tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87519976169885292042024-02-06T08:55:05.600-08:00World Football On The NetUpdate News and Issue About World FootballUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-19265206236428353382010-06-05T15:44:00.000-07:002010-06-05T15:49:57.954-07:00muscular GatotkacaWho would deny the talent of Arjen Robben as one of the best attacking midfielders at the moment? None. However, people also will be difficult to refuse if Robben referred to as the injury-prone player. Therefore, he called fragile glass broken leg.<br /><br />These are two circumstances that surrounded his career this mercurial wing over the last five seasons. When purchased on the official declared in August 2009, there were quite some think that Bayern Munich gamble. However, not many of them claimed that Robben is the best purchase to supplement the power they have today.<br /><br />He considered going to complement the capabilities Franck Ribery on the left side of the Bayern attack. Robben is true enough skilled relying left foot when mounted on the right side.<br /><br />Indeed promising immediate action came a day after official costumed Bayern. Robben melakoni sweet debut. Two goals in the match versus printed successful Wolfsburg. Robben's presence at the same time give Bayern their first win this season after three games only twice and once lost the series.<br /><br />"He (Robben) will make our team more attractive," said Bayern president Uli Hoeness. "He is one of the best attacking midfielders Europe. He's always in the list of players we want. Squads would be perfect with Robben on the right side and Franck Ribery on the left side."<br /><br />Robben was no less pleased to be joined by Bayern. Although initially somewhat reluctant to move from Real Madrid, he finally decided to move to Germany earlier this season.<br /><br />"I felt very welcome here. Bayern are a big club full of great history and I'm glad to be here," he said.<br /><br />Rose rapidly after injury<br />Robben with Bayern honeymoon lasted only about one month alone. When melakoni game against Juventus in the Champions League (30/09/2009), Robben lying in the middle of the field and should ditandu. Otherwise a severe right knee injury. "I think Robben injury serious enough, this really is not anything good for us," said coach Louis van Gaal.<br /><br />He could otherwise be out for four weeks. In fact, to re-sod, Robben took eight weeks. Doubled from the previous prediction. He's only played as a substitute again in early December 2009.<br /><br />Just recovered a few weeks, she again experienced problems in his legs. When Bayern doing exercises on the sidelines of winter break in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in January, Robben returned grinning in the middle of the field.<br /><br />Lucky, both injuries were not as bad as the first. However, Robben was still save the trauma caused by injury at the end of 2009 it Septrember. So, when Philipp Lahm made a tackle him in a practice session, in January last, emotions Robben got hooked. Both got involved and pushed the argument.<br /><br />However, it is just emotional moment. After the exercise, the heat was already yawning. "That's a normal thing. The exercise was like that, nothing extraordinary. After practice, our relationship was fine," said Robben told Bild.<br /><br />The incident was in fact a momentum of rise pascacedera Robben. When Bayern return to play after the winter break, Robben is always revealed as a starter. In fact, not only that, his performance on the field was very impressive. Several times a inspirator success Robben Bayern won three digits.<br /><br />In the last five games Bayern in the Bundesliga 1, Robben was always played in the first minute. In fact, the four most recent matches, Robben always score goals. One of them is a crucial goal that determines the victory at home to Bayern 3-2 Werder Bremen (23 / 2). Robben also contributed goals as Bayern Greuther Furth 6-2 spVgg roll in the arena of DFB Pokal (10 / 2).<br /><br />Alleged that Robben will still always be approached injury is not yet incontrovertible. However, its performance on the field this season to cover up that he is a player "footed glass." In fact, as proclaimed Robben will replace Ribery in Bayern's game.<br /><br />Robben was not a figure of reinforced steel and wire-like muscular Gatotkaca. He also never digodog in Candradimuka crater. However, Robben still has a talent that could make it fly higher. Talent that is able to change the "glass" to "iron".Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-41658517263854953092010-06-05T15:42:00.000-07:002010-06-05T15:44:16.458-07:00robben profileArjen Robben (born January 23, 1984 at Bedum) is a wing midfielder Netherlands) which bertinggi 186 cm and body to play at Real Madrid. He strengthened timnasnya Euro 2004 and World Cup in 2006.<br /><br />Presumably their parents (either father or mother, or perhaps both - both of them) is a very racist person. This is evident from Robben's first name, "Arjen" which may be close to the "Aryan", which means the Aryan race, considering that the Netherlands was inhabited by a majority of people Arya atupun mix, but the sides remain prominent Aryanya. This is supported by physical appearance Robben high, blond and blue eyed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-43699367207504710992010-05-27T18:49:00.000-07:002010-05-27T19:05:50.545-07:00Mourinho's phenomenalJose Mourinho's phenomenal anyone who doubts his ability, would think a thousand times to say it. the fact that the team had said it could direct the underdog triumph in European football stage. <br />let alone a team of italian intermilan classmate in Jose Mourinho's first season racing directly italian pride of the nation achieve extraordinary accomplishments in the field of European football. truly remarkable ability that belongs to the the special one.<br />we can only hope this success in 2010 will be maintained in the next year.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-59530323382244683652010-02-28T17:14:00.000-08:002010-02-28T17:15:40.775-08:00Joe ColeFabio Capello has dealt a blow to the World Cup hopes of Chelsea’s Joe Cole after he left the midfielder out of his latest England squad and claimed the player "has problems".<br /><br />Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti has used Cole sparingly in recent weeks, and the 28-year-old spent the first half of 2009 on the treatment table after a serious knee injury.<br /><br />Capello suggested that Cole’s current form was the main reason for his exclusion from the squad.<br /><br />“[Joe] Cole did not play against Inter [in the Champions League] and it's not a good moment for him,” he explained to the News of the World.<br /><br />"Chelsea prefer Daniel Sturridge at the moment. Cole has problems and he's not the player I remember."<br /><br />The Italian, who included Theo Walcott in his squad, also revealed that he felt the Arsenal player was lacking in confidence but needed game time to improve.<br /><br />“I saw the last game Theo [Walcott] played, he was on for 72 minutes and did very well, but he is not in a fantastic moment,” he added.<br /><br />"He needs to regain confidence because he has lost a lot of balls. He is getting better and better, but he needs to play."<br /><br />England face Egypt on Wednesday night at Wembley in an international friendly.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-13180391719561400582010-02-22T05:10:00.000-08:002010-02-22T05:16:15.604-08:00survive until the breakEverton Successfully silenced Manchester United 1-3 at the headquarters of Everton, Goodison Park.<br /><br />This victory was the second victory of orphans David Moyes from Manchester United in 30 meetings between the two teams.<br /><br />Man United could excel in the first 16 minutes through Dimitar Berbatov.<br /><br />Everton managed to respond with an equalizer through Diniyar Bilyaletdinov thunder kick three minutes later.<br /><br />Equally strong position to survive until the break.<br /><br />In the 76th minute Everton, Dan Gosling scored the goal MU, and the position changed to Everton 1-2 for excellence.<br /><br />Toward the last minute, Jack Rodwell added goals for Everton secure victory. Rodwell scored pretty hard shot along the ground cross conquer goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar.