Het bloed kruipt waar het niet gaan kan. We kunnen het niet laten: we denken in VVV’s. Ditmaal kwam de Veel Voorkomende Voetbalnaam tot ons. Met de aantekening dat broers niet tellen. Frank & Ronald, Willy & René of Rob & Richard maken niet direct De Boer, Van de Kerkhof of laat staan Witschge een internationaal veel geziene voetbalnaam. Drie broers daarentegen is wel degelijk een noviteit. Dit geldt de Afrikaanse jongens van Touré: Ibrahim (Nice), Kolo (Arsenal) en Barcelona (Yaya). Niet de minste clubs ook. En in De Kempen hebben we de Lavrijssens.

Duo’s of trio’s zonder broerrelatie zijn er te over: Yakubu (Aiyegbeni en de vermaledijde Abubakari), Cissé (Sekou und Djibril), en Boateng (Derek van Getafe, Gideon van MVV en onze eigen George). Maar de echte winnaars van het bal zijn de heren van Diarra. Een heuse diarree. Bij Real Madrid spelen er reeds twee: Lassana en ex-Vitesse middenvelder Mahamadou. Eén zit er bij Bordeaux (Alou) en zelfs Partizan Belgrado heeft er eentje op de kop getikt (spits Lamine).

We nodigen u van harte om de stamboom van bovenstaande Diarranen uit te pluizen. Wellicht kunt u in het proces de minder bekende Abdoulaye Diarra (Bohemians Praag), Boucabar Diarra (Luzern) en Drissa Diarra (Lecce) meenemen. Mocht u nou helemaal de blits willen maken, geef dan ook premier Seydou Diarra, auteur Alpha Mandé Diarra én rapper  Oxmo Puccino een plekje. Laatstgenoemde is de artiestennaam van Abdoulaye Diarra, niet te verwarren met de eerder genoemde speler van de derde club van Praag. Bent u er nog?

la grinta di Djibril Cisse ai tempi del Liverpool

Djibril Cisse continua a ripetere che è ancora presto per parlare di un’uscita dalla Champions League e incita il Liverpool a ottenere il risultato di cui ha bisogno stasera a Lione

Il nazionale francese sa perfettamente che tipo di prova dovranno affrontare gli uomini di Rafael Benitez, infatti ha giocato parecchie volte contro Les Gones ai temi dall’Auxerre e dal Marsiglia.

L’ex Red ammette che il Liverpool si è complicato la vita più di una volta ma è certo che il suo pedigree europeo lo aiuterà a passare il turno.

“Credo ancora che il Liverpool andrà avanti,” ha detto a Liverpoolfc.tv.

”Hanno bisogno di un buon risultato stasera, ma sono sicuro che l’otterranno e poi vinceranno le ultime due partite, qualificandosi per gli ottavi.”

La squadra di Claude Puel affronterà l’incontro venendo dalla vittoria sui Reds ad Anfield e con la consapevolezza di aver perso solo una volta in casa contro squadre inglesi.

In ogni caso, Cisse sostiene che i Reds possano tranquillamente reggere sia l’atmosfera che la storia dello Stade Gerland, ricordando come si dimostrino maggiormente pericolosi proprio nel momento in cui vengono dati per spacciati.

“Sarà certamente dura,” ha detto. “Il Lione è una squadra difficile da affrontare, con giocatori di qualità.”

”Hanno già vinto ad Anfield quindi avranno fiducia, ma il Liverpool è il Liverpool ed è in grado di vincere ovunque – come ha dimostrato in passato.”

“Ho giocato allo Stade Gerland molte volte nel corso dei miei passaggi in Francia, ma solo in campionato.”

“Col fatto che si gioca per la Champions League e che c’è il Liverpool, uno ei più grandi Club al mondo, l’atmosfera sarà meravigliosa.

“Credo che il Liverpool abbia l’esperienza necessaria per affrontare l’impegno e come si è visor in passato non sono mai morti.”

I Reds, al momento, sono flagellati da una serie di infortuni e hanno già perso ben 5 dei primi 11 incontri di Barclays Premier League.

Cisse sa che è stato l’inizio della stagione 2009-10 è stato difficoltoso per la sua vecchia squadra ma ha detto di essere ancora in contatto con alcuni dei suoi ex compagni ed è convinto che abbiano quel che serve per reinserirsi nella corsa al titolo.

“Sento ancora Stenie (Gerrard, NdT),” ha detto. “Siamo buoni amici. Parliamo molto e chiaramente tengo d’occhio i risultati.”

“Hanno avuto un inizio difficile ma non sono troppo staccati dai primi e non c’è dubbio che abbiano qualità.”

“Credo che possano ancora vincere il campionato. Sarà difficile, ma non impossibile.”

servizio di Paul Hassall per il sito ufficiale del Liverpool

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N166315091104-1007.htm

Future Considerations has looked at the top five draft prospects as well as some of the draft eligible talent the CHL has to offer for 2010 in part I and part II of this introduction series to the NHL Entry Draft. In part III, FC will move south of the 49th parallel and take a look at who is making noise in the United States.

Many of today’s prospects view NCAA hockey as a viable alternative to the more traditional CHL route while NHL clubs begin to value the flexibility of a four or even five year signing window over the two years given to CHL and European prospects under the current CBA. There are always a few talented prospects who we see ply their trade in the USHL or high school leagues throughout the States during their draft years while using these leagues as a launching point to retain their NCAA eligibility.

This season, the cream of the crop includes former Saskatchewan Junior Hockey Leaguer and Notre Dame Hound centre Jaden Schwartz who is suiting up for the Tri-City Storm of the USHL and is looking like a possible first rounder next June.

The speedy Colorado College recruit was named the SJHL Rookie Of The Year in 2008-09 after a productive year offensively and he is looking to do a similar feat in the USHL this season. Schwartz was able to display his incredible ability of getting to open ice for getting the best scoring opportunity as well as possessing a nice set of hands.

In August, Schwartz also played a part in helping the Canadian U18 team capture Gold at the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Also playing in the Ivan Hlinka tournament was USHL’s Chicago Steel defender Kevin Lind, who suited up for the US squad that played to a disappointing fourth place finish. Lind is a big two-way defender who has a good first pass and is willing to join the rush when the opportunity presents itself.

His head coach with Chicago, Steven Poapst, offered these comments on Lind.

“Kevin has grown a lot since joining the Steel last season. He has become a leader on and off the ice possessing the qualities that you look for in a captain. He has gotten bigger and stronger and has matured as a person and a player allowing him to become the team leader that he is. He has size, strength and an element of toughness to his game. He is a strong skater and handles the puck well. He is very good one on one against his opponents using his very well and is extremely good at eliminating his opponents in the corners and along the boards.”

Lind will garner more playing time this year with Chicago and should have a pretty solid development year. He is scheduled to attend the University of Notre Dame in 2010.

Des Moines of the USHL could be a real hot spot for scouts this winter as they have a potential power forward in the making in their lineup.

Winger Yasin Cisse is a big winger that is willing to play in dirty areas, crash the net, finish checks and he also skates well too. Cisse has committed to Boston University for the fall of 2010.

While his offensive skills are just coming to the forefront this season, he has solid skills to cultivate and could surprise many with his production this season.

Cisse is a hard working power forward, a hard hitter that showed willingness to battle along the wall and has the hands to finish off plays. The Westmount, PQ. native has decided to attend Boston University instead of joining Lewiston of the QMJHL, who drafted him in the second round of the Quebec League draft back in 2008.

