Instantly forgettable that was this match was. Oh well it is not as if we have not become use to poor opening games at major championships. Neither side showed anything that would make you look forward to their next game.
The Swiss midfield four got the better of a five man Czech configuration. Behrami, Fernandes, Inler and Barnetta were brighter, more mobile and quickly closed a down Czechs. However, they lacked someone able to play a killer pass into the penalty box and for all their hard work they rarely threatened.
Sionko’s pace and willingness to take players was the only thing that stood out in largely pedestrian Czech midfield. In fact pedestrian pretty much describes this Czech team. Although they clearly miss Nedved and Rosicky in midfield it is the demise of Jan Koller as a regular and persistent threat that has impacted the Czechs the most.
His substitution after less than an hour came as no surprise and now Coach Karl Bruckner must choose between the ageing Koller and Václav Sverkoš who replaced him and scored the only goal.
On Wednesday the Czechs play Portugal while the Swiss need at least a point against Turkey.
Officials note – Italy’s Roberto Rosetti had a good game although it was not a difficult one to handle. Despite the match commentator referring to two controversial handballs there was nothing controversial about either incident. Referee got both calls right.
Portugal 2-0 Turkey
The second game of the day was much more pleasing on the eye as both teams attempted to play the ball to feet and to build attacks for the most part. Portugal was by far the better team and in the first half they had a Pepe goal disallowed and a Ronaldo free kick tipped onto the post by Turkish keeper Volkan Demirel.
As the first half progressed Portugal was able to get Deco on the ball more and as he grew in confidence we saw more decisive runs at the Turkish defence. Simao also posed a threat to the Turks every time he attacked. Portugal (and other sides watching) could not but help but see an obvious aerial weakness in the Turkish defence. With every cross delivered from a wide position the Portuguese threatened to score.
The breakthrough goal, when it arrived in the second half, came uncharacteristically from Pepe pushing forward during open play. Under Scolari it is rare to see either of the Portuguese centre backs moving forward for anything other than free kicks and corners.
But no matter, Pepe picked up a loose ball about forty yards from the Turkish goal and pushed towards the heart of the defence. Playing a one-two Pepe was then left alone inside the penalty box and scored with the help of slight deflection of Asik as he scrambled to make a last ditch tackle.
Either side of the Pepe goal Nuno Gomes hit the woodwork twice. However, basing his performance of these two close encounters is deceiving given that he should have been able to take full advantage of a poor Turkish central defensive pairing of Servet Cetin and Gökhan Zan.
Turkey’s main threat came from Nihat but he badly lacked support. Kazim Kazin (Colin Kazim-Richards formerly of Bury, Brighton and Sheffield United) flattered to deceive on the right side of the midfield as he looked confident and comfortable on the ball but he failed to take advantage of the potential weakness of the right footed Ferreira playing at left back.
Sabri Sarioglu added a bit of pep to Turkey’s play when he came on as substitute but overall Portugal was well deserving of the three points and should be happy with the overall performance.
Czech Republic The Czech Republic has qualified for four European Championships in four attempts and has only lost two qualifying games along the way.
How they qualified They topped Group D beating out Germany by two points and finished a mammoth twelve points ahead of third place the Republic of Ireland. Jan Koller led the scoring with six goals.
The Coach Karel Bruckner took over the full national team in 2001 after a successful spell in charge of the under-21 side. Since then Bruckner has integrated many of the players from the under 21s that finished second in the 2000 European Championship with remnants from the 1996 European Championship side that finished as runners-up to Germany.
A failure to qualify from the group stages at the 2006 World Cup nearly cost the veteran coach his job but he managed to ride out the criticism. Nonetheless the 67-year-old has decided to retire at the conclusion of the 2008 Euros.
Key Players Tomas Rosicky is injured and he will be badly missed by a side that many consider to be in decline. Goalkeeper Petr Cech will be a key to Czech hopes and confidence as will a back four that has depth with the likes of Grygera, Jankulovski, Rozehnal, Ujfalusi and Kovac to choose from.
Milan Baros was the top scorer at Euro 2004 and is an enigma. The striker has consistently failed to deliver the goods at club level with Liverpool, Aston Villa, Lyon and Portsmouth but put a Czech top on him and another player appears. A scoring rate of almost a goal every two international games places his striking rate among the best in the world.
Great Euro Memory It took a golden goal by Germany’s Oliver Bierhoff in the 1996 final to kill off Czech hopes of becoming European Champion at the first attempt. The Czechs battled Germany all the way and with a break at the right time they could well have won the 1996 tournament.
Synopsis Their finish ahead of Germany while scoring twenty-seven goals and conceding only five flatters to deceive. There is a fine line between experience and old age when it comes to a soccer team and it may just be that the balance has tilted too far in a squad in which nine players the wrong side of 30. Martin Fenin who moved to Eintracht Frankfurt last summer after impressive performances at the under-20 World Cup is the only player under the age of 23 in the squad.
Coming Up in World Cup Qualifying Drawn in Group 3 with Poland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and San Marino.
Portugal Portugal has now made it to the last four European Championship Finals and qualified for the knock stages in 1996, 2000 and 2004.
How they qualified Portugal finished a point behind Poland in Group A and three points above Serbia and Finland while drawing six of their fourteen games. Ronaldowas the top scorer with eight goals.
The Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari’s relationship with the Portuguese media has plummeted to depths so low that the Brazilian coach might even be regretting turning down the England job in 2006!!
Scolari has proven time and time again that he can create teams that are difficult to beat and in a number of cases his teams have been incredibly successful. Conversely the Scolari-approach more often than not sacrifices players natural flair at the twin alters of the isms – pragmatism and cynicism.
Key Players Cristiano Ronaldo’s importance almost goes without saying (but I thought it should be mentioned anyway) but if you look through the squad of players available to Scolari you cannot fail to be impressed.
The likes of Alves, Bosingwa, Carvalho, Meira, and Miguel are all excellent defenders, while the midfield has a mixture of creativity, strength, experience and pace with Deco, Petit, Nani, Moutinho, Veloso and and Raul Meireles all pushing for spots.
If you look past Ronaldo perhaps the key forward for Portugal might be Werder Bremen’s Hugo Almeida. Almeida’s abilities might be best described as rugged and willing but he might be given the chance to complete a Portuguese puzzle that has repeatedly been missing a piece up top.
Great Euro Memory It was 3-2 loss but the 1984 semi-final against France was an extra time epic in Marseille.
Synopsis Finished as runners up to Greece when they hosted four years ago and a lack of goals from their recognized strikers (or striker) has cost Portugal silverware at past European Championships and World Cups. Portugal looks solid defensively and Cristiano Ronaldo could carry his country deep into the tournament once more.
