RCD MALLORCA new kit/nueva camiseta 2011-2012

El Bermellon have released their new kits for the season. The shirt maker is Macron and the sponsor is Bet-at-home.com.

From left to right, Juan Calatayud ( new goalkeeper), Sergio Tejera (midfielder) , Gianni Zuiverloon (new rightback), Emilio Nsue (winger and canterano) and Pep Martí (vice captain & midfielder) displayed the latest kits this week.

The new home jersey worn by Pep Marti, is red with a retro 'V' collar and black shorts. The away kit modeled by Zuiverloon is all white, also with a retro 'V' collar.

The team has also released a new training kit (modeled by Emilio Nsue) and new leisurewear (see Sergio Tejera). The new goal keeper uniform is all orange as demonstrated by Juan Calatayud. (This color is quite popular this year in La Liga.)

Forza Futbol Spain La Liga Tour 2012

Hola chicos y chicas, yours truly, Elisa from Forza Futbol is heading on a dream trip back to España to drink wine, eat pintxos, take in some Picasso and Gaudi, relax on the beach and most importantly see some LIVE football! La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League, Europa League, Segunda, La Roja, La Rojita are all a possibility!

The plan is three weeks, four cities, football, culture, travel, and food. Madrid, Bilbao, Barçelona and Valencia are the targeted cities. Hopefully I can watch at least one game per city, but you never know. I am trying to get press credentials for each game too!!



Draft itinerary: March 7th – 27th


Valencia: Fallas, Valencia game at Mestalla (Valencia v Mallorca) and meet up with friends for coffee. (March 8th – 13th)

Bilbao: Athletic Bilbao game at San Mames (most likely Athletic v Valencia), Stadiurm Tour, visit San Sebastian and Pamplona, pintxos! (March 14th - 19th)

Barçelona: Barçelona game at Camp Nou (Barçelona v Granada), Gaudi, Costa Brava, and Las Ramblas (March 19th – 23rd)

Madrid: Real Madrid game at the Bernabeu (most likely Real Madrid v Real Sociedad), Stadium Tour, meet up with friends for drinks, el Prado, and Bull Fight!! (March 23th – 27th)


What am I missing? It’s been a loooong time since I have been back to Madrid. This will be my first time in Bilbao, Valencia, and Barçelona. The last time I visited Spain, I spent all of my time in Andalusia. Let's meet up!

I most likely will only have 5 days per city, but I want to eat and drink may way through Spain and get the most bang for my buck from a football and travel perspective. I most likely will be traveling from city to city via AVE or fly.

I want to hear from you guys! What are the must dos in Spain? What are your suggestions to make this trip as smooth as logistically possible? What are the best airlines, especially considering intercity jumps? What are the best places to stay, central, safe, but cheap? Is there such a thing? Apartment or BnB? What are the best restaurants and sights? What are the keys to the stadiums, tours, photos, access, contacts and media credentials, you name it! Help me out here! How can I make this the trip of a lifetime?


Please comment below, send me a facebook message (forza futbol page), send me a tweet (eu_forzafutbol) or an email (forza.futbol@yahoo.com). I am counting on you to get the inside scoop!

La Liga Team of Round 23

Round 23 was very exciting and a hard fought bunch of games. There were several relegation 6 pointers, as well as some difficult away fixtures for the top 4 teams. Only 22 goals this week and 4 clean sheets. Here is my best of the weekend:

Goal Keeper: Dudu Aouate (Mallorca)

The underrated Israeli had another solid game. The Barrallets managed an early goal. Soon afer, the three pronged attack of Iker Muniain, Javi Martinez, and Fernando LLorente pummelled the Mallorca goal. Dudu made save after save.

Defenders: Marc Torrejón (Racing Santander), Pepe (Real Madrid), Jose Angel (Sporting Gijón)

The ex Espanyol defender, Torrejón, was immense this weekend as he lead the 10 man Racing Santander defense against Sevilla. His best game to date. His team garnered 3 golden points in operation salvation.

Pepe returned after injury to the Real Madrid starting 11, against a very determined Espanyol After the early sending off of Iker Casillas in goal, Pepe stayed calm and was quick to intercept many threats on goal. He deserves that contract renewal asap.

Young canterano Jose Angel was a threat for Sporting Gijón, in defense and attack. He utilized his pace to full effect and contained the best right back in the world, according to many, Barçelona's Dani Alves. Who says you can't play Jose Angel and Roberto Canella!

Midfielders: Juan Rodriguez (Deportivo), Kennedy (Racing Santander), Francisco Farinós (Hércules), Francisco Portillo (Málaga), Joaquin (Valencia)

So difficult to choose one midfielder, so I picked 5. La Liga is midfielder heaven.

Juan Rodriguez, who is rumored to be going to Getafe in the summer, was instrumental in Depor's upset over Villarreal. He was a constant danger on the right and made sure that his team took all 3 points in operation salvation.

Kennedy has been a revelation in the midfield for Racing this year. He was extremely impressive, as he contained the Sevilla attack.