Cedar Rapids forward Michael Parks is a potential riser as the season progresses. He has average size, isn’t the best skater but his undeniable strength is creating offense. Parks has a nice set of hands and makes electrifying moves with the puck in one-on-one situations and also in tight around the net.

The O’Fallon, MO. native has vision and offensive creativity that are both natural abilities you can not teach. Parks is not only a one trick pony as he is an able two-way threat that consistently plays in all three zones. He had a good showing as well for the US squad at this past summers U18 Hlinka tournament in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Youngstown Phantoms power forward Nick Czinder has the size that will have scouts purchasing a plane ticket early and often. The native of West Bloomfield, MI. is just over six-foot-five and has the skill set to compliment his size. Czinder is off to a good start this year and has shown that he not only has soft hands but that he is intelligent on the ice and willing to play a two-way game.

Indiana Ice blueliner and USNTDP graduate Nick Mattson is one of the better USHL defensemen with pro potential this season. Mattson is spending a year with the Ice after graduating from the US National Team Program U18 program before heading off to North Dakota.

He has a very good overall game with no glaring weaknesses at this stage of his development. Defensively Mattson holds solid positioning, possesses good foot work and maintains solid gap control. Offensively he has more to offer than he has shown thus far. His outlet passes are strong and he can see the ice well.

Omaha Lancer defenseman Mathieu Brisson has the raw abilities to dominate offensively from the backend during his first year of USHL play. The slick skating defender plays a solid game that marries good puck skills with decent defensive positioning although he is still very raw and needs work on the defensive side.

The Cornell Recruit and native of Quebec has good vision, soft hands and makes solid outlet passes along with having some outstanding natural creativity.

One of the top USHL goalies this season comes from Perth, ON. and is committed to Northern Michigan for next year.

Lincoln Stars netminder Jared Coreau has the size and quickness that has been the NHL cookie cutter goaltender mold the past few drafts. At over six-foot-four and almost 200-pounds, he covers a lot of net naturally but also possesses quick reflexes.

Coreau is able to control his rebounds and never gives up on a play, sometimes coming up with breathtaking stops. However, he must work on his angles play more as he has a tendency to slink back into his crease and rely more on his size to bail him out.

One of the top U.S. NCAA prospects looks to be Centennial high school alumni Tyler Pitlick, who has the potential to develop into a future power forward at the pro ranks.
The Minnesota State freshman, whose uncle Lance is a former journeyman NHLer with stops in Ottawa and Florida, has good size and hands that make him dangerous around the net.

Pitlick’s shot is a major asset and will only get better once he adds some extra strength to his six-foot-three 190-pound frame. Strength is not the only area of his game that will need to be addresses during his time with the Mavericks as his defensive game and awareness currently have many holes that need to be filled before turning pro.

Former St. Catharines Falcon centre and current University of Notre Dame freshman, Riley Sheahan, is another top end NCAA prospect for the 2010 NHL Draft.

Sheahan is a highly skilled offensive forward who skates well and also has the size and strength to play a physical role with for Irish. He is expected to be a top six forward and get considerable playing time in his first collegiate season.

The Harvard Crimson of the ECAC should have real strong locker room camaraderie this season not only because the team is a tight bunch but more importantly because they have the rarity of three brothers suiting up together this season.

Freshman defenseman Danny Biega will join his brothers Alex and Michael on the Crimson and should be able to play quality minutes on the backend. The smooth skating rearguard has solid leadership qualities to go along with an impressive two-way game. Biega carries the puck with poise and has the distribution skills and vision to make plays from the backend. Defensively he displays nice gap control, plays his angles well and possesses the ability to separate the puck from an attacker and make it look effortless.

High school talent on the rise in the US

Some of the best US born prospects the past few years started out as little known high school players hidden away from the limelight and those who did not get as much exposure. This has changed some recently with the success these prospects have maintained and now the Minnesota and Eastern U.S. High School circuit is a must when putting together a list of potential draftees for NHL scouts and scouting agencies alike.

Blaine High School forward Nick Bjugstad has the size, speed and skill that many NHL teams will covet although some added strength is needed which is the case with most 17-year-old draft prospects. The six-foot-five forward is one of the most impressive Minnesota high schoolers available for 2010 as he plays the game not only with the ability to score goals and set-up plays but he is also defensively responsible in his own end.

Physical play and utilization of his size is also an area that Bjugstad will need improvement although he does play physical intermittently. His hockey smarts also set him apart from the average Minnesota high schooler as he is a very sharp guy both on and off the ice. He is a prospect that could see his stock rise into first round talk because of all the positives to his game and potential he holds despite is considerable rawness.

Cretin-Derham Hall in St. Paul MN. has one of the best 2010 draft eligible high school defensemen in senior Mark Alt. His father John was an offensive lineman for the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and has blessed his son with both outstanding size and athleticism.

His game is solid in both ends and he uses his size and range very well. The University of Minnesota recruit is very agile for such a big body, over six-foot-four and 200-pounds, which is why he is also a very good quarterback for the schools football team.

Just as his brother Jake, a first round pick of the Anaheim Ducks, Max Gardiner is looking to be the next high NHL draft pick taken out of Minnetonka High School. The Minnesota recruit is a winger with good size at six-foot-three and has some good offensive skills but is not as explosive as his brother on his skates. He is a hard working winger who has some good playmaking abilities.

Mahtomedi offensive defensman Ben Marshall looks like the 2010 version of Nashville Predators prospect and former first rounder Ryan Ellis; a defensman who has boat loads of skills but lacks the size to play a real physical style on the backend.

The smooth skating Marshall is a danger to make a play every time he touches the puck. The Minnesota committed blueliner can just as easily go end-to-end as make a slick pass that opens a chance up for a teammate. Marshall’s size and strength will need to improve for him to get first round consideration.

Over in Massachusetts, Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick and current Boston College Eagle Jimmy Hayes’ younger brother Kevin Hayes is making some noise as a big body who has the ability to fill the net.

The Nobles Bulldog winger stands at six-foot-three and has the strength behind the height weighing just over 200-pounds. Hayes looks to have the potential to develop into a skilled power forward after joining his brother at Boston College for a couple years of seasoning.

USNTDP looks to have strong crop of talent this year

As most have probably noticed already, the USNTDP is playing in the USHL this season, as well as some college games and the programs staple international tournaments. That means that instead of piling up the frequent flyer cards NHL scouts will be able to see the best of what the USA has to offer in a more structured environment. The U.S. National Development Team looks to have a very skilled squad this year and should draw much attention from NHL teams as they potentially tear up the competition.

The top offensive forward on the team looks to be Paradise Valley, AZ. native Luke Moffatt. The skilled centre is extremely talented, skates well and is very coachable. He has good hands, is a smart player and possesses the vision needed to be an impact offensive contributor for the US Squad. Consistency is the one area that needs to improve, game in and game out, for an NHL team to show interest in him as more than just a mid-to-late round pick by next June.

Boston College recruit and power winger Billy Arnold should move up the draft lists as the season progresses as he has the skill and willingness to be a difference maker. He is a heart and soul type of player.

His skill set allows him to play both the role of a scoring forward as well as the mucking grind-it-out type of winger along the wall as his work ethic is unquestionable. The Needham, MA. native will need to improve conditioning and continue to refine his offensive abilites as the season progresses.

The USNTDP has a stellar defense corps this season with four potential first round candidates.

Ex-Duluth East Greyhound defenseman Derek Forbort bypassed his senior year to move on to the United States Development Program this year.

