Well, after a good long month I’m back at it. I was in Europe for a couple weeks and have just started school. Now that I’m all settled in, it’s time to get back into the world of football.

Just watched the UEFA Super Cup between Zenit St. Petersburg and Manchester United. As a football spectator who loves to see Manchester United overpower supposedly weaker teams, today was not their day. United lacked that certain excitement on the attacking end and were on their heals defensively. Zenit deserved this win, as they proved without a shadow of a doubt that they can compete with the world’s best.

Some Complaints Regarding Man Utd.

Nani- You are not Cristiano Ronaldo, nor will you most likely ever be. Before you foolishly try and take the team upon your shoulders, stick to what you’re good at and develop those skills. Because Ronaldo’s out recovering from surgery, Nani seemed like he felt the need to provide the same brilliance and leadership that Ronaldo comes to play with. At this stage in his career, it simply will not happen. His service into the box was awful, and never allowed the many attacking threats United posses to get a good look at the ball. More specifically, his corner service left a whole lot to be admired. United are at their most potent when the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic can get up on corners and provide strength and heighth in the box. With the floating service Nani was providing, 6′5” Peter Crouch would have a hard time getting a solid connection.

Wayne Rooney-

I really do not know what the deal is with Wayne. We all know Wayne has the talent to score 20-25 goals for United, yet there seems to be something off. Maybe it’s the fact that Tevez and Rooney are so similar, subsequently causing the two to arrive in the same place when United attack. With Dimitar Berbatov most likely coming to Old Trafford, he should be able to add that needed presence to free Rooney and/or Tevez. Must give Rooney credit though, his tenacity is something no one will ever be able to take away from him.

Carlos Tevez–

Just like I predicted, Tevez is coming into his own with Manchester United. He’s becomming much more comfortable. The runs he’s making in and around the 18-yard box are very promising if you’re a United supporter. I would like to see him be a bit more selfish though. His never-ending tank of energy and selflessness are what kept United from drowning today. However, with Ronaldo out for another month, Carlos needs to take it upon himself to be United’s go-to-guy.

Zenit Proves Themselves to the World

Portuguese midfielder Danny is absolutely breathtaking to watch. He seemed to have no fear steaming towards top-notch defenders like Vidic and Ferdinand. The goal he scored in the 59th minute was nothing short of brilliant. Look for him to get quite a bit of attention from Europe’s power-houses.

Andrei Arshavin made an immediate impact the moment he stepped on in the second half. His mere presence on the field changed how United was to defend. That, of course, opens up many options. The reason why Zenit won today was because they took advantage of those options. They showed real composure against arguably the world’s most talented club.

P.S. Great spike Scholesy!

Hats off to Zenit. Hats on to United.

The English Premier League is just under 3 weeks from opening day. Watching the morning broadcast of Sky Sports News, I couldn’t help notice the political tone surrounding this much anticipated 2008-2009 season. Three stories stood out in my mind that posses this sort of pre-season jibjab— Joey Barton’s praise and acceptance from Kevin Keegan, Aston Villa’s stonewall response to Liverpool’s interest in Gareth Barry, and Chelsea coming out and saying they want to keep SWP right after Peter Kenyon reports a stalemate in their courting of Real Madrid’s Robinho.

Joey Barton will be Welcomed Back with Open Arms - Keegan

Joey Barton will be released from prison shortly, after he was convicted of assault on a teenager as well as a former teammate. Many soccer fans have mixed emotions regarding Kevin Keegan’s “open arms” policy with Barton. True, the man hasn’t his life in order, and has allowed his emotional side to get the better of his soccer side. My take on the topic: I think Keegan was right in giving Barton a chance. The key here will be that this is the absolute last, end of the line, ultimatum chance for Joey. I wish him the best of luck, and hope that he can once again be known for his footballing brain, rather than his anger issues.

Aston Villa Determined to get Fair Price for Barry

Liverpool just can’t seem to come up with £18m to sign Aston Villa star Gareth Barry. The front office of Aston Villa are doing a great job of establishing a sense of control within the club. They are letting Gareth and Liverpool know that they will not be walked upon, and that just because they are in struggling form, it does not mean they will lie down. Too often, players now-a-days virtually get whatever they please. Barry has even publicly criticized Martin O’neill. However, the way the Villa boss has responded has been brilliant. Don’t give in AV, he’s worth £18m+more.

