Sepp Blatter- Aint got no Alibi
Friday, 30 May 08, 02:15 PM
The 6+5 debate rages on but before anyone goes any further I would like to help you all come to terms with WHO or WHAT, exactly is suggesting and pushing for this most.
Mr. Sepp Blatter.
Like all good character slating, I will start where he did. Blatter was involved in the setting up of the '72 and '76 Olympics. He was also General secretary of the Swiss Ice Hockey federation. But most importantly, he was elected the President of the World Society of friends of suspenders. A group aimed at protesting women's replacement of suspenders with pantyhose. Whether or not this had anything to do with the following quote about women's football players is for you to decide:
"They could, for example, have tighter shorts. Female players are pretty, if you excuse me for saying so, and they already have some different rules to men - such as playing with a lighter ball. That decision was taken to create a more female aesthetic, so why not do it in fashion?"
Anyway, Sepp then went on to join FIFA in 1975 as technical director. It is widely accepted and there is ample evidence to suggest that this appointment had less to do with his actual competence and more to do with his ass licking of Horst Dassler, the head of ISL and Adidas, which for those who are unaware, is the company which created the idea of sports marketting. Dassler along with Patrick Nally, both geniuses in their own rights, devised a way of earning billions in TV rights and sponsorship of events such as the Olympics and the World cup, etc.
In order to do that they would need considerable leverage within these federations. It was first, Blatter's predecessor Joao Havelange who lived it up with their bribery, and then when he decided he was done, they had to move along to someone new- Blatter. He was effectively instated BY them.
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Where it went wrong
Friday, 23 May 08, 03:44 AM
ello all
Been reading alot of Arsenal blogs off the site and I've encountered a few very interesting insights into our season capitulating. Watching that absolutely pornographic CL final, (in that it was full of cunts, not that it was enjoyable) and laughing at John Terry's slippery english backbone I thought I'd sum up the goods and the bads of the season. First off, the bads:
Injuries: As Arsenal fans we are usually labelled whiny self involved bastards, but the fact of the matter is, our injuries while few were significant. Our start to the season, was stunning. BUT, it was very firmly, and very clearly that due to the amazing form of Bobby Van Persie and Cesc. Scoring the lone goal in a dour game at West Ham and smacking in the Blackburn goal, were really not his best but they are the most obvious signs of a striker in a purple patch. Those are the simple goals, like Cesc's at Man. City, or Ronaldo's in the CL final which constitute for the most part goal tallies. And this patch ended with injury. Now, I know how often it has happened and how easy it is to 'expect' it, but the idea is lazy and very simple for a journo to put out. For wenger, to sign a striker as a back up for RVP in case he gets hurt is a stupid, Chelski style move to make. It is VERY FAIR to expect a striker to remain fit. We were simply, and here's for all you Mancs, unlucky.
With Eduardo it was far more blatant. He was on one of those incredible 9 goals in 9 games type runs and was turning into a bit of a Nistelrooy-esque finisher and then- that tackle. But the most significant injury I would have to argue was Rosicky's. I remember the Boro game we lost, and he was, Gael aside, the ONLY player really trying out there. His loss meant Hleb could afford to get complacent, and Eboue got that run in the side. It also could have, with a less patient manager, resulted in Theo being pushed in too early and suffering under pressure. He is a fantastic, creative, quick player and I would rate him over that cunt Hleb any day. The fact that he scored more than everyone but 4 other players playing something like 18 games all season really does show the quality he has. With his new titanium reinforced legs I'd hope he'd be fit to play again and get a good run.
The point is, we had the kind of injuries which would debilitate ANY squad. They were all key players which shaped the dynamic of Arsenal and their loss meant we had to settle for Bendtners and Eboues.
Referees: Most would say we lost everything after Eduardo's tackle in the Brum game. I fervently disagree. I think it was the shifty decision at the end of the match that ended it for us. The players DID get over the tackle and loss of their team mate but the decision was just a very very negative blow and really, for me anyway, started a trend of doubt and uncertainty. I cannot count how many went the other way, and I cannot bring myself to. It's too damn futile, and it's too damn painful. But the thing is, in a 50 game season, everyone goes through weak patches. Manchester United started the season with a string of 1-0 scorelines and were even compared to George Graham's Arsenal. No decisions were shaky and nothing really significant seemed to be hindering them further when they were suffering a shocking dip in form. Some would say that's the mark and the luck of Champions, and I would agree, but I will add that OUR dip in form unfortunately coincided with most of the poor decisions going against us, and THAT is the mark and luck of 2nd runners up.
There is a site which has listed the table had all the decisions gone right. It places us in 2nd place 6 a drift of Man United. So, yes, I will concede, even with the decisions we were losing. And I will even go so far as to say fair play to Man utd (I'm cringing....!) because like it or not, having Hargreaves, and Carrick and Scholes and Anderson, even as the over priced cunts that they are, really did decide the title's destination and full marks to the Fergatron on the foresight. While our injuries were far more disruptive, it is hard to argue with Man utd's obvious strength in depth. They're still cunts though.
