Will Kaka Leave?

On June 9th 2009, Ricardo Kaka becomes a Real Madrid player after siging for a fee around £57 million. This marks the begining of what looks to be a huge spending spree by returning president Florentino Perez. Perez pledges big money transfers to the fans to bring back European and domestic glory after a disappointing season for Madrid and also the treble winning season by rivals Barcelona. Players like Ronaldo and Benzema soon followed although Real Madrid failed to win a trophy that year. His season wasn't the best either having to miss some of it with injury.

His second season with Madrid saw the arrival of new manager Jose Mourinho having just won the Champions League with Inter. (beating Barcelona along the way was a key reason for his appointment according to others). The spree continued with Angel Di Maria, Sami Khedira, Sergio Canales, Pedro Leon and Ricardo Carvalho. Mesut Ozil was bought by the club after having a good World Cup with Germany. He was considered to be the best rising star out of the tournament . August 5th 2010 and Kaka had undergone surgery for yet another injury initially believed to keep him out for four months. Mesut Ozil began to show what he was bought for with some key dazzling performances for Los Merengues. Mourinho seems to have gotten the best out of the young German for the season in place of Kaka. Ozil has had times drifted out to the right with his left foot, something we rarely see Kaka do. After a lengthy eight months out, Kaka returned to action coming off the bench against Getafe in January. He soon scored against Villarreal in a 4-2 win. In March however, he picked up another injury which kept him out a few weeks. He made his return in style scoring two goals in a 3-6 win over Valencia. Despite his performance, Ozil was still given the nudge ahead of him in the champions league classico in which Madrid lost 0-2 to Barcelona. Kaka stayed on the bench for that game and people began to question why he was never used. Mourinho was sent to the stands for comments to the referee for a red card on Pepe. After the match he said that the sending off did not enable him to complete his game plan. He said that Kaka was supposed to be substituted later on in the match.

One may question that will Kaka be happy at Madrid even if it means sitting on the bench? Mourinho looks as if he prefers Ozil to Kaka for that attacking midfield role and Kaka may not be given as much chances as he would have thought. We have to remember that this is the former World Player of the Year that we are talking about and he may choose the choice of leaving to get more first team opportunities in the latter stages of his career. My view is that the decision is in Kaka's hands. If up to Madrid, he most likely would not be sold as Mourinho sees him as a super sub in games. Also with Kaka possibly on the bench, he gives Mourinho one of the strongest benches in football with plenty of talent to choose from. If he chooses to leave however, the papers are saying that there are about two or three possible suitors after the player. Both AC and Inter Milan are said to be interested in the player. One may question if Milan will really try to acquire a player that they let go of only a few years ago. Inter looks the more realistic option as Sneidjer may be out this summer and the Nerazurri may look towards Kaka. Chelsea are also said to be in the race. Manager Carlo Ancelloti knows the player well from their days at Milan. There also looks like Chelsea will be having a makeover this summer with new players to come and some to leave. However the fact that Kaka is already 29 years old may not convince Roman Abramovich to splash the cash for a player whose best years look behind him. My guess on this is that it's all up to the player himself. Will he choose to stay on the bench or leave to get more playing opportunities. Real Madrid will certainly not want to let a player go who cost them alot of money and also who has only been around for two years.

Cristiano Ronaldo to AC Milan

I think it's gone on long enough. There is transfer nonsense and then there is transfer nonsense. Every window opening brings on true whoppers of invention, but have we heard anything like the sort of ridiculous rumor coming out of Italy that Silvio Berlusconi (done with fixing elections or dating pre-teens I guess) has now drawn his attention back to fixing his squad and bringing in another high-profile player, in this case Cristiano Ronaldo?

Ridiculous. Why would Florentino Perez give up on the only sound investment he has made since recycling his galactico project two years ago? Don't get me wrong, there have been many football-wise investments over that time, buying Xabi Aonso or bringing in Angel Di Maria and Mesut Ozil, but paying for Cristiano Ronaldo changed the perception of Real Madrid and of the Spanish League in general. I'm talking in business terms. The Kaka buy, a bookend deal that announced to the world that Real Madrid were working on an entirely different level financially, has bottomed out, dragged down by injury and lack of form, so then why then sell Cristiano who more than makes up for that mistake?

Well, I can see why Milan would want to buy him. The club have always had star players. Ronaldinho is done and gone to Brasil and now with Alexandre Pato dating his daughter, the club are keen I guess to move the only marketable player they have: Zlatan to get a real marquee player: CR7. Yes, Ibrahimovic is just a tantrum away from being shipped to Manchester City or in this case as part of a package deal to Madrid to get Cristiano, but is even he enough?

In terms of value for value, I don't think Zlatan makes up the difference. Not in a footballing sense, this trade of sorts would weaken Real Madrid considerably on the pitch and certainly not in a financial sense where the loss of Cristiano would be devastating. According to the University of Navarra School of Economics and Business Administration in a link here, Cristiano Ronaldo is the 7th highest player in regards to media value or worth and Zlatan Ibrahimovic isn't even in the top 20. Only Iker Casillas is in the top 10 and Mesut Ozil and Xabi Alonso are 16th and 17th respectively. Madridistas would turn on Florentino, and if he was afraid of losing Mourinho at the end of the season, then that would finalize the deal.

The only chance for AC Milan is if the player puts in a personal transfer request (and he seems to be happy in Spain) or if the financial problems that lurk behind the scenes are greater than reported. The buy-out clause alone would be out of this world. Does Milan have that sort of money?

This looks like more drama, more bread and circus material from a consummate showman, and a politician looking to divert attention from scandals that are finally starting to crack the teflon exterior of the most powerful person in Italy. In the mean-time, this is a dead rumor before it even hits the ground.

Player Value: Under 23's

Transfer Market just came out with their top 20 U-23 players with the most market value. Let's take a look at the list at hand.