<br /><br />With the victory, Everton getting closer to the position of the six major standings.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Manchester United themselves stuck with that loss in the second position.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-65584399988438944212010-02-13T00:56:00.000-08:002010-02-13T00:58:16.012-08:00Two goals from French strikerLouis Saha to Everton hero as Chelsea entertain at Goodison Park, Thursday (11 / 2) morning pm. Two goals from French striker was making his team win 2-1.<br /><br />However, Everton had depressed. The home team had struck after Florent Malouda had to steal a goal in minute 17, after kicking his left leg could not dammed Tim Howard.<br /><br />Everton could only respond when the game entered the 33rd minute. Louis Saha who got the ball from Landon Donovan took off hard kick that can not be driven Petr Cech.<br /><br />In minute 45, just before halftime, Everton had a chance to excel after Donovan violated Ricardo Carvalho in the penalty box. However, the forward Louis Saha as the executor failed to perform his duties well after the kick the ball successfully dammed Petr Cech.<br /><br />Saha's failure to pay on 75 minutes. Kick his left leg from a distance of more than 20 meters into the net without being able dammed Chelsea Petr Cech.<br /><br />Chelsea almost scored penyama position three minutes later. Only, Didier Drogba could not convert the chances they had, after the ball just about sundulannya the rule. Rebound the ball kicked John Terry is not on target.<br /><br />With this result, the difference in points Chelsea with their main rivals, Manchester United be trimmed into a single number. Chelsea remain with 58 points, while Manchester United with 57 points. While Everton climbed to ninth position with 35 points.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-75923802637100502122010-02-12T15:50:00.000-08:002010-02-12T15:52:10.268-08:00Impressive PlayerEmmanuel became the third striker to sign for the Blues in the summer of 2009, joining from Arsenal in the wake of other new arrivals Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz.<br /><br />After being spotted in youth teams in his home land, the Togo international began his professional career in France at Metz in 1999 and from moved to Monaco from where he was signed by the Gunners.<br /><br />Once there he made 104 first team league appearances and scored 46 goals. His record in cups for Arsenal was equally impressive as he found the net on 16 occasions in 38 starts.<br /><br />He was named African Player of the Year in 2008 and has been Togo’s player of the year for the past four seasons. In 2007-08 he won the goal of the year top prize and was voted into the Premier League’s all-star eleven.<br /><br />The 6ft 3in striker’s most productive season in the top flight came in that 2007-08 campaign when he notched 24 goals in 36 starts.<br /><br />In January 2010, Emmanuel was on the Togo team coach which was ambushed in a machine-gun attack at the African Nations Cup in Angola, when three people died. He was given compassionate leave, returning to the Club on January 24.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-38225111226054971602010-02-12T01:36:00.000-08:002010-02-12T15:17:34.462-08:00Lucrative BusinessMany of the world football leagues and fans who are crazy about football as his favorite team play supported. but do you know a lot of soccer enthusiasts who came to watch the match live really really love The Game of football is. things are really interesting to watch football that followed, turning the business. your business to know enough to Start <a href="http://www.wsn.com/">Livescore</a> while watching The Game you love.<br /><br />Many benefits that will be it with a little courage to <a href="http://www.wsn.com/">bookmakers</a> the game to get greater profits. you just follow the instructions provided to immediately start this lucrative business.<br /><br />Enjoyed watching football now would not be boring anymore because now a lot of advantages. surely you would agree with this, after a visit www.wsn.com. you should watch acmilan against Udinese and predict who the winner like that and get your business transactions, if you feel sure who won.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-75405345124798426712010-02-07T17:22:00.000-08:002010-02-07T17:29:16.443-08:00Pep StrategyAfter leading the 'B' side to promotion to Segunda División B, Guardiola revealed that Ronaldinho, Deco, Samuel Eto'o and others were not part of his plans for next season. By the time of the announcement, Guardiola had already offloaded full back Gianluca Zambrotta to Milan, attacking midfielder Giovani dos Santos to Tottenham Hotspur, and midfielder Edmílson to Villarreal. Deco went to Chelsea, while the iconic Ronaldinho was sold to Milan. Lilian Thuram was going to Paris Saint-Germain but the discovery of a heart condition put a stop to the move, and the veteran retired to tend to his health. Oleguer Presas signed with Ajax, Santiago Ezquerro was released by Barça and Marc Crosas was sold to Celtic. The fate of Samuel Eto'o took much of the summer to unravel, with the Cameroonian linked with several clubs, but Guardiola finally declared that he would stay after his dedication in training and participation in the pre-season.<br /><br />Under Guardiola's new leadership, several new signings were made. Dani Alves and Seydou Keita arrived from Sevilla, Martín Cáceres from Villarreal by way of Recreativo, Gerard Piqué returned from Manchester United, and Aliaksandr Hleb was signed from Arsenal. Henrique was also signed from Palmeiras, but was immediately loaned out to Bayer Leverkusen.<br /><br />Guardiola's first competitive game as coach was in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, in which Barça comfortably beat Polish club Wisła Kraków 4–0 at home. FC Barcelona was defeated 1–0 in Kraków, but progressed with a 4-1 aggregate victory. Promoted Numancia also defeated FC Barcelona in the opening match-day of the La Liga, but the team then went on an undefeated streak for over 20 matches to move to the top of the league. Barça would maintain their spot atop La Liga's table, securing their first league title since 2006 when Real Madrid lost at Villareal on May 16, 2009.<br />Josep Guardiola celebrating Barcelona's 2009 UEFA Champions League Final with Manuel Estiarte.<br /><br />The league title was the second piece of silverware in Guardiola's first season at the Camp Nou. On May 13, 2009, Barcelona won the Copa del Rey, defeating Athletic Bilbao 4-1.<br /><br />Guardiola finished the season by leading Barça to the final of the Champions League, where they beat Manchester United 2–0. In doing so, they became the first Spanish club to win the domestic cup, league, and European club titles (the treble) in the same season. Furthermore, Guardiola became the youngest coach ever to coach a Champions League winning team.<br /><br />Guardiola has shown preference to playing a 4-3-3 system, the same system used by Frank Rijkaard. In interviews with the press, his players stressed a harder work ethic than before, but also a more personal approach during training and a closer relationship with their new coach.<br /><br />On September 26, FC Barcelona gave Pep Guardiola his 50th professional victory, away against Málaga.<br /><br />Later, Guardiola would coach the first team to 6 title victories in one year, becoming the first manager ever to do so. These include the Spanish League, Copa del Rey, Champions League, Spanish Super Cup, European Super Cup, and World Club Cup.<br /><br />On 20 January 2010, Guardiola agreed to a one-year contract extension that would keep him with Barcelona until the end of the 2010-11 season.