A little piece on Brazilian Jose Altafini who scored twice in Milan’s first European Cup Final win in 1963.What the article doesn’t point out is that Altafini scored 8 of his 14 goals against Union Luxembourg in a 14-0 aggregate win. In the same round Ipswich Town, with Alf Ramsey as manager, beat Floriana of Malta 14-1 with Ray Crawford scoring seven. Milan and Ipswich were drawn together in the second round.
Technology and its increasing application in the game.
Joachim Buwembo on a “surprising” result in last weekend’s African Cup of Nations qualifying round.
Lithuania midfielder Saulius Mikoliunas has been given a two-match ban for diving.
This weekend has a number of exceptional match-ups. Over the last few seasons any time Manchester United has played Chelsea the hype has been extraordinary although on occasion the actual performance has disappointed. Even without the exit of Jose Mourinho this game was going to garner all sorts of attention but Wednesday’s dramatics will only bring to bear more story lines.
Neither side has started this season strongly. Both sit with 11 points from the first six games and goals have been difficult to come by. Manchester United has not scored more than a goal in a game and has been shut out twice. Chelsea has been kept off the score sheet in the last two Premiership matches and will likely be without their two greatest attacking threats – Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard.
Given the background to this game there will be a terrific temptation to read more into the result than there might actually be. A United win and Grant’s reign as manager might be counted in days rather than weeks; a Chelsea win and the knee jerk reaction will be Jose who.
Perhaps the more interesting contrast between these two teams is not on the field but in how the two organizations are managed. The Glazers have come in for a ton of criticism – mainly for burdening a debt free club with a debt-load that might sink a small country – but when you consider the shenanigans at Stamford Bridge you quickly realize that they understand how to run an organization - division of responsibility, accountability and singing of the same song sheet.
At Stamford Bridge you have a business working without a common purpose, layers of management that appear to overlap and an owner that thinks that money endows with football knowledge. What is worse are the indications that things will only get worse. This mornings English papers are suggesting that Abramovich “will take a more active role in team affairs after the departure from Chelsea of Jose Mourinho”, - (RA on the tracksuit will be next).
Central to Abramovich tightening the reins is the expectation that Avram Grant is going to suddenly turn Chelsea into an attractive footballing side. A noble goal but there is nothing in Grant’s background to show that he is capable of such a turnaround. We are more likely to get told that Chelsea is playing more attractive football rather than seeing it for ourselves.
The United - Chelsea provides Liverpool and Arsenal with an opportunity to take advantage given that one, or perhaps both, of the teams playing at Old Trafford on Sunday will drop points. Liverpool plays Birmingham, a side that was a bit of a bogey side the last time they were in the Premiership. Liverpool is without a win in the last four Premiership match-ups and in the 2004/05 season Birmingham did the double over the Merseyside club.
Liverpool will be hoping to do what they did three weeks ago when another promoted side visited Anfield. On that occasion Derby was put to the sword with Alonso and Torres contributing the first double/double by Liverpool players since April 2003 in a 6-0 win.
Arsenal hosts Derby who will be buoyed after their first Premiership win of the season last Monday over Newcastle. However, they have to find a way to blunt Arsenal’s attack. Adebayor is working his socks off; Van Persie has three goals already; da Silva is looking comfortable when Wenger slides him into the line up; Cesc Fabregas has added goal scoring to his repertoire with three game winners in the last three Premiership games. The goal threat from Fabregas in midfield should only increase the number of chances coming the way of the strikers.
Officially only three of eight MLS play off spots have been decided so far but Chivas is likely to be added to that list this weekend. Chivas is unbeaten in their last seven games and their last loss was back at the end of July against the Kansas City Wizards – the team they play on Saturday evening. Goals have come in bucket loads whenever the Wizards have left the confines of Arrowhead although not always in their favour. Over twelve away games the Wizards have scored 19 goals and conceded 23. Meanwhile Chivas has only surrendered 4 goals at home in 11 games while scoring 24.
The first big encounter of the new Serie A season takes place in the Olympic Stadium in Rome with the undefeated home side, Roma, taking on recently promoted Juventus. After three straight wins Roma is sitting alone at the top of Serie A for the first time in four years. What is more this is the first time since 2001 that Roma have started with three straight wins and that season they went on to take the title. This is the first in a series of tough games for Roma that will see then face Fiorentina, Inter, Parma, Napoli, Milan and Lazio in succession.