1. Gonzalo Higuaín Forward age 23 (Argentina & Real Madrid) 38.000.000 €

2. Kun Agüero Forward age 22 (Argentina & Atlético de Madrid) 36.000.000 €

3. Alexandre Pato Forward age 21 (Brasil & AC Milan) 35.000.000 €

4. Mesut Özil CMF age 22 (Germany & Real Madrid) 27.000.000 €

5. Mario Balotelli Forward age 20 (Italy & Manchester City) 26.000.000 €

6. Sergio Busquets DMF age 22 (Spain & FC Barçelona) 25.000.000 €

7. Karim Benzema Forward age 23 (France & Real Madrid) 25.000.000 €

8. Juan Mata CMF/Winger age 22 (Spain & Valencia) 23.000.000 €

9. Thomas Müller CMF/Forward age 21 (Germany & Bayern Munich) 23.000.000 €

10. Ángel Di María Winger age 22 (Argentina & Real Madrid) 20.000.000 €

11. Javi Martínez DMF age 22 (Spain & Athletic Bilbao) 20.000.000 €

12. Gareth Bale Winger/LB age 21 (Wales & Tottenham) 20.000.000 €

13. Anderson DMF age 22 (Brasil & Manchester United) 20.000.000 €

14. Stevan Jovetić Winger age 21 (Montenegro & Fiorentina) 17.500.000 €

15. Diego Perotti Winger age 22 (Argentina & Sevilla) 16.000.000 €

16. Eden Hazard CMF/Winger age 20 (Belguim & Lille) 16.000.000 €

17. Nuri Şahin MF age 22 (Turkey & Borussia Dortmund) 16.000.000 €

18. Yann M'Vila DMF age 20 (France & Rennes) 15.000.000 €

19. Bojan Krkić Winger/Forward age 20 (Spain & FC Barçelona) 15.000.000 €

20. Marcelo LB/Winger age 22 (Brasil & Real Madrid) 15.000.000 €


Interesting facts: All of the players make their trade in the top 5 leagues in Europe. 11 out of 20 play in La Liga. La Roja youngsters are making their mark. 5 of the bunch play at Real Madrid. (I guess playing at Real Madrid is prestigious and increases your market value. Well, everyone except Karim Benzema and Angel Di Maria, if you compare their original transfer prices.) Argentinian and Spanish players are the most popular with 4 listed, respectively. Wingers are in high demand.

What do you think of the ranking? Is Sergio Busquets too low on the list? Is their any glaring omissions? Where is Neymar from Brasil? Is Benzema really more valuable than Mata? Is Balotelli overrated because he plays in England? Maybe they should call this list Top 20 sub 23, excluding Messi.

Ronaldinho - The Barca Years

With his impending move back to his native land of Brazil due to take place this week, I thought now would be as good a time as any to look back at a time when he was more than a well-known name he was also a superstar on the pitch.

It was the summer of 2003 and all eyes were on Spain. Real Madrid had just won title number 29, their 2nd title in 3 years. Meanwhile Barcelona had finished the season in 6th after consecutive 4th placed finishes in previous seasons, the last time they had won La Liga was in 1999. Joan Laporta was the newly named president and Frank Rijkaard was the newly appointed manager, 2003 was a time of change. Laporta promised the Barca faithful that one David Beckham would be arriving in Catalunya, a world-renowned signing to make everyone sit up and take notice. Out trumped by the Galacticos he had to make do with his second choice, outbidding Manchester United who in turn were forced to purchase an unproven 18-year-old Portuguese winger of a similar name who was never really going to amount too much. Ronaldo de Assís Moreira arrived for a figure of €32,250,000 from French club Paris Saint-Germain. He followed in the footsteps of other great Brazilians before him Romario, Rivaldo and Ronaldo to name but a few. Ronaldinho as he was known in Europe had been plying his trade at PSG for the last two seasons and his stock was already high in England after an apparently freak goal against David Seaman whilst in the 2002 World Cup Quarter Finals. He was also reportedly swayed by then vice-president Sandro Rosell, who he had struck up a friendship with when Sandro was a Nike executive in Brazil.

Things didn't start out quite as well as they would have hoped for, after all one good signing does not make a team especially when he is out injured. Just 5 wins in the opening 15 league games for Rijkaard's side saw criticism from some sections of the home support as well as the media. Languishing in 11th place and having just been beaten at home to league leaders Real Madrid was a major kick in the teeth. At the turn of the year things changed dramatically as Edgar Davids joined on loan and Ronaldinho returned to full fitness. In 20 games they won 15 including a 9 game win streak. At the end of the season Ronaldinho had scored 15 goals in 32 games in the league and Mr Beckham had 3 in exactly the same amount of games, at least the shirts were flying off the shelves. Barcelona finished 2nd and Real finished in 4th the first time they had fallen below their rivals since 2000.

The feeling around Spain was Barcelona were back if they could just put their second half season form into a complete calendar year. A busy summer ensured as some of the deadwood made way for the likes of Deco, Samuel Eto and Rafael Márquez. Frank also made more of the talent pool that was La Masia as Andrés Iniesta started to play more regular and Xavi was made vice-captain. Ronaldinho was the star of the show though, Brazilians have always been known for some outrageous skills but this was taking the piss. Overhead kicks, passes off the back, step overs, back heels, flicks, disguised passes, ball juggling, if you could name it ? Ronaldinho could do it ! Unsurprisingly he claimed the FIFA World Player of the Year at the end of 2004 and Barcelona then secured there 1st title for 6 years. Rijkaard had built a very good side but one player stood out from all the rest. Coming in off the left flank with his pre-dominant right foot, Ronaldinho had the art of the inverted winger down to a tee. Gliding past tackles, a vision that seemed to be 360° and an ability to release the ball at the right time made him unstoppable. Just the 9 league goals for the season but more tellingly on the team he's best assist rate with 16.

