The Daily Discussion - 'Dear Santa. For Xmas My Team Would Like...."

By The Stock

The biggest January transfer failure ever?

As November draws to a close, manager's thoughts will be turning to one of the most difficult periods of the season: Christmas and New Year.

Not only are clubs faced with a fixture list more congested than Rick Waller's major arteries, but will also be looking toward the impending January transfer window with a mixture of anticipation and dread.

For some clubs, the January transfer window cannot come soon enough. In the Premier League, the emergence of Man City as serious title challengers and Spurs as genuine top 4 contenders, means that like the poor passengers on the Titanic, clubs are quickly realising that six teams battling for four places on the 'Good Rescue Ship Champions League' is going to end in tears for some.

At the wrong end of the table, Wigan, Bolton and Blackburn have endured torrid starts to the season and surely must be looking to strengthen. The promoted trio of QPR, Norwich and Swansea have all shown tangible evidence that they are capable of staying in the promised land. Blackpool fans, however, can attest to how quickly that can change.

So, in an ideal world, what would you ask Santa for and most like to see flashing on the Sky Sports Breaking News banner relating to your club?

Who Am I?

I was born in Llanera, Spain in 1984 and played my early football in the Real Oviedo youth setup and excelled despite my diminutive stature.

Villareal CF saw my early promise and I signed professional terms a few months before my 18th birthday, working my way up through the reserves to take an intermittent place in the first team including impressive displays in the then UEFA Cup.

First team opportunities became limited, and I made the switch to Andalucia with Recreativo and helped the team finish 8th in their return to the Primara Liga.

A clause in my contract allowed my return to Villareal where I excelled in helping the club finish second in my first season back.

I have 12 caps for Spain scoring 2 goals.

The Tongue in Cheek - Tunnel Tear-up? Time for the 'Gameday Pacifier'

By The Stock

The football stadium tunnel -  a bastion of peace and tranquility

The same tunnel on matchday.

Football is a highly physically and emotionally charged game. Reason suggests therefore that sending 22 oafs, their managers, kit men, physios, substitutes, handlers and twitter assistants down a tunnel immediately before, or shortly after a game is nothing short of bonkers.

A controversial late equaliser from West Brom’s Carlos Vela denied Stoke City all 3 points at the Britannia Stadium last night. Because it was controversial and came so late in the game, after the final whistle was blown instead of hand shakes, shirt swapping, and ‘well done chaps you thoroughly deserved the point’ all round, a few players decided a bit of finger-pointing and hand-bags-at-five-paces was more appropriate.

And why not? It is this highly pressured, emotionally charged atmosphere that gives professional footballers their competitive edge: The Eye of the Tiger. Rob them of the consent to have a vitriolic word in each other’s shell and give the ref a ‘slightly too hard but nevertheless pally’ pat on the back for that borderline offside decision at the end of the game and you deny them their sporting raison d’etre.

But that is on the field and where the battle should take place. Asking footballers to then walk a mere hand-holding distance between each other into a claustrophobic and cluttered tunnel with exactly the same grievances AFTER the match defies even the fuzziest of logic. It is akin to the Police being called to a late night fracas at a Croydon kebab establishment only to discover that the warring parties both live in Mitcham and instead of taking any formal action, decide to put them in the same taxi home: you predictably end up having an additional, and far messier skirmish.

The solution then (in lieu of stadiums with home and away tunnels) could be simple. How many of us have been to an away game where the atmosphere has been a little edgier than normal? The response is for the stadium announcer to inform the visiting contingent that they are required to remain behind for 20 minutes after the game. The reason is never given, but all and sundry know that it is because tempers can be cooled and two diametrically opposed sets of fans won’t be spilling out onto the same streets to make their way home and be tempted to kill each other.

Why can’t this be applied to the teams themselves? Maybe the touchline referee can double as a ‘Gameday Pacifier’ whose duties, in addition to receiving the hairdryer from Sir Alex Ferguson every time opposing players headbutt the elbow of Wayne Rooney or a Gallic moan from Arsene Wenger when the linesman dares to give Van Persie offside, would include deciding on which team has been best behaved and can therefore have first dibs on the post-match ice bath. I can just imagine Mark Clattenburg holding aloft the time added on board at Stamford Bridge tonight shortly before the stadium announcer crackles over the tannoy to inform the crowd and players that Man Utd are to remain on the pitch for 10 minutes after the final whistle to 'think about how they've behaved tonight'.