Performances: Eboue. Enough said. I will back Wenger on this one though. Theo was raw and everyone else was injured. I have to say, as manager, I'd probably have done the same. Sorry, but it's true. An emergency buy in January, is NOT the kind of thing a team in 100s of millions of pounds of debt should do. The long term stability and control of Arsenal football club is something I am fucking proud Wenger and the board upheld and is about 50% of why I love this club so much.
The other one to stick out would, in my opinion be Gallas. Easily one of the best center backs when he cares and he cared for the most part, but with the responsibility he has as captain, I dont think the weak performances in the FA cup and other 'unimportant' games should be tolerated. He has been superb for us, but with that kind of weight on your shoulders, you cannot afford to lie down every once in a while because it usually drops and shatters. Captain next term? Ask me, hell no. Fabres, oh yes please with a cherry and whipped cream!
Basically, there is a certain amount of luck, and a certain amount of tongue in cheek fortune which goes with being champions. There always is. We didn't have it. I thought we did. Specially after the 3-1 over Spurs, I thought we did, but we didn't. We got what we earned in the end. And as tiring and painful as it was to watch, there is enough cause to hope for me to not give a fuck and cheer them even louder next season.
Feel free to add anything or criticise anything.
Till later.
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3-5-2 LETS GO!
Wednesday, 21 May 08, 04:31 AM
A few months ago in a match of such amazing signifcance, it lead to Steve Mclaren's sacking and ensured England can have their 3rd manager in two years, Croatia beat the team 2-0.
It was the first time Mclaren and indeed this present England squad had used the 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 formation and it was to such terrible effect that the three points lost led to the team not qualifying to the Euro Championship.
However, while the team no doubt stumbled and all chances of anyone so much as mentioning the formation again are all but gone, had the formation been used effectively to accommodate the various players, the team could have been in a very different situation today.
Essentially the formation entails having two wing backs or even two wingers covering the flanks while two strikers stay up front. At the back there are three central defenders, with one either staying back as a sweeper, or staying ahead of the two and marshalling them in a more midfield role.
In the center of the park, there are three central midfielders and depending on the defensive trio's role, there can either be a defensive midfielder to aid the defenders, while the other two control distribution in their respective flanks, or conversely, there can be two defensive minded midfielders, while one man attacks and distributes down the middle.
In terms of covering space, and utilizing the pitch and it’s dimensions, the system ensures the best options and the tightest packing of the team. It is zonal and it thrives on team harmony, and that I suppose is one place where it fell apart so gloriously for the three lions.
Aaron Lennon, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Shaun Wright Philips, Ashley Young, David Bentley and Stewart Downing are the more known wide players for the team and have all had reasonably good success domestically, even if some (Here’s looking at you, Shaun Wright Philips) have been inconsistent. The fact is that of all of them, and the few others emerging such as Theo Walcott, on their day, and given the right role, are more than able to thrive out wide in such a set up. The fact that Capello has so many options should : A) create some sort of competition among them, and B) make up for any excuse of lack of form 1, or 2, or 5 of them may be suffering from! And for God’s sake, David Beckham has very few years left to play, no matter how perfect he’d be for this formation.
If we include the few defensive full backs England has to pick from, then it's no surprise they thought even Mclaren could do the job! Gary Neville, Micah Richards, Ashley Cole, Joleon Lescott, Wayne Bridge, are all accomplished players and know how to cross a ball. The fact is with such a tight midfield, it’s MUCH harder to mark the flanks.
In the centre of defence England boast the most enviable of selections. Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Sol Campbell, Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott, are just some of the options at hand, granted the latter two somehow thrive wide as well. Even WITHOUT Carragher, the Taylors, Wheaters, Woodgates, etc are all perfectly reasonable players to have.
In the middle of the park, Gareth Barry's resurgence, Owen Hargreaves' assured performances, and yes a Michael Carrick or Scott Parker(Only in case of emergency...) are not by any degree, below standards for the role of an effective defensive midfeild. Ofcourse some sort of zonal planning IS key so they don't go and bump into each other landing in a heap, but then that's why Stevie Mac was being paid. Michael Johnson’s season obviously puts him in for this role too.
Attacking options, are again in abundance, although some basic logic and learning from past errors must be incorporated. Gerrard and Lampard can’t play together because both want to be free and attacking. So sticking Lampard on the left and saying, ‘Go on son, kick it’ is bizarre. Lampard is an effective player even if he is hated. Whether it's on account of some bizarre luck or whether he actually has skill, when that boy hits the ball, it stays hit for a while and more often that not it hits the net as well. Give him his freedom, and he might just emulate whatever it is he does at Chelsea.
If not him, then you always have England's favorite child, Gut-Bustin'-Gerrard! A cunt he may be, but bloody hell as a supporting, attacking midfielder he is stunning.