Things were looking rosy and Ronaldinho was the hottest property in world football. With that in mind Barca offered him a mammoth contract to fend off preying eyes but would have seen him tied to the club for the next 9 years. He rejected the deal but did sign a shorter extension to his current deal with a release clause of £85 million. Things continued in much the same way both on the pitch and off as the buck teeth wonder scooped a second World Player of the Year and a European Footballer of the Year. Perhaps the single most defining moment of Ronaldinho's time in Spain could be categorised with what happened on the 19th November 2005. At the Bernabau, home of their deadliest rivals he put on some show scoring two outstanding solo goals in a 3-0 win. The last of which when he skipped past Sergio Ramos and slotted it in the far corner. As the camera spun around the stadium the Madrid fans stood emotionless in the face but clapping the man who had just ripped their own team apart. I personally had never witnessed such an action but it had happened before in 1982 when Diego Maradona received similar respect. All of a sudden that lob over 'Safe Hands' was starting to look a lot more like he ment it. The season finished with another La Liga but this time they had won the Champions League, only the 2nd in their history. A career best of 26 goals for a man who seemed to have a permanent smile attached to his face.

A significant thing happened at the end of that season assistant manager Henk Ten Cate left to manage Ajax. Maybe a coincidence or the fact he was the strict disciplinarian, Barcelona didn't win anything else under Rijkaard's tenure. That season Ronaldinho scored an overhead kick against Villarreal and a low free kick against Werder Bremen, when the wall jumped it slid under their feet. He had yet another fantastic season scoring his best return in the league with 21 goals. At the end of the 06/07 they were level on points with Real Madrid but lost out on the head to head rule (Barcelona had a 19 goal superior goal difference).

2007/08 was to be his last year at the Nou Camp and also the last for Rijkaard. That pre-season saw everything begin to decline, players complained of tiredness after the travelling to Scotland to the Far East and then to Germany. Frank's authority was being constantly undermined and training lacked the intensity of the past becoming somewhat of a joke. Personalities were clashing in the dressing room and Ron took a rather a large fancy to a spot of disco-dancing. Ronaldinho was becoming more accustomed to the celebrity lifestyle that his fantastic talent had enabled him to. A largely disrupted final campaign due to injury (some of which has to be attributed to the way he was then looking after himself or not as the case was) saw him score 8 league goals in 17 appearances. Ronaldinho is very much a family man, Sister (secretary), Uncle (chauffeur), Mother (chef) but having his Brother as his agent was probably not to his advantage. In some ways you could argue that he would always have his best interests at heart, but in other ways it seemed he had more of a control over his client than other agents could ever achieve.

In July 2008, Ronaldinho joined AC Milan for a fee in the region of €18.5 million. On his exit from the club he wrote a letter to the fans

http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada10-11/08/24/n100824112529.html

For Ronaldinho the Barca years were certainly the form of his life.

'Special One' to 'Spanish One': Was Rafa's time at Inter fair to judge ?

As the newly crowned World Club Champions arrived on the turf in the early hours of the morning at the Malpensa airport the fans chanted "resta con noi rafa benitez, resta con noi" (stay with us). Massimo Morratti wasn't listening though he had made his mind up a while ago, just giving the Spaniard an extended stay to ensure the team went to the United Arab of Emirates without anymore disruption. The fans were not unanimous in their backing of the manager but then they rarely are at any club in the world. But as at Liverpool there was more than half that wanted him to continue at the club. For the critics/media they can't get their heads round it, these foolish fans with their support of a manager that is clearly under-performing, how can you take a treble winning side that has won the league for the last 5 years and have them sitting in 7th after 15 games, the "league doesn't lie" is an old favourite.

Sometimes the league just deceives ! Although the strongest squad generally takes home the title at the end of the season and deservedly so, if an injury crisis ravages through a team, how can we judge correctly that the manager hasn't been up to the task ? The fans watch their side week in week out, sometimes (only sometimes) it's worth taking note why they have such faith in a manager when to others it seems so mad.

Money

Internazionale are not the Internazionale of old, financially they cannot continue to lose money season after season. A profit of €32.8m was made in the summer, with €28m arriving in the coffers from the sale of daft hat wearer Mario Balotelli. In comparison to Mourinho's two seasons at the club where he had a net spend of €38.6m over his tenure this includes the Ibra/Eto swap deal which would have given him a considerable amount to reinvest. Promises of being able to bring in players has clearly been broken, not for the first time in the last 2 years Rafa had been lied to. Meanwhile AC Milan brought in Robinho for €22m and Ibrahimovic on loan on the provision of signing him in 2011. Michel Platini criticised Italian clubs for spending so much and warned them of the Fair Play Rules that are soon to arrive, for once he wasn't on about Inter. When Manchester United won the treble in 1999 they then made a net spend of £16m, which is more than you realise given it was eleven and a half years ago. When Barcelona won the treble in 2009 they invested €39m and on top of that the Ibrahimovic deal which estimated between £50-£70m. Both these sides went on to win the league the following season, but if Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola think treble winners should invest heavily in new blood who am I to disagree.

Record

Having played 25 matches overall, Rafa won 12 of them, with 6 drawn and losing 7. A win ratio of 48% not as high as he's 53% at Valencia or his 55% at Liverpool but not as unreasonable as some would have you think and having only been given 6 months. One of the managers linked to replace him Leonardo had a win ratio of 47.92% in his single season at rivals AC. Hardly seems fair that he is the bookmakers 2nd favourite does it ? As it stands Inter are 7th, (13 points off the top) with 2 games in hand on everyone else a win in those 2 games would see them 7 points off the league leaders. Last seasons Bundesliga double winners and fellow Champions League finalists Bayern Munich currently sit in 5th position in Germany and are 14 points off the pace with no games in hand. They to are feeling the effects of last year with injuries, motivation, tiredness all contributing but they havent had to contend with a change of manager or ideas.

