Between Two

It has been only 5 games, but everyone’s shared fear seems to be becoming true. La Liga is going to be a race between Real Madrid and F.C Barcelona. Both teams have a perfect record so far, and they have not suffered too much to win their games. Sevilla are almost keeping up the pace, but who knows if they can handle the intensity all year. Hopefully they can. There are different ways to analyze this differences. The first one which claims that these two clubs are too good, have spent much more money than the rest and they are almost impossible to catch. The other view reasons that the Spanish league is losing its level and the middle class is not good enough to compete with the big ones. In my opinion, it has to do more with the first explanation. Money talks. Either way this is not good for the league.

Madrid started the league the same way they finished last year. It does not matter how they play, it is the result that is important. They have been very effective and the newcomers are solving the hard situations. However, the team is not playing very well, and it has caused some disappointment in Spain. After the big spending, people are expecting so see a magnificent football team. It is still very early, but it is true that Pellegrini should get more out of that much talent. Critics believe that it is interesting that teams like Xerez, Tenerife, or Deportivo challenged Madrid so much on the field. Results showed big differences, but the performance on the field proved that the team is having problems keeping the ball and creating good chances. But at the end of the day they have so much power going forward that the goals end up coming. One day Ronaldo scores a free kick, the next one Kaka brings out some magic, or if not; the 7 is always there to be the smartest of the class once more. It has been very important Guti and Granero´s contribution to the team. These two ``underdogs´´ have taken responsibility in those moments when the big names could not solve the problems.

Barça in the other hand seems to be getting back to their good habits. After a sloppy start, Guardiola´s pupils seem to keep using the same methods. The ball is not moving as fast as it used to, but the concept is there and game after game they look a bit better. Nonetheless in some occasions they found themselves with tougher opposition than expected. Some people believe that the team prepared the season to be at their best fitness around November and then April. Some others think that teams already know what Barcelona do and they try to stop them by slowing them down with fouls and ultra-defensive strategies. This is part of the game and Messi and company must find the solutions to overcome these difficulties. So far the Argentinean and Zlatan are putting the goals on the table, but again it is Xavi who is directing the orchestra. Soon Iniesta will be back and probably he will send Henry to the bench. The Frenchman is not going through a good time and he needs to step up if he does not want to see his last days in Barcelona from the bench.

The other duel within the duel is Ronaldo vs Messi. The Portuguese star is not playing at his best level but his ability to score and decide games is out of question. He is an athlete and he has all the physical conditions to be the football icon in the next years. Messi is more of a team player. He understands better his role as member of a group. He helps the midfielders to create chances and his quick transitions allow the team to move the ball quickly. He always finds a partner (Alves, Iniesta, Xavi, and now Ibraimovich), and he has improved his scoring numbers.

I would like to mention another character: David Villa. ``El Guaje´´ is always there. Even though Valencia are not doing that well, he keeps scoring goals. So far he is the top scorer of the league and his ambition to succeed will never stop. He knows that next summer he will have the chance to shine like no one else has done before for Spain in South Africa, and that motivation will keep him on scoring track.

So probably La Liga is going to be a duopoly. Hopefully Sevilla can get there, and teams like Valencia, Atletico, or Villareal get back on their feet. This Sunday the ``Merengues´´ are visiting Luis Fabiano and his mates. After that game we could see if there is any hope for the rest or we will have to wait for the Clasico to see who goes on top.

Posted by Nando

Soapbox

OK, lots of little things to get off my chest, so bear with me. First and let me be clear about this. EL HADJ DIOUF YOU ARE A WANK.

Ah that is better, I just had to say it, as annoying a footballer as I have ever come across. Like a bad mix of Gary Neville and Joey Barton, with a touch of Craig Bellamy. Speaking of Bellamy I truly believe he gets a real raw deal in the media, is it because he is Welsh? I really think it is, because if an English player was performing like Bellamy all of their indiscretions would be smoothed over (think Rooney) I hope that people get off his back and judge him on the football, because his work rate, finishing and desire outshine his temper.

Anyway Diouf's "F**K off white boy" has opened up a huge can of worms, and the racism card has been spouted from all sides. Diouf claimed that bananas were thrown at him from the Goodison crowd, which when investigated proved to be false. But it has led to so called experts giving us their opinion on what racism is. Sadly people with far reaching readership have been spouting absolute SHITE. Gabrielle Marcotti, a journalist who I admired and respected has clearly lost his mind. I was appalled on reading this, Marcotti if you read this (ha-ha) racism is racism and for you to suggest otherwise is disgraceful. I could go on and on and spout my views but I can't be arsed, if Marcotti and others believe that then God help us all.