However, all the other teams are more than aware of Ronaldo’s capabilities and no doubt they will set out to try and nullify him. Deco has been an important part of Scolari’s plans but his form has been generally disappointing over the last year. No goals and only three helpers for Deco during the qualifying stage carries a warning that his most effective days at the top level may be on the wane.
Coming Up in World Cup Qualifying Drawn in Group A with Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Albania and Malta.
Not surprisingly Monday’s furour about the Luzhniki Stadium pitch appears to have died away as we now hear that it is going to be just fine. From the equivalent of a neglected public park pitch to no problem in 48 hours – a miracle indeed.
Perhaps the field condition was more a product of a journalist or two who found themselves in Moscow on Monday with nothing to write about until the teams arrived later in the day.
Now comfortable in the knowledge that billions of dollars of talent will not disappear down a sink hole in Moscow I can now safely turn my attention to the game this afternoon.
The problem is that with less than five hours to kick off and I am no closer to deciding who I think is the going to be the 2008 Champions of Europe. I have had a sneaking su####ion about Chelsea since the draw for the last sixteen was made but on the other hand I treat Manchester United in a final as I do the Old Firm – never bet against them.
So in an attempt to come to a decision of Chelsea or Manchester United here are the advantages that each side brings with them to the battle.
Chelsea 1. Didier Drogba – even more so than Ronaldo, Drogba has an unerring ability to lay low for most of a match but to still step up and decide the outcome. His strength and pace makes it impossible to ignore him.
2. Michael Ballack – Player of the Year in England if it was based on the last eight weeks. His positional play has been excellent and when not arguing with Drogba over free kicks the timing of his runs into the penalty box are reminiscent of former United great Bryan Robson.
3. Frank Lampard – criticized for the apparent high number of deflected goals he should be praised for adhering to old adage that if you don’t shoot you don’t score. What’s more when Lampard gets within 30 yards of goal watch how many defenders try to shut him down – no wonder he gets goals from deflections as well as creating gaps for the other Chelsea players to take advantage of.
4. Aerial power – Ballack, Carvalho, Drogba, Terry are all excellent in the air and every set piece for Chelsea will present and real and present danger to United.
5. No other English team has enjoyed a better record against Manchester United than Chelsea and that holds true even before the arrival of Roman Abramovich’s interest free loan.
Manchester United 1. Ronaldo – if United can get him the ball early in the game and he can settle into a rhythm then he can be the match-winner. Cole has played well against him in the past so it will be interesting to see which wing Fergie starts him on.
2. Rio Ferdinand – simply the best defender in England over the last season.
3. Patrice Evra – With a license to get forward that Chelsea appears to be unwilling to give to their full backs the Frenchman can exploit the spaces that the normally narrow Chelsea formation provides.
4. Edwin van der Saar – the Dutchman’s kicking skills have been identified as a weakness by many but it is his ability to find players with quick long throws that might be more pivotal.
5. Mobility – The constant movement used by United means that an opposition defense cannot drop concentration for a moment.
Line Ups Michael Essien at right back appears to be the way that Chelsea will go with Malouda or Kalou a tactical decision and Cole or Bridge a fitness decision.
The speculation on the United line up is whether or not Ferguson buttresses his midfield with Owen Hargreaves. Bringing Hargreaves in would in my opinion be a clear signal that Ferguson would be happy to accept a saw-off in midfield and rely on his wide players and Rooney to win it for him.
A more aggressive strategy - and gamble - would be to start Tevez and Rooney in attack with Tevez being asked to hassle and upset Makelele as he sits just in front of the Chelsea back four. The downside of starting Tevez is that it takes away an option to change the game by way of the substitutes bench.
Zuco2 - Seriously Bobby, you're pretty good at predictions.
Bobby – Well if you mean I was seriously out to lunch on the relegated teams then you are right! My La Liga predictions were not much better.
Thierry Henry - 1. Whose career do you think has sunken lower? Beckham playing an exhibition game somewhere in Alberta against the Vancouver Whitecaps, or Ronaldo trying to pick up a tran-prostitute in Rio de Janeiro?
2. I've heard there is an exhibition match between CANADA v. BRAZIL on May 31st. But to my amazement, the game is set to be played in Seattle! Did I hear it correctly? What do you make of it? Shouldn't the game be played somewhere in Canada?
3. Your predictions for Euro 2008 would be appreciated.
Bobby – 1. I never really considered picking up transvestites to be a career but if you say so. And give Ronaldo some credit he did avoid some late tackles.
2. Or Brazil. It is a US based promotion.
3. I have a Euro preview planned – now all I have to do is actually write it.
Heterotopian - Can we have your proper Premiership XI, allowing for multiple selections per club?
Bobby – (4-2-3-1); James (Portsmouth); Sango (Arsenal), Ferdinand (Man Utd), Vidic (Man Utd), Evra (Man Utd); Mascherano (Liverpool), Barry (Aston Villa); Young (Aston Villa), Fabregas (Arsenal), Ronaldo (Man Utd); Torres (Liverpool).
Albertagooner -Given Diarra's performance in the FA Cup, I'm wondering whether Wenger may have inserted a clause giving first refusal rights on repurchasing him. I'd put him in the same bracket with Flamini. Any thoughts on this?
Bobby – I am sure that if there had been such a clause something would have leaked out by now. I can’t think of one player that Wenger has signed again after letting go so I would be surprised if he starts now. Not his style, particularly after Diarra wanting to leave. What I find interesting is Diarra wanted away from Chelsea, wanted away from Arsenal and now we hear stories that he is interested in moving to a bigger club than Portsmouth.
Wiscoleeds - Leeds best 3 players since 1960's 1. Billy Bremner 2. Jackie Charlton 3. Johnny Giles (although Gordon Strachan comes close)
Bobby – No place for Eddie Gray?
Redfan4ever - The season is done and dusted and a long summer awaits with two months of transfer wheeling and dealing to watch over while we find some sun somewhere. What's your off the cuff, gut feeling for the Premiership next season? I will qualify the question somewhat by adding the following: Which of this seasons survivors will struggle next term and do you think any of the three teams coming up will survive against those that have struggled this year? Do you think the top will change much?
Obviously we will have slightly altered opinions in August when we know who has been bought and sold, but most of us must be wondering already how next season will go so I thought I would ask you here.
Bobby – I thought at the beginning of the season that there were a lot of poor teams in the Premiership and I don’t see that really changing next season. Look for six or seven teams to permanently hover around the relegation zone.