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-73431998640646550982010-02-07T17:15:00.000-08:002010-02-07T17:20:35.220-08:00Pep ProfileJosep "Pep" Guardiola i Sala (Catalan pronunciation: [ʑuˈzɛp ɡwəɾˈðjɔɫə]; born 18 January 1971 in Santpedor, Barcelona, Catalonia) is a former Spanish football midfielder and current FC Barcelona manager. He spent the majority of his playing career with Barcelona, and was part of Johan Cruyff's dream team that won FC Barcelona's first European Cup. He was captain of the club for the final four years of his time with Barcelona. Guardiola also played for, among others, Brescia Calcio, A.S. Roma, Al-Ahli and Dorados de Sinaloa. As an international, Guardiola played for Spain and some friendly exhibition games for Catalonia. After retiring as a player, Guardiola became coach of FC Barcelona B. On 8 May 2008, Barcelona president Joan Laporta announced that Guardiola would succeed Frank Rijkaard as the first team manager. He signed his contract on 5 June 2008. In his first season as manager, FC Barcelona won the treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. In doing so, Guardiola became the youngest UEFA Champions League winning manager ever. The following season, Guardiola and Barcelona won the Supercopa de España against Athletic Club Bilbao, the UEFA Super Cup against Shakhtar Donetsk, and the FIFA Club World Cup against Estudiantes, bringing the manager's tally to a perfect six trophies in six competitions thus completing the first ever sextuple.<br /><br />Guardiola joined La Masia aged 13 and rose through the ranks at the youth academy of Barcelona for six years, making his début in 1990 against Cádiz. As Phil Ball writes in Morbo,<br /><br /> "In his first week at the club, Cruyff turned up unannounced at the 'Mini' stadium, a venue just down the road from Camp Nou used by the youth and B teams. Just before half-time he wandered into the dug-out and asked Charly Rexach, the youth team manager at the time, the name of the young skinny lad playing on the right side of midfield. 'Guardiola – good lad' came the reply. Cruyff ignored the comment and told Rexach to move him into the middle for the second half, to play as pivote, a difficult position to adapt to and one not used by many teams in Spain at the time. 'Pep' Guardiola adjusted immediately, as Cruyff had suspected he would, and when he moved up into the first-team in 1990 he became the true fulcrum of the Dream Team."<br /><br />Johan Cruyff utilised the young defensive midfielder in the absence of the suspended Guillermo Amor. He became a first team regular in the 1991-92 season and at only 20 years old was a key component of a side that won La Liga, the European Cup and the Spain national side that triumphed at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. The prestigious Italian magazine Guerin Sportivo heralded Guardiola as the finest player in the world under the age of 21.<br /><br />Cruyff's Dream Team went on to retain the La Liga title in the 92-93 and 93-94 seasons. The side was strengthened by the recent signing of Romário, again reached the UEFA Champions League Final, but were humbled by Capello's Milan in Athens, and lost the match 0-4.<br /><br />Cruyff left in 1996, with FC Barcelona finishing 4th in the 1994-95 season and 3rd in the 1995-96 season, but Guardiola retained his position at the center of FC Barcelona's midfield. In the 1996-97 season, FC Barcelona, this time ledd by Bobby Robson, won three cups - the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Super Cup and the Cup Winners' Cup. Much of the Dream Team had by this time left, with new signings such as Luís Figo and Ronaldo taking over from Hristo Stoichkov and Txiki Begiristain. At the end of the 1996-97 season, FC Barcelona rejected offers from A.S. Roma and Parma F.C. (of around 300 million pesetas)[citation needed] for Guardiola. After prolonged and complicated contract talks, Guardiola signed a new contract with the Catalan club which extended his stay until 2001. His buyout clause was fixed at 15.000 million pesetas, the second highest in the Spanish league.<br /><br />A calf muscle injury ruled Guardiola out of most of the 1997-98 season, in which FC Barcelona won a league and cup double under new manager Louis van Gaal. He returned to action the following season and FC Barcelona once again won the league thanks largely to the performances of Rivaldo and Figo.[original research?] On 8 June 1998, Guardiola underwent surgery to try to solve once and for all the problems that he was experiencing with his calf which had led to him missing the 1998 FIFA World Cup for Spain. A largely disappointing 1999-00 season ended once again in surgery as Guardiola missed the last three months of the season due to a serious ankle injury.<br /><br />FC Barcelona didn't win any silverware during the 2001 season and finished fourth place in the league, but qualifying for the Champions League. On 11th of April 2001, FC Barcelona's captain announced his intention to leave the club after 17 years of service. He stated that it was a personal decision and, in part, a response to what he perceived as football heading in a new, more physical, direction.[cite this quote] On 24 June 2001, Guardiola played his last match with Barça in the last game of the season against Celtic.<br /><br />Guardiola played 479 games for the club, in 12 seasons in the Barcelona first team, winning 16 trophies. At the press conference after the Celtic game, he said: "It's been a long journey. I'm happy, proud, happy with the way people treated me and I have made many friends. I cannot ask for more. I have had many years in the elite. I did not come to make history but to make my own history."[cite this quote] Guardiola was slow, but intelligently gifted with skill and foresight, rarely scored goals but set up from difficult positions on the field,[original research?] he won six league titles, a European Cup and Olympic gold, amongst other numerous trophies. Born in the Catalan town of Santpedor, schooled barely 100 metres from Camp Nou and resident at La Masia, the traditional farmhouse that stands incongruously in its shadow, he was a part of a gifted side Barcelona produced, ordering, constructing, constantly moving the ball. He has been called the hero of a number of Spain's current midfielders, as Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta and Cesc Fàbregas[3] has stated that Guardiola was his role model and hero.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-68621812805255159542010-01-28T15:49:00.000-08:002010-01-28T15:57:26.388-08:00Tevez returnTevez scintillating performance in the City during December and then make the award rewarded Barclays Player of the Month.<br /><br />In eight games in the month, Tevez scored eight goals in all competitions. He also appeared consistent and always be inspired assault team.<br /><br />Since migrate from sekota club, Manchester United, Tevez returned to find his best game and started becoming a favorite among fans The Citizens.<br /><br />"I am pleased with this trophy because it proves that I always wanted to give the best if given a chance," he said through the official club website.<br /><br />"I also want to reward my teammates, without them I could not get this trophy. Then, I'll keep trying to play my best and give the best for the City."<br /><br />In the meantime, the best manager award in December acquired Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-55160318054774699732010-01-22T00:30:00.000-08:002010-01-22T00:34:38.328-08:00hell for the visitorsManchester Lagabola - Arsenal recorded its first defeat this season at Old Trafford. Manchester United the host managed to reduce gun the Gunners after a 2-1 victory thanks to first miss. After the two parties with the victory, Arsenal had been lost during a visit to the stable MU, Sunday (30/8/2009). This defeat came after winning first Arsenal goal by Andrei Arshavin in the first half.<br /><br />MU himself managed to rise in the second round. Wayne Rooney managed to equalize from a white point. Previously, he was overthrown by Manuel Almunia so the referee pointed to the white point. The host then managed to reverse the position this time own goal by Abou Diaby. Starting from the violation of Darren Fletcher on the right ribs, Ryan Giggs sent a ball Diaby headlong into Almunia's goal. Arsenal faction had cheered after Robin van Persie's goal shook the MU in minutes injury time. Hell for the visitors, annul the referee for offside.<br /><br />In those games were born nine yellow cards, six for Arsenal while three for MU. Additional thanks to these three points, Manchester United climbed to the rank of three kemenanga standings with three and one defeat. While Arsenal down to fifth position, despite playing only three parties.