"Signing stars is not spending money, it is investing it" – Florentino Perez.
Michel Platini boleh mengkritik Florentino Perez habis-habisan di media. Ia bisa mengatakan bahwa jumlah transfer Ronaldo dan Kaka tidak masuk akal dan menghina kecerdasan. Ia juga mampu untuk menyerukan pada klub-klub lainnya agar tidak mengikuti jejak Real Madrid. Tapi, satu hal tidak akan berubah: Perez sedang membangun Galacticos keduanya.
Bagaimana tidak? Total uang yang dikeluarkan Perez hanya untuk kedua mantan pemain terbaik dunia ini sudah mencapai 150 juta euro. Ia pun tak akan berhenti sampai disini. Dalam beberapa wawancaranya, Presiden Madrid ini mengatakan bahwa ia akan mendatangkan kurang lebih enam pemain di era kepemimpinannya. Jika dahulu ia mendatangkan pemain-pemain kelas dunia dalam beberapa tahun, kali ini proses tersebut ingin dipercepat. “Kita harus melakukan apa yang normal kita lakukan dalam tiga tahun hanya dalam waktu satu tahun,” ujarnya. Nampaknya Perez ingin revolusi!
Perez sendiri sebenarnya bukan sedang membangun tim yang cukup kuat untuk menyaingi Barcelona yang notabene rival terbesarnya (jika ingin melakukan hal itu, hal pertama yang ia lakukan harusnya bukan membenahi barisan penyerang).
Apa yang dikerjakan Perez adalah membentuk lagi identitas Real Madrid. Ia ingin menempatkan Madrid pada posisi yang seharusnya: sebagai pusat perhatian dan sebagai sebuah brand sepakbola nomor satu dunia. Tak akan ada yang menyangkal kalau ia sekarang berhasil melakukan hal tersebut. Media mana yang tak sibuk memberitakan prihal transfer Ronaldo dan Kaka?
Dengan keberhasilannya mendapatkan Ronaldo dan Kaka, Perez pun seolah menunjukan kredibilitasnya sebagai Presiden dan negosiator ulung. Di bawah kepemimpinan Calderon dan Boluda, Madrid telah menjadi bahan tertawaan dunia. Calderon pernah menjanjikan Kaka, Ronaldo, dan David Villa. Namun apa daya, ia ‘hanya’ mampu menarik Robben dan sederet pemain belanda lainnya. Jauh dari glamour apalagi perhatian dunia. Boluda, dalam masa singkat pemerintahannya, pun tak mampu berbuat banyak. Hinga kini ia akan dikenal sebagai presiden yang berkoar bahwa Madrid akan menghancurkan Liverpool di Anfield. Kenyataannya, seminggu setelah ucapan itu keluar Madrid dipermalukan 4-0.
Perez memang negosiator handal. Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Michael Owen, Ronaldo (Brazil) telah ia bawa. Kini Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, dan entah berapa pemain bintang lagi akan ia datangkan.
Bagaimana Bisa? Kenapa harus Galacticos?
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Financial Fair Play.
Sekilas konsep ini terdengar indah di telinga dan seakan menjanjikan suatu pembebasan bagi para fans sepakbola yang sudah muak dengan klub yang bersaing secara tidak sehat. Pembebasan dari klub-klub seperti Chelsea, Manchester City, PSG, atau Zenit, yang dengan santainya menggelontorkan uang ratusan juta poundsterling untuk transfer dan gaji pemain.
Didukung kekuatan finansial yang berasal dari ‘oil money’, secara tak sadar klub-klub tersebut telah merusak tatanan sepakbola Eropa dengan kekuatan finansialnya. Terutama dalam masalah inflasi gaji.
Jika dihadapkan pada dua pilihan, klub lain atau Man. City/Chelsea/PSG, para pemain tentu akan berpikir dua kali untuk menolak kenaikan gaji dua kali lipat. Hal ini mengakibatkan klub-klub lain harus menawarkan gaji lebih dari biasa bagi pemain incarannya. Tak berhenti sampai disitu. Pemain-pemain dengan level kemampuan yang sama dengan pemain di klub kaya pun mulai menuntut untuk dibayar dengan ‘rate’ yang sama. Sebagai contoh, misalnya, Luka Modric. Dengan kemampuan teknik setara dengan David Silva atau Juan Mata, jangan heran jika agennya Modric akan menuntut pada klub untuk dibayar setingkat dengan kedua pemain tersebut.
Namun, meningkatkan gaji Modric (contoh) pun tidak selalu menjadi solusi. Teman-teman satu tim sesama pemain inti bisa saja cemburu dan juga meminta agar gaji dinaikkan. Akibatnya anggaran untuk gaji pemain meningkat pesat.
Demikian pula dengan harga transfer pemain. Klub-klub yang memiliki pemain bagus berlomba-lomba mendapatkan harga jual yang minimal setara dengan harga yang ditawarkan oleh Man. City atau Chelsea. Apalagi jika sudah menyangkut pemain berkebangsaan Inggris. Dengan adanya aturan minimal 7 pemain homegrown di dalam skuad yang didaftarkan, maka harga pemain berkebangsaan Inggris pun melonjak drastis. Semua klub berebut mendapatkan pemain Inggris paling berbakat, dan mereka bersaing dengan Manchester City dan Chelsea dalam membeli. Maka jangan heran jika pemain sekelas James Milner bisa dibeli dengan bandrol senilai £ 26 juta oleh Man. City.
Untuk mengatasi ini, Michel Platini dan beberapa petinggi UEFA lainnya lalu menawarkan suatu konsep Financial Fair Play.
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Dia bukan klub besar tapi konsisten berada di level atas Liga Italia. Dia bukan klub kaya tapi neraca keuangannya selalu positif. Dia adalah sebuah kisah lain sepakbola modern.
Pada pertandingan El Classico antara Barcelona dan Real Madrid pada 7 Oktober 2012 lalu, terhitung 96.589 orang datang menyaksikan langsung pertarungan antara dua klub terbaik di Spanyol itu. Kapasitas stadion klub asal Catalan itu terisi penuh. Namun, jumlah yang cukup fantastis itu tak hanya dapat mengisi satu stadion Camp Nou. Jika ke-96 ribu orang tersebut dipindahkan, mereka pun dapat mengisi satu kota kecil di timur laut Italia: Udine.
Di kota kecil itu pada 1896 berdiri Udinese Calcio, salah satu klub tertua di Italia setelah Genoa. Cerita tentang Udinese adalah cerita tentang "Sang Zebra Kecil" ( Zebrette – julukan Udinese) yang dengan kepintarannya mengelola keuangan dapat bertahan melawan arus sepakbola modern yang menggerus klub-klub kecil.
Dalam sepakbola modern, kuantitas sudah jadi segalanya bagi klub. Di balik sihir tendangan bebas Cristiano Ronaldo, tarian Lionel Messi dan aksi-aksi pemain top di lapangan hijau lainnya, sepakbola menyuguhkan realita tak terbantahkan: klub-klub kecil yang berjuang menentang takdir sebagai klub kasta bawah. Menentang takdir di sini bukan dalam artian menyaingi klub papan atas dalam meraih piala, namun hanya sekedar untuk ada. To exist.
Demikian pula dengan Udinese. Berada pada kota dengan jumlah penduduk kurang lebih 100 ribu jiwa tentu jadi suatu tantangan tersendiri bagi sang pemilik, Giampaolo Pozzo. Kapasitas Stadion Friuli, sebesar 30 ribu orang, tiap tahunnya rata-rata hanya terisi setengahnya. Bahkan, menurut salah satu blog finansial Swiss Ramble, hasil dari penjualan tiket stadion selama satu musim untuk Udinese hanya menyamai satu kali matchday-nya Manchester United. Total pemasukan Udinese selama satu tahun juga lebih kecil dari seluruh tim yang bermain di EPL.
Namun itu tak menghentikan Udinese untuk menunjukkan tajinya di Serie-A. Pada dua musim terakhir Udinese mampu bercokol di zona Liga Champions, sementara sang kapten Antonio di Natale berada di urutan teratas daftar pencetak gol. Francesco Guidolin, sang allenatore, pun pada musim lalu dianugrahi gelar pelatih terbaik atas prestasinya di liga.
Tapi capaian terbaik Udinese sebenarnya terletak pada konsistensinya berada di Serie-A. Semenjak musim 1995/1996 Udinese memang belum pernah lagi terdegradasi ke Serie-B. Padahal, di periode yang sama, klub-klub yang terhitung lebih besar, seperti Fiorentina, Napoli, Sampdoria, atau Parma, pernah terpuruk di divisi bawah bahkan sampai mengalami kebangkrutan. Belum lagi jika bicara mengenai klub dari kota kecil lainnya seperti Catania, Siena, atau Chievo yang tak pernah lama bertahan di Serie-A.
Lalu bagaimana caranya Zebrette mampu mengakali ketatnya kompetisi?
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Setidaknya, dua kali Spanyol membuat maestro lapangan tengah Italia, Andrea Pirlo, menangis.
Pada 22 Juni 2008, lewat drama adu penalti, Spanyol mengalahkan Italia di perempat final Piala Eropa 2008. Cesc Fabregas yang menjadi eksekutor terakhir berhasil mengecoh Gianluigi Buffon dan memastikan satu tempat di babak semifinal bagi Spanyol. Sementara Pirlo hanya bisa menyaksikan kepahitan peristiwa itu di pinggir lapangan karena tak bisa bermain akibat akumulasi kartu kuning. Dengan berurai air mata ia lalu menghibur teman-temannya yang hanya bisa tertunduk lesu.
Bagi Spanyol kemenangan tersebut seakan melepaskan mereka dari "kutukan perempat-final". Selama 44 tahun, semenjak 1964, hanya sekali Spanyol pernah melenggang keluar dari babak perempat final, yaitu pada Piala Eropa 1984 (kemudian kalah di final oleh Prancis). Selama 44 tahun lamanya mereka harus menanggung label sebagai "tim yang cantik" namun tak tahu caranya menang.