At the top I am hopeful that it might actually become a little tighter especially if Moyes and O’Neill are given money to spend and if they spend it wisely. Same goes for Ramos except I think it may take a season for him to sort Spurs out and to start looking to challenge the top 6.
Liverpoolfc73 - Are you for real? You couldn’t find a place for Torres in your team of the season? Santa Cruz? and Berbatov? Fernando Torres is hands down a better player with one foot tied behind his back !!
Bobby – I’m for real and you get a red card for a badly timed two footed assumption. If you read the piece you would have seen that it was a maximum of one player per team and so if you have an issue it is Mascherano over Torres and has nothing to do with Santa Cruz and Berbatov.
Gorn - Aight, been gone 2 weeks (not that anyone noticed!), gone fer another 2 Sat., so not trolling, just throwing quarters around belatedly. (c: Here goes:
Bobby: "I defy gravity by jumping and losing height" You watching a lot of Brian Budd lately? That's his favourite quip regarding Crouch (c: Thanks for the great wrap-ups. Can you tell us why you'll no be covering Euro08? Other business commitments? Love to tune in to you during the media circus for some straight dope.
Bobby - Who is Brian Budd? During Euro 2008 it will be the usual Monday and Friday shows and maybe a bit of extra blogging if time allows.
Redfan4ever - Do you fish? The miracle mile north of Lockport is full of large pickeral right now. Folks is a catching them off the shore on pickeral rigs. See you got some sun so maybe you found the fish?
Bobby – I’ve fished twice in my life and I have to say that it was twice too many. Just not my thing. Enjoyed a great run on Sunday around lunchtime and got a Scottish tan.
Henry14 - Here is a site which shows were every club would be in the table had they not be a bad call by the ref.
Q 1 What do you make of the table? Q2 Is Luca Toni the best striker in the world at the moment? Q3 Who is the not so popular name that you expect to have a good Euro tournament? Q4 Your prediction for final 4 in the tournament?
Bobby – 1. The worst call would be taking to time to read it. The premise is ridiculous – what constitutes a bad call and how can it be isolated and not impact the rest of the game?
2. Define best.
3 and 4. I haven’t put a great deal of thought to it yet.
Foxcube - Will Blatter's quota proposal have any chance on May 29? I read from the Guardian? That Rafa is "wary" of it and determined to recruit more English players like Barry Bentley with money from selling Pennant and Crouch. Not very sensible to me.
In the transfer market, which players' move interests you the most? Where would it be their ideal destination respectively?
Bobby – Blatter is looking to get some backing for his proposal but a FIFA vote in favour will only show he has support and nothing much else. FIFA could vote in favour every day for the next century but it depends on EU law and there is no indication that it is about to be changed.
Sorry but there is a large element of logic lacking if someone from the Guardian is trying to make such a point. Shifting two English born players and replacing them with two other English players would leave him in exactly the same position vis a vis English players would it not?
If such a “law” was put into practice I have no doubt that there would be a period whereby players and clubs would be grandfathered and allowed to adjust gradually. Implementing a rule immediately would throw the transfer market into utter chaos.
Transfer market – all we have is rumours and few will come to pass. I think you might see most of the transfer action post Euro 2008. Three things have to fall into place for a transfer to happen – a team willing to pay money; a team willing to accept the offer; a player wanting to move. I’m sorry but ideal destinations don’t come into it – that is why we have Fantasy Football and video games. For players an ideal destination is likely to be where they will be paid more.
Henry Winter reminisces about Heriot Watt University's Celtic Supporters Club annual Tommy Burns Night.
The legend and tragedy of Hughie Ferguson who scored the winning goal for Cardiff in the 1927 final.
We may argue about them until we are blue in the face but the reality is that the referee’s decision is final.
The Aussies are going to bid the right to host the 2009 and 10 the FIFA Club World Cup. I would have thought that a US proposal would be a natural for this tournament.
MF – Ronaldo (Manchester United) MF – Mascherano (Liverpool) MF – Barry (Aston Villa) MF – Downing (Middlesbrough)
FW – Cruz FW – Berbatov
Best Three’s – 60s and beyond Manchester United • Best • Law • Keane
Chelsea • Zola • Cooke • Osgood
Liverpool • Dalglish • Callaghan • Barnes
Arsenal • Bergkamp • Pires • Henry
Spurs • Ardiles • Hoddle • Gilzean
Everton • Lineker • Young • Ball (Alan not Michael)
Manchester City • Bell • Kinkladze • Lee
Rangers • Baxter • Gascoigne • McCoist
Celtic • Jimmy Johnstone • Henrik Larsson • Danny McGrain
Serie A Predictions Revisited (Actual – Prediction)
Inter 1-1 Staggered to another title rather than cruised.
Roma 2-4 Refused to give up despite a squad that lacked the depth of others and pushed Inter to the last round.
Juventus 3-3 A surprise for many that Juventus managed to finish so high. Fiorentina 4-5 There is a lot to admire about Cesare Prandelli’s charges as the coach showed again an ability to extract maximum effort and results from the squad he is given. Looked as if they had blown a Champions League but Milan’s round 37 loss to Napoli opened a door that looked to have been bolted shut.
Milan 5-2 A stumbling start – particularly at home – put Milan behind the eight ball. A late season run seemed to have almost guaranteed Champions League football next season until a crucial 3-1 loss to Napoli. It will be an interesting summer as Milan must now rebuild.
Sampdoria 6-8 While Antonio Cassano provided the spark an impressive home record (only two losses) saw Samp finish in a very credible spot in Serie A.
Udinese 7-7 Eleven points and three positions better than last season. If Udinese can keep this team together and hold on to coach Pasquale Marino (former Catania) next season may bring further improvement.
Napoli 8-15 A tremendous return to Serie A for the Neapolitans who beat Milan, Inter, Udinese, Juventus, Fiorentina and Sampdoria at the Stadio San Paolo. Of the teams that finished above them only Roma left with anything to show for their efforts.
Atalanta 9-12 Little difference from last season – two fewer points and one position lower than a year ago.
Genoa 10-16 The third of the promoted sides and none finished lower than 10th. Only four consecutive losses at season’s end clouded a fantastic performance from Genoa.
Palermo 11-9 Poor away form and a failure to win more than two consecutive games saw Palermo drop back a top six position last season.
Lazio 12-6 A team that has punched above their weight for the last few seasons but limited resources caught up with them this season.
