The Times says that Wenger has been given more transfer money than he says he needs this summer.
Alan Campbell describes an outbreak of sanity at Tynecastle. Unfortunately for Hearts' fans it didn't help them to qualify for the UEFA Cup as Aberdeen ensured their spot on the final day of the Scottish season.
Game of the week: Well there were a few crackers in the championship, but of today's two games I though Real Madrid game had everything. They played some great football, came unglued, then finished with that clutch goal. I'm in shock at the way Beckam played - he looked very sharp, in the zone. He really wants to leave as a champion.
Goal of the week: the Eto lightning drag back and pass to Ronaldinho for his goal today.
Escape of the week: TSO
Cup Final Party of the week: My house yesterday
Dash to the mens room of the week: Didier Drogba after the final whistle
(Lap) dog of the week: Definitely Peter Kenyon for his remarks today: "I doubt we'll have big-name signings because I don't think we need it"
Bobby, not to repeat my posting of earlier today, but is your take on Peter Kenyon that Abramovich has lost the interest to create the best team in the world, or do you think they may be playing games with the market?
I am wondering if all the negative press coverage of the FA Cup Final will be repeated Thursday morning if Liverpool wins a similar type game....Or will it be declared another magnificent european performance!!
Q1 read an intresting qoute fro the mirror that foster will be first next season at oldtrafford, your thought.l feel it the english media campaign
Q2.do you feel becks has done enough to get a recall allbeit one or two games
Q3.can you say kanoute is for real, has he developed into one of europe's top strikers or it a season show like forlan
Q4 "trivial"
who is the first player to be sent of at new wembly
Q5 what do you make of jose's statement do you want to enjoy the game or after the game, even if he wins the quad next season, do you see him at chelsea beyond 2010 with that style of play
Very amusing article by Lovejoy in The Times. He states that Carragher (of whom I am a great fan) is “formidable” and sees Gilardino as “meat and drink”. Carragher is 29 and has started 48 matches this season, yet Nesta, at 31, is “slow” and in the “autumn of his career”, yet has half as many matches in his legs this season. I’ll take Nesta.
I am not sure why his opinion that “the Rossoneri are fortunate to even be in the competition” should provide optimism for Liverpool going into the final.
Lovejoy is confused about the point deductions, and I don’t blame him. The 8 point deduction was for this season and has nothing to do with their entry into this UCL, which would’ve obviously happened last season; that was a 30 point deduction.
Milan were “scarcely irresistible” against Bayern (despite dominating both legs), yet somehow Liverpool “accounted for” Barcelona on away goals after losing at home, not to mention got to the final after another penalty shootout. Milan only managed to beat Man Utd because they were fatigued and decimated by injuries, yet that really doesn’t explain why their wonder-kids didn’t score in Milan.
All in all, a typical article from English newspapers similar to the ones after the first leg of the semis. I hope it has the same effect again.
Sounds like you ate some sour grapes this morning RINGO.
Anyway, my pick for "dog" goes to PPV. Had the game been on live or slight delay, I would have watched. Seeing as I don't care about either team in the FA Cup Final, I was never going to shell out the money for PPV. It seems stupid to show games from all the "real" rounds only to be allowed to show the final days later. What good does this accomplish? Wouldn't it be better to have higher ratings and showcase the best two teams in England for long-term benefits? If you can answer those questions in favor of PPV with a straight face, then please explain because I can't grasp it. I know the game wasn't great, but from all accounts there still was tension and drama and in the end is still one of the games that can be used as a showcase.
A few statistics to help prove which is the best league in europe ,or not!
Most euro cup/UCL wins by country:-
Spain - 11
England - 10
Italy -10
Germany - 6
Holland - 6
Portugal - 4
Most trophies won by country (euro cup/UCL ,cup-winners-cup ,fairs/UEFA cup):-
Spain - 29
England - 28
Italy - 27
Germany - 16
Holland - 11
Portugal - 6
Number of different clubs winning european trophies by country:-
England - 13
Italy - 9
Germany - 8
Spain - 6
Holland - 3
Portugal - 3
RINGO and VVV, you should know by now that the papers' "columnists" are just idiots that are as biased as us fans. Their goal is to #### people off to sell newspapers.
Anyway, I'm not sure you can draw any conclusions from those stats. I think the status as "best league" is cyclical within the three biggest leagues. Plus, it's a futile argument. If Liverpool beat Milan, that doesn't make it a better league, or vice versa.
Verbal you took the words out of my mouse.