Pada 22 Juni 2008, lewat tendangan penalti Fabregas, semua itu berubah. Italia, sang raksasa sepakbola, tim yang bisa melakukan segalanya untuk menang, dan pemegang gelar juara dunia 2006 kala itu, berhasil ditundukkan. Spanyol melaju hingga ke final dan meraih gelar keduanya di panggung internasional.
Empat tahun kemudian, pada 1 Juli 2012, kembali Fabregas menjadi salah satu aktor utama. Ditempatkan sebagai ujung tombak formasi tanpa striker, assist-nya pada David Silva di menit ke-14 membuka kran gol Spanyol ke gawang Buffon.
Pirlo pun kembali menangis. Ia yang digadang-gadang sebagai pemain terbaik Piala Eropa harus menyaksikan bagaimana Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Fabregas, dan Silva mempermainkan lini pertahanan Italia tanpa sekali pun Italia bisa memberikan perlawanan.
Empat gol yang berhasil dilesakkan ke gawang Buffon tersebut jadi sekian penegasan Spanyol pada dunia, bahwa Italia bisa dikalahkan lewat waktu normal; bahwa permainan tiki-taka mereka bukan sepakbola yang membosankan; bahwa formasi tanpa striker mereka bisa membuahkan gol; bahwa keputusan mereka tetap setia pada satu filosofi sepakbola, yang telah diusung selama puluhan tahun, bisa membuat mereka jadi salah satu, atau bahkan, tim terbaik sepanjang masa.
Pada 22 Juni 2008, lewat drama adu penalti, Spanyol mengalahkan Italia di perempat final Piala Eropa 2008. Cesc Fabregas yang menjadi eksekutor terakhir berhasil mengecoh Gianluigi Buffon dan memastikan satu tempat di babak semifinal bagi Spanyol. Sementara Pirlo hanya bisa menyaksikan kepahitan peristiwa itu di pinggir lapangan karena tak bisa bermain akibat akumulasi kartu kuning. Dengan berurai air mata ia lalu menghibur teman-temannya yang hanya bisa tertunduk lesu.
Bagi Spanyol kemenangan tersebut seakan melepaskan mereka dari "kutukan perempat-final". Selama 44 tahun, semenjak 1964, hanya sekali Spanyol pernah melenggang keluar dari babak perempat final, yaitu pada Piala Eropa 1984 (kemudian kalah di final oleh Prancis). Selama 44 tahun lamanya mereka harus menanggung label sebagai "tim yang cantik" namun tak tahu caranya menang.
Pada 22 Juni 2008, lewat tendangan penalti Fabregas, semua itu berubah. Italia, sang raksasa sepakbola, tim yang bisa melakukan segalanya untuk menang, dan pemegang gelar juara dunia 2006 kala itu, berhasil ditundukkan. Spanyol melaju hingga ke final dan meraih gelar keduanya di panggung internasional.
Empat tahun kemudian, pada 1 Juli 2012, kembali Fabregas menjadi salah satu aktor utama. Ditempatkan sebagai ujung tombak formasi tanpa striker, assist-nya pada David Silva di menit ke-14 membuka kran gol Spanyol ke gawang Buffon.
Pirlo pun kembali menangis. Ia yang digadang-gadang sebagai pemain terbaik Piala Eropa harus menyaksikan bagaimana Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Fabregas, dan Silva mempermainkan lini pertahanan Italia tanpa sekali pun Italia bisa memberikan perlawanan.
Empat gol yang berhasil dilesakkan ke gawang Buffon tersebut jadi sekian penegasan Spanyol pada dunia, bahwa Italia bisa dikalahkan lewat waktu normal; bahwa permainan tiki-taka mereka bukan sepakbola yang membosankan; bahwa formasi tanpa striker mereka bisa membuahkan gol; bahwa keputusan mereka tetap setia pada satu filosofi sepakbola, yang telah diusung selama puluhan tahun, bisa membuat mereka jadi salah satu, atau bahkan, tim terbaik sepanjang masa.
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Bukan hal mengherankan ketika Italia memastikan diri bertemu Inggris di perempat final banyak orang mengernyitkan dahi saat coba mengingat kapan Inggris terakhir kali bertemu Italia. Ya, rivalitas keduanya bukan seperti rivalitas antara Jerman-Belanda yang dilatarbelakangi sejarah perang dunia. Pun bukan seperti Argentina-Brasil yang memperebutkan status negara penguasa sepakbola di satu benua.
Walau kedua negara ini menjadi kiblat sepakbola Eropa dan dunia, Inggris dan Italia sendiri jarang dipertemukan di level kompetisi tertinggi. Rivalitas sonder pertemuan. Sepi.
Tapi, bukan berarti partai perempat final kali ini tidak menghadirkan tensi tinggi antara keduanya. Perbedaan filosofi sepakbola acap kali mengakibatkan suporter negara-negara ini beradu argumen dan saling mencerca.
Fans dan jurnalis Inggris sering memberi label pada sepakbola Italia sebagai sepakbola yang kotor, malas, defensif, dan penuh kecurangan. Sementara suporter dan media Italia menilai Inggris memainkan sepakbola yang terlalu naif dan jujur.
- Leave your comment • Category: Footballosophy, Inggris, Internasional, Italia, Piala Eropa, Sejarah
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Sebagai tim unggulan,
hanya ada satu jalan agar Italia lolos ke babak selanjutnya: menang
lawan Irlandia dan berharap Spanyol menaklukkan Kroasia! Hasil imbang
antara tim asuhan Vicente Del Bosque dan Slaven Billic, dengan skor 2-2
atau 3-3, berarti tim Azzuri mengulangi mimpi buruk mereka dua tahun lalu, yaitu tersingkir di babak grup.
Mengarsiteki Irlandia, Trapattoni familiar dengan keadaan yang dihadapi oleh Prandelli. Delapan tahun lalu lelaki tua yang dikenal dengan julukan 'Mr. Trap' ini pun membutuhkan hasil yang sama agar Italia tidak tersingkir dari ajang Piala Eropa 2004. Italia membutuhkan kemenangan dari Bulgaria dan berharap Denmark, serta Swedia tidak bermain seri dua sama.
Apa lacur, saat wasit meniup peluit panjang papan skor menunjukkan hasil imbang antarkedua negara Skandinavia itu. Denmark mencetak dua gol, dan Swedia dua gol.
Terlepas apakah nanti sejarah akan berulang, pertemuan antara Prandelli dan Trapattoni ini menarik untuk diamati karena merepresentasikan dua ujung spektrum yang berbeda. Di ujung yang satu berdiri Trapattoni, salah satu nabi catenaccio Italia. Di ujung yang lain, ada Prandelli yang mencoba melawan arus sepakbola pragmatis yang mendarah daging di Seri-A dengan sepakbola indahnya bersama Fiorentina.
Trapattoni, dengan Juventus dan Inter Milan-nya, adalah simbol dari kejayaan liga Italia di era 1980-1990, liga yang bertabur dan melahirkan pemain kelas dunia. Sementara era Prandelli adalah era saat Seri A kehilangan harga dirinya karena kasus calciopoli, kegagalan regenerasi, sehingga akhirnya ditinggalkan secara perlahan oleh publik dunia. Italia lama versus Italia baru
Mengarsiteki Irlandia, Trapattoni familiar dengan keadaan yang dihadapi oleh Prandelli. Delapan tahun lalu lelaki tua yang dikenal dengan julukan 'Mr. Trap' ini pun membutuhkan hasil yang sama agar Italia tidak tersingkir dari ajang Piala Eropa 2004. Italia membutuhkan kemenangan dari Bulgaria dan berharap Denmark, serta Swedia tidak bermain seri dua sama.
Apa lacur, saat wasit meniup peluit panjang papan skor menunjukkan hasil imbang antarkedua negara Skandinavia itu. Denmark mencetak dua gol, dan Swedia dua gol.
Terlepas apakah nanti sejarah akan berulang, pertemuan antara Prandelli dan Trapattoni ini menarik untuk diamati karena merepresentasikan dua ujung spektrum yang berbeda. Di ujung yang satu berdiri Trapattoni, salah satu nabi catenaccio Italia. Di ujung yang lain, ada Prandelli yang mencoba melawan arus sepakbola pragmatis yang mendarah daging di Seri-A dengan sepakbola indahnya bersama Fiorentina.
Trapattoni, dengan Juventus dan Inter Milan-nya, adalah simbol dari kejayaan liga Italia di era 1980-1990, liga yang bertabur dan melahirkan pemain kelas dunia. Sementara era Prandelli adalah era saat Seri A kehilangan harga dirinya karena kasus calciopoli, kegagalan regenerasi, sehingga akhirnya ditinggalkan secara perlahan oleh publik dunia. Italia lama versus Italia baru
- Leave your comment • Category: Cesare Prandelli, Footballosophy, Giovanni Trapattoni, Internasional, Italia, Piala Eropa, Sejarah
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In any other day, Gerrard’s sublime pass to Drogba will be treated as a blasphemy. The skipper’s mistakes actually change the game and eventually lead Chelsea to their crucial victory, the kind of do-or-die victory that the Blues needed to wrap the title (and even after Stevie’s ‘assist’ Chelsea’s fans still have the nerve to chant ‘paedo’ to him! Grrr)
But two days ago many Liverpool’s fans didn’t even bother to notice that pass let alone condemn it. By the time the players gather to do the lap of honor, our minds were occupied by finding a message to hang on to. How did Rafa waved? Does his hands gesture means he will leave us? What about Torres? Did he look happy enough to play next season? Gerrard?
Instead of enjoying the tribute from the players, our moment was ruined by the uncertainty that keeps on following us for the past 6 months.
