You are missing the enthusiastic stream of posts on this blog? Of course you are. Here is why they have been missing - the games of ÖSK, Milan and Spurs over the past three weeks. Not that things were great before that - Spurs have been showing bad form ever since i wrote a jinxing post on 12 January, shortly before they drew Wolves at home and then losing against City in that gruesome 3-2 game. Örebro's 2011 season and transfer season did not give us much hope for greatness, and Milan had already experienced those defining moments that usually indicate a loser season: the referee robbery of Muntari's goal against Juve, losing to Juve on extra time in the cup, having a season of injuries crowned by Thiago Silva being ruled out, missing the opportunity to put real pressure on Barcelona, reducing the Serie A lead to 2 points.
But still. I would have hoped for something better than this: 1 win. 5 draws. 7 losses. Dismissal from Champions League and the FA cup. Most likely losing a title battle that was ours. Most likely losing a Champions League spot that was ours. And parking at the bottom of the Swedish league. Happy days.
2 April: Örebro SK-Åtvidaberg 3-4. Opening game of the season. Four goals conceded in the first half.
3 April: Barcelona-Milan 3-1. So. That was the Champions League.
7 April: Mjällby-Örebro SK 0-0
7 April: Sunderland-Tottenham 0-0
7 April: Milan-Fiorentina 1-2. Low point of the season. And suddenly Juve takes the lead by one point.
9 April: Tottenham-Norwich 1-2. Low point of the season. Great chance to take initiative in the CL battle lost. Was planning to be there with my wife. Glad I didn't go (it rained, too)
10 April: Chievo-Milan 0-1. A win! Against the run of play, they say (didn't see it)
11 April Örebro SK-Helsingborg 0-0
15 April: IFK Göteborg-Örebro SK 2-2. Late equaliser from the home team (and actually an erroneously disallowed home team winner during stoppish time).
15 April: Tottenham-Chesea 1-5. So. That was the FA cup.
21 April: QPR-Tottenham 1-0. The Champions League qualification suddenly seems very distant.
22 April: Milan-Bologna 1-1. Last minute equaliser. The scudetto suddenly seems very distant
23 April: Örebro SK-Elfsborg 0-2. Örebro is now last in the league of 16 and the only team without a win.
Showing posts with label Milan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Milan. Show all posts
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Title games 2012
Although Barclay's Premier League will squeeze in another round of football before the end of the year, it is fair to say we have a very clear trend in the four biggest football leagues: the top is tighter than usual, but in the end it seems as if we will end up with four two-horse races between old rivals. Could be worse. So note down the following dates in your calendars, it is not a wild guess that whoever wins these games will win the league titles:
26 Feb: Milan-Juventus
Current standing:
1. Milan 34 points
2. Juve 34 points
3. Udinese 32 points
Autumn result: Juve-Milan 2-0.
Other title challengers: Hardly. Udinese and Lazio do not possess the squads to last a whole season, Inter and Roma are too far back and with tough schedules. Napoli have put focus on Champions League.
Comment: Juve under Conte are still unbeaten, they can spend the spring concentrating on the league and the game against Milan is the only away game against a top team: Juve plays at home against Udinese, Inter, Napoli, Lazio and Roma in the spring. On the other hand, Milan like an old train have finally starting to roll fast, score a lot of goals and have the Championship guarantee player Ibrahimovic. Although many game days will remain after this tie, the winner will be the big title favourite.
11 April: Dortmund-Bayern
Current standing:
1. Bayern 37 points
2. Dortmund 34 points
3. Schalke 34 points
Autumn result: Bayern-Dortmund 0-1
Other title challengers: Schalke cannot be ruled out. They are in it, and they play Dortmund at home just three days after this clash. But still - I am pretty sure Bayern and Dortmund will have ran away from Schalke before that.
Comment: Bayern had a match point in the November clash, but blew it. They may well have another one in April.
22 April: Barcelona-Real Madrid
Current standing:
1. Real Madrid 40 points
2. Barcelona 37 points
3. Sevilla 33 points
Autumn result: Real-Madrid-Barcelona 1-3
Other title challengers: yeah, right.
Comment: Always the decider? The big two have perhaps been a little little less dominant so far (Manchester City, Manchester United and Real have the exact same average points per game). Barcelona look like the team that will not get away with a draw this time, but they have a big big clasico upper hand.
28 April: Manchester City-Manchester United
Current standing:
1. Manchester City 45
2. Manchester United 45
3. Spurs 38 (with a game in hand)
Autumn result: United-City 1-6
Other title challengers: Spurs are closest. Spurs will not win.
Comment: After this game, only two league games remain. This has the potential to be the biggest Manchester derby of all times, and the 1-6 shocker from October, or Rooney over-head kicking away City's titles dreams 2010/2011 do not make it worse. Despite injuries, United show the best form and will need to gain an advantage during the Christmas period - they are looking at a very tough schedule 2012 with away games against Newclaste, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham (and a home game against Liverpool) between 4 January and 3 March. But United is United. City are looking more vulnerable now than earlier in the season, the goals do not come as easy, and are despite the strong squad very dependent on a few players (Hart, Kompany, Silva).
26 Feb: Milan-Juventus
Current standing:
1. Milan 34 points
2. Juve 34 points
3. Udinese 32 points
Autumn result: Juve-Milan 2-0.
Other title challengers: Hardly. Udinese and Lazio do not possess the squads to last a whole season, Inter and Roma are too far back and with tough schedules. Napoli have put focus on Champions League.
Comment: Juve under Conte are still unbeaten, they can spend the spring concentrating on the league and the game against Milan is the only away game against a top team: Juve plays at home against Udinese, Inter, Napoli, Lazio and Roma in the spring. On the other hand, Milan like an old train have finally starting to roll fast, score a lot of goals and have the Championship guarantee player Ibrahimovic. Although many game days will remain after this tie, the winner will be the big title favourite.
11 April: Dortmund-Bayern
Current standing:
1. Bayern 37 points
2. Dortmund 34 points
3. Schalke 34 points
Autumn result: Bayern-Dortmund 0-1
Other title challengers: Schalke cannot be ruled out. They are in it, and they play Dortmund at home just three days after this clash. But still - I am pretty sure Bayern and Dortmund will have ran away from Schalke before that.
Comment: Bayern had a match point in the November clash, but blew it. They may well have another one in April.
22 April: Barcelona-Real Madrid
Current standing:
1. Real Madrid 40 points
2. Barcelona 37 points
3. Sevilla 33 points
Autumn result: Real-Madrid-Barcelona 1-3
Other title challengers: yeah, right.
Comment: Always the decider? The big two have perhaps been a little little less dominant so far (Manchester City, Manchester United and Real have the exact same average points per game). Barcelona look like the team that will not get away with a draw this time, but they have a big big clasico upper hand.
28 April: Manchester City-Manchester United
Current standing:
1. Manchester City 45
2. Manchester United 45
3. Spurs 38 (with a game in hand)
Autumn result: United-City 1-6
Other title challengers: Spurs are closest. Spurs will not win.
Comment: After this game, only two league games remain. This has the potential to be the biggest Manchester derby of all times, and the 1-6 shocker from October, or Rooney over-head kicking away City's titles dreams 2010/2011 do not make it worse. Despite injuries, United show the best form and will need to gain an advantage during the Christmas period - they are looking at a very tough schedule 2012 with away games against Newclaste, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham (and a home game against Liverpool) between 4 January and 3 March. But United is United. City are looking more vulnerable now than earlier in the season, the goals do not come as easy, and are despite the strong squad very dependent on a few players (Hart, Kompany, Silva).
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
See these two cold fingers?
Up the bracket for you, Barca. You got what you deserved. The first for not starting the game on your toes, the second for not bothering to finish it off.
All credit to AC Milan staying in the game and for giving themselves a chance to punish those oh-so-humble-wannabies-that-really-are-the-most-pompus-team-around Barcelona.
One of my favourite sportsmen of all times is Bode Miller. Partly because of what happens 30 seconds into this clip, partly because of his simple response to the question why downhills was his favourite event: "I like to go straight".
Barcelona is the opposite of that. Combined with the teddybear image, they are the enemy.
All credit to AC Milan staying in the game and for giving themselves a chance to punish those oh-so-humble-wannabies-that-really-are-the-most-pompus-team-around Barcelona.
One of my favourite sportsmen of all times is Bode Miller. Partly because of what happens 30 seconds into this clip, partly because of his simple response to the question why downhills was his favourite event: "I like to go straight".
Barcelona is the opposite of that. Combined with the teddybear image, they are the enemy.