<br /><br />Match path<br /><br />Emmanuel Eboue became the first player to kick off in front of the opponent's goal area, although he was kicking the release of the 18-meter distance to the goal in the 2nd minute was wide off the mark. Arsenal got a free kick at minute 5 and was taken by Andrei Arshavin. Ben Foster jump to reach the ball, but did not catch the eye. However, he managed to grab the second attempt.<br /><br />MU records first opportunity in the 9th minute. After trying it slowly to find a gap in front of Arsenal, Wayne Rooney leads the ball to Darren Fletcher who went with spurn first time. However, the direction is still rising. In minute 23, Gael Clichy mistake in front of goal could be exploited almost MU players, although Manuel Almunia and then managed to catch the ball. A minute ago, turns MU goal attempt in jeopardy through Robin van Persie and Arshavin.<br /><br />MU got a free kick in the 32nd minute after Patrice Evra William Gallas dropped just outside the penalty area. Rooney free kick executed while the ball is still widening. Five minutes before the break, Arsenal winning. From the kick hard outside the penalty box, Arshavin is not well managed terkawal make goals. Foster tried to put a halt to stretch the ball but failed. Shortly before halftime, MU Arsenal tried to strike. However, no replies goals born until the referee blew the whistle signaled the end the first half.<br /><br />Three minutes into the second half, Arshavin feedback from the left rib successfully led to van Persie who continued with the goal sontekan at close range. Lucky for MU, Foster was able to readily hold the ball into the goal with his foot. Chelsea get a penalty in the 57th minute after Almunia drops Rooney in the forbidden box. Almunia can and Rooney a yellow card which was also the executor of an equalizer.<br /><br />Arsenal almost ahead again in the 61st minute free kick by Van Persie. The ball hit the crossbar sepakannya MU. MU turned excel in minute 64. Giggs free kick to the face posted net Abou Diaby instead headlong into his own team's goal. MU led 2-1. Other opportunities MU produced in minute 69. Ji Sung Park's new attraction in sending feedback where the overlapping Evra was waiting and opened fire. But Almunia still be secure.<br /><br />Dimitar Berbatov is signed in the last ten minutes had a golden chance in injury time. From the counter-attack, Berba waste a golden opportunity when Almunia had to face in front of him as far sepakannya widened. Present a similar opportunity a few moments later. From the counter-attack, Nani got the ball at the line of fire, but ran aground in the hands sepakannya Almunia. The second opportunity was then still wasted. Arsenal actually managed to break into Chelsea's goal in the last minute by Van Persie. However, the line judge had raised his flag after seeing Gallas offside position. This decision is disappointing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is right to leave his seat. Chelsea 2, Arsenal 1.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-14716660612585593732010-01-21T06:29:00.000-08:002010-01-21T06:31:42.153-08:00a fantastic reactionChelsea CEO Ron Gourlay said here assess former coach Jose Mourinho's team will get a warm welcome when carrying Inter Milan visit Stamford Bridge in the last 16 of the Champions League.<br /><br />Mourinho does have a chance reunited with Chelsea after the draw last 16 of Champions League Uefa yesterday made to reconcile the Inter with The Blues.<br /><br />Action will be very emotional for the Portuguese man because he had to carve an impressive achievement for Chelsea before polishing deposed in 2007.<br /><br />A number of impressive achievements that have offered to make Gourlay said here convinced Mourinho at Stamford Bridge former Porto coach was going to get a warm welcome.<br /><br />"I'm sure Jose will get a fantastic reaction from our fans. But in the end it is the opposite and we will try to win the two fight it," said Gourlay said here.<br /><br />Gourlay said here also considered action of the Inter Chelsea would be fantastic because both teams are championship pemuncak in the Premier League and Serie A.<br /><br />"This is fantastic. This is a discussion (meeting Inter and Chelsea) when I arrived here this morning and it happened. It's fantastic for the fans and lovers of football and it will be very spectacular. I'm sure," said Gourlay said here.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-6914228698328181142009-10-22T17:40:00.000-07:002009-10-22T18:22:14.068-07:00after draw with Dynamo KievSamuel Eto'o had a pop at Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho after their 2-2 draw with Dynamo Kiev.<br /><br />Inter's Champions League hopes now hang in the balance and Eto'o admits he can't understand why Mourinho refused to attack Dynamo from the start last night.<br /><br />Eto'o told Tuttosport: "Inter isn't cursed in the Champions League. We always take the wrong approach in matches.<br /><br />"Why start with one centre-forward when two strikers are best for playing at home?!!"<br /><br />Andriy Shevchenko will return to the San Siro on Tuesday to face old rival Inter Milan and Jose Mourinho, his former coach at Chelsea.<br /><br />After eight seasons with AC Milan, Shevchenko is returning to his former stadium with Dynamo Kiev for the Champions League game in Group F.<br /><br />Champions League<br />Group Stage Matchday 3<br />Tue., Oct. 20<br />Matchday Wrap Matchday Photos<br />Debreceni 3-4 Fiorentina Recap<br />Alkmaar 1-1 Arsenal Recap<br />Liverpool 1-2 Lyon Recap<br />Barcelona 1-2 Rubin Kazan Recap<br />Inter Milan 2-2 Dynamo Kiev Recap<br />Rangers 1-4 Unirea Urziceni Recap<br />Stuttgart 1-3 Sevilla Recap<br />Olympiakos 2-1 Standard Recap<br />Wed., Oct. 21<br />Matchday Wrap Matchday Photos<br />CSKA Moscow 0-1 Man United Recap<br />Real Madrid 2-3 AC Milan Recap<br />Chelsea 4-0 Atletico Madrid Recap<br />Bordeaux 2-1 Bayern Munich Recap<br />Juventus 1-0 Maccabi Haifa Recap<br />Wolfsburg 0-0 Besiktas Recap<br />FC Zurich 0-1 Marseille Recap<br />FC Porto 2-1 APOEL Recap<br />CHAMPIONS LEAGUE VIDEO<br /><br />Shevchenko has scored 14 goals in his career against Inter, with his favorite being the one that earned Milan a spot in the 2003 final, which he then won with a penalty kick in the shootout victory over Juventus.<br /><br />"I'm just hoping to score in the 15th minute with Dynamo," Shevchenko said.<br /><br />Barcelona leads the group with four points. Dynamo is next with three points, followed by Inter with two and Rubin Kazan with one.<br /><br />Inter was satisfied after holding defending champion Barcelona to a 0-0 draw in its opener but somewhat disappointed with its 1-1 draw in Rubin in its last European outing.<br /><br />"There are still four games remaining in group play and nothing is decisive tomorrow," Mourinho said.<br /><br />Inter striker Mario Balotelli picked up two yellow cards against Rubin and will miss the Dynamo match. With Diego Milito questionable as he returns from a thigh strain, Mourinho is hoping Samuel Eto'o can play despite a bruised right foot.<br /><br />"Samuel will be in the team no matter what," Mourinho said. "As for Milito, there was a glimmer of hope that he could be ready."<br /><br />Midfielder Thiago Motta is also out.<br /><br />Inter beat Genoa 5-0 Saturday in Serie A but midfielder Esteban Cambiasso picked up a muscle problem and is now a questionable starter.<br /><br />Dejan Stankovic, who scored a spectacular goal from midfield against Genoa, and newly signed Wesley Sneijder will probably support Eto'o in attack if the Cameroon striker can play.<br /><br />Otherwise, Mourinho may have to revert to reserve forward David Suazo, or move the versatile Stankovic into a more attacking position.<br /><br />Inter president Massimo Moratti claimed Inter could beat Barcelona at the Camp Nou if it plays the way it did against Genoa.<br /><br />"We've got to aim for four victories and we're capable of pulling that off," Moratti said.<br /><br />Dynamo beat Rubin 3-1 in its opener and then lost at Barcelona 2-0.<br /><br />"Dynamo wants to advance. It's a young team but it always knows how to fight, and that's what I like about it," Shevchenko told the Gazzetta dello Sport. "I know Mourinho and his strong points well. Inter is very solid, it's got that classic Mourinho organization and very skillful players."