Injuries

Inter have suffered terrible injuries this season, partly due to such a long season last year including the World Cup, ageing squad and the tough pre-season that Rafa had them undertake during the summer. But luck also plays a huge part and for that no one can deny Benitez has been out of it in this area. Whilst other clubs in Serie A have had long injuries none have had as many to key players as Inter. Julio Cesar, Maicon, Walter Samuel, MacDonald Mariga, Thiago Motta, Sulley Muntari, David Suazo, Wesley Sneijder (after he fainted at half time against Brescia), Dejan Stankovic, Diego Milito, Goran Pandev, Esteban Cambiasso have all missed parts of the season to varying degrees. Along with Samuel Eto's suspension after doing a Zidane. He can hardly be accused of not getting Jose's team playing as he has rarely had his team to play. Out of 25 games Rafa has been without his 1st choice goalkeeper 11 times, had lost his first choice centre back in early November for the season (after which they lost 3 out 5 league games, before had only lost 1 in 10), had star striker Diego Milito and attacking full back Maicon for 15 games a piece. Last season Mourinho was without his 1st choice goalkeeper just 3 times in the whole of the season, Walter Samuel made 42 appearances and both Milito and Maicon made a combined total of 104 appearances. Lucky Mourinho ?

Squad

With the sale of Balotelli, Inter brought in Brazilian Coutinho who looks a very good player but at 19 is new to Italian football. As Balotelli had his disagreements with the great man manager Jose and wasn't first choice it's often perceived he played a little less than he did but in total he made 40 appearances including 11 goals. Currently in Inter's playing squad they have 15 players in the 30+ age bracket, if Arsene Wenger was in charge there would be some very short contracts at the San Siro. Just 6 players in the 24-29 (peak years ?) area and 7 players in the -21 age range (3 of which were brought in during the summer). Rafa did say he felt the squad was unbalanced and more players were required in the 24-29 range, would it not make sense for a club struggling financially to have players with a sell-on value ? Over at the city rivals often deemed as Dad's Army they have 13 players of 30+, 8 players in the 24-29 and only 2 players in the -21 one of which Pato is now in his 4th season with the club. The new arrivals in the summer and new manager who is experienced within the league helping give them a new lease of life but for how long ?

Tactics

Under the old regime Inter played a not to dissimilar formation to the one currently being deployed. A 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 are seen in games throughout and formations will change subtly in a match and depending on whether in possession of the ball or not. The real differences have been between the sitting deep and looking to counter attack of Jose and the high pressure and high line of Rafa. Had he just kept things as they the same would they have not been ok ? Try telling Samuel Eto that the change in position to his favoured central one and the high pressure up field hasn't helped him score 19 goals in 18 games (3 more than in the whole of last year). Like Fernando Torres he's game, due to his pace is helped massively by being instructed to close down defenders high up the pitch rather than re-grouping behind the ball. But that's one player what about the other 11 players that started the Champions League final in Madrid ? Well apart from the fact the personnel has been ever-changing, when a manager believes in their system they will rarely deviate from it. Wenger and Guardiola both stubborn in the way they wish to manage their teams and styles of play. That's not to say that tactics shouldn't be tailored slightly to suit the squad at your disposal but Carragher and Hyppia were never Carl Lewis and they coped fairly well with the high line defence.

Media

In this aspect Rafa probably hasn't helped himself mis-timed comments and public spats with managers he has replaced or been replaced by have not helped him warm to the critics. However if your record and ability to do your job was called into question would you not defend yourself ? Especially when much of what is being said is untrue as with much of what was said by the English based managers. It seems that Rafa isn't allowed to comment and should have concentrated on Inter, but its ok for Alex Ferguson, Harry Rednapp and Roy Hodgson to talk about him and his time at Liverpool. Likewise Jose will talk about Inter regularly in press conferences but no one ever seems to say he should focus on Real Madrid. In terms of taking renowned owners head on maybe not the wisest but if my senior bosses continued to lie to me and didn't show me support, hinting about replacing me, I would certainly speak up and hold my own. Or would you prefer a spineless manager, a yes man to take the fall when things have certainly changed. Wouldn't want the fans knowing what a piss poor job you were doing of running their football club would you. Had Rafa not took the cowboys who used to run Anfield to task many supporters and media outlets would not have known that the club was being run into the ground.

I'm not saying Rafa Benitez was necessarily the right man for Internazionale. All of a sudden he was sitting in the favourites chair having been used to being in a close outsider one. Like his last 3 years at Liverpool it shouldn't just be judged on results but also the circumstances surrounding them results to get a clear and fair picture. What I am saying, is there was certainly more to the change of Inter's standing than just the change of 'Special One' to the 'Spanish One'.

EUROPEAN NIGHTS ~ Champions League Preview

La Liga vs Europe: Closer to the Next Phase, La Liga is a step away. Author: Raphael Harry


We are back to our European Nights and boy was La Liga on fire in the last round of matches! No defeat in the Champions League and only a single defeat in Europa League. The Ambassadors are really flying the La Liga flag high, and I expect them to continue, in this next round of matches.

As usual, we begin in the League of Champions (UCL). Star match for me is the visit of Rangers to Valencia. The first leg was very explosive and both teams could have won it, even though Rangers made some amazing misses, which would be added to the next compilation of Bloopers DVD. Ever since Valencia lost to Barcelona in the league, it looks like they have been struggling to find that confidence that made them start the season in such a blistering form. I think the main problem is the coach (not asking for him to be fired, except they should take Pellegrini in his place). Emery started the season using Aduriz and Soldado upfront. They quickly formed a fine pairing and cool understanding. Now he plays only one of them, especially since the return of Banega from injury, (which should have made his team stronger). Too many times Valencia have looked like a team not wanting to score and they can’t afford to play that way against a stubborn Rangers that would defend in numbers. Emery has to go for it from the start and start his two strikers and give it a shot. With the right approach Valencia should win this game.



I won’t dwell much on the remaining two games, Barcelona (and Messi) should pick up another 3pts and maybe a Messi brace. Copenhagen would try for the sake of it. Barcelona has been blowing hot and bold this season. If Copenhagen can pack a 40 seater bus in front of their goal, that may help their cause, but this is the kind of game Barca can win with their eyes closed (I guess).

Real Madrid at the San Siro should be hot. Milan is coming on the back of a defeat to one of their biggest rivals, Juventus, which did little to inspire confidence in this team for the neutral viewer. Allegri does not seem sure of what formation to play and he doesn’t know if he should start Robinho or Ronaldinho along with Pato and Ibra. But the main problem is in the Milan midfield and defense, old legs are going to be involved in plenty of running and all this will neatly play into Madrid’s plan. I see another victory for Real or worst case scenario result, a draw.

