Redfan2000 - Impartiality among commentators both sides of the Atlantic, when commenting on teams, players and managers. Particular examples of this are: Peter Crouch phobia (Webster and McMahon at Fox).
Bobby – “A phobia is an irrational, persistent fear of certain situations, objects, activities, or persons. The main symptom of this disorder is the excessive, unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject.” I think you are mistaking a phobia for a player that I don’t rate very highly due to his very limited abilities. Given the faith that Rafa Benitez has placed in Crouch in the past you might want to add Rafa to your list as well. As for impartiality it seems you are mixing that up with people not holding the same obviously impartial views that you do.
Henry 14 -q1. l would want to know l believe l read somewhere that you coached and now, the question is how much does a pre season play in an early season or bearing on a season, bearing that Man Utd., Chelsea, and Barca had sort of like Hollywood preseason tours had have not had the best of starts, the Barca players were complaining do you think it has an effect on the season? q2 What would be your prediction for the Chelsea and Man Utd. game given that they are more solid at defending than scoring? q3. l read a passage were Henry was talking about learning to be a winger again and he does not look anywhere near his best for the past 18 months, can he be a Sheva and flop? q4.l have read question that questions Arsenal's depth l remember Chelsea used 18 player to win their first title and l would want know how many players did Jose use in his 2nd championship and how many were used by United last season and at least if you think the stats reflect what really happens?
Bobby – A1, I took my coaching badges a couple of years after arriving in Canada and coached from kids and youth teams to womens and mens teams off and on from 1982 to 1998. I kept playing during most of that time. Work then got in the way and I haven’t done any coaching since. Almost all teams tour so the issue is how much travel and how many games. But even then it is not as straight forward as that. Who went on tour, who stayed home, who played in other competitions last summer, who is carrying injuries, how old is the core of the side? If teams start slowly then a tour will likely be blamed; if they win it will because they are playing well and worked hard in the pre-season. There are so many variables that it is almost totally subjective. A 2 – A draw, there is too much at stake. A 3 – Henry has not looked his best for the last 18 months because he has spent a lot of it injured. I’m not aware of any intention he has to become a winger again. Could he be a disappointment at Barcelona? There is always that chance. A 4 – According to my reading of the statistics Chelsea used 30 players when they won the Premiership in 2005 and 25 when they retained the title a year later. Manchester United used 26 players last season in winning the title.
CIAO - What do you make of Roma's current form? Do you think the new additions to the team might have completed the team? I'm also curious to know how you rate Aquilani?
Bobby – Obviously off to a very good start but to be honest I have not seen very much of them so far. Hopefully that will change this weekend when they play Juventus. The squad is still very thin and I think that will be hard to overcome. Aquilani looks set to be Totti’s heir.
RonnieDocherty - You are in danger of losing a viewer. You previewed Liverpool, Chelski, at length, and a number of other games for this week's CL games. However, where was the Celtic Shaktar Donetsk preview? Surely you have a bigger Scottish football constituency between Canada and USA than German ones? I have long given up on decent coverage of SPL games, mainly due to the intransigence and short sidedness of the amateur administrators of the SPL. Surely you could at least give us a couple of minutes before a big CL game and cut back on some of the other stuff of no import to the large majority of your audience. Now if I get extensive coverage of the Rangers Stuttgart game then I think I will be turning you off for a week or two, maybe even for the month of Ramadan.
Bobby - Much as I would like a soccer station of my own that isn’t going to happen. I really don’t control what gets on the air so the best idea is to e mail FSR or FSC. PS – I thought from reading the first few lines that you are a Celtic supporter but from the last sentence it seems that you are actually a Dundee United fan. Joking aside my understanding is that SPL highlights arrive sporadically.
Gunner44 - Do you think CAshley Cole will return to his best? Coz I was talking to a Man Ure and Chelski fan and we all came to the conclusion that CAshley has just not been the same player he was for Arsenal.
Bobby – He hasn’t had a chance to settle into a partnership with whoever Mourinho plays on the left side of midfield. He and Robert Pires had a tremendous understanding that just hasn’t been replicated. Malouda might help the situation.