It is the only way that we can save professional footballers from themselves and each other. If FIFA, UEFA, The FA and The Premier League ignore my advice then we can only expect more instances of grown men throwing pizza, soup and even punches at each other when they don’t get their own way. Stoke City would certainly be a soft focus stadium photo better off by now.

You have been warned.
　
N.B: Cannot be applied to Roy Keane or Patrick Vieira.

The Daily Discussion - Carlo Ancelotti: Closing Time in Copenhagen?

By Simon Warner

Saturday 6^th November

Having sailed through to the knock-out stages of the Champions League and sitting comfortably on top of the Premier League, Chelsea are preparing to regain their 5 point lead with a trip to Anfield where they will face a Liverpool side currently languishing in the relegation zone.

After securing a domestic league and cup double in his first season, Champions League glory, painfully elusive thus far, looked a realistic target for Carlo Ancelotti this season. If I had also given you the foresight of an easy Champion League draw and a further £75m cash injection in January that would deliver Torres and Luiz, bookies will have been seriously slashing odds on Chelsea achieving this feat.

Saturday 19^th February

A run of just 5 wins in 16 Premier league games and a draining FA cup exit at the Bridge means that Ancelotti takes his battered squad to Copenhagen tonight in a bid to save their season, and possibly his seemingly precarious position at the club.

Chelsea have not finished outside of the top three since 2003, yet they now find themselves 5^th in the league and embroiled in a battle for a Champions League qualifying place. Carlo Ancelotti admitted only yesterday that just two of his “superstars” are showing any semblance of form so FC Copenhagen will fancy their chances in the Parken Stadium tonight, a match that only a few months ago many Chelsea fans will have merely considered a “bye” to the last eight.

So would a Champions League trophy preserve Ancelotti’s role at the club? Should he even be given the opportunity to be the first Chelsea manager to win the prestigious trophy? Is there any value in sacking him now? Is there any value in keeping him now? Roman may have previously turned to his golden Guus at this stage but Hiddink’s contract with the Turkish Football Federation as national manager removes this option. More importantly, are there any suitable replacements?

One thing is for certain, lose tonight in the Danish capital and Carlo will become even more jittery when “Roman” lights up as an incoming call on his blackberry.

The Daily Discussion - The Best Individual Performance Ever?

By Simon Warner

 

The sad news of Ronaldo’s retirement this week has seen football fans and journalists alike lamenting the loss of one of the talents of his generation. It certainly made me reflect on his remarkable career and one of my favourite footballing memories: Manchester United vs. Real Madrid at Old Trafford in April 2003 and one of the most spectacular hat-tricks ever witnessed on the grand stage. It was certainly one of the best individual performances in my lifetime.

Ronaldo’s triple destroyed United’s faint hopes of a Champions League final appearance on home soil that year. The 6-5 aggregate score etched into history books may portray this as an epic battle between two footballing juggernauts, but in truth the tie was always out of United’s reach.

Raúl, the architect of the 3-1 first leg victory at the Bernabéu, missed out on the reverse leg through injury but Real Madrid were more than covered. Zidane, Figo, Roberto Carlos, Makelele (and McManaman) all lined up in black that night but it was Ronaldo who had everyone purring. Breathtaking interplay allowed the Brazilian to despatch the first two goals with ruthless precision before completing his hat-trick with a sublime 25 yard strike beyond Fabien Barthez, effectively putting the game beyond United.

Despite the Brazilian's dazzling display I want to mention one of the best individual performances I have ever witnessed first hand: the night Fernando Morientes single handedly destroyed a Chelsea team seemingly destined for their first Champions League final.

Monaco were 2-0 down and heading out on away goals when Morientes decided to light up Stamford Bridge in spectacular fashion. The Spaniard had already begun to sparkle in the opening 45 minutes, but it was in the second half that Messrs Melchiot, Terry, Gallas and Bridge were literally puppets on the Spaniard’s string. After Hugo Ibarra pulled one back for the principality, the dominance and incision of Morientes indicated that a goal was inevitable and the Real Madrid loanee duly delivered mid-way through the 2^nd half. Following a smart 1-2 with Bernadi he simply waltzed though the defence before coolly slotting home with supreme confidence. He was never going to miss.