Friday, 9 September 2011
Solo con te, sempre con te
Last out is Italy and Serie A.
The strike allowed us to await the closing of the transfer window, to sit down and analyse the squads. In particular in Italy that is important, as the clubs in general (and Genoa in particular) recently have developed a system of loans, partial ownerships and other arrangements that make a Korean chaebol look pretty straighforward.
Here's my prediction.
1. Milan. Stronger this season, in particular in defense where there are more alternatives and real fullbacks now. The absence of Mr. X means no real chance to challenge in Europe, but in a weakened Serie A they will be big favourites.
2. Inter. What can Gasperini do with this bunch? Inter was a team with more direction than any in the last few season. Last year there was no direction at all. It's a big squad, with a lot of good players, but perhaps not enough great players. Already a lot of injuries. And most of all, no Eto'o.
3. Juventus. The big signings did not happen, but it's time for Juve to have a decent season.
4. Lazio. Zarate failed to make an impact last year anyway. Lazio will continue to go strong. I hope they can focus on Europa league as well.
5. Roma. It certainly did not start well for Luis Enrique. And with the history of Spaniards in Italy, we need to be careful here. A team that could challenge for the title, but can also end up 7th.
6. Fiorentina. With focus on the league and the league only, and so many disappointments that pressure has fallen, Fiorentina is suddenly in a good position. Sinisa, look at this season as a free-kick attempt 10 metres outside the box.
7. Udinese. Always hard to predict. It's not so much about how much they will miss Sanchez as how long the winning spells will be in comparison to the losing spells.
8. Napoli. Surprisingly intact. But strong enough to handle champions league on the side, with six big games on the side? Important season for Napoli, need to convince the world they are not just a one-hit wonder.
9. Genoa. It's quite comical that Genoa has bought a player called Constant. Let's say they need a bit of that. With a new squad every year, and with most players co-owned somewhere else, it is hard to see Genoa establishing themselves as the top team they want to be. But they players with the capacuity, but not the team.
10. Cesena. Mutu! Quite a surprise, but if he uses his nose to find goals and not for other purposes, this could be exactly what Cesena needs. They play nice, free-flow football, but need to convert their chances.
11. Palermo. If it was any other team I would say that firing the new coach during pre-season would indicate that something is really wrong. In Palermo that is business as usual. But Palermo have lost players that cannot easily be replaced. A good youth academy, sure, but this season looks like a dip.
12. Parma. The year of the Giovinco? He is not a baby anymore, if it should happen for the formica atomica it should happen now.
13. Atalanta. Like the youth team they are, they tend to make a good start when they are back from serie B, and then slowly fall back. Or youth team? Actually more experienced then the other newcomers.
14. Catania. Just like a girl, the true look of the squad is more apparent without the Mascara. But Legrottaglie, if he gets fit, and Maxi Lopez, are significant acquisitions.
15. Cagliari.
16. Chievo. Underestimating Chievo is a tradition, can't just stop now.
17. Bologna. If they stay up it's thanks to di Vaio. As always
18. Lecce
19. Siena.
20. Novara. Can they surprise anyone?
The strike allowed us to await the closing of the transfer window, to sit down and analyse the squads. In particular in Italy that is important, as the clubs in general (and Genoa in particular) recently have developed a system of loans, partial ownerships and other arrangements that make a Korean chaebol look pretty straighforward.
Here's my prediction.
1. Milan. Stronger this season, in particular in defense where there are more alternatives and real fullbacks now. The absence of Mr. X means no real chance to challenge in Europe, but in a weakened Serie A they will be big favourites.
2. Inter. What can Gasperini do with this bunch? Inter was a team with more direction than any in the last few season. Last year there was no direction at all. It's a big squad, with a lot of good players, but perhaps not enough great players. Already a lot of injuries. And most of all, no Eto'o.
3. Juventus. The big signings did not happen, but it's time for Juve to have a decent season.
4. Lazio. Zarate failed to make an impact last year anyway. Lazio will continue to go strong. I hope they can focus on Europa league as well.
5. Roma. It certainly did not start well for Luis Enrique. And with the history of Spaniards in Italy, we need to be careful here. A team that could challenge for the title, but can also end up 7th.
6. Fiorentina. With focus on the league and the league only, and so many disappointments that pressure has fallen, Fiorentina is suddenly in a good position. Sinisa, look at this season as a free-kick attempt 10 metres outside the box.
7. Udinese. Always hard to predict. It's not so much about how much they will miss Sanchez as how long the winning spells will be in comparison to the losing spells.
8. Napoli. Surprisingly intact. But strong enough to handle champions league on the side, with six big games on the side? Important season for Napoli, need to convince the world they are not just a one-hit wonder.
9. Genoa. It's quite comical that Genoa has bought a player called Constant. Let's say they need a bit of that. With a new squad every year, and with most players co-owned somewhere else, it is hard to see Genoa establishing themselves as the top team they want to be. But they players with the capacuity, but not the team.
10. Cesena. Mutu! Quite a surprise, but if he uses his nose to find goals and not for other purposes, this could be exactly what Cesena needs. They play nice, free-flow football, but need to convert their chances.
11. Palermo. If it was any other team I would say that firing the new coach during pre-season would indicate that something is really wrong. In Palermo that is business as usual. But Palermo have lost players that cannot easily be replaced. A good youth academy, sure, but this season looks like a dip.
12. Parma. The year of the Giovinco? He is not a baby anymore, if it should happen for the formica atomica it should happen now.
13. Atalanta. Like the youth team they are, they tend to make a good start when they are back from serie B, and then slowly fall back. Or youth team? Actually more experienced then the other newcomers.
14. Catania. Just like a girl, the true look of the squad is more apparent without the Mascara. But Legrottaglie, if he gets fit, and Maxi Lopez, are significant acquisitions.
15. Cagliari.
16. Chievo. Underestimating Chievo is a tradition, can't just stop now.
17. Bologna. If they stay up it's thanks to di Vaio. As always
18. Lecce
19. Siena.
20. Novara. Can they surprise anyone?
Monday, 29 August 2011
Esperando na janela
[Edit: Inter bought Forlan and therefore I took them out of the equation]
The transfer window is still open but time is running out. Who will act?
Quite a few big names are not settled yet. Are we sure that Tevez is staying with City? Will Sneijder go and if so what happens to Inter? Would it not make sense for Kaka to make a move? And will Spurs finally decide to let Modric go?
That are the really big names on the supply side. On top of that, of course Scott Parker needs to find a home in the Premiership rather than the Championship, but that is another level. Even further down, a bunch of tall strikers with dubious skills (Bentner, Crouch) are still looking for a home that will welcome them with open arms.
On the demand side, I think there is some worldwide consensus (with one possible dissident) that Arsenal need to spend. Sneijder and Kaka have been mentioned there, but what about Tevez?
Spurs need to shop too, and in particular if they are to lose Luca. Parker would be a welcome addition, but he doesn't really compare to Modric. A tough situation for Spurs, as even if they hold on to Modric there is a clear risk that he will have a so-so season.
Milan, yes, here Galliani will have lost quite a bit of credibility if there is no Mr. X - which seems to be the case. But Ganso is still to sign someone, I have not given up my hopes yet.
Örebro fans are waiting by the window too. And we wait...
The transfer window is still open but time is running out. Who will act?
Quite a few big names are not settled yet. Are we sure that Tevez is staying with City? Will Sneijder go and if so what happens to Inter? Would it not make sense for Kaka to make a move? And will Spurs finally decide to let Modric go?
That are the really big names on the supply side. On top of that, of course Scott Parker needs to find a home in the Premiership rather than the Championship, but that is another level. Even further down, a bunch of tall strikers with dubious skills (Bentner, Crouch) are still looking for a home that will welcome them with open arms.
On the demand side, I think there is some worldwide consensus (with one possible dissident) that Arsenal need to spend. Sneijder and Kaka have been mentioned there, but what about Tevez?
Spurs need to shop too, and in particular if they are to lose Luca. Parker would be a welcome addition, but he doesn't really compare to Modric. A tough situation for Spurs, as even if they hold on to Modric there is a clear risk that he will have a so-so season.
Milan, yes, here Galliani will have lost quite a bit of credibility if there is no Mr. X - which seems to be the case. But Ganso is still to sign someone, I have not given up my hopes yet.
Örebro fans are waiting by the window too. And we wait...
Friday, 26 August 2011
Oh what can it mean?
A daydream believer he is, our Zlatan. And a homecoming king.