Siena 13-20 The frequent coaching changes in Italy are often a source of mirth but Siena was another team that turned their fortunes around after making a change in the front office. Up until the firing of Andrea Mandorlini in mid-November Siena had picked a single win and nine points from a possible thirty six on offer. Former coach Mario Beretta who had been cut loose last summer after just escaping relation by beating Lazio in the last game of the season returned and with thirty-five over the remaining twenty-six games Siena were safe with games in hand. Seventeen draws made Siena this season’s Serie A draw specialists.
Cagliari 14-18 The Sardinian side looked dead and buried but the appointment of Coach Davide Ballardini just before the New Year saw a spectacular turnaround in fortune. Thirty-two of their forty-two points were earned post- Ballardini and only suffered two losses in their last eleven league games. Home form was key with twenty-four points out of a possible thirty-three coming with the new coach in charge.
Torino 15-17 Turin’s other team finished on the same points as last season but that was enough to move up two places. In 2006/07 Torino only scored 27 goals – this season 36 so it has been slightly more interesting for the fans, particularly at home. Despite a home record of only five home wins, seven draws and another seven losses only two of the games were decided by more than one goal and both in Torino’s favour.
Reggina 16-13 Last May it took a win against Milan in round 38 to ensure another season in Serie A for Reggina; this time they made sure of another Serie A season in round 37. Thirteen points from a possible last 18 did the trick.
Catania 17-19 As they did last season it took Catania until the last round of play to escape demotion. They finished tied with Parma with the worst away record (7 points and no wins) but a respectable thirty points at home (one one fewer than Milan) was pivotal to their top-flight survival.
Empoli 18-10 Fifty-four points and seventh position last season; relegation this season and an attack that scored only 29 times must bear the responsibility.
Parma 19-14 No escape this season after sailing close to the relegation rocks for a few seasons. Winless away from home and defence not let in more goals than any other brought a long-avoided demotion to Serie B.
Livorno 20-11 Last season’s 11th place finish was slightly deceiving in that Livorno was only four points out of the last relegation spot. This season only four points in their last twelve games had Livorno in a death-spiral that they could not escape from.
Matt Johnston - Much has been made of the Diaby and Eduardo tackles and I have to voice my agreement that the two are indistinguishable except that Eduardo was unlucky to have had his foot planted.
The FA and FIFA have cracked down on such hard challenges, ordering referees to show the red card in such situations, but in reality what else can be done to prevent such challenges? Also, any rumors or word on what the FA and the Referees Association is going to do about the disrespect being shown to referees of late?
Bobby – Getting referees to issue the cards is the first step but then it is up to the FA to impose harsher punishments for violent challenges. Years ago players would be suspended and from time to time fines as well. That was in the days when players did not make anything like the money they make today. But I wonder if a fine based on salary might not be a way to grab players and coaches attention.
Ringo - Any opinion on the Everton/Chelsea game being brought forward to a Thursday for TV?
Bobby – It looks as if someone at Premiership HQ has royally screwed this up. It seems very unfair on Chelsea.
CIAO - I didn't watch the Gunners game. Can you please tell us what you (if you watched the game) thought of RVP's performance in the game? Does he look like he could carry the team to a strong finish? If he doesn't, has anyone else in the team recently stepped up their performance?
Bobby – Apart from a well struck penalty RVP didn’t look like he could carry an empty backpack on Saturday. Having said that the only way he is going to get match fir and sharp is to play so I don’t think Wenger has had any option but to give him a run the last two games. I thought Hleb looked brighter and sharper than he had done in weeks but he still refuses to shot.
Foxcube - Related to the sports science piece, how are training sessions organized at the professional clubs of, e.g., the premier league? I read that Juande Ramos brought in 2-session a day scheme to the Spurs. I thought they'd be relatively tired if other teams merely hold a 2-3 hr session each day.
However, their performances showed the opposite effect. Could it be that his methods are more advanced than other managers? How different can their approaches be? What do the managers have their players do after the training? Thanks!
Bobby – I think that you would be shocked at the varying approaches that managers take to training and tactics. However, I think there is a move towards conditioning (as opposed to practice with the ball) being regarded as a specialty and not something that any old pro can think up. You see more conditioning instructors being hired by clubs.
I can’t remember the former UK athletes name but I heard him on Talksports about a year ago discussing the fitness of professional players in England. He was very critical and felt that many clubs were missing a key element in preparation by not having instructors who understood strength and conditioning rather than the game.
I think what the article is really getting at is that improvement in the overall conditioning of players will be the next frontier together with more sport psychology. Ramos mover to 2 a days but he was shocked at the state of the players when he arrived. Capello was the same in 2006 when he went to Real Madrid. Both managers were willing to risk poor performances in the short term in order to get the players in better shape. Both won trophies so I guess it was worth it.
CIAO – I once was told that for every week that a player does not play it takes 2 weeks to regain full fitness. What do you think about this theory? I suppose it is different in every case (i.e. are they playing for AC Milan vs Inter or is the player able to lightly train or has to sit around).
Bobby – This is probably a question for a professional conditioning coach but I suspect that the statement is bit to broad and doesn’t take into consideration the training/conditioning being done even though a player may not be starting. I was told by a personal trainer that for “weekend” athletes or folks who work out just to keep in decent shape that they will lose all their “fitness” after six weeks of inactivity.
Redfan4ever - Do you still see a twist coming in the long saga of this year's Premiership or do you now think that the pattern for the season is set, concerning top and bottom?
Bobby – I still think that there is a trick in the tail yet.
MasMaz -Finally someone at FSC listens. I have been calling for Bobby to do a Wednesday CL show for awhile. These are huge games. I can't wait.
Bobby – This season it has actually been more about my schedule than FSC.
Ringo - (Tommy Smith) It says he intensely disliked Emlyn Hughes ,do you know why?
Bobby – I think I read in a book about Shanks that it had something to do with Hughes replacing Smith as captain.
Bairnsfan - After the Man Utd/Liverpool game last week, some guy wrote a comment on the BBC website. He said that Brown and Ronaldo were going to sing a duet together, "Reyna's drops keep falling on my head".
Bobby – That is very good and very clever.
Jahmikes - What are your views on Blatter and Platini.. I think they need to retire from their posts every month one of them comes up with some dumb idea to ruin why football is so entertaining, e.g nobody wants to see teams full of English players kicking the ball up front all the time, its all about diversity in the modern game.
Second: Your views on Christian Ronaldo..do you believe he can sustain his form for seasons to come, I rather your opinion on the matter than all those you know what riders such as Webster and those fools on Super Sunday. Another thing do you think that young French Midfielder Nasri would be a good signing for my Gunners..I think we should go after him and Yobo.
