Stürzt der FC Bayern mit Trainer Louis van Gaal dieses Jahr total ab?

Aus der Champions-League fast draußen, in der Liga abgeschlagen und nur langweilige Unentschieden. Die Stürmer treffen nicht mehr, Ribery und Robben sind dauernd verletzt und die Abwehr funktioniert garnicht. Also stimmen sie ab:

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Tras la polémica clasificación de Francia y Portugal (una, por ayudarse con la mano para empatar en la prórroga de manera enfermiza, y otra, por aprovecharse del favor de repartir cabezas de serie en el sorteo de los partidos de repesca) para el próximo Mundial de 2010, toca hacer una revisión breve y rápida de los conjuntos que acudirán a la cista mundialista en Sudáfrica de aquí a 8 meses (parto prematuro, no doubt)

• Teóricos FAVORITOS
  
• ESPAÑA: Sin duda alguna, la mejor selección del mundo en la actualidad. Del Bosque ha sabido renovar a la campeona de Europa y darle impronta propia. La impronta sigue siendo la misma, y no hay quien le tosa. Eso sí, habrá que saber contener la euforia y, Guardiola dixit, “ir partido a partido”.
• BRASIL: Es el único equipo que parece poder plantar cara a España actualmente. Muy fuertes en todas sus líneas, flojean levemente en la creación de juego. Eso sí, tienen nombres de sobra para imponerse con facilidad, aunque el problema es que su seleccionador, otrora mediocentro defensivo, no es muy partidario del jogo bonito.
• ITALIA: Haga lo que haga, siempre es favorita para todo. No juega bien, está envejecida, da mucho asco, pero te da la vuelta en el marcador en el minuto 96 con un penalty inexistente y un gol de rebote. No conviene apartarles de la lucha final.
• ¿ARGENTINA?: Cubierta siempre por la historia, estilo Italia, se presenta en el Mundial después de una fase de clasificación para olvidar, alineando jugadores muy mediocres y ahogada por el regionalismo de Maradona, obsesionado con convocar jugadores que jueguen en la liga Argentina. Pero teniendo a Messi en el equipo, cualquiera es candidato para cualquier cosa.

• Posibles REVELACIONES
• HOLANDA: Es un grupo joven, fortísimo, hermético, rápido, creativo y con gol que, sin embargo, flojea mucho en defensa y se empequeñece en las grandes citas. Le falta espíritu competitivo, pero no tienen nada que perder.
• NIGERIA: La mejor generación nigeriana desde aquella de finales de los 90, con Yussuf, Martins y Yakubu como exponentes de piedra. Siempre africanos, siempre alegres y vistosos, se han clasificado con problemas aunque apuntan a sorpresa.
• SERBIA: Un caso similar al de Holanda en cuanto a juego y disposición sobre el campo. Krasic, Zigic, Kuzmanovic, Dejan Stankovic, Pantelic… son nombres para echarse a temblar. Eso sí, en realidad no son más que una alegre incógnita que también puede quedar en pufo infame.

• GIGANTES dormidos
• INGLATERRA: Su fase de clasificación fue brillante, pero no son nadie, aun a pesar de tener posiblemente el segundo mejor centro del campo del mundo con permiso de España. Les falla portería y defensa, y tampoco arriba han encontrado aún un nombre de garantías.
• ALEMANIA: Está en plena fase de reconstrucción. El desenfreno y bajo nivel general de la Bundesliga provoca que en cada convocatoria debuten demasiados futbolistas como para hablar de grupo compacto. Cuando antes eran un armazón invencible y poderoso, hoy son un conjuntillo regular con dos o tres nombres de gama media-alta.
• FRANCIA: Al igual que Italia, equipo empobrecido y sin ideas definidas, pero siempre menos favorito que los transalpinos. Y eso que cuenta con nombres como Nasri, Ribery, Gourcouff o Benzema, jóvenes talentosos en plena efervescencia que podrían explotar el año que viene. O lo hacen todo o no hacen nada.

• PUFAZOS indescriptibles
• SUDÁFRICA: Organizadora y cabeza de serie, pero futbolísticamente inertes y apagados. Eso sí, aportarán felicidad y carisma
• COREA DEL NORTE: Una basura asiática como las de antes, once tíos corriendo sin levantar la cabeza a ver si hay suerte.
• GRECIA: Se han clasificado con el mismo leit-motiv que ganaron la Eurocopa de 2004, nauseabundo y prehistórico.

Pueden dar alguna alegría:

URUGUAY (la dulpa Luis Suárez-Forlán es argumento más que suficiente), CAMERÚN (es la última oportunidad de Etoo) y MÉXICO (equipo muy disciplinado y homogéneo)

Pondrán la nota anecdótica:

NUEVA ZELANDA (aunque su fútbol es nulo a más no poder), HONDURAS (recordada con cariño desde España ´82) y ARGELIA (a pesar de quitarse de enmedio a Egipto)

Pe vremea mea, FC Bayern era dependentă de Beckenbauer şi Gerd Müller. Credeţi că, fără cei doi, reuşeam să câştigăm de trei ori consecutiv Cupa Campionilor Europeni şi titlul mondial cu Germania? (Uli Hoeness)

Răspunsul managerului la observaţia ziariştilor de la Die Welt, cum că echipa e dependentă de Robben şi Ribéry.

Trei francezi, tot atâţia brazilieni, la care se adaugă câte un belgian, ghanez, englez, bosniac şi olandez: asta e reţeta mea pentru echipa ideală a jucătorilor străini care au îmbrăcat tricoul lui FC Bayern. Ale voastre care sunt? Pentru a vă uşura munca de aducere aminte, am postat mai jos lista (completă?) a stranierilor noştri.