Scolari: SWP to Stay—Kenyon: Nothing to Report on Robinho

I thought this was a rather interesting tactic used by Chelsea. Everyone knows that in the footballing world, the media is a great tool for sending subtle, yet powerful hints to other clubs. Chelsea come out and say that they plan to keep Sean Wright-Phillips, and that he is in Big Phil’s plans for next season. It just so happens that a player they’ve been after for weeks plays the same position as Sean. If Robinho were to come to Stamford Bridge, SWP would more than likely exit the club. Chelsea are sending a message to Madrid. They are saying, “You know what? I’m kind of over this whole Robinho thing. SWP is good enough for us. Thanks for your time though”. The desired response from Madrid: “Oh, well if you’re moving on, we might as well settle now in fear of losing out on a deal we know we want to make”.

Just another day at the office…

This is a table of the current 14 MLS clubs and their respective owners. Click on the name of the owner to find more information about the company or individual.

I’ve been rummaging through this interconnected network of computers called the “internet”, and have found mixed anticipations regarding Thursday’s MLS All-Star Game. From the looks of it, the supporters of the All-Star game genuinely feel a sense of excitement towards the Toronto held event. On the other side, the nay-sayers weren’t nearly as cruel as I’de expected. It seems that behind their usual curtain of criticism, a sense of willingness to indulge is somewhere woven among the threads of their own recycled cynicism. Some examples:

Major League Soccer’s website posted an article outlining the eleven reasons why the MLS All-Star Game is so fantastic. My favorites:

• Saves (Most notably: Tim Howard’s performance in 2001).
• Fans (With some of the West Ham faithful rolling into town, MLS supporters will sure get a taste for a different approach to supporting a club).
• Sportsmanship (This still exists?)
• Camaraderie (Vital for the progression of Major League Soccer. Fans must come together and push forward the MLS agenda).

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The Los Angeles version of the Daily News recently posted an article titled, “MLS All-Star Game Useless.” Notable quotes:

MLS has an All-Star Game because, well, all major North American leagues have one, so soccer must, too. Never mind that virtually no foreign league has a similar event and it hasn’t seemed to hurt them. And never mind that MLS has never really seemed to know what to do with its game.

Agree to disagree. On the one hand, I’ll give it to you that the MLS never uses the All-Star game to its full potential. Scheduling the game in the midst of regular season action was a mistake. That’s front office problems, and I expect that if the MLS’ plans are to expand, this kind of decision making will become extinct. I will disagree, however, on the assumption that because no foreign soccer league has an all-star game, the MLS shouldn’t. If the MLS are to achieve a substantial rise in popularity, they need to present something no other organization or league can offer. It’s about setting yourself apart. Sure, the structure of the game must be tweaked, but that comes with experience.

Inviting the likes of top teams like CD Guadalajara or Chelsea is one thing. But this year we get stunningly mediocre West Ham United. What’s in store for 2009? Perhaps the likes of English fourth division team Accrington Stanley?

Whoa, whoa, whoa. I think he’s getting a little ahead of himself. The MLS aren’t nearly where they need to be to start inviting top-level teams for an international face-off. You invite a team like Chelsea, and no one really expects the MLS to win (especially Chelsea). Result? No hype. Invite a team like West Ham, and you’ve eliminated the certainty that the MLS will get their asses handed to them. You begin to instill a sense of hope. That, “Hey, they could possibly pull this off”. Baby steps, my friend. Baby steps…

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In an article posted by The Orange Card, the author puts forth his opinions on the pros and cons of the MLS All-Star game.

I also don’t like how they bring in a team from abroad to play. Personally I’d like to see a classic East v. West game where they showcase all the best players in the league. I’m sure most of them would be designated players but at least you’ll be able to see 22 of your favorite players not just the 11 that will be playing in a few days.

At this point in time, an East vs West format wouldn’t work given the current level of talent in the MLS. Bringing in a team from abroad, especially one of relatively sound talent, offers increased exposure for our American soccer athletes.

Overall I think it’s great for an up and coming league such as the MLS, it’ll give the league some recognition on the home front.. and we can yet again beat those damn red coats at their own game. So yay All-Star game!!