Whilst the question of will Rafa stay and who will be the next Liverpool manager will keep on lingering for the next couple of days, I think the most important question every Liverpool fans needs to ask is (still) about the owner. Now, it doesn’t mean that Hicks and Gillett are responsible for every single Liverpool’s defeat and the malaise that attacks the squad, but the answer for the former question is simply irrelevant in determining Liverpool’s future. To simplify it, it doesn’t matter who will be the next Liverpool manager as long as the cry for a new credible owner is not answered.
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There’s a fine thin line in football. Score and people will hail you as a worthy champion, miss a sitter and the same people will say you got the tactic all wrong. That’s how I feel about this game. If by any chance Bojan capitalized Lucio’s and Samuel’s mistakes and put his header into the net, or Pedro’s shot didn’t went out wide, then probably we will be gloating over Pep’s strategy and we will be saying how Jose is just another man-motivator.
But it didn’t happen. Inter won. Barcelona failed to go through. And Jose is apparently a genius. For me the answer is somewhere in between.
First I want to take a look at Jose’s Inter. Of course they will sit back and defend. They face the world champion, who needed 2 goals to go trough, and who’s playing in front of their 90 thousand deafening supporters. Which side will go there and go all gung ho? Hardly a surprise and is not something to condemn for (at least for me). But what most people seem easy to forget is that lots of team went to Camp Nou and sit back, and didn’t get the result they wanted. But Inter got it.
I’m not going to credit Mourinho for him inventing the “revolutionary defensive tactic”. I’m going to praise him for creating an organized-defensive side. The key-word is organized. Diego Milito, Samuel Eto’o, Thiago Motta, Lucio, and Wesley Sneijder were brought last summer and somehow last night Inter looks like a team that has been playing for years. Lucio and Samuel partnership is extraordinary, Eto’o did his chore in defending, Motta (for 28 minutes) and Cambiasso refused to give Messi and Xavi any spaces, and, up before his substitution, Sneijder did his bit of pressing and harassing too.
For me, to defend brilliantly is not as simple as planting 10 players in front of your box, but to have the ability to read your opponent and to react before them. To have the same wave length with your team mates and know which one is your duty. Inter show this last night. And by God, I didn’t know how they do it. I can’t even begin to imagine what kind of training Jose conducted prior to this game.
(Lest we forget that Jose is a meticulous manager. He watched Chelsea’s video 7 times (maybe more) and moulds his team well to contain Chelsea’s formation. So I think it’s safe to bet that Jose studied Barca’s movement and choked his team to death with his idea of how to defend for your life).
Now onto Pep. To be honest, for the first 45 minutes I kept thinking that Pep didn’t do his homework and I get a little bit irritated. Zlatan against Lucio/Samuel is a no contest. The pair of center backs is a monster and they will win every header under the sun and Zlatan couldn’t match that. But then when I look at Inter defensive play I think what else could Barca possibly do? Pep’s plan A is to send Zlatan and his plan B is to play 4 quick attacking players. He did everything he could, and lose by a really fine margin. When the referee blows his whistle at the end of the match I instantly remember this quote from Zlatan:
“In Italy they give you three or four chances in one game and you have to be ready not to make a mistake.
“You can go 80 minutes without touching the ball, but you know that in the end a chance will arrive. And you can’t miss it because they will judge you on that chance. For this reason, Italians hold strikers like Inzaghi and Trezeguet in high regard because they are people capable of scoring with only one goal scoring chance.”
Last night Bojan missed a header, Messi’s incredible shot was blocked, and Pedro missed a chance too. If you are playing an Italian team, any Italian team, well…you just can’t have that luxury.
Some random thoughts
Bojan disallowed goal: The referee blow his whistle before the goal. It’s not his fault Bojan didn’t hear that. Fine margin, etc, etc..
I actually laugh when I remember Inter’s brilliant business this summer: Zlatan + Maxwell + 5 mill net spend = Eto’o + Sneijder + Motta + Lucio + Millito. All hail Marco Branca!
Mourinho is arrogant, Rafa is cold, Fergie is snidey, and Arsene is a whiner. Jajajajaja, whatever. I don’t really care about character assassination.
Credit to Gaby Marcotti. I believed he’s the first journo who said Inter could go all the way.
*hearts* Zanetti *hearts* I.Will.Cry if Inter won the Champions Legue, and Zanetti lift the big old ears.
Surely Maicon’s, Lucio’s, and Cesar’s performances this season shows that Brazil is the strongest contender for World Cup.
Kinell! What a game.
But it didn’t happen. Inter won. Barcelona failed to go through. And Jose is apparently a genius. For me the answer is somewhere in between.
First I want to take a look at Jose’s Inter. Of course they will sit back and defend. They face the world champion, who needed 2 goals to go trough, and who’s playing in front of their 90 thousand deafening supporters. Which side will go there and go all gung ho? Hardly a surprise and is not something to condemn for (at least for me). But what most people seem easy to forget is that lots of team went to Camp Nou and sit back, and didn’t get the result they wanted. But Inter got it.
I’m not going to credit Mourinho for him inventing the “revolutionary defensive tactic”. I’m going to praise him for creating an organized-defensive side. The key-word is organized. Diego Milito, Samuel Eto’o, Thiago Motta, Lucio, and Wesley Sneijder were brought last summer and somehow last night Inter looks like a team that has been playing for years. Lucio and Samuel partnership is extraordinary, Eto’o did his chore in defending, Motta (for 28 minutes) and Cambiasso refused to give Messi and Xavi any spaces, and, up before his substitution, Sneijder did his bit of pressing and harassing too.
For me, to defend brilliantly is not as simple as planting 10 players in front of your box, but to have the ability to read your opponent and to react before them. To have the same wave length with your team mates and know which one is your duty. Inter show this last night. And by God, I didn’t know how they do it. I can’t even begin to imagine what kind of training Jose conducted prior to this game.
(Lest we forget that Jose is a meticulous manager. He watched Chelsea’s video 7 times (maybe more) and moulds his team well to contain Chelsea’s formation. So I think it’s safe to bet that Jose studied Barca’s movement and choked his team to death with his idea of how to defend for your life).
Now onto Pep. To be honest, for the first 45 minutes I kept thinking that Pep didn’t do his homework and I get a little bit irritated. Zlatan against Lucio/Samuel is a no contest. The pair of center backs is a monster and they will win every header under the sun and Zlatan couldn’t match that. But then when I look at Inter defensive play I think what else could Barca possibly do? Pep’s plan A is to send Zlatan and his plan B is to play 4 quick attacking players. He did everything he could, and lose by a really fine margin. When the referee blows his whistle at the end of the match I instantly remember this quote from Zlatan:
“In Italy they give you three or four chances in one game and you have to be ready not to make a mistake.
“You can go 80 minutes without touching the ball, but you know that in the end a chance will arrive. And you can’t miss it because they will judge you on that chance. For this reason, Italians hold strikers like Inzaghi and Trezeguet in high regard because they are people capable of scoring with only one goal scoring chance.”
Last night Bojan missed a header, Messi’s incredible shot was blocked, and Pedro missed a chance too. If you are playing an Italian team, any Italian team, well…you just can’t have that luxury.
Some random thoughts
Bojan disallowed goal: The referee blow his whistle before the goal. It’s not his fault Bojan didn’t hear that. Fine margin, etc, etc..
I actually laugh when I remember Inter’s brilliant business this summer: Zlatan + Maxwell + 5 mill net spend = Eto’o + Sneijder + Motta + Lucio + Millito. All hail Marco Branca!
Mourinho is arrogant, Rafa is cold, Fergie is snidey, and Arsene is a whiner. Jajajajaja, whatever. I don’t really care about character assassination.
Credit to Gaby Marcotti. I believed he’s the first journo who said Inter could go all the way.
*hearts* Zanetti *hearts* I.Will.Cry if Inter won the Champions Legue, and Zanetti lift the big old ears.
Surely Maicon’s, Lucio’s, and Cesar’s performances this season shows that Brazil is the strongest contender for World Cup.
Kinell! What a game.
- Leave your comment • Category: 2009/2010, Barcelona, Champions League, Inter Milan
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Zanetti is not a great player; he’s a football living legend. The kind that doesn’t need a trophy to command respect from everyone. He’s Argentina’s greatest defender and shall forever be mentioned in the same breath as Baresi, Maldini, Fachetti or Bergomi. This is why I adore him:
Quality. As a player he is complete. He does not only attack and he does not only defend. He is technically gifted but he is also quite physical. He is fast but also solid. His intelligence is beyond question.
Versatile. His natural position is right back, but he’s comfortable playing as a left back and a left midfielder. He’ll do anything to help his team in any possible way.
Hard Work. He holds a club record of 149 consecutive appearances (137 consecutive serie-A matches, from 25 October 2006 – 28 March 2010) at the age of 36! Even more impressive is the fact that only in one game in this season that he did not play the entire 90 minuets (when he came on as a substitute in the Coppa Italia). Zanetti has appeared in more Serie A matches in history than any other non-Italian player. (Makes me wonder what kind of methods he does to stay fit all the time)
Fair. For ten years, from 1999-2009, Zanetti didn’t received a single red card (Mascherano take note!)
Loyalty. 15 years and over 500 appearances for Inter Milan, at his peak the man could walk in every team in this entire universe. But Zanetti chooses to stay with Inter, despite he only have 1 medal (UEFA Cup) for the first 10 years of his service. He rejected Real Madrid, more than once. The likes of Paolo Maldini or Ryan Giggs were lauded too for their loyalty, but sometimes we forgot that it’s easy to stay on a winning team. Zanetti pledge his heart for a perennial underachieving team for years. He went to training only a couple of days after his wedding ceremony. No honeymoon, no nothing. Inter always come first in his life.
Oozes class. Look at him; just take a deep look at him. Nice haircut, no tattoos, shirt tucked in, socks pulled up properly.
A true leader. When Mourinho arrived at Milan, he said that he was lucky that Zanetti is the captain of Inter. It made his job so much easier.
Professional. You know, Zanetti never get drunk.