ANGLIA

• Owen Hargreaves (mijlocaş, 1999-2007)

ARGENTINA

• Martin Demichelis (fundaş, 2004-prezent)
• Jose Ernesto Sosa (mijlocaş, 2007-prezent)

AUSTRIA

• Harald Cerny (mijlocaş, 1990-1993)
• Andreas Herzog (mijlocaş, 1995-1996)
• Stefan Maierhofer (atacant, 2005-2007)
• Peter Pumm (fundaş, 1968-1971)
• Daniel Sikorski (atacant, 2005-prezent)
• August Starek (mijlocaş, 1968-1970)

BELGIA

• Robert Dekeyser (portar, 1986-1987)
• Jean-Marie Pfaff (portar, 1982-1988)
• Daniel van Buyten (fundaş, 2006-prezent)

BOLIVIA

• Ramiro Blacut (atacant, 1965-1966)

BOSNIA

• Radmilo Mihajlovici (atacant, 1989-1991)
• Zvjezdan Misimovici (mijlocaş, 2000-2004)
• Hasan Salihamidzici (mijlocaş, 1998-2007) 

BRAZILIA

• Bernardo (mijlocaş, 1991-1992)
• Breno (fundaş, 2008-prezent)
• Giovane Elber (atacant, 1997-2003)
• Jorginho (fundaş, 1992-1995)
• Lucio (fundaş, 2004-2009)
• Mazinho (atacant, 1991-1995)
• Paulo Sergio (atacant, 1999-2002)
• Zé Roberto (mijlocaş, 2002-2006 şi 2007-2009)

BULGARIA

• Emil Kostadinov (atacant, 1995-1996)

CAMERUN

• Louis N’Gwat-Mahop (atacant, 2006-2007)

CEHIA

• David Jarolim (mijlocaş, 1997-2000)
• Ladislav Jirasek (portar, 1950-1952)

COLUMBIA

• Adolfo Valencia (atacant, 1993-1994)

CROAŢIA

• Niko Kovaci (mijlocaş, 2001-2003)
• Robert Kovaci (fundaş, 2001-2005)
• Iviţa Olici (atacant, 2009-prezent)
• Danijel Pranjici (mijlocaş, 2009-prezent)
• Bozidar Sencar (mijlocaş, 1956-1957)
• Zlatko Skorici (portar, 1972-1973)

DANEMARCA

• Johnny Hansen (fundaş, 1970-1976)
• Torben Hansen (atacant, 1973-1974)
• Viggo Jensen (mijlocaş, 1973-1974)
• Brian Laudrup (atacant, 1990-1992)
• Lars Lunde (atacant, 1986-1988)
• Sören Lerby (mijlocaş, 1983-1986)
• Allan Nielsen (mijlocaş, 1990-1991)
• Kjell Seneca (mijlocaş, 1975-1977)

ELVEŢIA

• Ciriaco Sforza (mijlocaş, 1995-1996 şi 2000-2002)
• Alain Sutter (mijlocaş, 1994-1995)

FINLANDA

• Pasi Rautiainen (mijlocaş, 1980-1981)

FRANŢA

• Alou Diarra (mijlocaş, 2000-2002)
• Valerien Ismaël (fundaş, 2005-2007)
• Bixente Lizarazu (fundaş, 1997-2004 şi 2005-2006)
• Jean-Pierre Papin (atacant, 1994-1996)
• Franck Ribéry (mijlocaş, 2007-prezent)
• Willy Sagnol (fundaş, 2003-2009)

GHANA

• Emanuel Bentil (atacant, 1995-2000)
• Samuel Kuffour (fundaş, 1993-1995 şi 1996-2005)
• Christian Saba (fundaş, 1997-1998 şi 2006-prezent)

GUINEEA

• Pablo Thiam (mijlocaş, 2001-2002)

IRAN

• Ali Daei (atacant, 1998-1999)
• Vahid Hashemian (atacant, 2004-2005)
• Ali Karimi (mijlocaş, 2005-2007)

ISLANDA

• Asgeir Sigurvinsson (mijlocaş, 1981-1982)

ITALIA

• Antonio Di Salvo (atacant, 2000-2001)
• Massimo Oddo (fundaş, 2008-2009)
• Ruggiero Rizzitelli (atacant, 1996-1998)
• Luca Toni (atacant, 2007-prezent)

NORVEGIA

• Einar Jan Aas (fundaş, 1980-1981)
• Erland Johnsen (fundaş, 1988-1990)

OLANDA

• Edson Braafheid (fundaş, 2009-prezent)
• Martin Jol (fundaş, 1978-1979)
• Roy Makaay (atacant, 2003-2007)
• Arjen Robben (atacant, 2009-prezent)
• Mark van Bommel (mijlocaş, 2006-prezent)
• Jan Wouters (mijlocaş, 1992-1993)

PARAGUAY

• Julio Dos Santos (mijlocaş, 2006-2007)
• Roque Santa Cruz (atacant, 1999-2007)

PERU

• Paolo Guerrero (atacant, 2002-2006)
• Claudio Pizarro (atacant, 2001-2007)

POLONIA

• Slavomir Wojciechowski (mijlocaş, 2000-2001)

RUSIA

• Aleksandr Karataev (atacant, 1993-1994)

SCOŢIA

• Alan McInally (atacant, 1989-1992)

SERBIA

• Duşan Jovanovici (atacant, 1973-1974)
• Miloş Milutinovici (atacant, 1960-1961)
• Anton Vuckov (atacant, 1965-1967)

SLOVENIA

• Branko Oblak (mijlocaş, 1977-1980)

SUA

• Landon Donovan (atacant, 2009)

SUEDIA

• Björn Andersson (fundaş, 1974-1977)
• Patrick Andersson (fundaş, 1999-2001)
• Johnny Ekström (atacant, 1988-1989)
• Nils-Eric Johansson (fundaş, 1998-2000)
• Conny Torstensson (atacant, 1973-1977)

TURCIA

• Hamit Altintop (mijlocaş, 2007-prezent)
• Berkant Göktan (atacant, 1998 şi 2000-2001)
• Erhan Önal (fundaş, 1976-1978)
• Ugur Tütüneker (mijlocaş, 1984-1986)

ŢARA GALILOR

• Mark Hughes (atacant, 1987-1988)

UCRAINA

• Anatoli Timoşciuk (mijlocaş, 2009-prezent)

UNGARIA

• Arpad Fazekas (portar, 1957-1961)
• Jozsef Zsamboki (mijlocaş, 1958-1960)

ZAMBIA

• Andrew Sinkala (mijlocaş, 1999-2000)

ANTRENORI

• Tschik Cajkovski (Croaţia, 1965-1968)
• Branko Zebec (Croaţia, 1968-1970)
• Gyula Lorant (Ungaria, 1977-1978)
• Pal Csernai (Ungaria, 1978-1983)
• Sören Lerby (Danemarca, 1991-1992)
• Giovanni Trapattoni (Italia, 1994-1995 şi 1996-1998)
• Louis van Gaal (Olanda, 2009-prezent)

Iată echipa celor mai buni stranieri, după părerea mea (antrenor: Trapattoni)

Pfaff

Sagnol    Lucio    Kuffour    Lizarazu

Salihamidzici Hargreaves  Zé Roberto  Ribéry

Makaay                     Elber

It is fair to say thatFranck Ribery’s face has got…character. What you may not have known about the French star is that he is a grade A prankster, up there with Beadle, Edmonds and Rio Ferdinand. In this video, Ribery decides to ‘punk’/'merk’ (or whatever the kids with baggy trousers are calling it now) innocent shoppers in Germany, using his Boris Karloff-esque mug.