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Steve Nicol, New England Revolution and All-Star team coach had this to say about the quality of Thursday’s squad:

I think if you look at the players we do have and the players that could have been there it shows you the depth and the ability that we have around the league.

There’s too many combinations to start picking them out to be honest. Obviously at the attacking end of the field you’ve got all kinds, you know, Angel, Cooper, Landon. You’ve got Blanco feeding them, Beckham feeding them, Shalrie (Joseph) keeping it all together.

They’re all pretty tasty to be honest with you and I guess whichever ones are playing together at the time it won’t matter, because all we’re going to get is quality.

For me, it’s fantastic.

The game will be Thursday July 24th at 7:00pm (EST) in Toronto. It will be broadcast on ESPN, Telefutura, and ESPN360.com.

Just now, I happened to come across a website that recently posted an article with the same old generic soccer hate-speech we’ve seen over and over again. The reason I decided to write on it was because one of my goals is to expose the rehashed nonsense that people continue to dish out in opposition of the game so many enjoy. If I’m successful, my hopes are that one day the American sporting society can broaden their horizons, and accept the fact that there’s a chance interesting un-American hobbies exist.

And anyways, I’m a sucker for ignorance.

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David Beckham rolled into town this weekend, and whoop de freaking doo. So the dude used to be the best soccer player in the world, and now he plays in the MLS. That’s like Barry Bonds going to play professional baseball in Mexico right now. Except unlike Beckham, we have a feeling Bonds would still be pretty good.

First of all, I don’t know if many soccer minds would consider David Beckham to have been the world’s best player. I will admit though, he definitely belongs in the conversation. Secondly, Barry Bonds? Barry cheated. Let’s focus on comparisons that exist on an equal level. Furthermore, we all know Barry’s joints are a swing away from calling it quits. In the future, the only activities Barry would be doing in Mexico will involve swimming pools and burritos. That’s what taking shortcuts does for you.

David Beckham achieved his success from hard work and love for the game. It just so happens his apparent good looks and celebrity status allowed him to perform on such a stage.

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The Galaxy had disposable income, apparently, to the tune of $250 million — somewhere way beyond what we guess is the operating budget for the rest of the MLS.

Quite the business aficionado I see. Anybody doing even the slightest bit of research will find out that the Galaxy aren’t paying anywhere near $250 million. That number was inflated to influence the masses and create hysteria about the topic. Judging from your response, it seemed to have worked. That $250 million is comprised of various endorsement deals and ticket/jersey income.

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But hey, since nothing ever happens on the field, soccer fans can focus on the best and most important thing involved in watching soccer: heavy alcohol consumption.

If you’re ever in the Oakland area, I’de suggest popping over to a Raider’s game. Great example of how to drink responsibly. Bring your kids too, it’s a wonderful family atmosphere.

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And now, some of Nooner’s educated suggestions for improving the game of soccer.

Make the goals way bigger and the field way smaller.

You’re taking away the very essence of the game by doing this. A 50 yd pass that lands on a dime, regardless of final outcome, is one of my favorite aspects of soccer.

Follow the NBA’s lead and eliminate defense entirely.

I actually have to give it to you, this statement has subtle truth. The NBA virtually eliminated defense throughout the league to make it more appealing to numbers-obsessed Americans. Very intelligent business move if I say so myself. Unfortunately, real soccer enthusiasts appreciate the art of defending. A lost art in the States, really…

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Rant

Look, everyone will always have varying opinions on certain subjects. My goal is not to force my interest in soccer upon Americans — who socially and culturally will have a hard time taking interest anyway. My goal is to offer soccer in a way that Americans can possibly relate to. I know the task is achievable, because I’m living proof that an American can appreciate the game.

Many hold the belief that soccer is boring simply because a lot of people happen to think that way as well. And that’s okay, because our society operates around this particular ideology on a number of subjects. I’de be a fool if I were to assume the U.S. can get involved with soccer as much as other countries are. Not a whole lot of economic room available at the time. But, this sort of trash I keep reading containing arrogant complaints is really starting to make me sick. If your like this dude, I suggest actually watching the U.S. play in the Olympics a few times, and make your own judgments. Go into it with as much of an unbiased mind as you can. If you have to, support American Soccer just because it’s American.

