preseason cup games have shown they'll try to do will hurt them. Look for an injury on the frontline too. Further, history is against Barca on three in a row. Arrogance and "ganas" keep them out of the top spot.
3) Sevilla - Believe it. Alves and new additions find a consistency lacking last year and Sevilla finds the Champion's League. Edge out Valencia by one to two points.
4) Valencia - Great signings, Joaquin will be a wonderful addition, Morientes will hit form, but not enough for anything but a qualifying spot. Problems from the front office trickle through to the pitch. A dangerous team, but not ready for the pressure or Europe and the domestic league.
5) Zaragoza
6) Villareal
7) Atletico
I worte a bunch more, but limits...
Last edited by RealMadrid on August 26th at 9:29 PM.
I have no problems with spanish players, I think they are underestimated greatly by the press, due to the great talents from other leagues, and that the spanish federation has to many internal problems to create a national team that could run for a title, starting with Luis Aragones, who for the good of the national team should quit.
I am basing my predictions for Athletic and la Real based on how they did last season, where they both struggled to maintain their first division status. I am well aware that they both have a great history, that is the evnvy of many teams in Spain. The only reason i critizise Atletic's plan of only having Basque players is based on the fact that many teams have reinforced themselves considerably with players form different nationalities (both european and nationalized) and even though they have great players, like Yeste, with amazing talent, they start at a disadvantage. Saying this I want to let it be known that I greatly admire their Basque policy, and sometimes wish more teams supported more home grown palyers.
By your nickname, I am going to assume you are a Madrid fan. Even though Capello will add great consistency to the back of the team and will make them hard to beat there are other factors that will affect the team. As I stated above, they did not reinforce the places where they needed reinforcing, creating gaps within the team. Even though the team is undoubtly very talented individually, the do not have any team unity what so ever, and Capellos iron fist will result at first, winning a few games, the team has had problems with the "iron fisted" coaches before due to their large contracts and even larger egos, Luxemburgo, Garcia Remon, and Lopez caro all started as "iron fisted coaches" and all succumbed to the preassures and different groups within the team. For Real Madrid to seriously challenge for the league, or champions league, they need a complete face wash, get rid of players that are not providing to the team what they used to, and bring players without a name, but that can produce in the field (hombres, no nombres).
El Bernabeu is acostumed to, and demands, great football. During Capello's first stint at the club even though he won the title, many parts of the stadium critizised him for playing so defensively and anti-futbol. After 3 years without titles, which they are accostumed to, and with the way their great rival, Barcelona, is playing the fans will demand great futbol, and will put even more preassure on the team to get results, makeing the enviroment unbearable for the team, Personally I dont think Capello will "eat the grapes at the end of the year" (like they say in Spain), or in other words, still be in the team during the winter break.
I am very surprised there is no menton of Zidane around here. Only last month he was the best player in the world, and now that he's gone we seem to think that his team is better, much better. Maybe they are, but I am surprised that it not up for discussion.
I also believe that Valencia will challenge the big two this season and be very close to the lead right up til the end. I agree that they will be a very entertaining side, but they will also produce results.
PS. Great article, Bobby.
Last edited by Venti_vidi_vici on August 27th at 1:20 PM.
The Camp Nou is regarded as the public in Spain that requires spectacle and greatness first and foremost. El Bernabeu seeks "entrega" first, wanting its players to drench their shirts in sweat, blood and tears. Hopes for spectacle were tossed aside by hiring Capello in the first place. Capello will not provide beautiful football, and if he does, it will only be a secondary consequence.
Team unity will come with time, chemistry will hurt RM at first. Three prev. coaches were not "iron fisted." Not any of them at all in any way. Capello IS iron fisted, and management is letting him have his way with the team.Capello has firm control of this team (Diarra). So 1) Hombres, not nombres (only nombre is Ruud) 2)reinforced defense, what they needed most, though offense has looked suspect too 3) bench is "revulsiva" ("impact players") and 4) RM wants la Cibeles before anything this year.
Zidane. RM neither better nor worse without him. The best player in the world on the downslide, RM depended on him too much. Yes, he won games alone last year, also lost some as the rest of the team assumed Zidane would just win them for us. Play will be less beautiful. The defense will be tighter and the game will be more grounded.
A solid revolving door of offensive players forces starters to look over their shoulder and perform every game. An airtight defense coupled with this, and I feel that RM need only play well and gel in the first half of the season, and play great in the second half. Keep Barca within 8 by winter and the Liga is ours.