The veteran crack, one of the top Spanish transfers in the modern era, from Valencia to Inter Milan. Farinós,the old timer, now at Hércules, initiated the come back against follow relegation rival Real Zaragoza, with a goal and an assist to Trezeguet. His first start this season was one to remember.

The Málaga canterano, Portillo, with very limited primera experience, was instrumental in the midfield. He was key in the comeback against Getafe that ended with a point. Definitely one to watch.

The veteran winger, also one of the most expensive Spanish transfers, is finally playing to his potential. Joaquin, the captain and ex Betico, led the comeback against Atlético Madrid away, and netted two quality goals for the win.

Strike Force: Raúl Tamudo (Real Sociedad), Felipe Caicedo (UD Levante)

Basque derbies are extremely physical and rife with anti-football. But it was only a matter of time that La Real, with all their chances, would score. Tamudo came through with a cheeky goal. His first attempt was blocked, but on the rebound, he managed to pull off a hospitable ball into the back of the net, with his back to goal.

Felipe Caicedo has been immense for the Valencian team, who are now on a bit of a run. A 6 pointer against Almerîa, with controversy. Caicedo came through with the only goal. Clinical.


3-5-2: AOUATE; TORREJON, PEPE, JOSE ANGEL; JUAN RODRIGUEZ, PORTILLO, FARINOS, KENNEDY, JOAQUIN; TAMUDO, CAICEDO

Best XI of Round 18 in La Liga

Week 18 in Spain, brought us lots of goals, 34, in fact. The home teams were very prolific in fact, for the most part. Lots of thrills, and a big Monday upset.

Here is my best XI from the round in a 4-4-2 formation.


GOAL KEEPER:

Ricardo (Osasuna)- the ex Manchester United 3rd striker had a blinder at the Reyno de Navarra up against Getafe. Particularly at the end when the Azulones pummelled his goal mouth. Too bad his team weren't able to score.


DEFENSE:

Martin DiMichelis (Málaga) - the newcomer shined in his debut. After some early nervousness, the solidified the defense with his leadership and positioning. Plus he netted a goal. I am sure his happy to be back with his old River Plate coach, Pellegrini.

Ivan Ramis (Mallorca) - consistently impervious at the back when playing at home. The Barralets have only conceded four at home, which is the 2nd best record in La Liga, after Villarreal. A leader, plus he scored one from a set piece this week.

Cata Diaz (Getafe) - some call him a thug, but he was a wall against Osasuna. Sure he received another yellow card, but he is a key part of the madrileños back line.

Martin Caceres (Sevilla) - Strong, versatile, quick and ballsy. The Uruguayan intervened with some decisive tackles and blocks and helped keep a very difficult Real Socieadad at bay.


MIDFIELD:

Luis Garcia (Espanyol) - The veteran has really improved his game this year and plays with confidence and guile. Even with the injury to Osvaldo, Luis Garcia and the Pericos destroyed Javier Aguirre's Zaragoza. Fortress Cornellá continues.

Duda (Málaga) - The Portuguese winger and dead ball specialist has returned from injury with a vengeance. His pinpoint crosses create a constant aerial threat and he was responsible for the opening goal. Now if his team would practice their finishing.

Iniesta (Barça) - No Xavi, no problem, the illusionista took control of the midfield and created some beautiful plays against Depor. This wasn't enough for the Balon d'Or runner up, he wanted a goal of his very own.

Messi (Barça) - Balon d'Or, two assists and a goal, the complete player, nuff said.


STRIKERS:

Freddy Kanoute (Sevilla) - The veteran has a nose for goal. The Mali international is trying to pick up this team, shake the bad patch, and get back into Europe. Looks like the Nervion is finally starting to gel.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) - Los Merengues were up against a very tough Villarreal, but CR7 never let up. He kept running, pushing forward, leading the counter attack. His reward for hard work was a hat trick for the day. His fitness and form always kept Los Blancos in the game.


Agree? Disagree? Any surprises> Any unjust omissions? What do are your thoughts?

Real Club de Mallorca Best XI of the Decade

Continuing our series of looking at the best players of the decade, we turn to our friend Jeremy Tanner from the Mallorca Offside blog for his Best XI.

I am going with a 4-3-1-2 formation based on the strengths of the club.

Let's start with the two strikers. Mallorca has had lots of good strikers, many of which performed better for other clubs, but my top two choices were not that difficult to make.

SAMUEL ETO'O(2000-04)

If you have watched Eto'o for any length of time, you know his greatness. He was Real Madrid owned yet at age 19 in 2000, came to Mallorca where he spent four seasons showing the flashes of talent that led him to even more goal scoring success at Barca and now Inter. With over 150 appearances for Mallorca and 50 plus goals, he is probably our best player of the decade and has stated often he wants to finish his career in Palma.

