Search OleOle:
enesptfritderuzhkoja Sign Up Log in
Home > FIFA > UEFA > Offside Trap

Keep Donadoni, Harry Redknapp's Dream Team and Paul Ince

Wednesday, 25 June 08, 07:30 AM

It’s difficult to call, should Donadoni go or should he stay? If one were judging him purely on the results that Italy produced under his tenure and comparing him to his more successful predecessor, he would have to go. However, Donadoni inherited a side who are more experienced than physical, relying on the older generation that played their best football in the pre-scandal era. Though it’s not his fault, the up and coming talent of Pazzini and Montolivio and Rossi are still too young to dominate the international stage, most of them having less than 10 caps of experience to there name. So being safe in his selection he called upon experience to take Italy to Geneva. A sensible choice but some of his more experienced players have let him down with Marco Materazzi looking as immobile as there fallen captain and Luca Toni failing to recapture the form he produced for Bayern. The big man squandered so many opportunities that his attempted bicycle kick against Spain could sum up his entire tournament. With results in mind and his great escape from the group of death, I say keep Donadoni and let him redeem himself in South Africa. The emergence of the future talents will supply Donadoni with enough talent to make an impact and the world’s biggest stage.

Club News: It seems that Ince will face a battle in keeping his star players this summer, with the likes of Bentley looking for European football and Roque Santa Cruz being tracked by a host of clubs. Ince has already given a warning to any clubs who are interested in his star players that they must look for alternative players. If Ince does manage to keep hold of his players I strongly believe he will only have one season to prove to them that he can take the club to the next level. Next season will prove a true test for him, as a poor season under his management will trigger many of his star players to depart. Best of luck to Ince.

Harry Redknapp’s dream of reuniting with Peter Crouch has seemed to take a blow, with Liverpool chiefs demanding more than the current offer of 9million pounds. Redknapp, who is looking to bolster his attacking options with an experienced international player ahead of there Uefa Cup campaign. I’m sure that Crouch would want the opportunity to play regular first team football again, he is certainly is a player who has capabilities to make an impact for Portsmouth. If Portsmouth were to sign him, I am sure that will spell the end of David Nugents career at the club.

Boca Juniors have entered the race to sign out of favour Ronaldinho. The Argentinean press has claimed that he and his brother have held talks with officials at Boca Juniors. However, Ronaldinho agent has hinted that Ronaldinho favors a move to A.C Milan next season despite the prospect of playing Uefa Cup football.

'Nothing has changed. We know that Milan like Ronaldinho and that Ronaldinho likes Milan and we will continue to work to bring the best player in the world to the best club in the world.'

Dutch Newspapers have confirmed that NEC Nijmegen have failed in there bid to bring Chelsea striker Ben Sahar. It is expected that he will join Portsmouth on loan next season. It seems more likely that Redknapp plans to field 11 strikes next season.

It could be the greatest team, ever.

Like this blog? Help spread the word: Facebook Diggicon Reddit Delicious

Spacer Spacer
0
Posted by kennybl | Comments (4)

The Red Army, The Russian Hitman and Paul Ince

Thursday, 19 June 08, 05:27 AM

To start off with, the Russia vs Sweden match must be discussed. Guus Hiddink has always proved he is a master-mind at what he does but his recent achievement of steering Russia into the Quarter finals is highly impressive. Russia started of the campaign with a whipping from Spain and i must admit i thought i would be difficult for Russia to regain their confidence in time to secure a place in the next round. However, Guus got his red army up and running again and secured victories against the European Champions and shutting out the attacking threat of Ibrahimovic and co. to book a place against the un-stoppable Dutch. One has to wonder, if any one can stop Holland it would be the Dutch born Guus Hiddink. His knowledge and experience of Dutch football and his ability to shut out attacks will be his biggest assets when facing a team that has shown no mercy to world-class defenders.

A player i like a lot from the Russian National team is Roman Pavlyuchenko. He currently practices his trade at Spartak Moscow. I think he would be a great signing for one of the mid-table clubs looking to push for Europe. He scored an impressive two goals against England during the qualifications, he has the physical features to dominate a game (1.88cm and 78kgs) and most importantly he can read the game like a child reads Harry Potter. What im trying to say is that a host of clubs will be contacting his agent when the championship ends.

Tonight's game Germany vs Portugal will be great, two world-class teams going for a win will provide for a classic encounter. I'm convinced this is the decider on who will face Spain in the finals. Portugal will take full advantage of the extra week of rest most of their star players got and the fact there manager Low will be sitting in the stands.

Club News: Roma have signed out of favour Riise for a reported £3.96million. I think that’s a great purchase for the price they got him. Riise comes with a wealth of Champions League experience, International Experience and a sweet left foot that is aching to play consistent football.

Sky Sports understands that Paul Ince is the favorite to take over from Mark Hughes. Personally i think he has done a great job at MK Dons and he has the desire to do well at Blackburn. Steve McClaren and Sam Allardyce would be a step backwards for Blackburn, personally i would like to see Steve McClaren retire from managing or at least apply for an assistant job at Leeds Utd.

In other news Brazil vs Argentina was a complete bore. Messi missed two complete sitters and concerns came over Man Utd Anderson who was taken off by stretcher. This result is bad news for Brazil who lost their previous qualifying match against Paraguay 2-0 leaving then in fourth place.

Lots of pressure on Dunga. 

Like this blog? Help spread the word: Facebook Diggicon Reddit Delicious

Spacer Spacer
0
Posted by kennybl | Comments (0)