My question is why does sensationalism sell? I don't like it, most people I know don't like it. It must be virulently addictive.
-I for one would be very happy to see Owen in Berry and white next season, the perfect scrappy little finisher the Arsenal are looking for.
RINGO: Statistics spanning 50 years don't really mean anything in this context. Real Madrid won the first six editions in the late 50's but only managed a couple since. Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa each have more European titles than Chelsea (and Arsenal); what conclusion do you draw from that? Uruguay have also won more World Cups than England, but that doesn't 'prove' anything or make them better, does it?
A few people a little touchy today. I just read that article by Lovejoy, it was not that bad, he was pulling for Liverpool, but not absurdly. Gilardino is meat and drink and Pippo should start. There exists a much worse brand of english press.
-Although why does the Times have a picture of Henry under their Transfer News portal, if that stays there all summer I'll write a letter to the editor, are they trying to run him outta town?? Now I am pissed off.
Join the club ,Mas!....why do we keep falling for it?
When I looked into those stats ,three things stood out that I was not expecting.
There is nothing between the top three countries ,twice as many English clubs have won trophies as Spanish ,and more German clubs have won trophies than Spanish.
Verbal, re PPV. You make a good point. They could have opened it up as a freeview on HDV ch 96 or whatever, not just to the sports package subscribers, now that would have been smart marketing (if the game had been any good!!). I guess they couldn't get passed the $25 times x,000 viewers.
As it was, they were consistent with the rest of the FA Cup rounds where they did PPV on one or two games. What was really stupid, is that they gave no notice on the listings that they WERE covering the pregame as I accidentally found out when I switched on early. (I was complaining about that last week).
I don't begrudge it as without the PPV the rates would go up for everyone, I suspect. I still don't know the source of the Final programming. Maybe it was a direct deal by DirectTV. If there was that much money in all this Fox wouldn't have sold the rights to Setanta for what they did. For me, the posts last week about the TV companies gouging doesn't stand up to reason. As I posted the other day I'm getting three times the coverage this year at a reduced price. With three 3pm kick off games live on a Saturday, it's unbelievable. The audiences must be tiny on ch 670. Try buying a season ticket for the Galaxy if you want to be gouged. You couldn't even get a good seat for less than 3 year commitment at an astronomical price.
LACF, the TV thing still doesn't make sense to me, but thanks for the reply. An analogy would be having the Champions League Final only on ESPN DEPORTES (which I don't have) because they had exclusive rights for games earlier in the competition, and then ESPN showed the game on Saturday, three days later. It also doesn't work. Last year for the FA Cup Final, I was able to avoid any mention of the results and just waited to watch it for "free" on FSC. It was annoying, but I wasn't go to shell out anymore money than I already do. It's bad enough I had to get ITVN (I can't get DirecTV) to see the games I wanted to see at incredibly poor quality.
verbal
You`re right about ITVN ,it`s no good ,but I`m stuck with it for at least another six months.
The more I hear other people talking ,I will have to switch to DirecTV eventually.
H14
Matt Gill of Exeter was the first person sent off at new Wembley.
And I still say Twickenham is a better stadium!
More Trivia
Who are the only team to reach the champions league final ,without ever being champions of their own country?
And
Who where the first English team to play in the European cup?
Like I said, I thought it was a very amusing article typical of English press.
I feel very confident that Milan will win the title. I believe they are superior to Liverpool in every department, especially in midfield where Kaka and Seedorf are much stronger than 2 years ago. Kewell and Baros were also more intimidating than say Crouch and Kuyt, or Bellamy this time. This Milan team has, understandably, lacked motivation at times this season, but have also been very good when they were up for it. They are up for this game, and I believe, will win convincingly … both halves this time, and without going to extra time.
Also, hopefully this time the officiating will be better, even though at the time a three goal margin at halftime seemed plenty, although, in hind sight, kinda needed that fourth goal by Sheva too! (sour grapes warning). Fandel is an excellent referee; he has officiated Milan five times – all five victories for Milan, while he has officiated Liverpool 3 times for 2 losses and draw, and has never seen them score. (another positive omen).
VVV, what was wrong with the officiating two years ago? Besides the Nesta handball in the box immediately before Crespo's first goal. And before you say it, il mucchio di merda DID foul Gerrard in the box (look at the replay as objectively as you can).