DANI GUIZA(1999-03, 2007-08)

Any long time Mallorca fan knows the wasted promise that was Guiza in the early part of the decade. He started as part of the B team as a youngster and did nothing by the time he left in 2003. He returned as a project in 2007 and spent the next year winning the Pichichi as La Liga's top goal scorer with 27 goals, none of which were PKs. He simply dominated and put his partying ways aside to develop his talent which lead to a place in Spain's winning team for EURO 2008. While he then took the money and went to Turkey where he has regressed. His foundation in Mallorca in the early part of the decade with a return for a magical season earns him the partnership with Eto'o. These two at their best would match up with any strike partnership of any team this decade.


Midfield

For a small club, Mallorca has had some great midfielders as well over the past decade so picking four is not as obvious as it may seem. I am picking the obvious talented and long serving choices, but including a couple of supremely talented players who made brief contributions to the team or may see their full potential realized elsewhere.

In this formation, I am going to add a "Triquartista" attacking midfielder and that choice is:

BORJA VALERO(2007-08, 2009-10)

In terms of a decade long analysis, this may be a slight reach, but I think he belongs in this team. He is basically a Real Madrid man, but he came to Mallorca in 2007-08 and did not do a lot, was then sold to West Brom for 08-09, but came back to Mallorca for 2009-10 where he was our best player and lead the team to a 5th place finish. Take him off that team and we are mid table. His talent is obvious and at age 25, he is now in Villarreal and is a big part of the future for the Spanish national team. Players who stand out in Mallorca but will make it big elsewhere are the epitome of Mallorca's team and players like Valero and my next midfield choice should have a few places on this team.

The next choice is:
GONZALO "CHORI" CASTRO(2007-Current).

I am going to go with him for the final spot in the midfield over Fernando Varela, who was a little more steady over a longer time in the decade but simply not as good. Castro came to Palma from his home country of Uruguay in 2007. He started slow but took over for Valera in 2009 and spent 2009-10 becoming one of Mallorca's top players. Still only 26, he will move on and likely get more recognition elsewhere. Because most of the other midfielders who did not make this team may have played longer and held starting positions for longer, they simply were not spectacular enough to stand out and make an all decade team.

The last two places in the midfield are probably the most obvious as these two guys combined talent and longevity to making Mallorca a better squad.

ARIEL IBAGAZA(1998-03, 2006-08) is an obvious choice for the midfield. He came to Mallorca from Argentina in 1998 and was part of the CL qualifying team and the Copa winning team. He left in 2003 and returned in 2006 playing two more years before heading on to Villarreal. His leadership and ability to read the game might put him on any all time Mallorca team not to mention the team of the decade. With over 200 appearances in the decade and the ability to make those around him better, earns him a place on this team.

The last spot in our midfield goes to JUAN ARANGO(2004-09), the best player ever to come out of Venezuela. After some early years in the Mexican league, he came to Palma in 2004 and spent 5 years with us where he was likely the best player in the team while they struggled to survive. After combining with Guiza in 2008-09 to help make Mallorca one of the most exciting teams around, he was sold to Monchengladbach in Germany for a paltry 3 million. He was a faster, higher scoring Carlos Valderrama type player who controlled the game for Mallorca in the midfield, but scored many big goals when needed as an attacking midfielder. He and Borja Valero are so good that they would fight for that attacking midfielder role, but I would keep Arango behind Valero on the field simply because of his maturity and the ability to read the game. Another player who would probably make a Mallorca all time team in addition to the team of the decade.

The back four is where it gets a bit tough as most of Mallorca's stand out defenders played early in the decade and unless you are a real Mallorca fan, you may not know many of these guys.

The first choice is probably pretty obvious in MIGUEL ANGEL NADAL.

Nadal is Mallorca through and through as he is from the island and started his career in 1986. He spent the 90s playing for Barca but returned to Palma in 1999 and played out his career until 2005. Even in his later years, he was still strong in the back and his heading and leadership was second to none. Part of the CL and Copa del Rey winning teams in the first half of the decade, he is another player that probably makes an all time team in addition to an all decade team. He is now part of the coaching staff with Laudrup and will likely take over for him when Laudrup is either fired or can't be paid or if the team is successful and Laudrup's ego takes him to a bigger club. One word for Nadal is simply Legend.


IVAN RAMIS(2001-current; on loan to Valladolid 05-06)

Ramis makes this team because not only has he been a solid player the whole decade starting with the B team at age 16 and the top level since 2004 at age 20, but because he has improved to the point where now, at age 26, he is Mallorca's top defender and is coveted by top clubs. He missed out on a move to Celtic last year but is still likely to be sold when the right offer comes in as he is now at peak value. Like Nadal, he is strong at the back and his height makes him great at clearances, but his stability, improvement, and overall contributions the entire decade all by age 26, earn him a place on this all decade team.


FERNANDO NAVARRO(2005-08).

After developing in the Barcelona system, Navarro came to Mallorca in 2005 and spent 3 seasons drastically improving while helping Mallorca transition from relegation struggler to European challenger. His toughness, consistency, and strength, in over 100 appearances for the club, caused him to stand out enough to earn a place on the national squad for Spain for EURO 2008 and a move to Sevilla that summer. At age 28 he is an important player for Sevilla and like many players, we got to see a portion of his prime and development in Palma.