<br /><br />Shevchenko struggled under Mourinho during a brief spell at Chelsea, but said he doesn't "have anything personal" against the manager.<br /><br />Shevchenko scored the winner in Dynamo's 2-1 derby win over Obolon Kiev on Saturday, and his first goal against Inter came on his derby debut almost exactly a decade ago, during a 2-1 Milan win in 1999.<br /><br />"The Champions League is a competition for champions. We faced the champions of Spain and the champions of Russia and tomorrow we meet the champions of Ukraine," Mourinho said. "Half of their team is on the national side and the other players are also of high quality.<br /><br />"This team has everything - they're physical, organized well and have a skillful and experienced coach (Valeri Gazzaev), speed on the flanks and best two center forwards in Ukraine in attack," Mourinho added. "We'll do all we can, with the awareness that in football it only takes a few split seconds to go from paradise to hell. That's what I told my players."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-45387225194476263952009-09-30T16:09:00.000-07:002009-09-30T16:12:40.894-07:00Robben suffered injuriesappearance attacking football style that was exhibited by Bayern Munich last night was incredible. this can be seen how Juventus so very overwhelmed with every attack from Bayern Munich. Munich striker Robben move swiftly and very dangerous movements, so he had to be violated and suffered injuries and had to be pulled out. the outcome of this match 0-0 to Munich vs. Juventus FC.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-71369833006670972372009-09-03T06:04:00.000-07:002009-09-03T06:09:00.301-07:00Drogba goalAn early Didier Drogba goal was enough to give Chelsea a vital 1-0 win over Juventus in their Champions League last-16 first leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.<br /><br />Chelsea came racing out of the traps and deserved the lead they took through Didier Drogba’s goal inside the first 15 minutes. Juventus’ initial response was good, though, The Old Lady coming close through Alessandro Del Piero.<br /><br />The visitors were the better side in the second period and put pressure on the Blues’ defense, but failed to create enough clear opportunities, meaning an intriguing second leg lies in store with the English side holding the advantage after tonight.<br /><br />Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink caused no surprises with his starting XI. Drogba and Nicolas Anelka joined Salomon Kalou in a three-pronged forward line, while Alex continued to deputize for the injured Ricardo Carvalho in defense. Ashley Cole returned at left-back in place of Paulo Ferreira.<br /><br />Juventus picked captain Del Piero and Amauri in attack over David Trezeguet and Vincenzo Iaquinta, while Olof Mellberg came into the defense ahead of Zdenek Grygera, who had started against Palermo at the weekend.<br /><br />The Blues made a fast start, Kalou cutting inside from left and shooting across the face of goal to give Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon an early test after just four minutes.<br /><br />Then, Jose Bosingwa found space on the right after being fed by Michael Ballack and whipped in a good cross. Drogba managed to get in front of his marker, Nicola Legrottaglie, and headed just over the bar from close-range.<br /><br />But the Italians did not heed the warnings, and, in the 12th minute, Chelsea went ahead. Frank Lampard delivered a poor free-kick from the right touchline, which Mauro Camoranesi cleared as far as Kalou 25 yards from goal.<br /><br />The Ivorian winger was determined to keep the move alive and turned to guide the ball back into the box, where Drogba was able to get onto the wrong side of Legrottaglie and scuff a shot past Buffon into the far corner of the net from just inside the penalty area.<br /><br />Drogba should have scored again four minutes later, but wasted his third golden opportunity of the opening stages. Lampard fed a corner in and Drogba, who stood completely unmarked six yards out, mistimed his header wide of the post.<br /><br />That finally seemed to galvanize the visitors, who came close to scoring twice in quick succession as they enjoyed a good spell mid-way through the first half.<br /><br />Firstly, former Chelsea midfielder Tiago swivelled well outside the box and spotted the run of Del Piero. The Portuguese slipped through a clever pass and the Italian forced Blues keeper Petr Cech into a good save.<br /><br />From the resulting corner, Del Piero’s delivery was helped on by Amauri and so nearly connected with Giorgio Chiellini at the far post. The Brazilian striker should have done better with his header, having lost Chelsea captain John Terry.<br /><br />Things quietened down as the half progressed, although Juve were still able to threaten as Camoranesi’s shot deflected narrowly over the crossbar, before Pavel Nedved shot straight at Cech from 20 yards just before half-time.<br /><br />After the break, Chelsea started well, Drogba again getting a run on Legrottaglie and heading just wide from Bosingwa’s cross, while a left-footed effort from Lampard was well held by Buffon in the 57th minute.<br /><br />For Juve, Nedved had another shot which failed to trouble Cech, before substitute Marco Marchionni rifled in an effort from 25 yards that fell just over Czech Republic international’s goal.<br /><br />Then, Del Piero and Amauri came close with headers in quick succession on 70 minutes as Juventus put pressure on the hosts without creating many clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities.<br /><br />Juve coach Clauido Ranieri seemed reluctant to alter his side’s system while they held the edge in the match, with no sign of Trezeguet until he was brought on in the 86th minute in place of Mohamed Sissoko.<br /><br />Anelka, who had a quiet night for Chelsea by his high standards so far this season, drove a powerful effort narrowly wide with three minutes to go, before Trezeguet, moments after arriving on the pitch, poorly struck wide after a clever flick by Del Piero.<br /><br />Then, in the third minute of added time, Nedved’s deflected long-range effort came so close to finding the inside of the post, but the home side held on and are in the strong position going into the second leg in Italy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-87505816245048936702009-09-02T15:33:00.000-07:002009-09-02T15:35:37.714-07:00Robben close his teamDutch winger Arjen Robben fua scored his debut goal in the fight to help Bayern Munich beat the defending champion the Bundesliga, VfL Wolfsburg 3-0 while the first league win this season yesterday.<br /><br />Robben, appeared on his debut fight, after the official sehar trafficked from Real Madrid, playing as a substitute Hamit Altintop when Bayern was leading 1-0. 12 minutes later, after passing one another in cooperation with Franck Ribery, a former pillar of the break Chelsea goalkeeper Wolfsburg goalkeeper Diego Benaglio for the second time.<br /><br />Bayern dominated the game from the beginning whistle. Golden opportunities Bastian Schweinsteiger had launched a sundulannya on the pole before Mario Gomez, the Bundesliga's most expensive player, the team packed up the opening goal after the ball anticipate vomit from Altintop on 27 minutes.<br /><br />Robben close his team victory in the 80th minute. "I never imagined could be perfect in his debut fight. Bayern Munich all the players play perfectly. We controlled the game, "bungah Robben who trafficked with the official price Rp 227 billion, Sunday (30 / 8).<br /><br />"Franck Ribery and I played solid. He is a great player and we need it. "<br /><br />Bayern, who began the week 14th in the Bundesliga after playing poorly at the beginning of the season for 43 years, crept into the 7th position with a score of five points from four matches. Wolfsburg, perched on rank 6 with a score of 6 after receiving their second defeat this season.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-36798355635648889102009-09-02T15:31:00.000-07:002009-09-02T15:35:37.719-07:00who crossed for KeitaFirst-half goals from Bojan Krkic and Seydou Keita set an under-strength Catalan side on their way and summer signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic grabbed his first for the club late on as Barca strolled to a comfortable victory.