All things considered, this should be a very good round for La Liga. If results go to plan, all 3 La Liga teams should book a place or go a step closer to the knockout stage. I am going to stick my neck out for three victories for La Liga teams. Unfortunately I won’t be able to touch on the Europa League today, due to work schedule. I promise to do so next time.


Raphael Harry

La Liga vs Europa: Time to make a statement

Author: Raphael O. Harry.
It’s our favorite part of the week again. A return to the big stages of European football is set and Time for La Liga´s Ambassadors to represent Espana well. Last round of matches in the UCL were shared out accordingly 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss. I doubt this weeks matches would go similar route. Here’s a look at the upcoming games. Starting with the UCL and rounding up with the Europa League.

UCL
Real Madrid: One Match clearly stands out above all the matches this week and it’s between Real Madrid and AC Milan. Take this two teams out of the champions league and the competition is definitely not the same, they have the history, prestige and trophies to show for their participation in the UCL, they hold records and have had periods of total domination and they both are rising from failing to perform of late. Both teams have new coaches and new styles and additional faces to their squads, this year Milan seems to focus more on the I can out score you formula of the old Real, while Real is a bit more on the conservative side by securing the back and still going after the goals. This game will boil down to details, I still expect Real to win cause they have a solid attack and defense of which same cannot be said of Milan. Whose attack is RED hot but her defense is lukewarm. It will be interesting to see the reaction of Robinho, I believe he’ll try to over impress his former employers and fans. The main threat for Milan would be Ronaldinho, He has never had a bad game against Real (even counting games Barcelona lost against Madrid, he still played good). He is a lad who the site of Reals White jersey brings out the best in him. I guess I would have been the same if I was rejected by Real for my looks. All been said, I expect another 3pts for Madrid tomorrow and I believe Benzema would get a goal. 3pts to the Los Blancos.


Valencia: Los Che heard to Glasgow to take on Rangers, Los Che disappointed me in the last round of matches, when they failed to kill off Manchester united. I was mad when I heard that Man.utd scored and won Valencia. Los Che also lost to Barcelona over the weekend, which means they have failed their biggest tests so far. Luckily Rangers is not in the same league like their last opponents are. Rangers can blow Hot and Very cold, this is a winnable game for Los Che. They should go into the game with their minds expecting a victory, no more over cautiousness, they should be themselves and Rangers would fall.


Barcelona: Barcelona have what we consider the easiest game of this round, facing Copenhagen (no disrespect intentended) should get Pep so Happy. And the game is coming up in the Nou Camp, what more could they ask for? This game should be a straight out win for Barsa, but a lot of the time, Barsa can just decide to give the smaller team a result. So far this season, the smaller teams that are bold and hungry for results have gotten results against Barca. I do not think such shocks are over yet for Barcelona. But with Xavi close to full fitness, that can only mean one thing 3ptds for Barcelona. Let’s see if what stuff Copenhagen is made of, if they’ll keep up and continue the art of not reading the script by the smaller teams. I doubt they can.


Europa League

I’ll be lying if I can say I stick my neck out for La Liga teams here, especially after the Last round of games where even Sevilla were beaten at home and only Getafe flew the La Liga flag in a positive way by winning. Well maybe I’m just in a rush to cry and do hopes La Liga revival can start all over again. It would be nice if teams like Getafe and Villareal are in the Final (can’t say if Atletico Madrid and Sevilla really want the cup). But well it’s a bit too early to be talking about finals, so I’ll just go through a quick fire prediction of the games to come.

Getafe: Stuggart Vs Getafe has the making of an exciting game, New coach for stuggart and players eager to prove they can deliver in front of their home crowd up against a Getafe who do not care if your team is named Bayern Munich or Barcelona, they’ll still attack you, I wouldn’t be surprised if Getafe comes back from Deutschland with 3pts. I go for a win for Getafe, confidence and morale of the team from Madrid is to high at the moment.

Sevilla: SK Karpaty vs Sevilla FC: Honestly I don’t know what to make here, I would have expected Sevilla to win, but since their performance against Barcelona and Braga, I quit having expectations of Sevilla, even though Manzano is in charge (I see a bright future for them).

Atletico Madrid: Atletico Madrid vs Rosenborg, I took a good look at Costa during Madrids win over Getafe over the weekend, I liked what I saw, if he can get more service upfront, I think he’ll make a good backup to Kun, I go for a straight win for Atletico. Rosenborg shouldn’t pose any threat …….. Heck no, they will pose plenty of threat with direct style of attack and the main question they’ll ask of Madrid, is can they be consistent in results?

Villareal: Villareal vs POAK, another chance for Altidore to prove he is not a fluke (not to sound too harsh, I do not consider him a striker), let’s hope that someone reads this and passes it on to Him (Altidore) and he delivers so his fans can come blast me. But seriously, dude needs to work on his positioning in the box, depending on what team Villareal throws out, I see a comfortable win or a close victory with a late goal deciding proceedings.


On a Final Note I’ll stick my head out and say La Liga would have six victories and a draw in Europe, for those of you who place bets, be kind to share the returns with you know who, If you lose some $$ based on my predictions, well pretend like you have never seen or heard of me before J

Gamper Trophy: FC Barcelona - AC Milan August 25 2010

Tickets on sale for a classic matchup between two powerhouses of World Football.

Marco Borriello Goal Against Genoa

Real Madrid VS AC Milan Champions League Match day 3 Preview

The 21st of October, 2009 is such a significant day for European Football. Europe's most culminated teams, Los Merengues and the Rossoneri. Kaka's Real Madrid to meet Ronaldino's AC Milan in what can be called the clash of the European Titans.