FERNANDO NINO(1998-2005).

Nino is best known for the stability he helped create in the back with Nadal as they were the strength of the defense for the first half of the decade while Mallorca saw so many other players try to earn regular places. He was a big part of the CL team and the Copa winning side. Like Nadal his heading, strength, leadership, and durability, gave the coaches a player they could count on for years until an injury cut short his career in 2005. Like most defenders, he earned his reputation quietly and over a long period of time.


Keeper

LEO FRANCO(1999-04)

Despite the great play of current keeper Aouate, the decade long potential that was Miguel Moya, the player of the decade in goal has to be Franco. With almost 150 appearnces in the first half of the decade, he gave a lot to the team before moving on to Atletico Madrid. He was the keeper on the 3rd place team from 2000-01 and won the Copa del Rey in 2003. While certainly up and down in his performances, his longevity and team results says something. He was a solid keeper and his results earn him this spot even though Aouate and Moya probably are better overall keepers from a talent standpoint.


Bench

For all the great choices, there are plenty of players that would make a nice bench even if most of them didn't play for Mallorca for very long or did not show their real talent until after they left.

Names like Riera, Luque, Tristan, Jonas Gutierrez, David Navarro, and Aritz Aduriz are players who would be great subs on this team.

For a small club, you would be hard to find a team with a better overall starting XI then Mallorca for the decade.

Best XI of Jornada 17 in La Liga

Spanish Football returned to our HDTVs, computers, and local stadiums. Here is my list of top performers from the first round of games in 2011.


Goal Keeper:

RCD Mallorca's Dudu Aouate easily saved and contained all of Hércules shots on goal. Consistent and solid, day in and day out.


Backline:

With Messi out, Dani Alves took over as provider, and tracked back to keep out a very difficult Levante. Two assists, what can you say. He owned Del Horno.

Some people call Málaga's Weligton a cheat, a hard man, and a pain in the a**. This past weekend he was solid defensively, scored a goal and was a critical piece of the 6 point game against Sporting Gijón in Asturias.


On loan from FC Barçelona, Racing Santander's Henrique was a wall in the backline. He was instrumental in keeping Kun Aguero & company away from Toño's goal. The kid is only 24 years old and has a lot of potential.


Midfield:

Valencia's Juanín Mata lifted this team on his back after Los Che was harshly taken down to 10 men. He lead attack after attack until lady luck intervened with an offside goal. But well what do they say, if it's only offside, if the ref calls it.

The biggest signing of the winter transfer market for Sevilla is the return of Jesus Navas. The quicksilver winger just brings so much pace and danger to the team. He created multiple chances, including the game winning goal. Welcome back Jesuscito.

The unsung destroyer, ball stealer, and Villarreal's king of the midfield, Bruno Soriano is the heir apparent to Marcos Senna.

Is he a winger or a support striker? I'm not sure even he knows, but he will need to continue his versatility throughout the second half of the season. Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo was decisive and clinical against a a tough to beat Getafe.


Strikers:

Named after a renowned 7th century cleric from Zaragoza, Braulio appeared out of nowhere in stoppage time to earn only the second win for los maños. That said, Javier Aguirre's men are looking hopeful.

The often forgotten striker from Asturias has awaken at the perfect time for Deportivo La Coruña. Adrian is on a bit of a streak now and had a solid game in San Mames.

No Messi, no problem, never fear, Pedro's here to save the day. Barça started flat, so Pedro took the bull by the horns, along with the aforementioned Alves, and with an individual piece of brilliance and clinical finishing. Pedro's star just keeps rising.



Aouate

Dani Alves - Henrique - Weligton

Navas - Bruno - Mata - Ronaldo

Pedro - Braulio - Adrian

Greece is the Word for Spanish Players & Coaches

Greece is an amazing place to visit and live. It has nice beaches, good food, and a passionate soccer culture. This is something that the Spanish footballers and coaches seem to know. In the last few years, many Spaniards have come to Greece to play soccer in the Football League (the first category in the Greek championship).

Let’s see who have come to play and who are making a difference in their teams and who have failed to live up the big expectations.


Olympiakos

In the summer, Riera left Liverpool for Olympiakos. Albert began his career in Mallorca. He then played two years in Bordeaux and ended up at Espanyol. There, with Ernesto Valverde as a coach, he was the star of the team. The good performances opened the door for the national team and Liverpool. In Anfield he started well, but eventually clashed with Rafa Benitez. He became a back up with little playing time, and chose to move to Olympiakos to play with his old coach Ernesto Valverde. At this team he could be the star, and live with his brother, Sito Riera, who plays in another Greek team, Panionios. The beginning of the new adventure wasn’t easy. His performances were not so good initially and questions arose from the supporters « is this the player we signed for 4 million (plus another potential €2 million in bonuses)»? Riera eventually started slowly to adapt, and gave some flashes of his talent. In 12 matches he has scored four goals now, and for sure, he has still much to show.

