December 04, 2008
Resigning and getting sacked-- the life of a football manager
Today, Roy Keane resigned from his job as Sunderland manager. This was rumored recently after he lost the last 5 games in the league. Although, I find this resignation to be somewhat saddening. When Roy Keane took over Sunderland they were nowhere close to the top of the Championship. Within his first season, he placed first in the Championship and allowed for quick promotion to the Premier League. Last season, he proved his worth as a manager by staying not getting relegated.
Roy Keane was a huge success at Sunderland and although he has his reasons for resigning, he will be missed in the Premier League. Even Chairman of Sunderland Niall Quinn gave Keane a heartwarming message upon his departure. I suppose he did what he felt was necessary and hopefully his next job will be a step up from this one.
Keane's playing career was a fantastic one. His days in a Manchester United jersey are not yet forgotten. I think he will become a great manager in due time. I hope he will eventually find his way back to Old Trafford after getting the experience he needs.
But the football world needs to consider the seriousness of a managers job. In recent times it seems like managers come and go more often than players. Chelsea are now on to their fourth manager in five years. Managers change and instantly fans and owners alike want to see instant results. This isn't always the case. Sometimes I feel like time is needed to give the manager a chance. I understand that certain changes are necessary and have rejuvenated squads altogether. For example, Rafa Benitez's appointment following Houllier's exit from Liverpool was wildly successful. However, I honestly think that today managers too often have to take the blame for not fulfilling unreachable goals.
Posted by stootla at 11:58 AM
December 03, 2008
Transfer Rumors
I know, transfer rumors are just rumors. But with the season as close as it is and clubs with money on hand, one cant help not thinking about the countless possibilities.
One of the most interesting clubs to follow and see how they spend is Manchester City who recently taken over by Abu Dhabi billionaires. The takeover came too late to make an impact even though they made a move for every big name including trying to hijack Berbatov transfer to United. They did succeed in hijacking Chelsea's attempt to sign then disgruntled Robinho from Real Madrid. This transfer season will be a big one for Man City. It could decide whether the club will break the top four or blow money and remain a weak threat in the Premier League.
Sir Alex Ferguson ruled out any big moves during this period. His previous signings during this January failed to make an impact and it seems he may very well have given up on mid-season transfers. I don't think he will make a move except for a few younger players perhaps. Carlos Tevez could sadly be on his way out.
Arsene Wenger on the other hand has been told he will have funds to spend. Whether he will is up for debate. He made a few signing for the season started and may make a few more. I don't expect him to spend big, he prefers to build his team up with youths. It seems to work though as his youths have impressed recently.
Liverpool may splash cash in attempt to get long-term target Gareth Barry. I think he'll be a splendid match up with Gerrard, Torres, and Keane. Their strike force is threatening. But do they have the depth to compete in multiple competitions yet?
Chelsea boss Scolari may move for a few players or the club could finally get rid of troublesome Drogba. Drogba has just returned from injury and thrown a coin into the crowd. Not to mention his sending off in the Champions League final last year. I scheme it may be time to offload the striker and Inter Milan may be suitors.
Irrespective of the club the best buy for the Premier League would be David Villa. It may be hard to take him from Spain, but I think he would be a huge success in England. Other good wise moves may be Karim Benzema or to increase competition and make things interesting Kaka. Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka competing head on would be a fascinating feature.
Don't be surprised to see a few unexpected moves. I think price tags will be inflated due to Man City. If they are wise, they might top Roman Abramovich's takeover of Chelsea. Other clubs hit by the financial crisis will be scrambling for bargains.
Posted by stootla at 07:30 PM
December 01, 2008
Ronaldo's Handball
This week Cristiano Ronaldo was named player of the year by France Football magazine. This prestigious award named the Ballon d'Or is handed only to the best footballers in history. Previous winners include Ronaldo(Brazilian), Zidane, Ronaldhino, Buffon, and most recently Kaka.
However, precending the award Cristiano commited one of the most idiotic blunders made in football history. He intentionally handled the ball of in the opposing team's box. This was completed senseless and led to his second yellow card of the match.
As Robbo Robson puts it in witty fashion, "You've got to hand it to Ron". It does not make any sense why he would do something of this sort. Sir Alex went on to claim that he was pushed and then remarked something to the effect that he was protecting his face. Both are hard to believe.
Perhaps he may was trying to replicate Diego Maradona's "Hand of God". It seemed he was trying more to catch the ball. Whatever he was thinking, it obviously didn't work. It seems it is just one one those laughable blunders that most players make at some point. Let's not forget Eric Cantona's flying kick or more recently Terry's penalty in the Champions League final or the countless goalkeeper blunders that have happened over time. However, all these blunders come with an excuse, I can't fathom any for Ronaldo.
Posted by stootla at 06:39 PM
November 30, 2008
Is Diving Ruining Football?