The clip left me wondering how stupid the shoppers must have been to have thought anyone would ever make a model of Franck Ribery. Not certain on the dates of this videos release as it’s been on a couple of sites but I think we can safely assume it coincided with halloween. Terrifying stuff.

Robben può rilanciare il Bayern

Louis van Gaal e la sua squadra stanno attraversando un periodo turbolento. “Senza Ribéry e Robben ci manca creatività in attacco,” si è rammaricato l’allenatore dopo la pesante sconfitta interna per 0-2 contro il Bordeaux. L’instancabile funambolo francese resterà fuori ancora un po’, ma Robben mercoledì ha dimostrato che si sta riprendendo bene dall’operazione al ginocchio. L’inserimento del 25enne dopo l’intervallo ha avuto un impatto immediato sul potenziale offensivo del gruppo.

”Puoi sempre aggiungere un grande impeto quando hai Robben come arma da inserire dalla panchina,” aveva detto Uli Hoeness prima dell’impegno di metà settimana. E questo grande impeto c’è stato tutto, col giocatore sfortunato a non veder concretizzarsi il suo spunto migliore allorché al 62’ la sua conclusione angolata ha fatto la barba al palo. Ma non è stata questa l’unica occasione in cui Robben ha dimostrato di essere in grado di fare la differenza. Ogni volta che l’asso olandese è sceso palla al piede lungo la fascia destra, la difesa del Bordeaux è andata in apprensione. In questo modo Robben ha creato spazio per i propri compagni, anche se l’altra sera la palla semplicemente non ha voluto entrare.

“E’ ancora dura per me,” ha detto Robben subito dopo. “Non sono ancora completamente guarito. Ho bisogno di più allenamento e più tempo.” L’attaccante si era fatto male a un ginocchio nel corso della partita di Champions League giocata ai primi di ottobre contro la Juventus ed è stato costretto a farsi operare. Appena quattro settimane dopo, era già in grado di giocare 45 minuti contro il Bordeaux.

Velocissimo recupero

E’ un recupero davvero sorprendente rispetto alla norma. “E’ un miracolo che sia rientrato dopo sole tre settimane dall’intervento,” aveva considerato van Gaal alla vigilia della partita di Bundesliga contro l’Eintracht Francoforte una decina di giorni fa. Robben aveva giocato una mezz’ora in quell’occasione, segnando il gol dell’1-1 grazie alla sua terza rete stagionale e lanciando i suoi verso il 2-1 finale.

Van Gaal l’aveva poi fatto riposare in occasione delle trasferte di Coppa di Germania in casa sempre dell’Eintracht e di campionato sul campo dello Stoccarda, lo scorso fine settimana. “Dobbiamo essere prudenti con lui,” ha detto il tecnico, che è contento che il giocatore non voglia rischiare una ricaduta. Il Bayern avrà bisogno della classe di Robben nel proseguo della stagione dato che continua a essere in lizza sui tre fronti della Bundesliga, della Coppa di Germania e, almeno per altre due partite, della Champions League. “So che il Club è in una situazione difficile e voglio aiutare la squadra,” ha detto Robben, cui piacerebbe coronare la sua prima stagione a Monaco con un trofeo. Forse la stella olandese riuscirà a giocare più di un tempo sabato quando lo Schalke arriverà all’Allianz Arena.

servizio del sito ufficiale del Bayern

http://www.fcbayern.t-home.de/en/news/news/2009/21307.php?fcb_sid=e2a26a2f805cb2a63ed6f49b13d2fd99

23 jogadores que atuam em clubes da Europa concorrem ao prêmio de melhor jogador do ano da Fifa. Seis jogam agora no Barcelona, campeão europeu:  Henry, Ibra, Iniesta, Messi, Puyol e Xavi. Cinco estão no Chelsea: Ballack, Drogba, Essien, Lampard e Terry. Três são Real: Casillas, Cristiano Ronaldo e Kaká. Dois da Juve: Buffon e Diego. Dois do Liverpool: Gerrard e Fernando Torres. Mais: Eto´o, agora da Inter. Luís Fabiano, do Sevilla. Ribery, do Bayern. Rooney, do Manchester Utd. E David Villa, do Valencia.

Para você, quem são os três melhores do ano, por ordem?

Entre as mulheres, Marta e Cristiane indicadas.

France are likely to be without Franck Ribery for the World Cup play-off matches against the Republic of Ireland…. From BBC News. Full story

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Gestern Abend wurden auch bei mir die letzten Zweifel beseitigt. Der FC Bayern München, einst das internationale Aushängeschild des deutschen Fußballs, ist nur noch ein Schatten seiner selbst. Viele Experten hatten nach dem großen Umbruch vor der Saison erwartet, dass es einige Zeit dauern würde, ehe die Maschine läuft. Inzwischen sind in der Bundesliga neun Spieltage absolviert, dazu wurde auch in der Champions League schon drei Mal vor den Ball getreten. In der Bundesliga reicht es für die Millionentruppe aus Bavaria lediglich zu Platz sechs, und in der europäischen Eliteliga wurden den Bayern gestern ganz klar ihre Grenzen aufgezeigt.

Mal ganz ehrlich: In Haifa gewannen die Bayern durch drei späte Tore zwar 3:0, überzeugend war das aber nicht. Gegen Juventus Turin gab es zu Hause ein 0:0, das aber sehr glücklich zustande kam. Gestern stand die Partie bei Girondins Bordeaux auf dem Programm. GIRONDINS BORDEAUX!!! Seit dem UEFA-Cup-Finale 1996 gegen die Bayern (die Bayern gewannen) hat man von den Franzosen hier in Deutschland kaum Notiz genommen. Gestern zeigten sie aber, dass sie zurecht in der Champions League spielen und auch wohl nicht zufällig in der letzten Saison den achten Meistertitel von Olympique Lyon in Folge verhinderten.

Die Bayern machten es ihnen aber auch denkbar einfach. Selbst ein Eigentor der Franzosen nach sechs Minuten konnte der Mannschaft von Trainer Louis van Gaal keine Sicherheit verschaffen. Im Gegenteil. Nach der Führung spielte nur noch Girondins, und die Bayern liefen hinterher. Das hochgelobte Supertalent Thomas Müller, über dessen Nationalmannschafts-Debüt in den vergangenen Tagen soviel geredet wurde wie über die Koalitionsverhandlungen zwischen CDU und FDP, hatte sich nicht unter Kontrolle, leistete sich zwei dumme (und genau genommen jeweils rotwürdige) Fouls und durfte schon vor der Pause zum Duschen. Den Münchnern fehlte im Mittelfeld jegliche Kreativität, die Bälle wurden ebenso schnell verloren, wie sie zuvor langsam und umständlich erobert wurden. Mit einem glücklichen 1:2-Rückstand retteten sich die Bayern in die Halbzeit.