The former Liverpool player isn’t the only Spanish player at Olympiakos.
David Fuster came from Villarreal to the Greek side. He also played with Ernesto Valverde during his short stint and the Castellon club. Valverde seems to know how to use Fuster. The 28-year-old player has played 13 matches and scored four goals, a good number for an attacking midfielder.

Valverde also brought Moises Hurtado from Espanyol. (Another former player of Valverde's) Hurtado was the rock of midfield for his previous team, but some injuries haven’t allowed him to show his true abilities. Moises is an experienced player and has the level to be an excellent player for the Greek League. The team expects him to be a key player in 2011.

Raul Bravo has played at Olympiakos from 2007. The former Real Madrid player is a shadow of his former self and his performances have been poor.


Panathinaikos

Olympiakos isn’t the only side that has Spanish players. Panathinaikos is one of the best teams in Football League. Ex Porto and Málaga coach Jesualdo Ferreira is at the helm. There are two players from Spain are playing in that side, Josu Sariegi and Luis Garcia. Josu has been in Greece since 2007. He is a good defender, but a bit slow, and this is a problem when he plays against a quick player. Luis Garcia came to the club this summer. He gas played in big teams, like Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and Liverpool, but faded recently in the Spanish league. In nine matches at Panathinaikos he has scored once, but he lack fitness. But, I feel confident once he hits form, with his quality, he can do special things.


AEK Athens

AEK F.C. has Spanish coach, Manolo Jimenez, who took one very difficult job. AEK is the 3rd biggest team in Greece but has many economic problems. The former Sevilla coach isn’t a magician. It is expected that he will bring some players on loan from Spain and Seviila B.


PAOK

Victor Vitolo plays for PAOK. The defensive midfielder is one of the best footballers in his position in the League. He is an undisputed starter and has played 21 games so far in all competitions.


Aris FC

Aris F.C. looks like a Spanish team with 6 Spanish players and Ex Mallorca, Real Betis and Valencia coach, Hector Cuper at the helm. The team captain is Sergio Koke. He is a second striker who has played in Greece since 2006. He had played 121 times and scored 26 goals. This year he hasn’t played so well in the Football League, but he has played great in Europa League especially against Atlético Madrid. Oriol Lozano played six years at Racing Santander. In June 2010, the 29 year old did not see his contract renewed and moved to Greece. He is a rotation player so far with seven appearances in the League. Javito is a winger and he has played in Aris since 2006. He has 120 appearances and has scored 11 goals. He is a hard working player and very fit. He has great endurance. Juanma Barrero is the back up goalkeeper that has played three times this season. Alvaro Portilla is a winger with three appearances, but he will leave Aris, because his performances aren’t good enough. Another Spaniard, Cristian Portilla, will take his place. Cristian was a back up player at Sporting Gijon and he will try his luck at Aris.


Iraklis

In Iraklis they have found a very good defender, in Josemi. The former Mallorca and Liverpool player has played 14 times and is the rock in the defence of the Greek side.

The Football League isn’t in the top five of the best Leagues, but it is a league with a lot of potential, great rivalries, passionate fans and a terrific atmosphere at the games. With the influx of Spanish coaches and players, the league will continue to improve. I hope you enjoyed my trip around Greece.


Article by Konstantinos Efthimiadis for Forza Futbol

La Liga Team of the mid-season (excluding Barça & Real Madrid)

Well punters, I thought I would make things a little more interesting. Here's my La Liga starting 11 for the 2010-11 halfway point, excluding any of the super power teams aka Real Madrid & Barçelona.

Here we go:

Goalkeeper: Diego Lopez (Villarreal): overlooked, underrated, brilliant stops and positioning, need I say more.

Defense: Angel (Villarreal), Forlín and Victor Ruiz (Espanyol), Jose Angel (Sporting Gijón): Solid, consistent games for all of the above. Jose Angel playing out of his skin and only 21. Once the understudy for the injured Canella is the go to left back for los Gijóneses. Angel is another solid journeyman, who has really stepped up this year. The Espanyol dynamic duo are simply sublime and a wall in the perico defense.

Midfield: Xabi Prieto (Real Sociedad), Borja Valero (Villarreal), Tino Costa (Valencia), Chori Castro (Mallorca): Each of these players have been a key part of their team. Xabi Prieto, a veteran, leader, creator, who reads the game sublimely. Borja Valero just keeps getting better and better like a fine bottle of Rioja. Tino Costa, has this killer knack for goal. I call his shot,the blaster. The Argentina man played in France and Guadeloupe?? What a revelation! Chori Castro, the Uruguayan has had two break out years for Mallorca and will probably be moving to a bigger La Liga team in the summer. He is pacy, wily and intelligent.

Forwards: Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), David Trezeguet (Hercules): Fer has had an awesome year, ever since the World Cup. He has been prolific in goal, physical and a constant threat. Look out for those elbows. The "old French man" has demonstrated to the world that he still got it! His physical presence in front of goal. His futbol IQ has really made a difference for the team from Alicante. I am so happy that he is playing in La Liga de Estrellas!