Unbelievable as it may seem, I don't feel Milan is superior to Liverpool in every department. Although, I don't feel that Liverpool is clearly superior either. I think only the biggest Milan apologists would take Dida over Reina. The central defenses are both good. I feel Finnan is better than Oddo, defensively anyway. LB is a ? for both teams. Midfields on both teams have their strengths and weaknesses. Milan have no width, though Liverpool will only have width on the left (with Riise or Kewell) unless Pennant starts. I think you'll agree that Pirlo hasn't had the greatest of years, but then again neither has Alonso. Seedorf scares me more than any other Milan player because Kaka I think will be stopped by Mascherano/Carragher. Gerrard will play well no matter where he starts because unlike C. Ronaldo, he is a big game player. Personally, I'd start him on the left (to keep Oddo back) and start Pennant on the right, with Riise at LB. I think the only place Milan have a clear edge is in attackers, and that's only because Kaka (despite my above belief) is better than anyone Liverpool can throw out there. Although every Liverpool striker, including Craig Lindfield and Nabil El Zhar (neither of which made the trip) is a better bet (for me anyway) than Gilardino.
V97:
I was afraid I may draw an objection. Midway through the first half Sheva had a goal disallowed for offside, which replays showed was in fact onside. Liverpool’s penalty was fair, even though it is extremely difficult for me to look at things objectively.
The rest we could debate all week. I will say that Dida has been one of the best keepers around for several years, even though he has had his fair share of gaffes, especially of late. Also, Gila has had a bad season, but I assure you he is better than Lindfield (I assume you watched the World Cup at least), and I think will start on Wednesday.
I think Liverpool is a great team, good quality players, great manager, very well organized. They play as a unit with great determination. Gerrard and Carragher are currently the best English players at their respective positions. Just my personal, very biased, opinion, and you won’t read this in any Italian newspaper, Milan are more experienced despite an average age well below 30, and have a significant edge in quality and skill, and this time will make the difference count over the entire match. This with all due respect to Liverpool and their fans.
These are legitimate questions I really need answered Bobby if I may..
With respect to Chelsea~ A lot has been said about their lack of entertaining football, and this has been duly blamed on Mourinho. How exactly does a manager make a team play "exciting football". Doesn't it really depend on the players and their individual strengths and skills? What is the definition of "entertaining/exciting football" and how much of that is as a direct result of the manager?
And with that said-- honestly tell me why you think Mourinho "will be gone before the start of the new season." ? Who will be his ideal replacement that will deliver this "exciting football" and why? (This is a genuine question I have asked before, which has not been answered; I seriously would like to know your opinion... so please engage me. Cheers!)
H14 I believe you are correct, I think it is a smokescreen. Why would the chairman say the manager has 40M transfer kitty and then the manager say he doesn't need near that amount. That is like my saying I make $500,000 a year but don't need to buy a house b/c I like my trailer. It just sounds like B.S.
What do you think about the rumor that Wenger likes Owen? I like it, if he is healthy.
H14 and MasMaz, Wenger like Owen? I thought Freddy Shepard said there was zero interest in Owen from any of the Big Clubs? So was Freddy blowing smoke up everyones skirt or does he not consider Arsenal a "Big Club"? Curious.
VVV, you're begining to take on the overconfidence that got your club in trouble with Liverpool last time they faced off'd. I sure hope we see the best out of both teams. I just can't live with another disappointing finals match.
I conveniently forgot that call (selective memory). However, I still think Liverpool should have gotten a penalty in the first half.
Anyway, to nobody's surprise, you like your team and I like mine. The Lindfield comment was basically to illustrate that I don't think highly of Gilardino. I don't honestly think a 17-18 year old striker that has never played a first team game that counted is better than a World Cup winner. I can't wait for Wed. The suspense is killing me. I just have to figure out how to watch the game.
I really don't think that Milan were overconfident in 2005, or that they played much worse in the second half than they did in the first. The funny thing about football is that goals are often not a good illustration of the way a match was played. In the first half it seemed like every shot they took went in, although I didn't think there was otherwise much between the 2 teams (sort of like the first half of Man Utd-Roma). The second half was also fairly evenly matched and Milan tried to keep up the pressure, but alas it was Liverpool's turn for some magic. Obviously, all-in-all it was an incredible sequence of events which left Milan in utter disbelief, but at the end of the day (aside from the scoring sequence) it was an even affair which ended in a tie and went to penalties. In 2003 Milan won on penalties and were on the other end in 2005, so no complaints there. As I'm sure anyone would understand, it is very difficult to digest losing a such a massive game after leading 3-0.