A Swedish journalist just dubbed Zlatan "the boy who was condemned to walk his life in circles". An elegant way of putting it. There is something very predestined about him. Wherever he goes, he wins the national title. Wherever he goes, he fails to win the Champions League. And wherever he goes, he will always come back to where he just were. Here's the story of Zlatan:
2001: leaves Malmö for Ajax, but claims that one day he will play for Inter.
2004: leaves Ajax for Juve
Autumn 2004: paired with Ajax in the Champions League group stage
2006: leaves Juve for Inter
Since Juve has been relegated, it takes a year before he gets a new re-union in "il derby d'Italia".
2009: leaves Inter for Barca with the motivation that he wants to win the Champions League
Autumn 2009: Paired with Inter in the Champions League group stage, and in the spring the two team face each other again in the seminfinal. Inter go on to win the whole tournament.
2010: leaves Barca for Milan
Back to the city where he became the most shining star in Serie A, but playing for the rival team. And oh, this is what happens four minutes into his first derby for Milan. Plus:
Autumn 2010: is paired with his old team Ajax and his old coach Mourinho in the Champions League group stage.
Autumn 2011: First, the biggest homecoming of them all. Then: paired with Barcelona (now Champions again) in the Champions League group stage. Camp Nou may not respond in the same way.
A Swedish journalist just dubbed Zlatan "the boy who was condemned to walk his life in circles". An elegant way of putting it. There is something very predestined about him. Wherever he goes, he wins the national title. Wherever he goes, he fails to win the Champions League. And wherever he goes, he will always come back to where he just were. Here's the story of Zlatan:
2001: leaves Malmö for Ajax, but claims that one day he will play for Inter.
2004: leaves Ajax for Juve
Autumn 2004: paired with Ajax in the Champions League group stage
2006: leaves Juve for Inter
Since Juve has been relegated, it takes a year before he gets a new re-union in "il derby d'Italia".
2009: leaves Inter for Barca with the motivation that he wants to win the Champions League
Autumn 2009: Paired with Inter in the Champions League group stage, and in the spring the two team face each other again in the seminfinal. Inter go on to win the whole tournament.
2010: leaves Barca for Milan
Back to the city where he became the most shining star in Serie A, but playing for the rival team. And oh, this is what happens four minutes into his first derby for Milan. Plus:
Autumn 2010: is paired with his old team Ajax and his old coach Mourinho in the Champions League group stage.
Autumn 2011: First, the biggest homecoming of them all. Then: paired with Barcelona (now Champions again) in the Champions League group stage. Camp Nou may not respond in the same way.
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Great Balls of Fire II
Time for the Champions League draw.
First, to all Swedes that are depressed over Malmö not qualifying: be careful what you wish for. Even though Malmö convinced at home, they were utterly thrashed away to a team that will be ranked as one of the worst in the group stage. Imagine what would happen if Malmö got there. The squad is performing as a mid-table team in Sweden. I think we need a team that at least is the best in the country to represent us if we are ever to have a team in the Champions League again.
Example: Let's say Malmö would have qualified and would have been drawn against a mid-ranked team from all all seeding groups. That would mean a group consisting of, say, Bayern Munich, Benfica and Manchester City. Good luck.
Now Malmö will play in Europa League: the play offs are played tonight but let's say that if the big teams go through (and some of them are in serious trouble, an average group would consist of Sporting Lisbon, Celtic and Dinamo Bucharest. Tough, but possible. Swedbank Stadium will be similarly full, and Malmö will feel that they are there to move to the next level, not to act as a sand bag.
Now to the upcoming draw. I will not attempt to guess what UEFA will do to get the most exciting draw, but I note that my Milan had all reasons in the world to support Udinese last night. Not just because Serie A is slipping in the rankings, but also because Arsenal's qualification pushed Milan down to the group of second seeds.
Which means that Milan could face a group of Barca, Milan, Manchester City and Dortmund, for example. Best possible draw now would be Arsenal, Bate Borisov (what a night they had. Winning away to Sturm Graz and at the same time have UEFA declaring that Trabzonspor will replace Fenerhahce - pushing Bate Borisov up to the third seeds) and Otelul Galati.
Here are all the teams. Let's analyse more after the draw this afternoon.
First, to all Swedes that are depressed over Malmö not qualifying: be careful what you wish for. Even though Malmö convinced at home, they were utterly thrashed away to a team that will be ranked as one of the worst in the group stage. Imagine what would happen if Malmö got there. The squad is performing as a mid-table team in Sweden. I think we need a team that at least is the best in the country to represent us if we are ever to have a team in the Champions League again.
Example: Let's say Malmö would have qualified and would have been drawn against a mid-ranked team from all all seeding groups. That would mean a group consisting of, say, Bayern Munich, Benfica and Manchester City. Good luck.
Now Malmö will play in Europa League: the play offs are played tonight but let's say that if the big teams go through (and some of them are in serious trouble, an average group would consist of Sporting Lisbon, Celtic and Dinamo Bucharest. Tough, but possible. Swedbank Stadium will be similarly full, and Malmö will feel that they are there to move to the next level, not to act as a sand bag.
Now to the upcoming draw. I will not attempt to guess what UEFA will do to get the most exciting draw, but I note that my Milan had all reasons in the world to support Udinese last night. Not just because Serie A is slipping in the rankings, but also because Arsenal's qualification pushed Milan down to the group of second seeds.
Which means that Milan could face a group of Barca, Milan, Manchester City and Dortmund, for example. Best possible draw now would be Arsenal, Bate Borisov (what a night they had. Winning away to Sturm Graz and at the same time have UEFA declaring that Trabzonspor will replace Fenerhahce - pushing Bate Borisov up to the third seeds) and Otelul Galati.
Here are all the teams. Let's analyse more after the draw this afternoon.
| Manchester Utd |
| Barcelona |
| Chelsea |
| Bayern |
| Arsenal |
| Real Madrid |
| Porto |
| Inter |
| Milan |
| Lyon |
| Shaktar |
| Valencia |
| Benfica |
| Villareal |
| CSKA Moscow |
| Marseille |
| Zenit |
| Ajax |
| Leverkusen |
| Olympiakos |
| Manchester City |
| Lille |
| Basel |
| Bate Borisov |
| Dortmund |
| Napoli |
| Dinamo Zagreb |
| Apoel |
| Trabz |
| Genk |
| Plzen |
| Otelul Galati |
Thursday, 28 July 2011
Fixing the fixtures
I have never fully understood the process for establishing the Serie A fixtures. It is not a draw for certain, or maybe there's partially a draw. As I said, I'm not sure. Does anyone know? Or is it better not to know?
What I do know is that almost every year, Milan and Lazio face off somewhere around the 2nd and the 4th round. And that usually the Milan derby takes place fairly late in the season.
This year, Napoli's president according to reports petitioned that Napoli should not play against big teams the week after a Champions League week. He was unsuccessful. At the early stage of the season, Napoli will play both Milan and Inter after a Champions League week. That made president Aurelio De Laurentiis so angry that he left the buidling, and asked a random passer-by on a motorcycle for a ride away from there, mumbling that he was ashamed to be an Italian and that he would go back to producing movies.
An amusing and yet confusing story. Are you allowed to make such petitions? And why being so upset? Not only Napoli but also the opponents Milan and Inter will play in the Champions League that week, and we do not know yet which of the teams will get one day more of rest than the other.
What I take away from the draw (or whatever it is) is that even if Milan would straggle behind Inter this season, we should still have a decent hope if we are six points behind with two games to go. The season ends with the derby della madonnina in round 37, and on the last day Inter travel to Rome to play Lazio. They did that also in 2002, with a chance of securing the title, and I will never forget these beautiful scenes. The Inter-loser days may be over, but Italians have a hard time ignoring the curse of history.
What I do know is that almost every year, Milan and Lazio face off somewhere around the 2nd and the 4th round. And that usually the Milan derby takes place fairly late in the season.
This year, Napoli's president according to reports petitioned that Napoli should not play against big teams the week after a Champions League week. He was unsuccessful. At the early stage of the season, Napoli will play both Milan and Inter after a Champions League week. That made president Aurelio De Laurentiis so angry that he left the buidling, and asked a random passer-by on a motorcycle for a ride away from there, mumbling that he was ashamed to be an Italian and that he would go back to producing movies.
An amusing and yet confusing story. Are you allowed to make such petitions? And why being so upset? Not only Napoli but also the opponents Milan and Inter will play in the Champions League that week, and we do not know yet which of the teams will get one day more of rest than the other.