MerlinTX - I have been disappointed with the quality of your commentary to start the season. I am a Liverpool supporter, so let's just say I don't think you have an even handed coverage toward my side. But at the very least, you should get facts straight and make comments that reflect the truth. If you do not know Paul Tompkins, you should read his stuff. He wrote an article about a month ago for the Liverpool website concerning player rotation. The fact is that over the last 2 seasons, ManU, Chelsea and Arsenal have "rotated" their starting lineups exactly as much as Liverpool. There is no difference. Thompkins' rundown of these stats is impressive, so I'll leave it to you to do some research to see his point. So, trite comments like yours about Rafa having fewer players to rotate, not only miss the mark, but demonstrate your inability to evaluate the data on your own. Parroting the London party line is not considered competent reporting in my book. Second, when St. Whatever-his-name-is reads the Liverpool injury list as if they are missing so many key players, you didn't even challenge his assertion that this matters. The only injury at Liverpool that matters at this moment is Gerrard's toe. Riise, while capable of brilliant long range goals, has ample capable backup. Momo is likewise covered with the likes of Xabi Alonzo and Mascherano, unless these two international players for Spain and Argentina are considered unworthy cover in your book. I'm not expecting Liverpool homer coverage, just some semblance of responsible journalism. Now, go ahead. Let's see if.
Bobby – The comment I made was something like “it will give him fewer players to rotate.” That is a perfectly accurate statement - but according to you I "should get facts straight and make comments that reflect the truth." If you can tell what is untrutful or inaccurate about that statement thengo ahead.
He rotated his squad on Saturday and he did again on Tuesday against Porto. Your reference to Paul Tompkins piece is strange to say the least. He’s the one that goes on at great length about Benitez rotating the squad - not me. LGB in a previous post supports my position that I have previously stated on his radio show that the Benitez/rotation thing is overblown.
My comments were in the context of the game on Tuesday – comments that were completely accurate. If you expect me to get into a recital of how any comment I make compares to the other 19 Premiership teams then you are being a bit unrealistic.
As for Paul Tompkins “impressive run down of stats.” There are numerous pieces of comparative information that he glosses over that might call into question his conclusions. “…..he’d actually won a stunning percentage of those 99 games” – what was the stunning percentage and how did the stunning winning percentage stack up against Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal? A rather important piece of information to overlook don’t you think?
In one season he compares Liverpool to United, the other season to Chelsea – why the limited selection? “Of course, the above figures don’t take into account rotation (his word not mine) that occurs in other competitions, in games played between Premiership matches. In that sense, it is indeed true that Benitez changes his team fractionally more than Mourinho and Ferguson, freshening up for the cups.”
Ah the old “fractionally more” – why not just give us the numbers rather than weasel words? As far the number of players used are concerned “Benitez used 26 players in total, Ferguson used 25.” PremierSoccerStats gives the numbers as Benitez 29, Ferguson 26.
And then the red herring of “Benitez only really rotated between three strikers” – what relevance does that have?
As for your comment that “I'm not expecting Liverpool homer coverage, just some semblance of responsible journalism,” I think others can draw their own conclusions.
Anyway to finish off this blog piece I won’t be putting pet peeves up again anytime soon. It must be a full moon. On the brighter side yesterday I attended the announcement of a $12.5M full field indoor soccer complex to be located at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. It is something that the local soccer community has been pushing for years and it will be open in October 2008 - overdue and desperately needed. I was able to chat to a group of young soccer players who were in attendance. They had recently returned from the Western Canada Games in Edmonton with a Gold Medal after upsetting the much more heavily favoured British Columbia and Alberta sides. I enjoyed talking to them and I promised that I would put a shout out on the blog.
I think Chelsea should be worried 24000 people turning up to what a c.l game in a team that is considered one of the best in Europe. And drawing with Rosengburg at home makes it even worse.
Arsenal have to win tommorow for confidence sake. A draw wouldn't be the worst result though. But at home we should be winning.