Last edited by RealMadrid on August 27th at 1:30 PM.
RM:
What do you make of RM offering Cicinho up for sale for 8m euros? Capello has stated that he doesn't need him and doesn't appreciate the public criticism, and could use the money to sign another central defender. Transfer window closes on Thursday, and that's a lot to get done!!
Link to article in Madrid's Marca newspaper:
http://www.marca.com/edicion/marca/ futbol/1a_division/real_madrid/es/d esarrollo/682800.html
Last edited by Venti_vidi_vici on August 27th at 1:40 PM.
WELL MR.MCMAHON, I VALUE YOUR PREDICTIONS ON CERTAIN ISSUES.HOWEVER, YOU ARE WAY OFF ON THIS PREDICTION.BARCELONA AGAIN AND AGAIN.I THINK CAPELLO WILL NOT EVEN SURVIVE THE SEASON. TOO MUCH OLD BAGGAGE AND THE BERNABEU FANS ARE VERY DEMANDING. I WILL LOOK FORWARD TO MY SIDE (BARCELONA) CRUSHING THEM IN BOTH ROUNDS THAT WE MEET.NEW FACES AT REAL MADRID BUT THE SAME OLD MENTALITY AND EGO'S. BARCA FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bernabeu is one of the most demanding stadiums in la liga, as well as the world. Allow me to remind you that last year Wanderly Luxemurgo was fired, even though he was second in the league and only 8 points form Barca, due to the terrible, yet effective game they were presenting.
Luxemburgo is one of the most "iron fisted" coaches in Brazil, or so he was presented as when he went to Real Madrid, and Lopez Caro, after Luxemburgo failed, was brought up to the first team from the second team, with that same label, if you follow his history, or his new team Levante, you will see what he is capable of. His first couple of games, he tried to implement his style and bring in players from Castilla, but the internal politics of the club made him give up, and at the end it was evident he couldn't care less who played or not, or if they won or not, since he knew his future wasnt in the club.
Ever since the Queiroz stumble, and when the egos manifested themselves the club has actively been trying to find someone who can control the egos, but to no avail.
Right now Real Madrid is years away from Barca, and i dare say below Valencia and Sevilla also in team unity and talent. Even though Madrid has more famous players, nither Roberto Carlos, Raul, Ronaldo, Beckham, Salgado, or Helguera have the best years of them ahead of them, and i dare say also Cannavaro, Emerson, and Van Nistelroy have also seen their better days gone past. Add to that the fact that there is nobody to create any type of game, and that there are no wingers on either side (especially now that Capello wants to sell Cicinho) and their style of play will be flat, stale, unimaginative, and uneffective. Remember Luxemburgo's "cuadrado magico".
ps. throughout the last 3 years el Bernabeu has been demanding more "entrega", "####", or blood, sweat and tears (whichever term you prefer, because their "galactic" players have been walking about the fields, waiting for somebody else to work. Historically El Bernabeu is acostomed to magnificent gameplay such as "la quinta del Buitre", or the first years of the "Galacticos", dont fool yourselves by thinking that a first calss stadium, and fans expect just a second class team, game, and spectalce
Calm down. No one denies the Bernabeu is demanding, and they will certainly whistle away even championship worthy sides for poor play. However, while chastised in both the Spanish press and from the stands, the pragmatic consensus this year in Madrid seems to be "win a title, worry about beauty later." Poor play is embarrassing, the longest title drough since '54 is noticably more so.
Classifying Luxemburgo as "effective" is a stretch don't you think? His RM was hands down the worst playing side of the last three years. Further an "iron fist" is doubtless less powerful when presented in a mishmash of portuguese and spanish scarcely anyone understood. Luxemburgo also cited his "results" when in Brazil at the end of La Liga last season. Eight points and still in the Champion's League at the halfway point are just numbers. You saw the games, to say RM under Luxe was better than under Caro is ridiculous. They scraped through the Champion's with luck and looked incredibly disorganized throughout the half of the season. No higher than 5th place if Luxe had stayed, in my opinion. Lopez Caro is an excellent coach. For a second division or lower first division team. No one quite understood his substitutions patterns or his call ups from Castilla. You cannot tell me the players he was calling up were first division quality.
Last edited by RealMadrid on August 27th at 8:42 PM.