Bobby – I have a lot more time for Platini than I do for Blatter. But you also have to remember that if you get rid of Blatter who knows what might replace him. Believe me it could be worse.
Ronaldo – the thing that impresses me is that he has improved every season since he came to Manchester United. He was criticized for being a one trick pony the first season. Then he started to play with his head up and brought other players into the game.
He became very good in the air, then his free kicks and long range shooting improved and now this season the avalanche of goals. Based on that I don’t see nay reason why he cannot keep it up for seasons to come.
I have my doubts about Nasri in the Premiership – looks a bit lightweight to me and I don’t think Arsenal needs anymore players like that. I’m not sure David Moyes is going to surrender Yobo easily. He is one of the most understated but effective centre backs in the Premiership – a great signing.
Therealrico - So I was thinking and kinda curious on other peoples opinions. A lot of articles that we read about Liverpool seem to point out their over reliance on Gerrard and Torres, and this got me thinking about the other top 4 clubs, and do they overly rely on one player, and I would have to say yes.
No doubt Man United would miss Ronaldo if he were to get injured or suspended for some period time. I also recollect that they had a dismal record when Rooney was not in the line-up. I also think if Vidic were to be absent for an extended period of time you would notice that as well. With Arsenal if Cesc was to be gone for any period of time I think it would hurt badly, as well as Adabayor.
Chelsea to be seems to be the only that you can pin point one player and the team would be see a drop off in performance. Prior to the African cup of nations you could have argued that losing Terry, or Cech, or Drogba would kill Chelsea.
But as Chelsea showed they continued to win without Drogba, and also did well without Terry. Last year you could say Chelsea lost the league because Cech was out, but I don't think you could say that this year, as he has not been nearly as good as years past.
Bobby – Good point and something that was relevant to the 39th game debate. There is no following of the Premiership around the world there is a huge following for Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United with perhaps three or four other sides that have good followings – more ex pats than real foreign fans.
Out of the top four there are probably around 15-18 big name players that provide the marquee talent. It is those 15-18 players that the Premiership brand relies upon.
Foxcube - Are there any statistics available to measure how lucky a team is? Such as the times woodwork hit against, sitters missed against, etc. Had this question watching Chelsea-Boro game.
Bobby – Not that I know of. However, I believe they publish weekly stats to show how #### poor some teams are at scoring. Apparently scoring goals has something to do with points and the points generate a table of some kind. (My point is that Boro were not unlucky - they could not score. It’s not the same thing.)
Ringo - And Berwick Rangers,the English team that plays in Scotland ,did a Derby ,or a Gretna.
Bobby – Since beating Rangers in the Scottish Cup in 1967 it has been pretty much downhill for the Berwick version.
Aldoray - Its often said that Rafa Benitez and other managers approach a European game differently than a Prem game. If possible could u explain what it is they do differently whether it be the mental approach that is different or is it formation etc. Also do u think he will take a European or domestic approach to the Arsenal tie?
Bobby – Thee are a few fundamental differences. The refereeing is different for a start. Then in the group stage the objective is to qualify in the top two out of four. It allows the better teams to be cautious and a point away from home is a point gained and two points the opposition didn’t get.
With six games and ten points usually enough to qualify two home wins, one away win, a draw and two away looses should be enough. In the Premiership an away draw is not considered to be that good a result for the top teams just because there are more teams around and in particular more bad teams.
When it comes down to the knock out stage caution is the watch word again because you are playing a 180 minute match not a 90 minute one.
Generally in the Premiership the top teams will push forward more because there is less risk over all that they are going to be punished. In Europe it is more about being rock solid at the back and bending but not breaking , not getting caught in midfield if the ball is turned over and trying to coax the other team forward and try to hit them quickly and to take any chances that come their way. (I thought Manchester United played the consummate European away game today against Roma).
I you asked me to sum it up I would say that the primary difference is that you are punished more severely for mistakes in Europe because of the formats. Tomorrow Benitez will take a European approach.
Thierry Henry - 1. What is the reason why Arsene continue to refuse to buy a world class keeper? You and me know that Arsenal cannot win the title with Almunia in the goals. Apart from Barthez, I have not seen a team winning the title with a shaky goal keeper who cannot make saves when his team need him the most. I think Friedel could be a really good addition to the ARSENAL FC.
2. Do you think Theo Walcott is now ready to be in the Arsenal's first team? Everytime he comes on the pitch for Arsenal, things seem to change for the better... remember at Birmingham, AC Milan and on the weekend at Bolton.
Bobby – 1. I think Arsenal could improve their goalkeeping but to be fair I don’t see Almunia being the problem over the last few weeks. Overall I have been surprised at how well he has played this season. 2. His head still has to catch up with his legs so he has a long way to go yet. Substitute appearances are not always to be way to judge how a player will play if he starts.
Henry14 - How does Jeremy compare the loss of Totti to Saha and Nani on the show? it ridicoluos.
Bobby – How come you hear stuff that I don’t? He didn’t compare them other than to point out that all three were injured.
MeanSucka - I was watching Fulham the past few weeks and paying particular attention to Eddie Johnson's effect on the games. I understand Fulham don't have the best midfield in the world, but it was kind of frustrating seeing Johnson lazily run around the park, not have the ability to get past defenders using pace or skill, and then get outmuscled on balls in the air. I mean, if you have the temerity to wear orange boots it would be nice for you to work at pressuring defenders like Dempsey did/does instead of just standing around. Is Hodgson playing him to see if he develops and do you think he has a future at Fulham or at another Premier League team?
There was a buzz on FFF about the US win over Poland and the ineptitude of the England squad and some suggestion that the US may even get a result against England in Wembley in May. Do you think that's possible and do you think that Fabio will institute a youth movement if he continues to see no improvement in the team?
Bobby – I don’t think Eddie Johnson’s style is overly suited to the Premiership. I don’t think Roy Hodgson is focusing on development projects at the moment when his team is on the cusp of dropping out of the Premiership.
In terms of the US getting a result at Wembley – yes it is possible. Will Capello institute a youth movement if he sees no improvement ? – not very likely.
There is nothing in Capello’s DNA to suggest a sudden conversion to a team full of youngsters. Capello will find a system and players that will work. There might be some young players but he has already named a number to his two squads.
Ringo - "Big news expected about the Emirates stadium this afternoon. A report is due out by the Institution of Structural Engineers which claims that the steel reinforced concrete which was used in the building of the stadium was not up to UK building safety standards. It’s not sure what will have to happen next ,whether or not Arsenal will be allowed to finish the season at the Emirates ,or whether they will have to move out immediately while extensive repair work is carried out. More details are expected at a news conference at 3pm today".