Match Profile
Match Day 3 of the Champions League Group Stage 2009/2010.
Wednesday 21/10/2009 18:45 GMT
Santiago Bernabeu. Madrid , Spain.
Referee: Frank De Bleeckere

Real Madrid ... Before The Match :
The comeback of Florentino Perez to the presidential scene promoted Real Madrid to have one of the most complete squads in the last few years, completed with a well rounded couch ; Manuel Pallegreni. Although Real Madrid havent found their form just yet , they have found the way to the goal. Real Madrid is 2nd in La Liga behind Barcelona with only 1 point margin. Their last match was against Valladolid which they won 4-2. Since this year's Champions League final is to be played on the pitch of Santiago Bernabue, this should be an added catalyst for Real Madrid to perform. Cristiano Ronaldo, Real's danger man is going to miss today's game.

AC Milan ... Before The Match :
Lenardo's men are not having the season of the their life. Ac Milan is 8th in the Italian League and with their latest win against Roma 2-1 they have eased some of the pressure they are going under. Milan's Champions League form is not better, either their last surprising loss against Zurich but them second in the group with Marseille behind them due to goal difference. The European Derby should prove Critical for AC Milan, if they win tonight they will have the confidence to improve in all competition .

Players To Watch For :
Real Madrid's Kaka
Real Madrid's Iker Casillas
AC Milan's Ronaldinho's
Ac Milan's Pato

By: Hamdi Al-Haddad.

A FEW RANDOM THOUGHTS ON SERIE A

What's Wrong with Milan?? My Opinion, they didn't replace Kaka with anything close to what he does on the field. Ronaldinho is not anywhere near the player Kaka is. They seem also to have become Pato-dependant. and let's be honest Leonardo is no Ancellotti. (see Chelsea in EPL)
Genova Ah the Birthplace of Columbus, The city celebrates as both squads are perfect through 2 matches. Genoa must be complimented because even though they sold both Milito and Thiago Motta, they have brought in players like Floccari and others to assure a run at a Champions league spot this season. Sampdoria what to say The Law Firm of Pazzini-Cassano work all to well together. Lazio how about Lazio? It's Ballardini magic. Julio Cruz Mauro Zarante Tomasso Rocchi.
and on the other side of the capital there's big time turmoil.
Coach Luciano Spaletti admits that he has lost the team, "The Club Hierarchy doesn't back me so the team doesn't follow me" he said following Saturday's home defeat to Juventus. He is about to lose his job in my opinion.
If Fabio Quagliarella had scored that goal from the center circle in the 4th minute Yesterday, (the ball hit the crossbar bounced down and missed crossing the line by about 3cm)the Stadium would have collapsed. As it was, he scored twice and dedicated the goals to the fans at the San Paolo.
Juventus Brings Fabio Grosso back to Italy Great move for a great team. They will break Inter's hold on the scudetto.

PENSIERI A CASO SULLA SERIE A

Qualli sono i problemi del Milan?? Nel mio modesto parere Non hanno saputo sostituire Kaka nel modo Giusto. Ronaldinho non e neanche l'ombra di Kaka a livello di giocatore. Credo che il Milan e diventato Pato-dipendente, e poi se vogliamo essere onesti, Leonardo non e al Livello di Ancellotti. (vedi il Chelsea nella Premiership).
Genova ah, luogo di nascita di Colombo. La Citta e in festa per le 2 squadre a punteggio-pieno dopo due goiornate. Il Genoa deve essere Complimentato perche nonostante che son partiti gente come Milito e Thiago Motta, Il mercato in entrata ha portato gente come Floccari ed altri per assicurare un Campionato da qualificazione per la Champions League. Sampdoria che dire, la societa Pazzini-Cassano S.P.A. funziona fintroppo bene.
Lazio, Riguarda la Lazio e la Magia Ballardini. Julio Cruz Mauro Zarate, Tomasso Rocchi mentre sulla sponda Giallorossa della capitale, ci sono problemi certo non facili da risolvere. L'allenatore Luciano Spaletti dopo la sconfitta casalinga ad opera della Juventus ha dechiarato "la societa non mi e piu a fianco, quindi la squadra non mi segue piu". Credo che fra non molto saltera la sua panchina.
Se Fabio Quagliarella avesse segnato quel gol da centro-campo al 4' (la palla si e stampata sulla traversa sceso e mancato di non piu di 3cm di superare la linea di porta) sarebbe crollato il San Paolo. Nonostante l'episodio, Quagliarella ha poi segnato una doppietta. Dedicando I gol ai tifosi del San Paolo.
La Juventus riporta Fabio Grosso in Italia, Grande aquisto per una grande squadra. Vinceranno lo scudetto, rompendo cosi il dominio recente del l"Inter.

MILAN ARE BEATEN BY BENFICA ON PENALTIES IN THE EUSEBIO CUP

The Negative preseason of the Rossoneri continues, as they lose to Benfica on Penalties 5-4 Milan had only tied the game on a Portuguese Own-goal in the 86th minute . In the Penalties Andrea Pirlo Marek Jankuloski and Marco Borriello scored while Ronaldinho, Thiago Silva and Zambrotta and Antonini missed.
I guess they miss Ricardo Kaka, good thing they didn't sell Andrea Pirlo too.
The Loss is the 6th Consecutive in the preseason for the Rossoneri.
How long will Leonardo last???? (what if they lose to Siena?)

Il precampionato negativo del Milan continua. I rossoneri battuti ai Rigori dal Benfica perdono 5-4 (dcr) la Coppa Eusebio.
Il Milan aveva pareggiato 1-1 solo grazie ad una autorete dei Portoghesi al 86' solo per essere condanatti dal dischetto
Per Il Milan hanno segnato dal dischetto Andrea Pirlo Marek Jankuloski e Marco Borriello mentre hanno sbagliato Ronaldinho, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta e Antonini
Credo che gli manca Ricardo Kaka, menomale che non si sono privati anche di Andrea Pirlo.
La sconfitta e la sesta consecutiva per il Milan in questo precampionato.
Leonardo quanto durera sulla panchina???? (e se perdessero col Siena?)