What I take away from the draw (or whatever it is) is that even if Milan would straggle behind Inter this season, we should still have a decent hope if we are six points behind with two games to go. The season ends with the derby della madonnina in round 37, and on the last day Inter travel to Rome to play Lazio. They did that also in 2002, with a chance of securing the title, and I will never forget these beautiful scenes. The Inter-loser days may be over, but Italians have a hard time ignoring the curse of history.
Friday, 20 May 2011
The third man
Got inspired to write this after reading on the Swedish fansite http://www.svenskafans.com/ about Allegri's midfield formation which in itself is not out of the ordinary in modern football. Just like for instance Örebro SK, he is playing a three-man midfield a cleaner, a runner and a creator. Svenska fans are writing well (in Swedish though) about who will play where in those three positions. That's not what this post is about but in brief, based on what we have now (and Pirlo leaving) it looks like follows (bold means primary position, non-bold means playable in that position)
Cleaner: van Bommel, Ambrosini, Thiago Silva
Runner: Boateng, Flamini, Gattuso, Emanuelson, Strasser
Creator: Seedorf, Merkel
Seedorf is rumoured to be on his way out and Merkel is still too young. So a new player is absolutely needed there.
But you saw in bold Boateng's name in the "runner" role. The problem is all spring Boateng has been playing in the trequartista role behind the strikers, and he has done so well. It was only when Allegri placed Boateng here that the team started to play convincingly. So although I agree that Boateng's playing style is really best cut for the running midfielder role - there is a huge unknown here (and finally I'm about to get to the point):
Who will be the third man in the attack?
We assume we have the three midfielders we have discussed above (and that Milan has signed a good creator). We also assume that Milan will play with two strikers (Ibrahimovic and Pato) and that the midfield will be supported by two attacking full-backs (Abate and new Taiwo).
One role remains and who will be played there will pretty much determine Milan's style of playing next year. Here are the main options:
So who is the third man? Floor's open
Cleaner: van Bommel, Ambrosini, Thiago Silva
Runner: Boateng, Flamini, Gattuso, Emanuelson, Strasser
Creator: Seedorf, Merkel
Seedorf is rumoured to be on his way out and Merkel is still too young. So a new player is absolutely needed there.
But you saw in bold Boateng's name in the "runner" role. The problem is all spring Boateng has been playing in the trequartista role behind the strikers, and he has done so well. It was only when Allegri placed Boateng here that the team started to play convincingly. So although I agree that Boateng's playing style is really best cut for the running midfielder role - there is a huge unknown here (and finally I'm about to get to the point):
Who will be the third man in the attack?
We assume we have the three midfielders we have discussed above (and that Milan has signed a good creator). We also assume that Milan will play with two strikers (Ibrahimovic and Pato) and that the midfield will be supported by two attacking full-backs (Abate and new Taiwo).
One role remains and who will be played there will pretty much determine Milan's style of playing next year. Here are the main options:
- The top of the midfield diamond. This is pretty much how Milan played this spring. Boateng is the only player that did really well in that role, which is not really a trequartista but rather a powerful midfielder that operates in the centre, deep. I have not seen Strasser and Merkel enough to judge them, but I pretty much thing Boateng is the only option if this is how we want to play. Flamini could do it but I would not want him there.
- The number 10. This would be a more attacking player, and a player who gets and distributes a lot of balls. A Rui Costa, for those who read the post yesterday. Cassano could play in that role but he is for obvious reasons not a reliable player. We can't build a team around him, but when on form he could be useful in particular at home against bottom of the table teams. If we want to play a number 10, we should buy a number 10. And maybe that is what Ganso is all about
- The fast and furious. I find a tad odd to play a winger centrally. I don't want anyone in this position, but I'm listing it as this is how Robinho was played for most of the first half of the season. You get little creativity for the strikers and almost no ball-winning skills (although defensively this role could be useful with a player who can cut of much of the midfield with his runs)
- The three man attack. A three-man attack would in many ways be an attractive option. Only problem is that would mean playing Pato in a winger/striker position, which is not ideal. And playing Ibra on the wing is unthinkable. But with one of them out injured (or banned...) I would like to see two wingers around them. Robinho could play to the left. Surely the rumours about Ronaldo are to be ignored but there could be some substance in the rumours about Gareth Bale. In particular if Milan finds a strong "creator" on the left of the midfield, it would be useful to play a winger with defensive back-up skills.
So who is the third man? Floor's open
Thursday, 19 May 2011
il Metron'oumo
I'm not really ready to fully comment on the Milan transfer season just despite a flurry of activity which in particular includes the contract extensions of Super-Pippo Inzaghi (!), Nesta, van Bommel and Thiago Silva. Very good.
But. As per an OT comment to a previous post, we now also need to say farewell to Andra Pirlo, 32 years of age this very day. I can see why both parties see mutual benefit in a separation. Andrea has played very little this season. Mostly due to injury but he clearly does not fit Allegri's style of playing. And he is quite an expense with a salary around Euro 6 million a year. Nevertheless. It feels sad.
The story of Pirlo in Milan is a beautiful one. Pirlo actually came to Milan from archrivals Inter back in 2001. According to Wikipedia he made 22 performances in black and blue but I can only remeber one, for a static Inter that lost the Champions League qualifyer in 2000 to Helsingborg (by the way the last time a Swedish club qualified for the group stage, pretty unimpressive). Then he went on loan back to his youth club Brescia and when he joined Milan as a 22-year old it was a bit unclear what we had purchased: the biggest promise in the game or a pretty could-have-been boy? He had not scored for a long time when he joined Milan (in fact he never scored a goal for Inter) and despite playing regularly for Inter as a teen starlet, the career hadn't really taken off.
The first season at Milan was also tough on the young lad. Milan in 2001 was a club that - apart from the magnificant spring in 1999 that surprisingly won us the scudetto and two unbelieveble derbies in 2000 - really had not shown much since 1994. OK, there was another scudetto in 1996 but Milan had not been shining like they used to. Strange players had been signed (of course with exceptions like Sheva) and although expectations were always high - the fans' confidence in the club's transfer policy was low.
In 2001, things were supposed to be different. Terim was brought on as coach and he brought with him Rui Costa, the regista of registas, a players who is cut for one role and one role only - the number 10 behind 2 strikers.
The problem for Pirlo was - this is where he was playing too. Pirlo was brought on as a Rui Costa understudy and if there was any doubt about that Ancelotti (who soon replaced the Terim) could not be any cleared when he said he would only play Rui Costa and Pirlo together when he was allowed to field 12 players. Must have been a huge confidence boost for young Andrea who had actually shone when given the odd chance.
But then Ancelotti made what must be up there on the list of "most brilliant football manager moves of all time" (any contributions, anyone?). When the season 2002-2003 started, there they were together: Rui Costa in his regular number 10 role and Andrea Pirlo as a deep miedfielder or a high libero if you will.
Football coaches since then have been talking about the "Pirlo role". With Pirlo as the conductor of the Milan game we were admitteldly at times a tad slow but still Pirlo was the pace-setter that eventually set Milan back on track with a Champions League and cup title 2003, Scudetto 2004, Champions League final in 2005 and another Champions League title in 2007. In between, he played the exact same role for the Italy that won the 2006 world cup and it was his brilliant passing game and touch in that tournament that made his a household name world wide.
He is not expected to sign for Juventus. It will be strange seeing him in the Juve colours but nevertheless I wish him all the best. And I thank you Andrea, for this.
And of course Andrea should thank his Sancho Panza during all these years. But we are not saying goodbye to him just yet. I hope.
But. As per an OT comment to a previous post, we now also need to say farewell to Andra Pirlo, 32 years of age this very day. I can see why both parties see mutual benefit in a separation. Andrea has played very little this season. Mostly due to injury but he clearly does not fit Allegri's style of playing. And he is quite an expense with a salary around Euro 6 million a year. Nevertheless. It feels sad.
The story of Pirlo in Milan is a beautiful one. Pirlo actually came to Milan from archrivals Inter back in 2001. According to Wikipedia he made 22 performances in black and blue but I can only remeber one, for a static Inter that lost the Champions League qualifyer in 2000 to Helsingborg (by the way the last time a Swedish club qualified for the group stage, pretty unimpressive). Then he went on loan back to his youth club Brescia and when he joined Milan as a 22-year old it was a bit unclear what we had purchased: the biggest promise in the game or a pretty could-have-been boy? He had not scored for a long time when he joined Milan (in fact he never scored a goal for Inter) and despite playing regularly for Inter as a teen starlet, the career hadn't really taken off.