<br /><br />Pedro was rewarded for his winning goal in the UEFA Super Cup win over Shakhtar Donetsk last week with a place in the starting XI, replacing Lionel Messi who is on international duty with Argentina.<br /><br />New look Barca<br />Keita, Bojan and Maxwell all started in a new-look Barcelona side, as Thierry Henry and Yaya Toure were left on the bench and Rafa Marquez and Andres Iniesta on their way back from injury watched on from the stands, along with new signing Dmitro Chygrynsky.<br /><br />Barca dominated the tie and Ibrahimovic showed some neat touches early on.<br /><br />Sporting came into this game with five players missing through injury and coach Manuel Preciado opted to field all five summer signings from the start.<br /><br />On 17 minutes, Barca were ahead. Keita cleverly flicked on Xavi's corner with his head and Bojan was applied the finishing touch with a diving header at the back post.<br /><br />Late in the first half, Bojan went on a mesmerising run that ended in a corner off which Barcelona went two up.<br /><br />This time it was taken short to Dani Alves, who crossed for Keita, who crashed an unstoppable header past Juan Pablo to give Barca a two-goal lead at the break.<br /><br />82nd minute<br />Ibrahimovic had his goal eight minutes from time when he was left all alone to finish with ease at the back post after Sporting once again failed to deal with a Barca corner.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-33094453715716868592009-09-02T15:23:00.000-07:002009-09-03T14:07:31.431-07:00experienced in every awardsIf you are looking for quality in making a trophy for all your needs such as for a trophies, medals, plaques, trophiesales.com is one of the best and cheapest. all done with meticulous detail and quick process, things you want can you talk if you call trophiesales.com. <br /><br />Type of material quality for your trophy order some kind that you can set yourself such as tin, wood, glass,bronze and others. design for trophi like to be your <a href="http://www.trophiesales.com/Golf-Trophies-c-332.html">golf trophies</a> set yourself as you wish, or select a design that is widely available on trophiesales.com.<br /><br />The perfect hand-made can also be found for other types of trophi, such as to <a href="http://www.trophiesales.com/Golf-Trophies-c-332.html">soccer trophies</a> or <a href="http://www.trophiesales.com/Golf-Trophies-c-332.html">basketball trophies</a>. if the quality and timeliness of your treasure, trophiesales.com experienced in handling every awards, which you proud.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-69574571739906512792009-08-22T07:02:00.000-07:002009-08-22T07:05:05.538-07:00Start behave and Descending<br />Popular and elite club that sought to create Adebayor began to lose balance and start to grow a sense arogan and greed in his heart. Starting from the Togo national team, the team where he was always treated like 'god', he began to spearhead protests berulah with money problems have received the bonus. Actions that culminate in the pemecatannya and two other players from Timnas Togo.<br /><br />At Arsenal, he also began to show attitude arogannya using terhadapnya for AC Milan. In an interview with the media, it shows a clear-clear that he will not feel heavy to leave the club if gajinya has not been raised. This directly results interview barbed terdalam every Arsenal fans. When a Cesc Fabregas-is always shown loyalty to the club with the refuse transfer gossip and news about himself.<br /><br />Parahnya again, in the 2008-2009 season is a time where it had fallen far appearance. Suddenly no longer Adebayor who ran with enthusiasm and hard work. Even though print still had 16 goals from 38 appearance, he has changed. Adebayor Adebayor who is now a lazy, inconsistent, and less concentration. He now become the most stuck Offside. Offside is trapped normal thing for a striker, but if an attacker to extremes often trapped Offside only because he looks lazy to go down to the bottom. Ade is also not consistent when he was 10 must get the opportunity to menceploskan only one of them. Finally, lack of concentration makes firs-touchnya more inconsequential and any place, even passingnya often seen melenceng despite the distance of only 5 meters. This disadvantage of making the team because the flow of the Arsenal attacks quickly become damaged thereby.<br /><br />Student evaluation reports were distributed to make clear that appearance is very bad for a striker. Arsenal fans feeling disappointed that due sikapnya the arogan develop further into the antipati terhadapnya. Ade has been trying to improve it with the report that he is still happy living in the Arsenal, but Gunners fans have been hurried memusuhinya. And when the £ 25 million bid from Manchester City to come and accepted by Arsenal, with the majority of fans accept that the decision opens.<br /><br />Arsenal have the funds to purchase the minimum, even from the sale of Adebayor for £ 25 million itupun seems only £ 10-15 million are given to Wenger to spend. But money is not the cause of which is the main selling Adebayor, but the characters that should be held is not owned by a winner. A Cristiano Ronaldo, the players who are not notabone faithful and materialistic also still appear good for the MU even though he is eager to move to Real Madrid.<br /><br />So, indeed pantaskah Arsenal sell Adebayor? um full.<br /><br />"I still will undergo training individuals and still feel a little sick. I only need to set foot rhythm," the Russian firm aged 26 this year.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-81217204369110919292009-08-22T06:54:00.000-07:002009-08-22T07:05:05.544-07:00restored with surgeryHalf-Portugal Deco Souza confident decisions stand in Chelsea akan improve his career that had dimmed due to injury in the last two seasons.<br /><br />The birth of Brazilian players disappeared from this row on the board after leaving Barcelona and Chelsea to be disturbed injury. But Deco remain confident and steadfast membenahi appearance recover from post-injury.<br /><br />That's why he rejected the desire for Inter Milan merekrutnya. And the increase seen when the game starts Deco menccetak beautiful goal to take Chelsea 3-1 win over Sunderland in the Premier League on Tuesday (18 / 8) ago.<br /><br />"Careers in season ago is the worst because I never get so old injury. But this season will be different. I feel healthy and can play. I want to help and be trusted by the team coach Carlo Ancelotti," said Deco.<br /><br />On the other hand, the new Chelsea Yuri oppugn Zhriskov right knee injury should be restored with surgery.<br /><br />Zhirkov, who purchased from CSKA Moscow, failed to strengthen the Blues early in the season after the damage during the pre-season tour in the United States.<br /><br />"I do not know from where that news comes as no right at all. My condition is improving and the doctor in three days I can not fully exercise though.<br /><br />"I still will undergo training individuals and still feel a little sick. I only need to set foot rhythm," the Russian firm aged 26 this year.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-18011973276877279272009-08-22T06:53:00.000-07:002009-08-22T07:05:05.551-07:00Rio Ferdinand will be absentLatch Manchester United Rio Ferdinand will be absent from the gridiron during the month due to a thigh injury.<br /><br />The former Leeds United player has been absent in the initial fight two Premier League 2009/2010 season due to injury to thigh.<br /><br />And according to MU coach Sir Alex Ferguson after the scan results come out when Ferdinand will be absent up to a month. "Rio absent for three to four weeks," said Ferguson.<br /><br />Thus the absent Ferdinand will also defend the British national team in the important fight Qualifications World Cup 2010 European zone against Croatia in September to come.<br /><br />Fortunately Ferguson may have been lower latch when Nemanja Vidic MU visit to Wigan Athletic headquarters next weekend.<br /><br />Vidic was absent because of some fight experience calf injury. Absennya Vidic and Ferdinand have to swallow to make MU surprising defeat of the campaign club Burnley, Wednesday.