He plays a very complete game from the backend and possesses the prototypical size that all NHL are looking for. He has the ability to make everything looks easy on the ice. Forbort is a two-way defender who has a nice blend of vision, puck distribution skills and strong overall instincts. He plays the point well and usually make strong reads on when to pinch but needs work on his defensive angles and foot speed. He also needs to add more of a physical game and more strength.

His previous coach at Duluth East sounded like sour grapes when Forbort made his decision to leave, which tells you just the kind of player he is.

Highly regarded Jon Merrill is another of the defenders for Team USA U18. He also has the size at just under six-foot-four and skates very well for that size. He is more of a defense first player who uses his reach, agility and defensive reads to disrupt the opposition’s attack but does have some solid offensive skills.

Merrill also has very strong defensive positioning in his own zone to go with a very good first pass. His offensive skills are not as flashy as some but he does make smart plays in the offensive zone, he just does not try to force anything, though one wouldn’t think that to be the case just by looking at his early season statistics as he is one of the U18 top offensive contributors.

Stephen Johns is a third beast of a defenseman that the US Development Team has on the backend this season. He is six-foot-three and he too skates well for such a big body. His game is at its best when he keeps it simple and plays a physical defense first game. He uses his reach and on-ice smarts to angle off attackers effectively.

The Notre Dame recruit has some offensive potential as he makes solid outlet passes and has a decent point shot but his game is more suited as the shutdown defender type.

Ex-NHL player and former Washington Capital defender Mark Tinordi’s son, Jarred rounds out the four big men on defense for the U.S. National Team Development Program.

The six-foot-four defender is a raw talent who has more upside in the offensive game than the other three but has more of a mean streak. He skates well, has a good point shot and makes smart plays under pressure. Tinordi is the U18 team captain this season which speaks volumes to his leadership abilities. He too is slated to join the Fighting Irish next fall.

The top prospect playing in the U.S. Development Program this season is Port Huron, MI. native and the Under-18 squad’s goaltender Jack Campbell. Campbell really shone bright last April at the IIHF World Under-18 Championships for the gold medal USA squad in Fargo, especial in the gold medal game against an extremely talented Russian squad.

Campbell is not overly big but he plays a flawless butterfly style and is technically strong while maintaining proper angles. He uses his smarts to read and react while maintaining a patient yet aggressive demeanor towards the shooter. He is known to have a quick glove hand that pushes shooters to look elsewhere for open holes.

Campbell also maintains an upright position while going down in the butterfly for maximum net coverage which is a common weakness of developing goaltenders. The Michigan Wolverine recruit has great potential as a pro goaltender and could go very high in the entry draft next June.

The US development leagues have made great strides over the past ten years in an effort to narrow the gap between the Canadian Junior Leagues and their own. NHL draft picks are regularly coming from areas of the US that are traditionally known as out of market like Florida, California and even Texas. This can only be considered a good thing as more exposure to the game and more kids playing the game ultimately mean a better product on the ice in the future.

Check back regularly as Future Considerations’ resident draft guru Dan Stewart blogs about the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and its prospects each Saturday and intermittently on Wednesdays. Also, be sure to subscribe and order the Future Considerations 2010 NHL Draft Guide that is sure to be the most comprehensive and informative guide on the market.

O Mundial Sub-20 começou na semana passada e a expectativa está voltada para a descoberta de novos talentos. Mas não são poucos os casos de fracassos, mesmo após boas participações na competição. E nem é preciso fazer a memória ir muito longe.

É possível fazer uma lista só com jogadores que se destacaram nos mundiais sub-20 dos últimos 10 anos, mas não conseguiram sucesso posteriormente.

Veja a lista dos fiascos:

1º) Giovanni dos Santos (Mundial de 2007)
O mexicano era tratado como “jóia rara” no Barcelona, mas até agora não conseguiu se firmar lá e nem em clubes menores, como o Tottenham e o Ipswich.

2º) Andrés D’Alessandro (Mundial de 2001)
Foi o grande destaque do título argentino daquela época, mas depois colecionou passagens apagadas pela Europa e agora também enfrenta problemas para brilhar no Inter.

3º) Landon Donovan (Mundial de 2001)
Já representou a chance de surgir um grande talento no futebol norte-americano, mas hoje é apenas um importante jogador do Los Angeles Galaxy.

4º) Edixon Perea (Mundial de 2003)
O colombiano, que hoje é apenas um reserva pouco utilizado do Grêmio, já foi um sinal de esperança para o futebol do seu país, que chegou em um surpreendente 3º lugar na competição quando ele foi bem.

5º) Javier Saviola (Mundial de 2001)
Depois de fracassar na Espanha, o argentino tenta reencontrar, no Benfica, o futebol que o levou a ser artilheiro da competição sub-20 há 8 anos atrás.

6º) Djibril Cissé (Mundial de 2001)
O francês passou por alguns bons momentos no futebol inglês, mas hoje está escondido na Grécia, no Panathinaikos, e não parece que vá ressurgir logo.

7º) Ryan Babel (Mundial de 2005)
Hoje não consegue sequer ser titular do Liverpool em posições que a concorrência não é tão forte: Riera e Benayoun disputam (e ganham!) mais chances do que a eterna promessa holandesa.

8º) Ismail Matar (Mundial de 2003)
O atleta dos Emirados Árabes foi eleito o melhor jogador da competição disputada em seu país, mas nunca conseguiu sair do futebol local e hoje é o camisa 10 do ‘glorioso’ Al-Wahda.

9º) Pablo Couñago (Mundial de 1999)
Foi artilheiro da competição sub-20, mas nunca conseguiu brilhar no futebol espanhol. Atualmente faz sucesso apenas no Ipswich Town, da Inglaterra.

10º) Daniel Carvalho (Mundial de 2003)
Viveu alguns bons momentos, chegou a ir para a seleção brasileira principal, mas não vingou. Uma passagem fracassada de volta ao Inter só mostrou como ele está abaixo das expectativas geradas há 6 anos atrás.

11º) Johannes Djourou (Mundial de 2005)
O zagueiro suíço chamou a atenção do Arsenal, mas não conseguiu se destacar no futebol inglês, já tendo acumulado até uma passagem discreta pelo Birmingham City por empréstimo.

É claro que várias outras estrelas reveladas viraram grandes nomes do futebol internacional. Mas isso não quer dizer que não devemos ficar com um pé atrás com essas revelações.

Well, there has been quite a bit of discussion in the post AEKBaltimore put up. Since the match alot has happened, most regarding the horrendous officiating at the match. But first, a review.

For everyone who has been following AEK you know how incredibly unlucky we tend to be, especially when it matters most. We saw that once again many times during this match. For the first forty minutes we pressured constantly except for a few counter attacks by Olympiakos. We dominated in terms of passing and we were all over the pitch, including in their own box. However, as is typical with AEK, we saw chance after chance but no goals were produced. How we continuously manage to do this really puzzles me. After all, we do have SCOCCO, BLANCO, and NEMETH up front. Just hearing those names together should send shivers down the spines of any defenders in Greece. But they still can’t manage to score more than one goal each game. What happened to the times when we would win most games by scores of 4-0 I will never know.

Obviously we never did manage to capitalize on our chances and when this happens the opposition is bound to score a goal before us. And, of course, that happened. The first Olympiakos goal came late in the first, scored by Torosidis (who is in incredible form right now). Of course, the goal came at a horrible time for both the players and the fans.

So, after many chances for us and one or two for them the score was AEK 0-1 Olympiakos at half time. Nonetheless, AEK came out strong in the second half once again producing some fine chances to score. Yet once again we could not get that final touch, just to knock the ball a little bit further and into the net. Instead, Olympiakos scored again, and again the goal was scored by Torosidis.