The assertion that RM is years away from Barca is, no disrespect, laughable. Barca is playing the best football in Europe and the world right now. So was RM four years ago. Barca was in relegation spots for a period of the 2003-04 season, and finished 2nd by the end of the year. No top flite team is years away from any other top flite team. At most a season, remember this is football, not baseball. Rebuilding can be a quick process with luck, money and desire. RM is surely below many teams in unity, talent is up for debate. Defenders have notoriously long careers (Maldini) as do holding midfielders, so I beg to disagree with your Cannavaro and Emerson commentary. Otherwise, I think you're spot on regarding the age of the team, however, clearly this team is a quick band aid squad rushed together to win a title or two and be sold off to the highest bidder afterwards. This was clear from the get go. Capello himself stated he wanted older players with experience who wouldn't be intimidated by the RM shirt or stadium. Saldado is horrible at best. Selling Cicinho could curtail a later effort at a true rebuilding effort, which is sad and disturbing.
The Bernabeu has always valued entrega over anything. Great players with entrega create beautiful gameplay. The galacticos have, as stated, been little divas these past few years. Extremely disappointing no doubt. However, I repeat, the Bernabeu will not be excited about winning ugly, but winning must be the focus this year, as we've been losing ugly for the past three. If you need proof of the organization's accept
ance of this fact, if not the stadium's, then look to the sidelines. Who? Capello. There will be little beautiful gameplay this season my friend. But hopefully there will be a title. And first class teams are built on championships, not beauty. I hope beautiful gameplay comes with winning, but unless Guti REALLY steps it up and Raul returns to his old self, this team has been built on effective D and an effective midfield. We'll see.
For the record if beauty won championships, Ghana or Argentina would have won the World Cup.
I am somewhat new to La Liga so I'll ask a few questions and a couple of observations. Does the draw between Real M. and Villarreal say anything about those two teams? Maybe a good sign for Villa. and a sign that there is still some work to do for RM. Barca got it handed to them from Sevilla. I thought Barca was playing some of the best football,futbol,soccer, out there but 3-0..Ouch! One or two games doesn't make a season but which teams can handel the adversity the best? I would say Barca bounces back and Villareal is a spoiler again this year and RM looks like they still need midfield help---What do you guys think?
After my heated debate with a fellow blogger re: the Bernabeu and RM, let pepper you with four questions I'd like your take on:
1) How do you see the front four of RM shaking out this year? Change in formation with Ronie back? Raul or Guti? Baptista? Cassano or Robinho by year's end?
2) Your general take on the Cicinho v. Salgado v. probably Sergio Ramos issue.
3) Do you interpret the recent drp in form from Barca to be a natural ebb and flow or a logical progression into other teams figuring them out to a degree?
4) Why exactly do you feel Villareal will outmatch Sevilla this year?
First of all, the American Heritage Dictionary defines a heated debate as an angry, vehement discussion. Unless you use expletives and personal insults it’s an exchange of opinions.
Ronie is not back. At best, he will be the same old Ronie, or otherwise he will be somewhere else.
Raul will play off the bench for the rest of his career. Calderon, unlike his predecessor, is a big fan of Guti, and both parties have expressed their desire to see Guti finish his career at RM (Marca, 8/29/06). Nonetheless most of that time will be spent on the bench.
Cassano has a good relationship with Capello, and will get a lot of playing time this season. Baptista, Rubinho, and Cicinho are all up for sale/loan along with Gravesen (Celtic, maybe), Helguera (Valencia) and Woodgate (Boro).
Salgado figures prominently in Capello’s plans, whereas Ramos may become much less important if Capello can sign another prominent central defender.
Barcelona are tied for the La Liga lead, and are still the team to beat in Europe, and I think that beating them is more about matching their quality than outsmarting Rijkaard.
PS. I don’t know much about La Liga, so treat all the above as possible fiction.
Very nice. A good try at least. Thank you for the edifying definition of "heated debate." I don't believe expletives are neccesarily required, especially when tone and such can carry force, but I'll take your word for it.
I read Marca too, friend. As too. And Mundo Deportivo, and El Pais, etc... Thank you for the wonderful citation though. I recommend As over Marca, for the record.
As for your responses: Raul seems to be a starter as does Ruud, Cassano does too, as does Beckham. However, the question regarded the Robinho/Cassano duel, Beckham/Cicinho duel, Raul/Guti/Baptista duel or the possible formation change Capello has insinuated by claiming he likes playing with two 7s up top (Ronie and Ruud).
The sale/loan news while accurate, tend towards rumors. Capello sees Ramos in Salgado's position, which is why he wants a central defender so badly. Ramos plays tha position with Spain (personally, I like Cicinho for Salgado and Ramos in center, but whatever).