New Faces: Oguchi Onyewu, AC Milan

Oguchi Onyewu was a surprise move for most of us to AC Milan. The move wasn't heavily rumored so when the signing was announced I was in shock. I am a USA supporter and a Gooch supporter. For the last five years Standard Liège of the Belgian League winning the league twice while he was there. For those of you who are not overly familiar with Onyewu he is 6'4" and a Center Back, a position AC Milan need to fill with stable bodies. He has 47 caps for the USA and 5 goals. He is a good header of the ball and can and will be used on set pieces. I can see Onyewu partnering up with another one of Milans new boys Thiago Silva. Though Nesta has played a part in the pre-season I highly doubt he will make a whole season and I do see Gooch stepping up and raising his game in Italy. The move to Milan can only make him a better player which is good for him and great for the US National Team.

Klaas Jaan Huntelaar Signs for AC Milan

The first victim of Galacticos 2.0 ( Term popularized by my friend Adam of RealMadridTalk) is Huntelaar. After arriving in January, the dutch striker will embark on a new adventure, an adventure that I think will showcase how much of a first class player Huntelaar is. Klass Jann came in the wrong time to Real Madrid and I'm sure that if this lad would have had a future in Real Madrid, he would have carved his name right up there with the Brazilian Ronaldo and to a lesser extent his countryman Ruud Van Nistelrooyj.

Klaas now is a Milanista after the deal was announced on Milan's website. " A.C. Milan communicate they have reached an agreement with Real Madrid for the purchase of striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. The Dutch footballer will be subjected to the medical checks tomorrow, after which he will sign a contract which will keep him at the Rossoneri club until 30 June 2013."  The expected amount of the deal is set to be € 15 million, which is a bargain deal in my opinion as Huntelaar is the type of players that comes once in a life time.

At the end,  all I could say is arrivederci Huntelaar & Buona fortuna.

Ricardo Kaka: Life of a Football Great.

Tuesday, June 30th 2009 is the day we will finally saw a football great joining a giant ... Ricardo Kaka left Milan to join Madrid.

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite (Kaka) was born on 22nd of April 1982 to financially secure family in Brasília.

Kaka's first step in football was when he was discovered by Brazilian club Sao Paulo FC while playing in the youth team Alphaville. Ricardo kaka continued to grow in skill as he was reaching 18 years of age, yet he suffered from a career threatening swimming-pool accident  but his will and professionalism enabled him to make remarkable full recovery. Kaka being  a spiritual individual, he attributed his recovery to god.

His professional football career at Sao Paulo FC made a lot of people turn their heads to a great talent in the making. Kaka made a wonderful debut on January 2001 where he came as a substitute and scored 2 goals in 2 minutes, helping his team to win their only Torneio Rio-São Paulo championship. Kaka made 22 appearances in the next season, scoring 10 goals. Soon enough, kaka was attracting attention for major European Football clubs, that being a sign for the end of his Sao Paulo career. Kaka made 58 caps for Sao Paulo scoring 23 times.

The wise eyes at Italian football club AC Milan saw the raw talent of Ricardo which propelled them to make an offer of €8.5 million in 2003 which was accepted by Sao Paulo FC. It only took Kaka a month to crack his way to the first team line up at milan making his first appearance on the 2-0 win against Ancona in the Serie A. Kaka made 30 caps scoring 10 goals helping his team win Scudetto and the UEFA Super Cup. Next season for Kaka was less impressive as Milan finished second in Scudetto and losing the Final of the Champions League to Liverpool, but Kaka was voted as the best midfielder in the Champions League none the less. Kaka made 36 appearances in the 2004/2005 season.

Shevchenko's departure to Chelsea allowed Kaka to step into more pivotal role at the Milan offense, alternating between the midfield and being a striker up front  in the 2006/07 season. Kaka finished that season being the top scorer at the UEFA Champions League with 10 goals. Kaka won his first Champions League as he provided the two assists in the match which Milan won against Liverpool in the final.Kaka was voted the Vodafone Fans' Player of the Season in a poll of over 100,000 UEFA.com visitors. On 30 August, Kaká was named by UEFA as both the top forward of the 2006–07 Champions League season and Club Footballer of the Year. Kaka made his 200 appearance for Milan mean while winning the prestigious Ballon D'or with 444 votes way ahead of second placed Cristiano Ronaldo. Ricardo Kaka signed an extension of his contract with Milan until  2013 with Milan on February 29, 2008. Having such a wonderful career so far made The Times magazine to name Kaká in the Time 100, a list of the world's 100 most influential people.

Januaray 13th 2009 saw Man City making a £100 million offer for Ricardo Kaka. The player said that he doesn't want to leave his current team but if Milan wanted to sell him he will consider the offer. Milan fans protested the offer, pressuring the Milan administration to end negotiations with the English club.  Yet at the end of that season, Ricardo Kaka would leave AC Milan .. joining another giant in football.

Newly elected Real Madrid president Mr. Florentino Perez was reportedly ready to make a €68 Million offer to sign Kaka from Milan. For the first time there was no denying of the offer and it was attributed later to the declining financial position of Ac Milan. Barlesconi there after was quoted as saying "We cannot allow [AC Milan] to lose £70m [...] The reasons behind Kaká's departure would be economic."

On June 8,  Kaka signed a 6 years contract with Real Madrid for a bid believed to reach the €67.2  million mark thus being the first player to be bought by Perez in his second term as Real Madrid president. Kaka  cited his move as to help Milan improve their financial position, saying Real Madrid was the only club where would have moved.

His International Career is nothing less impressive.  Kaka was called up for the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship but they were knocked out after losing to Ghana in the the quarterfinal. Kaka made his debut against Bolivia in the friendly which Brazil won 2-0. Ricrdo was part of the 2002 World Cup winning team but he only played 25 minutes in the first round against Costa Rica. In 2003, Kaka was made captain for  the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament. Brazil finished runner-ups as they lost to Mexico in the final. Kaka Scored 3 goals in the tournament

In 2005 , Kaka participated with his national team in 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup, playing in all 5 games, winning the championship final against Argentina. Kaka scored 1 goal in the 4-1 win in the final .

the 2006 World cup saw kaka failing to keep up with the momentum of the tournament, only scoring one goal. Brazil was knocked out of the World cup after losing to France in the quarterfinal.