While JM was ranting about everything under the sun I was struck by the unbelievably bad quality of crosses and corner kicks ricocheting of the first defender in both of Chelsea's last 2 games. (What price now Alvez?). One good cross from Malouda converted by Sheva.
Settling for average, adequate and mediocre is never pretty. I'm still stuck by my conversation with SWP in LA a couple a months ago. I asked him what he and the other wingers do to come up with new ideas so they don't get "found out" by the full backs after the first season. Do they at least watch all videos they can , special training etc.? He said: "Nah, we don't do nuffin' like that. We just play." I was shocked. They said they don't watch other games and hadn't even been watching U-21 world cup, on at the time. No wonder Chelsea look so stale.
Last edited by LosAngelesChelseaFan on September 19th at 12:02 AM.
Im beginning to think there will be a shake up at chelsea before one at Spurs. Spurs really have not a lot to go for, some cups yeah alright, after their miserable start, but Chelsea have it all still to play for. How much longer can they go on playing miserable football, and dont give me #### about bad refereeing thats for losers.
I agree with LACF they look stale. Mourinho, for all the great things hes done, needs to take a big part of the reponsibility. His constant slagging off of his players esp. schevchenko, but others not in his magical 6 or whatever has to be demoralizing to his squad.
I realize shevchenko has been #### sinced his move, but isnt part of the manager's reponsibilty to integrate and develop the talent he has on hand? How many players have grown and developed their game while at chelsea? I can think of Mikel, Joe cole, and Drogba i may have missed someone but thats about it. Terry, Essien, Cech, Fat frank were all top drawer before the special one's arrival.
Now look at whose game hasnt developed or worse has gone backwards: Sheva, Ballack, #### Cole, SWP, Glenn Johnson, Kalou Boularouz thats an expensive list.
I wonder if their current lack of form persists over the next couple of weeks, does roman decide enough is enough?
I've got a good one...why are the Portuguese bad at sex...because they fall off the bed and roll around on the floor as soon as you get remotely close to them.
Anyway, poorly played game where a point is more than they deserved. And though my joke above shows my frustration about the great taboo topic, Pennant did deserve a second yellow (deserved his first too).
I have to agree, it is time for Mourinho to make way. He has not found a way to incorporate Shevckenko and Ballack, which would be a team that has little room for Lampard. But with Lampard's strike rate for Chelsea it is hard not to include him. So it was a big mistake to bring at least Ballack.
I think where he failed is to limit Lampard and Ballack playing time together. By playing one or the other he could have created competition between the two and play which ever is in better form.
I think even if Sheva has not scored regularly he does bring out the best in his striking partner Drogba. That needs to count for something. At Milan Sheva worked well with a midfield that was pushing up to support as a unit. At Chelsea there seem to be one or two midfielders pushing up and the others remain back.
Cech
Belletti - Carvalho & Terry - A.Cole
Obi Mikel
SWP Lampard Essien Melouda
Drogba
With the above format you could actually have Lampard and Ballack play together as needed. However, given that Essien and J.Cole would be left out I would not vote for it. J.Cole could essentially become a utility player in mid to replace any of SWP, Lampard, Essien or Melouda. While Makelele providing back up for Obi. If Ballack remained in the team he could replace Lampard or Essien as needed.
Up front, it would not really matter which striker played. However, the above format would be better suited for Sheva.
I think it would be wise not to play Ballack in the CL and sell him off in January
With Querioz hinting at his time at United is in question, it would also be an interesting if Chelsea made a move for him. After all he already knows the premiership like the back of his hand. Plus, he would not have to wait for SAF to retire. Regardless, I doubt this will happen. I think RA will bring in Lippi, Mancini or Hiddink. I don't think he will consider any other candidates.
only when clumsy englishmen jump into our beds. We have all the time in the world for pretty ladies.
I watched the game I'm surprised Pennant was left in so long, he looked way out classed. After the first two tackles and the yellow I even said out loud to my friend he wouldn't last the game like this. Quaresma had him lunging all game at shadows. I know its a touchy subject but to me its a valid tactic. If a player who is defending is getting more of your ankles, knees or what have you then the ball there becomes a point where its a valid tactic to go to ground and take your freekicks and he can have his cards. It's the stuff around and in the box that really gets me. Or the ghost contact and face grabbing. The worst 'simulation' of the game was actually Dirk Kuyt going down in the box and turning to the ref right away hoping for a call.