Morientes wheels away with delight at the Bridge. He was never going to miss.

Maybe there was an element of surprise combined with the importance of the occasion that elevated this display above so many football showcases but the Spanish number 9 was simply unplayable that night. 

Other contenders? Well there is a handful that will invoke special memories. The Stock’s excellent coverage on Rivaldo’s overhead kick that was part of a superb hat-trick at Camp Nou deserves a mention. The fact that I remember the precise pub seat from which I watched this incredible feat suggests it was indeed special.

But my thoughts always return to that night in Manchester and that masterful display by Ronaldo. Maybe it is because his display on the field was matched with an equally memorable reaction when Vicente Del Bosque decided to replaced the Brazilian with 20 minutes remaining. The standing ovation from everyone within Old Trafford was a truly wonderful footballing moment and indicative of the momentous performance just witnessed.

It was the best individual performance I have ever seen from a player that will be sorely missed. Ronaldo, I salute you sir – thanks for the memory.

The Daily Discussion - Underachiever Athletic?

By Attila

Rooney has disappointed this season

C- Must Do Better!

Ah the perennial red scrawl at the top of my Maths homework. This glowering judgement may also be cast upon some of the luminaries of the Premier League.

This is an undoubtedly controversial topic by its very nature, picking out eleven players who I believe have underachieved this season. Now before high-horses are mounted let me make it clear that I do not believe that any of the players below are awful, to be classed as an underachiever you need to have the capacity to achieve. All of these players have either failed to live up to their own high standards, their International call-ups or their high transfer fees. I have tried as far as possible to disregard players who have missed much of the season, whether through injury or non-selection:

Goal-keeper -  Petr Cech:

Cech was once a Schmeichel-esque colossus in goal, however since he was seriously injured in a match at Reading in 2006, he has lost some of his air of invulnerability. Despite this, Cech was solid last season and claimed the coveted Golden Gloves award for his performances. This season however has been a different matter. Although he has only conceded 22 goals in 26 games, he has looked vulnerable at times. Normally a reliable, solid keeper he made a glaring mistake recently which allowed Raul Meireles to fire Liverpool to a 1-0 victory, and despite his claim that this “is the first mistake I have made this season” he has at times looked shaky and error prone.

Right Back – Glen Johnson

Johnson has never really lived up to his £18m price tag or his regular berth as England’s first choice right back. This season he has been poor, both for club and country. However Kenny Dalglish’s inspiration to move him into the left back position appears to be bearing fruit, as Johnson is finally beginning to find some form.

Left Back – Patrice Evra

This is a somewhat controversial choice. I include Evra as he has failed to live up to his usual high standards. From regularly challenging Ashley Cole to be included in everyone’s pub talk team of the year, he has fallen behind his rival as well as new challengers Jose Enrique of Newcastle and Tottenham’s  Assou-Ekotto.

Centre-back – Richard Dunne

A victim of an early falling out with new manager Gerard Houllier, Dunne has been far from the defensive titan he was last season. However he appears to have regained favour somewhat and is now beginning to play both regularly and well for Aston Villa.

Centre-back – Phil Jagielka

Jagielka increased expectations with dominant displays for The Toffees last season

Jagielka is one of two Everton players included in Underachiever Athletic. This reflects clearly that Everton as a side are underachieving. Like Dunne Jagielka was a solid and capable defender last season, but this season appears to be low in form and confidence. This has led to Jagielka being kept out of a porous Everton defence by Heitinga.

Midfielder – Michael Essien

Essien usually embodies the very best qualities of a centre midfielder. In my opinion, on his day he is possibly one of the best in the world.  This season however, like many of the Chelsea squad, he has not been anywhere near his usual standard. If Chelsea are to claim Champions League qualification they need the midfield general back to his best.

Midfielder – Steven Gerrard

As with Evra, Gerrard has failed to live up to his own high standards. In 19 appearances so far this season he has scored 4 goals and has 4 assists. Many of the appearances (particularly under former manager Roy Hodgson) were, by his own standards, extremely lacklustre. However under new manager Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool and Gerrard are returning to form.