Things that piss me off. Managers who think that it all about them, remember Phil-facial hair experiment- Brown talking to his players on the pitch at half time, well Mickey Adams has now joined him by putting his entire squad on the transfer list. What a Muppet, that is a great way to win over your dressing room by singling players out for not performing in the reserves! The fact that in the same statement he talks of being told that the budget was spent when he arrived and now his reaction is this, get rid of everyone. Here is a revolutionary solution Mr. Adams instead of blaming the players, why don't you try and coach them to be better, is that not your job? You are a coach/manager, not a shopper, work with what you have and make them better, oh wait you can't because YOU are not good enough.

Still on managers pissing me off. Steve Bruce, apart from the fact that his nose looks like his two nostrils are playing Twister against each other, his rant about Darren Bent giving Kenwyne Jones the penalty. "That is something you do with your mates, not in the Premier League" OK fair enough I get his idea of professionalism etc but wait hang on this is coming from a guy who doesn't watch penalties because he is superstitious. I mean COME ON, what is it Steve, do you think the Penalty Pixies will come steal all your good luck if you happen to eyeball one? Muppet.

Some interesting tidbits from Spain, Barca spying on their own directors, could this be considered industrial espionage? Our Spanish man will be giving us the lowdown soon on all things Espana. I am loving the fact that Ibra is silencing the mainly English critics by having the best start EVER for any newcomer to Barca, better than Romario, Ronaldo and even Lineker ;) Also Ronaldo's strop where he ignored the hand of his manager has led to a slight backlash against Pelligrini's rotation system, so it will be interesting to watch the developments there. Having said that Messi, Ronaldo Ibra, and Villa are setting La Liga on fire, lets hope it continues.

New Look, Upcoming Events...and erm stuff.

Ok, you may have noticed the severe inactivity of the past week. My deepest apologies, but a severe dose of house cleaning was required, and this is the result. New look and a new direction for the blog. Although it is not completely finished (we still have a few thing to iron out) I'm sure you will agree it looks better, is easier to use and is more up to date, kind of like a second wife.

We have been getting some things together behind the scenes here and I'm happy to tell you we have some amazing and unique interviews with some incredible football people. A former International captain who played in  two World Cups -  we have someone who is at the cutting edge of Sports Science and is a current International team physio- and we have a Top Ten ranked College Coach.

Those will all be with you soon, and we are working on an Ex S.P.L,  ex Eredivisie, Ex MLS, and current Premiership player. (Not all the same person!)

Here at Tricky Left Winger, we don't just want to talk about the game, we want to take you inside, inside the heads of the guys who have done/do it at the highest level. So we hope you enjoy the new look and enjoy the blog. Remember to comment, anything goes as long as it is football.

Love and Peace
TLW

God versus the Devil

It could be the final. Well if Inter aren't as they usually are, shit in Europe, it might still be. All of the build up will be overshadowed by Zlatan v Eto'o. But the mouth watering aspect of this tie for me, has to be Mourinho v Guardiola.




Mourinho epitomizes all that is evil in football. Perhaps on Earth. Maybe the Universe, who knows? His arrogance and utter contempt for established football figures is bad enough, but add to that his shocking style of football that he carries from team to team, like a poisoned chalice, makes him about as popular as a fresh turd on a honeymooners pillow. His ego puts Kanye West's in the shadow! Just overall Mourinho is, well, a not very likeable person. Yes, his record speaks for itself, and that is what ultimately counts, but doing it with class and dignity will always be beyond him.

Speaking of class and dignity Guardiola is Skywalker to Mourinho's Vader. He is the saviour of football. His swashbuckling Barca squad swept all before them last year, playing the game the 'proper way', beautiful, aesthetically pleasing, rampaging attacking football. Maybe stopping off mid counter attack to rescue some drowning orphans. You get the picture.

There is more than three points to fight for, there is a whole footballing philosophy at stake. The dark side has been on the rise for years, 1-o's, dire football, grinding results. Can Barca defeat them? Wouldn't it be great if Inter came out and played the 'beautiful way' and out Barca'd Barca? Can Pep out think the man who has a love hate relationship with his (Pep's) job? I could go on all night...lets just say I am excited...and if it's 0-0 then all is lost.

True Cost of Tevez to City $140m?

If this is true then I for one am astonished. Man Utd must be pissing themselves laughing all the way to the bank, well until they get there and realize it is a mere drop in the ocean of the sums of money that they owe.

Man City, well, it really is more about a statement of intent rather than the actual player. This was an Arab flexing of muscle to the Glazier Family. We have money, we are willing to spend it, so how are you going to react? Everyone knows Tevez isn't worth that money, and as Fergie stated he is not worth the $41m that was originally thought to be the price. So for it to turn into $140m over 5 years is astounding.