Our boys kept trying hard but only managed to score one goal, by Nemeth. Not enough even to salvage one point.

By the time the game had ended AEK had fifteen chances on goal compared to Olympiakos’ three (it might have been slightly higher). That statistic proves two things. Firstly, our forwards need to start scoring more and capitalizing on chances or else we will be drawing or loosing at home to teams like Kavala and Panthrakikos. Secondly, it is clear that our defence could be much stronger. When a team managed to score two goals from three or four solid chances clearly the defence needs to tighten up.

Now, time for the player reviews. Saja did not have much to do this game really, and the goals he let in were not his fault, especially the second one. Other than that, not much more can be said about him, though he made some incredible saves once again which helped to keep us in the game.

Araujo was absolutely incredible, and easily one of our best players on the pitch. His defending was as solid as it could be, he was everywhere he could be, his ball control was spectacular, and the runs he made left Olympiakos players only staring after him.

Both Majstorovic and Jahic were average at best. Although we now have Nemeth, we clearly miss Kyrgaikos’ presence back there. We are still horrible in the air when defending corners and free kicks for the opposition. But they are still strong players and will do… for now.

Juanfran was horrible! It was disgusting to see him play for us. He provided nothing to the team. All his runs were predictable which made him easy to defend. He provided few good passes, he was slow, he could not defend, and it was his poor marking which made Torosidis’ first goal an easy one to knock in. Rumors are saying Georgeas might start at left back. I personally wouldnt even mind if Pavlis, or even Arabatzis start at left back. Anyone but Juanfran. It’s incredible that he receives far more than Saja or Blanco and has a nice contract to satisfy him (all thanks to Demis).

Makos was sub par. He did little this match and he defended Torosidis poorly on his second goal (had he tackled Torosidis though, he most likely would have received a red card because of his previously recieved yellow, a card he should not have gotten). I think we should still keep Makos, but perhaps give a month or two with the youth team and see how he improves. He’s a good guy, a good player to have on a team, but his level of football just simply isn’t good enough for what AEK needs.

Kafes was good, nothing special, but a solid player, had some chances on goal and overall a fine player. Not much more to say about him.

Geurreiro played a fantastic match. His fitness still isn’t one hundred percent but his ball controll and passing are all excellent. A fabulous player to have on our squad and once his fintess improves he will be a key player, if he isn’t already. He also likes to prompt the fans to cheer which is always a great thing to see from a player on the pitch.

Ah Blanco, whats happening? Two years top scorer now only one goal. Although, for some reason, Blanco was playing on the wings for this match. I have no clue who ordered him to play there but it is not his position. He is a goal scorer and little else. Im fine with that, its why we have him. He is no Rivaldo or Scocco. He has some decent ball control and mediocre passing skills but the wing should be players like Guerriero. Nonetheless, good old Ismael worked hard all game and was all over the pitch and had some decent chances on goal. I still have faith in him. Who knows, maybe this weekend we will start to see some signs of the Blanco we know. Especially with Nemeth gone for a while and an open spot in the centre again.

Nemeth was fantastic. He had so many chances on goal, some really easy ones I must say, but was unlucky not to score more than one goal. He worked hard and played with passion, clearly wanted the win, which is a great thing to see. Not much more to say, he is a fantastic player (but the whole world already knows that) and we are lucky to have him if only for a year.

Scocco played a good game. He didnt do as much in terms of creating chances but his ball control was fantastic and he managed to get past many Olympiakos players before he would eventually be pulled down by a dirty tackle.

Our substitutes, Leonardo, Manduca, and Pavlis, provided little for the team. Manduca wasted many chanes, and both Pavlis and Leonardo showed nothing special.

Highlights video below:

Now, for the officiating. It was horrendous. The calls made against us, and the calls not made for us were incredible.

This video below shows some of the main ones:

PAE AEK has stated that if the ref is not punished they will take the match to UEFA so it can be reviewed properly. I truly hope this happens. The ref has apologized for the mistakes he made but what difference does it make? None.

The damage is done, and whether it really was an accident or the ref is really that poor or the calls not made were intentionally not called cannot be proved right now. Either way, the officiating is just horrible in Greece or refs are being bribed. Seeing as this has been going on in Greece for years, and corruption occurs at every level in the society of Greece, I would not be surprised at all if it was corruption. Why other people find it so hard to believe I cannot understand. It has happened in Italy, France, Portugal, Albania, Greece, and many other countries in Europe. And these are only the cases that have been proven. Until anything is proven though here in Greece we will continue to play games against refs who seem to be determined to make sure our team does not win. There is only so much we can do at this moment in time.

Now, we have another huge derby in only a day, and after that we play Benfica midweek. Huge games. Whether we are ready for the or not I do not know. Either way, this is AEK, and we support AEK win or loose. This weekend will be a tough match but despite our loss against Olympiakos we showed alot of promise, especially in terms of passing as well as creating chances. Also, PAO will have Cisse and Karagounis more than likely on the bench, as well as other players who will be out due to injuries. Seeing as both teams have decent defences at best but strong attacking players I would not be surprised to see a few goals scored this game. Hopefully, we come out with more than PAO.

By the way, AEK play Thrasivolous for our first Greek Cup game.

Spirou Louis, maratonistul invingator la prima editie a Jocurilor Olimpice, din 1896, strajuieste noua arena olimpica purtandu-i numele, din Nordul Atenei (Irini), dar de cand Panathinaikos evolueaza pe "elefantul alb", au aparut si mazgaliturile pe monument...

In al doilea reportaj atenian pentru Fotbal Vest, sub genericul DRUM EUROPEAN: “PANA” IN EXIL PE “SPIROU LOUIS”, am continuat pe urma lui Panathinaikos, la noul Stadion Olimpic, unde “verzii” sunt in provizorat pana la ridicarea arenei proprii, in afara capitalei, si am descusut indiscretii nu doar despre Cisse.

Vantul puternic, ce a raspandit si intretinut in august incendiile din Attica, suiera sinistru printre largile structuri metalice ale vastului Sat Olimpic atenian si face vartej gramezile de gunoaie ramase dupa 80.000 spectatori ai concertului dat de populari cantareti greci in seara precedenta.

Satul e acum neinsufletit, hartiile se agata de tot mai numeroasele balarii in crestere, uriase acoperisuri si inflorituri metalice ciupite de rugina scartaie in bataia vantului, si ai senzatia ca esti la unghia unui elefant alb, indopat cu miliarde pentru 2004.

Intr-o impietrire stoica, aidoma indarjirii cu care triumfa in maratonul Jocurilor Olimpice inaugurale, din 1896, Spirou Louis, al carui nume e purtat de Stadionul Olimpic din incinta, parca implora divinitatea, cu mainile spre cer, sa nu-i mai fie mazgalita statuia verzuie, pierduta intre noile constructii. Unii au dovedit déjà cunostinte de anatomie a zonelor nu doar erogene.

Ca Satul Olimpic mai e totusi folosit nu numai de muzicieni, stau marturie stolurile de graffiti cu subiect comun. Panathinaikos. Poarta 13. Trifoiul lui “Pana” a fost dezradacinat din casa sa de suflet din inima Atenei, stadionul Apostolos Nikolaidis, unde au ramas intr-un colt sub peluza baschetul, voleiul si tenisul de masa, insa fanii au luat cu ei in exil la “Spirou Louis”, aproape la capatul nordic al tronsonului de metrou pornit de “jos”, din port, de la Olympiakos Pireu, simbolurile intimei si asfixiantei arene ce-i gazduia inca din 1924.