Wer jedoch geglaubt hatte, der Trainer würde in der Halbzeit die richtigen Worte finden, sah sich arg getäuscht. Lethargisch, unmotiviert, nahezu lächerlich ging es in die zweite Hälfte. Zu den vielen Totalausfällen gesellte sich nun auch noch Torhüter Hansjörg Butt, der im ersten Durchgang mehrfach ein drittes Gegentor verhindert hatte. Er verursachte durch ein völlig unnötiges Dribbling im eigenen Strafraum einen Elfmeter, den er dann aber parierte. Kurz vor Schluss erwischte es auch noch Abwehrchef Daniel van Buyten. Der Belgier konnte seinen Gegenspieler, dessen Name mir aufgrund seiner Unbekanntheit schon wieder entfallen ist, nur mit einer Notbremse stoppen. Konsequenz: Rote Karte und wieder Elfmeter. Die Franzosen zeigten sich aber als gute Gastgeber und vergaben auch diese Chance. Übrigens: 30-Millionen-Neuzugang Mario Gomez durfte auch mitspielen – ab der 77. Minute, als sich die Bayern schon mit der Niederlage abgefunden hatten und nur noch Schadensbegrenzung betrieben.

Was in meinen Augen aber noch viel schlimmer als das Auftreten auf dem Rasen war, war das Auftreten in den Interviews nach dem Spiel. Kapitän Mark van Bommel versuchte es mit Ehrlichkeit, ritt aber seinen Torhüter in Schwierigkeiten. Auf die Frage, warum beim Ausgleich (der fiel nach einer Ecke und der Ball schlug am ersten Pfosten ein) niemand am ersten Pfosten stand, antwortete der Niederländer: “Der Jörg will das nicht!” Auch ein leises “Der Spieler war aber auch schlecht gedeckt.”, das er nachschob, konnte den Eindruck nicht schmälern, dass es auch innerhalb der Mannschaft nicht stimmt.

Langer Rede, kurzer Sinn: In meinen Augen ist Trainer Louis van Gaal der falsche Mann am falschen Ort. Seine Erfahrung und seine Erfolge in allen Ehren, aber mit dem Starensemble der Bayern scheint er überfordert. Außerdem ist das Sytem des Rekordmeisters zu sehr auf die Protagonisten Franck Ribery und Arjen Robben ausgelegt, die beide derzeit verletzt ausfallen. In München sollte man sich schleunigst überlegen, wie es weitergehen kann. Ansonsten sind die gesetzten Ziele schon zu Weihnachten nicht mehr zu erreichen. sven asmuss

Will his luck hold?

Second place it is then. After a long and winding qualifying campaign Giovanni Trappatoni and his Irish team did what was expected of them and finished as runners up in Group Eight behind Italy. Suddenly the dark days of the Staunton era seem like a lifetime ago. Although certain notables are still absent from the international setup our wily Italian boss has done what was asked of him by his paymasters at the FAI. So now we wait for Monday’s draw to determine which of the four seeded sides we will face for a spot at next summers World Cup in South Africa. Time to take a look at how France, Russia, Portugal and Greece are shaping up.

France: This is still a pretty decent French side. Problem is they are managed by a guy who genuinely seems to be away with the fairies. But enough about Raymond Domenech, because despite his best efforts to deny this group of French stars a shot at World Cup glory, they are in the playoffs. France are still the team that everyone else will want to avoid. And that is not overly surprising when you consider that the likes of Thierry Henry and Franck Ribery are on the scene. After suffering elimination at the group stage of Euro 2008 those two in particular will want to redeem themselves in South Africa.

In defense the French are solid on the flanks, vulnerable in the middle. We all know how good Arsenal’s Bacary Sagna and Man United’s Patrice Evra are in the full back positions. But a central pairing of William Gallas and Eric Abidal will be one that Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle could have some joy against. Gallas is always prone to the odd lapse and Abidal is better as a marauding left back. He is not a natural centre half and of course Domenech will play him there because those are the kind of crazy selections he has become infamous for. When you choose to ignore the likes of Phillipe Mexes and Sebastian Squillaci and play Abidal out of position instead you are asking for trouble. In goals either Hugo Lloris and Steve Mandanda, quality stoppers both, will be chosen, but Dunne and St Ledger have shown in the group the aerial threat they pose from crosses and free kicks.

The likes of Lyon’s Jeremy Toulalan and Real Madrid’s Lass Diarra will feature in midfield for Les Bleus, injuries permitting. These two are strong and combative and Diarra has shown an eye for goal since he left Portsmouth for the Spanish capital. The central area is one where Ireland are short, Whelan and Andrews do their best but just don’t cut it at the top level. Trap will hopefully devise a system where we don’t get overrun in the middle of the park. Sydney Govou is stil featuring for the national side, Ribery will be the main creator and the likes of Alou Diarra and Moussa Sissoko are on hand if second half momentum needs to be maintained.

It is the goal threat from the French that makes them so dangerous however. Henry has suffered from niggling injuries so far this season, but as Ireland witnessed to their cost in trying to qualify for the last World Cup, Henry only needs a split second to kill you. Factor in the consistent performances of Nicolas Anelka for Chelsea over the past year and you see how potent France can be when it all falls into place. Also in the mix for a start up front are Karim Benzema of Real Madrid and Andre Pierre Gignac of Toulouse. Devastating attackers both and Gignac has done his chances of claiming a starting place no harm by scoring three goals in the last two qualifiers in Group 7.

Winners of the trophy at home in 1998 and beaten finalists last time around France have a real pedigree in recent World Cups. The fact that crackpot Domenech is calling the shots would give Ireland hope but they are still the side Ireland will want to avoid the most when the draw is made on Monday.

Russia: On track to win Group 4 until losing at home to Germany last Saturday Russia will be a tough nut to crack were Ireland to be pitted against them. Above all they are in the hands of a masterful coach in the form of Guus Hiddink, a man with a special talent for taking charge of national sides and turning their fortunes around. Fans of South Korean and Australia would certainly attest to that. Largely responsible for England’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008 Russia are not the complete package but they would be formidable playoff opponents. A trip to Moscow is not one that Trap and co. would relish.

The skills of Andrei Arshavin were evident for all to see in the aforementioned Euros of last year and we get to see a lot more of him nowadays that he is plying his trade at Arsenal. Such a pivotal player for the national team it is fair to say that if he is on his game then the entire team is likely to function better. Conversely if Whelan, Andrews et al can find a way to negate the little man’s influence then Ireland would have a much improved chance of glory. Another stand out performer for the Russians is Igor Akinfeev of CSKA Mosocw. This agile stopper has been strongly linked with a move to Man United in recent weeks and it is no surprise. Akinfeev is a commanding presence at the back. He might need to be though as his club mates Sergei Ignashevich and Vasili Berezutski, Hiddink’s preferred central pairing are not world beaters.