The confidence this time around has nothing to do with the 2005 final. I believe that simply Milan are currently in better form and are very motivated for this one, and in the end will prevail.
With regards to Gilardino, I will say that he is an incredibly talented striker, and anyone who has followed Serie A for the last few years can attest to that. He scored 23 goals his first 2 full seasons in the Serie A starting at the age of 21. Milan then paid $36m for him in 2005, he scored a goal every 2 matched for Milan last season (despite none in the UCL). He has struggled all of this season.
Last edited by Venti_vidi_vici on May 21st at 7:32 PM.
Speaking of having a bad season, did anyone have a worse season than Chelsea's Khalid Boulahrouz?
He was brought in to add depth to the center back position (as well as at fullback), after the departures of Gallas and Huth. He performed so badly that he was benched in favor of Essien, who is a midfielder (or at least was!). He had started all of 9 games all season when he was finally given another chance against Arsenal, but conceded the match winning (title ending) penalty, and got sent off.
Q1 - Even if Real Madrid wins the title, they have to retool for next year. What do they need to do?
Q2- What is the key one-on-one to watch in the UCL final? Or key tactical element?
VVV: I should have kept this as a trivia question for Ringo. Anyway, for the longest time I had a picture in a Chelsea program of a Nottingam Forrest v Chelsea game, where a pig had gotten loose and run a round the pitch. (This was for real.) I assume he was captured and later, eaten. I only mention this because this was the only instance of anyone on a football pitch EVER having a worse season than Khalid Boularouz.
(Gee, thanks VVV, I thought I'd never find a way of getting that pig story onto Bobby's blog)
As someone who couldn't wait to see the Beckham's removal from the England team, his play on Sunday makes me think that Real Madrid are probably kicking themselves that he's off to LA. I still can hardly believe what I saw. The Guardian's Richard Williams says there is now no good reason for Beckham not to play for England. I think he's right.
LACF
I`ve never heard that story before.
There was a time ,when I remember seeing a Turkey or two strutting around the pitch ,and a few headless Chicken`s wandering around on occasion ,but they where wearing blue shirts at the time!
There was never a good reason for Beckham not to play for England. Even if only as a serious weapon to have on the bench. To say that Becks is playing any different now than in Germany is to ignore reality.
-He has always been a major threat on set pieces and crosses. His % of scores in deadball situations is incredible and I forget the number but it is well above the 10% normally associated with scores from dead balls.
-He lead the team with respect for the position and the sport. Always ready to play and always dangerous.
-Sure he can be a liability against good left wingers and full backs, but in any team there are usually 3-4 offensive players who are defensive liabilities.
-The truth is only political reasons has kept Becks off the Three Lions and only political reasons caused Capello to bench him. All credit to Capello admitting he was wrong and moving forward, it saved his job.
-Only the densest of managers would say to himself, "Gee I am down 2-1 with 15 minutes to go I am sure glad I don't have David Beckham on the bench to come on and drop a few pinpoint crosses".
-Will McClown act in time? I doubt it. The funny thing is the polls clearly show that England supporters have always wanted him on the team and now it is becoming a serious issue.
-If England have another poor showing McClown has to bring him back, if he doesn't and he has 2 poor showings in a row, I would say he was pretty much gone.
-But the credit goes to Becks for always remaining positive, always saying the right thing and making me believe he means it. The fact is he is re-introducing to the world that trait of the English which all civilization admires (however misguided at times, ie. Imperialism)...that sturdiness of character, a certain resilience of the English and of all Brits. Well Done, David!
I hope Milan win coz I've always been a big fun of Kaka and Pirlo and I can't stand the thought of my liver friends boasting about how they've won 2 c.l in 2yrs.
The Key in this game will be what squad Benitez picks. As we have seen so many times Benitez can make a mess on his selections and this time if he gets it wrong in the 1st half I don't think Milan will let him slide.
I don't think liver should shadow Kaka coz there is nothing harder than shadowing a player who can play in almost every attacking position and still produce his best. The man they should shadow is Pirlo because he helps brings the whole team into the game with his amazing passing. and he is the one who usually links up the attack and defence.
Liverpool will try and make the game as long as they can because they have the younger squad but I just don't see them keeping that Milan offense at bay for over 120mins.Liver will also have to find a way to score coz that has been one of there biggest problems this season, they'll get there goals on counter and set pieces.Milan should worry of Liver's counter attacks, because the thing with liverpool they don't have to take the ball to your box they have guys who can really hit the ball e.x Gerra and Riise.