The first season at Milan was also tough on the young lad. Milan in 2001 was a club that - apart from the magnificant spring in 1999 that surprisingly won us the scudetto and two unbelieveble derbies in 2000 - really had not shown much since 1994. OK, there was another scudetto in 1996 but Milan had not been shining like they used to. Strange players had been signed (of course with exceptions like Sheva) and although expectations were always high - the fans' confidence in the club's transfer policy was low.
In 2001, things were supposed to be different. Terim was brought on as coach and he brought with him Rui Costa, the regista of registas, a players who is cut for one role and one role only - the number 10 behind 2 strikers.
The problem for Pirlo was - this is where he was playing too. Pirlo was brought on as a Rui Costa understudy and if there was any doubt about that Ancelotti (who soon replaced the Terim) could not be any cleared when he said he would only play Rui Costa and Pirlo together when he was allowed to field 12 players. Must have been a huge confidence boost for young Andrea who had actually shone when given the odd chance.
But then Ancelotti made what must be up there on the list of "most brilliant football manager moves of all time" (any contributions, anyone?). When the season 2002-2003 started, there they were together: Rui Costa in his regular number 10 role and Andrea Pirlo as a deep miedfielder or a high libero if you will.
Football coaches since then have been talking about the "Pirlo role". With Pirlo as the conductor of the Milan game we were admitteldly at times a tad slow but still Pirlo was the pace-setter that eventually set Milan back on track with a Champions League and cup title 2003, Scudetto 2004, Champions League final in 2005 and another Champions League title in 2007. In between, he played the exact same role for the Italy that won the 2006 world cup and it was his brilliant passing game and touch in that tournament that made his a household name world wide.
He is not expected to sign for Juventus. It will be strange seeing him in the Juve colours but nevertheless I wish him all the best. And I thank you Andrea, for this.
And of course Andrea should thank his Sancho Panza during all these years. But we are not saying goodbye to him just yet. I hope.
Monday, 9 May 2011
Allegro...lento...moderato...Tempo I
Mixed emotions from this weekend.
On the one hand, Milan won their 18th scudetto, the first since 2004 and their first title since Champions League since 2007. That is pretty big. But we knew it would happen at some stage and watching a recording of a goalless game in the middle of the night, slightly tipsy and with my wife asleep downstairs, was not really the receipe for a scudetto party.
On the other, Örebro suddenly look like a team that will not be in the title chase this year. When you lose games when you have 78% possession, you will not win the league. That's pretty much all I heard from Friday night's game, the result made me so depressed I can't even read about it. Heard Bedoya scored again - and he will probably leave the club for bigger and more important things (according to him) very soon. Misery.
And so Spurs, another team incapable of making use of possession and dominance in general. What a terrible spring Spurs have had. Everton's win gave a little, little opening for chasing down City, but that little glimmer of hope lasted for just a few hours. Then we drew Blackpool, the worst team in the league after Christmas. At home. With Bale injured. Misery.
So let's focus on the Champions and what made them Champions.
Since I will go on about this for quite some time below and may lose most of you on the way (but hey, there will be hyperlinks to violent actions), here's a summary:
Before this blog existed I made yet another very bad prediction of Serie A. I will come back to that when it's all over, but for AC Milan I predicted a fourth spot, with the motivation "No indication that anything will improve on last year, but maybe we will not have to suffer from naiive tactics with Leonardo gone". That was on 14th August. Then in order of chronology (and arguable in order of importance), the following happened:
A self-confident statement by a self-confident man.
But look at his record since he left Sweden in 2001 (ignoring that Juventus lost their scudetti of 2005 and 2006 after calciopoli):
I think there is quite a consensus as to what Zlatan brought to the pique-nique. A winning mentality, goals created out of nothing, the feeling of a mercenary soldier that can carry a whole army on his shoulders. Without Zlatan, Allegri could have been out of the title race, Champions League, and possibly his job, before Christmas.
But as the autumn turned into winter, Milan started to find something new. Allegri put one of Pato and Robinho on the bench and played a midfielder in the role of the trequartista. The one that did it best was Kevin Prince Boateng. The tactical change (which Leonardo would not have done with a gun against his forehead) enabled Milan to gain possession quickly, to maintain possession and to attack with more depth. Despite a season with enourmous injury problems, Allegri has developed a Stilo Milan. It works, most pieces are there, some pieces are still missing but it is pretty easy to see what needs to be done in the transfer market to turn this into a team that is ready to compete on the European scene next year.
On the one hand, Milan won their 18th scudetto, the first since 2004 and their first title since Champions League since 2007. That is pretty big. But we knew it would happen at some stage and watching a recording of a goalless game in the middle of the night, slightly tipsy and with my wife asleep downstairs, was not really the receipe for a scudetto party.
On the other, Örebro suddenly look like a team that will not be in the title chase this year. When you lose games when you have 78% possession, you will not win the league. That's pretty much all I heard from Friday night's game, the result made me so depressed I can't even read about it. Heard Bedoya scored again - and he will probably leave the club for bigger and more important things (according to him) very soon. Misery.
And so Spurs, another team incapable of making use of possession and dominance in general. What a terrible spring Spurs have had. Everton's win gave a little, little opening for chasing down City, but that little glimmer of hope lasted for just a few hours. Then we drew Blackpool, the worst team in the league after Christmas. At home. With Bale injured. Misery.
So let's focus on the Champions and what made them Champions.
Since I will go on about this for quite some time below and may lose most of you on the way (but hey, there will be hyperlinks to violent actions), here's a summary:
- Winning the 6-point games. 12 points out of 12 against the other title challengers Inter and Napoli is really what won it
- Allegri finding a new Milan identity
- Zlatan showing winning mentality before Milan had found that new Milan identity
- Clarence Seedorf (on my order!) waking up from the dead
- van Bommel creating balance when a raft of injuries tore apart the midfield
- Pato maintaining the goal scoring record
- Last but not least, Thiago Silva, being the best (?) defender in the game
Before this blog existed I made yet another very bad prediction of Serie A. I will come back to that when it's all over, but for AC Milan I predicted a fourth spot, with the motivation "No indication that anything will improve on last year, but maybe we will not have to suffer from naiive tactics with Leonardo gone". That was on 14th August. Then in order of chronology (and arguable in order of importance), the following happened:
- 21 Aug: I got married.
- 28 Aug: Zlatan signs for AC Milan on a loan+option deal
- 31 Aug: Robinho signs for AC Milan
A self-confident statement by a self-confident man.
But look at his record since he left Sweden in 2001 (ignoring that Juventus lost their scudetti of 2005 and 2006 after calciopoli):
- 2001/2002, Ajax: Champion
- 2002/2003, Ajax: runner-up
- 2003/2004, Ajax: Champion
- 2004/2005, Juventus: Champion
- 2005/2006, Juventus: Champion
- 2006/2007, Inter: Champion
- 2007/2008, Inter: Champion
- 2008/2009, Inter: Champion
- 2009/2010, Barcelona: Champion
- 2010/2011, Milan: Champion
I think there is quite a consensus as to what Zlatan brought to the pique-nique. A winning mentality, goals created out of nothing, the feeling of a mercenary soldier that can carry a whole army on his shoulders. Without Zlatan, Allegri could have been out of the title race, Champions League, and possibly his job, before Christmas.
But as the autumn turned into winter, Milan started to find something new. Allegri put one of Pato and Robinho on the bench and played a midfielder in the role of the trequartista. The one that did it best was Kevin Prince Boateng. The tactical change (which Leonardo would not have done with a gun against his forehead) enabled Milan to gain possession quickly, to maintain possession and to attack with more depth. Despite a season with enourmous injury problems, Allegri has developed a Stilo Milan. It works, most pieces are there, some pieces are still missing but it is pretty easy to see what needs to be done in the transfer market to turn this into a team that is ready to compete on the European scene next year.
- Starting from the front, Zlatan/Pato has the potential of being a very prolific couple up front. Two problems to tackle though: Pato is not a clever footballer. And Zlatan does not respect Pato as he is not a clever footballer. The couple should now spend the summer finding inspiration with Helena and Barabara, and then return to pre-season camp full of ambition to shape their respective roles on the squad for next year. Cassano and Robinho are not bad alternatives behind them. And Pippo, if he stays alive and fit.