Coach: Garrido (Villarreal) for promoting youth and beautiful football.

This is my mid season best XI. Do you agree? Give me yours.

UEFA Financial Fair Play and La Liga: Bad Moon Rising

With Mando's recent interview with Leander Schaerlaeckens of football finances, I decided to do a bit of research and read UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules. Here's a summary.

Based on the Bundesliga financial regulations, UEFA has enacted Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations that all clubs involved in European competitions must adhere to by the 2012-13 season.

Some of the key points are:

1) Teams who file for voluntary administration aka bankruptcy cannot play in Europe. We have already seen Mallorca was not allowed to play in Europe. Other teams such as Real Sociedad, Malaga, Levante, and close to filing Sporting Gijón would not be allowed to play in any European competitions, should they earn a place.

2) Teams will be required to break even. The latest figures released in May 2010, for the 2008-9 season indicated that only three teams were in the black in La Liga: Real Madrid, Barcelona and Numancia. Numancia has since been relegated. So much for financial prudence. Real Madrid and Barcelona earn 53% of La Liga revenues.

3) Teams will not be allowed to owe any past due payables towards football clubs IE transfer debt. This would detrimentally effect most La Liga teams. Just a quick example, Mallorca still owes 4 million dollars to Athletic Bilbao for the sale of Aritz Aduriz, who now plays his trade at Valencia.

4) Teams will not be allowed to owe any overdue payables towards employees and social/tax authorities. Recently, Valencia was unable to pay their players, in fact they paid them late. In this case, would Valencia be knocked out of Europe? According to the UEFA FFP regulations, the answer would be yes. Spanish La Liga debt in total amounted to $4.65 billion for the 2008-9 season.

5) Expenses that will NOT be included in the break even calculation, as they are encouraged for the good of the game, include: expenditures on youth development, expenditures on community development, and expenditures or costs related to facilities and infrastructure i.e., stadiums.

6) Loopholes: Single entity aka sugar daddies can invest in the club to the tune of $57M Euros in the first three years, and $38M in subsequent three years. in exchange for shares. The big boys (Real Madrid & Barcelona) will have an out to make the new laws work. In addition, their are no regulations to force clubs to reduce their debt. That said, it will be extremely for La Liga clubs to enact and adhere to these regulations, without losing a competitive edge.

If we look at the current European contenders only Barcelona and Real Madrid would qualify for Europe. Atlético Madrid, Valencia, and Villarreal all operate with huge loses. In fact salary and wages for Valencia, Sevilla, Real Betis, and Atlético Madrid are higher than revenues generated by the clubs. The only reason that these clubs manage to limit their losses is from the sale of players and real estate transactions. The bottom line is that the day to day business of football in La Liga, cannot cover costs.


There has got to be a grandfathering and adjustment period for La Liga, as well as exceptions and concessions, if not I do not see how any other teams,10- aside from the big two will be able to compete in Europe.

Sources: UEFA.com, Professor Jose Maria Gay on Spanish Football Finances, Cinco dias, Soccernet, Sport und Markt, Four Four Two

La Celeste in La Liga Jornada 6: EuroGeta Returns!

La Celeste in La Liga Jornada 6: EuroGeta Returns!
This weekend La Celeste teams grinded out plenty of draws. Only Coach Martin Lasarte’s Real Sociedad, reborn Sevilla, and EuroGeta were able to bring home all three points. Let’s see how the Uruguayans fared in Jornada 6 of La Liga.
Player of the Round: Pablo Pintos of Getafe had a fine debut. He was very strong in defense and potent in attack. He came in at the 45′ minute and made a difference in the 3-0 win against Hercules.


To read more go here:

La Liga Round 6: Crossroads

Another exciting week in La Liga with so many goals, 30 to be exact. Sevilla bounced back with an important win under their new manager, and Valencia remain on top.

Valencia beat Athletic de Bilbao at home 2-1. It was truly a game of two halves, where Valencia struck while the iron was hot in the first half, but almost allowed Athletic back into the game in the second. Dear old Athletic can be so frustrating. Game after game, they start off slow, but only turn on their engines when they go down a goal — usually in the second half. At least they never stop fighting. If only Joaquín Caparrós would start their two attacking X Factors: Iker Muniain and Markel Susaeta. Sometimes you need to take risks to beat the big boys.

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La Celeste in La Liga – Week 5 Levante Catenaccio

So far there are no clear cut leaders nor extremely poor teams in La Liga. As we continue to feel the after effects of a World Cup year, I expect to see more injuries, upsets, and unpredictability. This past week was no exception….
Player of the Round: RCD Mallorca’s Chori Castro is returning to form. He was an instrumental part of the 2-0 home win against Martin Lasartre’s lackluster Real Sociedad. Chori was lethal, controlled the left side, and extremely dangerous in attack. His best game of the season so far.
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Axe falls first on Antonio Alvarez

Five games and five weeks in, a uncharacteristically long time by Spanish standards, La Liga has its first managerial casualty of the season.