Former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri (could Mourinho lightning hit twice!) has injury problems and a need to bounce back after a lackluster loss last Sunday to Udinsese. Juventus defender Jean-Alain Boumsong is out for an extended spell after picking up a thigh injury while Marco Marchionni, Zdenek Grygera and Hasan Salihamidzic are also hurt. These two teams have played 146 times – Roma with 35 wins, 44 draws and Juventus 67 wins. Roma has only beaten Juventus twice in their last 12 Serie A encounters. A true derby game will see Sampdoria and Genoa go at it in the top flight for the first time in 13 seasons. Sampdoria loan signing Antonio Cassano will be missing through injury although Vincenzo Montella should see action. Montella one of the few players in history to have represented both Sampdoria and Genoa, but up to now he has never appeared in a Genoa derby.
The teams that chased Real Madrid to the finish line in Spain last season clash at the Nou Camp with a cracking game in prospect. The last time Barcelona and Seville faced each other was in March with Sevilla winning 2-1. It was a game that saw three red cards (two for Barcelona) and Sevilla coming from a goal down to win the game with goals from Alexander Kerzhakov and Dani Alves.
Kerzhakov only signed for Sevilla last January but scored 8 goals in the 17 games to the end of the 2007 season. The Russian striker was often used off the bench but there are signs that he may just establish himself with Freddy Kanoute as manager Juande Ramos’ first choice partnership. Both have scored three times for a Sevilla side that has opened this league season with consecutive 4-1 wins over Getafe and Recreativo Huelva.
On the other hand Barcelona has been slow out of the blocks with a single home win a two scoreless road draws so far. However, Henry opened his Barcelona account on Wednesday in the Champions League against Lyon and Messi also chipped in with a marker in an impressive 3-0 win over Lyon.
Mourinho is gone but his leagacy lives on. He's achieved what no one else will in premier league...lets see the likes of sir Alex, Wenger and Benitez break all the records he left behind. He is a "Special One" and we love him for all he's done with and for chelseafc. Abramhovich made this mistake and i see players paying for it. Mourinho will get a good job else where and will be sucessful at whatever level he coaches. Lets just hope someone could restore that pride back into the "BLUES". JM We'll miss you so much. You remain a family member of ours'
As you see the comments of the players come out you can see the impact that JM had in the dressing room.
If John Terry is able or willing to get the players to play for the fans this weekend then Chelsea could make a go of it. Otherwise, I would expect Man Utd to overrun Chelsea on Sunday and the exodus will happen (seems to have happened already in spirit if not body) and a big backlash next home game. I can already hear the chants for Jose and the skulking exit of the owner seeking revenge on the ungrateful fans.
It seems that the overriding characteristic of JM and RA is to be sel####estructive. Shame. It doesn't help to have the disgusting Kenyon in the middle of all this.
Bobby, do you have a view yet of the likely outcome for Chelsea? (Sounds like an H14 question!)
FYI, Birmingham did the double THREE years ago, two years ago was a pair of draws. I'm expecting that the 7-0 FA Cup win will be an exorcism over Rafa's Birmingham demons.
LACF - Grant will be nothing more than an interim coach - the question is days, weeks or months. If he is still in charge a year from now I wil be very surprised. The knee jerk reaction is that players will quit on mass. I can't think of one instance of this happening at a big club when a manager has left. The market for most of these players is a limited one and the transfer window places a greater restriction on movement than there was few years ago. For a player to move then a club is going to have to met Chelsea's asking price and in the majority of cases the players will likely be looking at a wage cut. The "everyone will leave" response is what you see at the amateur level - not at the top level.
I do believe Mourinho's departure will negatively impact on Chelsea's chances of silverware unless they move quickly to sign someone such as Capello.
Last edited by BobbyMcMahon on September 21st at 7:52 AM.
I think the mess that is going on at Chelsea right now will serve to strengthen the Arsenal board resolve to not be bullied and sellout. If any of the owners truly love the team its becoming apparent the worst thing they could do is let Dein and Usmanov sink their hooks in. Its too bad this has to be a distraction when the team is playing so well and will only get worse when theres a finance update this Monday.
Thanks Bobby...I always confuse years with seasons.
Mourinho's ego wouldn't fit through Atletico's doors, so I think it's more likely that Souness goes to Chelsea than Mourinho goes to Atletico. Ok, so one's a 1 in a billion chance with the other one in a trillion, but if RA really wanted to be entertained, then there's nothing funnier than watching Graeme Souness trying to manage a team.