On the left side Chelsea’s Yuri Zhirkov is a danger. He has finally overcome the injury that plagued his opening months in London and his pace and trickery could well cause headaches for O’ Shea and McGeadey. Bystrov and Semshov, of Spartak and Zenit respectively, give the Russians a solid base in midfield.

From this base I’d expect Roman Pavlyuchenko to profit but he is not a certain starter these days. Not surprising really as he has as much chance of seeing meaningful 1st team action at Spurs under Harry Redknapp than Sol Campbell does. Startling really as I rate Pav as a serious finisher who would grace most sides. He’ll be on his way out of White Hart Lane in January but won’t have played much in the lead up to the Irish game, if thats how the draw works out, so we won’t have as much to fear from him as we could have. A more likely strike partner for Arshavin would be Alexander Kerzhakov, formerly of Sevilla. Now back in his homeland with Dynamo Moscow this lively striker does not pose the threat of Pavlyuchenko but if given a chance is always dangerous.

In what would be a showdown of two of history’s most successful coaches a Hiddink-Trappatoni encounter would be enthralling. Russia are a quality side though and for Ireland’s sake let’s hope a flight East across the continent is not in the offing.

Portugal: Ireland would be well able to match Portugal save for one problem. Cristiano Ronaldo. You could just see it happening as we held on gamely over the two legs only to be undone by a moment of magic from the worlds most expensive player. That’s the awesome threat he poses and is why a journey to Portugal, something thousands of Irish got very used to during the Celtic Tiger, is one we hope stays off the agenda.

Chelsea defenders Jose Bosingwa and Ricardo Carvalho fit into the system employed by former Man United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz. Qualifying in 2nd place was a struggle for his charges as he showed evidence yet again that his skills are best suited to that of a Number 2 than of being the main man. Nevertheless Portugal are still alive in the race to South Africa. With a decent track record in the past few major tournaments they would fancy their chances of glory were they to get to their desired destination.

Alongside half of Chelsea’s back four in the national side are Pepe of Real Madrid and Miguel of Valencia. Despite costing 30 million from Porto a couple of summers ago I’ve never been convinced by Pepe. Not the best of decision makers, he can be wound up quite easily as well. If the draw pits us against the Iberians we should aim to put their back line under as much pressure as possible. Ahead of them are two Sporting Lisbon stalwarts we always hear much about but who regularly fail to live up to their billing. These are Miguel Veloso, a scorer in the last group game v Malta, and Joao Moutinho. Both are linked with big money moves to the Premier League whenever the transfer windmill cranks into gear and yet both are still stuck in their domestic SuperLiga. They are unlikely to give Trap nightmares.

Portugal can always count on Simao Sabrosa to provide a spark and the nights he and Ronaldo are both on form are usually the occasions when the men in claret prosper. Simao can operate effectively from either flank and is deadly from free kicks. Deco is a player on the wane but he still finds favour in his adopted homelands setup. If given enough space the former Porto and Barca man can cause damage. Raul Mereilles of Porto looks more fearsome than he actually is and Nani, another who notched against Malta in the decisive group game blows hot and cold. If Ireland were to face the Portuguese let us hope Nani is having an off night.

And then of course there’s Ronaldo. Everyone has an opinion on him but there is no denying the fact that he is frighteningly effective. Scorer of 91 goals in his last three seasons at Man United Ronaldo secured his dream move to Real in the summer and hasn’t stopped scoring. He already had nine goals to his name by the time September was out. Although he is out with an ankle injury at present you have to presume he’ll be back for the playoffs. Ronaldo, featuring primarily on the right and cutting inside, would have a field day against a player as limited as Kevin Kilbane. Ribery and Arshavin are the key men for France & Russia but when it comes down to it Ronaldo is the player most Irish fans will want to avoid.

Greece: Any side that only manages to beat Luxembourg 2-1 to seal a playoff place is one we want to be drawn against. Then again the fact they are seeded higher than us is that they were European Champions as recently as 2004. They are certainly well able to handle big occasions. The danger is that we draw Greece and presumptuously start booking our flights to South Africa. As much as Greece are not in the same league on paper as France, Portugal or Russia they still get the job done more often than not.

Sifakis – Vintra, Kyrgiakos, Papadopoulos, Spiropoulos – Torosidis, Fotakis, Patsatzoglou – Karagounis, Salpigidis, Gekas.

That was the Greek starting lineup last night. Maybe your knowledge of Greek football is better than mine but I’m stumped to say much about most of the players. Kyrgiakos is a recent Liverpool signing but he looks like backup material at Anfield and anyway he suffered an injury and is a doubt for the playoffs. I’ve seen Torosidis play on occasion for Olympiacos and he is a decent midfielder. More to the point though he is unlikely to overshadow Glen Whelan or Keith Andrews.

Karagounis has been around for many years, gracing such clubs as Inter and Benfica but these days he can be found winding down his career at Panathanaikos. Technically gifted with a keen eye for goal he is a player Ireland will need to keep an eye on. The main striker is Theofanis Gekas who scored 10 goals in Group 2. Don’t be overly taken in by the stats though as four of those strikes came in the 5-2 win in the penultimate game v Latvia. Gekas is obviously a forward to note but when you consider that his loan move to Portsmouth was cancelled early last season you get the impression that he’s no world beater.

Monday will reveal all. To have gotten to this stage with a pretty mediocre bunch of players is a great effort but now we are reliant on the the draw. In order to secure safe passage to South Africa we’ll need to be at our best but regardless of that lets just hope the luck of the Irish comes to the fore and we end up drawing Greece in the playoffs.

de acum înainte voi pune aici linkuri către toate articolele care au forța să atingă ceva în noi, acolo, în dreptul buzunarului de la piept. e mișcarea mea de rezistență. traian ungureanu scrie despre ribery: „E inepuizabil şi covîrşitor ca un copil care-şi ţine singur familia. Munceşte ziua şi scrie noaptea romane cu care ia Nobelul”. citiți-l aici. e un text deasupra realitatii.

Por Javi García.

Cuando hablo de 5 opciones, no me refiero a los 5 títulos ganados por el Barça que tan mal ha digerido la prensa madrileña, hablo de las 5 opciones para tomar el relevo de un mermado Henry.