Colajul cu Panathinaikos condusa de Domazos iesind pe Wembley pentru finala CCE din '71 este afisat pe fatada la artera Leoforos Alexandras a vechii arene "Apostolos Nikolaidis", taram de suflet al fanilor "trifoiului"

Unii simpatizanti iti vor sopti pe sub mustata parerile despre legatura dintre acordarea organizarii J.O. 2004 orasului Atena si concesiile in contrapartida facute de greci organismelor internationale influente in privinta curatirii societatii de elemente anarhiste, reactionare. Mai multi fani sunt insa actualmente fatis in antagonism cu Djibril Cisse, desi vara anunta un mariaj roz intre vulcanicul varf si “Pana”.

Din taxiul condus expert prin haoticul trafic atenian de un indian din Punjab, remarc pe autobuzul din fata reclama postului TV privat NOVA la difuzarea jocurilor din prima liga, cu cate un star de la Panathinaikos, Olympiakos, AEK, PAOK si Aris in colaj, cel mai mare, in prim plan, fiind tocmai Cisse, in verde. Si in magazinul de prezentare de la “Nikolaidis”, in prim-plan in vitrina e tot nouale lui Djibril.

Insa francezul si-a pus fanii in cap cu eliminarea pentru faultul inutil comis la centrul terenului in play-offul Champions League, pierdut cu Atletico Madrid. La urmatorul joc, fanii nu i-au aruncat doar vorbe, ci si o sticla de apa, pe care starul le-a azvarlit-o inapoi, alunecandu-se spre speculatii legate de rasism si potentiale chemari in judecata.

Iar oful suporterilor a fost amplificat de esecul verzilor in amicalul de la Volos, 1-2, fara recrutii de lot national, dintre care Vintra vedea si el cartonasul rosu in aceeasi seara, déjà in minutul 42, in Tara Cantoanelor, in jocul din preliminarii difuzat in Grecia – ca mai nou si prin alte parti – de un post privat, MEGA. Acolo, baricada lui Rehhagel, explicandu-se apoi  intr-o… germana impecabila, a rezistat doar pana ce “elvetienii” Derdiyok si Yakin le-au luat locul altor “elvetieni”, Fernandes si N’Kufo. 2-0 pentru Elvetia, in ultimele 7 minute. Fanii lui Panathinaikos s-au consolat doar cu ideea ca amicalul rivalei Olympiakos a fost si mai jenant, 0-5 in Creta, insa macar ros-albii din Pireu se aliniaza in grupele Champions League, pe cand alb-verzii se pregatesc nu doar de “caini rosii”, ci si de Galata din Constantinopolele candva grec bizantin, in niste vremuri cand turcii “gresesc” in a survola insule ale Eladei din Egee, pe care poate si le-ar dori candva ale lor.  

Apoi, chinurile fotbalului au continuat miercuri. Pe cand Grecia era egalata pe MEGA in minutul 90, la Chisinau, iar pana si locul zwei invocat de antrenorul neamt ajungea in pericol, in paralel, pe postul national ET1, campioana la zi e Europei in baschetul masculin castiga la pas grupa turneului final al C.E. din Polonia: 106-80 cu Israel. Asta dupa ce Grecia pornise campania zdrobind-o cu o diferenta de 32 puncte pe Macedonia, vecina al carei nume nu e folosit de ET1, comentatorii eleni numind-o… Skopje, iar prescurtarea de tara, pe ecran, fiind acoperita cu un… dreptunghi alb.

Iar Rehhagel nici nu se poate plange de indisponibilitati majore, avute in schimb de omologul sau lituanian de la carma baschetbalistilor. Fara 4 piese de baza in Polonia dar cu “grecul” lor, Sofoklis Schortsanidis, un gigant ca taciunele, transpirand sub panou pe post de dieta, promisa publicului elen, ori cu tanarul de 20 ani Calathes, tocmai de la Panathinaikos, de unde ca daca n-ai inca buzunarele grele, te poti feri de “accidentari” din varii motive.

Dar starurile lui “Pana” au mize mai mari, acolo, in sala de baschet de sub tribuna vechiului “Nikopolidis”. Nu de alta dar Panathinaikos tocmai a cucerit pentru a cincea oara Europa, dupa ce redresase in penultimul act continental balanta intalnirilor ei cu rivala locala Olympiakos in semifinalele EuroLigii, 1-2, intr-un duel ce ar fi suficient de valoros pentru insasi finala competitiei, asta daca regulamentul le-ar permite-o. Dar imperecherea lor e in anticamera.

Judecand si dupa recentul 1-3 acasa cu Galatasaray, alb-verzii traiesc doar din amintirile "Glory Days", memorii ale zilelor de glorie cu finala de pe Wembley, aniversate la 30 de ani, in 2001, cu un graffitti in preajma G13, celebra poarta de acces in peluza "Leoforos" a arenei Nikolaidis

In Attica urmeaza o toamna fierbinte. Se va regasi Cisse, de exemplu contra lui Dinamo? Cine va castiga alegerile parlamentare din 4 octombrie? Si isi va gasi Rehhagel cuvintele in… germana, daca nici locul zwei nu va fi al surprinzatoarei campioane europene din anul gazduirii J.O.?

Taxi – Cisse »

Olympique Marseille have officially sold striker Djibril Cisse to Panathinaikos. An enigmatic striker who possesses great pace and admirable strength, Cisse had seemed to settle well in Marseille, scoring 24 goals in 56 league appearances after making the switch from Premier League side Liverpool in 2006. But Cisse’s heart appeared to lie in

England, leading him to push hard for a move back across La Manche last summer. Ultimately, he moved to Sunderland on a season long loan deal, but despite a relatively successful campaign at the Stadium of Light, the Black Cats did not want to exercise the €11 million purchase option. Cisse seemed likely to move to an alternative Premier

League side, with Stoke City frequently mentioned in connection with his name, but he will instead ply his trade in Athens with Pana. Mercato365 reports that the Greeks have paid OM €8 million for the services of the striker, who could prove to be a very valuable addition to their squad if they can get Cisse, who has the reputation of being a difficult customer, into the correct mindset.

Goal

Frank Rijkaard’ın gelişinin ardından gözler G.Saray’ın transferlerine çevrildi. Rijkaard’ın listesi bir hayli kalabalık.

İspanyol basınının iddiasına göre Rijkaard gözünü eski takımına dikti. Önceliği de iki genç stoper Caceres ve Henrique’ye veriyor.

Forvette Gudjohnsen, stoperde Caceres, Henrique, kanatta Hleb favori Barçalılar arasında yer alıyor. Newcastle’dan Coloccini, Marsilya’dan Cisse de transferde başı çekiyor…

İspanyol gazetesi Sport’un iddiasına göre Sarı-Kırmızılılar Rijkaard önderliğinde İspanya’ya sefer düzenlemeye hazırlanıyor. Hollandalı hocanın eski takımı Barcelona’dan mutlaka bir iki oyuncuyu koparması bekleniyor. Listede Gudjohnsen, Hleb, Caceres ve Henrique’nin olduğu söyleniyor. Sport’a göre, Rijkaard, ilişkilerinin çok iyi olduğu Katalan ekibinin yöneticileriyle görüşmelere başladı bile. Gazete, Rijkaard’ın, Barcelona’nın sportif direktörü Begiristain’dan stoperler Uruguaylı Caceres ve Brezilyalı Henrique’den birini kiralamak istediğini açıkladığını yazdı.