The 'Super Agent" Kia Joorabchian is shadier than a comic book villian, I wonder just how much of this inflated tranfer fee is lining his pockets?

Prem Predictions #4

OK here are this weeks predictions.

Blackburn v Wolverhampton, Draw
Liverpool v Burnley, Liverpool
Man City v Arsenal, Arsenal
Portsmouth v Bolton, Bolton
Stoke v Chelsea, Chelsea
Sunderland v Hull, Sunderland
Tottenham v Man Utd, Draw
Wigan v West Ham, West Ham

Birmingham v Aston Villa, 12:00 Draw
Fulham v Everton, 16:15 Everton

I'm not too confident this week, there are a few dodgy games that could go either way but my treble is Liverpool Chelsea and Sunderland

Anti-Football- The Nando View

We all know what people mean when they use this phrase. It is beyond specific definitions, or dictionary standards. It is and idea or concept of bad football.

This sport is the best one in the world because of its attractiveness and the passions it arises. Nowadays football is more than a simple sport; it is a show and it is entertainment. The Premier League understood this concept, and that is why it is the best promoted and marketed league in the world. People around the globe like the way the game is played, its intensity, its fair play, and how most of the teams of the league have one thing in their minds, score goals from the very first minute of the game and get as many as you can. All this is producing huge revenues from TV and sponsors contracts, and stadiums are full game after game.

Goals and a good game is the soul of this game, its essence; basically the main point of this magnificent sport. There are many ways to win and to play the game, and each coach or team could pick the one they wanted. It is legitimate, and it is right.

ANTI-FOOTBALL is the way some teams approach the game in order to make sure the other team does not play at all, at any cost. If it is necessary to make 30 fouls a game, waste every second of the 90 minutes, and put the ball in the sky every time there is a chance; that is what is needed to be done. “Let’s make sure the other team does not create anything, and maybe if we are lucky we will find some way to create something”. ANTI-FOOTBALL tries to reduce the game to the aspects in which chance or luck count the most. “Maybe we score in a corner, or a free kick, or if we are lucky we will get an own goal or a deflection, that does not matter; most important thing is they do not play, do not move the ball and if they attempt: FOUL”.

Football is about looking for some way to win the game or find the opponents net. There are many ways to achieve that, you can play long, short, counter-attack, etc. But ANTI-FOOTBALL does not want to know about it. Just make sure the other team does not pursue its plan, and then who knows.

It is hard to believe that Sir Alex’ plan to beat Arsenal was that Diaby would score a great header on his own goal, and Almunia would make a stupid penalty when Rooney’s touch was going to the corner flag. I understand teams like Rangers, Siena, Stoke, or Mallorca playing like that. They do not have players to do much better, they do not have the money to build big teams. But it is embarrassing the way Inter Milan, Chelsea, or Real Madrid approached the game the last few seasons, considering the players they had and the money they spent. And it is more embarrassing that the great Manchester United play in front of their own crowd with one striker and ten guys behind the ball and their only idea is to chase 18 and 19 year old Arsenal players and put them on the ground. Is it not true? Is not Fergie able to present a better approach to the game with players like Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Nani, Berbatov, Valencia, Rooney, or Fletcher?

Being tough defensively does not mean you have to give up on attacking. F.C Barcelona was an exhibition of offensive football during the last year, and they conceded the least amount of goals in the Spanish league and they were first or second in this category in the champions league. Not to mention the amount of titles all this provided. And they were physical, they had players like Keita, Puyol, Toure, Pique, Marquez, Dani Alves, or Sergio Busquets. They are all physical and they are tough players, but they also want the ball and they also want to use it properly. There are more examples of teams which combine being aggressive with playing well, they are no opposite concepts.

Fans go to the stadiums to enjoy and entertain themselves and if not they will stop going or ask for explanations. Why was Capello or Schuster fired after winning the Spanish League? Why was Mancini fired after winning two Scudettos? Why are Italian stadiums empty? Everyone knows why, because they all play boring football, actually ANTI-FOOTBALL.

*Once again thanks to Nando for posting.

Scotland...go f**K yerself!!

It is ALWAYS the same. ALWAYS! You give us that little glimmer of hope that this time it might be different. This time will be the magical time. This time you wont be like the drug addict, who promises that they have changed and wants to borrow $100 and swears it aint for drugs. Well Scotland I gave you my $100 of faith and you repaid me the only way you know how...you ripped my fucking heart out. You bought your drugs.

Plucky. Spirited. Bravehearts. You will read all the usual jingoistic bullshit tomorrow. And you will get that feeling that is all to common. Another big tournament that we will watch on the T.V.