After a 2-0 defeat to Hercules on Sunday evening, Sevilla announced that Antonio Alvarez would be the first of undoubtedly tens of managerial changes this term.

In a widely anticiated move, Sevilla have again aid the rice for not acting during the summer. For the second consecutive season they played managerial blackjack in the off season and regretted sticking with what they already had.

Last season Maonolo Jimenez, despite his impressive cojones, was sacked in March. His replacement, Alvarez, was charged with the objective of getting an expensively assembled squad back into the Champions League. He did so. Just. And the decision to keep him was based somewhat on a false premise.

On the last day of the season Mallorca's players assembled in the centre circle of Son Moix after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Espanyol. Their comical and loveable mascot Demonio took to the pitch, champagne bottles in hand. Unbelievably, a club on the verge of bankruptcy had been saved. Thanks to the wonderful efforts of their manager, Gregorio Manzano, they were headed for a fourth place finish. Then as they watched in horror, an unheralded 19-year-old, Rodri, scored a 93rd (a them some) minute winner for Sevilla in Almeria.

Alvarez had achieved his goal. Or so they thought. Come August and a 5-3 aggreagate defeat to Braga in the Chamions League qualifiers, Alvarez's fate was sealed. A strong start to the domestic campaign only served to delay the inevitable. Sunday's loss, the first of the season in the league, was the final straw. But at least he has robbed his successor the chance of Champions League football, twice. The man now stepping into the breach at Sevilla, Gregorio Manzano. Funny old game and all that.

Alvarez's sacking has somewhat overshadowed another great performance from Hercules who are shaping up to be inconsistent, mad, exciting and a whole lot of fun deserately needed around the mid-table spots of the league. They were so good against Sevilla that even Royston Drenthe looked like that 'New Roberto Carlos' that Real Madrid signed three years ago.

Players being overprotected?

Two weeks ago after the Saturday evening game between Athletic Bilbao and Ateltico Madrid I supported Sid Lowe's assertion that sometimes madness is better than genius. In San Mames' latest Saturday night offering madness and genius were combined for a thoroughly entertaining fare. Barca beat Athletic 3-1 and again looked imperious, particularly in the creation of their first goal. However, the pattern of the game was determined by Fernando Amorebieta's sending off for a semi-lunge on Andres Iniesta. It was a challenge that on another day might have seen just a yellow but in the light of the 'protect the best players' debate precipitated by Ujfalusi's challenge on Messi last week, and which also got Ernesto Galan sent off for his challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo midweek, it was always going to see red.

Four-Point Roundup

1. Valencia are for real. Pace, skill, clinical finishing and good organisation is a heady mix. They should really test Man Utd in the Champions League this week and given the form of another team in white who knows...

2. Which leads to point two. Real Madrid are rubbish! Well, at least in front of goal. Six goals in five games it sounds all so Mourinho. Their drought is so bad that this week they couldn't even score against a side still in administration and whose highest earner (Felipe Caicedo, yes, thats right Felipe Caicedo is their highest earner) earns less than Ronaldo does in a week. Well played Levante!

3. Depor 0 Almeria 2 means that Depor have now gone 563 minutes without a goal from open play...quelle suprise.

4. That talk of madness being better than genius. See the first 43 minutes of Malaga-Villareal. At that point the score was 3-2 Villareal (including 2 corkers from little fat Santi Cazorla!). Anyway, at that point it was all too much fun for Carlos Marchena,record breaker, leg breaker and arguably La Liga's most evil man. Eliseu saw red for this 'assault' on poor Carlos, although (the only thing) in Marchena's defence, Eliseu is a dirty cheating scoundrel aswell.

Dimonio mania continues! RCD Mallorca!

Dimonio mania continues, in Catalan! What a riot! He needs security!

Dimonia! RCD Mallorca mascot girlfriend!

Dimonio's girlfriend mascot Dimonia! Que cute! RCD Mallorca rules!

Demonio Mania! RCD Mallorca mascot in action!

Check out the videos on RCD Mallorca's mascot Demonio!

Welcome Aboard, Watch Out for the Door on Your Way Out

Yes it's time to review the latest slate of suckers, no I mean Managers in La Liga for the 2008-9 Season. Managers can't win for losing. Yes they get paid the big bucks, but they get all the blame from the fans, players, staff management and press. This time around there are only 4 Foreign Managers in the Primera, very strange? (Schuster, Pellegrini, Aguirre and Kresic) Why the sudden decrease? That means 16 Spanish Managers. Is this the Golden Age of Managers, to go with the Golden Generation of Players? And only 8 manager changes in La Liga? (Guardiola, Lopez, Arconado, Emery, Marquez, Muñoz, Kresic, Tapia) Which means 12 Managers did the business and kept their job. Interesting...some stability? Well let's run down the list at the top of the table and let me know what you think.