Haberin devamını okumak için tıklayınız…

-GUDJOHNSEN ÇAĞRISI-

G.Saray’a haber gönderen İspanyollar’ın ise Gudjohnsen’i vermeye hazır oldukları ifade edildi. Yönetim bu futbolcunun 8 milyon euro olan bonservis bedelinde indirim istiyor. Rijkaard’ın listesinde, Barcelonalılar hariç, Arsenal’den Gael Clichy, Marsilya’dan Djibril Cisse, W.Bremen’den Claudio Pizarro, Bayern Münih’ten Hamit Altıntop ve Real Betis’ten Mehmet Aurelio’nun bulunduğu da iddia edildi.

Barça’da kayboldu
Barcelona’ya 2006’da giden Gudjohnsen, Messi ve Krkiç gibi genç isimlerin kadroya yerleşmesi, Eto’o ve Henry’nin çok formda bir yıl geçirmeleri sebebiyle forma giymekte zorlandı. Guardiola, geçen sezon ligde sadece 3 gol atabilen ve Barça’nın mutlu sonla noktaladığı Şampiyonlar Ligi macerasında ise 4 kere forma şansı bulan İzlandalı golcüyü gelecek sezon takımda pek düşünmüyor.

-COLOCCİNİ-LUQUE SESLERİ-

Rijkaard’ın ayrıca Newcastle’da oynayan stoper Coloccini ile de ilgilendiği belirtiliyor. Bu arada Hollanda basınında da, Ajax’ın geçtiğimiz yıl Malaga’da kiralık olarak oynayan forvet Luque’yu Rijkaard’a önerdiği iddia edildi.

İkisi de genç
Cimbom’un yeni ilgilendiği oyunculardan 21 yaşındaki Uruguaylı Caceres, 2008-09 sezonu başında transfer olduğu Barcelona’da toplam 13 maça çıktı. Caceres, yine 2008 yılından bu yana çağrıldığı Uruguay Milli Takımı’yla ise 15 defa forma giydi. Aslan’ın gündemindeki ikinci Barcelonalı Henrique de geçtiğimiz sezonu Bayer Leverkusen’de kiralık olarak geçirdi. Alman ekibinde 27 maça çıkan 22 yaşındaki Brezilyalı stoper, 1 defa milli oldu. Teknik Direktör Pep Guardiola’nın kiraya vermeyi düşündüğü iki genç oyuncu için Rijkaard’ın seferber olduğu ve transfer etmek için resmen girişimlerde bulunmaya hazırlandığı belirtildi.

« Ce n’est pas la fin du monde d’avoir Djibril Cissé dans son effectif », disait Pape Diouf il y a quelques jours. Malgré les apparences et les multiples déclarations parfois contradictoires, il semblerait que l’attaquant international ait toujours un avenir sur la Canebière. Didier Deschamps a répété qu’il ne le braderait pas. Et jusqu’à présent, les clubs intéressés n’ont pas vraiment l’aura nécessaire pour ce type de transfert (Stoke City par exemple).

Un retour de Djibril Cissé sous la tunique phocéenne est de ce fait une hypothèse toujours plus crédible. Et il sera accueilli à bras ouverts, si l’on en croit son entraîneur. « C’est un joueur qui doit être relancé. Je lui ai parlé au téléphone tout récemment. On a eu un échange très intéressant. Vous savez, pour moi, ce n’est vraiment pas un souci d’avoir un Cissé dans son groupe. C’est tout de même un international et, qui plus est, il marque des buts. Il est encore sous contrat avec le club (ndlr : jusqu’en 2012) et il est donc en mesure d’intégrer l’effectif, en effet », a rappelé Deschamps (…)

lire plus sur Djibril Cissé >>

Mr Disco Pants at the DVD launch

Amid a glitzy press launch, Sunderland released their DVD of the season 2008-2009’s highlights called “Wear the Best – NorthEast Pride”.

When asked by the attending journalists what was featured on the DVD, Sunderland chairman, “Mr Disco Pants” Niall Quinn,  explained that it consists of 1 minute covering Sunderland’s goals, 1 minute showing the 5 passes played between feuding frontmen, Cissé and Kenwyn Jones, and a further 2 hours of intensive coverage of near neighbours Newcastle’s traumatic season.

He went on to explain that it includes innovative features such as “Follow the Magpie” which, throughthe use of state of the art computer special effects, shows in intricate detail how the Geordies managed to steer a course straight into the Championship, and a special “Director’s Cut” which shows the Newcastle board in close up as the final whistle went at Villa Park.

“You’ll be able to laugh at the ‘Second Coming of the Messiah’ as Newcastle welcome back Kevin Keegan” said the affable Irishman, “and piss your pants when Geordie legend and son of a sheet metal worker, Alan “Mr Creosote” Shearer, shows us how easy it is to transfer your punditry skills from ‘Match of the Day’ to actually managing a team”.

The DVD is expected to become an all time bestseller on Wearside, thanks to the unorthodox technique of  ignoring most of the Black Cats pathetic season and concentrating on the Schadenfreude of the Toon Army’s misery, it will go on general release around the rest of the country on Monday.

Entre les sourires girondins, l’amertume marseillaise et les larmes de Caen, Nantes et du Havre (larmes séchées depuis janvier, ceci dit), la Ligue 1 a offert samedi son dernier spectacle de la cuvée 2008/2009. Pour fêter cette belle saison riche en émotions et enseignements, OwShitz se propose de vous emmener faire un tour d’horizon des 9 premiers clubs de l’élite hexagonale dans cette première partie, avant de nous concentrer sur le bas du classement en fin de semaine. Youpi.

1.Bordeaux :

Même si certains pourront arguer que le parcours des champions de France 08/09 s’est achevé dans la douleur et au forceps, il serait réducteur d’oublier à quel point le niveau de jeu des hommes de Laurent Blanc fut loué -à juste titre- durant l’hiver, avec cette double fessée infligée aux parisiens en championnat puis en coupe de la ligue. Groupe solide et talentueux, sa solidité a surtout été le fait d’un axe Diawara-Diarra-Gourcuff-Chamack de niveau international, formidable de régularité pour venir arracher ce titre de champion au terme d’une série historique de 11 victoires consécutives ! Notons également l’apport de ces deux excellents latéraux Trémoulinas (révélation de l’année en Aquitaine) et Chalmé. Cavenaghi, malgré une fin de saison gâchée par une blessure, aura longtemps joué le rôle de buteur providentiel. Wendel et Gouffran ont déçu, mais leur fin d’exercice laisse augurer d’une saison prochaine meilleure.
Car soyons clairs, Bordeaux sera attendu au tournant l’an prochain. Après la signature de Gourcuff, les dirigeants bordelais vont devoir batailler ferme pour conserver les éléments principaux du club convoités à l’étranger, Chamack en tête. Dégraisser sera également une priorité, Placente s’étant notamment révélé une arnaque de classe mondiale et Jurietti est vieillissant. Derrière le groupe ne semble pas dans l’urgence de se renforcer, si ce n’est au poste de gardien, là ou ni Ramé ni Valverde n’auront convaincu pleinement. Pour le reste ? Le centre de formation girondin fonctionnant à plein (Trémoulinas, Sertic, Ducasse, Traoré) pour fournir au groupe pro des joueurs de qualité, Laurent Blanc peut focaliser son mercato sur la recherche de joueurs de niveau Champion’s League, afin de cadrer aux ambitions déclarées du club de passer les phases de poules l’an prochain.
En attendant la confirmation, big up aux bordelais pour avoir, comme Marseille, eu l’ambition d’être efficients sur le plan comptable tout en appliquant une philosophie de jeu offensive et chatoyante. On y reviendra dans un prochain billet, mais c’est peut-être un des nombreux signes forts qui confirmeraient la théorie (comme l’expliquait déjà Daniel Riolo l’été dernier) selon laquelle la victoire de l’Espagne et de son jeu léché à l’Euro 2008 avait marqué une rupture avec l’austérité imposée par la double victoire française de 98 et 2000 : aujourd’hui pour gagner, il faut jouer.