- In the trequartista role, Boateng works. He is not a fantastic footballer, but a type cast for the role. He has found confidence, his feet look better than before, and he has the physique and the smartness to get into the box without marking over and over again. He should polish his finishing this summer
- On the three-man midfield, the long serving trio Pirlo, Ambrosini and Gattuso did not play much due to injuries. OK, Gattuso played quite a bit, but constantly with new constellations and with varying result. The two men that really made the mark were instead two old Dutchmen. Seedorf, who sometime in February/March started to play at the level we know he has, and van Bommel, who took the responsibility of the achieving balance in the midfield. Allegri should think a bit on what to do with the midfield next season. The Dutchmen played so well they need to be considered for the starting line up, but who will complement them? Pirlo, who wants to be both the balance (van Bommel) and the creativity (Seedorf) of the midfield? What to do with the two loyal warriors Gattuso and Ambrosini? The overpaid Flamini? Are the youngsters Emanuelson, Strasser and Merkel what we need for the future? They have not proven it yet. Emanuelson may be a better alternative as full back, actually
- In the defence line, Abbiati has become a reliable goalie. Apart from being a fascist, there's little not to like about him. Thiago Silva and Nesta are a fantastic central defence. Yepes has proven a good replacement, but Sokratis must. The full backs were for long the biggest problem. That problem looks half solved as Abate during this season has finally managed to control his feet, yet maintain his speed. On the left side, we need a class player. Coentrao is the top of my list, but if Bale needs to leave Spurs Milan should be his next home
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Whining like Barca - scheming like Mou
Pretty nice football weekend coming up with Chelsea-Spurs on Saturday late afternoon and then a massive clash Milan-Bologna and Arsenal-Man Utd on Sunday afternoon. Milan is a must see if they can secure the scudetto, if not it could be one of those nervous games that are pretty painful to watch. And then AIK-ÖSK on Monday, live in Stockholm hopefully.
We need a good weekend after a pretty disappointing Champions League week. Just like in the quarter finals, the second legs now feel like they belong to an old tired dog. This year's Champions League has been pretty underwhelming for the most part. Without any intention of being objective I rank Bale's three last halves against Inter as the top moment of the tournament. Together with watching the inevitable draw for the last 16 from the Maldives, the runner-up is Arsenal-Barca. Otherwise the the drama has been missing, in the group stage as well as in the knock-out phase. And with the wrong sides winning. A Neuer (I did not come up with Manu Knighted, so I should not use it) clean sheet and a Mourinho-20%-possession-1-0-win would have felt so much better, in particular as Barca have a team of pretending-to-be-good-boys that are really a bunch of cheaters and whiners. Although they can pass the ball. And run with it (too lazy to insert hyperlinks, I assumed you watched and know what I'm talking about).
The coaches of my teams have interesting selection problems for this weekend.
Even if I have ruled out Spurs' chances of making it to the Champions League, we must go for a win against Chelsea. We should therefore afford to try something new now when the uninspired Assou-Ekotto finally has picked up an injury. So how do we fill the gap?
I would like to see Bale playing left back, but basically assigning the entire left corridor to him. This will allow us not to be outnumbered by the Chelsea midfiled, playing Tom Huddle, Sandro (I'm still to watch him play well but they say he has been decent lately) and Modric centrally.
Lennon comes back in on the right, vdV gets a starting position to the left but with freedom to move into the box, and Crouchie dominates Terry in the air. Little bit of a 4-2-3-1: Gomes - Corluka, Dawson, Gallas, Bale - Sandro, Huddlestone - Lennon, Modric, van der Vaart - Crouch.
In the case of Milan, they need to adjust to having Ibrahimovic back. I would like to see him besides Cassano with Boateng behind.
Örebro needs to survive yet another game without the prolific Haddad. I would really like to see Atashkadeh get a chance to run the crap out of the AIK defenders for as long as his fuel lasts. Then Paulinho comes on and Rama moves in centrally. I don't believe in Lushtaku as a centre-forward, I really don't. Centrally, the phasing out of Kihlberg is overdue. I would like to give Nilsson another chance from the start.
Thus Alvbåge - Haginge (lets wait one more game before we start with Anttonen), Almebäck, Wikström, Wowoah - Bedoya, Nilsson, Gerzic - Astvald, Atashkadeh, Rama. On the bench Nurme, Anttonen, Wirtanen, Nordback, Kihlberg, Lushtaku, Paulinho.
We need a good weekend after a pretty disappointing Champions League week. Just like in the quarter finals, the second legs now feel like they belong to an old tired dog. This year's Champions League has been pretty underwhelming for the most part. Without any intention of being objective I rank Bale's three last halves against Inter as the top moment of the tournament. Together with watching the inevitable draw for the last 16 from the Maldives, the runner-up is Arsenal-Barca. Otherwise the the drama has been missing, in the group stage as well as in the knock-out phase. And with the wrong sides winning. A Neuer (I did not come up with Manu Knighted, so I should not use it) clean sheet and a Mourinho-20%-possession-1-0-win would have felt so much better, in particular as Barca have a team of pretending-to-be-good-boys that are really a bunch of cheaters and whiners. Although they can pass the ball. And run with it (too lazy to insert hyperlinks, I assumed you watched and know what I'm talking about).
The coaches of my teams have interesting selection problems for this weekend.
Even if I have ruled out Spurs' chances of making it to the Champions League, we must go for a win against Chelsea. We should therefore afford to try something new now when the uninspired Assou-Ekotto finally has picked up an injury. So how do we fill the gap?
I would like to see Bale playing left back, but basically assigning the entire left corridor to him. This will allow us not to be outnumbered by the Chelsea midfiled, playing Tom Huddle, Sandro (I'm still to watch him play well but they say he has been decent lately) and Modric centrally.
Lennon comes back in on the right, vdV gets a starting position to the left but with freedom to move into the box, and Crouchie dominates Terry in the air. Little bit of a 4-2-3-1: Gomes - Corluka, Dawson, Gallas, Bale - Sandro, Huddlestone - Lennon, Modric, van der Vaart - Crouch.
In the case of Milan, they need to adjust to having Ibrahimovic back. I would like to see him besides Cassano with Boateng behind.
Örebro needs to survive yet another game without the prolific Haddad. I would really like to see Atashkadeh get a chance to run the crap out of the AIK defenders for as long as his fuel lasts. Then Paulinho comes on and Rama moves in centrally. I don't believe in Lushtaku as a centre-forward, I really don't. Centrally, the phasing out of Kihlberg is overdue. I would like to give Nilsson another chance from the start.
Thus Alvbåge - Haginge (lets wait one more game before we start with Anttonen), Almebäck, Wikström, Wowoah - Bedoya, Nilsson, Gerzic - Astvald, Atashkadeh, Rama. On the bench Nurme, Anttonen, Wirtanen, Nordback, Kihlberg, Lushtaku, Paulinho.
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
On a more positive note...
Milan are now 8 points clear with four games to play. There is even a chance of Milan becoming champions this coming weekend. Inter and Napoli both play on Saturday, Inter away to Cesena, Napoli at home to Genoa. If both fail to win, Milan will be champions if they beat Bologna at home.
If that does not happen, Milan will have plenty of more match points to come. Hopefully the scudetto can be sealed soon so that Milan can focus on the cup and the domestic double that Milan, the club that claims to have won more titles than any other, have in fact never won (Milan have won the European cup more often than the Italian one).
If that does not happen, Milan will have plenty of more match points to come. Hopefully the scudetto can be sealed soon so that Milan can focus on the cup and the domestic double that Milan, the club that claims to have won more titles than any other, have in fact never won (Milan have won the European cup more often than the Italian one).
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Not-so-many-points week
Örebro, Spurs and Milan have all played at home this week and have managed to score a total tally of no less than seven goals. So a nine-point week, you may think? Nope. 2.
It is with a surreal feeling that I am more important to this world than I sometimes think that I from time to time see some sort of link in what my three companions are doing. Right now, that higher power that is only focussed on me has imposed "sloppy defending" on my teams. That's not so good.
Where did that all come from? OK, Milan deserved it. They played Soktratis in defense in front om the not so solid Amelia. But Spurs. Dawson, you better learn how to anticipate the runs of the Wilcots of this world, cuz they are faster than you!
And Örebro. Actually, that's where it all came from. That's how I annoyed that man in the sky. Örebro was first out this week, playing bottom team Gefle at home. Somewhere around the end of the first half, Gothenburg scored against Helsingborg. My and my fellow Örebro fans were sitting there complaining over the lack of speed in attack, but I noted that we are now the only team in allsvenskan with a clean sheet. It was a super-jinx. A super-jinx it was (that one is for you Sam).
Almebäck came out in the second half looking like he had been boozing hard at half time. Örebro started to score, but what does that help when Gefle were handed three chances on a silver plate and converted them all?