Henry es uno de los principales artífices de la ‘penta-tranquilidad’. Con más de 20 goles el año pasado y un puñado de asistencias, merece todos los respetos del mundo futbolístico. A día de hoy, pese a su abrumadora calidad y sacrificio, debe asumir el rol de jugador ‘número 12′. El físico ya no acompaña lo suficiente, él mismo sabe que debe dosificar sus minutos. No será un ‘caso Raúl’, Henry aportará todo lo que pueda, pero sin causar revuelos.

Culé de corazón

Las negociaciones están en marcha desde el pasado año. Pep y Txiki trabajan para que la plantilla consiga ese jugador ‘perfil 11′ que apuntille esta grandiosa plantilla.

1 – Ribéry

Después del chorreo europeo que el Barça propinó a los de Munich, todo el mundo daba por hecho que el francés llegaría en verano. Pasaron los meses, volvió Florentino con Zidane a su lado. Las dudas llegaron para el galo. También para el Bayern que pensaban hacer caja. Al final, declarado intransferible.

Era la opción número 1 de Pep. ‘O Ribéry o Ribéry’, no había más opciones en la cabeza de Pep. A día de hoy se ve muy difícil la operación. Aún quedan esperanzas, Laporta tiene muy buen trato con el Bayern después de la venta de Van Bommel. Si lo declaran transferible, el Barça estará ahí. El problema será el precio.

¿Cuánto dinero vale?

2 – Mata

Canterano del Real Madrid. La mayor joya del Valencia. Su relación calidad-juventud hace que su precio se ponga por las nubes cada vez que llega un grande preguntando. Se ofrecieron 18, después 20. Nada, todo negativas. Llorente es un hueso duro de roer y no va a hacer concesiones en un Valencia que necesita liquidez cada año.

Encaja perfecto en el lugar de Henry. Un delantero tirado a banda, buen toque de balón y muy vertical. Un puñal, disparo potente. Muy apto para jugar entre líneas, para el regate no tanto. Cuenta con el plus de su pasado madridista. También haría piña con sus compañeros de selección. El mayor problema sería negociar con el Valencia.

¡Sacádme del Valencia!

3 – Arshavin

Estuvo a un paso de llegar el pasado invierno. Los rusos pedían demasiado por un Arshavin que ‘mataba’ por ser blaugrana. Su sueño desde pequeño. El barça ofreció 20, el Zenit pedía 25. Al final acabó en el Arsenal por 15. Mal negocio para el Zenit.

Personalmente, es el jugador que más encajaría en ese perfil de banda izquierda. Diestro, con regate, vertical, disparo potente, técnico. Tiene el plus de su atrevimiento. Se crece en los momentos difíciles. Por sacarle una pega, tiene 28 años. Le quedan 4 años al máximo nivel. Su precio rondaría los 15 millones si el fuerza una salida de un Arsenal que no le motiva en exceso.

¡Quiero ir al Barça!

4 – Robinho

El hombre de moda. Parece ser que su fichaje está hecho. Cesión con opción de compra. 6 millones netos por temporada, esta primera se pagaría sólo la mitad. Este año apenas ha participado en un Manchester City que parece que juega mejor sin él. Los temores de Florentino ante la pésima gestión de Calderón, probablemente, se harán realidad.

Gusta mucho, tanto a Guardiola como a Txiki. ‘El rey de las bicicletas’ ha madurado. Ofrece regate, mucho regate, también gol y diagonales. Típico brasileño, técnicamente un super clase. Llegaría con las ganas de demostrar todo lo que no pudo en el Madrid. Caso Eto’o. Un gol suyo en el Santiago Bernabéu, causaría casi los mismos orgasmos que el 2-6. Las dudas entran en su perfil personal. Demasiado fiestero, aunque a día de hoy presume de novia formal. El precio rondaría los 40 millones, el Barça ha empezado con 35.

¡Pep abrázame!

5 – Luis Suárez

Última opción. El menos famoso en España, menos mediático en el mundo de entre los 5 candidatos. Eso bajaría su precio hasta unos 25 millones de euros. Estamos hablando de la última perla del Ajax. Uruguayo, 22 años. El más goleador de todos los nombrados. Este año lleva 12 goles en 9 partidos. En 73 partidos en el Ajax ha metido 51 goles.

Ha jugado por el centro y por las dos bandas. Se desenvuelve bien en cualquier lugar del campo. La adaptación sería más difícil, es una apuesta arriesgada. Si sale bien, tienes un potencial balón de oro. Muy vertical, tiene la portería siempre entre ceja y ceja. Mucho carácter, un clásico en los uruguayos. Técnicamente es muy bueno, debería mejorar en los desmarques para encajar totalmente.

¡Uruguayo!

La cantera

La opción alternativa del Barça se encuentra en la masía. Pedro ya es un realidad, parte del primer equipo. Se ha ganado un hueco en el mejor equipo del mundo, ahora su siguiente reto es ‘la roja’. Si Pedro ha llegado a este nivel es por la gran confianza en la cantera.

Aparte de Pedro, dos nombres hay para tapar ese hueco de Henry. Jeffren, vertical, buen jugador entre líneas. Le falta carácter, necesita una cesión y curtirse en primera. Tiene mucha calidad, necesita un buen seguimiento.

El otro caso es el esperanzador Gai Assulin. Ya ha debutado con la selección de Israel. Tan solo 18 años. La perla de la delantera del Barça Atlètic. Necesita tiempo y mejorar el físico. Muy parecido a Messi en cualidades. Regate, buen golpeo de balón y gran visión de juego. El año que viene debe empezar a tener minutos en primera. Hay que cuidarle.

El clon de Messi

Veremos que pasa en este mercado invernal. Lo único que está claro es que si no es en invierno, el relevo de Henry llegará en Verano. Esperemos que nos dé tantas alegrías como nos ha dado el francés.

Potrivit englezilor barfitori de la The Sun se pare ca la iarna Mos Craciun o sa ne aduca o oferta de la Manchester City in valuare de £65m sau €70.4m pentru serviciile lui Ribery. Englezii il vor rau de tot pe francez din ce spune presa din regat. Din punctul meu de vedere, Septarul este cel mai tehnic jucator pe care l-a avut Bayern vr-odata si pe care o sa-l aiba, dar cred ca e momentul sa ii propunem o prelungire de contract si sa ii aducem inca cativa oameni valorosi sau sa luam cei 70 de mill si sa ne vedem de treaba cu conditia sa plece la vara.

Devinez quoi ? On passe aux milieux de terrain. Un secteur marqué par les forfaits, ceux de Ribéry et Gourcuff, mais qui sera tout aussi important dans ces deux matchs de qualification. Un petit aperçu des formes de chaque milieu sélectionné par Raymond Domenech. (Pour le cas Ribéry, il ne sera pas traité mais Gomis aura bien son paragraphe demain.) C’est parti !