Bobby – There was another story late yesterday that was sensational. Apparently Roman Abramovich has actually been drawing social security for the last four years and lives in a cardboard box. The oligarch thing was just an elaborate ruse.
Henry14 - You insisted Arsenal persist with rvp on the show. Do you think Arsenal can afford that, because he clearly looks like a man who has been on vacation for six months.
Bobby – No, I “insisted” that Arsenal persist with him on the park not on the show. I don’t think he would be able to make the flights every Monday and Friday to Winnipeg for a start and to be honest it is difficult enough to get all the stuff into the show without RVP interrupting.
Neophyte - You mentioned a couple of weeks ago that Barcelona was not a hungry team. After watching them go up 2-0 then to lose 2-3 was probably the straw that broke Frank R.'s tenure with Barca. (Your thoughts on that?)
The Yellow Submarine are in the hunt and pushing Real Madrid. Do you think they end up with a Champions League spot at the end of the season? Did you catch Ronaldo's (you know, that player that is so overrated in some circles...mainly the envious Red Fans on the blog)flick behind his planted leg from a corner kick? Is there anyone more in form than Cristiano R. right now?
Bobby – I think it is just the end of the cycle for Rijkaard. I would be surprised if Villarreal fall out of the top four. However, they do have a habit of tailing off at inopportune moments. Ronaldo is playing as well just now as I can remember anyone playing.
Aldoray - What do u think the chances are of Arteta playing for England. Do u think he would be the ideal candidate to replace Beckham. do u even think he is on Capello's radar
Bobby – Bsed on my understanding he has no chance. I may have this wrong but I don’t believe that Arteta qualifies for England. He may not have a full international cap for Spain but I thought he had played for the under-21s and was to hold to “switch.”
Craigy_f - What is the longest a team in the English top flight has gone without being awarded a penalty kick?
Bobby – Give in – what’s the answer.
ThierryHenry - Please confirm FSC ratings are down and so you have to work overtime... are you really on WEDNESDAYS? if so, is it just this week, or something regular?
Bobby – I will be on tomorrow and next Wednesday after the second legs. We will see after that.
Frenchking2012 - ROBERT is coming to Toronto fc? that is sick. The guy was one of the most underrated player at PSG and then Newcastle, I really hope he finds his form again, because if he does (remember those magic free kicks?) Toronto will gain a great player and possibly a leader
Bobby – Are we talking about the same Laurent Robert? The same one that has hardly played for the last year and could not make it at Derby County or Levante – both heading for relegation.
Flashman - Do Irish commentators get paid by the word? After hearing the 'Silence-Is-The-Enemy' style of the two Irishmen who do Italian commentary, and now the breathless nattering of blatherskite Tammy Smyth, I can only conclude they're on some sort of per-word stipend.
Is Diaby eligible for Champions League despite his 5-game suspension for that brutal tackle on Saturday?
Bobby – Let’s just say that I use the mute button a lot. I did have the sound up this afternoon and my wife turned to me and said “ does he never shut up.” Mascherano is available so Diaby will be likewise.
RonW - Tongue in cheek SAF said "It was a centre forward's header - it reminded me of myself." about Ronaldo's goal. Trying to figure out the time line when SAF played for Rangers ... Was SAF with Rangers when they played in the Cup Winners Cup Final in '67? I always remember that game because Rangers had to play with a center half at center forward ... Roger Hynd(sp?)
Also, Mark Hughes for Celtic? Interesting, I would think Moyes would be the favorite (ex-player etc.) If Everton don't come up with more money for players I can see him splitting for Celtic in the summer (assuming Strachan moves on).
Bobby – Based on my memory Fergie signed for Rangers from Dunfermline the summer (1967) after the Berwick Rangers defeat and the loss in the European Cup Winners Cup Final. If I remember correctly Rangers shipped out their centre forward George McLean in exchange for Andy Penman (Dundee) who was an inside right.
Centre Jim Forrest was another Berwick Rangers casualty and it left them short on strikers hence big Roger Hynd in attack against Bayern Munich. He had played there before but he was not much of a scoring threat.
Craigy_f – 1. Your comment (on Friday) about the ‘top teams’ wanting the ties at this stage of the FA Cup to be ‘easy (pardon my paraphrasing) was spot on. When do you think this kind of thinking emerged? 2. So which two Serie A games did you watch, your thoughts. 3. I’ve seen stuff questioning whether the Tykes can actually claim to be ‘giant-killers” in the FA Cup sense – thoughts? 4. No matter the draw permutations, do you see a final involving two Premier League sides? 5. Do you see the same disdain in other leagues for the domestic cups that seems to exist in the Premier League? 6. When was the last time a midfielder scored 30 goals for a English top flight team? 7. As an analyst on a nationally broadcast TV show do you get invited to many games? 8 Is the number of Premier League clubs left in the FA Cup indicative of: Lack of skill gap in the Leagues, Lack of desire to win it amongst the Premier League teams, The Magic Of The FA Cup, A.N. Other.
Bobby –1. I think it has come about perhaps as a distorted sense of entitlement based on the ever increasing amount of money that comes the way of Premiership teams. 2. Juventus vs. Roma and Genoa vs. Sampdoria. The derby was the most enjoyable for me. Even though it was scoreless until late in the game there were chances and every time Cassano got the ball you felt that something great might happen. He is a fantastic talent – pity that he is such a nutter. 3. Barnsley deserves the moniker after Saturday’s display. 4. If I had to bet on it yes. But I hope not. I would like to see WBA make it. 5. I think a lot of the other leagues are worse in terms of their domestic cup competitions. Many Coppa Italia matches are played in front of ridiculously small crowds and the two leg final in midweek hardly helps. Copa del Rey is a bit better but from what I have seen weakened teams being fielded is common place and again scheduling on midweek days does not give it much prominence. Real Madrid hasn’t won the cup since 1993 and Barcelona since 1998 so that probably tells you something about the priority. The Germans and the French seem to take their cup competitions a bit more seriously and it still has some importance in Scotland. I would suggest that the competition started to be devalued in England when the European Cup Winners Cup was scrapped, and shortly after Manchester United opted for a trip to Brazil.
However as a footnote the FA website had the following piece up on Monday – “The weekend's eight FA Cup Fifth Round ties attracted 248,795 fans, producing an average of 31,099 per tie. This is the highest since 1981, when the average for the completed round was 32,053. In that year the clubs drawn at home were Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Peterborough, Southampton, Tottenham and Wolves”.