Hope it's an entertaining game and may the best team win.
Rafa Benitez has taken a lot of heat for obviously focusing on the Champions League once he realized this season's Premiership title was beyond his grasp.
My question is - Is it worth more to do what United did - win the prem, get knocked out of the Champions League at the Semis - or do what Liverpool did - finish 3rd, and (not yet, but for the sake of argument) win the Champions League final?
Ultimately, whatever gives your club more money and exposure has to be the right choice. More money = better players = brighter future, right?
Playing (Red) Devil's Advocate here, Perhaps Mourinho should be criticized for fighting valiantly on all fronts, when he could have made his club more money/exposure in the long haul by forsaking the league, resting his players, and focusing on the Champs League?
Has anyone read Stevie G's latest? wow, I have to think he's playing with fire.
-From what I hear Gattuso's and Ancellotti's remarks have been mistranslated and taken out of context, and that they are not disrespectful to Liverpool.
-For Gerrard to come out with these comments about how GG can't stop him and that no one can stop him is foolish to say the least.
- He is an awesome player and for absolute certainty his incredible glancing flick-on header was the turning point in the '05 final, but he should probably be gagged.
I don't know if Stevie G. is getting himself up for the match or if G.G. is getting under his skin? I think Stevie plays better when he is angry--as if he has something to prove. I hope he tears Gattuso up.
I have noticed that the Italian clubs do a lot of pregame trash talking. (esp. Roma) While I respect Milan, I hope for a good match but I would love to see the Bulldog (Gattuso) eat a Stevie G. blast from 20 yrds. out.
Bobby what do you make of wenger's comments that arsenal will win the leauge, my head say we will be fourth or third, but my heart wants to say first, l just can not see us winning the leauge, l fancy chelsea
I really don't think it will go to penalties tomorrow - I'm not sure who will win but these two teams can score some goals, especially against each other, which make another draw unlikely, even though I don't expect 6 goals either.
I think the key will be the first 20 minutes - Milan will start strong and Liverpool will need to contain them early and then gain some initiative. Milan have scored 2 first half goals in each of their last 3 UCL matches. Liverpool have only conceded 3 goals in their last 6 UCL matches.
I don't understand all the Gattuso-Gerrard hype, I don't think they'll see much of each other during the match. Liverpool are difficult team to contain in the midfield because they don't really have a central focal point, especially if Gerrard plays more advanced. Pirlo and Maldini will mostly keep an eye on Gerrard if he's in an advanced role, moreso than Gattuso and Ambrosini. They are both doing too much talking; not unusual for Gattuso, but Gerrard surprises me.
I hope it is another classic match in it's own right; it is not about revenge because the 2005 result will never change, Liverpool rightfully own that one. Good luck to Milan and Liverpool and all their fans (you too V97).
Last edited by Venti_vidi_vici on May 22nd at 5:55 PM.
Goal of the week? Hands down Zambrotta's magnificent deft touch from a long ball and chip. He's one of the world's most truly underrated players and a better "team" Player I find hard think of.
Dog of the week? Unquestionably FA Cup Final. What a let down.
Bobby- What do you see Barca doing in the off season to strengthen the side?
In your eyes what will be the most significant signing in the EPL, La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga this summer?
The hype surrounding David "####e" is already nauseating and I live in SF. Do you think he will make an impact on the pitch for the MLS? I think his signing is a good marketing strategy.
Also you were spot on last night on FSR re:Manu signing OH. Another extremely overrated player IMHO. Let's get serious here, what has this kid done to merit such a huge transfer fee?
It's laughable.
Zambrotta is absolutely one of the most underrated (outside of Italy at least) players of the last decade. He had 7 or 8 spectacular seasons at Juventus, and it's pity that it came to an abrupt, end even though he's had a decent first season at Barca. He can play on either flank, and is very dangerous going forward. He was instrumental to Italy's World Cup success, in particular against Ukraine. In the semi against Germany, at the beginning of extra time, he sent a long distance effort thundering against the crossbar - had it gone in, it would've been the goal of the tournament. Rumors are spreading that he may join Milan this summer; that would be a most welcome addition.
I am the soccer analyst for the Fox Soccer Report and appear twice a week - every Monday and Friday at 10:00 EST. I have also been a regular contributor to the Fox Soccer Channel website since the summer of 2004. Over the last twenty years I have contributed to various radio and television programs throughout North America as well writing about the game for newspapers, magazines and websites.
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