Graceful. When he was left out of the Argentina’s World Cup squad, in favor of Lionel Scaloni, he did not hold begrudged Peckerman for one second. He said: “I don’t know if there are any footballing or non-footballing reasons. But I can sleep peacefully because I have given so much to my national team, and I still feel a player of the Argentine national team. I’m certainly not Pekerman’s kind of player.” The same thing happens again when Maradona stripped his captaincy for no apparent reason. Zanetti did not throw a fit and continued to play on without stirring up anything in the media.
Philanthropy. Zanetti and his wife Paula created the Fundación PUPI (PUPI foundation) in Argentina for the social integration of poor children.
At May 2005 Zanetti received a letter from the Mexican Zapatista rebels based in the southern state of Chiapas. The letter said: “I challenge you to a match against a team from the Zapatista national liberation army, at a time and a place to be determined. Given the affection we have for you, we’re not planning to submerge you in goals. As we wait for your reply, we’ll continue with our rigorous training regime.”
Zanetti replied: “It is not a problem for me if [the club] accept the challenge. I’d be willing to go.” He also also wrote a letter to express his support for the rebels’ “struggle to maintain your roots and fight for your ideals”.
This is my favorite: He chooses Rolling Stone over the Beatles and his favorite movie is “When a Man Loves a Woman”.
Tra i nerazzurri c’e
Un giocatore che
Dribbla come Pele
Vai Zanetti alee eh o!
Quality. As a player he is complete. He does not only attack and he does not only defend. He is technically gifted but he is also quite physical. He is fast but also solid. His intelligence is beyond question.
Versatile. His natural position is right back, but he’s comfortable playing as a left back and a left midfielder. He’ll do anything to help his team in any possible way.
Hard Work. He holds a club record of 149 consecutive appearances (137 consecutive serie-A matches, from 25 October 2006 – 28 March 2010) at the age of 36! Even more impressive is the fact that only in one game in this season that he did not play the entire 90 minuets (when he came on as a substitute in the Coppa Italia). Zanetti has appeared in more Serie A matches in history than any other non-Italian player. (Makes me wonder what kind of methods he does to stay fit all the time)
Fair. For ten years, from 1999-2009, Zanetti didn’t received a single red card (Mascherano take note!)
Loyalty. 15 years and over 500 appearances for Inter Milan, at his peak the man could walk in every team in this entire universe. But Zanetti chooses to stay with Inter, despite he only have 1 medal (UEFA Cup) for the first 10 years of his service. He rejected Real Madrid, more than once. The likes of Paolo Maldini or Ryan Giggs were lauded too for their loyalty, but sometimes we forgot that it’s easy to stay on a winning team. Zanetti pledge his heart for a perennial underachieving team for years. He went to training only a couple of days after his wedding ceremony. No honeymoon, no nothing. Inter always come first in his life.
Oozes class. Look at him; just take a deep look at him. Nice haircut, no tattoos, shirt tucked in, socks pulled up properly.
A true leader. When Mourinho arrived at Milan, he said that he was lucky that Zanetti is the captain of Inter. It made his job so much easier.
Professional. You know, Zanetti never get drunk.
Graceful. When he was left out of the Argentina’s World Cup squad, in favor of Lionel Scaloni, he did not hold begrudged Peckerman for one second. He said: “I don’t know if there are any footballing or non-footballing reasons. But I can sleep peacefully because I have given so much to my national team, and I still feel a player of the Argentine national team. I’m certainly not Pekerman’s kind of player.” The same thing happens again when Maradona stripped his captaincy for no apparent reason. Zanetti did not throw a fit and continued to play on without stirring up anything in the media.
Philanthropy. Zanetti and his wife Paula created the Fundación PUPI (PUPI foundation) in Argentina for the social integration of poor children.
At May 2005 Zanetti received a letter from the Mexican Zapatista rebels based in the southern state of Chiapas. The letter said: “I challenge you to a match against a team from the Zapatista national liberation army, at a time and a place to be determined. Given the affection we have for you, we’re not planning to submerge you in goals. As we wait for your reply, we’ll continue with our rigorous training regime.”
Zanetti replied: “It is not a problem for me if [the club] accept the challenge. I’d be willing to go.” He also also wrote a letter to express his support for the rebels’ “struggle to maintain your roots and fight for your ideals”.
This is my favorite: He chooses Rolling Stone over the Beatles and his favorite movie is “When a Man Loves a Woman”.
Tra i nerazzurri c’e
Un giocatore che
Dribbla come Pele
Vai Zanetti alee eh o!
- Leave your comment • Category: Inter Milan, Javier Zanetti, Serie-A
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I know Rafa is a brilliant manager. I know he had done a remarkable job
for this past 5 years, especially if you consider all the money and
owner debacles he had to put up with. I know he loves Liverpool. And
despite all the ‘lucky manager’ remarks addressed to him, I know he’s
the one who had deliver the big old ears for ours to keep. I know. I
know exactly the reason why majority of Liverpool fans adored him to
bit. Defending him all the way if someone ever crosses path with him.
We say “Liverpool is lucky to have rafa”
Now, don’t get me wrong. I agree with it. He’s the safest bet we could have if Hicks and Gillett still have their hands over Liverpool. But I don’t think that line stop there. For me, just as Liverpool is lucky to have Rafa, Rafa is lucky to manage Liverpool.
Why?
First there’s this one aspect that we can use to fully describe a Rafael Benitez: control!
We all know that Rafa loves to take control of every single little detail. From the player transfer, the academy, the formation, until the movement on the pitch is within his reach. That’s the kind of control that he sought after when he renegotiate his contract in 2009. And that’s the kind of control he gets. There’ll be no more playing politics with Rick Parry using the academy. Even Christian Purslow, Parrys’s replacement, had Rafa’s back.
You might argue what good is a control if you don’t have the actual money to spend. But I think, from the manager perspective, full controls somehow compensate the lack of money.
These past months, Rafa have been linked to several clubs like Juventus, AC Milan, or Real Madrid. They say these are the club where Rafa’s future lies. They say he must be ‘stupid’ to give up these rich clubs, only to manage a club like Liverpool.
Well, those clubs run a different system. They have a sporting director, the one who determines which players to buy with what budget. Ask Ciro Ferrara who was buying him Fabio Grosso and Cannavaro, and for what reason. Ask Ancelotti who was choosing him David Beckham. Ask Pellegrino about the “galacticos mk.2” project. Which one is his signings and which one is Perez?
Rafa may didn’t have the best budget, but at Liverpool no sporting director ever gave a lampshade when he wanted a table. At Liverpool, Rafa went to a flea market to get the table he needed. But it’s a table no less. And he can also forget about the academy or the whole plan of building something at others club. It’s what a sporting director is for.
It doesn’t stop there. Everyone knows Hicks and Gillett are the uber-twats of the highest order, but they never told Rafa which players he need to use in his formation. If Rafa went to Italy, this kind of things is exactly what he will have to face.
Let’s get to another aspect: supporter. For years Liverpool’s managers had always good relationship with the supporters (unless you decided to talk to The Sun of course). These managers have an undying love from the fan.That no matter what happen, booing his name or asking him to be fired in the middle of the season is considered as an immortal sin. This kind of support is nowhere to be seen in another club. Shankly laid that bonding between Liverpool managers and supporters (as Brian Reade said in his book)
Okay, so we might have those armchair fans, those internet warriors, those phone-callers bitching every time we loose. But never that kind of attitude was brought on the pitch. It’s a sacred place where you never stop cheering even when the team plays badly.
You will never get that kind of support in Italy. For example, I gave you Cessare Prandelli, one manager that I think had done a fantastic job for 5 years in Fiorentina. In 2002 this club went to administration. Playing in the third division, the authority even takes away the clubs color and badge. But In 2010 they were already playing in Champions League knock out stage. Prandelli (and Corvino, the sporting director) made this miracle.
Let’s get to another aspect: supporter. For years Liverpool’s managers had always good relationship with the supporters (unless you decided to talk to The Sun of course). These managers have an undying love from the fan.That no matter what happen, booing his name or asking him to be fired in the middle of the season is considered as an immortal sin. This kind of support is nowhere to be seen in another club. Shankly laid that bonding between Liverpool managers and supporters (as Brian Reade said in his book)
Okay, so we might have those armchair fans, those internet warriors, those phone-callers bitching every time we loose. But never that kind of attitude was brought on the pitch. It’s a sacred place where you never stop cheering even when the team plays badly.
You will never get that kind of support in Italy. For example, I gave you Cessare Prandelli, one manager that I think had done a fantastic job for 5 years in Fiorentina. In 2002 this club went to administration. Playing in the third division, the authority even takes away the clubs color and badge. But In 2010 they were already playing in Champions League knock out stage. Prandelli (and Corvino, the sporting director) made this miracle.
Okay, so we might have those armchair fans, those internet warriors, those phone-callers bitching every time we loose. But never that kind of attitude was brought on the pitch. It’s a sacred place where you never stop cheering even when the team plays badly.
You will never get that kind of support in Italy. For example, I gave you Cessare Prandelli, one manager that I think had done a fantastic job for 5 years in Fiorentina. In 2002 this club went to administration. Playing in the third division, the authority even takes away the clubs color and badge. But In 2010 they were already playing in Champions League knock out stage. Prandelli (and Corvino, the sporting director) made this miracle.
You will never get that kind of support in Italy. For example, I gave you Cessare Prandelli, one manager that I think had done a fantastic job for 5 years in Fiorentina. In 2002 this club went to administration. Playing in the third division, the authority even takes away the clubs color and badge. But In 2010 they were already playing in Champions League knock out stage. Prandelli (and Corvino, the sporting director) made this miracle.
I’m a little bit reluctance to put the last aspect, the media, as I think the media in every country has their own advantage/disadvantage. So I’m going just to state the difference (by state I mean repeat what Gianluca Vialli/Gabrielle Marcotti wrote on their brilliant book, “The Italian Job”).