Recently, Wayne Rooney of Manchester United apologized for diving in a Champions League match against Villareal. Of course, manager Sir Alex Ferguson defended Rooney by saying he was "out of character". Rooney isnt the first to be publicized for diving. Usually, his teammate Cristiano Ronaldo receives most of the criticism.
In the last few years, there have been many critics saying referees are too light on players that dive and that players go to ground too easily. But really, is diving a new phenomenon? Does it hurt the game?
I honestly think that players have always and will always find ways to gain an fair or unfair advantage. That is so long as they can get away with it. New camera technology has just brought these moments to light. Some of the greatest moments in football history have been "unfair". To name a few, England's world cup winning goal in 1966 didn't really cross the line. Also, the most infamous incident was Diego Maradona's handball in the 1986 world cup nicknamed the "Hand of God". Not to mention the countless offside goals and red cards that were not awarded correctly.
My opinion is the same as former Chelsea manager and current Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho. He recently called Chelsea player Didier Drogba a "diver". However he goes on to say "I hate diving, but I'm not happy if a player is kicked by somebody in the box and he tries to remain standing." His advice to players is simple, "It's very, very rare a referee gives a decision if the player doesn't go down so I tell players not to be naive, but to be fair."
In short, diving is unsportsmanlike and an unfortunate part of the game. But the only thing worse is when a player gets fouled, remains standing, and does not get the free kick. Thus, players are at times in a catch 22. Go to ground and hope for the foul or stay standing and get nothing. However, going to ground without contact is inexcusable and must be punished.
Lastly, to defend Cristiano Ronaldo, its true he gets the most free kicks and goes to ground too easily. I'm not saying he's never dived before, but he is the most fouled. And the reason he goes to ground is more often due to the ridiculous speed he dribbles at!
Here are a few comical dives in the past:
Posted by stootla at 09:32 PM
November 23, 2008
What is Fantasy Football?
One of the most entertaining and thrilling part of football is fantasy leagues. Many like to gamble and place bets on matches, but fantasy is usually pure fun. In fantasy football, usually you choose 11 players and 2 subs to make up your team. You then receive points based of how your players performed in their matches. Picking the best 11 isn't too difficult but your team only has a limited budget. Superstars have the highest price which makes it hard to get a well rounded team.
The rules are simple and fantasy is incredibly fun. To try it simply register for a free account with Fantasy Premier League.
Once you pick a team, you can join or create leagues with your friends. This makes things more interesting. Me and my friends usually engage in friendly competition. Making friendly bets also adds to the fun. For example, the loser of my dorm hall last year had to do the winners chores for a week.
For those choosing their starting lineups and for those already with teams, here are my hints:
In goal: Jose Reina and Petr Cech have had sensational seasons so far. They are doing simply superb. They are expensive as goalkeepers but it may be worth it with a cheap substitute. It doesn't seem like goalies get injured. I would choose Cech but only time can tell these two apart.
Defense: Bosingwa is by far the best pick. Consistency is key in fantasy. Bosingwa has just that. Again, he is expensive but a must have. Other picks could be the less pricey Patrice Evra or Ashley Cole.
Midfield: No matter what you say about him, Cristiano Ronaldo is a must have. That is when he is not injured or suspended. Other good players are Lampard and Gerrard. Cheaper buys could be Wright-Phillips or Barry.
Strikers: Similar to Ronaldo, when he is not injured Torres is sensational. Expect good things from him. Anelka is outperfoming everyone at the moment though. Newcomers to England Zaki and Robinho may be good buys as well.
Another hint is to keep rotating players as they go in and out of form. For more tips, this blog may help.
These are just my hints. Give me feedback if you'd like. Good luck with your teams!
Here was a good fantasy team for last year:
Posted by stootla at 10:48 PM
November 17, 2008
Welcome to the Unofficial FA Premier League Blog!
Everyone that has been to England knows that football(soccer) is more than just a sport. Some would even say its their religion. Fans flock to their favorite teams stadium week after week to catch the action. David Beckham's move to LA Galaxy brought a lot of attention to soccer in the United States. However, without a doubt the best soccer is played in Europe.
As a die hard Manchester United fan, I too follow the happenings and events in the football world. The most captivating league in my opinion is the English league, known for its fast-paced nonstop action. While in other leagues football is more theatrical, English football is intense and filled with passion. Only the best can handle the non-stop pressing and little space to move.
This blog is dedicated to delivering my opinion and reactions to the happenings of the English league. To get news or updates to scores and fantasy action, the FA Premier League website might be more useful. Please note, I have a strong bias but results usually go my way.
The current season has been tight and fiercely competitive right from the beginning. Last year, Manchester United won both the Premier League and the European Champions League. They look to repeat their success by they are far from uncontested. Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal threaten the champions for English domination. Other clubs like Man City have made huge cash injections to bolster their squads.
Will the big four maintain their reign at the top? Follow along to hear my opinion.
Posted by stootla at 05:58 PM | Comments (0)