In strike, England have Rooney, Bent, Owen, Johnson, Young, Agbonlahor, Crouch and Defoe. If, Capello can honestly not find one successful permutation or combination between these options then the man is a serious liability.
The point is, as a championship manager, or Fifa player, it is a DREAM, to have a squad like this at your disposal. Sure, they’re motivated and graphically designed to play their best all the time, but there is an incredible strength in depth in this country. To blame Arsene Wenger for the failure to qualify is ludicrous. Up front, wide, in the middle and at the back, England not only have some of the best in the world, but they have an incredible list of substitutes to go with them. So don’t blame metatarsals, don’t blame Wenger, don’t blame referees, and don’t blame other teams. The media are to English football the way India is to cricketers. Always at either extreme- berating or felicitating, but never objective. Brian Barwick has paid millions for sacking the last two managers. And he’s paid more to hire them. Capello makes an effort and seems like he’s focused. But unless the players are made to WANT to play well, and unless there is actual organization, and not a mere collection of the players, there will never be results. England are disjointed and boring to watch. It’s a bunch of prima donna celebrities out playing like it’s a gimmick. It is not, and for many years, HAS not been a serious sporting venture for pride or glory. It is an absolute shambles and lacks the professionalism the likes of Hiddink and Scolari have incorporated. Capello is meticulous and disciplined and hopefully will imbibe the team with that same spirit. Otherwise one of the greatest collections of talent of this past century will go to waste. And Wenger’ll be blamed!
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Enough is Enough
Wednesday, 14 May 08, 03:33 AM
Alright so I was commenting on Manogil's blog and had three bloody comments. Blooming shit. Im sorry about the traffic man.
Basically, I am sick and tired of people whining and whinging about the top clubs. Boo bloody hoo, Lyon keep winning and boo bloody hoo there's a big four in England. None of these teams, Madrid aside, have been born and blessed with riches and talent they worked for it. Man Utd, lost an entire team and rebuilt and recuperated. Liverpool did the opposite and capitulated. Chelsea were on their way to coming into the picture, they came 2nd in the Gunners' invincible season. So an oligarch took over and pours money in. its already cost them! I hate that side more than any other side in the world but credit to them for making the most of chances THEY worked for. Arsenal are ofcourse the most perfect example. Bleating hell look at the club. It's beautiful the planning and efficiency with which they have pushed themselves. The problem is everyone is so damn impatient. Let Hughes, O'neill, Laudrup, Pellegrini, etc. build the side. it won't happen in two years! it takes alot of planning and a very large and unified movement in one direction. Quit whining and applaud the teams for pushing themselves to where they are. And, THEN, learn the idea of continuity and opportunity and push yourself up too. Quit whining it's pathetic.
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Like a bleating Jack Russell!
Tuesday, 13 May 08, 08:59 AM
ello all!
I don't know when, how and why but at some point this blog turned into a vent space and as I've now learnt is a necessary catharsis for me. Fuck.
I have spent the better part of this past week indoors on account of exams and perhaps it's the claustophobia, but I've had it till here with this.
The other day in the shower it occured to me what's been plaguing me for the past couple of months. I've lost most of my drive. I want to laze. I do not want to do things, I know I honestly do
and more than anything else is an overwhelming feeling of just being tired. The problem is I'm satisfied.
A couple blogs ago, much like a victory speech I declared my pride at certain things I'd done and won and that, it seems was my peak. I'm going downhill now. It is the worst feeling to have.
The thought that I deserve to rest or that I have earned the right to let certain 'problems' weigh me down because I'm just tired of dealing with it. It's a pain in my fucking ass and
I hate it.
But why have I blogged today? In about an hour, Manchester United will face Liverpool FC in a premier league fixture. About two and half hours after that Arsenal will face Chelsea. These two
games may not decide, but will definitely be a huge part in deciding where the title of English champions goes. It could be us. Bloody hell it has to be us. We've fought like fucking dogs and
mucked ourselves up a fair bit in the process (get well Eduardo) but the 'children' are here to win it. This is as big as it's gotten since the invincible season three years ago when we last
one the league, without losing a single game mind you.
This is a time when Arsenal are still achieving. In all possibility, if and when they do achieve, this horrible feeling of satisfaction and being content may strike them too, and from
experience I can tell you it can really mess things up (Case in point Ashley Cole). Tonight we could end with our fists pumping and our lungs bursting with the rest of the cunts with their
heads drooping. It could possibly not. They said this race would go down to the wire and I think it's safe to say we're ON the wire. It's barbed and it's cutting at the legs but it feels
great.
The borrowed thrill of Arsenal still in achievement mode while I sit here like an idiot in chill out mode is in itself exhilirating. Once the exams are done, I begin the next phase of my
achieving, hopefully anyway. I look forward to it. And I will always look back at this shit hole of a period of time and only remember that the fucking Gunners rode high and mighty.
Come on you Reds!
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On DIVERSION: Truth blocked for renovation purposes. Sorry for the inconveniences and Media parade