In England, you’ll find the media are more engaged in discussing the value, character, and what happen off the pitch. In Italy, you’ll find the media are obsessed with the tactical formation, the players, the substitution and what happen on the pitch. In England you’ll find the media repeating the same “rafa is a cold manager” rubbish over and over again. In Italy he probably gets slated by playing Lucas every single week. I really don’t know how the Spanish media work, so can’t really comment.
In the end, no matter where Rafa, or any other manager works, there’s no such thing as a perfect environment. Club owners will always be a jerk. Money will always fall short. Supporters will always moans. Media will always criticize. Players will always get injured. All things will always be against you. But you got to stop reasoning at one point and just get on with it.
I’m a little bit reluctance to put the last aspect, the media, as I think the media in every country has their own advantage/disadvantage. So I’m going just to state the difference (by state I mean repeat what Gianluca Vialli/Gabrielle Marcotti wrote on their brilliant book, “The Italian Job”).
In England, you’ll find the media are more engaged in discussing the value, character, and what happen off the pitch. In Italy, you’ll find the media are obsessed with the tactical formation, the players, the substitution and what happen on the pitch. In England you’ll find the media repeating the same “rafa is a cold manager” rubbish over and over again. In Italy he probably gets slated by playing Lucas every single week. I really don’t know how the Spanish media work, so can’t really comment.
In the end, no matter where Rafa, or any other manager works, there’s no such thing as a perfect environment. Club owners will always be a jerk. Money will always fall short. Supporters will always moans. Media will always criticize. Players will always get injured. All things will always be against you. But you got to stop reasoning at one point and just get on with it.
In England, you’ll find the media are more engaged in discussing the value, character, and what happen off the pitch. In Italy, you’ll find the media are obsessed with the tactical formation, the players, the substitution and what happen on the pitch. In England you’ll find the media repeating the same “rafa is a cold manager” rubbish over and over again. In Italy he probably gets slated by playing Lucas every single week. I really don’t know how the Spanish media work, so can’t really comment.
In the end, no matter where Rafa, or any other manager works, there’s no such thing as a perfect environment. Club owners will always be a jerk. Money will always fall short. Supporters will always moans. Media will always criticize. Players will always get injured. All things will always be against you. But you got to stop reasoning at one point and just get on with it.
In the end, no matter where Rafa, or any other manager works, there’s no such thing as a perfect environment. Club owners will always be a jerk. Money will always fall short. Supporters will always moans. Media will always criticize. Players will always get injured. All things will always be against you. But you got to stop reasoning at one point and just get on with it.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I agree with it. He’s the safest bet we could have if Hicks and Gillett still have their hands over Liverpool. But I don’t think that line stop there. For me, just as Liverpool is lucky to have Rafa, Rafa is lucky to manage Liverpool.
Why?
First there’s this one aspect that we can use to fully describe a Rafael Benitez: control!
We all know that Rafa loves to take control of every single little detail. From the player transfer, the academy, the formation, until the movement on the pitch is within his reach. That’s the kind of control that he sought after when he renegotiate his contract in 2009. And that’s the kind of control he gets. There’ll be no more playing politics with Rick Parry using the academy. Even Christian Purslow, Parrys’s replacement, had Rafa’s back.
You might argue what good is a control if you don’t have the actual money to spend. But I think, from the manager perspective, full controls somehow compensate the lack of money.
These past months, Rafa have been linked to several clubs like Juventus, AC Milan, or Real Madrid. They say these are the club where Rafa’s future lies. They say he must be ‘stupid’ to give up these rich clubs, only to manage a club like Liverpool.
Well, those clubs run a different system. They have a sporting director, the one who determines which players to buy with what budget. Ask Ciro Ferrara who was buying him Fabio Grosso and Cannavaro, and for what reason. Ask Ancelotti who was choosing him David Beckham. Ask Pellegrino about the “galacticos mk.2” project. Which one is his signings and which one is Perez?
Rafa may didn’t have the best budget, but at Liverpool no sporting director ever gave a lampshade when he wanted a table. At Liverpool, Rafa went to a flea market to get the table he needed. But it’s a table no less. And he can also forget about the academy or the whole plan of building something at others club. It’s what a sporting director is for.
It doesn’t stop there. Everyone knows Hicks and Gillett are the uber-twats of the highest order, but they never told Rafa which players he need to use in his formation. If Rafa went to Italy, this kind of things is exactly what he will have to face.
Let’s get to another aspect: supporter. For years Liverpool’s managers had always good relationship with the supporters (unless you decided to talk to The Sun of course). These managers have an undying love from the fan.That no matter what happen, booing his name or asking him to be fired in the middle of the season is considered as an immortal sin. This kind of support is nowhere to be seen in another club. Shankly laid that bonding between Liverpool managers and supporters (as Brian Reade said in his book)
Okay, so we might have those armchair fans, those internet warriors, those phone-callers bitching every time we loose. But never that kind of attitude was brought on the pitch. It’s a sacred place where you never stop cheering even when the team plays badly.
You will never get that kind of support in Italy. For example, I gave you Cessare Prandelli, one manager that I think had done a fantastic job for 5 years in Fiorentina. In 2002 this club went to administration. Playing in the third division, the authority even takes away the clubs color and badge. But In 2010 they were already playing in Champions League knock out stage. Prandelli (and Corvino, the sporting director) made this miracle.
Let’s get to another aspect: supporter. For years Liverpool’s managers had always good relationship with the supporters (unless you decided to talk to The Sun of course). These managers have an undying love from the fan.That no matter what happen, booing his name or asking him to be fired in the middle of the season is considered as an immortal sin. This kind of support is nowhere to be seen in another club. Shankly laid that bonding between Liverpool managers and supporters (as Brian Reade said in his book)
Okay, so we might have those armchair fans, those internet warriors, those phone-callers bitching every time we loose. But never that kind of attitude was brought on the pitch. It’s a sacred place where you never stop cheering even when the team plays badly.
You will never get that kind of support in Italy. For example, I gave you Cessare Prandelli, one manager that I think had done a fantastic job for 5 years in Fiorentina. In 2002 this club went to administration. Playing in the third division, the authority even takes away the clubs color and badge. But In 2010 they were already playing in Champions League knock out stage. Prandelli (and Corvino, the sporting director) made this miracle.
Okay, so we might have those armchair fans, those internet warriors, those phone-callers bitching every time we loose. But never that kind of attitude was brought on the pitch. It’s a sacred place where you never stop cheering even when the team plays badly.
You will never get that kind of support in Italy. For example, I gave you Cessare Prandelli, one manager that I think had done a fantastic job for 5 years in Fiorentina. In 2002 this club went to administration. Playing in the third division, the authority even takes away the clubs color and badge. But In 2010 they were already playing in Champions League knock out stage. Prandelli (and Corvino, the sporting director) made this miracle.
You will never get that kind of support in Italy. For example, I gave you Cessare Prandelli, one manager that I think had done a fantastic job for 5 years in Fiorentina. In 2002 this club went to administration. Playing in the third division, the authority even takes away the clubs color and badge. But In 2010 they were already playing in Champions League knock out stage. Prandelli (and Corvino, the sporting director) made this miracle.
I’m a little bit reluctance to put the last aspect, the media, as I think the media in every country has their own advantage/disadvantage. So I’m going just to state the difference (by state I mean repeat what Gianluca Vialli/Gabrielle Marcotti wrote on their brilliant book, “The Italian Job”).
In England, you’ll find the media are more engaged in discussing the value, character, and what happen off the pitch. In Italy, you’ll find the media are obsessed with the tactical formation, the players, the substitution and what happen on the pitch. In England you’ll find the media repeating the same “rafa is a cold manager” rubbish over and over again. In Italy he probably gets slated by playing Lucas every single week. I really don’t know how the Spanish media work, so can’t really comment.
In the end, no matter where Rafa, or any other manager works, there’s no such thing as a perfect environment. Club owners will always be a jerk. Money will always fall short. Supporters will always moans. Media will always criticize. Players will always get injured. All things will always be against you. But you got to stop reasoning at one point and just get on with it.
I’m a little bit reluctance to put the last aspect, the media, as I think the media in every country has their own advantage/disadvantage. So I’m going just to state the difference (by state I mean repeat what Gianluca Vialli/Gabrielle Marcotti wrote on their brilliant book, “The Italian Job”).
In England, you’ll find the media are more engaged in discussing the value, character, and what happen off the pitch. In Italy, you’ll find the media are obsessed with the tactical formation, the players, the substitution and what happen on the pitch. In England you’ll find the media repeating the same “rafa is a cold manager” rubbish over and over again. In Italy he probably gets slated by playing Lucas every single week. I really don’t know how the Spanish media work, so can’t really comment.
In the end, no matter where Rafa, or any other manager works, there’s no such thing as a perfect environment. Club owners will always be a jerk. Money will always fall short. Supporters will always moans. Media will always criticize. Players will always get injured. All things will always be against you. But you got to stop reasoning at one point and just get on with it.
In England, you’ll find the media are more engaged in discussing the value, character, and what happen off the pitch. In Italy, you’ll find the media are obsessed with the tactical formation, the players, the substitution and what happen on the pitch. In England you’ll find the media repeating the same “rafa is a cold manager” rubbish over and over again. In Italy he probably gets slated by playing Lucas every single week. I really don’t know how the Spanish media work, so can’t really comment.
In the end, no matter where Rafa, or any other manager works, there’s no such thing as a perfect environment. Club owners will always be a jerk. Money will always fall short. Supporters will always moans. Media will always criticize. Players will always get injured. All things will always be against you. But you got to stop reasoning at one point and just get on with it.
In the end, no matter where Rafa, or any other manager works, there’s no such thing as a perfect environment. Club owners will always be a jerk. Money will always fall short. Supporters will always moans. Media will always criticize. Players will always get injured. All things will always be against you. But you got to stop reasoning at one point and just get on with it.
Last week, Palermo’s president told the
press that his own manager is a coward for not playing Javier Pastore.