Ok Bobby, maybe not a clear out of players at Chelsea, but you can't honestly tell me not to anticipate a few of the "untouchables" getting the hell out of dodge? As far as the spine of the team goes: Chelsea may lose Drogba and Lampard over this, and maybe even a few defenders. Granted, Terry just sign a new BIG contract, but be realistic, big club money won't hold some. Players of this caliber can find that extra bread and butter with endorsements.
Q: Who are all the vital spine players right now in a position to leave in January or Summer?
Last edited by LParker on September 21st at 10:10 AM.
Thanks for the therapy Bobby. Either that or breakfast with my buddies or the syrup that was delivered by Bruce Bucke today means life can now continue and I can relax and look forward to Chelsea winning the 2009 UEFA Cup (I stole that from a 606 posting).
So are Chelsea better or worse now that Jose is gone? I'm almost tempted to say they're worse off than before, because now their new coach (Grant) will be more inclined to do things differently, which with those players will be difficult to get better results. The problem Chelsea had last year, and as well as this year, is they have too many players that should be starting, that they don't have room for them all, which makes keeping player morale up that much more difficult. Jose was at least smart enough to play the right players to get the best results he could.
I dunno, but I like our chances going into this weekend's game with Chelsea. Rooney being back has made me very happy
The Manchester United vs Chelsea match should be very interesting to watch with Ronny coming back as well as Rooney. No Drogba and No Lampard. Looks to be one up to the Red Devils.
I think if ManUre don't win Sunday game they will be left kicking themselves. But then again Chelsea will want to get something out of it to show everyone that they ain't going nowhere.
Wenger has suprisingly praised the new Chelsea coach will see whether he is good at picking coaches to.
Hope Roma beat Juve. 2-0.
Hope Seville beat Barca, 2-1. Henry scores for Barca again but it's not enough. But like someone mentioned it's the game of the weekend if you want to watch attractive football. The Roma Juve one might be a good one to.
On the Arsenal take-over issue I think i'd rather have Stan take over since he seems to have a clue of what running a sports team is all about. The Russian dude seems to be very aggressive and annoying according to Arse Blog he has shut down a couple of Arsenal fans Blogs that had posted negative info about him. I'm trying to keep myself from reading all this negative b.s and focus on the team and how they are playing but it's really hard.
Anyway Hope Arsenal don't mess up on Sat. No Rosisky and Helb, more responsibility on Cesc.
Last edited by Gunner44 on September 21st at 3:10 PM.
I think you guys are wrong about Atletico being too small for Mourinho. Only Real, Man Utd and Bayern spent more in the transfer market this past summer. Outspending Liverpool, Spurs, Barcelona and all the big italian teams combined.
They have real quality players on the team and a few Portuguese players. The fans and the board would be happy with whatever style of play if it makes them competitive.
Atleti - Simeone has the making o####reat coach but he needs more experience. Antic could work but I take Mourinho anytime over him.
Last edited by gabemar on September 21st at 3:31 PM.
80 million spent and only 2 points out of a possible 9 is ridiculous. Aguirre plays ugly football, but it's ineffective and his tactics are absurd to me.
I like Simeone- a supporter favorite too My only worry is that he has no experience managing a club in Europe. If Antic were hired, it would be his 4th time managing the club!!
Last edited by atleti on September 21st at 4:30 PM.
I can not believe the Chelsea press conference today. In all my days in business I have never seen anything so well orchestrated and so sickly sweet as to make one gag!
Oh well, one thing is for sure, with time on his hands I bet Jose writes a draft memoir and waits for the pay off cheque to clear. I think he'll have no trouble finding a publisher.
If Inter Milan fail to make it out of the group stages of the CL, or the Old Lady struggle, I can see him in Italy. Even AC might move for him as a step towards rebuilding an aging side.
What price would you get on him replacing Rafa in two years if Rafa fails to bring the premiership title home? It has to be worth a tenner!
The next gaffer to go has to be Rafa the rotator! Can you imagine paying 50 million plus for talent and play him in 1/3 of the minutes in the first handful of games? Brutal, got to go.
Well done Arsenal.
How could you not like they way this side plays?
Granted Derby is just deadful but at least we were treated to a briliant side like the Gunners as opposed to paying to watch a 0-0 match between the Scousers and Brummies.