Yes, we gave the Dutch a run for their money. The team ranked 3rd in the World. "We were unlucky" "If only Miller had scored" or "If Miller's shot that hit the bar went in" etc etc these all equate to one thing. NOT GOOD ENOUGH. YOU HEAR ME. N-O-T G-O-O-D E-N-O-U-G-H!!

All of the above "what if's" are equivalent of saying "well if we had Torres up front with Rooney just off..." basically it is the same excuses over and over. If my Granny had balls, well she would be my Grandpa. You get what I'm saying.

The damage was done away long before tonight. So for those out there that want to paint the picture of the Gallant Scots mull this over. Our qualifying record consists of 2 wins over Iceland, 1 win over Macedonia, and a draw with Norway. That is the kind of form that would have Kaka reaching for the toilet roll, I'm sure th shit was rolling down his legs worrying about facing a team that could pull of those astonishing feats. Or maybe he just shat himself laughing.

I do not know where we go from here. I honestly do not. We tried Bertie, Wattie fucked off, and Burley will get bombed. I have no clue as to what is next. I hoped that we would have been soundly beaten rather than being nearly men again. Even the goal, it was not the Total Football 52 pass monster we expected where, Van Persie riding a unicycle nutmegs 10 men and Marshall then slots it home before disappearing in a puff of orange smoke. It was, a hump up the park, an old 39 year old man couldn't move his legs fast enough, then falls over, but not before cushioning the ball into the Dutch Usain Bolt, who promptly made Marshall fall before slotting it in. It was a goal Scotland would score. If we didn't have the shite Kenny Miller up front, but hey ho he tries hard. Do one.

My misery is a seething rage combined with pure dejection. The first text I got after the game was from a fellow Scot "Devastation doesn't quite cover it somehow"

So very very true.

The ba's burst.

Predictions #3 reprise

70% that is very good. Yes and I am saying that myself.

Also my treble came in.

will post weekends predictions on Friday.

Anti-Football the Truth

Anti Football. Not the wife of your dad's brother. The much used buzz word since Arsene Wenger used it to describe Man Utd's physical approach to his team of pirouetting perfectionists. The phrase has of course has been around for some time now. Most famously when Lionel Messi accused Rangers of "Anti-futbol" at Ibrox after a 0-0 encounter.

As the great wise Wikipedia declares it "a robust style of play."

Now I know the co author of this blog, Nando disagrees with me completely on this subject but as he is not writing it you will have to deal with my thoughts, (hopefully he will write a peice in response)

Anti-Football doesn't exist. There I have said it. Simple.

Not simple I hear you cry, ok well let me explain. Nowhere in the rules of the game does it state that you to come out and win the game by playing attractive, free flowing, orgasm to the eyes football. We ALL would love to see the game played that way, where teams just come out and have a go at each other and someone wins 11-9. But that is like saying wouldn't it be nice if all guns were used as flower pots. Nice thought but nonsense.

Teams who are physical and who break the laws of the game are punished. That is what referees are for. The referee can not stop the game and say" Hey, you guys had 10 men behind the ball, how is Van Persie supposed to score if you pesky kids keep defending? Tsk Tsk Fre Kick to Arsenal"But he can book and send people off who break the rules of the game. You following?

"Anti-Football" is the complete opposite of what is the common perception of it . To look at it properly you need to think of it as "Total Football" not the Dutch affair but from a deconstructionalist point of view. It is a mere tactic of the game. Not popular, not entertaining, but it IS part of the game. For Wenger, Messi and co, there ideals will always be that of minimal contact, and attacking as the only option, as romantic as this is it is also ignorant. The imagination and guile that it takes to break down an "Anti Football" defence or the long ball bombardment, whatever it takes to overcome- this IS the game. How you and your players deal with different situations that are put infront of you. It has provided countless incredible memories like this (not exactly an Anti Football defence but you get the 'whatever it takes" mentality)

Physical football is still football. Defensive football is still football. It can not always be the poster boys having there way. As a pro I have waked off the field happier with a scrappy 0-0 where we had to defend with our lives for 90 mins, than times when we won 5-0. You play to your strengths. Rangers did it against Barca, Celtic have done it for years at Celtic Park in Champions League. Man Utd got stuck into Arsenal because they knew that they couldn't handle it. Fergie is not the manager he is without being acutely aware of his oppositions weaknesses. Arsenal have flair, panache, amazing skill, yet they lack a little grit. Why wouldn't an opposition manager test that. If he didn't then he would be going into battle not fully prepared and therefore doing his ream and fans a disservice.

So for me "Football" is Football, whether you use the prefix anti, defensive or eye poppingly stunning. It is ALL football.