He even make a bold statement that Javier must play every game. Do not
forget about Ancelotti. One of the reasons why he managed to stay for 8
years in Milan was because he knows how to please Berlusconi. Once,
Berlusconi even asked Ancelotti to change his formation because he
thinks it was too defensive. Can you imagine Rafa take that kind of
order? What about Madrid? This is the club that fired Capello, after he
won the league, because he didn’t play attractive football.
But what happen
when Fiorentina runs a bad form like Liverpool? There was a banner on
previous week match that said: “Prandelli, the cycle is over”. Madness
I think, if you consider Fiorentina is still challenging on Copa Italia
(semifinal) and The Champions League. And who can forget the banner in
Ancelotti’s first match with Juventus: “Un maiale non puo allenare. Ancelotti vattene” (A pig can’t be coach. Ancelotti go away). Enough said.
- Leave your comment • Category: 2009/2010, Liverpool, Rafa Benitez
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I want to start this with last year formation:
The beauty thing of this formation was Alonso’s movement. First, it’s
so simple. He only needs to run the ball forward and pass it to
Gerrard/Kuyt/Riera. After he passes it, he waits outside the box and
pick up another pass. The three arrows show the spot where he used to
pick up a pass near the opposition’s box.
In this formation Gerrard, with his dynamic movement, was given a free role to roam and hurt the opposition’s defense (and linking up with Torres of course). Mascherano was selected with a simple duty: read the game, break up the opposition play and give it to Alonso. He’s the best in the world for this kind of thing. The partnership he builds with Alonso is a thing of beauty. They complete each other.
Now, whilst this formation is very stable, it’s somewhat one dimensional. For me, that’s the thing that has cost us two points when we faced an opposition who likes to sit deep and defend. We didn’t have enough imagination to unlock the window. We didn’t have a pure fantasisti. A Dalglish. A Barnes. A Baggio. A Totti.
At a couple of time, Benayoun was the answer to this problem. But he didn’t have a run of good game until a couple of weeks nearing the end of last season.
But, like I said before, this formation is so stable and dependable. Everyone knows their role perfectly and as a result we played our most attractive football in Rafa’s tenure. As for the answer whether it was Alonso or Gerrard who become our most influential players, for me it’s not as simple as stating this player is better than the other. Guardiola said it the best (bless him and his word of wisdom) when Messi received the Ballon D’or award: “I just hope Messi realizes how much he owes to Xavi, and Xavi how much he owes to Messi. They both need each other”
There’s so much truth in that line. Reflecting back to Liverpool, Alonso and Mascherano was the rhythm of our movement, whilst Torres and Gerrard was the melody. They need each other. Without the melody a song would simply be boring, and without a rhythm it would be chaotic.
Stable, dependable, and harmony are the three words I used to describe last season’s Liverpool.
Fast forward it to three months latter, we lost Alonso. Fast forward it to nine months latter (right now), our quest to cope with the loss of a playmaker presence have not been answered yet.
There’s this thing that bugs me the most. By logic, the loss of Alonso should be an opportunity for us to mould a more attractive and dynamic side. Why? Because we didn’t have to limit our attacking movement with only one channel. Aquilani knows this. He said it himself, that, with him being a more attacking midfielder, we simply have more option to press forward. We can choose to attack with our flanks or with our spine. There’s no necessity to penetrate through Alonso anymore.
So why haven’t we play a dynamic style of football and creating a lot of chance? The answer is lost in the middle of the players inability to adapt to a new formation and Rafa’s persistence to use the same, err, midfield pairing.
After our fourth league game, I remember Rafa changes his formation. He used Gerrard to accompany Mascherano/Lucas and put Yossi behind Torres. The result follows: winning games! Mind you, we were not solid enough defensively. But like the end of last season, what we lack defensively we make up by scoring goals.
Well, at least until that day in Florence.
Oh, how I dread that day in Florence. We were simply outplayed, outrun, and outclassed by Fiorentina. Montolivo had Gerrard in his pocket, and one 19 years old Jovetic torture our defense. It’s like what he have done on the previous six games vanished into the air. We lost to Chelsea the following week and since then Rafa never used Gerrard alongside Mascherano/Lucas, consistently, anymore.
My guess is Rafa feels the need to protect the defense by using Lucas and Mascherano. And maybe, the player themselves wasn’t ready to play a more attacking pattern. Insua and Glenn often caught after bombing forwards. Throw in the center backs lack of concentration; we find our own recipe for disasters.
As a typical Italian manager (oh yes, he learn from Sacchi, Rafa is as much an Italian as Mancini), Rafa revert to his old approach. Build from the defense, control everything, and try to nick something. Well the result is like this: 2-0, 0-0, 2-0, 1-0, 0-1, 1-0, and 0-0. Solid? Yes. Hard to beat? Defo. But the game is soul destroying. I even dare to say that between the top 7 premier league teams, we are the unimaginative one. But who am I to question the manager as long we grind out result right? Well, for me it’s not like that.
The thing is (there’s always a thing, isn’t it?) people keep saying as long as we keep getting result, it’ll be a golden sky ahead. When Torres, Johnson, and Yossi are coming back, we will be as good as anyone. We will be firing and flying again.
But I can’t just accept that. Simply because I still didn’t have a clue how we’re going to play. Having all your best one playing is one thing. Finding the one formula that will get the best out of everyone is another. I’m afraid there are questions that need to be asked first.
Let’s start with Lucas and Mascherano. I still don’t believe that this pairing will get us anywhere, because both are too similar. Their duty is to break up the opposition play and make simple passes. Lucas should be Mascherano understudy, and Mascherano should be paired with someone who can build our attack. But what does Rafa think? Will he still use this pairing in the future? Will he let go the need to control the game? Will he takes risk and attack our opponent?
And let’s not forget our beloved il principino, Aquilani. Where is he going to play? Having seen him play as a central midfield and as a second striker, I am more convinced that he’s suited for the latter role. He didn’t have that sense of defensive ability that a CM needs to master. Even Rafa didn’t trust him to play in away game. But, will Rafa give him Gerrard’s position? Where does Rafa want him to play?
As for the flank, as much as I’m not convinced with this position, I can’t blame our lack of quality to Rafa. Since the day Steve Mcmanaman went to Madrid, we never have one quality winger. It’s a dying breed too. It’ll cost us a fortune to have someone with Kuyt’s energy, Babel’s pace, and Riera’s technical skill (even Vargas cost 20 million). My wish is just sometimes Rafa will have the guts to drop Kuyt and opt to play two pure wingers.
So that’s basically my thought on Liverpool’s system this season. If I could propose one thing, then I would like us to play these three formations:
Glenn –—- Carra ——– Agger —-– Insua
Gerrard –—- Mascherano
Kuyt —————— Aquilani —————- Yossi
Torres
(gerrrard take over Alonso’s role)
Or:
Glenn –—- Carra ——– Agger —-– Insua
Mascherano
Kuyt ———-Gerrard —— Aquilani ——— Yossi
Torres
Or:
Glenn –—- Carra ——– Agger —-– Insua
Lucas –—- Mascherano
Gerrard ————Aquilani————— Yossi
Torres
In this formation Gerrard, with his dynamic movement, was given a free role to roam and hurt the opposition’s defense (and linking up with Torres of course). Mascherano was selected with a simple duty: read the game, break up the opposition play and give it to Alonso. He’s the best in the world for this kind of thing. The partnership he builds with Alonso is a thing of beauty. They complete each other.
Now, whilst this formation is very stable, it’s somewhat one dimensional. For me, that’s the thing that has cost us two points when we faced an opposition who likes to sit deep and defend. We didn’t have enough imagination to unlock the window. We didn’t have a pure fantasisti. A Dalglish. A Barnes. A Baggio. A Totti.
At a couple of time, Benayoun was the answer to this problem. But he didn’t have a run of good game until a couple of weeks nearing the end of last season.
But, like I said before, this formation is so stable and dependable. Everyone knows their role perfectly and as a result we played our most attractive football in Rafa’s tenure. As for the answer whether it was Alonso or Gerrard who become our most influential players, for me it’s not as simple as stating this player is better than the other. Guardiola said it the best (bless him and his word of wisdom) when Messi received the Ballon D’or award: “I just hope Messi realizes how much he owes to Xavi, and Xavi how much he owes to Messi. They both need each other”
There’s so much truth in that line. Reflecting back to Liverpool, Alonso and Mascherano was the rhythm of our movement, whilst Torres and Gerrard was the melody. They need each other. Without the melody a song would simply be boring, and without a rhythm it would be chaotic.
Stable, dependable, and harmony are the three words I used to describe last season’s Liverpool.
Fast forward it to three months latter, we lost Alonso. Fast forward it to nine months latter (right now), our quest to cope with the loss of a playmaker presence have not been answered yet.
There’s this thing that bugs me the most. By logic, the loss of Alonso should be an opportunity for us to mould a more attractive and dynamic side. Why? Because we didn’t have to limit our attacking movement with only one channel. Aquilani knows this. He said it himself, that, with him being a more attacking midfielder, we simply have more option to press forward. We can choose to attack with our flanks or with our spine. There’s no necessity to penetrate through Alonso anymore.
So why haven’t we play a dynamic style of football and creating a lot of chance? The answer is lost in the middle of the players inability to adapt to a new formation and Rafa’s persistence to use the same, err, midfield pairing.
After our fourth league game, I remember Rafa changes his formation. He used Gerrard to accompany Mascherano/Lucas and put Yossi behind Torres. The result follows: winning games! Mind you, we were not solid enough defensively. But like the end of last season, what we lack defensively we make up by scoring goals.
Well, at least until that day in Florence.
Oh, how I dread that day in Florence. We were simply outplayed, outrun, and outclassed by Fiorentina. Montolivo had Gerrard in his pocket, and one 19 years old Jovetic torture our defense. It’s like what he have done on the previous six games vanished into the air. We lost to Chelsea the following week and since then Rafa never used Gerrard alongside Mascherano/Lucas, consistently, anymore.