As good as Liverpool can potentially be this season, they play sometimes like they are on a prison break.
FSC, lets see more of Arsenal.
I didn't watch the games today...can someone tell me who looked the better of the sides in the Liverpool game?
Being the optimist that I am, I can only say that the streak continues of Liverpool not conceding a goal other than penalties this season. Thats pretty darn good. Oh and they still remain unbeaten.
Well a week ago Liverpool were off to a flyer, leading the league, highest scoring side, and then uh oh, its a bird?no its a plane?no its Rafa the rotator!!!! The result has been 3 listless games, devoid of ideas or threat. But as you say "oh well". Hope for a good cup run.
PLenty of people were in fact saying of united, but ill admit i wasnt one of them. Mainly because their manager and team have won a couple championships since the advent of color tv, so they know how to do it. Jurys is still out on Rafa and the pool at this point, and the evidence of the last few games isnt encouraging. Suspect hell be fairly well roasted this week.
Last edited by ohphuque on September 22nd at 12:45 PM.
Bobby, you know I am one of your biggest fans. However I am surprised that you of all people has fallen for this nonsense surrounding the bridge. Since when can anyone fault Roman on his business dealings. Do you really think that Roman got rid of Ranieri two years ago, because he wanted to install 'just another manager' NO he wanted the best he could get.
Why do you think its any different know. The problem is, the real manager he wants is probably not available right now, so he installed his friend that he knows will step aside without a big ####in story in the paper.
You know whats coming down the line, Chelsea ae about to evolve into a better team.
I suggest you read my last article called Stamford bridge is NOT falling down. It might even set you straight Bobby, you handsome devil..
England/USA women
What was MasMaz doing in goal for England ,no wonder we lost.
Arsenal
Yes ,it`s good to be a gooner right now ,but it`s only September ,there`s a lot of football between now and May. But Damn ,they look good.
Fulham/Man City
So much for City`s great defence.
So much for City`s non-scoring offence.
What`s got into Sven ,is he the new Kevin Keegan?
Tranmere Rovers neighbours
As much as I would like to see the fat spaniard out on his arse ,you`ve got to have someone to kick and take the #### out of ,and who better than the goateed one.
Besides ,they`re never going to win the league again under the rotator ,give him a contract for life!
Chelsea
Who needs a special one when you`ve got The Normal One.
I feel you RINGO it does feel good to be a Gooner at the moment.I'm only wearing Arsenal jerseys nowheredays coz everytime I look at it puts a smile to my face. Anyways for all Adebao(bao means goal in Swahili)haters once again Shut up and be patient with players especially if they are under WengerMan. Next project is Theo. He has talent just needs confidence and to use his brains a little bit faster.
Seville lost to Barca sad, coz Barca didn't have Ronny and Eto but they had Messi who can really Mess you up. I'm watching the game right now coz I was working earlier 2nd half now and it seems like Seville really laid back and waited for the counter. Kieta has been amazing for Seville. Starting to feel lesser weird watching Former King of Arsenal without the Arsenal Jersey wonder whether he's been catching the Arsenal games, Adebao must be making him really proud.
Routine for ROMA tomm. and hope 4 a boring 0-0 at Old. T.
Atleti-I guess there is a first time for everything and that would include me being told I'm out of touch with Liverpool. That is the first game I've missed all year and now that I've seen the replays of it, its just like every other game.
The reason I can take positives is because we didn't lose the game to our bogey side(Chelski lost to thiers) AND no one else was injured in the game. Not to mention no other club has been as injured(or missing more key men)than we have. Yes United was without Saha, Rooney and Ronaldo but we have been without Gerrard, Alonso, Agger and Carra and we are still ahead of United and Chelsea. So when you say there are no positives to take away from the game and that I'm out of touch with Liverpool maybe you weren't looking at the broader picture(and maybe those Liverpool blogs you are reading aren't as well).
And now comes the news that Pennant was indeed injured in the game...we'll see how long.
Here is a quote from Sami Hyypia:
For the likes of veteran defender Sami Hyypia - getting an extended run due to Daniel Agger's metatarsal injury - such debates are a waste of breath.
He said: "Everybody knows the manager likes to rotate and he is not going to change his style, and nobody said anything about it when we were winning. Now we have drawn a couple and everyone wants to talk about it. That is silly."
Couldn't have said it better myself Sami...
Last edited by LetsGoBuffalo on September 23rd at 5:26 AM.
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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