Malouda : Depuis le début de la saison, le Français se trainait un peu avec les Blues. Pas aligné en équipe de France depuis quelques temps, le Guyanais n’était donc plus au mieux. Mais parfois, un match peu relancer une carrière ou juste lancer un joueur dans sa saison, c’est le cas de Flo’. Dimanche dernier, à la 91^ème minute du choc Chelsea – Liverpool, Malouda a, d’un coup de pate, lancé sa saison. Sa sélection pour les deux matchs de qualification peut laisser envisager une titularisation, surtout avec les forfaits de Gourcuff et ribéry.

Toulalan : Comme Evra, Jeremy Toulalan n’a rien à prouver au public français et européen. Son match contre la Fiorentina avec Lyon en Ligue des Champions a fait taire les sceptiques et a appuyé l’opinion des pro-toulalan. Excellent avec les Lyonnais, il réalise des performances honorables en équipe de France même s’il n’égale pas encore Lassana Diarra. Toulalan aura donc des chances de se retrouver titulaire face aux Iles Féroé à Guingamp, samedi. Des chances et peut –être même des certitudes …

A. Diarra : Le Bordelais se retrouve orphelin de  son coéquipier en club, Yoann Gourcuff, à Clairefontaine. Mais il en faut plus pour désorienter un Alou Diarra en pleine forme depuis la saison dernière, année du sacre pour le FCGB. Le Girondin s’est révélé au grand jour même si on l’avait déjà repéré quand il jouait pour l’Olympique Lyonnais. Depuis son entrée en cours de jeu lors de la finale de la Coupe du monde 2006, Alou a bien changé, son talent ne fait que grandir et sa technique se parfait. Cependant, le Bordelais n’arrive pas encore à se frayer une place de titulaire sous les ordres de Raymond Domenech, la concurrence est bien là. Espérons pour le Girondin qu’il aime la compétition !

Lassana Diara  : Passons aux deuxièmes des Diarras, j’appelle Lassana. Il y a le “What a fucking disgrace” de Drogba, mais aussi, dans le même genre, le “What a good player !” venant de la bouche des Français et des supporters Merengue ! Parce que oui, depuis qu’il a acquis le titre de CF, “club fixe” , et que pour une fois Lass’, comme on le surnomme, s’est vraiment posé, on se rend compte à quel point ce jeune est bourré de talent ! Le Real cette saison, se doit d’être exigeant de ces joueurs, il y a 200 millions sur le terrain tout de même.  Pourtant, de l’extérieur, on a l’impression que Lass’ joue sans pression, à son rythme, capable de décaler parfaitement Henry ou Anelka et même de mettre au fond quelques reprises de volées, aussi appelées “patates”… On se répète mais… “What a good player ! “

Les Anglais ont "What a fucking disgrace", nous, nous nous contenterons de " What a good player" ! (Source: FFF.fr)

Abou Diaby : Allez hop, encore un ! Un bon joueur, un gunner, un Français… Un peu comme Nasri, Clichy, Sagna… Un début de saison en trombe, à l’image de son club, Arsenal. Puis, un petit coup de mou, lui aussi encore à l’image de son club, suite à la défaite contre United. Ce match contre United, oh que oui, Diaby s’en souviendra… D’abord comme un match ou il tient sa place, et réussit une bonne première mi temps. Puis, il y a la remontée au score de MU, et ce but, si malheureux, contre son camp, qui laisse Almunia sans voix. Depuis, Arsenal se relève doucement, mais cette année, semble un peu perdre le rythme, de même que Liverpool, dès les première journées quant à la Premier League…

Moussa Sissoko : On termine ce tour des milieux, avec Sissoko. Il n’a que 20 ans, mais a déjà (presque) tout d’un grand. Toulouse, sa patrie depuis qu’il est devenue pro, ne peut désormais (presque) plus s’en passer. 4 buts en 34 matchs l’année dernière, Mr Moussa en a déja collé 3 cette saison… De quoi ravir Alain Casanova, son entraîneur, ainsi que Raymond Domenech, qui peut continuer tranquillement à lui faire confiance. Vous l’aurez compris, à ce tempo là, Sissoko va (presque) commencer à jouer avec les Bleus , et son jeu devenir (presque) aussi alléchant qu’une mousse au chocolat ! 

Gardiens, défenseurs, milieux, demain,  on vous dévoile tout sur le quatrième registre, les attaquants !

Alors que l’équipe de France joue des matches cruciaux en vue des qualifications pour la coupe du monde 2010, qui se déroulera en Afrique du sud, Ribéry déclare forfait (?) pour les deux prochains matches. C’est un coup dur pour les Bleus qui se voient privés d’un joueur important. Le joueur du milieu de terrain souffre d’une tendinite au tendon rotulien du genou gauche, il renonce contre son gré à participer au match contre les îles Féroé et celui contre l’Autriche. Ribéry ne sera pas remplacé, Yoann Gourcuff ne sera pas présent non plus, victime d’une blessure aux ischio-jambiers. C’est une équipe de France incomplète et incertaine qui jouera face aux îles Féroé et l’Autriche.

sources : http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/breves2009/20091005_162251_ribery-declare-forfait.html

http://www.lemonde.fr/sport/article/2009/10/05/mondial-2010-ribery-forfait-pour-la-fin-des-qualifications_1249642_3242.html

Correction : Louise Guédon

Le sélectionneur en plein doute

A l’aube d’affronter les Iles Féroé samedi, puis l’Autriche mercredi, Raymond Domenech se présente face à un casse-tête, celui de composer l’équipe qui essayera de qualifier directement la France pour la coupe du Monde 2010 en Afrique du Sud en se privant de deux cadres : Yohann Gourcuff et Franck Ribéry.

En effet, le premier, sorti à la mi temps du match de League des Champions des Girondins contre le Maccabi Haïfa, a loupé le dernier match de championnat de son équipe et ne sera pas apte à jouer les ultimes matches de qualification de la sélection nationale. Les examens ont révélé une contracture à la cuisse gauche qui écartera le milieu bordelais des terrains le temps des matches internationaux. Les dirigeants du club ont avoué que cette blessure risquait de pénaliser aussi bien l’équipe de Laurent Blanc que celle de Raymond Domenech.

Le second, Kaiser Franck, a lui aussi déclaré forfait pour les deux matches comptant pour les éliminatoires. Victime d’un tendinite au genou gauche, le Bavarois ne pourra pas répondre présent à l’appel de Raymond Domenech. Car même s’il le laisser sur le banc de touche de l’équipe de France, le sélectionneur national avait sûrement en tête l’idée de remplacer son meneur de jeu,Yohann Gourcuff, par le numero 10 du Bayern. Une intention qui est maintenant remise en question.