My guess is Rafa feels the need to protect the defense by using Lucas and Mascherano. And maybe, the player themselves wasn’t ready to play a more attacking pattern. Insua and Glenn often caught after bombing forwards. Throw in the center backs lack of concentration; we find our own recipe for disasters.
As a typical Italian manager (oh yes, he learn from Sacchi, Rafa is as much an Italian as Mancini), Rafa revert to his old approach. Build from the defense, control everything, and try to nick something. Well the result is like this: 2-0, 0-0, 2-0, 1-0, 0-1, 1-0, and 0-0. Solid? Yes. Hard to beat? Defo. But the game is soul destroying. I even dare to say that between the top 7 premier league teams, we are the unimaginative one. But who am I to question the manager as long we grind out result right? Well, for me it’s not like that.
The thing is (there’s always a thing, isn’t it?) people keep saying as long as we keep getting result, it’ll be a golden sky ahead. When Torres, Johnson, and Yossi are coming back, we will be as good as anyone. We will be firing and flying again.
But I can’t just accept that. Simply because I still didn’t have a clue how we’re going to play. Having all your best one playing is one thing. Finding the one formula that will get the best out of everyone is another. I’m afraid there are questions that need to be asked first.
Let’s start with Lucas and Mascherano. I still don’t believe that this pairing will get us anywhere, because both are too similar. Their duty is to break up the opposition play and make simple passes. Lucas should be Mascherano understudy, and Mascherano should be paired with someone who can build our attack. But what does Rafa think? Will he still use this pairing in the future? Will he let go the need to control the game? Will he takes risk and attack our opponent?
And let’s not forget our beloved il principino, Aquilani. Where is he going to play? Having seen him play as a central midfield and as a second striker, I am more convinced that he’s suited for the latter role. He didn’t have that sense of defensive ability that a CM needs to master. Even Rafa didn’t trust him to play in away game. But, will Rafa give him Gerrard’s position? Where does Rafa want him to play?
As for the flank, as much as I’m not convinced with this position, I can’t blame our lack of quality to Rafa. Since the day Steve Mcmanaman went to Madrid, we never have one quality winger. It’s a dying breed too. It’ll cost us a fortune to have someone with Kuyt’s energy, Babel’s pace, and Riera’s technical skill (even Vargas cost 20 million). My wish is just sometimes Rafa will have the guts to drop Kuyt and opt to play two pure wingers.
So that’s basically my thought on Liverpool’s system this season. If I could propose one thing, then I would like us to play these three formations:
Glenn –—- Carra ——– Agger —-– Insua
Gerrard –—- Mascherano
Kuyt —————— Aquilani —————- Yossi
Torres
(gerrrard take over Alonso’s role)
Or:
Glenn –—- Carra ——– Agger —-– Insua
Mascherano
Kuyt ———-Gerrard —— Aquilani ——— Yossi
Torres
Or:
Glenn –—- Carra ——– Agger —-– Insua
Lucas –—- Mascherano
Gerrard ————Aquilani————— Yossi
Torres
(let
Lucas and Mascherano sit deeps, but release the 4 upfront. It’ll be
similar to Genoa’s style. We maybe, errr, concede a few, but heck at
lest it’ll be entertaining)
- Leave your comment • Category: 2009/2010, EPL, Liverpool, Rafa Benitez, tactic and formation
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Fuck the rules. Fuck FIFA. Fuck UEFA. Fuck the respect campaign!
After watching Fiorentina’s match last night against Bayern, I found my self lingering an old line I used to hear when I was a little girl: “play to the rule, play to the referee, play to the game, and let the best team win”. I guess the authority didn’t believe that kind of thing anymore. “Play to the money” must’ve been the one line written on the wall of their office. And they would ensure everything will go perfectly according to their money-driven agenda.
You might think that I’m being paranoid. But the signs are there. For these past two years, I’ve seen a very “commercial scenario” presented by these so-called officials.
First there was that last year semifinal between Chelsea and Barcelona, where Chelsea had 4 clear-penalty over-ruled by Ovrebo. Chelsea might have all the money in the world, but Barcelona had the advantage of being a more recognized sport brand in USA and South America. Of course there was that Cronaldo versus Messi rivalry, exploited to death by the media. The result was obvious. Last year Champions League final tops Super Bowl as the most-watched annual sports event.
Another example is the World Cup “seeded play-off”. FIFA went all the way to warrant the big Adidas/Nike poster-boys’ rightful place in South Africa. I have no doubt or whatsoever that was the true intention behind FIFA’s decision. And remember Henry’s handball? Did FIFA take any action for that?
Arshavin’s appearance in the official World Cup-song video also confirms my suspicion. Clearly FIFA, and their sponsor alliance, expected Russia to go through to the final round. How dare Slovenia ruin their plan, eh?
And then we arrived at last night match. Oh how I’m beyond rage seeing not one, not two, but three fucked up decisions from the officials: Massimo Gobbi’s dismissal, Klose not getting sent off and the 6-yards-offside-goal. Three is more than enough to make a cynic like me distrust any notion that it was only incompetence from the referee.
To make everything worse, it was the same Tom Henning Ovrebo who refereed last year semifinal. Even though the question mark was really pointed at the linesman, the buck stops with Obrevo. He’s the one who make all the decisions.
At this point I’m getting sick with football. The 50 most paid footballers list make me sick. FA’s proposal about having a play-off to determined champions league spot makes me sick. The whole bitching and moaning about the lack of money (for Liverpool) to compete makes me sick. Fucking mercenary players makes me sick.
And I can only asked myself, when enough is enough? Why bother anymore? Why spend all this enormous amount of time on football when everything is so fucking driven by money?
PS: The whole respect campaign is a joke. UEFA/FIFA is really pissing on their own campaign.
After watching Fiorentina’s match last night against Bayern, I found my self lingering an old line I used to hear when I was a little girl: “play to the rule, play to the referee, play to the game, and let the best team win”. I guess the authority didn’t believe that kind of thing anymore. “Play to the money” must’ve been the one line written on the wall of their office. And they would ensure everything will go perfectly according to their money-driven agenda.
You might think that I’m being paranoid. But the signs are there. For these past two years, I’ve seen a very “commercial scenario” presented by these so-called officials.
First there was that last year semifinal between Chelsea and Barcelona, where Chelsea had 4 clear-penalty over-ruled by Ovrebo. Chelsea might have all the money in the world, but Barcelona had the advantage of being a more recognized sport brand in USA and South America. Of course there was that Cronaldo versus Messi rivalry, exploited to death by the media. The result was obvious. Last year Champions League final tops Super Bowl as the most-watched annual sports event.
Another example is the World Cup “seeded play-off”. FIFA went all the way to warrant the big Adidas/Nike poster-boys’ rightful place in South Africa. I have no doubt or whatsoever that was the true intention behind FIFA’s decision. And remember Henry’s handball? Did FIFA take any action for that?
Arshavin’s appearance in the official World Cup-song video also confirms my suspicion. Clearly FIFA, and their sponsor alliance, expected Russia to go through to the final round. How dare Slovenia ruin their plan, eh?
And then we arrived at last night match. Oh how I’m beyond rage seeing not one, not two, but three fucked up decisions from the officials: Massimo Gobbi’s dismissal, Klose not getting sent off and the 6-yards-offside-goal. Three is more than enough to make a cynic like me distrust any notion that it was only incompetence from the referee.
To make everything worse, it was the same Tom Henning Ovrebo who refereed last year semifinal. Even though the question mark was really pointed at the linesman, the buck stops with Obrevo. He’s the one who make all the decisions.
At this point I’m getting sick with football. The 50 most paid footballers list make me sick. FA’s proposal about having a play-off to determined champions league spot makes me sick. The whole bitching and moaning about the lack of money (for Liverpool) to compete makes me sick. Fucking mercenary players makes me sick.
And I can only asked myself, when enough is enough? Why bother anymore? Why spend all this enormous amount of time on football when everything is so fucking driven by money?
PS: The whole respect campaign is a joke. UEFA/FIFA is really pissing on their own campaign.
- Leave your comment • Category: 2009/2010, Bayern Muenchen, Champions League, FIFA, Fiorentina
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I knew it! I knew Bendtner looks like that rapper Eminem or Chester
from Linkin Park. Mind you, thinking that look-a-like is the only thing
that keeps me not to fall asleep in the first half, as we and Arsenal
play so cautious we forgot that football is not only about passing the
ball. (Hey I did wake up at 2 am, wait for a friend to pick me up, and
went to a cafe to see this match. I was bound to be sleepy).
To be fair, it was expected. Arsenal, having conceded 5 goals in their last two match from counter attack, definitely didn’t want to repeat the same mistake. So they tone down the tempo. Passing the ball sideway, forward, and back to Almunia. Passing the ball here, there, and everywhere, I thought they want to bore us to death.
Liverpool in the other hand didn’t help them self either. No matter in what game, this season we always always play in the same manner as our opponent. It’s like we're a sponge, absorbing the level of football that surround us (does this line even make sense?)
What I mean is, if our opponent up for a good game with pace, we served them with the same pace. If we meet one whose play didn’t have a purposed then to defend and nick something, we stoop down to their level (Portsmouth and Blackburn springs to mind). It’s like we’ve lost any sense of urgency to set our own play.
To be fair, it was expected. Arsenal, having conceded 5 goals in their last two match from counter attack, definitely didn’t want to repeat the same mistake. So they tone down the tempo. Passing the ball sideway, forward, and back to Almunia. Passing the ball here, there, and everywhere, I thought they want to bore us to death.
Liverpool in the other hand didn’t help them self either. No matter in what game, this season we always always play in the same manner as our opponent. It’s like we're a sponge, absorbing the level of football that surround us (does this line even make sense?)
What I mean is, if our opponent up for a good game with pace, we served them with the same pace. If we meet one whose play didn’t have a purposed then to defend and nick something, we stoop down to their level (Portsmouth and Blackburn springs to mind). It’s like we’ve lost any sense of urgency to set our own play.