2.Marseille :

Champions des matchs à l’extérieur, les hommes de Gerets regretteront longtemps leurs insuffisances à domicile, marquées au fer rouge en cette fin d’exercice par cette finale contre Lyon perdue 1-3. Mais la perte du titre dans la dernière ligne droite n’est en aucun cas un motif d’échec pour qualifier le parcours phocéen cette saison. Tout juste une déception, tout comme en coupe de l’Uefa où les olympiens ont été stoppé en quarts de finale par les futurs vainqueurs de Donetsk.
Pour le reste, Gerets peut partir la tête haute de la canebière. Après un mercato ambitieux, Ben Arfa en tête de gondole, et un début de saison tonitruant, les limites marseillaises vont se faire sentir très tôt notamment dans le secteur défensif : Erbate n’est pas au niveau, Zubar déçoit régulièrement, et devant Samassa n’aligne pas un pied devant l’autre et Koné parait mal à l’aise dans le costume de top buteur que l’exigence marseillaise veut lui imposer. Pour couronner le tout, Ben Arfa perd les pédales et son football dès l’automne et son refus d’entrée en jeu à une demi-heure du terme du match face au grand rival parisien (2-4). Autant dire que l’indisponibilité de leur serial buteur Niang au début de l’hiver apparut comme un signe de grandes déconvenues à venir pour les supporters phocéens.
Mais le mercato offensif des dirigeants olympiens, qui prenait à contre-pied la politique de dégraissage de ces rivaux bordelais (prêts d’Obertan et Marange) et lyonnais (résiliation du contrat de Fred aka la salope), allait changer la donne. Gerets récupérait pour l’occasion deux attaquants : le brésilien Brandao en provenance du futur adversaire européen du Shaktar Donetsk et le rennais Wiltord, en disgrâce du côté de Rennes. Si ces deux renforts ont d’emblée fait sourire des observateurs sceptiques (Brandao jugé trop lourd et pas assez technique, Wiltord trop vieux et en pré-retraite), ils ont en réalité marqué le renouveau du groupe marseillais. Brandao, après des débuts difficiles because manque de rythme dû à la coupure hivernale en Ukraine, aura équilibré l’attaque marseillaise en y apportant du poids et se révélant un bon premier défenseur, exerçant un pressing constant sur les premiers relanceurs adverses. Le bougre se permet même d’inscrire un joli total de 7 buts en 16 matchs de championnat, finissant troisième meilleur buteur du club derrière Niang et Koné (respectivement 13 et 9 pions). L’influence de Wiltord paraît plus sous-jacente -malgré des rentrées en jeu toujours correctes-, l’ancien international ayant plutôt mis à disposition de ses coéquipiers son expérience face à la pression et sa bonne humeur.
Grosso merdo une bonne saison donc pour Marseille, et de belles perspectives d’avenir : l’arrivée de Deschamps pour succéder à Gerets, Taiwo et Niang qui devraient rester, la possible explosion de Ben Arfa et le retour de Cissé de Sunderland. Non, je déconne.

3.Lyon :

La grande dépression pour le septuple champion de France. Si nous évoquions déjà la fragilité de Lyon dès la fin janvier et un mercato raté, qui aurait cru que les champions en titre auraient un tel passage à vide durant tout le printemps ?

Sans revenir en détail sur les saisons de l’échec lyonnais dans sa conquête d’un huitième sacre national, évoquons tout de même le départ de Fred qui aura isolé de façon tragique Benzema sur le front de l’attaque lyonnaise, et la déroute européenne au Camp Nou et cette leçon reçue par les catalans, 2-5, alors que le match aller avait laissé entrevoir un miracle. Derrière les lyonnais vont rester sonnés, et le point culminant de leur démobilisation sera cette défaite indigente à Valencienne, 0-2, puis la presque bagarre Puel-Fabio Santos qui s’ensuivra.

Néanmoins, Lyon n’aura pas explosé, et le match de Nantes (3-0) puis la belle victoire à Marseille (3-1) témoignent d’un groupe retrouvé et appliqué au moment d’aller chercher sa 3ème place synonyme de Champion’s League. Hasard des choses, ce retour à la normale coïncide avec le retour dans le groupe de Sidney Govou, taulier de cette équipe.

Au final, saison de transition durant laquelle Puel aura limité la casse sans pouvoir remettre en question le système lyonnais historique. Signe intéressant, le soutien d’Aulas au plus fort moment de la crise de résultats aura permis à Puel d’écarter les joueurs dont visiblement il ne veut plus, Grosso en tête. Les envies d’ailleurs évoquées pour Clerc, Reveillere ou Govou augurent d’un mercato agité et primordial pour l’avenir lyonnais dont la prochaine saison sans Juninho sera décisive.

4.Toulouse :

Gignac étincelant artificier (24 buts, olé !), Didot maitre à jouer efficace, et Carasso revenu à son meilleur niveau dans les cages ont conduit un groupe toulousain en Europa League. Casanova a bâti autour de cet axe fort un groupe de jeunes joueurs prometteurs (Sisshoko, Capoue) encadrés par des cadres revanchards après une saison l’an dernier catastrophique (Cetto, Congré, Mansaré). Sans parler de la révélation Braaten, excellent toute l’année. Une 4ème place méritée pour une équipe solide et efficace, qui aura notamment tapé chez elle le PSG et le futur champion de France au printemps. Respect.

Restera à confirmer l’an prochain. Première bonne nouvelle, les cadres devraient rester (Gignac l’a déjà confirmé), même si on pourra regretter le départ programmé de Jérémy Mathieu en fin de contrat au mois de juin.

5.Lille :

Les Dogues ont arraché leur qualif’ en Europa League à la dernière journée et à la faveur d’un 3-2 obtenu en fin de rencontre face à Nancy, comme un symbole de l’abnégation et de la combativité qui a animé le groupe de Rudy Garcia toute la saison. La recette lilloise ? Une défense solide avec un axe Rami-Plestan de niveau A’, une ligne de 5 milieux de niveau européen (Bastos-Balmont-Mavuba-Cabaye-Obraniak) qui fait oublier une attaque quelque peu décevante.

Mais Bastos reste, le génial Hazard devrait éclater, le stade arrive doucement, et Garcia est un entraineur jeune et prometteur. Les signes sont au vert pour que les Dogues lillois étoffent leur pedigree ces prochaines saisons.

6.Paris :

La déconfiture parisienne, qui aura craqué sur la fin de saison quand Hoarau s’est blessé et que les conflits internes ont culminé (l’annonce de la non reconduction du contrat de PLG, les piques de Mak’ et Le Guen dans la presse). Le manque de banc et l’absence d’ambition dans le jeu de Paul Le Guen auront finalement eu raison de l’ambition européenne du club, qui devra se contenter d’une saison uniquement nationale l’an prochain. Une bonne nouvelle pour permettre à Kombouaré de s’installer dans son nouveau fauteuil de coach de la capitale ? Peut-être. Surtout qu’à sa décharge, le néo coach parisien devra conjuguer avec une foule de départs annoncés (Landreau, Rothen, Luyindula, et Sessegnon ?) et une enveloppe budgétaire qui s’annonce relativement famélique. Paris, la dépression chronique d’un grand club à la française. Mais quelle putain de loose de se faire déposer par Toulouse et Lille à la différence de but.