And so, last night, Spurs are playing electric attacking football for a full game. They scored three. They could have scored six or seven. They conceded three. They could have conceded 10. Gomes is at times the best keeper there is. But then he isn't. Cause the best keeper is he who makes no mistake. That is not the Gomes of spring 2011. I am afraid that is the main difference with Spurs in the spring of 2010. The finishing from van der Vaart and Huddlestone was clinical, but what does that help when sub-par defending probably cost us a new champions league spot?
Örebro plays Häcken tonight. Häcken in swedish means the bush (more or less, the kind that is planted in a garden) but for some reason that may be strange to non-natives it is also the nickname for one's behind. As good a reason as any to shape up the defense. We need three points or we are falling behind. I doubt it, though.
Since this article was borderline blasphemous, I end this with my best wishes for a happy Easter.
It is with a surreal feeling that I am more important to this world than I sometimes think that I from time to time see some sort of link in what my three companions are doing. Right now, that higher power that is only focussed on me has imposed "sloppy defending" on my teams. That's not so good.
Where did that all come from? OK, Milan deserved it. They played Soktratis in defense in front om the not so solid Amelia. But Spurs. Dawson, you better learn how to anticipate the runs of the Wilcots of this world, cuz they are faster than you!
And Örebro. Actually, that's where it all came from. That's how I annoyed that man in the sky. Örebro was first out this week, playing bottom team Gefle at home. Somewhere around the end of the first half, Gothenburg scored against Helsingborg. My and my fellow Örebro fans were sitting there complaining over the lack of speed in attack, but I noted that we are now the only team in allsvenskan with a clean sheet. It was a super-jinx. A super-jinx it was (that one is for you Sam).
Almebäck came out in the second half looking like he had been boozing hard at half time. Örebro started to score, but what does that help when Gefle were handed three chances on a silver plate and converted them all?
And so, last night, Spurs are playing electric attacking football for a full game. They scored three. They could have scored six or seven. They conceded three. They could have conceded 10. Gomes is at times the best keeper there is. But then he isn't. Cause the best keeper is he who makes no mistake. That is not the Gomes of spring 2011. I am afraid that is the main difference with Spurs in the spring of 2010. The finishing from van der Vaart and Huddlestone was clinical, but what does that help when sub-par defending probably cost us a new champions league spot?
Örebro plays Häcken tonight. Häcken in swedish means the bush (more or less, the kind that is planted in a garden) but for some reason that may be strange to non-natives it is also the nickname for one's behind. As good a reason as any to shape up the defense. We need three points or we are falling behind. I doubt it, though.
Since this article was borderline blasphemous, I end this with my best wishes for a happy Easter.
Monday, 18 April 2011
Weekend wrap-up
Back in business after holidays, quite a bit of catching up to do. Let's start with AC Milan where an unlikely hero is about to hand us the first scudetto since 2004. When Zlatan is busy collecting red cards and Pato is busy collecting valentine cards Clarence Seedorf is busy doing exactly what I asked him to do a couple of months back. Milan are on a winning streak and the recent wins are very much thanks to fantastic appearances from good old Clarence. Together with another former Sampa man, Cassano, Clarence bagged easy three points for us on a weekend where all results went Milan's way. Five more games to play, two very difficult ones (Roma and Udinese away) and three absolutely doable ones remain. Milan should be able to get 10 points out of that. And if they do, it will not matter if Napoli win all their five (mostly difficult) games. The scudetto is really really close now. Injuries on Abbiati and Pato are worries, but with Clarence on fire I doubt that will change much.
The only game I watched this weekend was El Clasico act 1. Good to see Mourinho back to coaching the football that he knows works. I will be fun to watch the rest. How good was Pepe? Man of the match performance, no doubt.
Spurs did not play last weekend, and given their form of late that is probably for the best. North London derby coming up, and hopefully Arsenal will be disillusioned from losing the title battle in the 102nd minute on Sunday. More of that later.
Then, gamla fina Örebro. Gefle coming to town today, and anything but a continuation of the perfect record so far would be most disappointing. We need more speed in the offense than we showed against Syrianska though. But I would not mind seeing more of this. Speaking of a perfect record. Two games is not a whole lot, but Örebro is a notrious slow starter and we can actually talk of a record start already.
This is where we have been after two games over the last years:
2011: 6 points
2010: 3 points
2009: 0 points
2008: 3 points
2007: 2 points
2006: 6 points (2nd division)
2005: 3 points (2nd division)
2004: 0 points (and a 3-10 goal difference)
2003: 0 points
2002: 1 point
2001: 2 points
2000: 2 points
1999: 1 point
1998: 0 points
1997: 4 points
1996: 0 points
1995: 4 points
1994: 4 points
1993: 3 points
1992: 4 points
1991: 4 points
1990: 4 points
1989: 4 points
Not since 1968 has Örebro started a season in the top division with two wins. We opened with five straight wins that time. Just sayin'. This could be the year for the real thing.
The only game I watched this weekend was El Clasico act 1. Good to see Mourinho back to coaching the football that he knows works. I will be fun to watch the rest. How good was Pepe? Man of the match performance, no doubt.
Spurs did not play last weekend, and given their form of late that is probably for the best. North London derby coming up, and hopefully Arsenal will be disillusioned from losing the title battle in the 102nd minute on Sunday. More of that later.
Then, gamla fina Örebro. Gefle coming to town today, and anything but a continuation of the perfect record so far would be most disappointing. We need more speed in the offense than we showed against Syrianska though. But I would not mind seeing more of this. Speaking of a perfect record. Two games is not a whole lot, but Örebro is a notrious slow starter and we can actually talk of a record start already.
This is where we have been after two games over the last years:
2011: 6 points
2010: 3 points
2009: 0 points
2008: 3 points
2007: 2 points
2006: 6 points (2nd division)
2005: 3 points (2nd division)
2004: 0 points (and a 3-10 goal difference)
2003: 0 points
2002: 1 point
2001: 2 points
2000: 2 points
1999: 1 point
1998: 0 points
1997: 4 points
1996: 0 points
1995: 4 points
1994: 4 points
1993: 3 points
1992: 4 points
1991: 4 points
1990: 4 points
1989: 4 points
Not since 1968 has Örebro started a season in the top division with two wins. We opened with five straight wins that time. Just sayin'. This could be the year for the real thing.
Monday, 11 April 2011
9 point weekends
Im not sure whether this concept is familiar to you. A 9 point weekend is the perfect weekend (since i am a married man I should specify "in football terms"). In other words, Orebro, tottenham and Milan win their weekend games. Usually there are only two or three of these in a year, but if things are to turn out the way we want them to we will need more in the next coming weeks. I am writing from an ipad so i will haeve to come back later with more details of the games. For now, lets just enjoy the first 9 point weekend of the year.
Saturday, 2 April 2011
The Trojan horse
What Leonardo could not do for us as a coach for Milan he is now doing for as an Inter coach.
We could have scored 10 goals tonight. Although we should be proud of the way Pato devastated the Inter defense with his deep and diagonal runs, the way van Bommel dictated the pace on the midfield, the sublime control of Seedorf, Gattuso’s passing (!) and Abate’s crossing accuracy (!), it is clear that one man alone decided the outcome of this game before it was played.
Leonardo did just what we hoped he would do. He was anti-Mourinho. He left a huge gap in front of the back four. When neither Cambiasso nor Motta were ordered to fall low, Ranocchia and Chivu had to push up higher and became vulnerable deep where they could not cope with the speed of Pato and Robinho. School boy coaching. Like playing one central defender against on form Rooney last year. Or pushing forward relentlessly with ten men against Mourinho-Inter.
Thank you, Leo. We always knew where your heart is. Now we have figured out where best to deploy your brain.
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Is there life after Maldini?
Jersey number 3 is sitting there, somewhere, at Milanello. It has been reserved to the Maldini family forever. Of the two sons, the oldest Christian has always taking his responsibility. He is a defender playing for Milan's youth team of boys born in 1996. Younger brother Daniel is playing as a striker with the 2001 squad. We have been aware of his talent for a while (Eli, I give you two years to practice), but it is too early to tell what it will lead to. The third Maldini is my cat. He showed potential early on, but he is a whining so much that I should rename him Totti.
So we're left with young Christian for now. I may be viewed as putting too much pressure on a 14-year old but we put our trust in the Maldinis like the yellow hat buddhists put their trust in Dhalai Lama. And his development is becoming slightly worrying.
Christian has been playing for successful Milan teams with very tight defenses since he was very young. It all looked very promising. But now Christian is at an age where he should soon be ready for the A squad, let alone the Primavera. He will have reached the age when his dad made his Serie A debut on 8 January 2013. The youth national team should come knocking at the door. They are, and they are asking for Cristian but Cristian without an h after the c. Who that?