Bobby as I have stated before, you do a great job of being objective. The show still needs a hottie.
-I stated after the community shield that Chelsea looked stale and that the same old offensive strategy of having no offensive strategy was going to haunt the Blues this year, and I was roundly scolded. 1-0 is just too close the law of averages will catch-up.
-I think Jose is a great organizer and motivator of some players. He has not developed anyone besides Joe Cole. Drogba was proven at Marseilles. Mikel is dog poo to say he has developed is to ignore reality.
Well obviously thats the most shameful ever on the world stage. I meant in the "game" that happened yesterday not every game ever played. The best part of that clip is the face grabbing which is just ridiculous. Sadly there was quite allot of it in the u-20 this year. I really wish the governing bodies kept on punishing this stuff like it was in that world cup but nope.
Speaking of which maybe Bobby will know if Chile was ever punished for what happened at the end of their u-20 run?
-Sheva has no one to play with. None of the players at Chelsea know how to play fluid football except Malouda, Maka and Ballack. How many times is Sheva in the right place and the rest are watching Droba or the wingers. Why they sold Eidur is a mystery to me. He knew how to play, scored goals & made goals. Why they bought Ashley Cole is a mystery, but thank you.
-No I don't blame Mourinho for all of it b/c I don't think he makes the personnel decisions. I think he barely has any say. His greatest mistake was bringing all those players from Porto and not bringing Deco, that says enough about his offensive mind right there. Carvalho and Deco were all he should have brought with him.
Im not saying that mikel is the be all to end all but if you look at his first ten games and then compare how hes playing now its night and day, hes way better and thus give JM credit for development. While drogba has always been a good player hes also ratcheted up his game under mourinho, all ofcoarse just my opinion.
Well no and NO. Mikel shouldn't even be playing, he turns the ball over once every 3 touches. Maka at 50 is better. And Drogba was an absolute monster at Marseilles and he is playing about the same. Actually he took a few steps back in his first year and a half at Chelsea and just returned to form last year. I know this b/c FSC used to play Ligue 1 and saw him play many, many times. And before you say so what that's the French League, look around and see how many of the top tier teams in the world have players that came through Ligue 1.
im not comparing either player to anyone else all i was saying was that in my view both mikel and drogba's game have improved in their time at chelsea, regardless of how they compare to any other player, but your entitled to see it differently.
i agree with that ciao, but i also think if you make him repsonsible for the failures in my mind he gets a measure of the credit for the success too. i think jm is a very good manage, perhaps hes overstayed his time at chelsea, it is the longest hes been anwyhere.
This is hilarious. Inspired by injuries (particularly to Drogba), Chelsea has hit some poor form and some blogging blues are ready to throw Mourinho under the bus. How long have you folks been watching football, in general, or Chelsea, in particular? Do you remember life before Jose? The 50 trophyless years? Life in the old Third Division? Now, hang your heads in shame. While it's funny to read and I would love to see Jose leave the Bridge (because he's a GREAT manager), proper supporters stick with their clubs through the tough times. Chelsea hasn't seen many of those recently so unless you want to be lumped in with all the plastic Mancs (and a couple of fairweather gooners) stifle the urge to criticize Jose.
LAChelseaFan, During the Rosenborg game, there were several good crosses and many a post hit. Chelsea were plagued by bad luck (as much as Arsenal were undone last year in games where their top strikers were out).
ohphuque, Shevchenko has lost at least a yard of pace from his Milan days. Fact. Moreover his first touch is, um, agricultural. Essien teed him up for an easy conversion against Rovers that Sheva managed to bundle into Friedel with two horrific touches. That isn't Mourniho's fault, son; Shevchenko is a professional footballer for God's sake. And if you think Drogba has ratcheted up his game under Mourinho, you clearly never saw him during his Olympique Marseilles days.