<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-78464905434262053742009-08-21T13:53:00.000-07:002009-08-21T14:04:05.584-07:00epl scheduleTIME HOME AWAY VENUE<br />18:45 WIB Chelsea 2 - 1 Hull City Stamford Bridge<br />21:00 WIB Portsmouth 0 - 1 Fulham Fratton Park<br />21:00 WIB Wolverhamton W 0 - 2 West Ham Utd Molineux Stadium<br />21:00 WIB Blackburn Rovers 0 - 2 Manchester City Ewood Park<br />21:00 WIB Bolton Wanderers 0 - 1 Sunderland Reebok Stadium<br />21:00 WIB Aston Villa 0 - 2 Wigan Athletic Villa Park<br />21:00 WIB Stoke City 2 - 0 Burnley Britannia Stadium<br />23:15 WIB Everton 1 - 6 Arsenal Goodison Park<br /><br /> <br />16 Agustus 2009<br />TIME HOME AWAY VENUE<br />19:30 WIB Manchester Utd 1 - 0 Birmingham Old Trafford<br />22:00 WIB Tottenham H. 2 - 1 Liverpool White Hart Lane<br /><br /> <br />19 Agustus 2009<br />TIME HOME AWAY VENUE<br />postponed Fulham v Blackburn Rovers Craven Cottage<br />01:45 WIB Sunderland 1 - 3 Chelsea Stadium of Light<br />01:45 WIB Wigan Athletic 0 - 1 Wolverhamton W. DW Stadium<br />postponed West Ham Utd v Aston Villa Upton Park<br />postponed Arsenal v Bolton Wanderers Emirates Stadium<br /><br /> <br />20 Agustus 2009<br />TIME HOME AWAY VENUE<br />01:45 WIB Birmingham 1 - 0 Portsmouth St Andrews Stadium<br />01:45 WIB Hull City 1 - 5 Tottenham H Kingston Comm. S<br />01:45 WIB Burnley 1 - 0 Manchester United Turf Moor<br />02:00 WIB Liverpool 4 - 0 Stoke City Anfield<br />postponed Manchester City v Everton City of Manchester S<br /><br /> <br />22 Agustus 2009<br />TIME HOME AWAY VENUE<br />21:00 WIB Arsenal v Portsmouth Emirates Stadium<br />21:00 WIB Birmingham v Stoke City St Andrews S<br />21:00 WIB Hull City v Bolton Wanderers Kingston Comm<br />21:00 WIB Sunderland v Blackburn Rovers Stadium of Light<br />21:00 WIB Manchester City v Wolverhampton W City of Manchester S<br />21:00 WIB Wigan Athletic v Manchester United DW Stadium<br /><br /> <br />23 Agustus 2009<br />TIME HOME AWAY VENUE<br />19:30 WIB West Ham Utd v Tottenham H Upton Park<br />21:00 WIB Burnley v Everton Turf Moor<br />22:00 WIB Fulham v Chelsea Craven Cottage<br /><br /> <br />25 Agustus 2009<br />TIME HOME AWAY VENUE<br />02:00 WIB Liverpool v Aston Villa AnfieldUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-30557434331066194972009-08-21T12:52:00.000-07:002009-08-21T13:45:38.756-07:00be a powerful golfersWhen you to the golf course for the first time then Do not feel frustrated if you feel talentless. Key of golf is patience and practice how to be a powerful golfers. and golf rules can be understood only after you practices in the field. <br /><br />So just come <a href="http://ttimesonly.com">Myrtle Beach Golf</a> to practice. any golf vacations available in <a href="http://ttimesonly.com">Myrtle Beach Golf Vacations</a> , which certainly will not create a boring atmosphere. you are free to choose among the packages in the golf packages, <a href="http://ttimesonly.com">Myrtle Beach Golf Package</a>, which if you can enjoy until you play golf skillfully. <br /><br />With the <a href="http://ttimesonly.com">Golf Packages Myrtle Beach</a> are made to your holiday with the family only seems to play only with no competition there. of course a holiday here will make you a fresh and vibrant again through the activities your next job.<br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8751997616988529204.post-51993877819619427552009-08-18T06:24:00.000-07:002009-08-19T05:24:03.593-07:00Still has great potential<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2OqzvJSv7gCDKy66wQCl495X_CSTYWojrcsP3EowEkJxuRpJQaqeqoLrzZZ_6pPH8JLUgqkhtBmCmum2Jdc7imoyNN8qQkUla9e5B9UrhBdKMyiE-Bt0BzuY_uNFxF1C8Vs_ytEDM5j3/s1600-h/seva.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2OqzvJSv7gCDKy66wQCl495X_CSTYWojrcsP3EowEkJxuRpJQaqeqoLrzZZ_6pPH8JLUgqkhtBmCmum2Jdc7imoyNN8qQkUla9e5B9UrhBdKMyiE-Bt0BzuY_uNFxF1C8Vs_ytEDM5j3/s320/seva.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371295299589907074" /></a><br />With the recent appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as the new Chelsea manager and the recent announcement that Andriy Shevchenko will be coming back to the Bridge now that his one-year loan deal with AC Milan has <a href="http://thisweekfootball.blogspot.com/2009/07/back-to-milan.html">expired</a>, there are questions being asked of what Ancelotti / Chelsea will do with the 32-year-old striker.<br /><br />While Shevchenko and many Chelsea fans are not optimistic about his future at the Bridge, Sheva still has great potential to finish his career in style and justify the money that was spent on him. The article discusses the following points:<br /><br /> 1. Why Shevchenko did not live up to his potential at Chelsea<br /> 2. How Chelsea could have made better use of the Ukrainian international<br /> 3. Why Shevchenko deserves one more season as a Chelsea starter under Ancelotti.<br /><br />The time was fall of 1997 and the place was one that has become extremely familiar to Chelsea fans recently – the 98,000 capacity stadium in Barcelona – Camp Nou. The Spanish champions were taking on the 5 time Ukrainian Champions Dinamo Kiev in the Champions League group stage. After losing 3-0 to Dinamo in their hometown, Barcelona, led by Van Gaal, was looking to bounce back from their shocking defeat.<br /><br />However, Barcelona had their hopes demolished by half-time after a hat trick from a phenomenal young Ukrainian – his name was Andrei Shevchenko. Would any blue-blooded Chelsea fan seriously say that they would not have wanted that Shevchenko to have played on the starting squad against Barcelona in this year’s semi-final?<br /><br />Ever since Andrei Shevchenko joined Chelsea for a record transfer fee of 30 million pounds in the summer of 2006, it appeared inevitable that with such a star studded team; Chelsea would reign supreme over England and Europe. After nearly three years have passed, various pundits, analysts, and Chelsea mangers from Jose Mourinho to Felipe Scolari have leveled severe criticism about my hometown hero’s lackluster performance. However, those former Chelsea managers never used Sheva properly as they did not understand him.<br /><br />First of all, in order to understand how Shevchenko operates, you must first understand Valeriy Lobanovsky, the old Dinamo Kiev manager whose unique philosophy made him the star that he eventually became. Shevchenko has stated on many occasions that he owes all of his success to his deceased old manager and he went as far as leaving his Champions League medal on his grave.<br /><br />In a nutshell, Lobanovsky (a plumber by trade) was a pioneer in football theory when he became the first Soviet Manager in the 1960’s to request a computer to be used by his football club. The theory he developed was dubbed “scientific football” in which certain numerical values were assigned to each “action” in the game such as tackles, passes, and shots. (Foer 159, “How Soccer Explains the World”) and the computer would calculate each player’s “intensively” (tackles and goal shots), “activity” (tackles and passes), “error rate” (unsuccessful actions), and “effectively” (tackles, goals, assists, passes).<br /><br />Lobanovsky considered the football team to be a collective (not unlike the Borg) and judged how each individual contributed to the team’s overall performance without specific positions for players. While this led to a focus on defense, it created highly disciplined teams and largely kept egos in place. He saw pace and cohesion as the keys to victory. Not only were his teams much fitter than opposing sides, the players also seemed to have a near-telepathic understanding of each other. A result perhaps of one of his favourite drills: blindfolded five-a-side matches.<br /><br />When Lobanovsky took over the struggling Dinamo again in the fall of 1996, he implemented the system once again and stated that the team is a collective and not centered on individuals. Hence, the victory over the individual focused Barcelona a year later was not only due to Shevchenko’s brilliance, but each player doing their part in making the defense, the midfield, and the strikers effective.