More on Why Soccer Sucks here.

A lot of people are talking about Manchester United’s lack of involvement in the transfer market this summer. This is most likely due to the Cristiano Ronaldo B.S. and whatnot. It also has to do with the fact that United’s squad has relatively few areas in need of improvement. In my opinion, United should make few additions, and get a feel for players they spent a lot of money on last summer.

Here’s a look at last year’s Champions League and EPL winning squad:

Van Der Sar is staying put. Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, and Patrice Evra are all coming back——who, by the way, will continue to dominate as a rather intimidating back-line.

I’m going to assume Cristiano makes the move to Real Madrid. Not to worry Chelsea and Liverpool, the United midfield is still loaded with talent and experience. If there’s something good coming from Ronaldo’s transfer, it’s that less publicized mids will now occupy more of the midfield stage. The likes of Carrick, Anderson, and Nani now have a huge opportunity to showcase what they are capable of offering.

Moving head with the assumption that Ronaldo leaves, I feel we have yet to see Tevez in all his grace and glory. I really think he’s going to have a breakout season this year. The usual ‘awkward year’ in the EPL has now passed for Carlos, and I expect him to come out next season ‘comfortably aggressive’.

Rooney can go either way. We could see him come out an animal and score 20-25 goals for United, yet there’s also a reasonable chance we will see him hit and miss like he did this past campaign. He’s undoubtedly gifted, and maybe Ronaldo’s exit will become an opportunity for Wayne to expand his game.
Don’t expect too much from United transfer-wise. Dimitar Berbatov would be my guess if they were after anyone at the moment.

With FC Barcelona and AC Milan agreeing to an €18.5m ($30m) deal for Brazilian Ronaldinho, many will be looking forward to seeing how well the Brazilian Trio (Kaka, Ronaldinho, and A. Pato) will mesh. If everyone gets along, the likes of Ronaldinho, Kaka. and Pato will combine for one of the most ferocious attacking arsenals we’ve seen in a while. Although I’m the first to admit that this dynamic trio now has some mighty expectations placed upon their shoulders, you couldn’t ask for a more talented group of individuals to take on the pressure.

We all knew Ronaldinho needed a fresh start. He wasn’t performing well for Barcelona, and subsequently drew little adoration/sympathy from the Barca fans. His partying, combined with a few nick-nack injuries, sidelined the Porto Alegre native for most of the season.

I feel as though this is the right move for Ronaldinho. Although, I would have loved to see him compete in the faster paced English game, AC Milan fits quite well for him. He’ll be joined by a number of his Brazilian teammates, and has a chance to make an immediate imapct in helping the Italian side make another run for Champions League, as well as Serie A glory.

As we all like to joke about, the midfield for Milan is one half-decade away from the Italian National Nursing Home for the Elderly. Ronaldinho, who will turn 29 next March, brings both youth (compared to the Milan midfield), yet also brings with him much experience. Having won the World Cup earlier in his career, he very well knows what it will take.

Looking forward to witnessing a footballing genius adapting to a new environment, as well as watching the vastly talented Alexander Pato being taken under the wing of yet another Brazilian star.

Here’s a list I put together comparing the current FIFA top 5 teams in the world, using their respective top 3 all-time leading scorers as a gauge.

FIFA #1 Spain

Average Goals/Game (Top 3) : .44 goals per game
Total Goals (Top 3): 100

Where do Spain’s active players rank among the list?

• #9 - David Villa (18/35) 0.514 g/g
• #T10- Fernando Torres (17/54) 0.315 g/g

FIFA #2 Italy

Average Goals/Game (Top 3): .77 goals per game
Total Goals (Top 3): 98

Where do Italy’s active player rank among the list?

• #T4 - Alessandro Del Piero (27/89) 0.30 g/g

FIFA #3 Germany

Average Goals/Game (Top 3): .68 goals per game
Total Goals (Top 3): 153

Where do Germany’s active players rank among the list?

• #6 Miroslav Klose - (41/81) 0.50 g/g
• #7 Michael Ballack - (38/87) 0.43 g/g

FIFA #4 Brazil

Average Goals/Game (Top 3): .77 goals per game
Total Goals (Top 3): 222

Where do Brazil’s active players rank on this list?