Kaka attributed his absence to play in the 2007 Copa América to his exhaustive schedule. He later returned to play for Brazil against Algeria in a friendly match on August 22, 2007

In 2009, Kaka lead his team to to win the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, scoring 2 goals in one match against Egypt and playing in the 3-2 win against the US in the final.

It is worth noting that when ever Kaka scores, Brazil never loses.

Cissokho to Milan?

No, I guess Aly Cissokho will not play in Milan next season because the French left back did not pass the medical examination in Milan. Here's the interesting thing:  it's because of his dental problems.

Whuh? Now I realize the signing of the 21 year old from FC Porto is risky, considering the fact that the player plays in wilderness of Portugal, oh and he played in t he French second division before that, but please will people stop making up stuff? Since when are dental issues linked with "muscle injury and specifically with hernias."1

And since when is Milan all that concerned with dental issues?

Milan Acquires Cissokho From Porto

A.C. Milan has acquired 22-year old defender Aly Cissokho from Porto of Portugal in a first step towards rebuilding a defense which has some age on it.
In other news Napoli coach Donadoni has asked Milan Midfielder Massimo Ambrosini to consider coming to Napoli.
In Confederations Cup News. The Azzurrri will not have Captain Fabio Cannavaro due to injury. There is also a possibility that Nicola LeGrottaglie might not play.
As a sidenote the altitudes where the Confederations Cup will be played are appx 1700 meters of Pretoria and the appx 1300 meters of Johanasburg.

IL MILAN HA AQUISTATO CISSOKHO DAL PORTO

Il Milan ha aquistato Aly Cissokho dal Porto. Il defensore 22-enne Senegalese viene in Italia come il primo pezzo della riconstruzione della difesa Rossonera. Altri Notizie
L’allenatore Del Napoli Donadoni ha chiesto se sara disponibile Massimo Ambrossini a raggiungerlo al Napoli.
Per la Confederations Cup, L’italia sara senza il suo capitano Fabio Cannavaro per infortunio. Forse anche Nicola LeGrottaglie dovra saltare la manifestazione per infortunio.
dato di fatto. Le Partite si giocano al altezza di 1700 metri a Pretoria e 1300 metri a Johanesburg L’inizio sara domani alle 20:30 (ora Italiana) con avversario Stati Uniti.

Updated: Pre-Season US & Canada Tour Dates

FC Barcelona
August 1: Barcelona vs. LA Galaxy at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
August 5: Barcelona vs. Seattle Sounders at Qwest Field, Seattle, Washington

Real Madrid
August 7: Real Madrid vs. Toronto FC at BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario
August 9: Real Madrid vs. DC United at FedEx Field, Washington DC

AC Milan
July 19: AC Milan vs. LA Galaxy at the Home Depot Center, Carson, California
July 22: AC Milan vs. Club America at the Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
July 24: AC Milan vs. Chelsea FC at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
July 26: AC Milan vs. Inter Milan at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Inter Milan
July 19: Club America vs. Inter Milan at Stanford Stadium, Palo Alto, California
July 21: Chelsea FC vs. Inter Milan at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
July 26: AC Milan vs. Inter Milan at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Chelsea FC
July 19: Seattle Sounders vs. Chelsea FC at Qwest Field, Seattle, Washington
July 21: Chelsea FC vs. Inter Milan at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
July 24: AC Milan vs. Chelsea FC at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
July 26: Chelsea FC vs. Club America at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Everton FC
July 25: Everton vs. River Plate at Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, Alberta
July 29: Everton FC vs. MLS All-Stars at Rio Tinto Stadium - Sandy, Utah

Club America
July 11: Club America vs. Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium - Sandy, Utah
July 19: Club America vs. Inter Milan at Stanford Stadium, Palo Alto, California
July 22: AC Milan vs. Club America at the Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
July 26: Chelsea FC vs. Club America at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

River Plate
July 22: River Plate vs. Toronto FC at BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario
July 25: Everton vs. River Plate at Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, Alberta

Zidane and Friends Tour vs Canadian All Stars
June 25: Zidane and Friends Tour vs Canadian All Stars, BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario
July 4: Zidane and Friends Tour vs Canadian All Stars, BC Place, Vancouver, BC


There has been some talk about Napoli having a couple of friendlies in Canada and the US. As soon as more information is available I will put it up. If you know of any confirmed matches please let us know.

Offical: Kaká Signs For Real Madrid

It is official. Kaká has signed a six year deal with Real Madrid worth around $90 million. The deal between AC Milan and Real Madrid has broken the world transfer record that was previously done with Zinedine Zidane when he transferred from Juventus to Real Madrid in 2001. From 2003 - 2009 Kaká made 193 appearances for AC Milan and scored 70 goals. While with Milan he won the Scudetto in 2004, Italian Super Cup in 2004, UEFA Champions League 2007, UEFA Super Cup 2007 as well as the individual honors of the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2007.

I’ll have more reaction on this later. I knew it was coming we all did. But loosing a player of Kaká’s caliber AC Milan must replace him. It won’t be easy but if the club has ambitions for next season in Serie A and the Champions League Kaká must be replaced.

MILAN TRYING TO ACQUIRE DIEGO FORLAN

The Rossoneri are in talks with Atletico Madrid in an attempt to bring top scorer in La Liga Diego Forlan to Milan. What Atletico would want in exchange is not quite known, but I'm sure the talks are very serious.

On the other side of Milan, Massimo Moratti says he will give Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Barcelona if Barca gives him Eto'o plus 40 million Euro.

Juventus will officially acquire Gaetano D'agostino from Udinese tommorow.

Napoli is talking to Juventus about Paolo De Ceglie but has to Compete with Udinese on that front.
In Other Napoli News of a Sentimental nature Napoli and Under 23 defender Fabiano Santacroce got married today to his Fiancee Annamaria Calabrese who is a Neapolitan fashion Model.

The coaching changes continue Walter Novellino goes to Reggina in Serie B.