Midfielder – Mikel Arteta

During his stay at Everton, Arteta has usually been the creative force of their side. The Spanish playmaker has been both a set-piece master and a pass maestro; however you would not believe it had you seen him this season. He has by his own standards, been extremely average. He looks jaded, sluggish and uninterested at times. Everton’s fortunes to a large degree rely upon Arteta’s quick brain. No doubt the Toffee’s will be hoping to see more of the 2009/10 Arteta and a little less of the 2010/11 vintage.

Forward – Fernando Torres

A record-breaking move to Chelsea has heaped further pressure on Torres to perform

Torres appeared lethargic and rusty in the red of Liverpool this season and despite his hefty £50m price tag, he has not yet fired at Chelsea. He is a phenomenally gifted striker however, and it is only a matter of time before he settles at Chelsea and forms a potentially terrifying partnership with Didier Drogba

Forward – Didier Drogba

No doubt by now Chelsea fans reading this post are feeling a little victimised. However as I stated at the beginning, the players I have selected are there as they have fallen from such lofty pedestals. Drogba is a case in point, one of the best strikers to grace the Premier League, Drogba has suffered from Malaria this season which appears to have massively affected his performances. At times he appears to be a shadow of his usual imperious self.

Forward – Wayne Rooney

“Did you see that goal? What a goal! Best goal of all time! He’s back now isn’t he? Oh I’d say he’s definitely back!”  If you happen to be even slightly acquainted with a Manchester United fan, you may have heard some murmurings about some kind of goal Rooney scored against Manchester City at the weekend. Perhaps part of the hysteria about what, in truth, was a good goal, could be the feeling of absolute relief to see the old Wayne Rooney appear, if only for a second. Wayne Rooney has been a brilliant player, however the World Cup was, erm, disappointing, and this season hasn’t been any kinder. A paltry 5 goals in 17 appearances is not good enough for a player of his calibre. United fans will be hoping that his spectacular bicycle kick may be the catalyst that exorcises the daemons and returns Rooney to his usual place in the footballing pantheon.

The Daily Discussion - Want To Beat Barca? Just Keep The Ball....

By The Stock

Busquets up against Fabregas in last year's Champion's League tie

With his team already 4-0 down, Cristiano Ronaldo cushioned the ball with his instep in the centre circle: the loud whistles from the Culés ringing in his ears; the Camp Nou floodlights illuminating El Clásico with 90,000 Socis all baying for his blood. They wouldn’t get a taste. Alerted to his threat and presence the Blaugrana hunting pack of Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández quickly scrambled as they had so many times that evening. Their mission: retrieve the ball. At all costs.

Countless column inches have been filled heaping praise on what is a genuinely special Barcelona team. I could continue in a similar vein by regurgitating the vision and footballing philosophy of Pep Guardiola or the ‘piggy in the middle’ sessions at the La Masia academy that Xavi believes makes him the player he is today. But I won’t because we’ve heard and seen it all before.

So has Arsene Wenger and his latest batch of bright young things who welcome Barça to the Emirates tonight in a mouth-watering Champions League tie. The Frenchman knows that his team is technically inferior to its lauded opposition and he will be the first to admit that if the Blaugrana get into their infamous tika-taka stride then his players will be in for a tough night.

But what sets this Barcelona team apart from its predecessors and pretenders, and what will similarly concern Wenger, is what they do without the football. They press and bustle teams high up the pitch, tackling ferociously and harrying opposition into misplacing passes and surrendering possession from which defence is turned immediately into attack.

“Without the ball you can’t win” once remarked Johann Cruff. And he is dead right. By stifling Barça of possession you immediately negate their ability to harm you offensively. Correspondingly, if the Gunners retain their share of the ball then a team of their technical ability will fancy themselves to expose some of those defensive frailties that historically the Catalans have always failed to iron out.

Therefore, Arsenal must keep hold of the ball tonight and not squander possession unnecessarily. This will be no mean feat with Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets et al snapping at their heels. However, if any team has players capable of playing keep-ball then it is the Gunners. If they don’t the pack will smell blood and for those unsure as to how that ends, just ask Cristiano Ronaldo.