1 Bernard Schuster - Real Madrid
He's back! Just friend of player, president and socio alike. Schuster did not bring to the club jogo bonito, but he brought harmony and a cohesiveness. He still has his detractors. Some may say the top of the table was weaker than normal. The real task will be this year as fans and background staff all yearn for La Decima. (The 10th Champions League Title) Will this be known as a cycle of stability at Madrid? Or will last year just be a fluke, riding on Fabio Capello's coat strings? It should be a very interesting year.

2. Manuel Pellegrini - Villarreal
The mild mannered Chilean Manager has brought this club back to greatness once again. They will be participating in the Champions League for the 2nd time in history and this time they are bringing some very interesting signings with a lot of quality. Of course the majority are South American, but Pellegrini knows that market intimately and is quite a crafty buyer to boot. Will they have enough depth to vie for all 3 titles? I say yes!

3. Pep Guardiola - Barcelona
The new kid on the block with the biggest job, IMO. Catalan born and bred in the Cryuff style. Can this superstar on the pitch succeed off the pitch? Does he have the man management skills and tactical nuance to battle with the big boys? Bringing in Pep so far has saved Joan Laporta's job, but just barely. He has spent the most money in La Liga and probably in World Football, this silly season. It will be very interesting to see how he will handle Ronaldhino and Eto'o should they stay at the Camp Nou. Is he in over his head? We shall see.

4. Javier Aguirre - Atletico de Madrid
Vasco had a very tough year last season. He had to break the mental barrier of Los Pupes. A disease that literally used to affect the team in the 2nd half of the season, so that they were always the nearly men. Nearly Europe that is. Kudos to Aguirre for building mental strength and fortitude. Looks like he is making some quality signings, especially in defense. Looks like Atletico is going to have another good year.

5. Manolo Jimenez - Sevilla
President Del Nido and company decided to stay with the ex player and youth team coach. Sevilla had an extremely tough year with the death of Antonio Puerta early on and the loss of Juande Ramos. They missed the CL and now have to settle for UEFA Cup. Is Manolo the man to bring Sevilla to the glory of two years ago? Not sure.

6. Juan Roman Lopez - Racing de Santander
The ex Malaga jefe, did wonders last year to earn promotion for the Anchovies back to La Primera. And his prize, well the Manager position at Racing. Can Lopez fill Marcellino's shoes? Does this small team from Cantabria have the depth and money to compete in the UEFA Cup? Is the team a Celta Vigo or a Sevilla? The reinforcements have been little to none, thus far. The future looks hazy.

7. Gregorio Manzano - Real Mallorca
The Spanish Manager made do with what he had and eked out tremendous results. Unfortunately, Mallorca's parent company has filed for bankruptcy and so they are selling all of their key/star players. Where they will stop, no one knows? Arango is probably the next one out the door. But Manzano is making some bargain basement buys, so you never know? I would put my money on Manzano to pull out another mid table performance and Copa Del Rey run.

8. Gonzalo Arconada - UD Almeria
No one can repeat what Unai Emery did last year at Almeria, so hopefully expectations will be managed accordingly. Arconada had a stellar year with Numancia in the second division. They clearly outshined the rest of the pack and earned promotion quite early. But playing in the Primera is a whole other ball game. Almeria has made some very good signings with Piatti from Estudiantes, a record signing for the club. But the jury is still out with the little team from Andalusia. The sophomore slump is boding.

9. Miguel Angel Lotina - Deportivo La Coruña
The long time Vasco coach had a remarkable year with Baby Depor last year. The team is currently in pre-season preparing for their Intertoto matches at the end of the month. Will Depor return to Europe with a bang? We shall see. Will Lotina continue to play 5 at the back? I hope not. Lotina has made some selective transfers that on the surface complete a very balanced team. Look for another good year for the team from A Coruña. One step at a time.

10. Unai Emery - Valencia
Into the fire, head first. One of the hottest Managers in La Primera last year who played with a very attacking style. Now for something completely different? The bad news: dressing room drama, an enormous squad with the majority of players either not wanted or inconsistent at best that screams out for a major renovation. Financial debt mounting that is relying on the Nou Mestalla as it's salvation. No Champions League, just UEFA Cup. The good news: two of the hottest players in World Football. A coach with 4 years of Football Managerial experience and some fresh ideas. Who's worried? Me.

There's no sure thing in La Liga, especially when it comes to the Managerial revolving door. But if I look at my crystal ball, here's what I see. Look to Atleti to have another good year. Yes Atleti! Look to Villarreal to beat their every other year glory with a coach who has learned from his past CL Run. Chaos will continue at the Camp Nou and at the Mestalla. While being on the top of the table will be a one hit wonder for Racing and Almeria. Both teams should be weary of relegation. The former with fixture congestion and the latter with a coach in over his head. What do you think? Does the future look bright for Depor? Is Mallorca going to surprise us again? Who will be the hottest coach this year?

Next week I will review the Managers in the 2nd Half of the table. I cannot wait for the new season to start.