6. I can’t think of one - particularly if you are talking league goals. You would have to go back to years to the days of inside forwards who you could argue would be today’s midfielders. In that case it might by the late Dennis Violet for Manchester United in the late 50s when he scored 32 goals. If it goals in all competitions then Matthew Le Tissier would probably be the answer in the mid nineties.
7. No.
8. Fear of negatively impacting on their Premiership position and sometimes the luck of the draw with top flight teams going head-to-head.
LGB or EGB – 1. Do you think Rafa is gone at the end of this year? 2. If so, who’s an ideal replacement? 3. Also, whether it’s Rafa or a new gaffer, where does Liverpool need to strengthen? 4. Where you at all surprised at the result by Liverpool v Barnsley? 5. Have you seen a more under-achieving team than this? In any sport for that matter?
Bobby –1. It is pretty close to the Topic of the Week question so I will keep my powder dry. 2. You need to see who is available - to early to tell. 3. Covered last week and I believe Redfan2000 reposted. 4. Yes. 5. Lots of them – your expectations are higher than mine.
Footiefan - Why didn't Gallas get punished? He clearly made contact with Nani. Doesn't send out a bad message that you can kick someone from behind and get away with it?
Bobby – JayAlves has provided a pretty good summary of the FA’s position on it. When I saw the incident I was sure he was going to get sent off.
Craigy_f – Creative players for Inter - just Figo - you've got to be joking Pele, Stankovic, Jiminez. Right about Ibrahimovic, likes to come deep and create. Cesar is having a good season.
Bobby – Can you see Mancini fielding Pele and Jiminez in a Champions league match against Liverpool? Same comment is probably just as applicable to Cesar. As for Stankovic I haven’t seen much in the way of creativity out of him for at least the last two seasons. Very good player but very little in way of flair anymore.
RINGO - Ron Harris against Cristiano Ronaldo. Who comes out on top? A) On the pitch. B) In a back alley.
Bobby – On the pitch Chopper. In a back alley Ronaldo – because he can run quicker.
Henry14 - Q1 Where would you rate Ronaldo in terms of trophies and individual accomplishments in the list of all time greats? Q2 Spurs v Chelsea who will win? Q3 Is the Barnsley result the biggest Cup shock in this Millenium?
Bobby – Q1. Close to the top ten all time as a player – I don’t know how to rate a player in terms of trophies. He would be a shoe-in to the top ten if he had played more seasons during his prime years. By the time he hit 23 he had a lot of miles on him and a body that was breaking down. Q2 – Tune in Friday and I might hazard a guess. 3. No – I think Shrewsbury knocking Everton out in 2003 was a bigger shock.
Gregz - What is your thoughts on the commentating of Ray Hudson? A bit of an acquired taste isn't he.
Bobby – An acquired taste is a good way of putting it.
Gunner44 - You got all of today’s prediction wrong except Roma/Madrid hope it's the same for the Arsenal-Milan game tmrw.
Bobby – That’s fine but the picks were over the two legs not the first leg. I may be wrong in all of them after two legs but at least give me a chance!
African_Footballer_of_the_Year - The proposed transfer of Daniel Cousin from Glasgow Rangers to Fulham that was agreed on January 22nd is still awaiting FIFA aproval. What gives? Is it really that complicated of a question that it takes nearly a month to make a ruling?
Bobby – I had read someplace that FIFA was awaiting documentation from Fulham and it only arrived at the end of last week. I don’t think they are going to make a decision without having all the right forms filled out.
Craigy_f – 1. Who do you rate more highly Best or Ronaldo? 2. What are your first football memories? 3. What moments made you laugh at the weekend – football related of course? 4. Casano’s first of Trezeguet’s second – which was more enjoyable? 5. How do you think that FSC gets it’s team sheets for Serie A games?
Bobby – 1. George Best. 2, Being taken to an amateur international at Dens Park between Scotland and Ireland. First professional game was I think Dundee United vs. Aberdeen. 3. Nothing. 4. Cassano. 5. They get team sheets?
Leche010 - Who do you see surviving and not this season? Obviously Derby are going down, but it's not like that was a surprise from the start. Fulham appear to be joining them, but have brought in quite a few new names, and could easily make a push to get out... I consider them in the relegation fight, as opposed to condemned.
After that there are Boro, Reading, Bolton, Birmingham, Wigan, and Sunderland all within 2 points of each other, fighting not to be bottom of that pack. Simply which of the 7 clubs do you think have what it takes to survive, and which clubs don't?
Bobby – I picked Derby, Wigan and Fulham to go down this season and as normal I will stick with these picks until it is mathematically impossible that it won’t happen. I can see Derby’s fate being sealed with at least five games to go in the season.
Boro will continue to pick up points only to get sucked back down but will stay up; Reading is too strong at home and will survive; Bolton – they scored goals before Anelka and will find enough goals to win a couple of important matches; Birmingham have enough zip about them to finish above the bottom three as long as they hold their nerve. Sunderland – Keane will batter them if they don’t – I don’t think he will allow them to go down.
Apad03-I just read the news that the Concacaf is starting up a champions league for this region. What do you think? I am thrilled to see this happen. I have suggested this for a few years now and I think it will be great to see MLS teams flying to Honduras or the Caribbean for these games. Great experience and I think some lively football.
Bobby – A step in the right direction but it is going to take a few seasons to establish the competition in the hearts and minds.
Craigy_ f - PROMOTION TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE
Any of the current top ten in the Championship you'd love or hate to see in the Premier League next year? They are:- 1 - West Brom, 2 - Bristol City, 3 – Watford, 4 – Stoke, 5 – Charlton, 6 – Palace, 7 – Burnley, 8 – Ipswich, 9 – Cardiff, 10 - Wolves
Bobby – Nothing stands out for me really and they all have the potential to drop back down fairly quickly. Take the clubs you list and the seven clubs listed as possible relegation candidates from a question above and you have parity and an extremely competitive league.
Henry 14 - q1 Do you know how Ericksson might feel now that the bucket load of money from Thaksin seems to not have come as he thought and he really has not spend as he might have thought and do you see them challenging the course for European places if he does not strengthen?
q2 Do you think we will see the full potential of Rooney at Man Utd as long as Ronaldo is there because two years ago he was sort of going to be the alfamale now it seems he is in the shadow of Ronaldo?
q3 With Eduardo coming into his own and playing well by the game, assuming that Adebayor is a shoe in, how do you view the future of RVP because he direct rival striker are at an age that if you know if they become shoe in the team he will be frustrated because they are both 24 years.
Bobby – Q 1. I have no idea what was said to Sven when he signed on but he certainly got a bucket full of money in the summer. The new signings settled in quickly and City benefited from Sven’s organizational skills. However, the momentum has stalled and the rest of the Premiership has done its homework. He needs a regular goal scorer if they hope to compete for a European place.