• #2 Ronaldo - (74/112) 0.66 g/g
• #8 Rivaldo - (35/74) 0.47 g/g
• #11 Ronaldinho - (32/82) 0.39 g/g
• #19 Kaka - (22/59) 0.37 g/g

FIFA #5 Netherlands

Average Goals/Game (Top 3): .633 goals per game
Total Goals (Top 3): 112

Where do the Netherland’s active players rank?

• #T4 Ruud van Nistlerooy (33/64) 0.51 g/g

Top Ranked Team for Avg goals/game (all-time): Tied - Brazil & Italy
Most goals scored by top 3 all-time leading scorers : Brazil

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The Cristiano Ronaldo saga, or should I say ‘political shitfest’, has reached a new level. I just couldn’t have seen this coming, did you? With Ronaldo agreeing to Blatter’s comments about him being treated like a slave, it’s time for United supporters to hand Cristiano his hair brush, and show him the door.

He’s been great for United, don’t get me wrong. He was single handedly responsible for winning clutch games for the Red Devils. However, concurring that he gets treated like a slave? He gets payed £120,000 a week to do what he loves. I can think of millions of people that would take $30,000 a year to do what they love. I do realize when you get paid that much, money isn’t near the forefront of your mind. But, a slave? Bobby Charlton said,

If this is slavery, give me a life sentence

Both Ronaldo and Charlton’s experiences might have been different, given the time and atmosphere, but these Red Devils are arguably the best of their respective generations. Sir Bobby’s comments just go to show the difference in mindset from the two players, who have a 47 year age gap. Today, too often are players distracted by astronomical salaries and public relations. It’s about the love for the game. Where has all the love gone?

Previous Posts on the Ronaldo Politcal Shitfest

Update 6/19

Update 6/6

Remember the good old days? Life seemed so much simpler. Club signs player. Player locked into contract. Club accept offer for player. Player receives permission to discuss terms. Player decides to join new club. Transfer goes through.

And now? How things have changed. For the better? Ask Manchester United and probably not.

Without doubt, the creation of the Premiership has seen the top flight of English football transform from a great league, to the World’s Greatest. However, the stability of the league now hinders on the development of a new age of transfers, which threatens the league with a state of internal combustion.

These days? Club ‘source’ leaks to paper that club are interested in signing player. Player ‘source’ state how ‘flattered’ player is to learn of their interest (i.e. he wants to move). Club forced into accepting offer. Player gets his move.

This somewhat farcical episode of events has certainly been played out in the summer’s two major transfer dealings: Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, and Gareth Barry to Liverpool. Neither Manchester United or Aston Villa have, as yet, accepted an offer from the respective clubs, and yet the players have decided that they are going.

Contracts are no longer worth the paper they’re written on. And loyalty? Loyal-what?

The problem is, when a player starts dictating events then they effectively challenge the notion that the club is always bigger than a player; and that is one fight they will never win. Ask any football supporter who they support and they will answer with the name of a club. Not the manager, owner, or the specific the current team that represents that club, as that ever changing, and most certainly not one single player who plays for them. The club.

Once a player turns his back on a club he distances himself from the supporters. When too many players behave in that way, supporters will become disillusioned. Disillusioned supporters stop filtering through the gates, and thus challenge the status of the Premier League.

When are the players, clubs, broadcasters and sponsors going to realise that the most important people in football are the supporters? Manchester United, Liverpool et al. will always draw in the crowds, such is their world-wide appeal, but there’s only so much the other supporters will take, and when they feel players are driven only by their own personal success, they will turn on them.

Increased player-power may be as a result of ever changing employees’ rights in the working world, which contributed to the introduction of the Bosman Ruling. It may be down to Agents whispering in their ears. It may simply be down to a desire to make the most of their careers. Either way, it matters not, if a ‘bigger’ club see a player who can take a step-up and improve their career in the process, then there is no reason why that club can’t make a move through respectable and law-abiding channels, as it was is the old days. Of course, all it takes is one club to stand it’s ground and leave an uncommitted player to rot in the Reserves, but when that player is worth tens of millions, it’s an expensive moral stance to take.

-Rob Bloom
http://mywriter.co.uk