I am still to figure out whether Cristian Galliani is a relative of Adriano, can anyone help me out? Is it the offspring of Uncle Fester that is really the next one?
So we're left with young Christian for now. I may be viewed as putting too much pressure on a 14-year old but we put our trust in the Maldinis like the yellow hat buddhists put their trust in Dhalai Lama. And his development is becoming slightly worrying.
Christian has been playing for successful Milan teams with very tight defenses since he was very young. It all looked very promising. But now Christian is at an age where he should soon be ready for the A squad, let alone the Primavera. He will have reached the age when his dad made his Serie A debut on 8 January 2013. The youth national team should come knocking at the door. They are, and they are asking for Cristian but Cristian without an h after the c. Who that?
I am still to figure out whether Cristian Galliani is a relative of Adriano, can anyone help me out? Is it the offspring of Uncle Fester that is really the next one?
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
The most important derby ever
We say that quite often (but not as often as the Spaniards say that about El Clasico).
Quite often you can make a case for it. Either because one or both teams have had a bad season and see the derby as a season saver, or because something bigger is also at stake. This time it is no doubt the latter. Clearly lo scudetto will stay in Milan and the question whether it will be blue or red that accompagnies the black is very much depdendent on Saturday night's game. The title has not been fought out between the two since the 1992/93 season, when both derbys ended in draws and Milan won the title four points clear of Inter. That meant Milan levelled the total tally of scudetti to 13 each. If Milan win this season, they would level again to 18 each. So "ever" is really since 1993. Or the Champions League encounters in 2003 and 2005. Or the face-savers in 2001. Have your pick. It is a bloody important game.
I'm sure you can read in many places that this game always ends up with a draw. But it doesn't. Of the last 14 derbys, Milan have won 7, Inter 7. So likely there will be a winner and that winner will be the title favourite. If there is a draw, Milan will have the upper hand but given recent form, I would say Inter will be a slight favourite.
So what speaks for and against the two?
Milan have many reasons to be worry. Ibrahimovic is banned. Even though with his recent form that may not be a disadvantage, the reason why Milan are where they are is very much thanks to him. The midfield is still plagued by injuries, Pirlo may be back on the bench but will not start and Ambrosini is still out. Milan's sad set of fullbacks hae also had another setback with the injury of Jankulovski.
On the plus side, Milan have an in-form, solid pair of central defenders, Tiago Silva is the best player of the team for the moment and Nesta is back in match form. Those two in front of Abbiate is Milan's strength. Up front, Pato has been prolific and let's hope he stays that way even though he will hear a lot, I mean a lot, from the Inter supporters on his love affair with the president's daughter. But neither Pato nor Robinho are the cool, cynical players you need in a derby. And Cassano on the bench, oh well.
What speaks for Milan is really what speaks against Inter. Leonardo when at Milan was a lousy lousy coach in the big games. Faced against Ferguson and Mourinho last season he was so clearly outbrained that it was truly embarassing. I hope there is a bit of that still in him, Inter survived against Bayern but no one can claimed they did it through clever play. And we know where his heart is.
What speaks for Inter is really two the class of Eto'o and the class of Sneijder. And that can take them quite a long way. My prediction is that those two will decide the game.
I think we will lose the Madonnia, 1-2 or 2-3, and then the scudetto. And I usually bet with my heart (see previous posts). With Midwest parental control switched on: Dang.
Quite often you can make a case for it. Either because one or both teams have had a bad season and see the derby as a season saver, or because something bigger is also at stake. This time it is no doubt the latter. Clearly lo scudetto will stay in Milan and the question whether it will be blue or red that accompagnies the black is very much depdendent on Saturday night's game. The title has not been fought out between the two since the 1992/93 season, when both derbys ended in draws and Milan won the title four points clear of Inter. That meant Milan levelled the total tally of scudetti to 13 each. If Milan win this season, they would level again to 18 each. So "ever" is really since 1993. Or the Champions League encounters in 2003 and 2005. Or the face-savers in 2001. Have your pick. It is a bloody important game.
I'm sure you can read in many places that this game always ends up with a draw. But it doesn't. Of the last 14 derbys, Milan have won 7, Inter 7. So likely there will be a winner and that winner will be the title favourite. If there is a draw, Milan will have the upper hand but given recent form, I would say Inter will be a slight favourite.
So what speaks for and against the two?
Milan have many reasons to be worry. Ibrahimovic is banned. Even though with his recent form that may not be a disadvantage, the reason why Milan are where they are is very much thanks to him. The midfield is still plagued by injuries, Pirlo may be back on the bench but will not start and Ambrosini is still out. Milan's sad set of fullbacks hae also had another setback with the injury of Jankulovski.
On the plus side, Milan have an in-form, solid pair of central defenders, Tiago Silva is the best player of the team for the moment and Nesta is back in match form. Those two in front of Abbiate is Milan's strength. Up front, Pato has been prolific and let's hope he stays that way even though he will hear a lot, I mean a lot, from the Inter supporters on his love affair with the president's daughter. But neither Pato nor Robinho are the cool, cynical players you need in a derby. And Cassano on the bench, oh well.
What speaks for Milan is really what speaks against Inter. Leonardo when at Milan was a lousy lousy coach in the big games. Faced against Ferguson and Mourinho last season he was so clearly outbrained that it was truly embarassing. I hope there is a bit of that still in him, Inter survived against Bayern but no one can claimed they did it through clever play. And we know where his heart is.
What speaks for Inter is really two the class of Eto'o and the class of Sneijder. And that can take them quite a long way. My prediction is that those two will decide the game.
I think we will lose the Madonnia, 1-2 or 2-3, and then the scudetto. And I usually bet with my heart (see previous posts). With Midwest parental control switched on: Dang.
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Kiss the duck - he might become a prince (and not the Boateng kind)
I'm sure someone has tried to list the most influential women in male football, but I have not seen it. If there is one I would guess that around 8 out of 10 are reporters and quite possibly not all that bad looking. I may have missed something here but as far as I know the world of football club management has been one of the tighest patriarchies there is. Not surprising, perhaps, but all the more interesting then that two of my three football clubs now have women in very important positions.
Rose-Marie Frebran in effect took charge of Örebro SK in 2004. The club was on the verge of bankruptcy and was relegated to the second division. I had a few dealings with Rose-Marie at the time, and it was pretty clear from the outset that she was, quite frankly, da shit. She picked up the pieces, mended them together and started to shape a profit-making club that improves year on year, financially as well as in sporting terms, when other clubs are essentially in the gutter. Already in 2008 Rose-Marie was elected Governor for the Örebro Region. Give her a media conglomerate and we have an Örebro Berluschina right there.
Then there is the real Berluschina. Now, Barbara Berlusconi will have a bumpier trip on her way to respect. The crown princess first seemed to consider AC Milan as daddy's useless little toy. We saw the good old "22-men-chasing-a-ball" rhetoric, and many Milan fans believed la Berluschina was bound to run the club into a disaster. Holding on to daddy's toy because he would not let her get rid of it, but not nursing it. The worst of two worlds.
Then suddenly, Barbara started to pay attention to the club. She became a regular at San Siro. The rumours that she favoured one player over the others have been going on for a while. Felt like the patriarchy hitting back. But now we know better. Even the female apple does not need to fall far from the tree. All uphill from here, Barbara.
Rose-Marie Frebran in effect took charge of Örebro SK in 2004. The club was on the verge of bankruptcy and was relegated to the second division. I had a few dealings with Rose-Marie at the time, and it was pretty clear from the outset that she was, quite frankly, da shit. She picked up the pieces, mended them together and started to shape a profit-making club that improves year on year, financially as well as in sporting terms, when other clubs are essentially in the gutter. Already in 2008 Rose-Marie was elected Governor for the Örebro Region. Give her a media conglomerate and we have an Örebro Berluschina right there.
Then there is the real Berluschina. Now, Barbara Berlusconi will have a bumpier trip on her way to respect. The crown princess first seemed to consider AC Milan as daddy's useless little toy. We saw the good old "22-men-chasing-a-ball" rhetoric, and many Milan fans believed la Berluschina was bound to run the club into a disaster. Holding on to daddy's toy because he would not let her get rid of it, but not nursing it. The worst of two worlds.
Then suddenly, Barbara started to pay attention to the club. She became a regular at San Siro. The rumours that she favoured one player over the others have been going on for a while. Felt like the patriarchy hitting back. But now we know better. Even the female apple does not need to fall far from the tree. All uphill from here, Barbara.
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