Q 2 - I don’t see how a player would not achieve his full potential by playing with excellent players. I can’t agree that players can only become great players if there is no one else on the team that might challenge them. I would have thought it the other way around.
Q3 – You are assuming that there is such a thing as a first choice eleven and that all the first choicers are fit and raring to go. It just doesn’t work like that anymore and hasn’t for a long time.
LGB - Would you say that Ronaldo is already a greater player for United than Cantona was?
Bobby – No. Cantona’s influence on United goes well beyond his performances on the park and so I don’t think he ranks behind Ronaldo. The problem with the “who is better” debate is that in almost all cases it favours the current player. Only in retrospect can you really judge whether or not players should be considered as truly great or just one of the best of their generation. And like managers it may not necessarily come down to trophies won.
Farleft - I was wondering if you had any insight into the decision making of which officials get to officiate certain matches? Do officials also get promoted and or relegated at the end of the season based on their performance throughout the season? I am not trying to slag off officials or anything like that, I am just curious.
Bobby – Here is an article that explains the FA’s move a number of years ago to professional referees and another that includes an interview with Keith Hackett. The answer to your promotion/relegation is yes and in some cases referees have been “demoted” for a period of time during the season.
I wrote an article in the fall of 2006 on professional referees and their preparation and the constant feedback and evaluation they receive. Different leagues will deal with referee assignments in different ways but I am confident in stating that any league or association worth its salt is continually evaluating and working with their officials.
Neophyte - Real Madrid continue to show what a great job Capello performed while manager there. Do you think he deserves the credit of bringing back the club to preeminence in La Liga or did the rebuild start before he got? When I watch them play (Real Madrid) they look so strong...solid all the way across. Do you see a fatal flaw that may haunt them later in the season? How about Villarreal? Just out gunned in the final minutes. Got to admire the fight they showed.
One more question....Did you see Riquelme during the Boca/River match-up this weekend? He is still impressive (especially on those free kicks). Do you know why he hasn't been linked to more teams in Europe? I thought I heard Newcastle was interested (who wouldn't they be interested in?). Riquelme seems like such a talent that other teams would have picked him up already.
Bobby – Capello deserves credit because he was the one that took on the galaticos culture and won…even though he lost if you know what I am getting at. I am not convinced that Real Madrid are as strong as their record indicates.
Castillas is still relied upon to bale the team out on more occasions than seems fair and I think their midfield is going to come up short in Champions League play. Villarreal certainly went for it on Sunday – perhaps too much so. It would have been more interesting if Pires had been playing.
I did catch the second half of the Super Classico and the first half highlights. Riquleme was impressive but I don’t think you will see him leave Argentina for Europe again. He is a special talent but he needs a coach who is willing to build a team around him.
At Barcelona that didn’t happen and that is why it did not work out. At Villarreal – initially anyway – they were willing to do that. To answer your question of “who wouldn’t be interested”? – the answer is the overwhelming majority of good teams would not be interested. They are not too many teams willing to gamble success or failure on a single player and that is pretty close to the straight choice with Riquelme. A wonderful talent but with limitations.
AlanV - Different subject. I just finished reading the article about the pilot program to have only the team captain be allowed to discuss decisions with the Ref. As a parent whose son plays at the club level, we already have a similar program here in So. California, at least as far as the parent and player accountability go.
My son has to sign a code of conduct each year where he promises to maintain a level of decorum and civility. He's a ref (U14 and lower) and has noticed a difference for the better in the comments of both players and the sidelines. I think it's a great idea and hope it works. I can agree to a players initial reaction when he disagrees, that's human nature. But there's no call for half the team to be discussing the situation with the ref, especially knowing he won't change his mind. What's your take? Will it work at the pro level or will that be impossible to enforce.
Bobby – It will work if the leagues are willing to stick with it. However, too often we have seen these initiatives taper off after a few weeks. It is really about setting standards and sticking to it. Unfortunately it is easy to say but difficult to stick to.
Henry 14 - My question is that Owen is given an excuse when he does not score that he needs service and other strikers are not given such a ride. The poacher is a dying breed hence reference to Ruud's assist rate
Bobby – You make a good point. I have read a number of articles over the last few seasons that allude to the same point that pure strikers are now a luxury and that they need to deliver more. Having said that it really doesn’t matter if a striker is a pure poacher or a more rounded player they still nned service or some kind to get goals.
LGB - If there is anyone who believes that LFC's most profitable year was a pre-tax profit of £9.46m than I have a bridge that I'd like to sell you...
Ursusarctos provided a top class explanation but I will chime in with my two cents worth.
It is not what they (businessmen) are losing, it is their take on how much more revenue potential there is. Generally successful entrepreneurs do not make money by buying successful businesses, they make money buying companies that they consider to be undervalued and that have potential to generate significantly more revenue or have a poor cost structure.
In the case of football clubs in England the Glazers, Hicks and Gillett see that additional revenue coming from fans. To cut to the chase they purchase the club with little of their own money at stake and then through increased revenue from the fans they pay off the loans incurred in the purchase. End result - they own the club and the fans pay the purchase price and more. The problem is that it is a gamble and should certain assumptions not work out then you see the potential of a financial meltdown ala Leeds.
“What I'm trying to say is that the numbers are #### (just like with United) and these clubs even with the construction of new stadia and the like are still making money hand over fist.”
I can understand that this stuff is not easy to understand but that doesn’t make it ####. Your example of United reminds me of the guy that jumps from the 40th floor of a building and as he passed the 20th floor people heard him say “so far so good.”
The Glazer deal may work out but that doesn’t preclude the fact that it is highly leveraged and comes with significant risk – as does the Liverpool deal. Try telling Leeds fans that it was #### …….they went into Administration for fun right!
The Leeds example is only used as an example of a meltdown …Leeds problems were not caused by a buy-out but they were caused by making some key assumptions that proved to be wrong.
Simon Kuper takes a look at some of the changes that Fabio Capello will ring in. First squd will be announced later this week.
Berti Vogts is close to adding “former Nigeria coach,” to his resume.
John Roberts recalls how half a century ago Jimmy Murphy patched together a Manchester United side and led them to the final of the FA Cup.
George or Ronaldo - who is BEST? A measured analysis. The one thing that could have been mentioned was that George Best almost singlehandidly kept a couple of poor United teams afloat after the European Cup win in 1968. Eventually without Best they were relegated.
The transfer window closes this week and I think we can expect a flurry of moves.