Raymond Domenech s’apprête donc à vivre des jours difficiles. Le sélectionneur national est plus que jamais sur la scelette. Côté joueurs, on ne doute pas que ces deux forfaits créeront des Gourcuff et Ribéry dépendances aussi bien en club qu’en équipe nationale.

è anche il Bayern dei giovani

“Capiamo di più del nostro valore dopo aver giocato con avversari di rango,” ha detto Holger Badstuber appena fuori dalla Sala Stampa dell’Allianz Arena (al termine dell’incontro di Champions League con la Juventus, NdT). “E continueremo su questa strada,” ha aggiunto il ventenne. Ovviamente, Badstuber si riferiva al Bayern nel suo complesso, ma se anche avesse preso in considerazione solo se stesso e Thomas Müller l’affermazione sarebbe stata ugualmente appropriata.

La partita contro la Juventus è stata la seconda giocata da Badstuber in Champions League e la terza da Müller, nonché la prima per entrambi contro un avversario di rango che appartiene all’élite europea. La coppia di ragazzi ha affrontato l’impegno con evidente maturità e la loro prestazione è stata pressoché perfetta. Adesso, entrambi sanno un po’ quanto valgono.

Badstuber e Müller non si sono ancora dimostrati in grado di competere ai più alti livelli, ma sono molto vicini a poter dare un aiuto consistente. Entrambi sono dei debuttanti nel calcio che conta ma danno già l’impressione di sentirsi a proprio agio tra campioni quali Ribery, Buffon e Camoranesi.

Müller onorato

Entrambi hanno giocato nelle sette partite di Bundesliga e nelle due di Champions League disputate finora (mercoledì scorso, NdT). Tutti e due si sono dimostrati decisamente bravi. Müller è risultato primo nel prestigioso sondaggio del periodico Kicker da cui è emerso il Giocatore del Mese di settembre in Bundesliga, aggiudicandosi un notevolissimo 56% dei voti, ben staccato dal secondo, Jefferson Farfan dello Schalke 04, che è stato indicato dal 21% degl’interpellati. “Non posso davvero lamentarmi di come stanno andando le cose in questo momento,” ha commentato Müller, che sta diventando famoso per i suoi colpi di testa.

Uli Hoeness ammette che la nuova stella ha due qualità eccezionali: “Non ha incertezze e sa leggere il gioco all’istante.” L’attaccante, al momento impegnato prevalentemente come centrocampista offensivo, ha già segnato due gol sia in campionato che in Champions League, ma sta coi piedi ben piantati per terra. “Quando penso che alcuni giocatori riescono al massimo ad arrivare fin qui, penso che sia meraviglioso quel che è successo. Ma mi ci sto abituando dopo un anno passato a contatto del gruppo.”

Badstuber soddisfatto

Il difensore centrale Badstuber non gioca per far gol ma per evitare che ne facciano, il che suggerisce che più gioca più può migliorare. Con van Gaal, i difensori centrali devono saper iniziare e sostenere le azioni di contrattacco. La cosa più importante però è che aiutino a non subire gol contro i grandissimi attaccanti che ci sono in Bundesliga e in Europa. Nelle ultime sette uscite (prima dello 0-0 di oggi col Colonia, NdT), il Bayern ha subito soltanto tre gol.

“Devi sempre stare attento a un attaccante come Trezeguet. Può tirare fuori un gol dal nulla, ma ammetto che ci siamo comportati bene difendendo su di lui,” ha riflettuto Badstuber dopo l’incontro di metà settimana. Far bene è decisamente una caratteristica sia sua che di Müller.

servizio del sito ufficiale del Bayern

http://www.fcbayern.t-home.de/en/news/news/2009/20963.php

Damn! I get so frustrated by negative reporting from a so called fan.  Having a go at your team is one thing for a poor performance, but not when the team has done well out of a game and where players have come out with some credit.  Just because the team draws is no excuse to start laying into them.  And this negativity is what seems to be happening to Juventus.

Not only that there seems also to be an anti-Ciro Ferrara element creeping into some of the posts on various football forums, no doubt prompted by the departure earlier this season of Luciano Spaletti from Roma.  Much speculation abounded when Ranieri was sacked and Ferrara was appointed temporary coach.  The general interest seemed to swing from Spaletti, to Cesare Prandelli.  With Spaletti now on the market, the Juventini in the Spaletti camp seems to be hell bent on discrediting Ferrara with their arguments being based around his lack of experience.  Someone hand them a reality check.  Pep Guardiola had no experience at Barcelona, yet that didnt stop him winning everything he could last season.

I’m not suggesting Ferrara will ever emulate Guardiola in his first season at Juve, but these comments on his lack of experience are getting tired.  Ferrara is a Juventus man.  He embodies the spirit of the no nonsense Juve that we have sorely missed in the past.  Spirito Juve is back.  That’s the basis for our success.  We don’t run off and spend bucket loads of money on “galactico” style players.  We are a sensible bunch.  Ferrara is a sensible man.  His replies to taunts from a Mourinho who has become less impressive the longer he has been in Italy only underline that.  He has put stability back into a side that was loosened by Ranieri’s dithering.  He has shown he is not afraid to change tactics, formations, and personnel should the occasion demand it.  He is not afraid to leave fan favourites on the bench e.g. Giovinco at Bayern, if he thinks that it is the best for the team.  He has shown faith in players who have come in from criticism lately from fans, e.g. Camoranesi who had an amazing game at Bayern faced with the task of man marking Ribery.  Given that Camo wouldn’t be the first person I would have thought about for a man-marking  job,what Camo managed to do in the game was almost miraculous.  Even after the early yellow card.  And Ferrara also showed faith in Camo by giving him that responsibility.  That will build Camo’s confidence no end and make him a better player.  But it also sends a message to the team.  Ferrara believes in them and their abilities.

All of this has been missed in the rush to criticise the coach post match.  Bayern as the home side had to show some initiative.  Their attacks came mostly from Ribery.  They had chances, but so did Juve.  Iaquinta has been unfairly criticised for shooting when Trezegeut was in a better position.  Yet how much more the criticism if the striker had not taken the shot?  Trez is a goal getter, a poacher whose record is second to none in Serie A over the years despite any loss of form or injury.  But Iaquinta has scored important goals for us too.  Strikers have split seconds to make up their minds.  Any more and the chance is gone.

Despite Bayern’s recent troubles, they are a big club, with a winning mentality.  To go there and to draw a good game is no shame.  All true Juve supporters will be behind Ciro and his efforts to lead the club to the Serie A title.  We are Juve..  non mollare mai.