I don't know what Barca or Rijkaard have to do with Villareal outmatching Sevilla for the fourth or third spot in the Champion's League, but you may be right as to Barca on the whole.
P.S. No need to self denigrate. You clearly know more than enough about la Liga to hold your own.
Last edited by RealMadrid on August 29th at 3:24 PM.
No offense meant, it seemed like the thread had kinda died, and I'm just kidding around. I just didn't agree with the notion that barca has suffered a recent drop in form.
I really don't follow La Liga much, and I try and read Spanish though it's a struggle, because I only speak Italian. I believe that La Liga is overall the best league in the world right now. Also Capello and Rijkaard have close ties to Milan, even though I kinda agreed with Galliani's assessment that Real were 'bandits' in their tapping up of Kaka' this summer. (I will concede that Galliani of all people shouldn't be calling anybody out). The two clubs have otherwise had a very good relationship over the years, which I'm sure will resume soon enough.
There are many transfers in the works between Italy and Spain, and obviously everyone is trying to guess what everyone else is thinking and planning, and who might be available. It'll be an exciting few days.
Good luck in La Liga.
None taken. Apologies if my tone seemed that way. Always good to converse with someone who knows their football. The thread definitely died, you can tell it got taken off the main Soccer page. As for As.com v. Marca.com, I feel I should warn you As is the Madrid paper, so while its fairly unbiased, all the columnists are very biased. Also very Madrid-centric, so I get a lot of my liga in general news from Marca.
I don't really agree with Galliani because it's so hard not to be a bandit in these situations. Clubs are never happy to see their big names go, and the bigger the club, as recent years show, the nastier and more underhanded things get. Galliani, as you noted, is a bandit himself. Ironically he was a bandit with the whole Ronaldo thing (though part of me says ditch Ronie, and fast). I think you're right about the two clubs getting back to normal sooner than later. They're basically the two greatest clubs in Europe historically, no need to scuffle ;)
I definitely agree about the excitement on the way, but I'm also worried. I wanted Capello and am happy to have him, but am worried his personnel decisions could hurt RM in the future. Especially getting rid of Cicinho, Robinho or Baptista, two players I like a lot and feel have a future at the club. We'll see, I'm holding out for positive things.
Last edited by RealMadrid on August 29th at 9:41 PM.
well, i am glad to see the blog, remained. sorry about the delay, lets keep this going.
RealMadrid:
As you stated earlier, in football, there is nothing like the term "light years", teams can re-build, and decompose in a matter of games, as you stated, (though i would argue incorrectly) Barca has started to slip after just the games against Sevilla and a 2-3 victory over Celta. Football is football, thats the beauty, if we could tell now who would win, it just wouldnt be as interesting.
I classified Luxemburgo, Lopez Caro, and Garcia Remon as "iron fisted" because they were touted (is that a word) as such by the media. At the begining of each of their "reigns" the media would display the great "workouts" they were giving the players, just to be expelled as "weak-willed" managers, that were lead by the players whims. At the begining of last season at least, the Madrid press (As, Marca), and the forums, were a lot more optimistic (I wish I could say I knew what the buzz was around in Madrid, but i dont live anywhere close by) than this year with Capello.
Playing better doesn't win you championships, but in a long competition, nither does a strong defense. They both help, dont get me wrong, but to win a long league a team needs regularity. This is why i dont believe, Real Madrid are favorites for the la liga title. If there is one thing they have consitently shown during the past 3 years is a lack of team play, that each player plays their own game, and a general disinterest in the team itself. They have had some brilliant games during the past three years, but these generally seem to be triggered, either by one of their great talents having their day, they have a surplus of talent, or by separate events, new coaches, possible eliminations, previous eliminations. For Madrid to pose a more serious threat to the league, , i think they need a complete team overhaul, get rid of players like Roberto Calros, Ronaldo, Raul, Beckham, Helguera, Salgado, Guti, ect. and build a good, solid, hungry team. Last year they had a good start, bringing in players like Baptista, Robinho, Ramos, Cicinho, and this year Diarra. However, in my opinion, Capello's quest for a strong defensive minded team is doing more damage than making it better, if players like Baptista, Cicinho, Robinho, and even Casillas are made to take a second role in the team. Another point that doesnt bring much hope, due to the age of this years reinforcements, next summers markets does seem to be as "interesting" as this one.