Why isn't there more coverage of the class that leicester showed against forest. I think it is something that needs to be put out there more. Good for the kids and the big kids.
ciao those kinda comments are really the last resort of the insecure.
if after watching chelsea this season and all you see is bad luck well well well. drogba talks frequently about his groiwth under mourinho.
and as far as pace and schevchenko, as subsrcibers to pace in your game im sure youll enjoy following jeremie allieleder and swp. granted he has lost a yard or even tow but it cant excuse the treatment he has recieved from jm since his move over and the failure of properly finding a way to more successfully integrate him into the squad. but i guess your too busy watching jeremie run up and down to really notice.
I'll quote Bobby, "Much as I would like a soccer station of my own that isn’t going to happen. I really don’t control what gets on the air so the best idea is to e mail FSR or FSC."
3lions9 - While it was a good gesture on Leicester`s part ,it would have been better still if they had given Forest a goal lead to start the second half ,which is where the orginal game was when abandoned.
I forgot to mention this yesterday but the Real Vs. W. Breman game was a very good game. Exciting attacking football from one end to the other. Real look very good this season I must say.
Pirlo is a ginuess who is constatly under-rated. He was key to Italy's W/C win and key to Milan's C.L triumph. I think the fact that he plays the game looking so laid back makes it seem as if he is not trying. His passing ability is out of this world better than even Beckham add his vision and his ability to do it even in pressure situations makes him one of the best mid's in the game.
Nope, I've been a gooner long before you were born, judging by your comments and petulant responses. No need to defer to me or my knowledge, either, just watch the game for a little while. I guess you missed the hit posts against Rosenborg as well as Sheva's blown chances against Rovers and Rosenborg. Either that, or you're recycling punditry you've read on the Internet. Wait a sec, are you Jeremy St. Louis in disguise? Rather than play amateur psychologist, why don't you spend a little time watching or playing the game?
CIAO,
Cute pet peeves ... son. lol I'd expect as much from a fellow who lists five different clubs and a couple of countries as his "favourites". Source considered.
Bobby, phobia might be the wrong word but your perception of Crouches lack of ability really warrants a review of his goals this past two seasons. I have seen your reluctance to compliment his good performances and so often have you criticised him, I suspect I will never hear anything else from you. Even the Fox co presenters joke about your stance. Crouch has talent and your constant criticism (of one of England's leading players) IS irrational.
Liverpool did not play well against Porto yesterday and had Crouch played I suspect his name would have again been dragged through the mud.
He is quite capable of scoring against anyone and his work rate is comparible to Kuyt's.
Re rotation, MerlinTX is right, Tomkins makes one point among many others, which is enough for the rotation debate. The top teams all do it and to the same degree. Stats prove it and it is simply the continued eroneous media commentary that causes this myth to persist.
Re the new soccer facility at the U of M, good job too and well overdue though I hope it includes indoor winter facilites!
Bobby, I still think you are the best football commentator I have seen on TV here and I will continue to watch you. Thanks for the debates! Check out Roca Jacks and I will buy you a coffee someday, as I am usually in there Fridays for lunch.
Last edited by redfan2000 on September 19th at 10:46 AM.
Wow- Bobby bends over backwards to educate all of us and still some ingrates "call him out".
Does anyone realize how much this man contributes to the game in this forum? He really extends himself way beyond any other journo.
Someone said the other day, I believe it was Ringo that some Scouser fans can't take any objective criticism. They, almost on a daily basis prove the point.
Gunner44- As far as Pirlo? Agreed, arguably the best passer and deadball player in the world today.
JayAlves- Good call on Kuyt yesterday. So much for the set that claims that there's no diving in the PL.
As far as Crouch? The bottom line is, he delivers, is a nightmare to mark and to be honest is hilarious to watch. Kind of like a leaner, meaner Manute Bol playing hopscotch.
Pet Peeve- So called experts on this blog.
Opinions, just like our backsides we all have 'em.
Big whoops.