<br /><br />After Shevchenko joined AC Milan in ‘99, the team, under Carlo Ancelotti (2001-2009) eventually adapted somewhat to Shevchenko’s collectively oriented style by having the team work together in an almost Christmas tree formation to get the maximum number of goals to Shevchenko and his partner up front Inzaghi. The Balon d’Or and the CL goal scoring records set by Shevchenko overlooked the fact that AC Milan, similar to Dinamo Kiev in the 1990’s was a well oiled machine that worked tirelessly on all parts of the pitch to make the team succeed. Shevchenko was simply performing his role to his best ability.<br /><br />Since Roman Abramovich acquired Chelsea in 2003, his eyes were set on the brilliant striker. However, the owner of Milan, Silvio Berlusconi, who became Shevchenko’s Godfather, did everything possible to hold on to his “son” until Roman finally made the offer Silvio could not refuse – the record breaking £30.8 million pound transfer in May of 2006. At this point Roman was becoming very impatient with Mourinho’s Chelsea coming up short of winning the Champions League and decided to “help out” Jose by acquiring Ballack , Kalou and Shevchenko against the manager’s wishes. As a result, Shevchenko was in a bad situation from the start as the Chelsea midfield became destabilized while the manager was not happy to have him.<br /><br />To elaborate, from 2004 to 2006 the Chelsea midfield had been very cohesive with the combination of Lampard and the Iceland international Eiour Godjohnsen, who was one of the most versatile players around as he had performed as a central-midfielder; as a right or left winger; as a holding-defensive midfielder or as a striker. He was replaced by the slower and older Ballack who just did not seem to give the necessary effort. Hence, the midfield feeding mechanism to the strikers such as Drogba, Shevchenko and Kalou had become weak. In addition, Shevchenko, in spite of being tired after Ukraine’s World Cup performance and having to go from a very mild Mediterranean climate in Milan to the cold and humid climate of England compounded the problem.<br /><br />Despite all of this, Shevchenko scored in his Chelsea debut in the Community Shield in the 2-1 loss to Liverpool, and quickly delivered again in his first Premier League goal against Middlesborough. After this, Shevchenko’s exhaustion caught up with him and he fell into a bit of a drought. The back-to-back trophy-winning Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho blamed all of Chelsea’s problems on Shevchenko and benched him as a result. He went as far as saying that Shevchenko considered himself above the other players and was expecting preferential treatment. However, Jose was wrong to have Shevchenko take the blame as an individual for the collective lackluster performance of the team.<br /><br />The breakdown of the locker room atmosphere at Chelsea has been well chronicled in Claude Makalele’s recent biography Tout Simplementu. “For two years at Chelsea we lived as a group of friends, dining together, getting drunk together, going to training together and winning matches together,” wrote the French international. The team resembled Lobonovsky’s vision of a collective. But then all of a sudden Mourinho broke the solidarity by treating certain players that he was instrumental in acquiring such as Drogba as stars.<br /><br />The catalyst for this may have been Roman encouraging the team to play a more open and offensive oriented game, which Jose flatly refused to do. He began treating players that he perceived as being close to the Roman such as Shevchenko and Terry with contempt. Makelele was stunned that the “Special One” had forgotten to value the contribution of players and began taking credit for all success and blaming individual players for any failures. “He no longer believed that players were responsible for success but only his methods did.” In short, Jose’s ego was clouding his judgment.<br /><br />In response, Roman, who was obviously good friends with Shevchenko due to a common language and perhaps not wanting to see his investment wasted, forced Jose to play Sheva. Andrei proved to be invaluable in the FA Cup when he scored the goal of the year on January 19th, 2007 against Tottenham by curling the ball into the Spurs net from an impossible angle. He would prove equally useful in the Champions League by scoring key equalizers against Valencia in the Group Stage and Porto in the Quarterfinals. Unfortunately, an untimely injury and the subsequent hernia operation would keep him out at the end of the season when Chelsea needed him most.<br /><br />All in all, despite all of the problems, Shevchenko ended up having an adequate season with 14 goals, well short of his 24 goals for Milan in the award winning year of 2004 but by no means was a terrible performance as Jose implied. Shevchenko gave the following explanation: “The real problem is that I cannot find any continuity. I was doing well this season, scoring seven goals in my last 10 matches, but then I suffered a back injury. Before I am judged I would like to enjoy a decent run in the side now that I have adapted to English football. Italian football is about tactics and logic, whereas England is different, it is all about speed and instinct.”<br /><br />During the summer, Shevchenko did everything he could to get back in shape and work on his speed after surgery, even going as far as training with an Olympic sprinter to bring himself up to form. Roman even brought in Avram Grant as Director of Football to help Andrei, which was interpreted by Jose’s as undermining his authority. However, the training would prove to be useful as Andrei scored the equalizing goal to prevent a humiliating loss to Rosenborg BK in the Champions League Group Game. Apparently, Jose could not stand Grant and Roman being right and left “by mutual consent” as a result. It appeared that now under Grant as head coach Shevchenko would finally shine. Unfortunately, Shevchenko only scored 5 goals in the Premier League that season and Grant appeared to have given up on him when he transferred in former gunner Nicholas Anelka to essentially take Shevchenko’s spot as backup striker, leaving Shevchenko on the bench once again.<br /><br />When Scolari took over the Chelsea reigns in the summer of 2008, he promised to give Shevchenko a “fresh start” but later contradicted himself by playing Deco in his place in the season opener against Portsmouth. Shevchenko was sent on loan to Milan and has begun regained his form. His goal against England in the World Cup qualifier illustrated his resurgence.<br /><br />The newly appointed Chelsea manager and Sheva’s old AC Milan manager, Carlo Ancelotti, stated that Chelsea’s mistake was that they did not use Shevchenko properly by persistently using the one-striker system with Drogba upfront rather than being more flexible and adjusting the midfield to feed the ball to two strikers (Drogba and Sheva) upfront like Milan did. In addition, Shevchenko never prospered because he never felt welcome in London – mostly because of Jose’s arrogance. The unjustified blame game under Mourinho certainly took its toll on him and likely hurt his subsequent performance.<br /><br />All in all, with Drogba facing a possible 5 match ban from the Champions League, the Boys in Blue are in dire need of a <a href="http://thisweekfootball.blogspot.com/2009/07/maldini-legend.html">second</a> striker besides Anelka. In my humble opinion, Shevchenko could fill this role provided that the team is willing to accept him and the midfield is willing to adjust to accommodate the two striker strategy.<br /><br />Why spend another 30 million pounds on Tevez or David Villa when Chelsea already has Sheva under contract and the real problem is in the midfield? Just like a roofer would not spend money on buying a customized golden drill bit when the drill battery is dead and the power cord is broken, Chelsea must fix the truly broken part of its team (midfield) rather than spending enormous sums fixing something that is working reasonably well (offense).<br /><br />Despite his age of 32 (top players like Zidane, Beckham, Pele, Maldini played well into their 30’s), Shevchenko still has the skills and now has something to prove to Chelsea fans. Under Ancelotti, who understands Sheva and how to make a team play a common strategy rather than a group of individuals, Sheva may once again become the top striker we know him to be.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0