7.Rennes :

Européen au moment de la trêve hivernale, le club breton est le grand perdant des outsiders. Entre une lente mais certaine dégringolade au classement et une finale historique de coupe de France perdue face à Guingamp, les hommes de Lacombe pourront nourrir de gros regrets à l’heure du bilan. Certes, la grave blessure de Briand à un moment décisif de la saison aura pénalisé le collectif rennais, mais il y a avait la place de faire beaucoup mieux.

Désavoué par la direction du club, Lacombe sera remplacé à priori par Antonneti la saison prochaine. Et rien que pour ça, Rennes devra être suivi de près. Pour ça, et Pagis et Leroy.

8.Auxerre :

La surprise ! Les bourguignons à la peine en décembre, avec une une attaque en berne et un projet de jeu presque inexistant ont pourtant fini en boulet de canon, ne perdant plus -ou peu-, et gagnant des matchs de prestige à Lyon et au Parc des Princes. L’occasion de saluer le travail de Jean Fernandez, discret mais efficace entraineur, et les renaissances de Jelen et Kahlenberg ainsi que la bonne saison du régulier ex-wonderkid Pedretti.

Pour la suite, c’est le brouillard. Ah si, Kahlenberg est déjà partant pour Wolfsburg, le nouveau champion d’Allemagne. Courage, Jean.

9.Nice :

L’équipe passée du statut de surprise potentielle à celui d’équipe de touristes. Et ce sentiment que la défaite en demi-finale de coupe de la Ligue face à Vannes (Ligue 2) a fait imploser le groupe niçois, cassant notamment un ressort entre le coach et ses joueurs, dans un climat de lassitude et d’agacement latent. Inéluctablement, cela a poussé le coach corse vers la fuite, arguant d’un manque de moyens et d’un nouveau stade qui tarde trop à sortir du sol.

Malgré tout une saison très correcte pour les azuréens, à qui on prédisait bien plus de difficultés après les dépars de Lloris, Balmont et Koné l’été dernier. La question à 1 000 euros : quel grand club va venir chercher Loïc Rémy cet été ?

While I watched Paul Pierce and the rest of the Boston Celtics trudge off the court after Game 7 of their hard fought NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Finals contest against the Orlando Magic, I finally felt like the new era of basketball was upon us.

I had first felt the twinges of change earlier in the play-offs as former incumbents, the San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons, similarly bowed out.  However, it wasn’t until the current round of Conference Finals was it all self-evident, leading us to our current match-ups:

The King of the New Era, LeBron James, unfortunately unable to vanquish his torturous foes in a cathartic triumph (i.e. Jordan in 1991 in Detroit), will have to content himself with taking his Malone-esque Cavs (fo’, fo’…) against Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis (two other prep-to-pro stars) and the aforementioned Magic.

Outwest, Carmelo Anthony, Nene, and the Nuggets (aided by Old Era savant, Chauncey Billups) against a indomniable Lakers side, led by Kobe Bryant, ever much the part of Napolean striding into the Waterloo of his career.

Now, one may ask, What is this new era of basketball?

This new era is the neo-offensive explosion (More on that in a second).  The era we are departing from is the post-Jordan hangover.

What characterized the post-Jordan hangover? (henceforth referred to as PJH)

From 1998 – 2008, there were too many guys trying to be ’90s Jordan, most notably, ’00s Jordan. The PJH was overrun with overpaid, under performing stars.  Too much one-on-one basketball and, the teams that still played team basketball imployed, a brutal physicality that made the product on the court unwatchable (see: NBA Finals 2003-2005).  Players were evolving and, unfortunately, nothing else was, too.  The ’80s saw the game file down into a niche skill market where players fine tuned shooting and passing through tireless drills, for the glory of team.   However, the PJH saw the first influx of AAU players and raw athletes, drawn by the large contracts and allure of the game.  These two developments led to players who were coming into the league ill-equip to play in the league (most notably the prep-to-pro’s post ‘98 – ‘03 (with a notable exception in 2004 with the colossal stink bomb, Robert Swift), peaking in ‘01 with the stellar draft class of Kwame Brown, Eddy Curry, DaSagana Diop, and Ousmanne Cisse).

Clearly, something had to change… Like most cyclical periods, there was a variety of reasons why it happened:

Governing Body Assistance

Commissioner David Stern stepped in and made a series of bold moves.  Some good (out with the hand checking, move the 3pt line closer, 8 second back court violation), some bad (synthetic ball, allowing zone, 2006 NBA Finals, allowing flopping).  Not a bad trade-off. The rules encouraged more offense and sent careening, nonathletic bruisers to another sport (or to develop ugly jump shots.  Hi, Eduardo Najera).

Luck

Every innovation and hope for change needs luck.  The NBA got it in the form of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Carmelo Anthony.  Three, well-adjusted (for the most part), ready-made superstars that have seamlessly (for the most part) handled the reins of being thrust into the superstar role.  Though, points should be given to James who hasn’t needed a member of the PJH era to boost them to the upper echelon.

This all led to where we are today.  A new era of offense (with a little defense mixed in), Renaissance of the pick-and-roll (though Utah is screaming that it never left), great team basketball (whether it’s Orlando’s 3-point barrage or Denver’s “We’re just going to keep dunking!”), and more scoring (which isn’t really a new point since its a by-product of increased offense, but Americans really love it).  I dub this new era, neo-offensika because that looks like a european word and the NBA has gone sorta euro (and not just the make-up of teams, but the influence in style of play.  Sets, shot selection, jersey designs)

Other things that helped usher in this new era:

• Mike D’Antoni.  Phoenix Suns. Steve Nash 2-MVPs
• Little dotted line around the basket that allowed players to drive to the basket and made it harder for Duke Alums to draw bogus charge calls
• Kevin Durant and Michael Beasley (MD’s own) going one-and-done leaving a torrid wake of over matched college foes and shattered records.  Though, this point is slightly devalued because Beasley has proven to be a sullen, selfish malcontent.
• The mandatory one year in college rule.
• 2008 USA Gold Medal Olympic team… Sure Jason Kidd and Kobe Bryant played a big part, but the engine in that team were the triumvirate of Wade, Anthony, and James

One other interesting development that may change everything:

James Tyler, the top prospect in the Class of 2010, is skipping his senior year in HS and signing a two-year deal with a european basketball team (while not great for College Basketball, fantastic for his development as a basketball player. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out… Not only will it be a whole new world in terms of competition, but in terms of, well, everything else.  Hopefully, if Brnadon Jennings is the New Era’s Reggie Harding, let’s hope Tyler is more Moses Malone than Kwame Brown.)

Now, if Tyler flops in Europe (which I’m sure everyone from Stern to NCAA execs are praying), the one year rule could get bumped up to two, maybe three years.

However, if he dominates, we could be looking at the global competition for the best basketball players 16 and up in America.  That wouldn’t be an evolution, that would be a revolution… and a whole new era.

What do we do on business trips??

Sunderland striker Djibril Cisse has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a woman outside a lap-dancing club in Newcastle.

Police said a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of common assault in the early hours of Monday.

It is believed the alleged incident happened outside the Diamonds club in Grey Street. The Premier League star was later released on police bail.

A spokesman for Sunderland refused to comment on the matter.

The striker, who is on loan at Sunderland from French club Marseille, used to play for Liverpool.

He is married with two children.

(Source: BBC Sports)

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AA