Cheers
Last edited by gongatore on September 19th at 10:01 AM.
seriously your views on PIRLO are spot on! I wanted to strangle Moratti for selling Pirlo to Milan! I think he is highly under valued and should have got the Best Player of the Year over Canavarro. After all he won both the CL and the WC.
Ciao-I love all things Pirlo....I think he would tear up the Premiership and I think a team like Chelsea should pay whatever the costs to bring him in.
Can you imagine a partnership in the middle of hte pitch of Essien and Pirlo? How scary would that be?
If it will make you happy... I consider myself an Interista above all my other favorite teams to watch. If you bothered reading postings without judgment you would have caught that, but I guess when you are as knowledgeable as you minor details seem to escape... Regardless, just because I enjoy following five or more teams (one team per country -can that considered worldly?) should not discount my views as they can be objective.
I try to follow like 10 teams and I have 2nd and 3rd and 4th and 5th favorites in the EPL. I guess I am not a real supporter b/c I actually like the game and players more than teams. Stupid me.
I think Pirlo is amazing, but... how can judge him without mentioning his incredible partnership with Gattusso. THey are amazing together making the right side of Milan and Italy the best in the world.
I just hope that if Pirlo was to partner with Essien they play at Milan vs. Chelsea.
I know you will disagree with me, but I still seem to rate Serie A tougher league than the EPL. I just think the defending in the Serie A is spot on with catenagion and all. So attacking players have to be just as cunning.
Regardless, I do think EPL is more entertaining to watch.
You make a good point. Gattuso does a lot for Pirlo. But I have seen Pirlo play without Gattuso before he moved to Milan. His partnership with Baggio especially was very enjoyable to watch. He was playing a type of Gattuso role for Baggio to do his thing... So he is an incredably diverse player. As Baggio's understudy for many years, I must say he has become a much more complete player than Baggio was.
Ringo - One the game on Saturdsay 4-0, probably our best show of the season. Three up at half time playing against a 50km wind blowing straight down the field. Midfield and strikers were outstanding. I had to go off after 5 minutes of the second half with a hamstring problem - two weeks until the final so we will see.
JayAlves - FIFA took no action in regards to the post game incident but banned Jaime Frondona for 9 months for assaulting officials.
gongatore - I don't mind getting called out if it is a legitimate point. What I get pissed off with is posters that claim that I am against their team because I hold a different opinion then they do or worse viewers who are so overly sensitive about their team that they misconstrue what ever is said.
As far as Gattuso partnering with Pirlo, good observation but that does not take away the fact that Pirlo would shine with whomever was on his side.
I am glad he doesn't play in the EPL, there's no need for him to leave Serie A. He has nothing to prove to the myopic EPL. He plays in a tactically more sound league against better defenders. I'll take the Milan midfield anyday over Chelsea.
Bobby- You are a pro. I know I don't have to stick up for you but I simply greatly appreciate your efforts. Having worked in sports media I know how all consuming the specter of digital has added to the workload of journalists. You always educate, enlighten and entertain with your posts. What more can anyone ask for?
Cheers
Last edited by gongatore on September 19th at 1:02 PM.
Redfan2000 – The words I used were “very limited abilities” – you said “lack of ability”. As for reviewing his goals the last two seasons lets have a look at how he has done since breaking into the Premiership. Thirty-three goals in 130 appearances – that is a goal around every 4 games. On closer examination you find out that 11 of his goals came in a 19 game spell with Southampton. For Liverpool in the Premiership he has scored 15 Prem goals in 66 games. Does that constitute the sort of record that you expect of one of England’s leading players? As for his work rate being the same as Kuyt – come on. The Fox piece goes back to Gerrard’s comment that Crouch could beat Jimmy Greaves England scoring record – a ridiculous statement and a year or so on it looks to be even more ridiculous. You can rave about Crouch all you want but the thing you can’t explain is that if he is so good why he isn’t a first choice for Benitez.
As for the rotation I have never said at any time that Benitez rotates more than other teams – that was something that overly sensitive Merlin decided to read into the comment.
As for the new facility – it is an indoor facility not outdoor.
Last edited by BobbyMcMahon on September 19th at 1:06 PM.
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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