Last night, when arsenal was there for the taking
in the first half, we didn’t even try to create something. No threat.
No intention. No raising up the tempo. No bullying. No showing up in
their face. None. Nada. Zilch.
And you can’t just expect Arsenal to repeat the same shite game in second half. At Anfield, Wenger called his player “not fit enough to wear the badge” to up their game. And he succeed. I don’t know what line he used last night, but Arsenal did raised the tempo in the second half and try to break down our defenses.
Diaby scored as a result. From the cheapest header I ever seen in this season.
Now, as always, we really love to put our self in this underdog, we-can-do-it, impossible is nothing, situation. We know the stakes are high, so we put more effort in. Babel replaced Lucas, and Gerrard played deeper, providing us with that long-ranged passing that we miss so much. Finally, somebody was pulling the string from midfield. Finally, someone was setting up our winger/wingback/wide-man free with a perfect - timing pass. (Mind you it only happen for a couple of occasions, but it show us glimpses of hope that we are capable of repeating the same playing-pattern as last season).
Long story short, we can’t nick the point we needed. I don’t even want to talk about Howard Webb and his baffling decision to ignore Fabregas handball (oh yes, I bet Webb seen the accident). We created 3 chances that should’ve been converted (from Lucas, Ngog, and Babel), but we failed to. One might say that we didn’t deserved to lose, but I totally disagree with that notion. If you score more than your opponent, than you deserves to win. That’s the rule. It always been, and it always will be.
Some talking points:
And you can’t just expect Arsenal to repeat the same shite game in second half. At Anfield, Wenger called his player “not fit enough to wear the badge” to up their game. And he succeed. I don’t know what line he used last night, but Arsenal did raised the tempo in the second half and try to break down our defenses.
Diaby scored as a result. From the cheapest header I ever seen in this season.
Now, as always, we really love to put our self in this underdog, we-can-do-it, impossible is nothing, situation. We know the stakes are high, so we put more effort in. Babel replaced Lucas, and Gerrard played deeper, providing us with that long-ranged passing that we miss so much. Finally, somebody was pulling the string from midfield. Finally, someone was setting up our winger/wingback/wide-man free with a perfect - timing pass. (Mind you it only happen for a couple of occasions, but it show us glimpses of hope that we are capable of repeating the same playing-pattern as last season).
Long story short, we can’t nick the point we needed. I don’t even want to talk about Howard Webb and his baffling decision to ignore Fabregas handball (oh yes, I bet Webb seen the accident). We created 3 chances that should’ve been converted (from Lucas, Ngog, and Babel), but we failed to. One might say that we didn’t deserved to lose, but I totally disagree with that notion. If you score more than your opponent, than you deserves to win. That’s the rule. It always been, and it always will be.
Some talking points:
Lucas and Mascherano: I still think this combination doesn’t work. If it’s meant to protect the defense, than yeah..Lucas and Mascherano provide that necessary cover in midfield. But in result we sacrificed something else: balance. Nobody carries the playmaker role anymore. No one sets up the tempo. Nobody do the ‘thinking football’. If Aqulani supposed to take that role than I really want him to be played as often as it could be. Take it as a long off-season preparation.
Insua: I really like him. He thinks like an Italian defender, meaning when he took a clearance, he didn’t just kick the ball onto oblivion. He knows that a bad clearance won’t give the team any advantage. You need to be able to build from a clearance. His decision to drible the ball in the box (when he challenges Fabregas) needs "balls" and a good technical ability. The kid got it.
Movement: Oh well, what can I say. It drives me crazy that lots of our player was often caught ball-watching. Move your arse, please. Anticipate your friend movement. Don’t just expect the ball to come to your feet. I know we’re not the fastest team, but can we at least think faster?!
Rafa: I know Scum and Chelsea lay down the blue print for exposing Arsenal’s defensive weakness. But without Torres, Johnson, Yossi and Babel we really didn’t have the tools to have a quick counter attack. Sit deeper and hoping to nick something isn’t wrong. But sit deeper and hoping to nick something with the wrong players is. I know that pressing forward means we’ll take the risk of being exposed defensively, but I think it’s worth the shot. It’s not like we were playing without any defensive midfielder. And hey ho…after Arsenal scored, and we pressed them forward, turns out we can handle them defensively. With only 1 DM! And it’s not like we ever win in Emirates by sitting deeper too.
And 4-2-3-1? Man..Ngog is a talented player, but he is not on a stage where we can expect him to lead the line all by himself. Our 4-2-3-1 is overly reliant on a quality striker.
Fabregas: What a snide little twat he is. Every time we got a free kick, he tried to move the ball further than it supposed to be. Really, he had all the ingredients’ to be a great midfielder one day. The need to resort to that kind of act amazed me.
Published on my tumblr at September 4th, 2010
We all know he’s not the best defender in the world. He’s hot
blooded. He’s not that elegant. He often drove Liverpool’s fans crazy
with his long pass, and he never had that lightening pace to begin
with. But none of that really matter, really. Because if football pitch
was a battlefield then James Lee Duncan Carragher will be the first one
I call as my soldier. Heck, if I must take only one person to that
imaginary war, bear with me, then 10 out of 10 I would bring Carragher.
Not Gerrard, not Torres, not Pepe, but Carragher and Carragher only.
To explained the reason why is to know that Carragher is the kind of
person who epitomized the Liverpool way. He works hard, keeps his head
down, and get the jobs done. He don’t have those flashy skills that
will water-mouth you. But when it comes to 50:50 challenge you rarely
see him lose to anybody. For many years he had developed his upper body
physique and became very difficult to push of the ball.
And there’s the fact that even-though everybody seems to think that
he has a guaranteed place in the first eleven, Carra always has that
sense to prove something to everyone. “I’m always there to be shot at.
I don’t feel you’ve got to be 100% fit to play. I’ve got to be 100% injured not to play,” was the word Carra used one time at his interview with The Sunday Times.
That kind of attitude was one of the reason why Carra have six
hundred and thirty five appearances for Liverpool on his pocket. He
wanted to be there, and he wanted it more than anyone. A champions
league final in Istanbul is a prove of the magnitude of his mind power.
There he was out on his feet and had cramp. There he was making tackle,
interception, and throwing his body in the way of shoots. Gerrard was a
monster on that day, but the kop faithful knows what an enormous
contribution Jamie had given us on that one special night.
But above all of his quality on the field, I love Jamie Carragher
for his passion as a Liverpool fan. When he was asked if he thought
Steven Gerrard would leave for a more superior club, his reply was
“who’s bigger than Liverpool?”. When he failed to convert a penalty on
the World Cup quarters, the first thing that crossed his mind was “at
least it wasn’t Liverpool” (and he repeated that to himself over and
over again). Some might think that’s thought provoking and isn’t
something appropriate to be said for a national team player, but that’s
Jamie. He doesn’t always say all the right things, but he always that
brutal honesty. And as a Liverpool supporter, his honesty about his
priority for Liverpool is such a breath of fresh air. Deep down, you
just know that when all the chips are down, Jamie Carragher will always
be there for us. Even if it means to sink into the depth of relegation,
I believe Carra will take a good care of Liverpool.
A one club man. A legend. A liverpudlian. A leader. A fighter. That’s Jamie Carragher in my eyes. Maybe no amount of words could justified the amount of adoration I have for him. And on his blessed testimonial day, the only thing I could say is thank you Carra. For every blood and sweat, for every trophy, for every victory, and for every loss you’ve given for us, we are eternally grateful.
Picture source: lfc.tv
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Bill Shankly once said that football is much more serious than a
matter of life and death and I never understand that phrase. Come on,
football is beautiful and all that, but more serious than a matter of
death? Hyperbole at its maximum. Well, that’s my understanding before I
found this book.
In “44 Years With the Same Bird”, Brian Reade, a journalist and a
born and breed Liverpool fan, will take you time traveling throughout
his time as a Liverpool supporter. It started when his father took him
and his brother to a game and it hasn’t ended ever since. Reade himself
practically live through the glory and the dark days of one of the
biggest club in the world.
What makes it more interesting is that Reade has such an amazing
personality which eventually lead him to an extraordinary life. Once,
he even met Shankly by pretending to be a school journalist. And as a
passionate and obssessed fan, Reade is one of the fortunates who’ve met
many legends (Shankly, Paisley, Dalglish, Souness) and been in so many
important games (5 champions league finals and more). Reading his life,
at one moment I was filled with envious feeling so I muttered the words
“I want to live his life”
The book itself is also a beautiful testament of how football connects Reade with people that are close to him; his mother, brother, father, friends, and in the end, his son. Many Reade’s personal moments are written here so we can imagine what it feels like to live and breathe football 24/7.
The book itself is also a beautiful testament of how football connects Reade with people that are close to him; his mother, brother, father, friends, and in the end, his son. Many Reade’s personal moments are written here so we can imagine what it feels like to live and breathe football 24/7.
From a Liverpool supporter point of view, Reade’s book teach me the
immensity of Liverpool football club for the people of Liverpool.
Of how football can be so meaningful on a level I’ve never imagine
before. And no, I’m not talking about the trophies (though I can’t deny
that’s one crucial factor). For me, the part which makes Liverpool in
such tight binding with its grass root fans, is that the club had
survived three different periods of darkness: Thatcher’s regime,
Heysel, and Hillsborough. Each events had changed the culture and the
way Liverpool fans distinguished them self from others. With his
engaging writing style, Brian Reade capture those moments perfectly and
let me learn the history of this club.
I know most of the time I’m guilty of purple prose on my writing,
but I just can’t have enough praises for this book. Its emotional
riding made me shed an actual tear at one moment and wore a huge grin
at the other. It’s passionate, it’s obsessive, it’s breath taking, it’s
heart breaking, it’s funny, and it’s everything!
I definitely recommend this book. Not only for Liverpool fans who
wants to know their club much deeper, but also for those of you who’s
been asking why many fanatical football supporters got that vicious
look on their face when you said “it’s just football, ffs”
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