UEFA Champions League Review: Match Day Three
At the halfway point of the group stages the top teams continue to show their mettle. Free-scoring Arsenal and Raul broke records and some new faces made their mark in the Champions League.
Group A – FC Twente; Inter Milan; Tottenham Hotspur; Werder Bremen
Never has a game been so aptly described as 'a game of two halves'. The first belonged to Inter as they were 4-0 up at half-time. But ten-man Spurs owe their comeback to Gareth Bale who put in another performance to attract the plaudits, while becoming only the sixth British player* to score a hat-trick in Europe.
Twente drew at home to Bremen to leave both teams on two points and fighting for the chance to take the consolation prize of playing in Europe's second string competition.
Group B – Benfica; Hapoel Tel-Aviv; Lyon; Schalke 04
Raul showed that form is temporary, but class is permanent as he scored two goals to help Schalke to a 3-1 home win against Hapoel. Now, Europe's top scorer, he shows no signs of slowly down and it could well be his genius that inspires his new team to qualify from the group.
To read on go here
Thursday, 21 October 2010
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Oh! Wayne! Part Deux
And so the drama continues. What happened to the time grown men sat in the pub and 'discussed' their problems over a pint of lager? Now, they dump someone by press release. Well, Wayne Rooney has taken this route to confirm that he does indeed want to leave Old Trafford and Manchester United. So we're supposed to forget his previous bleating's that he wanted to stay at he club for the rest of his life and he couldn't imagine playing anywhere else. Apparently that was all a dream and he woke up in the shower three days ago.
So it sounds pretty simple. Or does it?
I don't think so. To me there is a certain whiff of something about to hit the fan. Namely Sir Alex Ferguson's P45. Before I go any further, this is merely my opinion. But from the minute I read the press release I had my doubts whether we were reading the truth or just another load of PR flannel.
The statement is filled with what you would expect but there were certain comments that peaked my interest.
He talks about Sir Alex as a man who he respects and values. Understandable considering he was at the club from a fairly young age.
You last won trophy a mere seven months ago Wayne, what makes you think the club isn't the right place for you to be? Since when was Manchester United NOT about winning trophies?
Why is he talking about Sir Alex's tenure?
Did anyone mention that?
Does he know something you and I don't?
Now assuming that this statement was written by a very expensive PR agent and not Wayne himself, can we really ignore the emphasis on one of the World's most experienced managers? Surely the PR knows there will be some saddo like me tearing every single word apart to find the extra muck underneath.
And that is what I see: A lot of muck.
Personally I don't respect the way Wayne has gone about it and his attitude has been appalling - in all arenas of the media - since South Africa. In my old school head he could have at least been man enough to tell Sir Alex himself. Like Sir Alex said: "We're dealing with agents who live in players' pockets." I also remember him saying something about parents, which eludes to the opinion that players in general receive less constructive guidance than they used to.
Anyway, I'm wittering. The point is I don't think it's black and white. Manchester United may be in debt, but they are Manchester United. And their fans will tell you: normal rules do not apply.
So what is really going on in Wayne's head, or what exactly is happening behind the scenes?
I'll tell you one thing though: It won't be boring.
So it sounds pretty simple. Or does it?
I don't think so. To me there is a certain whiff of something about to hit the fan. Namely Sir Alex Ferguson's P45. Before I go any further, this is merely my opinion. But from the minute I read the press release I had my doubts whether we were reading the truth or just another load of PR flannel.
The statement is filled with what you would expect but there were certain comments that peaked my interest.
"Despite recent difficulties, I know I will always owe Sir Alex Ferguson a huge debt. He is a great manager and mentor who has helped and supported me from the day he signed
me from Everton when I was only 18
He talks about Sir Alex as a man who he respects and values. Understandable considering he was at the club from a fairly young age.
"For me its all about winning trophies - as the club has always done under Sir Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified.
You last won trophy a mere seven months ago Wayne, what makes you think the club isn't the right place for you to be? Since when was Manchester United NOT about winning trophies?
"For Manchester United's sake I wish he could go on forever because he's a one off and a genius."
Why is he talking about Sir Alex's tenure?
Did anyone mention that?
Does he know something you and I don't?
Now assuming that this statement was written by a very expensive PR agent and not Wayne himself, can we really ignore the emphasis on one of the World's most experienced managers? Surely the PR knows there will be some saddo like me tearing every single word apart to find the extra muck underneath.
And that is what I see: A lot of muck.
Personally I don't respect the way Wayne has gone about it and his attitude has been appalling - in all arenas of the media - since South Africa. In my old school head he could have at least been man enough to tell Sir Alex himself. Like Sir Alex said: "We're dealing with agents who live in players' pockets." I also remember him saying something about parents, which eludes to the opinion that players in general receive less constructive guidance than they used to.
Anyway, I'm wittering. The point is I don't think it's black and white. Manchester United may be in debt, but they are Manchester United. And their fans will tell you: normal rules do not apply.
So what is really going on in Wayne's head, or what exactly is happening behind the scenes?
I'll tell you one thing though: It won't be boring.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Oh! Wayne!
To be honest, I was trying to avoid the Rooney saga but even I can't ignore this.
Sir Alex Ferguson's press conference was candid. To say the least. He has played his hand and now we wait to see if Wayne will check or fold.
So he REALLY wants to leave, Manchester United fans are already up in arms calling Wayne things I couldn't possibly type here ;-)
The point is though: are we honestly surprised?
This is a player who has never felt shy about coming forward. We've all commented on his suspect temperament before. A man who cheats on his pregnant wife. Not just cheats but pays a escort to see him on a regular basis and allegedly participates in a threesome. A man who regularly goes against the orders of his manager - fag anyone! A player who made a snide remark to England fans who had spent their wages to watch him perform like pub player* in South Africa. Not forgetting the fact, he engineered a move away from Everton. Now who taught him how to do that, I wonder.....
So, no I'm not surprised. In fact, more surprising is that he hasn't thrown his toys out of the pram earlier. When he contradicted Sir Alex in the press about his injury, it appears to have been the final straw for the Scot.
Watching the press conference, I actually felt sorry for Sir Alex. He looked like a father who was hurt and confused after the betrayal of his youngest son. With the continual speculation in the press, he had two choices. Continue to lie and try and win the player back or be honest with the fans and media (for a change).
Thankfully, he chose the latter. Firstly, it's great news and secondly the fans that hero worship Rooney deserve to know the facts.
So here they are. Simply: Rooney wants to leave, Man United have offered him a new contract which he is not interested in. Said contract is still on the table if the player changes his mind. Now it's all out in the media, we're all waiting for Rooney's side of the story. And if he did change his mind, is there really anyway back for him now?
With 18 months left on his contract, it would be best for the club to sell him in the January transfer window, particularly with the state of their finances. Though Wayne may wish to see out his contract possibly leaving Sir Alex in the dilemma of using a player who know longer cares for the team.
So, who would have him? Of course Manchester City would love to steal another player from under Sir Alex's nose but would he sell to them. Chelsea have tightened the purse strings but I'm sure Abramovich would authorise spending on England's biggest star. Or he could fly away, with Barcelona and Real Madrid the earlier favourites. Yet, as a girl I have to wonder what Coleen would think about leaving her family. She has a seriously ill sister and may not wish to emigrate with a man she is learning to trust again. Nor, could I see Wayne dealing particularly well in a less physical league, foreign referee's would have a red card frenzy.
What more can I say? Not much, so I'll leave the final words to Sir Alex: "The one thing I said to him was 'respect this club', I don't want any nonsense from you.
"I don't know if he has done that. I have doubts on that, we are reading all these things about falling out with me and all that nonsense.
"It's disappointing because we have done everything we possibly can to help Wayne Rooney ever since he came to the club.
*No disrespect meant to any pub players.
Sir Alex Ferguson's press conference was candid. To say the least. He has played his hand and now we wait to see if Wayne will check or fold.
So he REALLY wants to leave, Manchester United fans are already up in arms calling Wayne things I couldn't possibly type here ;-)
The point is though: are we honestly surprised?
This is a player who has never felt shy about coming forward. We've all commented on his suspect temperament before. A man who cheats on his pregnant wife. Not just cheats but pays a escort to see him on a regular basis and allegedly participates in a threesome. A man who regularly goes against the orders of his manager - fag anyone! A player who made a snide remark to England fans who had spent their wages to watch him perform like pub player* in South Africa. Not forgetting the fact, he engineered a move away from Everton. Now who taught him how to do that, I wonder.....
So, no I'm not surprised. In fact, more surprising is that he hasn't thrown his toys out of the pram earlier. When he contradicted Sir Alex in the press about his injury, it appears to have been the final straw for the Scot.
Watching the press conference, I actually felt sorry for Sir Alex. He looked like a father who was hurt and confused after the betrayal of his youngest son. With the continual speculation in the press, he had two choices. Continue to lie and try and win the player back or be honest with the fans and media (for a change).
Thankfully, he chose the latter. Firstly, it's great news and secondly the fans that hero worship Rooney deserve to know the facts.
So here they are. Simply: Rooney wants to leave, Man United have offered him a new contract which he is not interested in. Said contract is still on the table if the player changes his mind. Now it's all out in the media, we're all waiting for Rooney's side of the story. And if he did change his mind, is there really anyway back for him now?
With 18 months left on his contract, it would be best for the club to sell him in the January transfer window, particularly with the state of their finances. Though Wayne may wish to see out his contract possibly leaving Sir Alex in the dilemma of using a player who know longer cares for the team.
So, who would have him? Of course Manchester City would love to steal another player from under Sir Alex's nose but would he sell to them. Chelsea have tightened the purse strings but I'm sure Abramovich would authorise spending on England's biggest star. Or he could fly away, with Barcelona and Real Madrid the earlier favourites. Yet, as a girl I have to wonder what Coleen would think about leaving her family. She has a seriously ill sister and may not wish to emigrate with a man she is learning to trust again. Nor, could I see Wayne dealing particularly well in a less physical league, foreign referee's would have a red card frenzy.
What more can I say? Not much, so I'll leave the final words to Sir Alex: "The one thing I said to him was 'respect this club', I don't want any nonsense from you.
"I don't know if he has done that. I have doubts on that, we are reading all these things about falling out with me and all that nonsense.
"It's disappointing because we have done everything we possibly can to help Wayne Rooney ever since he came to the club.
*No disrespect meant to any pub players.
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